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APRIL 8, 2026 · VOL. 40 · NO. 14 · FREE

UPCHUCK Atlanta Punks Headline Normaltown Music Festival p. 19

“Leonard Cohen’s art and soul shine on in this stirring tribute.”—Telegraph

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · A P R IL 8, 2026

this week’s issue

contents

MIKE WHITE/DEADLYDESIGNS.COM

Take Back the Night is a fundraiser for Project SAFE and The Cottage featuring performances by Bad Kill, Obscurity, Josey, Tommygun and Kate Bowen on Friday, Apr. 10 at Nuçi’s Space. For more info, see the Live Music Calendar on p. 14.

This Modern World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 NEWS: City Dope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Fare-Free Transit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

West Broad School’s Future

Street Scribe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Curb Your Appetite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

NEWS: Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Sine Die . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Sharon Miller Mayoral Q&A

Threats & Promises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

NEWS: Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Calendar Picks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Commission District 3

Event Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Live Music Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Art Around Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 ARTS & CULTURE: Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Upchuck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Hauntfest Returns

Bulletin Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Adopt Me . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Local Comics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Crossword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Sudoku . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 COURTESY OF POMPEII

PUBLISHER & ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Alicia Nickles PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Larry Tenner ADVERTISING SALES Dave Martin, Isabella Williams EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Sam Lipkin CITY EDITOR Blake Aued MUSIC EDITOR Sam Lipkin ARTS & CULTURE COORDINATOR Libba Beaucham OFFICE MANAGER & DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Jennifer Keene CLASSIFIED ADS & CALENDAR COORDINATOR Jennifer Keene AD DESIGNERS Chris McNeal, Cody Robinson CONTRIBUTORS Chris Dowd, Maya Homan, Gordon Lamb, Rebecca McCarthy, Jill Nolin, Bridget Osas, Alander Rocha, Ed Tant, Ross Williams CARTOONISTS Missy Kulik, David Mack, Klon Waldrip, Joey Weiser CIRCULATION Jennifer Bray, Charles Greenleaf, Joe Rowe EDITORIAL & OFFICE ASSISTANT Mary Beth Bryan EDITORIAL INTERNS Jasmine Milbourne, Lily Thomas PHOTOGRAPHERS CJ Bartunek, Kat Wood, Jake Zerkel SPECIAL AGENT Pete McCommons COVER PHOTOGRAPH of Upchuck by Marlon Garcia (see story on p. 19) STREET ADDRESS: 220 Prince Ave., Athens, GA 30601 MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. Box 1027, Athens, GA 30603 EDITORIAL: 706-­549-­9523 · ADVERTISING: 706-­549-­0301 CLASSIFIED ADS: class@flagpole.com ADVERTISING: ads@flagpole.com CALENDAR: calendar@flagpole.com EDITORIAL: editorial@flagpole.com

ARTS & CULTURE: arts@flagpole.com LETTERS: letters@flagpole.com MUSIC: music@flagpole.com NEWS: news@flagpole.com

Flagpole, Inc. publishes Flagpole Magazine weekly and distributes 8,600 copies free at over 275 locations around Athens, Georgia. Subscriptions cost $125 a year, $65 for six months. © 2026 Flagpole, Inc. All rights reserved.

VOLUME 40 ISSUE NUMBER 14

Association of Alternative Newsmedia

PLEASE SUPPORT FREE LOCAL NEWS SUPPORT FLAGPOLE

online exclusive The long-awaited Central European-focused Nové Město is now open at 625 Barber St., Suite 130. The former location of DePalma’s downtown has also made its transition into the casual Italian restaurant Pompeii.

See “Nové Mě Město Opening Tomorrow, and Pompeii To Open on Friday” at flagpole.com.

A P R IL 8, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

3

“2001: A SpAce OdySSey” April 16__________7 p.m.

One of the most influential and controversial of all sci-fi films, Stanley Kubrick’s film is a delicate, poetic meditation on the ingenuity and folly of humanity. 1968, G, 139 min.

Free Admission

athens’ favorite

electrician

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · A P R IL 8, 2026

news

city dope

Historic School’s Future Takes Shape PLUS, NEW HOUSING GETS A NOD AND MORE LOCAL NEWS

By Blake Aued, Rebecca McCarthy and Lily Thomas news@flagpole.com Willie Hull and eight of his 11 siblings Hull. It has been vacant for 15 years and went to the West Broad School. Their parhas sustained serious structural damage. ents attended PTA meetings and yard sales Water has damaged the second floor and to raise money for other children’s $3 supcorroded steel support beams, and joints plies fee. The Hull kids went to after-school need to be resealed. programs. They played on the playground During the charrette, participants could equipment. A respected truant officer, Miss choose from several pieces—almost like Foster, made sure students were in school if parts of a puzzle—representing new labs, they weren’t sick. memorial gardens, a turnaround, parking, “It was more than a school; it was a underground stormwater retention pond, social outlet,” said Hull, who worked for the a turf field and a driveway. They could ACC Department of Leisure Services for 38 arrange the pieces on three different boards years. “We didn’t have recreation centers. featuring the two buildings (a third, facing The school filled the gaps.”

West Broad Street, is unsalvageable). One Along with his friend Larry Johnson, constraint is a stormwater easement that another West Broad alum, Hull was one of runs along Paris Street to Campbell Lane— a crowd of people who attended a charrette no buildings can go on top of it. for the historic African American school on Many participants placed the three new Tuesday, Mar. 31 at labs close to Broad Street, the Clarke County with memorial gardens, a More housing is great.

School District’s cenMore housing that’s small turf field and parking in tral office. Both are the center. CCSD assistant in footprint and relatively thrilled the school superintendent of operaaffordable is especially great. is going to be pretions John Gilbreath has served “because it’s said the labs could require beneficial to children to see what was,” said more space than what the Campbell Lane Johnson. building offers.

CCSD interim superintendent Jennifer Before the charrette, there was a meetScott previously announced a plan for the ing of a new building committee composed property to house a new construction pathof members from CCSD, the ACCA and the way for students enrolled in the Athens community at large. After reviewing comCommunity Career Academy. It will also munity preferences and ideas from both the have space for welding labs. These facilicharrette and the committee, officials from ties will need to meet standards set by the LPB Architects in Lawrenceville, which spestate office of CTAE (career, technical and cializes in school renovation and rehabilitaagriculture education). Current plans are to tion, will be doing the final designs for West rehabilitate the façade on the 1938 Minor Broad. [Rebecca McCarthy] Street building, then to renovate its 11,000 square feet into four classrooms, two meeting rooms, a heritage room and flexible The Clarke County School District’s prowork space. posed budget for fiscal 2027, starting July Built in the late 1950s, the two-story 1, is $261 million, about $6 million higher Campbell Lane building originally housed than the current year, but the proposed sixth- and seventh-graders, according to

“

School Budget Introduced

property tax rate would stay the same at 18.8 mills.

The state’s contribution to the budget via the Quality Basic Education (QBE) funding formula is projected to fall slightly, based on an enrollment of 11,788 students, down 2.8%. Interim superintendent Jennifer Scott attributed the decline to falling birth rates in Georgia and nationwide. Costs for health insurance and retirement are also rising.

Recommendations from Scott and Chief Financial Officer Chris Griner include a 1% cost of living adjustment, step increases in pay, extended salary tables, providing longterm disability insurance, a mid-year retention bonus of $500 and a $250 stipend for first-year teachers to buy supplies.

In the recently passed state budget, teachers and other state employees are set to receive a one-time $2,000 supplement.

CCSD is proposing to extend the $2,000 supplement to all employees not covered by the state—bus drivers, cafeteria workers, custodians, nurses and others—but it would require tapping into reserve funds.

This would leave CCSD with 2.37 months’ worth of funding in reserve, below the best practice of 3–6 months, according to Griner.

The board also discussed funds allocated for the Georgia Conflict Center. The budget includes $26,000 supporting restorative justice training and behavioral models to manage incidents in schools. BOE members expressed some support for increasing the funds to $50,000, with board member Tim Denson saying, “We make sure that we have true equity across all these schools and that all of our schools have the same capacity for restorative practices.” He said the GCC has submitted a proposal to renew the contract.

Solar panels could be coming to Cedar Shoals High School as part of renovations there, similar to those at the new Clarke Middle School.

An annual outside financial audit revealed no problems with the district’s finances.

In addition, the search for a new permanent superintendent is underway, and a finalist could be announced in May or June.

[Lily Thomas]

Affordable Senior Housing Proposed The Athens-Clarke County Planning Commission waved through two proposed below-market apartment developments for seniors at its Apr. 2 meeting, as well as other housing that’s not subsidized but was touted as affordable.

The planning commission voted to recommend lifting an existing binding site plan across the street from Oglethorpe Avenue Elementary School and next door to Forest Heights Baptist Church. The vacant four-acre lot has been rezoned twice, first to commercial for a medical office, then for a mixed-use development, according to planners.

The plan currently on the books calls for two small commercial buildings with apartments above, 14 townhouses, six detached homes around a green space and seven units reserved for seniors. “Staff sees [the existing plan] as the type of development the comprehensive plan is really looking for” because of its mix of uses and housing types, assistant planning director Marc Beechuk said.

However, interest rates have risen since

the original project was proposed, said David Ellison, an Athens lawyer representing developer Piedmont Housing Group.

“Quite frankly, it’s a cool project. Unfortunately, it’s not a feasible project,” he said.

Ellison said the developer intends to apply for federal tax credits to make the development affordable for seniors making 80% of the area median income (about $53,000 for a single person or $60,000 for a couple, as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development). He urged approval because there is a May deadline to apply for the tax credits.

Residents and some planning commissioners raised concerns about traffic, lighting, a perceived negative impact on property values, loss of privacy and loss of tree canopy. Some also expressed a preference for the existing plan because it would provide a community gathering place like a coffee shop within walking distance.

“It doesn’t feel like a good fit for the neighborhood in the way the existing, previous plan was,” said Breckenridge resident Justin Sanders. “I understand that density is needed to make it affordable, but I really feel like the city can do better for this lot.”

Rick Stanziale, a candidate for District 5 on the ACC Commission, was among those who spoke against the proposal.

The planning commission recommended approval by a 5–2 vote, with the condition that the development be restricted to ages 55 and up and remain affordable for 30 years. It now goes to the county commission for final approval.

Another proposal on the other side of the county—Whit Davis Road—is similar, according to Ellison. It would include 56 one- and two-bedroom subsidized units reserved for seniors 55 and up who make 60% or less of the area median income. The plan was withdrawn last year after county commissioners expressed misgivings that it could be a stalking horse for more student housing. This time, the affordability and age component would be included as conditions of granting the rezoning.

“The fact that we can put affordable senior housing next to [Southeast Clarke Park] we think is fabulous,” Ellison said.

Another rezoning request nearby—on Lexington Road halfway between Whit Davis and Gaines School roads—would allow the construction of three- and four-bedroom single-family homes and duplexes totaling 180 bedrooms on about 11 acres. Unlike the previously mentioned developments, it would not be subsidized by tax credits. Nonetheless, “This will bring a lot of affordable housing… so we feel like this would be a good thing for the county,” civil engineer Jeff Carter said.

“More housing is great,” planning commissioner Matthew Hall said. “More housing that’s small in footprint and relatively affordable is especially great.”

Carter also asked for a rezoning from employment-industrial to multifamily for 32 three-bedroom townhouses on New Jimmie Daniel Road, just south of Atlanta Highway. That area has not attracted industries as anticipated because the Georgia Department of Transportation never built a planned Loop interchange there.

“We feel like this is a good location for townhomes. In recent years there have been several developments that are similar in density and style,” Carter said. The request was approved unanimously, pending final approval by the county commission in May. [Blake Aued] f

A P R IL 8, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

5

news

feature

Q&A With Sharon Miller

MAYORAL CANDIDATE ON HOUSING, BIKE LANES AND MORE

By Blake Aued news@flagpole.com

S

haron Miller is an Alabama native who moved to Atlanta to continue her education, held several jobs in social services, and is running for mayor at the urging of congregants at local churches where she is a pastor. The self-described “fiesty” candidate recently discussed her background and views with Flagpole in an interview that has been condensed for length and clarity.

Flagpole: I’d like to start off just by asking a little bit about yourself. I know you’re from Birmingham. What brought you to Athens?

And were there any stops in between?

Sharon Miller: I came as a student from Fairfield, AL. I was a child prodigy as it relates to ministry. So I came to school here [in Georgia] and graduated from Morris Brown [a historically Black college affiliated with the African Methodist Episcopal Church]. But I also wanted to tap into my degree of sociology and psychology to land a job—at least my parents said you got to get a job.

Right out of college, I did get employment with the Christian Council of Metropolitan Atlanta, which ran, then, a mental health facility. From there, I went to several supervising and regional management positions with federally funded initiatives, and that really curated my skills to be a community organizer, helping communities deal with economic development, social issues, educational development, and partnership between private and public and community leaders.

My next track of employment led to me being in public health as a violence prevention educator in public housing. I loved that job because I was able to go into the school system, train those young children who were residents in public housing on how to deal with conflict resolution. If we could get to those young people early on about how to control anger, how to deal with conflict resolution, we might be able to cut the recidivism rate of violent behavior.

One of the best positions that I had was when I was hired with Emory University, the Carter Center’s model, the Atlanta Project, where my responsibilities were 20 times more, because I had the opportunity to coordinate the municipalities of three cities in the same model of community development partnership. Corporate Delta was my corporate partner. Georgia Tech was my partner, and we were able to help those communities have measurable outcomes in the things that they needed to be done.

So if I am elected mayor, I may be able to target the areas that are weak, that we may need to deal with.

Along with my secular job, I always had the full-time CEO responsibilities of being assigned to five congregations throughout the Augusta/Athens area. I did both at the same time, and was able to grow congregations and use those same skills.

My final job was as the regional director of the Adolescent Achievement Program, formerly out of DeKalb. I was working in Commerce, pastoring in Jefferson, and my

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · A P R IL 8, 2026

staff handled the case management of teenagers in Hall County and Clarke County.

That’s how I specifically was able to get closer to the community.

FP: You mentioned an idea that I thought was interesting in one of the forums about turning the mall into a homeless shelter; I was wondering if you could extrapolate on that. How would that be feasible?

SM: From that platform, I remember the boos from the audience.

Maybe in hindsight, it seems that a more mixed version of that space would be more satisfactory to our residents buying into the concept, because we have such a mixed variety of individuals who are unhoused.

For example, when I talked to the unhoused individuals down on North Avenue a couple of weeks back, some said, “I work, I work at this restaurant, but I don’t have a place to lay my head.” Some said that they just lost their jobs.

Someone said that to be at one of our units at Advantage, you have to have a mental health diagnosis.

You don’t want to disrupt a stable community with something that they don’t want in their community. But we have to have partnership when we have some negotiation, to be able to say, let’s get a win out of this. What do you need? What do you need? And find common ground. So I would like to be that type of mayor, to be able to be a liaison to find common ground.

FP: Expanding housing, obviously, that’s been a hot topic. The city is growing, and you can’t stop it. So where do you fall along those lines of, do we need more housing? Do we need to cut the regulations? Do we need a moratorium?

SM: I think it’s a mix of all of those things that we need. One of the things that I would ask for as mayor is a list of the absentee land owners. I’d like to see where there are blighted structures. What latitude do we have to go after some of the blighted structures? They’re already built. The foundation should be solid.

FP: But how can you have a mix of a moratorium on housing and then try to build more of it?

SM: Remember, there’s an eight-month, seven-month gap between the mayor-elect and that mayor actually coming into that

position. So it would give me the opportunity to explore how other mayors around the country and region are addressing their housing issues, and be able to engage the pluses and minuses, and bring them up for discussion with our commissioners, with our residents, with our city manager.

FP: Seems like we’ve had a lot of wrecks lately. I think we had our fourth traffic fatality [of the year] just a few days ago. What are your views on traffic safety, things like Vision Zero, sidewalks, bike lanes?

SM: As I’ve stood on the corner around the city with my signs, I’ve seen a lot of mishaps. And so I would certainly look at it, with the planning department and commissioners—there may be some things already in place that I don’t know about on this side of the seat—but be able to see if there is going to be some need to modify some traffic directions, or curate some things that can lessen these people getting killed, signage, make sure people don’t go to one way the wrong way on the highway.

Some parts of the community want more bike lanes. Others said, we need infrastructure. So you’re going to always have this balance in city life and urban development and growing cities that you’re going to have to be able to meet the needs of all constituents, no matter what their preferences are, but I would want to make sure that stat goes down.

FP: Speaking of infrastructure, there’s still these lingering issues from unification, going back 35 years, and sewer is one of them.

Considering how massively expensive it would be, would you support expanding the sewer system out into the more rural parts of the community?

SM: I think that the issue about the sewer problems has been a discussion for a long time. It has not just come up in the last four years. We have to have a commitment to make sure that we repair those things that are already damaged. There’s no need to agree to immediate expansion until we fix what’s already damaged. I don’t know if we can do those two simultaneously. I have to get with all the department heads to see what is possible. But I think that those who are in the outer boundary of our county, they deserve to have the quality of goods or systems. I hear that there are some who are on septic, but they want to be connected to the line. But who bears that expense?

FP: Tax assessments have been going up at a very high rate the past few years. That’s probably not going to be the case moving forward. So the budgets are going to be a little bit tighter. If you’re presented with a scenario where you’re going to have to raise the millage rate, or you’re going to have to start chopping stuff, which way are you going to fall?

SM: The audience raised the question [at a forum], would we be willing as a mayor to lower the millage rate by 20%, and I quickly said, no, none of us are able to make such a promise. I would hope that our commissioners will continue on the path to make sure that the millage stays pretty solid. Our taxpayers, we need a break. And so I hope that they would continue to be politically strong to make sure that it’s down and stays down, and that we would always watch it.

FP: If you were forced to cut something, where would you look?

SM: You’ll hear me say this a lot: I would ask for engagement. I’m a policy-driven person, but I would, from this side of the seat, project that it would be our nonessential areas.

FP: What’s nonessential?

SM: You know, I don’t want to lose the election based on my response to this question. Let me give an example. If there needed to be small cuts, I would say, let’s look at library services. Even if we have to cut services for a few hours for a week—I’m just saying, they’re already low, there should be more [hours]—but if we had to, that would be maybe a targeted area. What I wouldn’t want to do is cut the employees’ hours. I would want to make sure that our public safety continues because our citizens deserve that. As mayor, I would lead the narrative, if it got critical, and say to our citizens that I’ll put a percentage of my salary on the line to lead, to demonstrate to our citizens, I’m in this fight with you. f

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A P R IL 8, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

7

news

feature

Fare-Free Transit

FUTURE DEPENDS ON TSPLOST 2026, COMMUNITY FEEDBACK

By Bridget Osas news@flagpole.com

T

Murray, who lives off campus, says UGA buses don’t have enough coverage to reach certain places or run as late as the Athens Transit.

Murray and many others, including international students Niketa Choudhury and Tasnuva Tabassum, will rotate between all their transportation options depending on convenience. Choudhury and Tabassum say the ACC zero-fare system reduces financial stress for them while they’re on limited student salaries. But they say that sometimes they choose to walk, carpool

the city’s bus coverage. Busy lines that go through downtown and central Athens face regular traffic jams that prevent them from running on time. Routes such as Nos. 6 and 27, which take riders to essential services like St. Mary’s Hospital and Walmart Supercenter, experience similar delays.

The department has started improving these reliability issues, but transit officials say that the current funding model limits these efforts. A fare system could contribute funding needed for these plans, allowing more opportunities to expand routes and scheduling for better rider experience.

Some Athens residents suggest that a return to fares would impact their daily mobility and discourage them from riding transit altogether. If fares had to return, they say Athens Transit should consider keeping weekdays zero-fare so people can access necessary transportation while charging on weekends to bring in revenue.

Pope encourages residents to participate in the fare analysis process, especially when they announce opportunities for public feedback. He says residents can message, call or attend feedback sessions to ensure their opinions are considered. Transit officials also say residents should vote in favor of the 2026 TSPLOST proposal during the local election on May 19.

“None of this will be done in the dark,” says Pope. “The worst thing we could do is recommend something that the community does not support or work for. If whatever is recommended does not work for the community, we really have missed the point altogether. f

JAKE ZERKEL

he late-afternoon public bus buzzes like Jasmine Harvey, who has ridden the with conversation as University of ACC bus since she was 8 years old, daily Georgia senior Gabrielle Murray setcommutes often added up quickly. “When tles into her seat. She balances her bags on we were paying, it really was taking up too her lap as she wedges between families, stu- much money. Every time you get on the dents and locals. Like Murray, who heads bus, you have to pay,” says Harvey, who to her evening shift at Kroger, the other riders rely on this free ride every day to get around Athens for jobs, school and all the demands of everyday life.

For Murray, who doesn’t have a vehicle, the bus serves as an affordable daily option to get to work and school. But what has long cost her nothing, helping to ease financial burdens, may soon come with a price. As one of the few U.S. cities to offer completely free public transportation, Athens might be reconsidering that system.

Following a 2025 internal audit, the Athens-Clarke County Operational Analysis Office recommended reevaluating the zero-fare policy due to concerns about the department’s financial future.

In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Athens Transit stopped charging for bus fares under an executive order.

Although it began as a temporary decision to help retain ridership, promote social distancing and accommodate for increasing financial strains, it has since become a permanent feature depended on by much of the Athens community. Now facing uncerRiders board the bus at the Multimodal Transportation Center. tainty in federal, local and state funding, the transit department is carrying out a comprehensive financial analysis to explore uses the bus several times a day for her or use Uber and Lyft due to bus delays and whether reinstating a fare may help with daily essentials, such as doctor visits, job safety concerns. However, for many local future operation costs. searches and grocery shopping. “It was very riders, such as Harvey, these are not realisThe mayor stressful.” tic options. and commission Transit departAdministrators in the transit departIf the TSPLOST referendum approved the transit ment officials say ment say they are aware of potential department’s fare could rise scheduling and route issues associated with were to fail, we would need to fares analysis process earto as much as the lier this month. The pre-2020 rate, look at other funding resources. analysis will be condepending on ducted over the next the results of the year, and it will use stakeholder feedback analysis. The proposed 2026 Transportation Of the $239 million the 1% sales tax for transportation is expected to raise and economic data to determine whether Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax over six years; $96.7 is allocated for road projects, including repaving, culvert the benefits of the zero-fare system out(TSPLOST), on the ballot May 19, includes replacement, bridge repairs, residential traffic calming and Vision Zero safety projects. Another $67.8 million is devoted to transit. The rest is earmarked for weigh its costs. Previous estimates have $45 million for transit operations. “Right specific projects, listed below. For more information, visit suggested the cost of reinstalling fareboxes now, it’s really difficult to plan for that accgov.com/11240/TSPLOST-2026. and collecting fares would leave little net [TSPLOST] referendum passing or failing revenue. because we just don’t know—that’s going Transit expansion on Commerce and Newton Bridge roads: $1.5 million Transit Director Victor Pope says he to be up to the community’s desires,” Pope North Athens bus stops: $467,000 hopes that their findings will help guide the says. “If the TSPLOST referendum were to commission’s final decision on whether to Areawide bus stops: $566,000 fail, we would need to look at other funding reinstate fares. This conclusion, expected resources.”

North Avenue/Loop 10 bridge: $2.7 million within the next two years, could reshape If fares return, the department states Downtown District Connectivity Improvements: $1,201,000 how thousands of Athens residents move that the mayor and commission would Winterville intersection improvements: $9.8 million throughout the city. decide which groups would qualify for South Milledge Avenue intersection improvements: $2.8 million Athens Transit serves about 119,000 reduced or no-cost rides. Commissioner Kathwood Drive and Newton Bridge Road: $5 million people, according to the 2025-2029 develOvita Thornton says she believes that Middle Oconee Greenway: $7 million opment plan, including UGA students and certain populations may need to remain Milledge Avenue: $5.2 million people experiencing homelessness, disabilzero-fare.

East Athens Complete Streets: $11 million ities or lower incomes. Before 2020, ACC Harvey, who is currently living between public transportation averaged about 1.5 homes, says that paying to ride again would College Station Road: $3.7 million million rides a year, with a single trip costmake it harder to afford food and bills, since Barnett Shoals Road: $4.7 million ing $1.75. However, Athens Transit already she would have to budget this new expense.

Timothy Road multiuse path: $4.8 million offered free passes to youth, seniors, and She believes if the UGA buses can stay free, Vine Street and Oakridge Avenue pedestrian improvements: $341,000 shelters and other nonprofits to distribute so could Athens Transit. “I ain’t got no Peter Street and Herring Street pedestrian improvements: $341,000 to clients. UGA students, faculty and staff job right now, and I know it’s hard to keep East Athens traffic calming: $237,000 also rode free, with the cost reimbursed by funds or get funds right now. It’s the strugLeann Drive traffic calming: $155,000 the university. gling part,” says Harvey. “I really just don’t For many who fell outside those groups, want them to bring the fares back.”

“

TSPLOST 2026 List

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · A P R IL 8, 2026

news

street scribe

MLK and Vietnam

MUSIC

KING LINKED UNJUST WAR TO UNJUST RACISM

By Ed Tant news@flagpole.com Before he was murdered in Memphis on Apr. 4, 1968, Martin Luther King Jr. had become not only a champion of civil rights, but also a leading light in an American peace movement that protested this nation’s long, disastrous war in Vietnam.

Two speeches that King gave a year apart in 1967 and on the eve of his assassination in 1968 still have relevance in today’s world of war abroad and growing authoritarianism at home.

On Mar. 28, millions of Americans gathered to protest the plutocratic policies of President Donald Trump. The recent rallies and marches carried on the protest traditions of the civil rights and antiwar movements of the 1960s. The spirit of Dr. King lingered over the recent actions that took place in more than 3,000 locations across the U.S. Millions of concerned and committed citizens gathered to show that the ideals of peace and justice that King fought for are still alive, even in a nation imperiled by growing autocracy and shrinking democracy.

King was a young preacher when he rose to political prominence during the successful 1955 Montgomery bus boycott—a winning battle against racial segregation in that Alabama city. For more than a decade after that struggle, King fought a fiery campaign against both war and racial injustice.

His inspiring speech at New York’s Riverside Church that called for an end to the

foreshadowed issues that still concern Americans in 2026. In his speech nearly 60 years ago, King warned about a time “when machines and computers, profit motives and property rights are considered more important than people.”

King ended his Riverside Church sermon with a call for citizens to resist “those who possess power without compassion, might without morality and strength without sight.” His riveting remarks drew a standing ovation from the thousands who were in the church for his speech.

Others outside the Riverside Church were less charitable. Black leaders like Roy Wilkins of the NAACP criticized King for linking the civil rights movement with activism against the Vietnam War. The New York Times called the speech “Dr. King’s error.”

Such barbs from white liberals and Black moderates did not silence King’s opposition to war. Just days after his Riverside Church speech, King addressed a huge crowd in New York City that packed Central Park for an antiwar rally. “His reception was tumultuous, his words well received,” recalled longtime activist Dave Dellinger, an organizer of the 1967 New York rally who had urged King to come out against the Vietnam War. A year later, the war still raged, and King was still fighting for peace and justice at home and abroad. On Apr. 3, 1968, King

UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA WIND ENSEMBLE THURSDAY, APRIL 16 at 7:30 p.m.

Hodgson Concert Hall. FOR TICKETS: HINDEMITH & SCHOENBERG FEATURED WORKS: 75th anniversary of Paul

$15 - Adults Hindemith’s Symphony in B-flat; Rise by $3 UGA students Emmy Award-winning Adam Schoenberg; music.uga.edu 706-542-4400

featuring University of Georgia music faculty Angela Jones-Reus, flute.

MINNESOTA HISTORICAL SOCIETY

UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA SYMPHONY THURSDAY, APRIL 23 at 7:30 p.m.

Hodgson Concert Hall. FOR TICKETS: ORCHESTRA AND COMBINED CHOIRS PRESENT CARMINA BURANA $20 - Adults $3 UGA students Carmina Burana is a cantata composed by music.uga.edu 706-542-4400

Monday, October 20

Adolphus Hailstork’s The Bones of Mr. Fortune

Carl Orff in 1935-36 based on a collection of twenty-four medieval poems. This concert features over 300 student musicians!

UPCOMING FREE PERFORMANCES BRITISH BRASS BAND THURSDAY, APR. 9 at 7:30 p.m.

Hodgson Concert Hall

CHINESE MUSIC ENSEMBLE Martin Luther King Jr. speaks at an anti-war rally at the University of Minnesota in April 1967.

Vietnam War was given to a spirited crowd that filled the church on Apr. 4, 1967, exactly a year to the day before King would be assassinated in Tennessee.

Speaking from the pulpit of the famous church, King gave a sermon decrying what he called “the greatest purveyor of violence in the world today: my own government.”

Linking the war in Vietnam to urban strife in America, King thundered, “I cannot be silent.” Voicing concern both for the U.S. troops in Vietnam and for the people in that small country, King was anything but silent in his sermon, telling his cheering congregation, “Somehow this madness must cease. We must stop it now.”

With words that still ring true today, King’s Riverside Church address in 1967

gave his last speech to cheering churchgoers at the Mason Temple, a Memphis house of worship. In a powerful pulpit oration, King called for America to become truly great for all its citizens. “Let us stand with a greater determination… to make America what it ought to be,” he cried in his preacher’s cadence. “We have an opportunity to make America a better nation.”

MLK Jr. was killed by an assassin’s bullet the day after he gave his historic 1968 speech in Memphis. His call to make America a better nation echoes down the hallways of history nearly six decades after his death. Today more than ever, King’s words are relevant and real: “All life is interrelated. Whatever affects one of us, affects all.” f

MONDAY, APR. 13 at 7:30 p.m.

Hodgson Concert Hall

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.

Explore the arts. KNOW YOUR WORLD. A P R IL 8, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

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02/15/2023

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feature

nonprofit dedicated to improving access to “delicious, nutritious and affordable food” for all residents. With help from a federal grant, Farm to Neighborhood will enhance pedestrian safety around the plaza while planting trees, building a teaching kitchen and growing a community garden. To do so, Farm to Neighborhood sought a change to a previously approved binding site plan allowing the removal of three parking spaces.

Taylor is a big supporter of the garden and of the redevelopment as a whole. “Our children have the right to know how to prepare fresh food. They have the right to know how to plant and make their own gardens,” Taylor said. “My own children were in [Farm to Neighborhood’s] program last summer.”

By contrast, Foote is not impressed by the garden and views the redevelopment in a completely different light. When the garden was under consideration at City Hall last September, Foote asked commissioners

Commission District 3

TAMMIE FOOTE CHALLENGES TIFFANY TAYLOR ON HOUSING AND A COMMUNITY GARDEN

By Chris Dowd news@flagpole.com

T

ammie Foote, a case manager for Georgia’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, is challenging Commissioner Tiffany Taylor in District 3, which includes Winterville and part of East Athens.

Taylor is running for reelection after an eventful first term. In her first year, she worked with Commissioner Dexter Fisher to reopen community centers in Broadacres and Parkview, fulfilling a campaign promise. In 2024, she negotiated for East Athens to receive 70% of the money from

Tammie Foote

a tax allocation district around The Classic Center. This means that much of the property tax generated by the Akins-Ford Arena can be used for infrastructure, affordable housing and other projects in Taylor’s district and surrounding areas. Before the vote, Taylor spoke out to ensure that East Athens got as much as possible out of this arrangement.

“We are not taking 30%,” Taylor told her colleagues. “What I don’t want to see is that monstrosity [the arena] go up, and my community still looks the same as it did when I was a little girl. We will not be coddled or patronized when it comes to the percentages.”

Taylor’s bold style of governance has sometimes gotten results, but it hasn’t always helped her make political allies, particularly with developers. She is perhaps best known for her refusal to vote for any

new housing developments that are not priced to be affordable for the working class. She announced this decision in early 2025 and has mostly stuck to it, voting against townhomes on Gaines School Road, against a student apartment complex near Lay Park and against housing off Barnett Shoals Road, among other examples.

Economists say that limiting housing supply only causes rents to go up. But Taylor insists that using her voice to call attention to the urgency of the gentrification crisis in her district is more important than an additional yes vote on high-priced developments.

“If families can’t afford those [new] houses, [Athenians] are still going to be homeless. If people from outside of Athens move in and [live in these new developments], the community is still left without housing,” Taylor told Flagpole. “What is the timeline to be able to see some sort of relief?”

Gentrification in East Athens shows no signs of slowing down. But in recent years, increasing housing supply has coincided with falling rents in cities like Minneapolis, Austin and even Atlanta.

While Taylor has supported some housing developments, including a large one off Atlanta Highway, she said she will continue voting against high-priced homes in protest until the housing situation in her district eases. “I’m not going to vote for a $300,000 house when I know that the plant worker over at Evergreen or Pilgrim’s Pride can’t get in it. We have nine other [commissioners who will approve those developments],” she said. “Developers don’t vote for me.”

It’s true that other commissioners often approve most housing developments without Taylor’s help. However, the body has voted down housing on other occasions.

Commissioners have even rejected less expensive townhome-style developments,

NATURAL, ECO-FRIENDLY GREEN BURIALS

as well. Some of these projects might have passed if they had Taylor’s support. Others, like the Core Spaces development in downtown Athens, were put at risk by Taylor’s rejection and ending up being approved by an extremely thin margin.

Foote is, if anything, even more opposed to new housing construction. In fact, Foote says she would enact a temporary, complete ban on all new housing construction in District 3 if she is elected—a ban that would include affordable housing.

“We’re being gentrified at such a vast rate, there’s not going to be any housing left for the existing residents. Either they’re going to be taxed out or they’re just not going to be able to stay in the community,” Foote told Flagpole. “I am for [affordable housing], but we just have to stabilize what we have first. If you don’t, you’ll build a house and lose a house. It will never stabilize.”

Taylor, on the other hand, said she is proud to have collaborated with Habitat for Humanity, the Athens Land Trust and other organizations which have recently built about a dozen affordable homes in the East Athens area.

Like Taylor, Foote is a native Athenian who wants to provide jobs, improve economic development and repair East Athens’ aging infrastructure. Both candidates also mentioned that bringing a grocery store to East Athens was a priority for them.

“District 3 has been overlooked, not heard, and it’s time for some changes to be made,” Foote said. “Our issues in that district don’t make it to the table to even be addressed, and it’s time for someone to bring them to the forefront. Our district deserves better.”

One of the biggest disagreements Foote and Taylor have had focuses on a project at Triangle Plaza. The redevelopment was proposed by Farm to Neighborhood, a

Tiffany Taylor

to vote no, saying it was an example of the “mistreatment” of East Athens. She mistakenly believed that if the redevelopment was authorized, Triangle Plaza would become available for developers to build whatever they wanted at that site.

Although untrue, she continues to believe this bit of misinformation today.

“Restaurants with housing on top [instead of a garden] is a possibility. A strong possibility,” Foote told Flagpole. “The legacy and integrity of the Iron Triangle will be changed.”

Foote is a member of the Inner East Athens Neighbors Association and served on the advisory board for TSPLOST 2023.

She said she will offer transparent leadership and remain accountable to the residents of District 3 in office.

The local election will take place on May 19, with early voting starting on Apr. 27. f

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athensmemorygardens.com A P R IL 8, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

11

news

feature

Live and Let Sine Die

GEORGIA LEGISLATURE PASSES BUDGET AND MORE ON LAST DAY

By Various Authors news@flagpole.com

G

INCOME TAX CUT

with Republicans.

“It would be the top earners in the state of Georgia that overwhelmingly benefit,” said Rep. Sam Park, a Lawrenceville Democrat who serves as the House minority whip.

Republicans dismissed those concerns.

“I think everybody gets a reduction commensurate with what they put in to fund government,” said Rep. Shaw Blackmon, a Bonaire Republican who chairs the House Ways and Means Committee and who sponsored the bill.

ROSS WILLIAMS/GEORGIA RECORDER

eorgia lawmakers put a bow on their 2026 legislative session after 1 a.m.

Friday, Apr. 3.

You never really know what is going to happen on sine die, the final day of Georgia’s annual legislative session, or what’s not going to happen. Something that happened: Georgia lawmakers selected a new heritage cattle breed, the pineywoods cattle. And some things that didn’t happen: Lawmakers failed to meet a self-imposed deadline to eliminate QR codes on ballots, setting Georgia up to be out of compliance with its own law. They also did not take any action to rein in data centers despite consumer concerns over rising power prices.

Here are some of the more significant things that happened or pointedly did not happen on sine die.

107% in one case in five years—who’s looking out for them?”

But when the bill landed in the Senate late Thursday night, it failed with a 24-to28 vote. Eight Republican senators voted against the bill. The proposal was revived through a legislative maneuver with some provisions dropped from the bill, shrinking it from 32 to 20 pages. House lawmakers agreed with the changes shortly before 1 a.m. Friday in what would be one of the chamber’s final votes of the year.

Burns told reporters after lawmakers adjourned that he didn’t think the version the Senate sent back was “strong enough.”

“That’s something we’re going to continue to work on, because we’re not giving up,” Burns said. “We believe that Georgia taxpayers, Georgia homeowners, need and deserve some relief in their property taxes, and that’s something we’re committed to do.”

Lawmakers signed off on a plan to forego more of the state’s income tax revenue, passing a tax cut bill late Thursday night over the concerns of Democrats who questioned the math used to support the cuts. But a high-profile proposal focused on reining in rising property taxes only passed late Thursday night after being dramatically scaled back.

Sen. Blake Tillery, a Vidalia Republican who chairs the Senate’s budget-writing committee, said the income tax bill that will make it to the governor’s desk does not go as far as Senate Republicans had wanted. An early Senate GOP proposal Senators celebrate sine die, the end of the 2026 legislative session, by throwing ripped-up bills into the air. called for completely eliminating the state’s income tax by 2032. “It is not exactly what PROPERTY TAX BILL SCALED BACK BUDGET INCLUDES HIGHER ED CUTS we wanted, but it moves this ball forward,” said Tillery, who is also a candidate for lieuHouse Republicans had originally ​​The House and Senate agreed on a tenant governor. floated a complicated plan that would $38.5 billion budget that leaders say is a Lawmakers have agreed to accelerate a eventually eliminate property taxes for compromise. planned income tax cut that would bring homeowners, arguing that the intervention “The House gave on its priorities, the the rate from 5.19% to 4.99%. The measure was needed because of the unsustainable Senate gave on its priorities, and the govalso calls for more incremental cuts until trajectory of rising property taxes. ernor’s office and [Office of Planning and the rate drops to 3.99%. It also gradually House Speaker Jon Burns, a Newington Budget] was very kind to give on a lot of raises the standard deduction, so long as Republican, called the proposal “historic” their priorities,” Tillery said in a joint press certain economic conditions are met, and at a press conference in January. But such conference with the House appropriations makes the first $1,750 of tips and overtime a sweeping change required a constituleader Rep. Matt Hatchett. tax-free. tional amendment, which needed a twoThe Senate had proposed changes to The bill also repeals several tax credits, thirds vote—and support from enough how online classes are funded, with Tillery though Tillery acknowledged that alone Democrats. previously suggesting that online classes would not be enough to cover the billions House Democrats opposed the more cost less to offer than in-person classes and of dollars of lost revenue from the tax cuts. dramatic overhaul of property taxes over can provide more instructional hours with The state’s income tax funds about half the concerns that the changes would shift the the same funding. The agreed-upon budget state budget, which pays for health care, tax burden to sales taxes and eat away at between the House and Senate decreases education, law enforcement and other an important source of revenue for local next year’s proposed budget for the Uniservices. governments and schools, and the original versity System of Georgia Board of Regents Sen. Josh McLaurin, a Sandy Springs proposal failed in early March. by about $34 million “to reflect increased Democrat who is running for lieutenant A month later, a dialed-back version credit hour productivity for online courses,” governor, argued that eliminating the tax cleared the House but was still met with according to the budget. credits would only cover a portion of the concerns. It passed the House last week The compromise budget will include lost revenue created by the tax cuts. He with a 98-to-68 vote. $11.6 million for 500 NOW/COMP waivcalled it a “completely fiscally irresponsible “Everybody shares in a sales tax, ers, which are Medicaid waivers designed to bill.” whether you’re from another country, help people with disabilities access services HB 463 passed the Senate with a 33-toanother state or whatever,” Sen. Chuck in their communities and avoid care in a 20 vote that fell mostly along party lines.

Hufstetler, a Rome Republican who carried facility that may be far from home. The Democrats who opposed the income tax Senate had proposed about $21 million for cuts also argued it would disproportionately the bill in the Senate, told reporters. “And about 1,200 waivers, which is about the benefit wealthier Georgians. The bill cleared I think it’s a much fairer way to do it. And our homeowners, again, I say when somenumber of people on a waitlist with urgent the House Thursday with a 104-to-71 vote, body’s had their property taxes increase needs. with some Democrats crossing over to vote

12

F L A GP OL E .C OM · A P R IL 8, 2026

The budget also provides funding for 124 new medical residencies slots in the state and includes several increases in some billing codes for Medicaid services.

“We’ve heard time and time again about the shortage of physicians, and this budget addresses that, too,” Hatchett said on the House floor, where the House agreed to it on a 153-5 vote. The Senate passed it unanimously.

NEED-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS

Georgia’s first significant needs-based financial aid program passed both chambers on sine die and is on its way to the governor’s desk.

The DREAMS Scholarship, companion to the merit-based HOPE Scholarship, crossed the finish line as part of Senate Bill 556, a bill combining multiple pieces of higher education legislation, including placing Narcan at colleges and universities and raising the contribution limit to education savings plans. It is set to include $25 million to disperse to students in the next two years and a $300 million endowment to fund future students.

Georgia is one of only a small number of states that does not have significant needs-based funding.

Georgia Budget and Policy Institute senior education analyst Ashley Young called the new funds a watershed moment for the state.

“We didn’t know if this would happen this session or 40 years from now,” she said. “And so we really are thankful that our top education leaders understand the importance of need-based aid. It’s a racial equity advancement as well, and we finally have the support, bipartisan support to move forward, so this is certainly a transformative time in Georgia.”

The bill also makes advanced fine arts courses eligible for a student’s GPA average for the HOPE Scholarship. That means if the bill becomes law, students who take courses like advanced placement music theory will have those grades help them toward earning HOPE. CONTRACEPTION BILL PASSES

A bill seeking to expand access for hormonal contraception is headed to Gov. Brian Kemp’s desk, though a provision that would have required corn masa to be fortified with folic acid was stripped from the bill before it gained final passage on the last day of the 2026 legislative session.

House Bill 1138 was introduced by Rep. Beth Camp, a Concord Republican who said she was inspired to propose the legislation after her daughter faced a two-month delay renewing her birth control prescription. If it gets the governor’s signature, pharmacists will be able to prescribe contraception like birth control pills and shots directly to patients without needing a doctor to sign off.

A separate bill allowing Georgia residents to access HIV prevention medicine at their local pharmacy gained final passage a few days before the end of the 2026 session.

Maya Homan, Jill Nolin, Alander Rocha and Ross Williams contributed to this report, which originally appeared at georgi arecorder.com. f

music

threats & promises

Athfest’s First Wave Announcement PLUS, MORE MUSIC NEWS AND GOSSIP

By Gordon Lamb threatsandpromises@flagpole.com

DOWN TO EARTH: The just-about-a-year-old Dipper Grande releases its first album Friday, Apr. 10. The eightsong record is named Sunset Provisions, which is a title I quite like, even though I can’t pinpoint exactly why. It took me a couple of times before I could truly engage the patient delivery of the opening title track, and this goes double for the second song, “A Great Bird Of Prey.” The issue is with me, though, as both are creative modern country/Americana and in the storytelling tradition. In this same spirit, “Mintaka” reaches as high into the sky as it possibly can with its soaring instrumental refrain at its end. There are a couple of slight rockers here, but they could have easily been left off. Mostly, this is a slow record for slow, unbothered listening. The band celebrates its release the same day, at night though, at Dead Beat Club where it will appear with T. Hardy Morris and Julia

Barfield. Find this upon its release at dippergrande.band camp.com.

KATE LIDDY

GOOD CITIZENS OF THE MONTH: Although you may have already secured yours, this is a reminder that full weekend passes as well as individual night tickets are on sale for Kindercore’s 30th anniversary celebration May 7–9 at the 40 Watt Club, named Expo 2026. Full passes are $60, which comes out to two bucks a band, you cheapskates. The lineup includes a super-large portion of classic Kindercore acts like Kincaid, I Am The World Trade Center, Japancakes, Joe Christmas, Elf Power and The Agenda as well as relatively newer scene fixtures like The Pink Stones, Black Nerd Ninja, Noise Mountain, and Viv and the Things. And then there’s the Kindercore-adjacent bands like SheHeHe, Maserati, Vincas and Molly’s Lips. Look, the whole lineup is available at 40watt.com, which is also where you make your ticket purchases.

Improvement Movement

GO HANG OUT: The 4th annual Normaltown Music Festival happens at Athentic Brewing Co. Friday and Saturday, Apr. 10–11. It is a benefit for Love.Craft Athens, Nuçi’s Space and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Athens. Friday night features live karaoke with Atticus Roness and his Rock ‘N Roll Band, as well as the Love.Craft Band, Strange Luck and DJ Charlieflower. Saturday runs from 1–11 p.m. and will feature performances by headliner Upchuck as well as an undercard that includes Johnny Falloon, SheHeHe, Frigga Five, Violent Violet, Schmooze, Grey Water, A Stitch In Time, Joy Thief, Victor Charlie, Johann Greco, Normaltown Sound Machine and more. Tickets are available as we speak at athenticbrewing.com.

SLEEPLESS NIGHTS: Dance/electro-pop outfit Nightout will release its newest single on limited platforms Friday, Apr. 10. On this date you can find the project’s song “Kissmark” on both Bandcamp and Nina Protocol. I gotta tell ya, it felt like forever getting through the first minute and a half of this before the main beat dropped. It’s not that the other beats and vocalizations were bad, per se, but once the song starts to really cook, it’s a wonder why they were there in the first place. At any rate, it’s another nice slice of music from an act we don’t hear too much about. Nightout will play at Flicker Theatre and Bar on Saturday, Apr. 11 with Brad Stank (UK) and Schoolgirl Bye Bye (China). Find the new single at ninaprotocol.com/hubs/nightout and nightoutblog. bandcamp.com.

CATCH THE WIND: Only once or twice a year, and some years not at all, am I driven to tears within the first few moments of a new song. Well, Kevn Kinney did exactly that with the first single “Mirror Mirror,” which is also the opening track of Drivin N Cryin’s new album Crushing Flowers.

Written about his mother and her battle with Alzheimer’s disease, the song is a loving plea (“I know you’re in there somewhere/Can you make it out?”) expertly delivered. Honestly, the rest of the album is just gravy after this. The full album comes out Friday, Apr. 10, and Drivin N Cryin will play the 40 Watt Club Saturday, Apr. 11 with Laid Back Country Picker. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Grab ‘em at 40watt.com.

FEELS LIKE SUMMER: AthFest Educates has announced its first wave of performers for the 28th annual AthFest Music and Arts Festival taking place June 26–28 with three outdoor stages and over a dozen venues participating in the Club Crawl. Performers this year include Improvement Movement, Cassie Chantel, Blue Stars, Perpetual Groove, Funk You, Stephen Day, David Ryan Harris, Kevn Kinney, Ragga Lox & the Dub Vybrations Band, The Wraps and superstar.

AthFest will be slowly rolling out performers on its social media platforms, with the full lineup coming out at the end of the month. In the meantime, you can find more info and buy Club Crawl wristbands at athfest.com. [Sam Lipkin] f

A P R IL 8, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

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live music calendar Tuesday 7

Flicker Theatre & Bar 8 p.m. (doors). $15. www.flickerthe atreandbar.com 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 7 p.m. (doors), 9:30 p.m. (show). www.instagram.com/nowherebarathensga 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.

cian known for rescuing musical gems from the obscurity of neglect and given them a new life for all to enjoy, returning to Athens with his latest project, Songs, Battles, and Dances from the Old and the New Worlds 1100-1780. Joined by 21 musicians including his early music ensemble Hespèrion XXI and the vocal group La Capella Reial de Catalunya.

Nowhere Bar 7 p.m. (doors), 9:30 p.m. (show). www.instagram.com/nowherebarathensga GOOSEBERRY Brooklyn-based band that plays a combination of alternative rock, indie rock and other types of rocks.

RECESS PARTY Local indie-rock band with a self-described collage of rock, funk and alternative.

Porterhouse Grill 7 p.m. www.porterhousegrillathens. com JAZZ NIGHT Longest running jazz gig in Athens featuring a rotating cast of familiar faces performing American songbook, bossa nova classics and crossover hits.

COMA THERAPY Muscular, dark post-punk influenced by goth and no wave.

O KEY Atlanta-based project that recently released a single called "Enamel."

PENNY LOAFER Local “post-college rock” band delivering grunge-tinged pop with sweet yet sometimes vicious compositions.

The Globe 7:30–10 p.m. www.facebook.com/ globe.athens MARY & THE HOT HOTTY-HOTS Hot jazz and swing band offering music from the 1910s, ’20s and ’30s.

Hendershot’s 7:30–11 p.m. $7 (adv.), $10. www. hendershotsathens.com SABACHA DANCE SOCIAL DJ L.A. Darius leads a Latin dance party with salsa, bachata, merengue and cha-cha-cha. An hour-long lesson is followed by open dancing.

Hotel Indigo Live After Five. 5:30–8 p.m. www. indigoathens.com MRJORDANMRTONKS Tommy Jordan and William Tonks’ collaboration features rootsy guitar picking

Immigrant Rights Coalition. www. athica.org QUEER JOY DANCE PARTY Featuring DJ Xaothesis, Tail Stripes and King Lord.

Amici at The Falls 6 p.m. www.facebook.com/amiciatthefalls ALEX BOSCOFF Playing covers and originals.

Athentic Brewing Co. 5 p.m. (doors), 6–11 p.m. (show). www.athenticbrewing.com DJ CHARLIEFLOWER Eclectic DJ into trance, ambient, synth pop, new wave, deep house and more.

THE LOVE.CRAFT BAND Crew members of Love.Craft Athens perform songs.

STRANGE LUCK A blend of rock and pop with hits from Queen, Muse, The Killers, Sublime and more.

KAROAKE Join Atticus Roness and his Rock ‘N’ Roll Band for live band karaoke.

Dead Beat Club 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $10. www.deadbeatathens.com DIPPER GRANDE Alt-cosmic music from Athens. Album release

Wednesday 8 Amici at The Falls 6 p.m. www.facebook.com/amiciat thefalls MATT GUIDICE Playing covers and originals.

Athentic Brewing Co. 7–10 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com KARAOKE WITH DJ GREGORY Second and fourth Wednesdays.

Creature Comforts Brewery Athens Farmers Market. 5–8 p.m.

FREE! www.athensfarmersmarket. net RED OAK STRING BAND Local band playing a feel-good blend of bluegrass, blues, folk, rock and classic country. (6 p.m.)

Flicker Theatre & Bar 5 p.m. FREE! www.flickertheatreand bar.com NAIL CLUB Gritty arpeggiated synths weave in and out of pulsing basslines by Sara Storm.

NESSA BRIDE New Orleans-based singer-songwriter with obscure and eclectic influences.

Georgia Theatre 6:30 p.m. (doors), 7:30 p.m. (show). $22.51. www.georgiatheatre.com MARIS Montana-born, California-based rising pop star who combines heartland rock with glam-pop.

SLEEPERS CLUB Dreamy sleezepop band from Atlanta.

Hendershot’s 7 p.m. (sign-ups). FREE! www.hen dershotsathens.com BEATS, RHYMES AND LIFE OPEN MIC Emcees, poets, rappers and freestylers of all styles are invited to perform with the backing band playing the tempo of their choice.

Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall 7:30 p.m. $42–74 (discount w/ UGA ID). pac.uga.edu JORDI SAVALL Catalonian musi-

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ering hard-hitting, witty bars and catchy melodies.

Nowhere Bar 7 p.m. (doors), 9:30 p.m. (show). www.instagram.com/nowhereb arathensga ECHO PLUM New Jersey-based indie rock band.

BRAYMORES Indie folk rock from Chicago.

Nuçi’s Space Fundraiser for Project SAFE & The Cottage. 6 p.m. $5 suggested donation. www.nuci.org OBSCURITY Local synth-punk duo.

JOSEY Athens-based indie pop artist, incorporating audience participation and off-kilter comedy into her sets.

TOMMYGUN Athens punk band.

BADKILL Baddest, deadest local punk rock band.

KATE BOWEN Alternative singer-songwriter.

The Rail 8–11 p.m. www.instagram.com/ baddogathens BAD DOG KARAOKE Every other Friday.

Ramsey Hall 7:30 p.m. $64 (discount w/ UGA ID). pac.uga.edu ÉBÈNE QUARTET The award-winning French quartet performs Ravel’s string quartet alongside two of Beethoven’s iconic works.

VFW Post 2872 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $10. www.facebook.com/vfwpost2872 RAMBLIN’ COUNTRY BAND Georgia-based band playing country, western and rock classics. Line dancing during the band breaks.

Saturday 11 Crazier will play at the Dead Beat Club on Thursday, Apr. 9

Thursday 9 40 Watt Club 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $10 (adv.), $12. www.40watt.com WARREN HOLLOW Local Southern rock band with a sound that hasn’t been heard since the 1970s Jacksonville scene.

MAPLE STREET BAND St. Simons Island-based rock drawing inspiration from artists like The Beatles and The Shins.

THE MIDKNIGHTERS Rock and roll four-piece from Athens.

Athentic Brewing Co. 6 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com CHECK THE SIGNS Uplifting local family band with a talent for melody, harmony and hooks.

Dead Beat Club 8 p.m. $10. www.deadbeatathens.com CRAZIER Indie-rock anti-cowboy music featuring Eli Raps, Winston Barbe, Alex Dillon and Kevin Cregge. Album release show!

MCKENDRICK BEARDEN Athens-based alternative-rock artist whose music depicts the negatives and positives we all experience in life.

VALLEY OF GIANTS Folk-emo for anyone who’s missed something they can’t quite name.

Flicker Theatre & Bar 8 p.m. (doors). $10 (adv.), $15. www. flickertheatreandbar.com

F L A GP OL E .C OM · A P R IL 8, 2026

and paired vocal melodies.

Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall 7:30 p.m. FREE! music.uga.edu BRITISH BRASS BAND Brass band with a repertoire that encompasses a wide variety of styles including original works, transcriptions of orchestral works, marches and more, conducted by Gilbert Villagrana.

Nowhere Bar 7 p.m. (doors), 9:30 p.m. (show). www.instagram.com/nowhereb arathensga TRU PHONIC Macon-based high energy band playing funk, rock, jam, soul and more.

Friday 10 40 Watt Club 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $26 (adv.), $31. www.40watt.com PHONEBOY Indie-rock four-piece from Hoboken, NJ. HEART ATTACK MAN Cleveland, OH trio playing edgy pop-punk.

SLOW JOY The emo and shoegaze project of Esteban Flores.

PONY Grunge pop project whose recent, tarot reading-inspired album, Clearly Cursed, contemplates the potential exorcism of a lifelong curse.

ATHICA 9 p.m. $10 donation benefiting Athens

show!

T. HARDY MORRIS Singer-songwriter and guitarist plays twangy, reflective folk-rock.

JULIA BARFIELD Young singer-songwriter with roots in the foothills of the North Georgia mountains.

Flicker Theatre & Bar 8 p.m. (doors). $15. www.flickerthe atreandbar.com ZACK KEIM Pittsburgh-based singer-songwriter whose musical background bridges the gap between garage-rock scuzz and kaleidoscopic folk reveries.

CHAIRS Enigmatic local recording project that pulls from shoegaze and post-punk influences.

DAVID SHANE Filmmaker and content creator touring with Zack Keim for The More Love Tour, capturing and sharing stories of connection, kindness and love across social media.

Hendershot’s Dizzy Rat Entertainment Presents. 8 p.m. www.hendershotsathens.com NICHOLAS MALLIS AND THE BOREALIS Local synth-pop act claiming a diverse array of supposed corporate sponsors.

KIT Athens-based kaleidoscopic rock band expanded from the eponymous solo project Catt Malonius.

CARDYNAL AND THE FLOCK An eclectic, multi-faceted producer, instrumentalist and vocalist deliv-

40 Watt Club 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $25 (adv.), $30. www.40watt.com DRIVIN N CRYIN Legendary Atlanta band playing hard-charging, Southern-inspired rock.

LAID BACK COUNTRY PICKER Country project of Kentucky-based musician David Prince.

Athentic Brewing Co. 1–11 p.m. $25 (adv.), $30–75 (benefiting Nuçi’s Space, Boys & Girls Clubs of Athens and Love.Craft Athens). www.athenticbrewing.com NUÇI’S SPACE CAMP AMPED BANDS Young musicians in Nuçi’s Space Camp Amped program show off what they’ve learned. (1 p.m.)

JULIA BARFIELD Young folk singer-songwriter with roots in the foothills of the North Georgia mountains. (1:30 p.m.)

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. (2 p.m.)

BEN HACKETT Athens-based producer and songwriter. (2:30 p.m.)

NORMALTOWN SOUND MACHINE Athens quintet featuring Jamie Reynolds, Ben Spraker, Jef Whatley, Eli Truett and Phil Weed perform asymmetrical pop rock reminiscent of The Sea and Cake, The Cardigans, Herbie Hancock and LCD Soundsystem. (3 p.m.)

THE REVEREND CONNER TRIBBLE Old-fashioned rock and roll

with a sprinkle of good-humored irreverence. (3:30 p.m.)

VICTOR CHARLIE Original grunge three-piece grunge rock band that formed in Athens in 2001. (4 p.m.)

JOHANN GRECO Singer-songwriter from Northeast Georgia.

(4:30 p.m.)

A STITCH IN TIME Athens band blending melodic and progressive rock sensibilities with a Southern indie edge. (5 p.m.)

JOYTHIEF Local nu-core band.

(5:30 p.m.)

SCHMOOZE Athens alternative rock band. (6 p.m.)

GREYWATER Elements of shoegaze, grunge and metal siphoned into a single alt-rock act.

(6:30 p.m.)

JOHNNY FALLOON Deranged local band with hard-hitting songs and complex theatrics. (7 p.m.)

VIOLENT VIOLET Loud and fun garage punk outfit. (7:30 p.m.)

SHEHEHE Local band that draws from old-school punk and arena rock to create a fist-pumping atmosphere. (8 p.m.)

FRIGGA FIVE Raucous Atlanta rock band. (8:40 p.m.)

UPCHUCK Five-piece punk band from Atlanta formed from connections made in skateboarding, construction and teenage delinquency.

(9:10 p.m.)

INTENSION Alternative rock based in Atlanta inspired by bands like Smashing Pumpkins, Deftones and Tool. (10:10 p.m.)

Bishop Park Athens Farmers Market. 8 a.m.–12 p.m. FREE! www.athensfarmers market.net TRIO METRO WITH TONY MCCUTCHEN This piano, sax and drums trio plays jazz standards and an array of more contemporary covers with a jazz twist, featuring special guest vocalist. (9 a.m.)

Boutier Winery & Inn 7:30 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $10. www.boutierwinery.com THE ORIGINAL SPLITZ BAND A mixed drink of the classic Motown sound, part 1970s funk and disco flavor, a dash of the old-school and contemporary R&B, and a guaranteed good time.

Ciné 6:30 p.m. (doors), 7 p.m. (show). $10 (adv.), $12. www.athenscine.com DEADFRIENDS Atlanta hardcore/ metalcore HATE SPAWN SLIME West Georgia angry-fun eldritch hardcore.

LILYPAD Southeast sabotage, heavy hardcore punk-ish.

FLATLINED New Atlanta hardcore band.

BLISS Atlanta shoegaze.

The Classic Center 7 p.m. $12. www.classiccenter.com AFRICA NIGHT A night of music, dancing, fashion and drama.

Dead Beat Club 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $15 (adv.), $25. www.deadbeatathens. com NUALA KENNEDY AND EAMON O’LEARY These internationally-recognized members of the traditional music community perform a timeless selection of songs and instrumentals that range from the ancient Irish tradition to reflections on the present day.

Flicker Theatre & Bar Indecent Artistry Presents. 8 p.m. (doors). $15. www.flickertheatre-

Sunday 12 Athentic Brewing Co. 2–5 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com BLUEGRASS JAM SESSION Players of all skill levels are invited to participate in this open jam, which strives to unite members of the local folk music community.

Boutier Winery & Inn Wine Down. 3–5 p.m. www.boutier winery.com DENNY MARTIN Country acoustic guitarist.

Dead Beat Club 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $15 (adv.), $20. www.deadbeatathens. com BLUE STARS Side project formed by four musicians from different corners of the Athens music scene: Claire Campbell, Andrea DeMarcus, Joe Rowe and Dan Nettles.

PETER ALVANOS Psych/power pop from the Elf Power member.

Emmanuel Episcopal Church 3 p.m. FREE! www.athensflutechoir. org ATHENS FLUTE CHOIR The woodwind group’s spring concert "Familiar, with a Twist."

The Globe 4–7 p.m. www.facebook.com/globe.

athens TRADITIONAL IRISH SESSION Easy listening traditional Irish music.

Hugh Hodgson School of Music UGA Arts Quad. 3 p.m. FREE! music. 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.

No. 3 Railroad Street 5 p.m. (doors), 6 p.m. (show). $10 suggested donation. www.3railroad. org SONGWRITERS SHOWCASE Ken Parris hosts a showcase featuring Dodd Ferrell and Tyler Key. Guests are invited to bring a dish for the potluck.

The World Famous 8 p.m. $10 suggested donation. www. facebook.com/theworldfa mousathens NIKKI AND THE PHANTOM CALLERS Country adjacent band from Atlanta.

ROD HAMDALLAH Gritty garage rocker extraordinaire.

SPENCER THOMAS Upbeat, soft rock artist and member of Futurebirds whose sound is influenced by the likes of Tom Petty and Bruce Springsteen.

Monday 13 Flicker Theatre & Bar 8 p.m. (doors). $10. www.flickertheatreandbar.com TURTLE GRENADE Musician and visual artist crafting intimately personal folk songs.

KETA ESTER The solo project of New York-based musician Keegan Graziane, known also for his work in the psychedelic folk band Bruiser & Bicycle. Touring to support Love Apple.

VEGA Music for softies made in Burlington, VT. Touring to support beacon, how blue.

SPITEHOUND Brooding, earnest indie.

Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall 7:30 p.m. FREE! music.uga.edu CHINESE MUSIC ENSEMBLE Ensemble performing folk, classical and contemporary music of China on instruments such as the erhu, guzheng, pipa and yangqin.

Normaltown Brewing Co. 6:30 p.m. (sign-ups), 7–9 p.m. (show). FREE! www.normaltown brewingco.com MONDAY FUNDAY FUNK JAM Will Shine hosts this open jam with a house band made up of rotating local musicians.

Ramsey Hall 5:30 p.m. FREE! music.uga.edu UGACELLI Cello ensemble led by faculty artist James Kim, bringing together UGA’s talented cellists to showcase the depth and power of the instrument in performance and collaboration.

Tuesday 14 Georgia Theatre 6 p.m. (doors), 7 p.m. (show). $41.08. www.georgiatheatre.com RISING APPALACHIA Appalachian folk music group led by multi-instrumentalist sisters Leah Song and Chloe Smith.

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 7 p.m. (doors), 9:30 p.m. (show). www.instagram.com/nowhereb arathensga 10FOUR10 Post-grunge, hard-rock band.

NOISE MOUNTAIN Inspired by Midwestern alternative rock, this Athens band incorporates both ’80s and ’90s punk rock into its sound.

EXCHANGE BLVD Post-grunge/ punk band from Athens.

Ramsey Hall 7:30 p.m. FREE! music.uga.edu OPERA SCENES UGA Opera Theatre showcases the vocal performances of graduate and undergraduate students.

UGA Tate Student Center Live in the Lobby. 8 p.m. FREE! www. wuog.org JULIA BARFIELD Young folk singer-songwriter with roots in the foothills of the North Georgia mountains.

Wednesday 15 40 Watt Club 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $20 (adv.), $25. www.40watt.com WEST 22ND Five-piece band formed at The University of Texas, though it’s traversed well beyond Austin.

DISPEA FLOWER Boston-based folk-rock project of singer-songwriter Ari Rosenberg.

Amici at The Falls 6 p.m. www.facebook.com/amicia tthefalls CAM NORTON Covers and originals in the vein of rock, folk, bluegrass and country.

Creature Comforts Brewery Athens Farmers Market. 5–8 p.m.

FREE! www.athensfarmersmarket. net THE SOLSTICE SISTERS Susan Staley, Anna Durden and Maggie Hunter harmonize on old-time country ballads, traditional folk and ’40s styled swing. (6 p.m.)

Dead Beat Club 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $10. www.deadbeatathens.com SHANE PARISH Master guitarist and fearless explorer of rhythm and timbre, known for releasing music on Bill Orcutt’s Palilalia Records and John Zorn’s Tzadik Records.

Album release show!

MARCEL SLETTEN California-born and Athens-based electronic music producer, composer and artist whose sound varies from peaceful to intense.

Georgia Theatre 6:30 p.m. (doors), 7:30 p.m. (show). $30.52–57.33. www.georgiatheatre. com JUMP Van Halen tribute band from Toledo, OH. LOVELACE Pennsylvania-based tribute band specializing in 1970s pop, funk, disco and rock hits.

Hugh Hodgson School of Music Edge Hall. 6 p.m. FREE! music.uga. edu SOUL MUSIC ENSEMBLE Student musicians perform soul standards.

Nowhere Bar 7 p.m. (doors), 9:30 p.m. (show). www.instagram.com/nowherebarathensga SORAIA Philadelphia garage punk.

ASHES TO OMENS Seamless blend of hard rock, alt rock and post-grunge.

Ramsey Hall 3:30 p.m. FREE! music.uga.edu HODGSON STRING QUARTET UGA’s premier student string quartet. f

arts & culture

calendar picks

THEATER | APR. 10–12, 15–19

and will also feature live music, a community bike swap, food trucks and more.

Supporting Marigold Collective in the fight against food insecurity, proceeds from the store will go toward serving the needs of the local community, and SNAP benefits will be accepted and doubled for its patrons. [MB]

Sense and Sensibility

UGA Fine Arts Theatre • Times Vary • $9 (students), $21

Kate Hamill’s adaptation of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility is a fast-paced stage production following the Dashwood sisters as they navigate love and heartbreak against the backdrop of the Regency era and its social pressures. Hamill is known for such adaptations of classical literature, having also brought works by Louisa May Alcott and William Thackery to the stage, adding her own healthy dose of wit and humor while remaining faithful to the original stories. UGA Theatre’s production of Sense and Sensibility is directed by Rachel May, who is the director and cofounder of Atlanta’s Synchronicity Theatre. The scenery for the play is designed by Stanley Meyer, an award-winning artist and illustrator. Performances of the play will be held at 8 p.m. on Apr. 10–11 and Apr. 15–18, and 2 p.m. matinees will be held on Apr. 12 and Apr. 19. [Mary Beth Bryan]

MUSIC | SAT, APR. 11

Colin Manko’s Lighthouse Trio

Flying Squid • 6:30 p.m. (doors), 7 p.m. (show) • $12 (adv.), $15

Recorded at Lighthouse Café in California in 1972 and released on the legendary Blue Note label, Live at the Lighthouse is an album by jazz drummer Elvin Jones, who is known best for his work as a member of John Coltrane’s quartet throughout the early ‘60s. Colin Manko’s Trio—for this occasion renamed Colin Manko’s Lighthouse Trio—will be reimagining the postbop record with a punk angle, self-described as “a bit too triadic to be avant-garde.”

Manko is a jazz guitarist whose trio is filled out by drummer Alex Dillon and bassist Josh Allen. Joining the trio for this show will be WWAALL, an ambient duo composed of JoJo Glidewell and Dan Nettles, and Jackie Hales, the frontwoman of Your Ex’s Pets, performing material old and new with ambient looped guitar. [MB]

FILM | FRI, APR. 10

An Inconceivable Evening with Cary Elwes

The Classic Center • 6:30 p.m. (doors), 7:30 p.m. (show) • $51.75–76.50

The late Rob Reiner’s 1987 film The Princess Bride is a fantasy adventure comedy that follows Westley, a farm boy turned pirate, as he journeys to rescue his true love, Buttercup, from the evil Prince Humperdinck, aided by iconic characters like the swordsman Inigo Montoya and the giant Fezzik. The film was met with acclaim from audiences and critics, receiving nominations at the Academy Awards and Saturn Awards and winning the Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation. To this day, the film has a cult following. After The Classic Center’s screening, Carey Elwes, who plays Westley, will hold a discussion about the film and the personal stories behind the making of it, revealing never-before-shared secrets and tales of antics. Outside of The Princess Bride, Elwes is also known for his work in Saw, Twister, “Seinfeld” and many other film and television productions. [MB] COURTESY OF PROPELLER PUBLICITY

andbar.com BRAD STANK British artist mixing R&B, laidback psychedelia and jazz with a touch of the spiritual.

NIGHTOUT Dusky monastic plur; asks you to dance.

TEMPLE OF CALISTHENICS Local surreal pop music.

Flying Squid Comedy 6:30 p.m. (doors), 7 p.m. (show). $13.95. flyingsquidcomedy.com COLIN MANKO’S LIGHTHOUSE TRIO Performing a post punk-bop reimagining of Elvin Jones’ Live at the Lighthouse.

WWAALL Exploratory ambient duo JoJo Glidewell and Dan Nettles welcoming crystalline accidents of sound, patient drift and the occasional polite malfunction.

JACKIE HALES Singer-songwriter of Your Ex’s Pets.

Front Porch Bookstore 6 p.m. FREE! Find Front Porch Bookstore on Facebook MONSIGNOR DONOVAN RAM BAND The Catholic high school’s rock band.

Marigold Auditorium for Arts and Culture 7 p.m. $15 (adv.), $18. www.wintervillecenter.com SHAUNA & THE JAYWALKERS Athens-based band with an array of revolving instruments, playing original compositions by frontwoman Shauna Harris with some classics sprinkled throughout the set. Album release show!

Morton Theatre 7:30–9:30 p.m. $40–50. www.mor tontheatre.com R&B KARAOKE TRIBUTE Karaoke night hosted by hosted by Tony B with music by DJ Jizzle.

Nowhere Bar 7 p.m. (doors), 9:30 p.m. (show). www.instagram.com/nowhereb arathensga HOTO Blending jazz fusion, blues, Americana and folk music.

The Root 10 p.m. FREE! www.therootathens. com SILENT DISCO Grab a pair of headphones, choose a music channel and dance the night away. work.shop 6–8 p.m. workshopathens.com MEDITATIVE SOUNDSCAPES Bring a mat and relax to soothing music and poetry by Libbaloops and Mikhayla Smith.

Drivin N Cryin MUSIC | SAT, APR. 11

Drivin N Cryin

40 Watt Club • 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show) • $25 (adv.), $30

EVENT | SAT, APR. 11

Firefly Farmstop Grand Opening

Firefly Farmstop • 11 a.m. • FREE!

Winterville’s Marigold Market, a staple for connecting the community with fresh, local and affordable food, relocated recently to an old blacksmith shop located off Firefly Trail. The newly renovated space is called Firefly Farmstop. The year-round market, which stocks meat, produce, dairy, home goods, alcohol and even a grab-and-go menu of foods and craft drinks, is already in operation but will have its grand opening on the first day of the farmers market. The event will begin with a ribbon-cutting ceremony

Now nearly 40 years into its career, Southern rock band Drivin N Cryin is preparing to release a new record called Crushing Flowers. Formed in Atlanta in 1985, the band came up alongside other college radio big hitters like R.E.M. and Indigo Girls, with songs like “Fly Me Courageous” (from its Gold-certified 1990 record of the same name) and “Straight to Hell” cementing its place in the late ‘80s/early ‘90s rock scene. Drivin N Cryin kept pushing past the MTV era, though, consistently touring and releasing music into the present day.

The band introduced its newest album with “Mirror Mirror,” a track inspired by singer-songwriter and guitarist Kevn Kinney’s mother’s battle with Alzheimer’s, with the rest to follow on Apr. 10. Opening the show will be Laid Back Country Picker, which is the stage name of country musician David Prince. [MB] f

A P R IL 8, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

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Tuesday 7

event calendar

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 knowledge with host Miles Bunch. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/ baddogathens GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (Paloma Park) Test your trivia knowledge with host TJ Wayt. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/baddogathens GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Winghouse Grill Hull) Test your general trivia knowledge. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Akademia Brewing Co.) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Garrett. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/classiccitytriviaco GAMES: UnPhiltered Trivia (Mellow Mushroom) Test your trivia knowledge with host Phil. 7 p.m. www.facebook.com/MellowMushroomAthens 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 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 Market (Creature Comforts Brewery) Markets offer fresh produce, flowers, eggs, meats, prepared foods, arts and crafts. Live music at 6 p.m. AFM double SNAP dollars spent. Wednesdays, 5–8 p.m. www. athensfarmersmarket.net FILM: Pachinko Pop (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Screening of the 1960 Japanese film Delinquent Angel. 7 p.m.

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FREE! www.flickertheatreandbar. com GAMES: Shadowfist Power Lunch (Tyche’s Games) Drop in and play Shadowfist. All skill levels. 11:30 a.m. FREE! www.tychesgames.com GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (South Main Brewing) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 6 p.m. www.instagram.com/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 MEETINGS: C3 to End Homelessness (Foxglove Plantbar) A roundtable discussion regarding housing and homelessness to educate, identify issues and plan steps to solutions. Second Wednesdays, 5–6:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenshc. org/coc MEETINGS: Athens Psychedelic Society (ACC Library) Meet likeminded individuals interested in topics related to expanded states of consciousness. 6 p.m. FREE! www. athenspsychedelicsociety.com

trivia knowledge. Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Butt Hutt) Test your general trivia knowledge. Thursdays, 7 p.m. www. instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia GAMES: Athens’ Hardest Trivia Night (Nighthawks Lounge) Test your trivia knowledge with host Phil.

7 p.m. www.nighthawkslounge.com

Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. info@athenspetanque. org, www.athenspetanque.org

Friday 10 ART: Art in the Park (Sandy Creek Park) Join staff to create works of

play Expo (The Classic Center) There will be vendors from a diverse array of fandoms and special guests. Apr. 10, 6–9 p.m.

Apr. 11–12, 12–6 p.m. FREE! www. classiccenter.com FILM: The Princess Bride (The Classic Center) Screening of the iconic movie followed by a behindthe-scenes discussion with Cary Elwes (Westley). 6:30 p.m. (doors),

Saturday 11

Thursday 9 ART: Artist Talk (Lyndon House Arts Center) Four artists featured in the 51st Juried Exhibition will give a talk. 5:30 p.m. FREE! www.accgov. com/lyndonhouse CLASSES: Creative Aging Seated Yoga (Georgia Museum of Art) This class will include restorative stretching, deep breathing and mindfulness. All levels welcome.

RSVP by email. 10:30 a.m. FREE! gmoa-tours@uga.edu EVENTS: 2nd Thursday Happy Hour (Winterville Cultural Center) An evening with games on the lawn, art viewings, snacks and drinks.

5–7 p.m. FREE! www.wintervillecenter.com EVENTS: Athens Mayoral Debate (UGA Chapel) Candidates will discuss their platforms, moderated

by The Red & Black. 6 p.m. FREE! www.redandblack.com EVENTS: Breadbasket Benefit (The Classic Center) Inaugural fundraising event supporting Bread for Life, a local youth nonprofit, featuring dinner, drinks, prizes and more. 6 p.m. $154.75. www.classiccenter. com GAMES: Bad Dog BINGO (Amici at The Falls) Play BINGO with host TJ Wayt. Thursdays, 6 p.m. www. instagram.com/baddogathens GAMES: Adult TTRPG (Bogart Library) All skill levels can join for Dungeons & Dragons and other tabletop role playing games. Ages 18 & up. 6 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Terrapin Beer Co.) Test your general

F L A GP OL E .C OM · A P R IL 8, 2026

on-site pollinator garden. 3 p.m. $10 parking pass/vehicle. www. gastateparks.org/WatsonMillBridge OUTDOORS: Sunset Paddle (Watson Mill Bridge State Park) Enjoy a ranger-led paddle on the river and view the sunset. Registration required. 7 p.m. $15/person, $10 parking pass/vehicle. www.gastateparks.org/WatsonMillBridge THEATER: Sense & Sensibility (UGA Fine Arts Theatre) UGA Theatre presents an inventive stage adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic novel. Apr. 10–11 & 15–18, 8 p.m.

Apr. 12 & 19, 2 p.m. $9 (student), $21 (adult). www.ugatheatre.com

The MFA exhibition “MERGING LANE ENDS” is on view at The Athenaeum. An opening reception will be held Saturday, Apr. 11 from 4–6 p.m.

KIDSTUFF: Let’s Go Wild Workshop (The Meadow Montessori Play Studio) Visit Bear Hollow for educational programming, animal-themed games and snacks.

Registration required. 10–11:30 a.m. $20. www.themeadowplaystudio.com LECTURES & LIT: An Evening of Poetry (Georgia Museum of Art) Celebrate National Poetry Month with poetry readings inspired by the special exhibition “We, Too, Are Made of Wonders.” 5:30 p.m.

FREE! georgiamuseum.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

art inspired by nature. All ages.

Registration required. 10 a.m. $5 (ACC resident), $7.50 (non-resident). www.accgovga.myrec.com ART: Reception (Winterville Cultural Center) The Quilt Event features handmade pieces by the Cotton Patch Quilters with proceeds benefitting women’s scholarships through the Jeannette Rankin Foundation. 6–8 p.m. www.cpquilters. org COMEDY: Mad Props (Flying Squid Comedy) An evening of improv comedy using a variety of props to lead the story. 8 p.m. $10. www. flyingsquidcomedy.com EVENTS: Agave Tasting (Tonique Bottle Co.) Drop in to sample Madre artisanal agave spirits. $15.

5–7 p.m. www.shoptonique.com EVENTS: Pop Culture Art & Cos-

7:30 p.m. (film). $51.75–187.25. www.classiccenter.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: Lecture in LGBTQ+ Studies (Zell Miller Learning Center) Dr. Alexis Pauline Gumbs will give an interactive lecture about her research of queer Black time travel methodologies and pathways. 12 p.m. FREE! wgs. uga.edu OUTDOORS: Pollinator Survey (Watson Mill Bridge State Park) Join park staff as they survey the

ART: Opening Reception (The Athenaeum) The MFA exhibition “MERGING LANE ENDS” will be on view with a celebration for graduating students. 4–6 p.m. FREE! www. athenaeum.uga.edu CLASSES: Adopt-A-Stream Workshop (Sandy Creek Nature Center) Learn more about how to adopt a stream, the qualities of clean water and how to utilize chemical and bacterial monitoring. Registration required. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. FREE! www.accgov.com CLASSES: Kudzu Basket Workshop (Sandy Creek Park) Learn how to create your own basket using kudzu vine in this workshop led by master-basket-maker Nancy Basket. Ages 13 & up. Registration required. 10 a.m. $25 (ACC resident), $30 (non-resident). www. accgovga.myrec.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.athensfarmersmarket.net EVENTS: Spring Plant Sale (UGA Trial Gardens) Browse landscape ornamentals curated from the garden’s collection of annuals, perennials and more. 8 a.m.​​–1 p.m. ugatrial.hort.uga.edu EVENTS: Spring Plant Sale (South Milledge Greenhouse Complex) Browse from a variety of ornamental and vegetable plants. Apr. 11, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Apr. 12, 1–6 p.m. www.instagram.com/ugacffa EVENTS: Community Yard Sale (Winterville Cultural Center) Browse a multi-family community yard sale.

9 a.m.–1 p.m. www.wintervillecenter.com EVENTS: Comer Community Market (The Perch) Browse flower and vegetable plant starts, baked goods, vegetables, honey, pottery, eggs, mushrooms and handmade items. 9 a.m.–12 p.m. www.theperchcomer. com/farmers-market EVENTS: Grand Opening (Firefly Farmstop) Celebrate the new market’s opening with food trucks, tastings, raffle, bike swap and more.

9 a.m.–1 p.m. www.instagram.com/ fireflyfarmstop EVENTS: 20th Annual Dawg Jog 5K (Dudley Park) UGA’s Pre-Veterinary Club hosts this annual 5K benefitting Athens Pets. 9 a.m. $30. www.athenspets.net EVENTS: Spring Plant Sale (Heartsong Herbs) Browse over 70 varieties of medicinal herbs, flowers and

veggie seedlings. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. www.heartsongherbs.com EVENTS: Spring Plant Sale (R&R Secret Flowers) Browse a wide variety of pollinator-friendly perennials, annuals, natives, herbs and veggies.

Apr. 11 & 18, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Apr. 12 & 19, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. www. rrsecretflowers.com EVENTS: Really, Really Free Market (Reese and Pope Park) Just like a yard sale, but everything is free.

Bring what you can, take what you need. Second Saturday of every month. 12–1:30 p.m. reallyreallyfreemarketathens@gmail.com, www.facebook.com/RRFMAthens EVENTS: Pop Culture Art & Cosplay Expo (The Classic Center) There will be vendors from a diverse array of fandoms and special guests. Apr. 10, 6–9 p.m.

Apr. 11–12, 12–6 p.m. FREE! www. classiccenter.com EVENTS: Teamaking and Tea Spilling (Oconee Street United Methodist Church) Learn about a native tea plant, watch the brewing process and enjoy a cup of tea.

Registration required. 2 p.m. FREE! www.instagram.com/coalitionofathensscientists EVENTS: Hauntfest (Terrapin Beer Co.) This off-season Halloween/ horror festival features live music, art vendors, entertainment and activities with the theme April Ghouls. Apr. 11–12, 2 p.m.–12 a.m. $20/weekend (adv.), $20/day. www.hauntfest.net EVENTS: Africa Night (The Classic Center) This annual event is an immersive cultural experience showcasing an array of African cultures through dances, fashion, music and drama. 7 p.m. $12. www.classiccenter.com GAMES: Day of Board Game Demonstrations (Tyche’s Games) Try new games and watch how they’re played. 12 p.m. FREE! www. tychesgames.com OUTDOORS: Morning Paddle (Watson Mill Bridge State Park) Enjoy a ranger-led paddle on the river. Registration required. 9:15 a.m. $15/person, $10 parking pass/ vehicle. www.gastateparks.org/

WatsonMillBridge OUTDOORS: Afternoon Paddle (Watson Mill Bridge State Park) Enjoy a ranger-led paddle on the river. Registration required. 11 a.m. $15/person, $10 parking pass/vehicle. www.gastateparks. org/WatsonMillBridge OUTDOORS: Clean Up Paddle (Watson Mill Bridge State Park) A paddle to help clear the lake of the invasive Parrot Feather plant. Registration required. 1:30 p.m. $10 parking pass/vehicle. www.gastateparks.org/WatsonMillBridge OUTDOORS: Sunset Paddle (Watson Mill Bridge State Park) Enjoy a ranger-led paddle on the river and view the sunset. Registration required. 7 p.m. $15/person, $10 parking pass/vehicle. www.gastateparks.org/WatsonMillBridge PERFORMANCE: Athens Showgirl Cabaret Drag For All Drag Show (Hendershots) Enjoy a fabulous night of open drag fun for all ages.

8–11 p.m. $5. www.athensshowgirlcabaret.com THEATER: Sense & Sensibility (UGA Fine Arts Theatre) UGA Theatre presents an inventive stage adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic novel. Apr. 10–11 & 15–18, 8 p.m.

Apr. 12 & 19, 2 p.m. $9 (student), $21 (adult). www.ugatheatre.com

Sunday 12 ART: Opening Reception (Historic Athens Welcome Center) A new exhibit about the late Fred Birchmore who cycled around the world will be on view. 10 a.m.–12 p.m. FREE! www.athenswelcom ecenter.com COMEDY: Upstairs Hysterics (The Globe) Showcase hosted by Miles Bunch featuring Athens and Atlanta comedians. 9 p.m. $10. www.athenscomedy.com EVENTS: Spring Plant Sale (R&R Secret Flowers) Browse a wide variety of pollinator-friendly perennials, annuals, natives, herbs and veggies.

Apr. 11 & 18, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Apr. 12 & 19, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. www. rrsecretflowers.com

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.”

BMA AT HOME (1354 S. Milledge Ave.) Works by Seanne Woodall, Leah Laturell, Megan Roberts, Hannah Betzel and Natalie French are on display.

Opening reception Apr. 23, 5–7 p.m. Through May. 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. 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 Apr. 15. 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 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

EVENTS: Pop Culture Art & Cosplay Expo (The Classic Center) There will be vendors from a diverse array of fandoms and special guests. Apr. 10, 6–9 p.m.

Apr. 11–12, 12–6 p.m. FREE! www. classiccenter.com EVENTS: Spring Plant Sale (South Milledge Greenhouse Complex) Browse from a variety of ornamental and vegetable plants. Apr. 11, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Apr. 12, 1–6 p.m. www.instagram.com/ugacffa EVENTS: Sunday Slowdown (Georgia Museum of Art) A variety of programs dedicated to art and mindfulness including meditation, tai chi, restorative yoga, mandala workshop and more. 1–6 p.m.

FREE! www.georgiamuseum.org EVENTS: Hauntfest (Terrapin Beer Co.) This off-season Halloween/ horror festival features live music, art vendors, entertainment and activities with the theme April Ghouls. Apr. 11–12, 2 p.m.–12 a.m. $20/weekend (adv.), $20/day. www.hauntfest.net EVENTS: Caribbean Night (Morton Theatre) A showcase centered around a moving play featuring dance, modeling and music. 7 p.m. $15. www.mortontheatre.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 LECTURES & LIT: Beagles, Books And Beer (Athentic Brewing Co.) Author Melanie Kaplan her book Lab Dog with a book signing plus a raffle and silent auction that benefits Athens Humane Society. 5 p.m.

FREE! www.athenticbrewing.com SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. info@athenspetanque. org, www.athenspetanque.org THEATER: Sense & Sensibility (UGA Fine Arts Theatre) UGA Theatre presents an inventive stage adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic novel. Apr. 10–11 & 15–18, 8 p.m.

Apr. 12 & 19, 2 p.m. $9 (student), $21 (adult). www.ugatheatre.com

Monday 13

Tuesday 14

CLASSES: Coyote Hendy (Hendershot’s) The Dancing Ruth leads a line dancing class. Second Mondays, 6 p.m. www.hendershot sathens.com EVENTS: WUGA Athens Mayoral Debate (ACC Library) All five mayoral candidates will discuss their platforms, moderated by WUGA’s news director Alexia Ridley. 6:30 p.m. FREE! www.wuga.org 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)) Mondays, 7 p.m. www. instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Dooley’s Bar and Grill) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Garrett.

Mondays, 7 p.m. www.instagram. com/classiccitytriviaco GAMES: General Trivia (Athentic Brewing Co.) Test your general trivia knowledge. Mondays, 7 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Pancho’s Tacos & Tequila) Test your general trivia knowledge. Mondays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Grindhouse Killer Burgers) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Benjamin. Mondays, 7:30 p.m. www.instagram.com/classiccit ytriviaco LECTURES & LIT: Book Discussion (ACC Library) Join the Heritage Room for a discussion on 1776 by David McCullough in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

3 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org MEETINGS: Pen Pals Writing Group (Oconee County Library) Meet other writers, share your writing experiences and get feedback on your work. Second & fourth Mondays, 5 p.m. FREE! www.ath enslibrary.org/oconee

ART: Athens Fiber Art Guild Stitch In (Lyndon House Arts Center) Bring current projects, and chat about fiber art techniques and challenges. 12:30–2:30 p.m. FREE! www.athensfiber.org CLASSES: Google Photos (ACC Library) Learn how to find your photos, make simple edits, and share them with friends and family. 10 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org FILM: Mize (UGA Special Collections Library) Screening of the documentary by Hal Jacobs about what North Georgia author Jerry Grillo discovered about baseball Hall-ofFamer Johnny Mize. 6 p.m. FREE! libs.uga.edu GAMES: Lunch & Learn (Tyche’s Games) Bring your lunch and learn new games. 11:30 a.m. FREE! www. tychesgames.com GAMES: Miss Thing’s Drag Bingo (40 Watt Club) Bingo hosted by Sophia Lo’Rent, Cola Fizz, Karmella Macchiato and Extasy Grey. Ages 18 & up. 5 p.m. (doors), 7 p.m. (bingo). www.boybutante.org GAMES: Rock ‘n Roll Trivia (Athentic Brewing Co.) Test your trivia knowledge with host The Music Man. Second Tuesdays, 6 p.m.

FREE! www.athenticbrewing.com GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (Amici at The Falls) Test your trivia knowledge with host Miles Bunch. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/ baddogathens GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (Paloma Park) Test your trivia knowledge with host TJ Wayt. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/baddogathens GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Winghouse Grill Hull) Test your general trivia knowledge. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Akademia Brewing Co.) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Garrett. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.ins tagram.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

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. 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 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:

GAMES: UnPhiltered Trivia (Mellow Mushroom) Test your trivia knowledge with host Phil. 7 p.m. www. facebook.com/MellowMush roomAthens GAMES: Singo! (Beef O’Brady’s) Win gift certificates and prizes at this music bingo night. Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m. www.beefobradys.com/athens GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Magnolias of Athens) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Benjamin. Tuesdays, 8 p.m. www. instagram.com/classiccitytriviaco KIDSTUFF: Toddler Tuesday: Match and Play (Georgia Museum of Art) Enjoy art and storytime in the galleries, then complete an art activity. Ages 18 months to 3 years.

RSVP by email. 10 a.m. FREE! gmoa-tours@uga.edu KIDSTUFF: Game Builder’s Club (ACC Library) Learn how to make your own video games. 4:30 p.m.

FREE! www.athenslibrary.org MEETINGS: Memoir Writing Group (Bogart Library) During this monthly group, hear memoirs from others and learn tips on how to write your own. 5:30 p.m. FREE! www.ath enslibrary.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

Down the Line 4/15 Shadowfist Power Lunch (Tyche’s Games) 4/15 Artful Conversation: Medicine Woman (Georgia Museum of Art) 4/15 The Athens Farmers Market (Creature Comforts Brewery) 4/15 Shih Tzu Not Trivia (South Main Brewing) 4/15 Magic The Gathering and Pokemon Meet-Up (Athentic Brewing Co.) 4/15 Classic City Trivia (The Local 706) 4/15 Bad Dog Trivia (Cafe Racer (Oak St.)) 4/15 Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Normal Bar) f

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.

TAYLOR-GRADY HOUSE (634 Prince Ave.) “Sankofa: Tracing Lineage” features works by Nigerian artist Tunde Odunlade. VIP reception and fundraiser Apr. 24. Panel discussion and workshop Apr. 25. Through May 10.

TINY ATH GALLERY (174 Cleveland Ave.) Works by Tex Crawford and Peter Loose will be on display Apr. 16–30. Opening reception Apr. 16, 6–9 p.m.

Artist talk Apr. 19, 2–5 p.m.

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) In honor of the United States’ 250th anniversary, “Rebellious Art, Treasonous Artists” is on exhibit in Room 103 through December. • 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.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ • The Gallery Gals Pop-Up Exhibition is on view through May 13. • Spring exhibitions open Apr. 18 with a reception Apr. 24, 6–8 p.m. featuring the Third Annual Juried Show and solo projects by Leslie Moody, Yvonne Studevan, James Cook and Paula Reynaldi.

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music

feature

April Ghouls

HAUNTFEST RETURNS WITH MAGIC AND MACABRE

By Libba Beaucham arts@flagpole.com

T

he touring attraction HauntFest, started in Athens, is back for another “April Ghouls” celebration of the spooky and macabre on Apr. 11–12 at Terrapin Beer Co. with a full weekend of spine-tingling spectacle. As you wander the grounds, you’ll encounter magicians, fire breathers, live music, artist vendors, craft stations and more.

For Roseann Harpold, HauntFest’s founder, creating a thrilling and fun haunted experience is a family tradition. “My dad is my inspiration as far as loving Halloween and horror,” she said. “We had a haunted house in our home growing up for free for the neighborhood. I have been kind of raised on this and just fell in love with the art of it, and the makeup and the prop-making and everything like that.”

True to her own childhood, HauntFest welcomes the kiddos who are into the weird and creepy. From 2–6 p.m. the event is family friendly, but all are welcome to stay (if you dare) after the “Release of the Ghouls” at 6 p.m., when nightmarish characters set upon the crowd. “If you have really, really little kids that are not going to be OK even looking at them, that’s about the time that things pick up for you, but there’s no limit to age or anything after that point, if you wanted your kids to be there and if they were cool with it. Our actors are very cool with kids and friendly,” said Harpold. If you’d rather not be approached by one of the professional monsters, there are “ghoul gone glow necklaces” you can purchase for $2 that will ward them away.

The scare actors take their roles seriously, but it’s all about the fun. “Sometimes it’s a movie character, but the ones that are really into the costuming and stuff, they will make their own costumes, make up their whole character, make up their own voices and laughs, and it’s really incredible. There’s a magic to it that I don’t quite understand.

It’s beautiful. And there’s some of our actors that come back each event as a completely

new character. It’s very impressive what they can do,” said Harpold.

For those interested in leveling up their own haunted house, three prop-making workshops and two seminars will be held by professional “Hauntrepreneur” Leonard Pickel, who has been a pioneer in the haunted attraction world for decades. “On Saturday there are three make-and-take classes, which means you purchase the materials basically at cost, and then you can make a rusty cauldron, you can make a creature

hand, and then you can make fake glowing coals,” said Harpold. On Sunday, Pickel will hold two free seminars for beginners and creating haunted attractions on a budget.

“Whether you own a haunt or not, you can benefit from it. If you like decorating at Halloween, he’s got a lot of good advice there,” he said.

Other special guests include horror author Jack Townsend of the Tales from

the Gas Station series. Street magician The Joker from New Orleans will amaze audiences with his uncanny ability to read minds. Both local and regional bands from horror rock to funk and soul will energize the crowd throughout the entire weekend.

The vendor market features over 50 artists and activity stations. “There’s artists, but there’s also authors, the Georgia Reptile Society has their snakes, the Athens Cat Foster Program has kittens in Halloween costumes. We have tarot readers and psychic folks. We have live blacksmithing and an extreme weightlifting guy,” said Harpold. There’s even a haunted car showcase of hearses and a replica Ecto-1 from Ghostbusters. With such a large campus at Terrapin, guests of all ages can take a trackless train to tour the grounds or walk haunted trails.

Attendees are encouraged to arrive in costume to be part of the spectacle, but all are welcome to come as you are. “There are a lot of people who come dressed up, and we highly encourage it, because we do have costume contests where you can win prizes,” said Harpold.

A few practical tips for live and undead alike: Wear good shoes for the haunted trail, prepare to get a little messy if you’re taking the prop-making workshops, bring cash for tipping the bands, and purchase your tickets in advance to avoid the entrance line. The full schedule of events and details on all activities are available at hauntfest.net. f

WHAT: HauntFest April Ghouls WHEN: Apr. 11, 2–11 p.m.

Apr. 12, 2–8 p.m.

WHERE: Terrapin Brewing Co. HOW MUCH: $20–$100

Pushing Up Spring Flowers Spring is here, and it’s the perfect time to get outside, admire the flowers and take a stroll. There’s no more perfect place to do that than your local, old garden cemetery.

Athens has a number of beautifully blooming cemeteries that are open for you to visit and take a quiet break from everyday life.

No pun intended.

Burial sites and blooms have almost always gone hand-in-hand, but the early Victorian Era was peak floriography as

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · A P R IL 8, 2026

we now know it, although the movement has a history going back eons to Turkey and beyond. It seems a natural shift for the Victorian Era to move from the giving of real life flowers to carving them in stone for the dead, since they so heavily favored symbolism, as well as the idea of green spaces and gardens for expression. Many of the translations for the blooms cross over from bouquets,

and there’s the addition of plants and trees and of all their meanings, too. That makes for the ability to say quite a bit with a small amount of imagery.

If you walk through one of Athens’ many cemeteries, you’ll find a myriad of real flowers nestled near gravesites. Iris, symbolizing messages to heaven, is one example.

You’ll also find late-blooming daffodils.

[Jennifer Keene]

Donovan Catholic School 05.02.2026 3pm – 8pm proceeds benefit nuci’s space visit www.nuci.org/ to learn more

middle or high school bands Apply by April 12, 2026. Bands will be notified by April 18, 2026.

To enter

... just listen

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8TH

BEATS, RHYMES, AND LIFE OPEN MIC NIGHT: HOSTED BY MONTU THURSDAY, APRIL 9TH

SABACHA DANCE SOCIAL

SATURDAY, APRIL 11TH

ATHENS SHOWGIRL CABARET DRAG FOR ALL

HENDERSHOTSATHENS.COM ORDER UP SOME FRESHLY IN–HOUSE ROASTED COFFEE! ATHENS’ INTIMATE LIVE MUSIC VENUE

237 prince ave. • 706.353.3050

feature

music

Festival, the band has a few smaller tours planned so they can focus most of their energy on the new record.

“I think our last record was pretty much written in the last year-and-a-half, and it’s still pretty fresh. We recorded a year ago and put it out within like nine to 10 months of actually recording it, so there wasn’t much latency from writing it to it actually

touring to just making personal ends meet.

“If there’s a political conflict right now that has to do with gasoline or fuel prices, it’s going to affect every single mile of your tour that you’re on, whether you’re in the air, whether you’re on the ground, anything really. You don’t really get an adjustment for the world keeping on moving without you,” says Hoff.

Many music festivals in Athens double as fundraisers for local nonprofits, and Normaltown Music Festival was launched in 2023 as a spring anchor event to raise money for Nuçi’s Space and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Athens—this year adding Love.

Craft Athens to its beneficiaries. It’s a mission that the members of Upchuck support, and they share a common connection to being involved in creative and physical out-

being out. What we’re working on seems to be a continuation of what’s very much present music-wise in our lives,” says guitarist Michael “Mikey” Durham.

Hoff adds to that by saying they put out their very first record with no money, and now working with a label helps to make the music more accessible but it’s still an uphill battle of making everything else work, from

lets like music and skateboarding that had a profound impact in their youth.

“I think that having funding for programs like that, that are outside of general academics and sports, is very important because sometimes it’s hard to get funding for stuff like that because it’s maybe not recognized as legitimate or a good way to spend money, but I think it’s a way to keep

Upchuck

NORMALTOWN MUSIC FESTIVAL GETS HEAVY

By Sam Lipkin editorial@flagpole.com

A

SAM LIPKIN

tlanta punk band Upchuck has climbed the Athens music circuit the same way as many of its local peers, from its first Athens performance at Go Bar to considering the 40 Watt Club a second home and from performing on the main stage at last year’s AthFest to headlining this weekend’s Normaltown Music Festival.

Vocalist Kaila “KT” Thompson says the proximity to Atlanta made Athens one of the first places Upchuck played an out-oftown show. Guitarist Alex “Hoff” Hoffman explains that he and KT went to school with the daughter of John Fernandes, and she mentioned that her dad was a big fan of the band so they should come out to Athens.

Fernandes had a residency at Go Bar and brought Upchuck out to one of his shows.

“That’s a cool Athens connection, for sure, being that Elephant 6 is so legendary and historical out there as part of the Athens story,” says Hoff. Since then, the band has made other connections to the Athens scene. “We’ve also had a little back and forth between all the different H.A.R.D.T.A.C.K. affiliated bands in Athens, doing shows whether it be in Atlanta or Athens. And also, I think we played some house show there that one of them threw where one of Clarke County’s finest came and pulled the microphone straight out of KT’s hand, and they cut the power on us.”

Last year Upchuck released its third studio album, I’m Nice Now, via Domino Recording Company, but has gone right back to writing. After Normaltown Music

flagpole

CELEBRATES THE CLASS OF 2026!

THE MAY 13TH ISSUE OF FLAGPOLE WILL BE DEDICATED TO THIS YEAR’S GRADUATES.

people motivated,” says Hoff.

At the festival attendees can witness first-hand the impact that these Athens-area nonprofits make. The kick-off party on Friday, Apr. 10 will feature a set by the Love.Craft Band, and the main event on Saturday, Apr. 11 will start with two of Nuçi’s Space’s Camp Amped bands performing. Now in its fourth year, the full lineup for Normaltown Music Festival strikes a big contrast from previous years.

“In year one we essentially curated the festival to include mostly acts/musicians from the Normaltown area. That was a great idea but limited the musician pool to some degree, so we have since opened it up to a wider/diverse range of acts that represented more of the Athens/Atlanta music scenes,” says Troy Aubrey of Aubrey Entertainment.

Doors on Friday will open at 5 p.m. with performances by DJ CharlieFlower, Love.Craft Band, Strange Luck and karaoke with Atticus Roness and his Rock N’ Roll Band. Doors on Saturday will open at noon with a full day of performances by Circa 78, Cloud Nine, Julia Barfield, Rick Fowler Band, Ben Hackett, Normaltown Sound Machine, Reverend Conner Tribble, Victor Charlie, Johann Greco, A Stitch in Time, Joythief, Schmooze, Greywater, Johnny Falloon, Violent Violet, Shehehe, Frigga Five, Upchuck and Intension.

See the Live Music Calendar on p. 14 for the full schedule including times, and find all other info at athenticbrewing.com. f

WHAT: Normaltown Music Festival WHEN: Apr. 10, 5–11 p.m. & Apr. 11, 12–11 p.m.

WHERE: Athentic Brewing Co. HOW MUCH: $25 (adv.), $35

FL AGPOLE.COM

Show your grad how proud you are by featuring them in our Congrats to Grads section.

All graduating High School or College students are welcome!

We are offering 2 sizes of ads that include student’s name, school, photos and your message.

Option 1 $75: features up to 3 photos and 30 words (see examples) GO TO WWW.GRADS.FLAGPOLE.COM TO SET UP YOUR AD! DEADLINE TO SUBMIT ADS IS TUESDAY, MAY 5TH.

Let’s show our 2026 grads that they matter!

OPTION 1

OPTION 2

Peyton Aubrey Clarke Central

Congrats PeyPey! We are so proud of you and thrilled to have another Bulldawg in the family! Go out there and crush it! We love you!

— Mama, Dad, and Kiernan

Cameron Brown

CEDAR SHOALS HIGH SCHOOL

I am beyond proud of you.

Nothing is impossible, keep God first and follow your dreams!

I love you!

Love, Mom

A P R IL 8, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

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bulletin board & classifieds BULLETIN BOARD: Listings from nonprofits, community resources and free opportunities. Print deadline is THURSDAY at 5 p.m. for the following Wednesday issue. Email calendar@flagpole.com.

CLASSIFIEDS: Rates are $10/individual * $14/real estate * $16/business. Deadline to place ads is FRIDAY at 10 a.m. for the following Wednesday issue. Email class@flagpole.com or call 706-549-0301.

Classifieds HELP WANTED (Part-Time) Join our growing team of well-paid, motivated, hardworking individuals.

Junk South offers starting pay of $15/hr–$20/hr + Tips. Learn more about Junk South at www.junksouth. com and text us at 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: @microsoun dathens 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 REAL ESTATE (Wanting to Rent) Retired single professional seeking long-term one BR guest house / ADU rental. Athens or adjacent cities. Non-smoker, no pets. Please call cell at 678-677-3144.

SERVICES (Home & Garden) 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! 706-395-5321 SERVICES (Home & Garden) Hi! I’m Pablo, an expert gardener offering personalized care for your landscape. I specialize in low-maintenance, native gardens that support pollinators and biodiversity. Find me @pablofromseed, email pkozatch@ gmail.com or call 631-903-4365.

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 ART ILLUSTRATION WORKSHOP (Winterville Cultural Center) A 6-week workshop designed for

beginners and creatives who want to explore digital illustration using Procreate. Tuesdays, May 5–June 16.

6 p.m. $120. Registration required. www.wintervillecenter.com ATHENS CREATIVE DIRECTORY (Athens, GA) The ACD is a free platform to connect creatives with patrons. www.athenscreatives. directory 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/11761/ Pet-Portraits CALL FOR ARTISTS (Athica Studiofest 2026) Seeking artisans, crafters, galleries, markets, pop-ups, makers spaces and creatives for day-long art and craft crawl. Submission deadline Apr. 20. Event May 2. www.athica.org/studiofest-2026 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.

ADOPT ME!

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

Cujo (60587247)

This Cujo is a whole lot sweeter than his namesake! His former owner says he loves people and attention and gets along great with everyone. He’s a cutie who’s never caught without a smile.

Captain (59922984)

O Captain! My Captain! Take a look at this adorable boy who currently lives at Entangled Cat Cafe. He could use a friend, so consider adopting or fostering him or another lucky cat today.

Sparky (59881212)

Meet Sparky! His human friends at the shelter say he’s a sweet, smart, easy-going and affectionate pup.

He’s not too crazy about treats, but he’ll go for pets and kisses any day.

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

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

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · A P R IL 8, 2026

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/marigold fiberfest CALL FOR MURAL LOCATION (Double Helix) Students from the Double Helix Steam School are offering to paint a free mural for a local business/organization. kquinn@ doublehelixschool.com CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS (Athens Homeless Coalition) Seeking submissions for street newspaper.

Poetry, short stories, visual art, song lyrics. enagementcoordinator@ athenshc.org 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.georgiamuseum.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 SHE LOVES ME (Town & Gown) Holding auditions for a fast-paced musical comedy. Apr. 13–14.

Performances June 5–14. www. townandgownplayers.org/sheloves-me/

Classes ACCENT REDUCTION CLASS (Covenant Presbyterian Church) Improve your American English pronunciation skills. For ages 18 & up.

Tuesdays, 12 p.m. marjoriemiller@ gmail.com CLASSES, HIKES & PADDLES (Watson Mill State Park, Comer) The park offers a variety of events including 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/out

reach/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.ath enslandtrust.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.SAL SAthensDancing@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.athensskateparkproject.org BRAS FOR A CAUSE (Grail Bra Specialists) Seeking donations of gently-used bras for distribution to local shelters, recovery centers and communities in need. 706-8500387 or support@grailbras.com DIAPER DONATIONS (Athens Area Diaper Bank) Diaper donations needed for local infants. All sizes and open packs/boxes are accepted. www.athensareadiaperbank.com MEDICAL EQUIPMENT (Friends of Disabled Adults and Children) Free home medical equipment provided to those in need. Athens locations for pickup at Northeast Georgia Area Agency on Aging and Multiple Choices. Donations also accepted. www.fodac.org MEDICAL EQUIPMENT EXCHANGE (Silver Lace) Open registration for consideration for free mobility and daily living medical items. Dona tions also accepted. www.silverla ceinc.org, info@silverlace.org MICROCHIP SCANNING STATIONS (Multiple Locations) Connect lost pets with their owners. Available 24 hours. Located at ACC Animals Services, Memorial Park Dog Park and Southeast Clarke Park. Instructions provided at each location.

MULTIPLE CHOICES VOLUNTEERS (Multiple Choices Center for Independent Living) Seeking volunteers to assist a nonprofit agency that serves individuals living with disabilities throughout a 10-country area of Northeastern Georgia. 706-850-4025, dmyers@ multiplechoices.us SEEKING BOARD MEMBERS (Bigger Vision of Athens) The nonprofit homeless shelter Bigger Vision of Athens, Inc. is seeking new members for its board of directors. the biggervisionshelter@gmail.com, www.bvoa.org/boardmember SEEKING BOARD MEMBERS (Moms Adopting Moms) Local nonprofit seeks board members, including a chair and treasurer, to support foster children and families through mentorship and reunification. momsadoptingmoms@ gmail.com SEEKING DONATIONS (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. wwwmarigoldcollectivewinterville.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, 1–11 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.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.shoalcreeksanc tuary.org/volunteer SEEKING VOLUNTEERS (St. Mary’s Home Health & Hospice) Seeking volunteers to provide companionship or to help with simple tasks for those in hospice care. Training provided. 706-389-2273 SEEKING VOLUNTEERS (Winterville Marigold Festival) Seeking volunteers for a variety of shifts and opportunities. Parking, parade, stage help and more. Volunteers receive free t-shirt. Deadline May 8.

Event May 9. www.marigoldfestival. com/volunteers 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 (ACC Leisure Services Department) Various ongoing weekly and monthly events including Jumping Gym, 123 Toddler & Me!, Fantastic Friday, Storytime and more. www.accgov. com/myrec CLASSES & PROGRAMS (Bogart Library) Various ongoing weekly events including LEGO Mania (Wednesdays), Storytime with Miss Harli (Mondays), Sensory Open Play (Tuesdays) 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.athenslibrary.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 LEARN TO SWIM (ACC Leisure Services Department) Registration open for variety of lessons for ages over 3 years old including Swim School, Parent/Tot Swim School and Adult Swim Lessons. $33 per session. Additionally, a free Kinderswim program is offered for 5-yearold children. Registration required for all events. www.accgov.com/ aquatics SPRING & SUMMER CAMP (Canopy Studios) Registration for a variety of day camp dates for grades K-12 is now available. www. canopystudio.org/class-schedule/ camps SUMMER CAMP (Nuçi’s Space) A

production, engineering, mixing and live sound curriculum added to the two week summer Camp Amped sessions. Registration now open.

Financial aid available. www.nuci.org/camp SUMMER CAMP (Athens Area Humane Society) Registration is now open for “Humane Heroes” and “Junior Vet” summer camps in June & July. Ages 6–14. www. athenshumanesociety.org/sum mer-camp SUMMER PROGRAMS (ACC Leisure Services Department) Registration open for diverse selection of activities highlighting the arts, environmental science, recreation, sports and special events. 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

UGA Opera Theatre ENCORE PRESENTATION

Mansfield Park

Music by Jonathan Dove • Libretto by Alasdair Middleton • Based on the novel by Jane Austen

Word on the Street CITY TOURS (Historic Athens Welcome Center) A variety of guided tours available including a daily shuttle tour, walking tour of the downtown area and local music tour. Schedule in advance. www.athenswelcomecenter.com COMMUNITY RUNNING GROUPS (Athens Road Runners) Weekly community runs for all skill levels including “Speed Workout” (Wednesdays, 5:30 a.m.) and “Fun Runs” (Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. & Saturdays, 7:15 a.m.). www.athensroadrunners.org FRIDAY EVENTS (Multiplechoices Center for Independent Living) The organization hosts ongoing Friday gatherings. Tech discussions, support groups, movies and games. www.multiplechoices.us/ youre-invited 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.mindful breathsangha.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

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

VACCINES:

SAFE. EFFECTIVE. PROTECTIVE.

ATHENS AREA HEALTH DEPARTMENTS NortheastHealthDistrict.org

A P R IL 8, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

21

Trauma Conscious 200 Hr Yoga Teacher Training, Athens, GA. Lead trainer: Kelsey Wishik. Feel Free Yoga and Wellness. May 23-September 2026.

Visit www.feelfreeyogawellness.com or reach out to @kelsey.wishik to apply!

Limited scholarships available.

Apr

17

The Grammy winner and MacArthur fellow's eclectic repertoire includes jazz standards and rarities.

FRI 7:30 pm Hodgson Concert Hall

233 E CLAYTON ST CATERING.BOJANGLES.COM If you are in crisis due to domestic violence, Alpha Chi Omega wants you to find help.

Cécile McLorin Salvant

If your partner objects when you use the phone, limits your everyday contact with family and friends, and you restrict yourself to avoid angry, aggressive Ifconfrontations, your partner objects you you need to when step back anduse takethe phone, limits your everyday contact with family and friends, another look. How can you cope once you are involved SAVE $10 NOW Use promo code UGA10 to save $10 per ticket!* with you a controlling Callto Project Safe for help. * aggressive Use code “UGA10” online at pac.uga.edu, by phone, or at the Performing Arts Center Box Office. Valid and restrictpartner? yourself avoid angry, new orders only, based on availability. Offer may be modified or revoked at any time. Discount has no Our hotline is confidential, and counseling is free. for cash value. All sales final—no refunds. Additional ticket service and/or delivery fees may apply. confrontations, you need to step back and take Get your life back. Get help.

Tickets startinvolved at $30 with promo code PAC30/$30. UGA students $15. another look. How can you cope once you are Buy tickets now: pac.uga.edu or (706) 542-4400 Scan for info and tickets with a controlling partner? Call Project Safe for help.

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · A P R IL 8, 2026

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SUDOKU

Edited by Margie E. Burke

Difficulty: Easy

9 7 8 4 1

5

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VOTED ATHENS FAVORITE REALTOR 2015-2026

6 9 7

2 3

6 2

3 9

3 5

FIVE STARS ON ZILLOW

8

WITH OVER 900 HOMES SOLD

7 8 1 4

7

O:706-510-5189

Copyright 2026 by The Puzzle Syndicate

HOW TO SOLVE:

Each row must contain the numbers 1 to 9; each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9; Week of34/6/26 - 4/12/26 and each set of by 3 boxes must contain the numbers 1 to 9.

The Weekly Crossword 1

2

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53

54

21

26

27

24

28

1 6 9 7 8 5 3 2 4 32 3 7 4 1 2 339 8 6 5 35 8 5 2 6 364 3 7 1 9 39 4 1 5 408 3 417 6 9 2 437 8 6 2 44 9 4 5 3 1 47 2 9 3 465 1 6 4 8 7 496 503 511 4 7 2 9 5 52 8 1 572 7 6 559 4 8 3 5 56 8 1 4 3 595 2 7 9 6 60

34 37

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C:706-363-0803

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CSG-GAP.COM

Feeling kinky?

Trust your senses.

38 42

45 48

63

ACROSS 1 Pendulum paths 5 Gulf War missile 9 Chipping choice 13 European auto 14 Scorn, with "at" 15 Junction point 16 Top spot 17 Projectile points of old 19 Stepped in for 21 German surrealist Max 22 How great minds think?

23 Bull's-eye hitter 25 Aquatic nymph 27 Really close game, say 32 Combative 34 Mythical ship 35 Word on a door 36 Generous ones 38 Altar constellation 39 Chemical endings 41 Reversed on appeal 43 Colander cousins 45 Takes a breather 46 Salacious look 47 ''Love ___ you need'' (Beatles lyric)

10

18

20

62

9 15

22 Solution to Sudoku: 23 25

by Margie E. Burke 8

CORD SIBILSKY

58 61 64

Copyright 2026 by The Puzzle Syndicate

49 Love, in Lyon 52 Colts and Cowboys 55 Revels in the moment 58 Resting on 59 Actor Morales 60 This puzzle has 72 61 Fountain fare 62 Tax form IDs 63 Sent back: Abbr.

64 Prefix with "while" DOWN 1 Not nigh 2 Chinese food staple 3 Office seeker 4 Out of this world 5 Flying Toasters, e.g.

6 Firewood quantity 7 Area 51 craft 8 Airport in TX 9 Lack of activity 10 Speckled steed 11 Racetrack ratio 12 Place to brood 14 Quarterback's woe 18 Rosemary, e.g.

20 Staffers

23 Like some portfolios 24 Red flag 25 April, May and June, e.g.

26 Insurance broker 28 ABC or NBC, e.g.

29 Certain worker at the UN 30 Everglades wader 31 Map lines 33 Excelled 37 Port city of India 40 Greyhound lookalikes 42 Press statement 44 Cloth and cash endings 48 Some cameras, for short 49 Amazes 50 Sunday service 51 "The Good Earth" wife 52 Marine: Abbr.

53 Online admins 54 Petty quarrel 56 Text-scanning tech 57 Phillies' div.

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