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APRIL 29, 2026 · VOL. 40 · NO. 17 · FREE

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · A P R IL 29, 2026

this week’s issue

contents

SAM LIPKIN

... just listen THURSDAY, APRIL 30TH

BIG BAND ATHENS FRIDAY, MAY 1ST

JULIA BARFIELD, JOHNNY FALLOON, T.U.D SATURDAY, MAY 2ND

ATHENS ART AND CRAFT CRAWL AND CLASSICAL REVOLUTION & ATHENS SHOWGIRL CABARET SUNDAY, MAY 3RD

AN AFTERNOON FOR HER,

HENDERSHOTS AT LAND FAMILY HOME President of the Linnentown Project and co-chair of the Justice and Memory Project Hattie Thomas Whitehead shared plans for the Center for Racial Justice and Black Futures on The Classic Center campus at a vision launch Thursday, Apr. 23. For more info, go to flagpole.com.

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

State of the City NEWS: Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

LaKeisha Gantt Mayoral Q&A MUSIC: Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Wuxtry Celebrates 50th Anniversary ARTS & CULTURE: Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Canopy Studio Plans Expansion PUBLISHER & ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Alicia Nickles PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Larry Tenner ADVERTISING SALES Jonathon Musser, 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 Dave Hall, Gordon Lamb, Ed Tant CARTOONISTS Missy Kulik, David Mack, Klon Waldrip, Joey Weiser CIRCULATION Jennifer Bray, Charles Greenleaf, Joe Rowe EDITORIAL & OFFICE ASSISTANT Mary Beth Bryan EDITORIAL INTERNS Jasmine Milbourne, Lily Thomas PHOTOGRAPHERS CJ Bartunek, Kat Wood, Jake Zerkel SPECIAL AGENT Pete McCommons

This Modern World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Street Scribe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 State Senate Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Athens Comedy Fest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Curb Your Appetite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Tikka Nation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Threats & Promises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Event Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Art Around Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Bulletin Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Adopt Me . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Local Comics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Calendar Picks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Live Music Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Crossword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Sudoku . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

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online exclusive Songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Cam Norton released a solo four-song EP last Saturday, Apr. 25. The moody, cinematic tracks capture a specific moment in the past for Norton that transports the listener to meet him at a lonesome campfire.

See “Flagpole Premieres: Cam Norton, Corduroy Cowboy” at flagpole.com.

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Thursday, April 30 • 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM (CCSD Employees Only) Friday, May 1 • 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM (CCSD Employees Only) Saturday, May 2 • 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM (Open to Public) 280 Gaines School Road, Athens, GA 30605 DO NOT USE THE MAIN ENTRANCE TO THE SCHOOL. Please use the side entrance and proceed to the rear of the building near the gym.

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · A P R IL 29, 2026

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The Last Waltz

MAYOR KELLY GIRTZ GIVES HIS FINAL STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS

By Blake Aued and Lily Thomas news@flagpole.com Mayor Kelly Girtz, who is leaving office at the end of the year, touted progress on affordable housing, economic development, crime and other issues during his final State of the City address.

Reflecting on Athens’ growth, Girtz said that the city has grown from 95,000 when he moved here 30 years ago to 135,000 today. “One thing that is certain, is that today’s children will come into a growing version of Athens,” he said. “This has always been true, and will continue to be.”

Some of the growth is a result of the University of Georgia adding about 600 students each year. Others were drawn by Athens’ two thriving hospitals or the burgeoning biotech industry, Girtz said.

As in many other cities where housing supply has not kept up with demand, that has led to much higher rents and home prices in recent years. This has caused “a wave of instability,” Girtz said, with over 2,000 Clarke County School District students changing schools during this current academic year. At the same time, though, graduation rates have risen to 80%, thanks to partnerships with ACC and others for job training and after-­school programs, such as reopening Athens Housing Authority rec centers.

On housing, Girtz pointed to several major single-­family developments in the pipeline off Newton Bridge Road, Kathwood Drive, Atlanta Highway and Lexington Road at Whit Davis Road. The recently passed future land use map allows for more residential density along older commercial corridors where infrastructure already exists and is often underutilized.

“In addition to the need for housing supply, we continue to need focused affordability, and there is an array of local work underway to pursue that,” Girtz said. “Over the next two years, Athens will see more than 600 new affordable units.”

That includes the second phase of the North Downtown neighborhood (formerly Bethel Midtown Village) and three other partnerships with the AHA—one on Highway 29, another on Lexington Road and a third specifically for seniors on Atlanta Highway—as well as the Micah’s Creek neighborhood and other single-­family homes built by government-­funded nonprofits Habitat for Humanity, the East Athens Development Corp. and the Athens Land Trust.

The Athens-­Clarke County Commission has established a housing trust fund to support similar projects in the future, and Girtz said he will ask the planning commission to update and expand the inclusionary zoning ordinance that offers developers incentives to build affordable housing or contribute to the fund.

“We need leaders to continue to support options like this, given the very real challenges that many residents face,” he said.

“With the rising cost of housing, families are making hard choices.”

Other initiatives Girtz mentioned included:

• a 60-­bed inpatient Advantage Behavioral Health Services mental health facility and a new intake portal created by the Athens Homeless Coalition.

• a decline in crime—including 25% fewer aggravated assaults, a 40% reduction in entering vehicles, 46% fewer burglaries, 58% fewer car thefts and 73% fewer robberies—between 2021 and 2025. Both of last year’s murders and the first of 2026, a downtown shooting involving residents of Jackson County, were quickly solved by a fully staffed police department with help from the new real-­time crime center, according to Girtz. “I’ll put it bluntly: Do not bring violence to Athens. You will be in handcuffs in no time, and wishing you had made very different decisions,” he said.

• a new Eastside fire station and training for all firefighters on first aid.

• record ridership on Athens Transit, the upcoming construction of a roundabout at West Broad Street and West Hancock Avenue to improve safety, the imminent completion of the Firefly Trail, and plans for future trails along Atlanta Highway and the Middle Oconee River.

• the College Square beautification project, a new downtown park near the Hot Corner mural and private development coming to the area around Akins Ford Arena.

Girtz is limited to two terms. His successor will be elected May 19, or June 16 if a runoff is necessary. [Blake Aued]

Forum Tackles Immigration The Athens Immigrant Rights Coalition (AIRC) hosted a forum for Athens-­Clarke County mayoral candidates at the library on Apr. 21. Tim Denson, LaKeisha Gantt, Sharon Miller and Mara Zuniga were present, with Dexter Fisher invited but unable to attend because the event conflicted with the ACC Commission’s agenda-­setting meeting. He was invited to submit written answers to questions but did not respond, according to moderators.

All questions and answers were delivered in English and translated into Spanish.

When questioned about their commitment to understanding and educating others about the experiences of immigrants and situations they face, all candidates emphasized outreach within the community. Denson referenced his past work with AIRC and commitment to being knowledgeable and engaged while reaching out to immigrant and undocumented communities. Gantt emphasized serving as a liaison for the immigrant community, while bridging gaps and using the mayoral platform to share information. Miller said she would work with professionals and community members to inform elected officials about immigrant experiences. Zuniga stressed that immigrants are not a monolith, and as a Nicaraguan immigrant, she would utilize her fluency in Spanish to connect with the community and restore trust in law enforcement. She translated all her responses herself.

Moderators asked about the contribution of tax revenue and economic profits from undocumented immigrants in ACC. Denson emphasized increasing labor protections for undocumented people, and referenced an ACC resolution on immigration he contributed to that affirmed support for the “immigrant, undocumented and Latinx community.” Gantt countered that what we do is more important than what we say, and that mobilizing coalitions is important.

Miller said that despite the federal government restricting the ability of municipalities to aid the undocumented community, she would find external resources and look at the budget to provide support. Zuniga honed in on immigrant contributions through sales and property taxes, mentioning making services available to all people regardless of immigration background.

When questioned about how they would bring city water to the largely Hispanic Pinewoods neighborhood, candidates shared varied responses. While Denson suggested subsidizing water and sewer in a way that benefits residents and not landlords in Pinewoods, Gantt and Miller both expressed interest in utilizing SPLOST and the budget to improve the situation while incorporating more perspectives into solutions. Zuniga said that everyone deserves clean water, but some have been waiting for sewer lines since ACC unification in 1991.

“Some people in the Black community have been waiting for this a lot longer than Pinewoods,” she said. She suggested fulfilling promises to that community first.

Moderators asked about specific actions candidates will take to protect immigrants from unlawful immigration enforcement.

Denson reaffirmed his commitment to doing everything in his power to stop ICE from entering Athens, while Gantt emphasized humanizing and validating the community, leading by example, and sharing rights and resources. Miller said all residents deserve decency and respect, and that communication is key for law enforcement to protect the community.

Zuniga emphasized accountability, legal frameworks and compassion to support immigrants.

When asked about their stance on Flock

cameras and their potential to support ICE activities, candidates clashed. Zuniga shared that the Athens Real Time Crime Center told her that they do not share data with ICE, but Denson read on the Flock website that their information is kept on the cloud and could potentially be accessed

by ICE. Miller emphasized stopping false information and safeguarding the immigrant community, while Gantt said Flock cameras contribute to a mass surveillance system that targets people of color.

In closing, all candidates were asked what they would like the immigrant community to know about themselves and their campaigns. Denson referenced his legacy of advocacy, advocating for Freedom University and access to college for undocumented students in 2013, to stop arrests of undocumented drivers in 2019, and bringing trash service back to Rosemary Place in 2022. He quoted a March 2024 statement by Dexter Fisher, who allegedly said, “This immigrant thing. I truly believe it’s gonna be a problem for us.” Denson said he stands in opposition to that, and he believes “Athens is big enough for all of us,” and he will be “a mayor for all.”

Gantt said Athens needs a mayor who is there when the cameras are gone, saying she has worked with immigrant families and students as a therapist. She emphasized understanding their experiences as a person of color. Miller recounted stories about her experience with immigrants as a pastor and her commitment to listen, understand and serve as a liaison. She closed by sharing a George W. Bush quote: “Immigration is not just a link to America’s past; it’s also a bridge to America’s future.”

Lastly, Zuniga referenced growing up as a child of immigrants and serving as a translator for her parents, stating she would continue this legacy as mayor. She said she has taught English as a Second Language (ESL) and civic classes in Athens, helping residents by providing translations on housing and legal issues, saying, “When no one is watching, I go to families and I help them translate.” She reaffirmed her commitment to the immigrant community, saying, “I know the hurdles. I can speak the language.” [Lily Thomas] f

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news

street scribe

flagpole Vance in Athens LOW TURNOUT WAS VP’S LATEST HUMILIATION CELEBRATES THE CLASS OF 2026!

By Ed Tant news@flagpole.com

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

How do you handle a Hungary man?

Vice President JD Vance flew to Budapest early in April to campaign for Hungary’s authoritarian leader, Viktor Orban, a Trump administration ally whose 16-­year repressive reign was ended by voters on Apr. 13. The day after Orban was defeated despite Vance’s fawning endorsement, the vice president received an underwhelming public response here in Athens. Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the downtown arena where Vance spoke, while inside the cavernous venue most seats were embarrassingly empty because of a low turnout of Trump and Vance supporters.

supports a nuclear-­armed Iran, and Vance provided fodder for pundits and comedians during his Athens appearance when he huffed, “It’s important for the vice president of the United States to be careful when I talk about matters of public policy. I think it’s very, very important for the pope to be careful when he talks about matters of theology.”

Vance’s arrogant attempt to school the pope on matters of theology was both laughable and cringe-­worthy. Vance may not know it, but Pope Leo knows that the Catholic Church’s doctrine of “just war” means that a war should be fought only as a

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Peyton Aubrey

Protesters gathered outside Akins Ford Arena while inside JD Vance spoke to a mostly empty venue.

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

I love you!

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Congratulations-you did it!

We are so proud of you and all you have accomplished. May your future be bright and blessed.

Love, Mom, Dad, Calvin Jr., Clinton, and Carly

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From Chase Street Elementary to UGA Graduate! Congratulations, Eloise! We’re so proud of you and excited for your future!

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DEADLINE TO SUBMIT ADS IS TUESDAY, MAY 5TH. Let’s show our 2026 grads that they matter! Send questions to ads@flagpole.com

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BLAKE AUED

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All graduating High School or College students are welcome!

F L A GP OL E .C OM · A P R IL 29, 2026

In Hungary, Vance lionized the country’s strongman, Orban, as “one of the only true statesmen in Europe.” Mentioning his boss, Donald Trump, Vance couched his commentary with more flattery, telling Orban, “The president loves you, and so do I, because you’re such an important part of what has made Europe strong and prosperous.” Voters in Hungary disagreed, giving a resounding victory to opposition leader Peter Magyar. Vice President Vance’s endorsement of Orban fizzled. Hungarians celebrated across their country when Orban’s long rule ended. Political observers wondered if Orban’s defeat could be a bad omen for U.S. Republicans, just as the 2016 “Brexit” vote in England was seen as a foreshadowing of America’s election of Trump that same year.

It was another bad day for JD Vance when he came to Athens in the wake of Orban’s devastating defeat. While a large and spirited crowd rallied outside the arena, inside the venue Vance was heckled by voices shouting, “Jesus Christ does not support genocide” and, “You’re killing children.

You’re bombing children” in protest of the American and Israeli war against Iran.

The situation inside the sparsely attended Vance rally became almost comical when the vice president tried to take on the pope. In his Easter homily and in other papal messages, Pope Leo XIV—the first American pope—angered the Trump/ Vance team by speaking about Catholic doctrines against war, poverty and other worldly problems. Trump countered the papal messages with the lie that Pope Leo

last resort and for valid reasons that do not make a bad situation even worse. The pope is bound by doctrine and faith to oppose unjust wars wherever they are waged.

While Trump and Vance try to play rope-­a-­dope with the pope, the president seems madder and more manic by the day. Fancying himself some sort of Mar-­a-­ Lago messiah, Trump has recently posted memes of himself as a Christ-­like healer or as a business-­suited leader posing with a friendly Jesus. In his desire to remake the nation’s capital in his own gaudy, gilded image, Trump is showing a grandiose “edifice complex” by pushing for an ornate ballroom that would dwarf the White House, calling for the dignified grey Executive Office Building to be painted white and campaigning for the construction of an ostentatious “Arc de Trump” that would spoil majestic Washington views of the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery.

Such tinkering by the current occupant of the White House is exactly what caustic columnist H.L. Mencken warned his readers against a century ago when he wrote, “On some great and glorious day, the plain folks of this land will reach their heart’s desire at last, and the White House will be adorned by a downright moron.”

Donald Trump craves a longtime grip on power like his authoritarian ally Viktor Orban had in Hungary. JD Vance lusts for his turn in the Oval Office after the 2028 election. They both show what historian Henry Adams meant when he said, “The effect of unlimited power on limited minds is worth noting in presidents.” f

news

feature

Primary Colors

BOTH RED AND BLUE VOTERS HAVE OPTIONS FOR GEORGIA SENATE

By Blake Aued news@flagpole.com

A

former Athens state representative is seeking an open state Senate seat, alongside the son of a congressman and the law partner of the current officeholder.

With Sen. Bill Cowsert (R-​Athens) running for attorney general, former state Rep. Doug McKillip and Cowsert’s law partner, Michael Broun, are among those seeking the District 46 seat. Broun—grandson of the late state Sen. Paul Broun Sr. and nephew of former congressman Paul Broun Jr.—said at a forum in Oconee County last week that Cowsert encouraged him to run.

McKillip was first elected as a Democrat in 2006. He switched parties after the Republican landslide in 2010, then lost in the GOP primary two years later. He attributed the loss to sponsoring a bill limiting what he termed “barbaric late-​term abortions,” a precursor to Georgia’s even stricter six-​week abortion ban.

“Not only did I have to fight Stacey Abrams and her woke left agenda, but RINOs in my own party,” he said during the Apr. 21 forum at Oconee Veterans Park, organized by local journalist Lee Becker. “I knew it wouldn’t be popular in the district. I knew it might cost me my seat.”

Broun described himself as a Christian and said he is also “unapologetically pro-​life,” but focused more on pocketbook issues and integrity. “I believe in small government,” he said. “Less bureaucracy, less red tape, less taxes means we all have a better chance to succeed.”

Broun’s platform includes eliminating income and property taxes while also fully funding law enforcement. One audience member asked about the discrepancy, questioning how the state would fund public safety or schools when income taxes make up half the state budget, and local school districts rely on property taxes for revenue.

Broun pointed to eliminating corporate tax breaks. “Our tax code has been described as Swiss cheese,” he said. He also targeted House Districts wasteful spending. “Schools are invaluable, and I’m a big proponent of public schools… But again, how many counties around the state are building mansions for their school boards? We’ve got a really nice one in downtown Watkinsville right now, don’t we?” Broun said. “Not saying they don’t deserve a nice building, but it’s about spending wisely, and not spending your money for their purposes.”

McKillip also said he supports closing tax loopholes and incrementally eliminating the income tax. He said the state could fund tax cuts and education with its $10 billion surplus.

McKillip, who owns a number of rental properties, said that cutting property taxes and fees charged by local governments would bring down rents. “It can’t always be the piggy bank local governments go to to fund whatever their next pet project is, like bathrooms for homeless people for half a million dollars that I’m funding, that I don’t want to be funding,” he said, referring to a $300,000 public restroom in downtown Athens that was actually funded with sales tax revenue as part of a SPLOST project.

During his time in the General Assembly, McKillip said lawmakers responded to the Great Recession by cutting $3 billion from the state budget. “Nobody was happy about it, but the point was, we were able to do it, and the state kept running,” he said.

Both candidates support deporting undocumented immigrants, although Broun emphasized the need for due process, while McKillip said, “If you’re illegal, you need to go, period.”

He blamed the murder of Laken Riley on “some kind of backdoor sweetheart deal between the government and Athens to take people who are here illegally, illegal immigrants, from New York and house them in Athens, and we lost a co-​ed because of it.”

Riley’s killer, Venezuelan Jose Ibarra, went to New York City after crossing the border and seeking asylum in Texas before moving to Senate Districts Athens, where his brother was already living.

McKillip also took credit for the idea of turning off the water to a Social Circle warehouse so that the reason,” he said. Instead, Smith said he would modernize Department of Homeland Security could not turn it into a the funding formula for education and bolster trade schools detention center. to attract businesses. Gaulden’s strategy, on the other hand, McKillip said he would not be influenced by lobbyists would be to nurture homegrown businesses rather than because “I’m not taking any cash from anybody. I’m not recruit them from out of state. asking for contributions from anyone. My wife and I are Smith spoke in favor of legalizing marijuana at the self-​funding this entire campaign,” prompting Broun to federal level. “I think it’s absurd we’re criminalizing and quip, “Wish I could pay for it myself.” vilifying something we know is safe [and] can help people,” Broun pointed to his own personal integrity. “Nothing he said. But Gaulden responded that he needs to look into about this job is going to change me,” he said. the issue.

Campaign finance records show that he has raised The northern half of Athens is in Senate District 47, $64,000, all but $1,500 from individuals rather than which also includes parts of Barrow and Jackson counties businesses or political action and Madison County. Republican Jason Black is challengcommittees. McKillip reported ing incumbent Sen. Frank Ginn (R-​Danielsville). Black is raising no money, other than a a former law enforcement officer who’s received endorse$100,000 personal loan to his ments from numerous officials in Jackson County. “Our own campaign. district is being overlooked by a senator who has become A third candidate—Marc disconnected from the needs in our community,” he said in McMain, a Monroe real estate his campaign announcement. agent and chair of the Walton Ginn’s highest-​profile recent legislation was cosponsorCounty GOP—did not attend ing a Senate bill that wound up being incorporated into the forum. About $24,000 of the House Bill 268, filed in response to the Apalachee High $118,000 he’s raised came from School shooting. The law strengthens penalties for threatbusinesses, corporations and ening a school, mandates emergency alert systems, speeds PACs, according to State Ethics up the transfer of students’ records, requires sharing buildCommission records. ing layouts with law enforcement and creates a new posiMcMain’s website states that tion of “student advocacy specialist.”

McMain supports eliminating A Republican primary is also underway in House Disthe state income tax, school trict 120, stretching from Five Points west to Bogart and choice, cutting spending and Statham, and north to Nicholson. It’s currently represented cracking down on gangs, illegal

by Republican Houston Gaines, who is running for Conimmigrants and fentanyl; and gress. Ward Black and Chad Paton are seeking the seat. A that he is pro-​life and pro-​ third candidate, Kris “KJ Allen” Kendrick, has withdrawn.

Second Amendment. McMain has been endorsed by former Paton, a food science professor at the UGA on a leave congressman Jody Hice, as well as the sheriffs of Walton, of absence, attended the forum despite being called up for Barrow and Oconee counties. active service in the Army Reserves. Paton said he came The Democratic side of the Senate District 46 race feafrom a blue-​collar family in rural Michigan where “hard tures Watkinsville software engineer Ray Smith and Wilwork and integrity were something that was just expected.” liam Gaulden, who ran for Clarke County coroner in 2024.

He cited his leadership experience in the military and abil(“I’m a mortician, not a politician,” Gaulden quipped.) ity to work with diverse groups of people as a professor in Smith said he would support working families and small the political minority among faculty as reasons to vote for businesses, while Gaulden’s top priorities were universal him. health care, eliminating regulations to bring down housing Black, the son of former state agriculture commissioner costs, and school safety. On the same day as the forum, Gary Black, owns a farm and agribusiness in Jackson bomb threats were called in to four Oconee County schools. County. He lists his priorities as promoting childhood literGaulden said the state should be funding metal detectors. acy and not the “woke agenda” in schools; enhancing trade Smith disagreed. “I don’t think metal detectors in genschools and education for future K-​12 teachers; building eral make people feel safe,” he said. “I think they make more roads, and improving ports and airports; requiring people feel like they’re in an institution.” drivers to understand English; cracking down on opioid Instead, the state should be working to keep guns out trafficking, fully funding law enforcement and passing of the hands of those with histories of violence or mental legislation to protect girls and women in bathrooms; tax illness, and boosting funding for counseling, Smith said. incentives for businesses that hire local students, encouragGaulden agreed that more funding for school counselors is ing entrepreneurship, cutting taxes and promoting Georgia needed. projects in international markets. He counts among his Both candidates also agreed on accepting federal funding endorsements sheriffs Judd Smith, James Hale and Kevin to expand Medicaid, opposition to the ICE facility in Social McCook, as well as 9th District U.S. Rep. Andrew Clyde.

Circle and raising the state’s minimum wage. “Who can live No other Athens-​area General Assembly districts have a on $7.25 an hour?” Gaulden said, advocating for a $20 floor. primary contest.

Another issue the candidates agreed on was corporate Election Day is May 19, and early voting is underway. tax breaks. Smith said that 70% of data centers that took Because Georgia has no official party registration, all voters advantage of Georgia tax breaks would have come here are free to choose either a Republican or Democratic ballot, anyway. “We’ve given away a whole lot of money for no although they can’t vote in both. f

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news

feature

Q&A With LaKeisha Gantt

that. If a person decides not to vote for me because they said I talked about being a native Athenian too much, I’d argue that that’s a significant part of the issue that we’ve had.

Talking about people feeling like they’re MAYORAL CANDIDATE TALKS ABOUT WHY ATHENS NATIVES FEEL UNHEARD AND MORE beingFP:pushed out, we’re having this whole

By Blake Aued news@flagpole.com

L

aKeisha Gantt was born and raised in Athens—specifically the since-­ demolished Pauldoe public housing community—attended Mercer University as an undergraduate and earned a doctorate in psychology from the University of Georgia.

After working at the Clarke County School District as a behavioral specialist, she ran for school board in 2018, and served two two-­year terms as the board’s president.

She now has a private practice and teaches part-­time at Georgia Gwinnett College. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Read interviews with other candidates at flagpole.com/election2026.

Flagpole: A major theme of your campaign is being a native Athenian, and the idea that there’s a population of people who are born here, who are not necessarily engaged or heard when it comes to local politics. Can you expand on that? Who are we talking about, and why are they ignored or disengaged?

LaKeisha Gantt: I think when you’re born in a place and you’ve been there long enough—and this is not just when you’ve been born in a place, but when you’ve been in a place long enough, but especially when you’ve been born here, and if you had family here before you—you see the changes, and you see the growth, but you may not necessarily see the growth and the improvement in your own circles, like in your own neighborhoods, in your own family, in your quality of life. And I think that there are a lot of native Athenians that feel that way, that they’ve seen a good bit of progress with buildings and businesses and things of that nature, but you start to wonder, “Well, what about what we need?”

And on top of that, they may not see people in leadership that they feel can carry forth those concerns, because there’s not a connection, or there’s not a shared past that they have with leaders, and that matters. So part of it is being a native of Athens that I think allows people to feel a little bit freer in approaching you as a leader. But I also believe it builds trust, because you all have a shared past, be it with you, your families, your communities that other people may not. You have a historical context through your experience, your family’s experiences, your neighbor’s experiences that other candidates may not have. That matters when people want to share a concern, and that concern is related to something historical.

There’s a barrier there when they are feeling that either the person doesn’t know, the person doesn’t have the context, the person doesn’t understand, or the person doesn’t care to know. And so what I hear a lot of is that these politicians don’t really care about Athens.

Or you hear a lot of the concerns that people are being pushed out, not just native Athenians, but people who have been here for many years. They are feeling the squeeze. I just think that people need familiarity. They need comfort in their leaders. They need to have a level of trust, like they know them and for a long time, many of our community members have not felt like they’ve known our leaders, or that the leaders understand this historical context or their concerns.

FP: Do you worry that you might be pushing away people who might have lived here 20 or 30 years, and put down roots here, but they’re not from here? Maybe they came here for school or something like that. Does that concern you at all in terms of being able to win their vote?

LK: I hope that I’ve said it enough times that it is important for natives’ voices to be heard, but also people who have been here for an extended amount of time.

Those would be people who have been here for decades and who have chosen to raise their families here, because they’ve been impacted. I also want to note here, though: It’s very important for us as a community to understand the importance of elevating voices that have not been heard. So if a person tells me that, “I don’t think I can vote for you because you talked about native Athenians too much, and I feel left out,” I would strongly encourage them to evaluate that statement, because that is exactly where native Athenians, and not just native Athenians, but many other communities that are not native Athenians, that is where they live, they have an experience of being left out. We have people who are part of our disabled community left out, they don’t feel like we’re talking to them. We have people who are part of racial minority communities left out, they don’t feel like we’re talking to them. We have veterans left out, they don’t feel like leaders are representing them. So when a person has that issue, I would strongly encourage them to really reflect on what is driving

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · A P R IL 29, 2026

discussion about density, gentrification, about students and where they’re living. You’ve said on a number of occasions that Black neighborhoods are being targeted, that may be the wrong word, but unwelcome development is happening in Black neighborhoods. So where should that growth be funneled?

LK: They may seem like small steps, but I think there are some more practical and in-­reach solutions with the parameters that we place around zoning. So first, density.

It needs to be focused on land that people already own, in my opinion. For instance, I think my neighborhood may be RS-­25 [half-­acre lots]. There needs to be a cleaner pathway where, if I want to increase density in my neighborhood, on my land, that I can do that, and I can do that without violating an ordinance. I know that those protections are there for a reason, but it’s still a good bit of a hassle even trying to build, like, an ADU [accessory dwelling unit] on a property that you already own.

So if somebody already owns land, and they say, “Hey, I want to build a tiny home, or I want to have, whatever, a container home for extended family,” there are too many barriers.

I also think that we should look at some of these outer areas. I’ve read enough about density to know that ideally it should be in places where you don’t have to worry as much about utilities, you have transportation that’s already there and things of that nature. But the reality is, we are limited once you get outside of this mile or two radius of downtown unless we build up. I don’t think we need to prioritize building up for student housing. So to me, we need to be able to look at the outer areas of our county.

FP: When you say the outer areas, do you mean outside the Loop? Do you mean the Green Belt?

LK: I think outside the Loop would be a place to start, or within that area, using that as a marker. But I also think that that density should be targeted for affordable housing communities. Obviously, when parents send their children here, they want their children to have a safe place to live. So I don’t want to minimize the importance of that. I have a son and daughter who are in college. I want them to have a safe place to live, but I also want them to have a positive contribution to the city that they are part of, and sometimes that means that you may have to forego convenience. Athens is not

that huge that you’re talking about a 30-­ minute or 40-­minute commute.

FP: The argument that’s been made has been that putting students downtown means they don’t have to drive. They can walk to class.

It’s taking a lot of cars off the road. There are benefits to that. Then, you mentioned this yourself, there are other issues of infrastructure, traffic, possibly water and sewer. That does add a lot of cost.

KG: I think it adds costs, but it also meets the need. We’ve said for a long time we need to expand transportation, right?

There are areas that don’t see the bus, and the University of Georgia, I think, also has some flexibility to at least explore transportation options. And so yes, students do drive, but that is something that’s directly under the control of the University of Georgia, as far as how many cars there are, how many parking spaces they have on campus and things like that. That’s not a reason not to explore it.

FP: Another thing that gets brought up, as you referenced, people say freshmen shouldn’t have cars. UGA should be building more dorms.

Probably the top thing on your platform is the idea that UGA should be putting money into the affordable housing fund. Have you had any preliminary conversations with anyone in the administration or anyone in the legislature about the feasibility of these things?

KG: No, not to date, but I have done extensive research. The idea of a PILOT [payment in lieu of taxes] is not new, so I don’t think it’s a matter of feasibility. I think it’s a matter of determination and commitment to working together on a solution. We’ve had PILOTs with the federal government [the Athens Housing Authority]. We’ve had other colleges or universities engage in a partnership with PILOTs. What I’ve learned is that when people want to do something, they figure out the ways to do it.

We’re not asking the University of Georgia to solve the housing crisis. We’re saying, how do we work together with a shared goal? They have a need for students to be housed. And I don’t think there’s any parent or person anywhere that would tell you that they don’t want students to have a safe place to reside. We have a need for affordable housing. Maybe it’s aimed towards their employees that also reside in Athens.

They’re one of the largest employers. And so I’m saying, let’s start somewhere.

FP: That’s also going to take support from the commission. As somebody who has been president of the school board, been in a role of running meetings, what’s your strategy for herding the cats on the commission?

LK: First, it takes a leader to understand personalities. It takes a leader to understand the underlying needs that drive

behaviors. It takes a leader who has the skill set to build a relationship with that person, with that personality, with whatever those underlying needs are. I feel like I know, well enough, at least four or five of the commissioners, and even the ones that I don’t really know closely, I don’t think there is one commissioner that would not want to move forward with solutions to impact housing in that way.

FP: Having observed both, with the school board, it seems like the idea is to try to build consensus, and on the commission, it’s 10 people who have their own ideas and have very different groups of people that they represent.

So there’s a lot more, sometimes conflict, but definitely a lot more debate on the commission.

So how would you transition into dealing with that sort of environment?

LK: I think, yes, it’s different in the way you just described. But ultimately, to take action, you need a majority of the votes, right? That’s not gonna change. I would also have to expect that this commissioner who is representing their set of communities, that they may have some asks as well, right?

And so I think the mayor has to be skilled in compromise. It sounds very cliche, but people have to also understand you’re not ramming things down their throat.

FP: Relationships with staff are important too, obviously, in both bodies. During the early part of your term as school board president, obviously, it was a very tumultuous time. In terms of the school board, the superintendent [Demond Means], the public, not a lot of trust there. What did you learn from that time period, and how can you carry that forward to make sure that we don’t have to go through something like that again on an even bigger stage with the mayor and commission?

LK: I learned so much. In fact, I think it was that time that actually prepared me.

One thing I learned is the importance of knowing how to ethically use power. It does not matter what I think about something.

I’m allowed to think something, and I’m allowed to have a position, and on the school board allowed a vote, but it is very important that I don’t allow my likes, our disagreements, to then impact how I govern and how I lead. That was and that is critical, because what that means is that you work really hard to put your feelings aside.

I was also reminded of the importance of trust. I think that by and large, most board members, even when we’ve had disagreements on some pretty significant issues, I think that they would say that there was an element of trust in my leadership that I was not going to allow either the loudest voice on the right or the loudest voice on the left to impact how I govern in a way that would pull me too far right or left. That’s important, because people that you’re working with, they need to be able to trust you.

FP: We asked Dexter Fisher this, so we’ll ask you as well. We’ve never had a Black mayor in Athens before. What would it mean for you, personally, and for the city?

LK: I can’t speak for Dexter because we have very different platforms. OK, yeah, we share the same racial identity. If the city chose a Black mayor—and particularly a Black female mayor, a Black woman like myself, who has progressive values, who has led governance teams out of very difficult situations, and who has the skill set to work with people and solve systemic problems—honestly, I think it would be a signal to communities in Athens, not just native communities in Athens, but communities in Athens who have felt forgotten about, that Athens has, for once, gotten it right with their choice of selecting someone that will elevate the voices of unseen and unheard communities. f

A P R IL 29, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

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arts & culture

feature

Athens Comedy Fest KAREN MORGAN TO HEADLINE SECOND ANNUAL EVENT

By Libba Beaucham arts@flagpole.com

T

he Athens Comedy Fest returns for Farmer is an absoits second year on May 1–2 at the lute centerpiece of historic Morton Theatre, with a the Athens comedy kick-­off show on Apr. 30 at Live Wire. The scene, as well as festival will feature over 20 national touring Miles Bunch. They comedians plus local talent selected from a both work tirelessly competitive submission process.

The event is co-­produced by comedians Karen Morgan and Owen Hunt, who both have strong ties to Athens.

Morgan is an Athens native who attended UGA as an undergrad and had a career in law before pursuing standup comedy. “I’m born and raised there, went to school there, but I didn’t start doing comedy until I was 40, so I was not in Athens when I started. It’s been lovely to come back home and see what has been created and the scene that is built in Athens,” said Morgan.

Hunt is a longtime comedian in Athens and has been instrumental in connecting local comedians to the Athens Comedy Festival. “Athens has always been a very cultural, creative, artistic place, and it’s amazing to see so many different styles of comedy,” said Hunt. “I was amazed when we just got things started here, how many people came out of the woodwork and were just naturally good.” Morgan agrees calling Athens “a wonderful incubator of creativity, and also collaboration and support to each other as artists.”

Lanny Farmer Local comedians performing this year include Lanny Farmer, who is among Athens’ most well known comein order to create opportunities for other dians and has opened for Patton Oswalt comedians and people who want to just try and Sasheer Zamata; Miles Bunch, known comedy. And Allen [Teems] is just such a for their energetic and absurd style as well nice guy and so funny,” said Hunt. as hosting comedy showcases in town; Among this year’s national headliners is and Allen Teems, who hosts and produces Karen Mills, a veteran of standup with 30 several shows in Athens and is a regular years of experience known for her Southern on stages in Athens and Atlanta. “Lanny storytelling; Trish Suhr, an Emmy Award-­

Miles Bunch

winning comedian and TV personality with credits including “The Office” and “Reno 911!”; Jeff Klein, known for his queer-­centered humor and recent special “Fatty Gay”; Shubh Panda, winner of both the 2024 Palm Springs Comedy Festival and the 2025 Good Karma Comedy Festival; Chicago’s Scott Green, who is both a comedian and magician; and Atlanta comedian, improviser and podcast host Yoshee So. Presented in partnership with Aubrey Entertainment, the festival’s kick-­off event on Apr. 30 at Live Wire will feature a live taping of Morgan’s fifth comedy special. An after-­show mixer at Cura Lounge will be held for this year’s comedians and festival attendees to connect. “The networking with other comics who are in the same boat— dealing with travel, bookings, agents, managers—when you can connect with those people, it’s super helpful,” Morgan said.

In fact, a few of the comics she met at last year’s festival have since opened for her on the road.

Friday and Saturday night performances at the Morton Theatre both include a mix of local, regional and national comedians on the lineup. “What we really aim to do is give rising comedians from across the nation an opportunity to perform on a theater stage for a real audience. So these are up-­and-­ coming comedians that maybe you haven’t heard of yet, but you very likely will,” said Hunt.

Tickets for the Athens Comedy Fest are available now. An all-­shows pass is $65 and includes early entry to all Morton Theatre performances plus the Thursday kick-­off show. Single-­night tickets are also available for $25. Tickets, information on comedians, and the schedule of performances are available at athenscomedyfest.com. f

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · A P R IL 29, 2026

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food & drink

feature

CHAMBER MUSIC. REIMAGINED.

Tikka Nation

DOWNTOWN RESTAURANT SERVING TRADITIONAL INDIAN DISHES

By Dave Hall editorial@flagpole.com I can’t help walking around feeling like Rip Van Winkle.

He fell asleep under a tree for 100 years, and the world changed around him. I left here 30 years ago, and as stupid as it is to say out loud, I came back, and Athens changed. Of course it did. God help you if it didn’t.

So here I am, a walking cliche, cruising old haunts, walking down West Clayton Street, seeing things once there, my daughter rolling her eyes every step of the way.

We stopped as planned at Tikka Nation. We

of the paneer tikka masala. The first version, the one my daughter ordered, was the least popular choice. Not bad, by any means, but much sweeter than we expected and not at all spicy. It comes with basmati rice. The second version, the one we ordered as takeout for my wife, came after Shiva and I had talked a bit. “You want hot, right?”

This one was fire. Much more complex and, yes, spicy. Hot, on the verge of too hot, but that kind of hot that kicks in the endorphins a little, and you keep going back for more.

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both love Indian food and had heard very good things about Athens’ new addition.

Eagerly, we approached the menu.

Admittedly, my Indian food experience is limited. But still, it is somewhat varied. That said, I think Tikka Nation’s setup might be the perfect fit for this area. It’s more fast-​casual street style than what I’m accustomed to with either sit-​down waiter service or the ever-​popular lunchtime buffet.

Tikka Nation offers two menus: a more traditional side with kebabs, biryanis (rice dish) and tikka masalas (curries); and a Western fusion side that my snobby little self paid zero attention to. I came for flavor!

I mean, why else go out to eat? You go out to get something you can’t get at home.

I tried to pull a broad spectrum of the traditional menu. We ordered lamb samosas, samosa chaat, paneer tikka masala, afghan chicken kebab, garlic naan and chai.

Shiva Walia, the owner, pumped the chai hot out of a carafe, and we sat down.

The chai was warm and sweet. I could hurt myself with a drink like that. Sugar, caffeine and creamy cardamommy goodness. I daren’t ask for another.

The Afghan chicken took a little longer, but we hardly noticed with the spread we’d ordered. The lamb samosas came out piping hot, so hot they had to sit.

The samosa chaat is like an Indian pot pie, a creamy mix of potato, peas and chicken, blended with spices that make it unlike any pot pie you’ve ever had. And yet, it’s kind of like a chicken pot pie.

We actually ended up with two versions

The lamb samosas, when cooled enough to eat, were perfectly fried. Crisp. Not greasy at all. The ground lamb was perfectly cooked, but I found myself wanting for flavor; even a more savory essence would have been preferred. Not bad at all. Kudos to the chef. But I wanted more.

Afghan chicken was the star. I was delighted to find chicken thighs over the too-​common breast meat. Hurray! Somebody gets it! The dry curry rub was on point. The end result: tender, scrumptious bits perfectly charred on the grill. Garlic naan was fresh made and delicious.

We ordered a mango lassi for dessert.

Holy smokes! That’s a meal in itself. Thick yogurt, yummy mango. We decided he had to be using a good juice. In Birmingham, you can’t get the right mangos, so most of the restaurants use a particular mango sorbet. The product is much thinner and icier. This is good, thick yogurt flavored with sweet mango. I wished I still had my spoon to scoop out the bits that clung to the side of the cup and wouldn’t pour out, but we’d bused our table early.

Both my daughter and I agreed this was a great meal, and we both look forward to coming back.

Tikka Nation can be found at 142 West Clayton St. and is available for dine-​in or takeout (706-​521-​8498). It’s open from 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 12–9 p.m. on Sunday. f

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music

threats & promises

AyoPaco Releases Heavy Rain PLUS, MORE MUSIC NEWS AND GOSSIP

By Gordon Lamb threatsandpromises@flagpole.com HEY, THERE: Rapper and producer AyoPaco (aka Paco Marquez) is back living in Athens and, as fate would have it, he’s got a brand new album named Heavy Rain. As a producer he can weave hooks straight out of the air, and as a rapper he’s got a clear, discernible voice that can be a little sing-​songy at times, but mostly serves the songs. That said, when he does sing he’s got quite a third-​wave emo thing happening. It kicks off with the bass heavy “So High,” which, while a little dark in its melody, sets the listener up for the cadence of the rest of the album.

Which is a long way of saying this is sequenced in a very listenable way, AyoPaco and it’s clear Marquez put some thought into it. Particular highlights on this are “On Me,” “One Last Night” and “Stolen Ass Lexus.”

Find this on major streaming services.

DOWN ON THE CORNER: Hooker Vision has released the very cool rarity Live in Athens, GA, 05/15/2015 by Bonus Glove.

The members are Jeramy Lamanno (Hiro Noodles, et al) on drums and Alec Livaditis working the cello. This recording is a single, 22-​minute track and the show was at Go Bar (R.I.P). Things don’t really kick in, so to speak, until after the five-​minute mark. That said, I’ve never heard anyone make a cello wail the way Livaditis does.

Each of these guys were movers and shakers of the mid-​2010s experimental/improvisational scene here in town, and Lamanno was such way before then, even. A very cool artifact to hear, so please go enjoy this at hooker​vision.band​camp.com.

WORKINONIT: The newest solo project from Marcel Sletten (Chairs, Rishis, Primordial Void, et al) is named Lamb, and it just released a debut, self-​titled, six-​track album. This is one of those moments where I remember that I’ve not really, you know, needed a local band shirt for a long time, but I could probably be sold in this case if they existed. But, back to reality, this thing is such a pleasant surprise. Inspired by J Dilla and Against All Logic, these tracks are tight, completely thought out, and so full of light they practically shine. I’m most partial to the jazz-​rap beat of “LAMB 002” as well as the funky psych dub of “LAMB 004.” But just because I cherry-​picked those doesn’t mean the rest of this isn’t totally worth the time. Find it at primordialvoid.band​camp. com.

INSTANT CASH: If you were in Athens in 1976, you might remember Joni Mitchell playing UGA, eating a meal at Tony’s Restaurant, or selling your records for a buck and buying other ones for two bucks at Wuxtry Records. The venerable institution has enjoyed worldwide fame for decades due to

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · A P R IL 29, 2026

its association with R.E.M., but lemme say this, it deserves a lot of credit for its staying power in any case. Now age 50, Wuxtry has navigated the advent of inexpensive home taping, compact discs, the internet, Napster and now our current streaming era. These are exactly the seismic changes in both the culture and business of recorded music that buried an untold number of businesses both small and large. A celebration of the store’s 50th birthday is being held at the 40 Watt Club Saturday, May 2. Featured acts are Reverend Tribble (aka Connor Tribble, who was in Measure For Measure, The Commander and Kunte, etc.), Asymptomatics and Organically Programmed. There’s a rumor of special guests appearing this night, but I’m just going to let you guess who that might include. Because, actually, I don’t really know. Tickets are only 10 bucks, so take a sawbuck with ya.

HERE’S YOUR SCHEDULE: Kenosha Kid is having a residency at Dead Beat Club during which the group will play every Tuesday in May. So that means May 5, 12, 19 and 26. Doors are at 7 p.m., first set is 7:30 p.m., second set is 8:45 p.m., and—-​here’s the kicker—each of these shows is free.

Kenosha Kid reports that Dead Beat Club will be selling pizza slices for $4, though, so you might want to have a few cash dollars with you anyway. Kenosha Kid has been a thoroughly creative force on the Athens music scene since it first appeared just over 20 years ago. If for any reason you are unfamiliar, please familiarize yourself at kenosha​kid.com or dive into the absolutely stunning amount of music available at kenosha​kid.band​camp.com.

FIRST LIGHT: The collaborative project Nerve Glyphs, populated by Jay Gonzalez (Drive-​By Truckers) and multi-​instrumentalist and visual artist George Davidson, just released its sophomore album Chance Chants. The five-​track release was entirely improvised, and each element was recorded in one take, and the album notes mention that this includes overdubs. Right in the middle is the acoustic guitar-​led “Cloudland Carousel” which is a nice change-​up but very complementary, not off putting at all.

Wherever a saxophone appears anywhere the immediate temptation is to think “jazz,” but this is other than that. This record is very nearly a slightly more propulsive take on the same aesthetics that drove Brian Eno’s Music For Airports. It’s contemplative without being self-​centered, and easy to engage without being cloying. A very limited edition of this will see release on vinyl in early June. Check it out at nerve​glyphs. band​camp.com. f

music

feature

Wuxtry’s Golden Anniversary DOWNTOWN RECORD STORE STILL SPINNING AFTER 50 YEARS

By Sam Lipkin editorial@flagpole.com

As

a tenured landmark on one of the most prominent and Athens-­Clarke County Mayor Kelly Girtz presented corners in the heart of downtown Athens, Wuxtry Dolenz with a key to the city. Then in 2024 there was a Records is a can’t-­miss location both visually—with its bold taping of “Morning Joe” at Wuxtry during which Stipe blue and yellow storefront accented by large, poster-­covered talked about politics and music with then-­Second Gentlewindows—and as destination in the hearts of music lovers men Doug Emhoff. Last year the store was used by James of all kinds. In the current environment where Athenians Franco and his film crew to shoot a scene for the upcoming have become hardened to news of iconic landmarks and movie Welcome Home. beloved businesses closing their doors, it feels more triumphant than ever to celebrate an institution like Wuxtry’s 50th anniversary.

The independent record store opened in 1976, making it one of Georgia’s oldest record stores, by Illinois natives Dan Wall and Mark Methe. The two were scouting locations for a new business venture and decided to put down roots in Athens. Over the past 50 years of navigating an ever-­changing retail landscape, Wuxtry has had to adapt to an evolving music industry, in addition to local economics. But at its core, the record shop has remained a record shop.

“Wuxtry is like a time capsule in some ways. Customers come in who shopped there in the 1980s and say that it feels the same. Downtown Athens has changed a lot, and we’re happy to be one of the few independent stores left that people return to with a sense of nostalgia. In reality, like every business, we have had to evolve as the times require it in order to stay relevant. Vinyl, CDs and cassettes have all had their ups and downs over the decades, so our investments in these formats have varied,” says Wall. “Thankfully, most people have never lost their love for the sound quality of vinyl.

Digital downloads just don’t deliver the same experience.”

It’s only been within the past 15 years, says Wall, that the store has started relying heavily on social media for advertising and listing its rarest vinyls for sale on Discogs. Although a lot of shopping experiences have moved online and away from brick-­and-­mortar stores, Wuxtry has a pilgrimage-­type experience that can’t be replaced. It has facilitated its own orbit of music history that makes it undeniably significant to the tapestry of Athens.

Music history tourists from around the world flock to its crate-­filled space, and for good reason. Wuxtry’s origiDan Wall in the early days nal location holds the honor as where Michael Stipe met then-­employee Peter Buck to form R.E.M. In a music town filled with musicians Now the Wuxtry family is inviting the whole community looking for adjacent jobs to pay the bills, the record store out to celebrate its 50th anniversary with a show on Saturhas been the perfect workplace for many notable musicians, day, May 2 at the 40 Watt Club, featuring performances by from members of Olivia Tremor Control and The Woggles Reverend Conner Tribble, The Asymptomatics, Organically to Danger Mouse. Wall says that musicians have always Programmed and special guests that will be a treat for any made up a large part of the store’s customer base, too, so true lover of Athens music. Tickets are only $10, and a the staff tries to support them back by selling local music portion of proceeds will benefit the Broad River Watershed on consignment, posting show flyers, holding ticket giveAssociation. aways and hosting “Townie Deck” concerts on the sidecar “Having lived on the Broad River since 1992, I really rooftop patio. want to help protect the Broad and raise some awareness.

Naturally, though, the record store is also a popular I’ve been involved with river cleanup and advocacy over the pit stop for celebrities. In 2023 Wuxtry hosted Monkee’s years. The Broad has faced some challenges lately—with the member Micky Dolenz for a special event that drew memproposed chicken plant in Royston—and other challenges bers of R.E.M. among the hundreds of fans that gathered, will inevitably come. Everybody has a part to play to protect

our waterways and not take them for granted. We all live downstream,” says Wall.

The spirit of the event represents how truly connected Wuxtry is to the people and physical place where it thrives.

The lineup of performers all share their own excitement in celebrating Wuxtry’s anniversary with personal connections that are felt by many across the music scene. Drummer of The Asymptomatics, employee of Wuxtry and sister of Dan Wall, Deb Wall has experienced the impact of the record store in many ways.

“Wuxtry has meant many things to me through the years, not only because it is my brother’s shop—and Mark Methe’s, who has also been like a brother to me—but it has kept me employed for many years, as it has a lot of musicians in this town. I’ve felt so proud of Dan and Mark’s great accomplishment to build a store that would not only become world famous, but keep its doors open all of these years. rolling with the changes that a retail store must do, and to be a record store, at that. Wuxtry’s history has unfolded to be something so special. I feel it has been pivotal to the Athens’ music scene, just as the Georgia Theatre and 40 Watt have been. Long supporting bands locally and those passing through. It’s been a living, breathing, thriving and ever-­changing canvas on the corner of College and Clayton,” says Deb. Conner Tribble, who will also be playing at the anniversary show, has been a longtime supporter of Wuxtry.

“I am very blessed to have met Dan and Mark when they first opened their stores. What they have accomplished is nothing short of amazing. Even when CDs became popular and vinyl became unpopular, it didn’t faze Wuxtry. Both Rolling Stone and USA Today called it one of the best and most influential record stores in the nation. Then there is the R.E.M. situation. The band probably would not exist if not for Wuxtry.

I remember when the band first got together Dan made a video of them at the Wuxtry Decatur store. What joy Wuxtry has brought to so many people for 50 years now,” he says.

Proving that Wuxtry hasn’t missed a beat throughout any point in its history as an influential point of connection for local musicians, Oliver Domingo of Organically Programmed shares, “Wuxtry was very important to me growing up. I went there as a child, but it wasn’t until around high school I went in and got closer to John Fernandes when he was working there.

John knew my family a long time ago, and eventually found me on the internet and saw the start of my analog synthesizer collection. John took a liking to this and asked me what music I was making, and then booked my first show for Organically Programmed. Wuxtry is important because it connects the local community to a larger network.

It’s your classic home town local music hub. I’ve met a lot of people there, and Wuxtry was also the first record store that allowed me to order specialized library music records to the store. I’m glad to be playing this show to celebrate this amazing business that really did help me jump start my music career.”

For all things Wuxtry, visit wuxtryrecords.com, and for show tickets, visit 40watt.com. f

WHAT: Wuxtry is 50!

WHEN: Saturday, May 2, 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show) WHERE: 40 Watt Club HOW MUCH: $10

A P R IL 29, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

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Tuesday 28

event calendar

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Wednesday 29 ART: Curator Talk (Georgia Museum of Art) Ciel Rodriguez will give a gallery talk about the exhibition “We, Too, Are Made of Wonders.”

2 p.m. FREE! www.georgiamuseum. org CLASSES: Boots & Brews Line Dancing (Athentic Brewing Co.) Learn the line dancing basics from host Lindsay before the floor opens for social dancing. Fourth Tuesdays, 7–9 p.m. www.athentic​ brewing.com EVENTS: The Athens Farmers Market (Creature Comforts Brewery) Markets offer fresh produce, flowers, eggs, meats, prepared foods, arts and crafts. Live music at 6 p.m. AFM double SNAP dollars spent. Wednesdays, 5–8 p.m. www. athensfarmersmarket.net FILM: The Films of Brian Lonano (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Screening of a number of the director’s cult classic horror short films followed by a meet-­and-­greet. 7 p.m. FREE! www.flickertheatreandbar.com FILM: Survivor Watch Party (Athentic Brewing Co.) Chaotic Good Podcast hosts a watch party for “Survivor 50” episode 10. 7:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenticbrewing. com GAMES: Shadowfist Power Lunch (Tyche’s Games) Drop in and play Shadowfist. All skill levels. 11:30 a.m. FREE! www.tychesgames.com GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (South Main Brewing) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 6 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzu​ nottrivia GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Hotel Indigo) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Ian. Wednesdays, 6 p.m. www.instagram.com/ classiccitytriviaco 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: Film Athens (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Meet and network with others in the filmmaking community (actors, directors, etc.) during happy hour. 5 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/FilmAthens

Thursday 30 ART: Closing Reception (Lyndon House Arts Center) Works from local school-­aged students will be on view in the “Green Life Exhibition.” 3:30–5 p.m. FREE! www. accgov.com/lyndonhouse

F L A GP OL E .C OM · A P R IL 29, 2026

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 MEETINGS: Tenants’ Rights Forum (ACC Library) Representatives from Georgia Legal Services and ACCGov Code Enforcement will cover Georgia’s Tenant/Landlord Handbook, fair housing and common tenancy concerns. Registration required.

5:30 p.m. FREE! www.accgov.com MEETINGS: KnitLits Knitting Group (Bogart Library) Knitters of all levels are invited to have fun, share craft ideas and knit to their hearts’ con-

EVENTS: 12th Anniversary Celebration (Creature Comforts Brewery) Celebrate the brewery’s anniversary with limited release beers, product sneak peaks, live music and food trucks. May 1, 3–10 p.m. May 2, 12–10 p.m. www.creaturecomfortsbeer.com EVENTS: May Fest Celebration (Athentic Brewing Co.) Celebrate the release of a seasonal beer with food trucks, live music, flower crown making, crafts and karaoke.

5–11 p.m. www.athenticbrewing. com EVENTS: Willamette Wine Tasting (Tonique Bottle Co.) Drop in to taste four different styles of wines

COURTESTY OF STEFFEN THOMAS MUSEUM OF ART

CLASSES: Google Drive and Docs (ACC Library) Learn how to upload, manage and share files in Google Drive. 10 a.m. FREE! www.athens​ library.org CLASSES: Boots & Brews Line Dancing (Athentic Brewing Co.) Learn the line dancing basics from host Lindsay before the floor opens for social dancing. Fourth Tuesdays, 7–9 p.m. www.athentic​ brewing.com EVENTS: Fashion Show & Film Screening (Lyndon House Arts Center) The Teen Fashion Design & Sewing Club and Teen Media Club will showcase what they’ve been working on. 6 p.m. FREE! www. accgov.com GAMES: Lunch & Learn (Tyche’s Games) Bring your lunch and learn new games. 11:30 a.m. FREE! www. tychesgames.com GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (Amici at The Falls) Test your trivia knowledge with host Miles Bunch. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/ baddogathens GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (Paloma Park) Test your trivia knowledge with host TJ Wayt. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/baddogathens GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Winghouse Grill Hull) Test your general trivia knowledge. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Akademia Brewing Co.) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Garrett. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/classiccitytriviaco GAMES: Bingo & Sip (MaiKai Kava Lounge) Play BINGO with a chance to win prizes. Every other Tuesday, 7 p.m. FREE! www.athenskava.com GAMES: UnPhiltered Trivia (Mellow Mushroom) Test your trivia knowledge with host Phil. 7 p.m. www. facebook.com/MellowMushroom​ Athens GAMES: Singo! (Beef O’Brady’s) Win gift certificates and prizes at this music bingo night. Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m. www.beefobradys.com/athens GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Magnolias of Athens) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Benjamin. Tuesdays, 8 p.m. www. instagram.com/classiccitytriviaco KIDSTUFF: Bath Bombs (Bogart Library) Learn how to make bath bombs for a Mother’s Day gift. Ages 6 & up. 4 p.m. FREE! www.athens​ library.org/bogart MEETINGS: Athens Photography Guild (Lyndon House Arts Center) Several photographers will discuss their favorite places to photograph in Georgia, including potential photo subjects, seasonal considerations and travel logistics. 6 p.m.

FREE! www.athensphotography​ guild.word​press.com PERFORMANCE: Rabbit Box Storytelling (VFW Post 2872) This month’s storytelling theme is “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” with local people sharing real life stories. 6 p.m. (doors), 7 p.m. (show). $10. www.rabbitbox.org PERFORMANCE: Vixens Heels Co. (40 Watt Club) Dance FX presents a dance showcase. 7:30 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $8 (adv.), $10. www.40watt.com SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players

COMEDY: Athens Comedy Fest Kick-­Off (Live Wire) Nationally touring comedian Karen Morgan will open the Athens Comedy Festival weekend with a live taping event. 6 p.m. (doors), 7 p.m. (show). $20 (adv.), $25. www. athenscomedyfest.com COMEDY: Gorgeous George’s Improv League (Flying Squid Comedy) Bring a loose funny bone to some home-­grown townie improv. 6:30 p.m. (doors), 7 p.m. (short-­form), 8 p.m. (long-­form). $5. www.flyingsquidcomedy.com EVENTS: Money Management Fair (ACC Library) Browse information from nonprofits on topics such as

welcome. Scheduled days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. info@athenspetanque. org, www.athenspetanque.org

Artist Brian Danson will discuss his metal sculpture work at the Steffen Thomas Museum of Art on Saturday, May 2. improving credit, home ownership, health insurance and more. 1–3 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org EVENTS: Spring Ladies Night Out (Downtown Madison) The Madison County Chamber of Commerce hosts an evening of local shopping with extended hours, free beverages, gift card giveaways and more.

5–8 p.m. www.business.madison​ countyga.org FILM: Tokusatsu Club (ACC Library) Screening of the 2004 comedy film The Calamari Wrestler. 3 p.m.

FREE! clubtoku@gmail.

FILM: Local Lens (Ciné) Screening of standout shorts from local filmmakers with a filmmaker Q&A hosted by Aaron Strand of Behind the Slate Podcast. 8 p.m. $8. www. athenscine.com GAMES: Bad Dog BINGO (Amici at The Falls) Play BINGO with host TJ Wayt. Thursdays, 6 p.m. www. instagram.com/baddogathens GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Terrapin Beer Co.) Test your general trivia knowledge. Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzu​ nottrivia GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Butt Hutt) Test your general trivia

tent. Thursdays, 6 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/bogart SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. info@athenspetanque. org, www.athenspetanque.org

Friday 1 ART: Opening Reception (Lamar Dodd School of Art) “Interior Futures” featuring works by graduating BFA students in interior design and “Dial (706)” featuring works by graduating BFA students in graphic design will be on view. 5 p.m. FREE! art.uga.edu COMEDY: Athens Comedy Fest (Morton Theatre) Second annual festival featuring a lineup of national and local comedians. May 1–2, 7 p.m. $27 (each), $69 (all shows pass). www.athenscomedyfest.com COMEDY: NOW THAT’S WHAT I CALL IMPROV Vol. 1 (Flying Squid Comedy) Improv inspired by a playlist made by the audience at the start of the show. 8 p.m. $10. www.flyingsquidcomedy.com

from different producers. 5–7 p.m. $10. www.shoptonique.com EVENTS: retroProm (The Cotton Press) Travel back in time to another era and celebrate prom to the fullest featurng live music from Guardians of the Jukebox in benefit of ACCA. 8–11 p.m. $50–450. www.accaging.org GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Oak House Distillery) Test your general trivia knowledge. Fridays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia GAMES: Friday Night Initiative (Tyche’s Games) Learn how to play a new roleplaying game. New players welcome. 7 p.m. FREE! www. tychesgames.com PERFORMANCE: A Night of Burlesque (40 Watt Club) Dancefx presents dances by the Bombshells and Cherrybombs with special guest drag performances. 7:30 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $10. www.40watt.com PERFORMANCE: Hello, Goodbye (Canopy Studio) Canopy Studio’s Repertory Company presents its spring aerial dance performance on trapeze, slings, fabrics, lyra and more. May 1, 8 p.m. May 2, 4 p.m. & 8 p.m. May 3, 2 p.m. & 6 p.m.

$15 (students), $20 (adult). www. canopystudio.org THEATER: Cinderella (The Elbert Theatre) Encore Productions presents the Rodger and Hammerstein musical version of the classic fairytale. Apr. 24–25 & May 1–2, 7 p.m.

Apr. 26 & May 3, 2 p.m. $9–17. www.elberttheatre.org

Saturday 2 ART: StudioFest (Various Locations) Explore artist studios, galleries, makers’ spaces, pop-­up exhibitions and markets across the city. 11 a.m.–7 p.m. FREE! www.athica.org ART: Artist Talk (Steffen Thomas Museum of Art) Multidisciplinary artist Brian Danson will discuss his metal sculpture work. 2 p.m. FREE! www.steffenthomas.org ART: StudioFest After Party (ATHICA) Live entertainment and refreshments following the full-­day art crawl. 7–9 p.m. www.athica.org CLASSES: The Art of Small (Steffen Thomas Museum of Art) Artist April Hendricks will lead a workshop on the process of painting small on an index card. 11 a.m. FREE! www. steffenthomas.org CLASSES: Clay Handbuilding Workshop (Southern Star Studio) Learn how to create a piece of pottery and decorate it. All supplies provided. Ages 12 & up. First Saturdays, 2 p.m. $60. www.southern​ starstudioathens.com COMEDY: Athens Comedy Fest (Morton Theatre) Second annual festival featuring a lineup of national and local comedians. May 1–2, 7 p.m. $27 (each), $69 (all shows pass). www.athenscomedyfest.com EVENTS: The Athens Farmers Market (Bishop Park) Markets offer locally grown groceries and handmade goods with live music and children’s activities. AFM doubles SNAP dollars spent. Saturdays, 8 a.m.–12 p.m. www.athensfarmers​ market.net EVENTS: 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: Spring Harvest Festival (Farmview Market) The 10th annual festival kicks off the harvest season with live music, lawn games, a petting zoo and more. 9 a.m.​​–2 p.m.

FREE! www.farmviewmarket.com EVENTS: CCSD Surplus Sale (CCSD Early Learning Center) First come, first served sale of office and classroom furniture, file cabinets, tables, books and more. 9 a.m.–1 p.m. www.clarke.k12.ga.us EVENTS: Clarke County Sheriff’s Vehicle Showcase (Georgia Square Mall) A family-­friendly event showcasing classic and modern cars, emergency vehicles and trucks plus music, door prizes and more. Benefitting Georgia Sheriffs’ Youth Homes. 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

FREE! www.bit.ly/ccsocarshow26 EVENTS: Indie South’s Springtacular (General Time Athens) Shop this annual spring market featuring over 100 makers, artists and curators, food trucks, kid craft activities and more. May 2, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

May 3, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. www. theindiesouth.com

EVENTS: Rummage Sale (Athens Montessori School) Browse gently-­ used children’s clothing, toys, books, puzzles, home goods, tools, sports equipment and more. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. www.athens​montessori.com EVENTS: Snake Day (Sandy Creek Nature Center) Celebrate snakes with games, activities, crafts, live snakes interactions and more. 12​​–4 p.m. $5. www.accgov.com EVENTS: 12th Anniversary Celebration (Creature Comforts Brewery) Celebrate the brewery’s anniversary with limited release beers, product sneak peaks, live music and food trucks. May 1, 3–10 p.m. May 2, 12–10 p.m. www.creaturecomfortsbeer.com EVENTS: Derby Day Darty (The Old Pal) Dress to impress for the most exciting two minutes in sports with classic snacks. 4–7:30 p.m. www. theoldpal.com EVENTS: OCAF Garden Hour (The Drennen Gardens) Explore the gardens of a local historic farmhouse, and enjoy live music, libations, an art auction and more. 4 p.m. $60. www.ocaf.com/gardenhour GAMES: Learn to Play Shadowrun RPG (Tyche’s Games) Join others to learn about the science fantasy tabletop role-­playing game. 12 p.m.

FREE! www.tychesgames.com LECTURES & LIT: Loyalism in British America (Oconee County Library) Dr. Greg Brooking will give a presentation on Georgia’s last royal governor, Sir James Wright. 3 p.m.

FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/oconee PERFORMANCE: Dancefx Goes Retro (UGA Fine Arts Building) Dancefx’s annual spring showcase highlights its adult companies and classes in a fun, high-­energy performance. 3:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. $13 (student/senior), $16 (adult). www.dancefx.org PERFORMANCE: Hello, Goodbye (Canopy Studio) Canopy Studio’s Repertory Company presents its spring aerial dance performance on trapeze, slings, fabrics, lyra and more. May 1, 8 p.m. May 2, 4 p.m. & 8 p.m. May 3, 2 p.m. & 6 p.m. $15 (students), $20 (adult). www. canopystudio.org

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.athensshowgirl​ cabaret.com SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club Tournament (Lay Park) The fourth annual FPUSA SE Region Mixed Triples Pétanque tournament will feature 24 teams competing from around the Southeast. May 2–3, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. FREE! www. athenspetanque.org THEATER: Cinderella (The Elbert Theatre) Encore Productions presents the Rodger and Hammerstein musical version of the classic fairytale. Apr. 24–25 & May 1–2, 7 p.m.

Apr. 26 & May 3, 2 p.m. $9–17. www.elberttheatre.org

Sunday 3 CLASSES: Quirky Chick Crochet (Athentic Brewing Co.) KT Yarn Creations will lead a crochet class.

Supplies provided. 2:30 p.m. $20 (adv.), $25. www.athenticbrewing. com COMEDY: Comedy Showcase (The Globe) Athens Comedy hosts themed and general showcases of local and regional comedians.

Sundays, 9 p.m. www.athens​comedy.com EVENTS: Indie South’s Springtacular (General Time Athens) Shop this annual spring market featuring over 100 makers, artists and curators, food trucks, kid craft activities and more. May 2, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

May 3, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. www. theindie​south.com EVENTS: 10th Annual Kitten Shower (Athens Area Humane Society) Enjoy drinks and snacks with the Athens Humane Society’s adoptable kittens plus raffles, vendors, music and more. 2–4 p.m. $15–30. www. athenshumanesociety.org 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: A Conversation with Robert Spano (Ramsey Hall) The conductor and pianist will give

art around town ATHENTIC BREWING CO. (108 Park Ave.) “Lands Left” features landscape works by Greg Benson in the taproom. Through May. ATHICA (675 Pulaski St. Ste. 1200) The 2026 Members’ Showcase features work by ATHICA members in all visual media. 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. 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.

Through May. COSTA BUILDING (133 E. Washington St.) “A City for All” is a newly completed mural by Waleed Johnson spanning six interior and exterior walls of the historic downtown building.

DODD GALLERIES (270 River Rd.) In the West Gallery, “Interior Futures” features works by 56 graduating BFA students in interior design. Opening reception May 1, 5 p.m. On view May 1–8. • In the Lupin Gallery, “Dial (706)” is the Spring BFA Exit Show for graphic design. Opening reception May 1, 5 p.m. On view May 1–11.

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.) An Artful Conversation with associate curator Mallory Lind about “Genesis I” by Samuel M. Adler will be held on May 6, 2 p.m. • The Tour at Two program offers guided tours of highlights from the permanent collection. May 13, 20 and 27 at 2 p.m.

an Atlanta Symphony post-­concert talk. 5:30 p.m. FREE! pac.uga.edu PERFORMANCE: Hello, Goodbye (Canopy Studio) Canopy Studio’s Repertory Company presents its spring aerial dance performance on trapeze, slings, fabrics, lyra and more. May 1, 8 p.m. May 2, 4 p.m. & 8 p.m. May 3, 2 p.m. & 6 p.m. $15 (students), $20 (adult). www. canopystudio.org SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club Tournament (Lay Park) The fourth annual FPUSA SE Region Mixed Triples Pétanque tournament will feature 24 teams competing from around the Southeast. May 2–3, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. FREE! www. athenspetanque.org THEATER: Cinderella (The Elbert Theatre) Encore Productions presents the Rodger and Hammerstein musical version of the classic fairytale. Apr. 24–25 & May 1–2, 7 p.m.

Apr. 26 & May 3, 2 p.m. $9–17. www.elberttheatre.org

Monday 4 EVENTS: Oconee County Contra Dance (Social Dance Preserve) Community dance night on first and third Mondays. 7 p.m. (beginner lesson), 8–10 p.m. (dance). $10. www.oconeecountycontra.com GAMES: Chess and Community (ACC Library) Drop in for open chess play to learn the game, challenge skills and engage with other enthusiasts. Mondays, 3:30–5:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Fully Loaded Pizza Kitchen (Normaltown)) Test your general trivia knowledge. Mondays, 7 p.m. www. instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Dooley’s Bar and Grill) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Garrett.

Mondays, 7 p.m. www.instagram. com/classiccitytriviaco GAMES: General Trivia (Athentic Brewing Co.) Test your general trivia knowledge. Mondays, 7 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com GAMES: Pinball Tournament (Starland Lounge & Lanes) Casual and beginner-­friendly with prizes

and giveaways. 7–9 p.m. $5 entry & coin drop. tflipsamusements@ gmail.com GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Pancho’s Tacos & Tequila) Test your general trivia knowledge. Mondays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzu​ nottrivia GAMES: Star Wars Trivia (Athentic Brewing Co.) Test your trivia knowledge of the galaxy far far away. 7–9 p.m. FREE! www.athenticbrewing. com GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Grindhouse Killer Burgers) Test your trivia knowledge with host Benjamin. Mondays, 7:30 p.m. www. instagram.com/classiccitytriviaco LECTURES & LIT: Author Talk (Jittery Joe’s Eastside) Local author Brian Buffington will discuss his new fantasy novel The Rules of Blackstone followed by a book signing. 6 p.m. www.facebook.com/ eastsidejitteryjoes MEETINGS: Mixed Media Meetup (Oconee County Library) Gathering for curious beginners and practicing artists who want to connect and create in community. Bring your own materials. 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. FREE! jayne.creativestudio@ gmail.com

Tuesday 5 ART: Creative Aging Art Workshop (Georgia Museum of Art) Join teaching artist Toni Carlucci to discuss art in the galleries and to make art in the studio classroom.

All skill levels welcome. Ages 55 & up. Registration required. 10 a.m.

FREE! gmoa-­tours@uga.edu CLASSES: Strengthening Your Password Skills (ACC Library) Learn about creating passwords, managing them safely and more. 10 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org CLASSES: Green Thumb Lecture: Composting Basics (ACC Cooperative Extension) Learn tips and tricks about beginner composting for gardening. 6 p.m. FREE! www. accgov.com/gardening EVENTS: Cinco de Mayo Fest (Hendershot’s) Live music, traditional dance performances and a salsa

• Family Day: Splash of Color invites families to explore plein air paintings and create watercolor artwork to take home. May 30, 10 a.m. • Drawing on Ada Limón’s poem “In Praise of Mystery,” “We, Too, Are Made of Wonders” explores humanity’s fascination with the cosmos through poetry, science and visual art from the museum’s collection. Through June 28. • “Shacks, Stories and Spirit: Beverly Buchanan’s Art of Home” features 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.

HEARD PARK (400 McKinley Dr.) A new mural titled “The Future Floats Before Her” by Allison Ward has been installed.

JITTERY JOE’S (297 E. Broad St. & 1860 S. Barnett Shoals Rd) Whimsical paintings by Susan Pelham inspired by Magic Realism are on display at both the downtown and Eastside locations. Through May. LAY PARK COMMUNITY CENTER (297 Hoyt St.) A new mural titled “Where It Leads” by Amy Patterson has been installed.

LYNDON HOUSE ARTS CENTER (211 Hoyt St.) “Green Life: Hometown Heroes” features paintings, drawings, sculptures, photographs and poems

by K–12 students reflecting on local environmental stewardship, part of the annual Athens-­Clarke County Green Life Awards program. Closing reception Apr. 30, 3:30–5 p.m. Through Apr. 30. • “Somethings” features small sculpture works by Ivy Laurel Anderson made from discarded mass-­produced objects. May 14–July 18. • 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. • “AIR Group 1” presents work by Artist in Residence participants Elizabeth Given and Anne McInnis featuring ceramics, printmaking and textile arts.

Through May 2. • A new Lobby installation by artist and STEAM educator

class with La Chancla Tacos on site.

5–10 p.m. www.hendershotsathens. com GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (Amici at The Falls) Test your trivia knowledge with host Miles Bunch. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/ baddogathens GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (Paloma Park) Test your trivia knowledge with host TJ Wayt. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/baddogathens GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Winghouse Grill Hull) Test your general trivia knowledge. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Akademia Brewing Co.) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Garrett. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/classiccitytriviaco GAMES: UnPhiltered Trivia (Mellow Mushroom) Test your trivia knowledge with host Phil. 7 p.m. www. facebook.com/MellowMushroom​ Athens GAMES: Singo! (Beef O’Brady’s) Win gift certificates and prizes at this 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: Bogart Bookies (Bogart Library) Pick up a copy of Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon and discuss it with the group. 1 p.m.

FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart

Wednesday 6 ART: Artful Conversation: Genesis I (Georgia Museum of Art) Mallory Lind, associate curator of community engagement and outreach, will lead a conversation on Samuel M. Adler’s “Genesis I.” 2 p.m. FREE! www.georgiamuseum.org EVENTS: The Athens Farmers Market (Creature Comforts Brewery) Markets offer fresh produce, flowers, eggs, meats, prepared foods, arts and crafts. Live music at 6 p.m. AFM double SNAP dollars spent. Wednesdays, 5–8 p.m. www. athensfarmersmarket.net

FILM: Blood Everywhere (Flicker Theatre & Bar) A mysterious decapitation leads an inspector into a world of blackmail, strangulation and an unsolved kidnapping in My Dear Killer. 7 p.m. FREE! www.instagram.com/bloodeverywhere.athens FILM: One More Song (Ciné) Screening of the documentary about Athens band hey, nothing with an intimate acoustic performance. 7:30 p.m. $15. www.athenscine.com GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (South Main Brewing) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 6 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzu​ nottrivia GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Hotel Indigo) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Ian. Wednesdays, 6 p.m. www.instagram.com/ classiccitytriviaco 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 KIDSTUFF: Compost Storytime (ACC Library) Celebrate International Compost Awareness Week with story time, a hands-­on earthworms exhibit and more. 10:30 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org KIDSTUFF: Compost Crafting (ACC Library) Learn a quick lesson on composting with an activity. Grades 6–12. 4 p.m. FREE! www.athens​ library.org KIDSTUFF: Teen Prism Club (Oglethorpe Co. Library) Hang out in the library to play games, do crafts and build friendships in an inclusive and welcoming space.

Grades 6–12. 6–8 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/oconee f

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.

STEFFEN THOMAS MUSEUM OF ART (4200 Bethany Rd., Buckhead) “Reimagine: Contemporary Georgia Artists” presents 20 works from Georgia’s State Art Collection alongside pieces by local and regional artists including painting, ceramics, fiber, sculpture, photography and works on paper. Presented by the Georgia Council for the Arts as part of a statewide touring exhibition. Through May 29. • “Steffen Thomas 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. Through May 10.

TINY ATH GALLERY (174 Cleveland Ave.) Works by Tex Crawford and Peter Loose will be on display through Apr. 30.

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 Gallery Gals Pop-­Up Exhibition is on view through May 13.

A P R IL 29, 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.

MUSIC (Instruction) Athens School of Music. Now offering in-​person and online instruction in guitar, bass, drums, piano, voice, brass, woodwinds, strings, banjo, mandolin and more. From beginner to expert, all styles. Visit www.athensschoolof​ music.com. 706-​543-​5800 MUSIC (Services) Instant cash is now being paid for good vinyl records & CDs in fine condition. Wuxtry Records at corner of Clayton and College Dwntn. 706-​612-​4926 REAL ESTATE (Art Studio) Artist studio space for lease downtown.

Not apartment. 159 North Jackson St. Approx. 400 s/f. Electricity/ water included. $300/mon. Contact Michael at 706-​201-​6058 or mginn2872@aol.com REAL ESTATE (Room for Rent) Walk to class and downtown. On the cobblestone street at ‘The Tree That Owns Itself.’ DW, W/D, CHAC, laundry room, screen porch. Partial utils. Included. Avail. now. $616/ mon. Call Sara 706-​546-​1900, 24/7.

REAL ESTATE (Room for Rent) Room for rent w/private BA. Located in Watkinsville. $1200/mon all inclusive. Graduate student preferred.

Call 706-​286-​0138 for more information.

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 (Classes) Fox Den Third Space. Creative camps for ages 5 & up and teens. Art, STEM, drama and more. Mon–Fri, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.

Aftercare available. Limited space.

Register now. www.foxdenthird​ space.com/camps SERVICES (Classes) Social Dance Preserve offers classes and social dances in Line Dance, Contra, Latin, Ballroom and Country Western Styles. Follow our calendar at www. socialdancepreserve.com and on Facebook for details. High school minors can attend provided parents register them. Minors can attend Contra and Line Dances for free with a paying adult. Contact us at info@socialdancepreserve.com.

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 (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

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–

ADOPT ME!

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

Paul (60759463)

Iggy (57687149)

Sunny (60744609)

Paul is a loving, playful, goodnatured pup. He was a little shy to start, but he’s really opened up and gotten comfortable since bonding with his canine neighbors and the shelter staff.

Meet Iggy! As you can see, Iggy is a very strong and playful girl who loves running and playing with a ball. You’ll know you have a friend in this sweetheart when you get a look at her big smile.

Sunny’s silky coat and fluffy ears make him one of the most handsome boys at the shelter. His favorite activity is leaping through the air to catch treats. Adopt or foster him today!

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

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

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · A P R IL 29, 2026

Aug. 29. www.accgov.com/11761/ Pet-​Portraits CALL FOR ARTISTS (Circulating Stamp Project) Take part in an interactive experience to create a limited-​edition postcard while visiting multiple art venues across separate participating venues including ATHICA, Georgia Museum of Art, Lyndon House Arts Center and Winterville Cultural Center Gallery.

Through May 31. www.accgov.com/ lyndonhouse CALL FOR ARTISTS, VENDORS & WORKSHOP INSTRUCTORS (Marigold Fiber Fest) Now accepting applications for instructors to lead a variety of workshops centered around fiber crafts. Also accepting arts submissions, vendors and sponsors for this inaugural event. Deadline May 1. Event held Nov. 14. www.instagram.com/ marigoldfiberfest CALL FOR 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 STORYTELLERS (Rabbit Box) Rabbit Box seeks story ideas for upcoming shows. www.rabbit​ box.org/tell LIFE MODELING 101 (OCAF, Watkinsville) Male and female art models explain the ins and outs of modeling for artists. From portraits

to clothed to nude, including where to work and expected pay. May 2 at 10 a.m. $15. Preregistration required. www.drawathens.org PUBLIC ART SELECTION PANELS (Athens, GA) The Athens Cultural Affairs Commission is seeking community members to participate in upcoming public art selection panels. www.accgov.com/9656/ Public-​Art-​Selection-​Panels

Auditions OPEN AUDITIONS (Georgia Children’s Choir) GCC serves singers in grades 2–12. Auditions for placement across five ensembles currently available for all skill levels. www.georgiachildrenschorus. org/about/audition OPEN AUDITIONS (Athens Master Chorale) Seeking new members in all voice parts including high sopranos, tenors and basses. Scheduled auditions held at St. Gregory the Great Church. athmcdirector@ gmail.com OPEN AUDITIONS (Athens Symphony) The Athens Symphony is holding auditions for qualified musicians. www.athenssymphony. org/openings

Classes A COURSE IN MIRACLES (855 Tallassee Rd.) Heal your psychology and your life using simple instruction of high vibrational thought. Sundays, 10–11:30 a.m.

770-​237-​2354 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 CLASSES & SCHOLARSHIPS (Canopy Studio) Canopy offers a variety of trapeze and aerial arts classes for children and adults. Scholarships and financial aid are available.

outreach@canopystudio.org, www.canopystudio.org/outreach/ scholarships CLASSES & PROGRAMS (Bogart Library) Various ongoing weekly events including ESL (Tuesdays and Thursdays), Knit Lits Knitting (Thursdays) and more.

CLASSES & PROGRAMS (Oconee Library) Various ongoing weekly events including Drop-​In Painting (Tuesdays), Open Chess Play (Saturdays) and more.

CLASSES, PROGRAMS & TOURS (State Botanical Garden of Georgia) Various ongoing weekly events including Guided Plant Walk (Tuesdays–Fridays), Porcelain and Decorative Arts Tour (Tuesdays), Free Sketch (Fridays) and more. botgarden.uga.edu CLASSES & WORKSHOPS (Athens, GA) The Athens Land Trust hosts a variety of virtual and in-​person classes. Topics include Affordable Housing Info and Homebuyer Education Course. www.athens​ landtrust.org/classes-​events CUBAN MUSIC & MOVEMENT (The Studio Athens) TIMBAthens offers multiple classes for different skill levels. Sundays, 3 p.m.

(Level 1), 4 p.m. (Level 2 & 3), 5 p.m. (Advanced). $10 drop in. timbathens@gmail.com, www. timbathens.com CUBAN SALSA LESSONS (El Carretonero) SALSAthens offers multiple classes for different skill levels.

Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. (advanced) and 7:30 p.m. (beginner/intermediate). $10 drop in. www.SALS​ AthensDancing@gmail.com DANCE CLASSES (East Athens Educational Dance Center) The center offers classes in ballet, hip hop, jazz, modern and more for all ages and skills. www.accgov.com/myrec FREE CLASSES (The Athens Free School) Learning network for community centered around compassion, autonomy and playfulness. Visit @athensfreeschool on Instagram.

VARIOUS CLASSES & WORKSHOPS (OCAF, Watkinsville) Registration now open for extended session pottery classes, art instruction and more. www.ocaf.com/ courses VARIOUS ONGOING CLASSES (Winterville Cultural Center, Winterville) The Basics of Crocheting (Thursdays), Yoga in the Gallery

(Tuesdays and Wednesdays), Tai Chi (Wednesdays) and more. www. wintervillecenter.com

Help Out ATHENS FEED MY STARVING CHILDREN (Stegeman Coliseum) Volunteers needed to pack meals.

Sign up for two-​hour shifts. Event held May 15–17. give.fmsc.org/ athens ATHENS SKATEPARK PROJECT (Athens Skate Park) Seeking volunteers and community input. Third Sundays. www.athensskatepark​ project.org BRAS FOR A CAUSE (Grail Bra Specialists) Seeking donations of gently-​used bras for distribution to local shelters, recovery centers and communities in need. 706-​850-​ 0387 or support@grailbras.com DIAPER DONATIONS (Athens Area Diaper Bank) Diaper donations needed for local infants. All sizes and open packs/boxes are accepted. www.athensareadiaper​bank.com MEDICAL EQUIPMENT (Friends of Disabled Adults and Children) Free home medical equipment provided to those in need. Athens locations for pickup at Northeast Georgia Area Agency on Aging and Multiple Choices. Donations also accepted. www.fodac.org MEDICAL EQUIPMENT EXCHANGE (Silver Lace) Open registration for consideration for free mobility and daily living medical items. Donations also accepted. www.silverlace​ inc.org, info@silverlace.org MICROCHIP SCANNING STATIONS (Multiple Locations) Connect lost pets with their owners. Available 24 hours. Located at ACC Animals Services, Memorial Park Dog Park and Southeast Clarke Park. Instructions provided at each location.

MULTIPLE CHOICES VOLUNTEERS (Multiple Choices Center for Independent Living) Seeking volunteers to assist a nonprofit agency that serves individuals living with disabilities throughout a 10-​country area of Northeastern Georgia. 706-​850-​4025, dmyers@ multiplechoices.us SEEKING BOARD MEMBERS (Athens Area Arts Council) The council is accepting applications from individuals who can commit to monthly meetings and have a passion for the arts. www.athensarts.org SEEKING BOARD MEMBERS (Bigger Vision of Athens) The nonprofit homeless shelter Bigger Vision of Athens, Inc. is seeking new members for its board of directors. the​ biggervisionshelter@gmail.com, www.bvoa.org/boardmember SEEKING BOARD MEMBERS (Moms Adopting Moms) Local nonprofit seeks board members, including a chair and treasurer, to support foster children and families through mentorship and reunification. momsadoptingmoms@gmail.com SEEKING 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 (Shoal Creek Sanctuary) Volunteers needed for variety of events including invasive plant removal, plant adoptions and more. First Sundays, 1–3:30 p.m. www.shoalcreek sanctuary.org/volunteer SEEKING VOLUNTEERS (St. Mary’s Home Health & Hospice) Seeking volunteers to provide companionship or to help with simple tasks for those in hospice care. Training provided. 706-​389-​2273 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.acc​ gov.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 ARCHAEOLOGY SUMMER CAMP (Carter-​Coile Country Doctors Museum, Winterville) Registration now open. Camp attendees will conduct a real archaeological excavation with an experienced group of historians and educators. Ages 12 & up. June 1–5, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. $150. wintervillehistory@gmail. com, 706-​389-​5151 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 Kids Yoga and Open Play (Tuesdays), Story Time and Cocoa Club (Wednesdays), and more. www.athenslibrary.org/ oconee HISTORY CAMP (Crawford Long Museum, Jefferson) Registration now open for the Masterpiece Makers day camp. Learn about and create a variety of art from around the world. Ages 6–10. $110. June 8–12, 9:45 a.m.–2 p.m. daily. Limited availability. 706-​367-​5307 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-​year-​old 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.canopy​ studio.org/class-​schedule/camps 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/summer-​camp

SUMMER CAMP (OCAF, Watkinsville) Registration now open for variety of summer camp opportunities including improv, puppet making, mixed media art and more.

Ages 7–14. www.ocaf.com/kids 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 (Sweet Olive Farm, Winterville) Registration is now open for a variety of summer camps in June and July including overnight stays. Ages 5–12. www.sweetolivefarm.org/collections/2026-summer-camps 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

Word on the Street CALL FOR PARTICIPANTS (APQC) Seeking parade participants, vendors and volunteers for Pridefest.

Deadlines vary. Event held June 6. www.linktr.ee/athensgapride 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. athens​welcomecenter.com COMMUNITY RUNNING GROUPS (Athens Road Runners) Weekly community runs for all skill levels including Speed Workout (Wednesdays, 5:30 a.m.) and Fun Runs (Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. & Saturdays, 7:15 a.m.). www.athens​ roadrunners.org FRIDAY EVENTS (Multiplechoices Center for Independent Living) The organization hosts ongoing Friday gatherings. Tech discussions, support groups, movies and games. www.multiplechoices.us/youre-​ invited MEDICAL ASSISTANCE (Nuçi’s Space) Direct connections to mental healthcare like counseling and psychiatry, medical care for physical concerns and more. www. nuci.org, 706-​227-​1515 MINDFUL BREATH SANGHA MEETING (Healing Lodge) In the Zen tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh. Sundays, 1–2:30 p.m. Newcomers welcome.

Free. www.mindfulbreathsangha.org SEEKING CAMP COUNSELORS (Sweet Olive Farm, Winterville) Now accepting applications for Counselors In Training for a variety of summer camp programs. Contact Kat at howdy@sweetolivefarm.org or 770-365-7782 SEVENTH GENERATION (No. 3 Railroad Street, Arnoldsville) Seventh Generation Native American Church hosts various gatherings on Sundays, 11 a.m. 706-​340-​7134 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

arts & culture

calendar picks

FILM | THU, APR. 30

Local Lens

Ciné • 8 p.m. • $8

Local Lens is a new event created by Athens Film Festival in collaboration with podcast “Behind the Slate” to platform standout shorts from local filmmakers.

The showcase of short films, which were selected from over 50 submissions, will be followed by a Q&A with “Behind the Slate” owner/host and Athens Film Festival award-​winner Aaron Strand. The event will also have a featured musical guest: local bubblegrunge band Honeypuppy.

Honeypuppy’s song “Suck Up” was used in the official Local Lens trailer, and it will be bringing its music to the event, as well.

Finally, the theme for the 2026 Athens Film Festival, which will be held Aug. 27–30, will be announced early to attendees of Local Lens. [Mary Beth Bryan] EVENT | MAY 2–3

to meet the shelter’s adorable, adoptable kittens, as well as fellow cat lovers. The party theme this year is PURR-​gerton. In addition to the kittens, the event will also have vendors, music and a raffle. Each ticket purchase includes two drink tickets and complementary food and snacks. Kids two and under get in free, and entry is discounted to $15 for people ages 3–20.

Proceeds from the event benefit AAHS’s mission to “rescue and protect companion animals by providing for their wellbeing, uniting them with loving homes, and advocating for a compassionate society.”

Capacity is limited, so it’s recommended to purchase tickets ahead of time on the AAHS website. In the event of inclement weather, the Kitten Shower will be rescheduled to May 17. [MB] EVENT | TUE, MAY 5

Cinco de Mayo Fest

Hendershot’s • 5 p.m. (doors) • FREE!

Springtacular

General Time • 10 a.m. • FREE!

Indie South’s annual makers market is back, hosted this year in a new, larger venue.

Indie South is a local gift shop founded by Serra Jaggar to support the locally-​made, the eclectic and the mystical, and it was opened after the success of this market.

Springtacular offers attendees access to the wares of over 100 artists and curators; there will be jewelry, candles, clothing, pottery

The new owners at Hendershot’s are launching a Cinco de Mayo event this year to showcase the arts across Chicano, Mexican, Caribbean and Indigenous cultures.

The event is organized by Beto Cacao, an artist who has lived in Athens since 1999, and who works closely with the migrant and Latinx communities as the co-​founder of the immigrant rights organizations Dignidad Inmigrante en Athens and Athens Immigrant Rights Coalition. Entertainment for the night will begin at 5:30 p.m. with Cacao singing the songs of Mexico, followed by the Mendoza Brothers singing Latin American folk songs at 6:15 p.m. Dancing will follow from Danza Azteca Sr San Jose at 7 p.m. and Tepeyac Mexican Folk Dance Troupe at 7:30 p.m.

Timbathens will hold a salsa class from 8–9 p.m., followed by a Latin dance party at 9 p.m. until late. La Chancla Tacos will also be available at Hendershot’s starting at 12 p.m. [MB] FILM | WED, MAY. 6

hey, nothing: One More Song Ciné • 7:30 p.m. • $15

hey, nothing. Credit: Elizabeth Marsh.

and much, much more available for purchase. In the past, the market has even had food trucks and live music to enjoy while you browse. Springtacular will be open on Saturday until 5 p.m. and on Sunday until 3 p.m. Check in with Indie South’s website to see a list of participating vendors. [MB] EVENT | SUN, MAY 3

10th Annual Kitten Shower Athens Area Humane Society • 2–4 p.m. • $15–25 (adv.), $30

The Athens Area Humane Society’s Kitten Shower invites community members

From finding an audience on TikTok to being nominated for the Vic Chesnutt Award to touring across the continent, Atlanta-​based emo folk duo hey, nothing had a big 2025.

The band, composed of childhood best friends Tyler Mabry and Harlow Phillips, began releasing music in 2021. They hit their stride on 2024’s Maine, an emotionally resonant EP about grief and growing up too fast. In 2025 the duo toured its most recent EP, 33°, joined by a cameraman who filmed them day in and out. After a year being cut and edited, the footage has become One More Song, a documentary offering a close-​up look at hey, nothing’s recent journeys. The film was screened in Los Angeles on Apr. 28 and will have one more exclusive screening in Athens. After the documentary, Mabry and Phillips will also give an intimate acoustic performance. [MB] f

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live music calendar Tuesday 28

Flicker Theatre & Bar Primordial Void Presents. 8 p.m. (doors). $10. www.flickertheatreand​ bar.com HEALERS CO. East coast duo.

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

ORGANICALLY PROGRAMMED Oliver Domingo’s electronic space-­ themed act, which utilizes primitive drum machines and synthesizers to create disco-­pop, jazz and easy listening inspired compositions.

Georgia Theatre 6:30 p.m. (doors), 7:30 p.m. (show). $26.40. www.georgiatheatre.com MELT Soul, soft rock and indie pop band formed in New York City in 2017.

CLAIRE ERNST Artist combining hooky pop elements, country storytelling and R&B melodies on her debut album, Oh, Hello!

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.

Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall 7:30 p.m. $64–129 (discount w/ UGA ID). pac.uga.edu RHIANNON GIDDENS Two-­time Grammy Award and Pulitzer Prize-­ winning singer and composer who stretches her brand of folk music into opera, ballet and film.

Normal Bar Normal Bar’s 16th Anniversary. 8 p.m. FREE! www.instagram.com/ normal_bar_athens LUXURY VEHICLE High-­energy duo featuring DJ Reindeer Games with John Swint on drums.

SERF LORDS Post-­apocalyptic surf punk embedded in 8-­bit DOS hellscapes.

Nowhere Bar Catalyst Collective Presents. 8 p.m. www.instagram.com/nowherebar​ athensga MJT Trio of brothers that are a fixture of the Long Island music scene.

SAMURAI TEST DRIVE Five-­ piece jazz fusion band based out of Athens, GA that takes inspiration from artists like Casiopea, Return to Forever, Lettuce and Jaco Pastorius.

Wednesday 29 Amici at The Falls 6 p.m. www.facebook.com/amiciat​ thefalls AUSTIN SISK & ALLIE BRYAN Singer-­songwriter duo playing alt-­ pop and country.

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

FREE! www.athensfarmersmarket.net HIBBS FAMILY BAND Quartet of family members combining the textures and rhythms of bluegrass and folk music with alt-­rock melodic sensibilities and lyricism. (6 p.m.)

Dead Beat Club 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $10. www.deadbeatathens.com HUNTER BLALOCK North Georgia troubadour who doesn’t shy away from the heavy stuff.

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MICHAEL JOE WHITE Athens songwriter who has a personal vendetta against the sweet potato.

CONOR CHURCHILL Tallahassee songwriter with depth and serious Gregory Alan Isakov vibes.

Flicker Theatre & Bar 9 p.m. FREE! www.flickertheatreandbar.com DR. FRED’S KARAOKE Featuring a large assortment of pop, rock, indie and more.

Georgia Theatre Rooftop 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $13.90. www.georgiatheatre.com SUN CHILD Dream folk project created by songwriter and multi-­ instrumentalist Brooke Garwood.

Solo acoustic performance.

VIRGINIA MAN Poetic lyrics bellowing over the sounds of middle Appalachia.

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.

Ramsey Hall 7:30 p.m. $64 (discount w/ UGA ID). pac.uga.edu CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY OF LINCOLN CENTER Powerhouse chamber ensemble combining the sonic richness of a string quartet with the symphonic aura of grand piano.

with a sound built on late-­night drives, studio sessions and Atlanta’s underground.

PBE PLUTO Artist from Mobile, AL who is redefining the sound of Southern hip hop.

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

Hendershot’s 8 p.m. $10. www.hendershotsathens. com BIG BAND ATHENS 18-­member Athens band whose swinging tunes consist of cover music from the ’40s to the ’70s.

Hotel Indigo Live After Five. 5:30–8 p.m. www. indigoathens.com THE GRATEFUL DADS Local Grateful Dead cover band.

Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall 7:30 p.m. FREE! pac.uga.edu CLASSIC CITY COMMUNITY CHORUS Performing Kyle Pederson’s “A Vision Unfolding,” a program combining song and spoken

Friday 1

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

Athentic Brewing Co. 5–11 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com MAY FEST KARAOKE Hosted by the United Campus Workers UGA Chapter during the brewery’s festival celebration.

The Classic Center 6 p.m. (doors), 7:30 p.m. (show).

FREE! www.classiccenter.com ATHENS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Performing favorites from Broadway to Hollywood with attendees invited to bring a picnic.

Dead Beat Club 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $12 (adv.), $15. www.deadbeatathens. com NICK NIESPODZIANI Yacht Rock Revue member who has spent the last two decades in Atlanta’s musical playground playing songs from all his projects, featuring Indianapolis Jones later in the set..

Thursday 30 40 Watt Club Tank Touring Presents. 7:30 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $10 (adv.), $12. www.40watt.com DIRTY 930 Melodic riffs and catchy melodies inspired by punk rock, emo, metal and classic rock.

IMOGENE & THE STRAYS Country singer-­songwriter and her band.

Athentic Brewing Co. 8–11 p.m. $10. www.athenticbrewing. com NOCHE DE TANGO TIMBAthens and SALSAthens host a fundraising dance social with the latest Latin music. The evening kicks off with a Tango class.

Dead Beat Club 7 p.m. (doors), 8:30 p.m. (show). $10. www.deadbeatathens.com WOMEN IN STEM Indie rock girl trio with a power complex and lots of love.

SUNKISSER Formerly Option Paralysis, this indie-­pop band overcame its greatest fear and made a choice.

DADGUM For fans of eclectic songwriting, swung pop tunes, alternative country and blasé indie.

Flicker Theatre & Bar 8 p.m. $5–10 suggested donation. www.flickertheatreandbar.com GOTH SPRING FORMAL Dance party benefitting the Athens Area Homeless Shelter featuring DJ Charlieflower and DJ Hemmy.

Georgia Theatre 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $45.64. www.georgiatheatre.com SOULJA BOY Rapper and producer who rose to fame in 2007 with his self-­produced debut single, “Crank That (Soulja Boy).”

LIL XAN Artist from Redlands, CA who was a pioneer of “sad boy” rap.

UHFWEA Experimental rap artist

F L A GP OL E .C OM · A P R IL 29, 2026

Soulja Boy will play at the Georgia Theatre on Thursday, Apr. 30. word, using texts by Pederson, Walt Whitman, Langston Hughes and Shanelle Gabriel.

Nowhere Bar 7 p.m. (doors), 9:30 p.m. (show). $10. www.instagram.com/nowhere​ bar​athensga JAMES AURELIO Solo set by frontman of Los Cantares and Taxi Cab Verses.

POLAR WAVES Alternative band bringing a special late-­night transmission built on distortion, repetition and unraveling identity.

The World Famous 9 p.m. (doors), 9:30 p.m. (show). $10 suggested donation. www.facebook. com/theworldfamousathens ZAK LOY Texas-­born songwriter best known as the guitarist for the band LIVE. TROY MILLETTE & THE FIRE BELOW Vermont songwriter with a bitchin’ podcast.

MICHAEL JOE WHITE Local songwriter who still slow reads the cereal box.

MAGENTA MEN A tribute to The Indigo Girls, performed by all men.

Hendershot’s 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $10 (adv.), $12. www.hendershots​ athens.com JOHNNY FALLOON Deranged local band with hard-­hitting songs and complex theatrics.

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

THE UNBELIEVING DOG Whimsical, sad music from Iain Cooke.

Live Wire Gnarly G’s 50th Birthday Celebration.

8 p.m. $10 (adv.), $15. www. tinyurl.com/gnarly50 GEOFF WOOD While composing music for other projects, Wood found himself with a collection of material heavily influenced by artists he grew up loving like Bob Dylan, The Band and Wilco.

JAMAZONIAN Funk You members Gnarly G and Mark Dykes front this band of virtuosos that play bold

interpretations of rock/funk/hip-­hop classics while mixing in an eclectic stream of originals.

DECKER A rising force in the Atlanta DJ scene cutting tracks up to keep bodies shaking on the dance floor.

Madison Morgan Cultural Center 6 p.m. (doors), 7 p.m. (show). $15 (students), $35 (adults). www. mmcc-­arts.org A NIGHT AT THE OPERA Soprano Bethany GraceMamola and tenor Timothy Miller will perform an evening of favorite arias and duets.

The Roadhouse 9 p.m. $7.50. www.instagram.com/ roadhouseathens SUPERSTAR Athens-­based rock duo made up of lifelong collaborators Aaron White and Bennett Evans.

Saturday 2 40 Watt Club Wuxtry is 50! 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $10. www.40watt.com THE REVEREND CONNER TRIBBLE Old-­fashioned rock and roll with a sprinkle of good-­humored irreverence.

ASYMPTOMATICS Rambunctious indie-­rock party ensemble that dips into post-­punk, funk and even psychedelic folk rock.

ORGANICALLY PROGRAMMED Oliver Domingo’s electronic space-­ themed act, which utilizes primitive drum machines and synthesizers to create disco-­pop, jazz and easy listening inspired compositions.

Athentic Brewing Co. Blues, Brews and BBQ Festival.

1–9:30 p.m. $15 (adv.), $20. www. athenticbrewing.com BIG C & BIG DON Long-­running Athens blues enthusiast Clarence “Big C” Cameron along with Big Don. (2 p.m.)

THE LUCKY JONES Old school rockin’ rhythm and blues. (3 p.m.)

JANET & THE NEW DOGS All-­star band playing smoking blues and classic rock. (4 p.m.)

BLUES IMPALA Alabama blues rock band steeped in American roots music. (5 p.m.)

TERRAPLANE BLUE Versatile trio performing originals, traditional blues tunes and blues rock songs.

(6 p.m.)

MUDCAT & THE REDEEMERS Atlanta-­based blues and roots powerhouse. (7 p.m.)

RICK FOWLER BAND Athens-­ based blues rock group bringing an original yet familiar appeal to fans of ’60s and ’70s rock. (8:20 p.m.)

Bishop Park Athens Farmers Market. 8 a.m.–12 p.m. FREE! www.athensfarmers​ market.net ART GRIDER & GREG CLINTON Members of the jazz band Rifftones.

(9 a.m.)

The Classic Center 6 p.m. (doors), 7:30 p.m. (show).

FREE! www.classiccenter.com ATHENS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Performing favorites from Broadway to Hollywood with attendees invited to bring a picnic.

Dead Beat Club 9 p.m. $10. www.deadbeatathens.com GLITTER AND GLOOM DJ Goth Dad and TwinPowers (Dan and Dusty from Vision Video) playing indie sleaze, post-­punk, new wave

and goth from the ’80s to the 2020s.

Flicker Theatre & Bar Classic City Creative Co. & Volumes Hip Hop Present. 9 p.m. $10 suggested donation. www.flicker​ theatreandbar.com TRVY Hip-­hop artist, producer and content creator that leads the psychedelic live band Trvy & the Enemy.

JAMEE CORNELIA Los Angeles-­ based artist with roots in Atlanta who recently released an album called same number.

DK Local artist weaving lyrically driven truths together with lo-­fi beats.

C.SHREVE THE PROFESSOR North Carolina-­based MC, producer and founder of the hip-­hop collective Free The Optimus.

K!D Atlanta-­born hip-­hop artist who draws inspiration from both contemporary and classic artists.

MISS 2EXOTIC Artist who released her single “2EXOTICBABY” last October.

Flying Squid Comedy 7:30 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $10. flyingsquidcomedy.com ETHAN MULLENAX Local songwriter playing tunes off his upcoming release “Minutiae,” which combines sample sequencing and synth compositions with folk roots.

ANNIE LEETH Local producer and violinist loops drums, synths and strings.

CALEB DARNELL Winterville-­ based musician who is finding his roots in fingerstyle blues.

Front Porch Bookstore 5:30 p.m. FREE! Find Front Porch Bookstore on Facebook JIM WHITE High-­energy solo blues, classic rock and roots music.

Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall 7:30 p.m. $8 (students), $15 (adults). www.athensmasterchorale.org ATHENS MASTER CHORALE The program “To Her Hands” celebrates the voices of women composers.

No. 3 Railroad Street 7 p.m. $10 suggested donation. www.3railroad.org THE BONES OF ST. MICHAEL Performing the French tradition of jazz manouche.

The Root 10 p.m. FREE! www.therootathens.com SILENT DISCO Grab a pair of headphones, choose a music channel and dance the night away.

Sunday 3 ACC Library Live at the Library. 3 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org TAYLOR HOLLINGSWORTH Guitarist and singer-­songwriter from Birmingham, AL who is also a member of Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band and Dead Fingers.

The Globe 4–7 p.m. www.facebook.com/globe. athens TRADITIONAL IRISH SESSION Easy listening traditional Irish music.

Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall 3 p.m. $64–106 (discount w/ UGA ID). pac.uga.edu ATLANTA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Robert Spano conducts the

Monday 4 40 Watt Club Tim Denson Early Voting Party. 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show).

FREE (donations suggested)! www.40watt.com CARDYNAL An eclectic, multi-­ faceted producer, instrumentalist and vocalist delivering hard-­hitting, witty bars and catchy melodies.

LIBBALOOPS Electronic musician and looping artist who loves to be silly and get “loopy doopy.”

SCHMOOZE Athens alternative rock band.

Flicker Theatre & Bar Nowsense Presents. 9 p.m. $5. www. flickertheatreandbar.com AVA WILDS Artist mixing country, folk and pop sensibilities.

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

MATTHEW ROBERTS No info available.

MANLOADER Self-­described “grimy boy toy music from Athens.”

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

Tuesday 5 40 Watt Club 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $20 (adv.), $25. www.40watt.com JOHN R. MILLER West Virginia-­ raised, Nashville-­based singer-­ songwriter and guitarist crafting his own intimate blend of laid-­back country blues and folk.

KRISTINA MURRAY Country artist with a timeless delivery of old-­school honky-­tonk, swampy Americana and R&B-­infused Southern rock.

Dead Beat Club 7 p.m. www.deadbeatathens.com KENOSHA KID The brainchild of guitarist Dan Nettles performs two sets of adventurous new music each week from his ever-­expanding catalog that exists “somewhere in the Schrödinger’s nexus of jazz, post-­rock and improvised music.”

Georgia Theatre 6:30 p.m. (doors), 7:30 p.m. (show). $46.25. www.georgiatheatre.com BUILT TO SPILL The seminal indie rock project of Doug Martsch, who formed the band in Boise, ID in 1992, known best for albums like Keep It Like a Secret and There’s Nothing Wrong with Love.

THE HYPOS Americana band built around the collaboration of veteran songwriters Greg Cartwright (Reigning Sound) and Scott McMicken (Dr. Dog), joined by a cast of Memphis and Asheville’s finest.

Hendershot’s Cinco de Mayo Fest. 5 p.m. (doors). www.hendershotsathens.com BETO CACAO Musician, poet and cultural steward performing songs of Mexico. (5:30 p.m.)

MENDOZA BROTHERS Performing Latin American folk songs.

(6:15 p.m.)

Social Dance Preserve 7–10:30 p.m. $10. www.bachata conexionathens.com BACHATA CONEXIÓN LATIN NIGHT Cinco de Mayo celebration with a DJ spinning Latin music.

State Botanical Garden of Georgia The Day Chapel. 7 p.m. $18 (w/ UGA ID), $38. pac.uga.edu A NIGHT OF JAZZ Jazz performance in the botanical garden’s scenic chapel.

Wednesday 6 40 Watt Club 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $20 (adv.), $25. www.40watt.com HARVEY STREET Indie and alternative rock tinged with Southern influences from Raleigh, NC. WIM TAPLEY & THE CANNONS Local alternative, folk-­pop songwriter and his band rooted in Americana and neo soul sounds.

Amici at The Falls 6 p.m. www.facebook.com/amiciat​ thefalls AUSTIN SISK & ALLIE BRYAN Singer-­songwriter duo playing alt-­ pop and country.

Ciné One More Song Documentary Screening. 7:30 p.m. $15. www.athens​ cine.com HEY, NOTHING An intimate acoustic performance from the Atlanta folk rock duo that began working together in high school.

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

FREE! www.athensfarmersmarket.net TRIO METRO This piano, sax and drums trio plays jazz standards and an array of more contemporary covers with a jazz twist. (6 p.m.)

Dead Beat Club 8 p.m. $20 (adv.), $25. www.deadbeat​ athens.com JOSEPH ARTHUR Musician blending the literate and expressive lyrical style of a classic singer-­songwriter with music rooted in indie rock.

ABE PARTRIDGE Folk artist from Mobile, AL whose songs range from earthy to surreal.

Flicker Theatre & Bar 9 p.m. FREE! www.flickertheatreand​ bar.com DR. FRED’S KARAOKE Featuring pop, rock, indie and more.

Georgia Theatre Rooftop 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $13.93. www.georgiatheatre.com HAARDBYTE Playing his Electrx360° boiler room set of bass, techno, dubstep, trap EDM and electro.

SPECTRA3 Techno DJ based in Athens and Atlanta.

BANJO Local DJ and founder of Dawghouse Productions.

Hendershot’s 7 p.m. FREE! www.hendershotsathens. com HENDERSHOT’S OPEN MIC NIGHT Discover new Athens musical talent.

Nowhere Bar 8 p.m. www.instagram.com/nowhere​ barathensga LOCAL NOMAD Soul-­dipped soft rock crooner.

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

FREEMAN LEVERETT Dreamy, hypnotic and danceable songs with thoughtful lyrics and cosmopolitan influences.

Porterhouse Grill 7 p.m. www.porterhousegrillathens. com JAZZ NIGHT Performing American songbook, bossa nova classics and crossover hits. f

675 Pulaski St, Suite 1200 | Athens, GA

orchestra’s performance of works

by Rachmaninoff, Bernstein and Theofanidis, featuring pianist Stephen Hough and mezzo-­soprano Kelley O’Connor.

Terrapin Beer Co. 3–6 p.m. www.terrapinbeer.com JIM COOK High-­energy solo blues, classic rock and roots music. Every first Sunday.

AT H I CA i nv i te s yo u to

Maps & information

SAT U R DAY, M AY 2 11 am - 7 pm

F R E E A N D O P E N TO T H E P U B L I C

A F T E R PA RT Y 7 PM - 9 PM

Take an exclusive peak into artist studios and creative spaces around town, connect with your neighbors, and find your next favorite local artists!

A P R IL 29, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

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arts & culture

feature

areas where the community can flourish.

“Outreach is important, and it’s huge in my heart,” Woodruff said.

The studio started 24 years ago in the same space it inhabits today at 160-­6 Tracy St. What began as a small business serving only about 15 students a week

classes,” Woodruff said, “it is the full range of somebody’s life.”

Woodruff herself has a degree in special education from the University of Georgia and has been a part of Canopy since the beginning. She is a founding member of the repertory team and assumed her current role in 2021.

“We always laugh about, as an executive director, that you do whatever is necessary,” Woodruff said. Part of Woodruff’s mission is to make sure people translate the skills they learn in the classroom into real-­life situations. That means taking what she learned as a middle school special education teacher and rendering those skills as an instructor.

quickly turned into a hit with locals. Now, Canopy’s programs offer everything from starter classes to field trips. The nonprofit’s outreach program hosts events and performances for the community, along with offering financial assistance for those who need it. “When we offer programs and

“My love has always been people who learn differently,” she said.

The move will allow the over 90 weekly classes Canopy offers to happen safely, sustainably and with room for growth. She hopes to connect with other businesses in the art district, as well. “We see that just

Canopy Studios’ Expansion PERFORMING ARTS NONPROFIT FUNDRAISES FOR NEW SPACE

By Jasmine Milbourne editorial@flagpole.com

At

SHANNAH MONTGOMERY

the beginning of this year, performance arts center Canopy Studios announced its capital campaign, Imagine More, to move to a bigger space on Ware Street in downtown Athens. Through this expansive effort, the nonprofit hopes to offer more classes and strengthen its outreach.

“One of the reasons that we are building a new building is because we don’t have space to serve everybody who wants to be here right now,” Executive Director Ann Woodruff said.

According to its website, the nonprofit is dedicated to enriching the culture of the community through aerial dance, movement education and performance art.

“One of the things that I’m very much looking forward to when we expand is bringing in other circus disciplines,” Woodruff said.

The studio is working with Polias to design the new space and ensure it fits the needs of Canopy’s current client base. They are not planning to double their client base just because they doubled the square footage.

“We want to have slow, measured growth and serve the students that we have right now a little bit better,” Woodruff said.

“Be able to open the door to the students that are sitting on the wait list.”

Floor plans include an enlarged pole studio, expanding the aerial classroom and performance space, more teaching spaces, a mezzanine for viewing, additional bathrooms, administrative offices and gathering

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being in the proximity to other arts and social services is going to be good for not just Canopy, but good for all of Athens and the people that have access to those services,” she said.

In a statement announcing the move, David Mulkey, the principal at Polias, said that this is a great opportunity for the real estate development to support an organization committed to helping the community.

“We’re also a nonprofit because we make art, and art is valuable,” Woodruff said.

“We’re a nonprofit because we participate in our community, and we provide a service of creation and community as well.”

The studio serves students of all ages—from ages 2–83 to be exact—while maintaining an inclusive environment where everyone can enjoy themselves.

Canopy is going to continue its after-­school programs with Oglethorpe Elementary and Burks Elementary as part of its expansion, but hopes to connect with other programs. Woodruff is also excited for the opportunity to work with other creative agencies and nonprofits in the area. “I feel like it’s important for people of all ages, not just for the little kids running around and not just for your athletes,” she said. “But staying mobile is a priority, because that’s health for the long term.”

Currently, Canopy’s goal is to raise $450,000 by Sept. 1.

“We are just happy to teach and have performances,” Woodruff said. “And I think it allows us to have a stronger community where each class becomes a cohort and they learn together.”

Canopy will host a plethora of shows in May for the community to support. Among them is “Hello, Goodbye” presented by The Repertory Co. from May 1–3. The first show on Friday will be at 8 p.m. at the main studio, followed by two shows on Saturday at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., then a 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. show on Sunday. For tickets and more info, visit canopystudio.org. f

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · A P R IL 29, 2026

SUDOKU

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Edited by Margie E. Burke

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Solution to Sudoku: 26 27 28

8 1 5 9 4 3 7 6 2

863412 54 95 48 37 73 6 2 135 9 6 2 4 5 8 7 3 1 939 8 5 4 37 3 9 7 2 6 1 38 3 9 7 2 6 1 8 541 3 4 40 7 6 9 4 5 8 1 2 75 68 91 46 53 8 3 2 1 4 2 9 7 44 43 54 83 12 4667 4731 29 45 9 7 8 648 4 3 2 7 1 9 5 8 6 7 8 3 2 6 9 4 5 1 52 53 54 2 4 3 1 5 19 74 86 38 27 65 9 58 57 7 8 92 45 63 81 79 54 26 3 1 61 60 2 5 3 1 9 4 6 7 8

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ACROSS 1 It may be raw 5 Gilbert of "The Conners" 9 Plant support 14 "Giant" author Ferber 15 Make arrangements 16 Glass-polishing powder 17 Stabbing in the back 19 Leafstalk angles 20 Not quite right 21 Forever 23 Computer capacity 24 Unmusical 26 Mary Kay rival 28 Do away with 29 Tend the sauce 33 Daisy-like flowers 35 Type of terrier 37 Prosecuted again 39 Through the ears 40 Turns to ashes 42 Steep-sided hills 43 Calcutta wear 44 Draft source 45 In ___ of (rather than) 46 Arranges in sequence

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45 49 55

50

51

56

59 62 65

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49 Old name for Tokyo 52 Former Secretary of State Albright 55 Laser's kin 57 Dye-yielding shrubs 58 Like a nonagon 60 Ran off with 61 Comprehends 62 Truth alternative 63 Canary's kin 64 Coin opening 65 Ogler DOWN 1 Hinder, legally 2 Fluid build-up 3 "Star Trek" warp drive fuel 4 "___ and the Real Girl" (2007 film) 5 Bond, e.g.

6 1979 sci-fi classic 7 Tirade deliverers 8 "Rugrats" brat 9 Doctor's orders 10 University in San Marcos 11 Seed cover 12 "A View to a ___" (Bond film)

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42

64

63

This spring...

13 Effortless 18 Oregon city on the Columbia 22 Bridge call 25 Fill with anxiety 27 Very thin pasta 30 "Voices Carry" pop group 31 Emerald ___ 32 Actor Jonathan ___ Meyers 33 Javelin paths 34 "Will be", in a Doris Day song 36 "It is what it is" and others 38 Business interactions 41 Springer or Brittany 47 Merlin of football and TV 48 ___-one: long odds (2 wds.)

50 Tractor surname 51 Court call 52 M, to Einstein 53 Penny ___ 54 Last name in fashion 56 Assistant 59 PA time zone

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