its album release during the Marigold Festival’s official afterparty, with special guest Call Me
on Saturday, May 9. See the Live
Calendar on p. 12 for more details.
30 YEARS OF KINDERCORE
THURSDAY, MAY 7 • DOORS 6:00 PM MAN… OR ASTROMAN? JAPANCAKES • THE PINK STONES CHIMES • THE TAMMY SHINE GRAPE SODA • GO PUBLIC • DOG PERSON HONEYPUPPY • VIV AND THE THINGS
FRIDAY, MAY 8TH • DOORS 6:00 PM ELF POWER • DRESSY BESSY I AM THE WORLD TRADE CENTER JOE CHRISTMAS • KINCAID. THE DRY RUNS • SLEEPY BEEF ORGANICALLY PROGRAMMED JOHN KIRAN FERNANDES/ ARIANNA PETERSEN/FRANKLIN RUSSELL TRIO CRITTER FRITTER
SATURDAY, MAY 9TH • DOORS 6:00 PM MASERATI INSOMNIAC • SHEHEHE VINCAS • GENTLEMAN JESSE THE AGENDA! • MOLLY’S LIPS • BIG TROUBLE BLACK NERD NINJA • NOISE MOUNTAIN SINGLE NIGHT OR 3 NIGHT TICKETS AVAILABLE
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 Chris Dowd, Erin France, Gordon Lamb, Rebecca McCarthy
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
online exclusive
AthFest Educates has officially announced the full lineup for this summer’s 28th annual AthFest Music & Arts Festival, scheduled for June 26–28 across three outdoor stages and 14 different music venues. Outdoor headliners include Improvement Movement, Perpetual Groove and Stephen Day.
See “AthFest Educates Announces Full Lineup for 2026 AthFest Music & Arts Festival” at flagpole.com.
Americana band Grassland
celebrating
Spinster, at the Marigold Auditorium
Music
How Green Are the Candidates?
MAYORAL HOPEFULS SPEAK ON THE ENVIRONMENT, AND MORE NEWS
By Blake Aued, Rebecca McCarthy and Lily Thomas news@flagpole.com
All five mayoral candidates gathered at the Athens- Clarke County Library on Apr. 27 for a forum on energy and the environment. The event was moderated by Coalition of Athens Scientists’ Olivia Asher and cohosted by 10 local scientific organizations. Candidates were asked about climate resilience, the Clean and Renewable Energy Plan, clean water access, reducing car miles driven and data centers in Athens.
Zuniga opened by saying, “Latin Americans, we value natural resources,” and that her Spanish fluency will allow her to communicate about environmental topics across communities. Further, she said she lives on a farm and runs an asbestos abatement company with her husband Marcos, giving her practical environmental experience. Fisher referenced his record of starting programs on climate control, energy efficiency and recycling. He said his work with UGA and the Clarke County school system gave him experience in establishing sustainability initiatives.
Miller asserted her platform of policy, polity and partnership to create positive change for all citizens in Athens.
Gantt emphasized growing up in a nowredeveloped Athens neighborhood, stating that the gap must be bridged to connect communities with environmental goals, including the establishment of green spaces. Lastly, Denson stated his mission of “an Athens for everyone,” with combatting climate change being crucial for future generations to thrive. He referenced attending past environmental forums and helping pass the 100% Clean and Renewable Energy Plan while on the commission.
CLIMATE RESILIENCE: Fisher suggested a climate task force, infrastructure stress tests, data driven efforts and an Emergency Management Department. He said, “We were fortunate last year [with Hurricane Helene]… I want to make sure that we, as a community, if that happened in AthensClarke County, that we’re prepared, and we know what resources that we need to get to.”
Miller cited infrastructure systems being prepared and in place, as well as working with the director of sustainability and related departments to maintain resilience.
Gantt focused on educating and updating the community. She emphasized bridging the gap between people and policy, while providing updates on progress and accomplishments.
Denson affirmed the disproportionate impact of natural disasters on low-income communities, and he suggested using more climate resilient infrastructure when paving roads to prevent flooding and disasters later. He also referenced the heat island effect, stressing the importance of maintaining ACC’s dense tree canopy to reduce warming.
Zuniga expressed frustration that the government and school system did not take action in Athens after Hurricane Helene. She suggested protecting environmental fixtures, reevaluating zoning codes to pre-
vent damage, and a community plan for natural disasters.
CLEAN AND RENEWABLE ENERGY PLAN: Candidates were asked for concrete actions that would advance ACC’s 100% Clean and Renewable Energy Plan and how community members could see and track that progress. Miller said she would view measurable outcomes, work with the city manager, and put an assessment of progress on the agenda.
Gantt emphasized working with CCSD to create a curriculum that prepares students to enter green careers.
She suggested a hotline for citizens to call and get environmental issues addressed immediately. Fisher emphasized public and private cooperation to increase clean water access for underserved communities and replacing aging infrastructure, while conducting community outreach and creating action rather than press conferences.
Miller aimed to secure funds from grants to address water standards, while using her clergy background to build trust with vulnerable communities and cooperating with departments to meet their needs.
REDUCING DRIVING: With gas-powered cars being the most common transportation mode in Athens despite causing pollution and potential crashes, candidates were asked if they support reducing car miles in favor of walking, buses and bikes.
Denson emphasized the bus system, but Zuniga disagreed with the current fare- free system. Fisher said he is in talks with the University of Georgia to prevent freshmen
Denson referenced his proposal for an inclusionary parking ordinance, which would lower parking requirements for builders who contribute to a multimodal transportation fund that improves infrastructure, while lowering flood risks.
Zuniga cited financial constraints despite respecting the plan’s goals, saying, “It would be disingenuous to make promises that you’re going to do all these things when you don’t even know if you will have the resources available to do them.” She said she would first prioritize housing, disaster preparedness, clean water and infrastructure maintenance.
Fisher reasserted his commitment to infrastructure and smart growth, suggesting a dashboard tracker for citizens to see progress on environmental goals. He agreed with Gantt’s stance on investing in education for green jobs and industries.
CLEAN WATER: When asked about ensuring all ACC residents—especially in the Pinewoods and Pittard Road communities—have clean water, and rebuilding community trust after delayed responses, all candidates supported providing water service across Athens.
Gantt emphasized addressing environmental injustices and creating equity, while overcoming “cultural mistrust” between communities and the government.
Denson agreed on prioritizing water access for all ACC residents, while rebuilding trust by meeting people where they are, and holding regular town hall meetings across the county to increase engagement.
Zuniga affirmed keeping promises made about water access saying, “water is a core responsibility of the local government, whether it’s on private or public systems.”
While candidates supported them generally, most disagreed with requiring solar power. Fisher called it, “the power of the future,” but supported incentivizing the structures rather than requiring them. Miller agreed, citing how expensive the initiatives are but saying she cautiously supports them. Gantt emphasized bridging the gaps so community members understand the benefits of solar energy and weatherization, while highlighting grants and increasing the urgency of the green transition. Denson spoke against a solar requirement during a housing crisis, instead supporting panel incentivization on public buildings. He shared that he has solar panels on his home and supports cutting red tape for residential implementation. Zuniga echoed the costliness but supported their energy efficiency.
GREEN SPACES: The final audience question asked if green space and affordable housing are mutually exclusive. Miller said she would balance the two, while Gantt agreed they must coexist. Gantt warned that overly focusing on increasing density for student housing negatively impacts the likelihood of nearby neighborhoods being able to have green spaces. Denson said green space is nonnegotiable to combat climate change, and supported density to create affordable housing for everyone in Athens. Zuniga and Fisher agreed on utilizing Athens’ academic community to create solutions that allow green spaces and affordable housing to coexist in new ways. [Lily Thomas]
BOE Candidates on Reading
students from bringing cars to campus, while Miller focused on increasing green spaces and biking infrastructure through grants. Gantt emphasized quality over quantity with infrastructure by improving bus stops before expanding the system.
DATA CENTERS: When asked about data centers and their position on development, all candidates agreed that they did not belong in Athens.
Zuniga said one of the first data centers in Athens was built in her area, and she emphasized accurate information and statistics being shared with the public. While she expressed frustration that officials did not inform the community about construction, Fisher explained that it was “built by right” by Georgia Power, meaning the local government did not have to be notified. He suggested an advisory committee, while collaborating with UGA and Athens Technical College for real- time environmental reporting.
Miller and Gantt both spoke against data centers, emphasizing safeguarding Athens through community involvement and bridging the gap.
Denson pointed out the dangers of data centers near Athens also impacting ACC’s water utility and electrical grid, advocating for cooperation across communities against them. He also referenced his connection with Public Service Commissioner Peter Hubbard and record of environmental advocacy.
SOLAR ENERGY: An audience question asked candidates how ACC will overcome the discontinuance of subsidies and incentives for residential and commercial solar energy.
A surprising revelation at Tuesday’s forum with CCSD board candidates: Most support reinstating retention, a kind way of saying to fail students starting in third grade if the students aren’t reading on grade level. As things are now, children who can’t read well are moved along from grade to grade, without consequence.
District 5 candidate Fred Smith said young boys aren’t being educated. The model of one teacher with 20 students in a classroom “just isn’t working,” he said. The school district’s focus should be effective instruction.
Carl Blunt, a candidate for the District 3 seat, said that inability to read “isn’t something we can ignore.” He favors the “Mississippi Miracle,” a statewide initiative involving literacy coaches and an all-out community effort to help kids read by relying on phonics. Clarke County currently uses a phonics-based curriculum, and expects to get literacy coaches for the next school year.
Even though he’s running unopposed, District 9 representative Mark Evans attended the event, held at the ACC Library and sponsored by the Family Advisory Board of Clarke County. He said the charter system isn’t working as it should. He believes the local school governing team (LSGT) concept isn’t being implemented correctly, so he doesn’t see the innovation he expected. And he won’t support it when it comes up for a vote at a future meeting— even if that means the end of the Athens Community Career Academy. Teaching children to read is more important to him than guiding teenagers into possible careers.
Many of those teaching at the academy are experienced professionals in their fields, like welding or cosmetology, and don’t have the necessary credentials to be considered
➤ continued on next page
From left, Mara Zuniga, Dexter Fisher, Sharon Miller, LaKeisha Gantt and Tim Denson at a candidate forum focusing on the environment.
CHRIS DOWD
City Dope
continued from p. 5
teachers in a conventional education setting. Evans did support spending millions on renovating West Broad School into a facility housing the construction pathway for the career academy.
District 3 candidate Reginald Willis said it “truly takes a village,” to help students. Parents and community members have to be involved and concerned, asking themselves, how can I make the schools better?
When asked what their area of expertise might be, Blount said that having operated a successful business for the past 20 years, he has some financial sense. He doesn’t expect the budget for the school district to grow substantially during the next five years, and he predicts a recession is coming, adding that the school system needs to prepare.
Lillie Brooks, District 7 candidate, said it’s critical to educate parents about how important education is. Her expertise, she said, is her passion for helping all students and learning more about how the school district operates.
Adam Shirley, who’s also running for the District 7 seat, said his expertise is patience and realizing things can’t change overnight—things he learned from serving on the Athens- Clarke County Board of Elections.
District 5 candidate and former high school teacher Heather Fletcher said that her experience as a volunteer reading mentor has shown that reading one- to-one with a child can help them learn to read. [Rebecca McCarthy]
ACC Budget Includes Few Changes
Mayor Kelly Girtz’s last budget before his second term ends is $31 million higher than last year, but keeps the property tax rate the same and mostly maintains the status quo.
The total budget clocks in at $377 million, including capital projects and enterprise funds that are run like businesses, with fees paying for services, such as the Solid Waste and Public Utilities depart-
ments. The general fund budget—the part funded mostly by taxes—is $212.5 million, up $10.5 million from fiscal 2026. Most of that comes from employee raises and the Athens-Clarke County government absorbing increased health care costs. It also addresses a backlog of needs for new equipment like radios and vehicles. Girtz’s budget creates just 10 net new positions, three in the general fund. Out of $7.7 million in requests from departments for new initiatives, new programming and operating funds for SPLOST and TSPLOST projects, Girt’s budget funds only $1.4 million.
While new initiatives are modest, some of the highlights include:
• the addition of a third assistant manager and an engineer to expedite the completion of capital projects.
• reorganizing the Department of People and Belonging into the Office of Community Well-Being and Civil Rights, a division of the manager’s office.
• continuing partnerships with the Clarke County School District to provide afterschool sports programs and the Athens Housing Authority for programming at community centers. Those programs had previously been funded by the expiring American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Girtz also opted to keep the Neighborhood Leaders program, which Manager Bob Cowell had suggested cutting.
• a $350,000 increase for medical services at the jail, where 11 inmates have died since the start of 2021, and an additional $280,000 for meals.
• $40,000 to keep the newly rebuilt Bishop Park pool open later into the fall.
• fully funding the ACC Library and public defender’s office.
Girtz’s budget keeps the property tax rate at 12.25 mills, the same as last year. Overall, revenue is projected to rise by 3.1 percent next year. Girtz is also proposing to transfer $3.7 million from the county’s fund balance (rainy day fund) to the general fund.
The full budget and a “budget in brief” document are available at accgov.com/ budget. Public comment opportunities are May 20, June 2 and June 4, all at 6 p.m. in the City Hall commission chamber. [Blake Aued] f
pub notes
Back to the Future FAKE “GUIDE” SEEKS TO FOOL MAYORAL
By Pete McCommons pete@flagpole.com
If you had any doubts regarding what the mayoral race is all about, the arrival of the “Official Athens- Clarke County Mayoral Guide” from “Athens Forward” should make it all clear. The same crowd that has been fighting progressive Athens and trying to take us backward to the 1950s is still up to their dirty tricks, and they have latched onto Dexter Fisher.
There’s nothing official about this guide, of course, and it’s not a mayoral guide. It’s an attack on Tim Denson, the only other mayoral candidate mentioned, other than Fisher. In spite of the “guide’s” snarky dismissal of Denson, he should feel complimented that the anonymous “Athens Forward” (“Backward?”) singled him out. Whoever they are, they obviously consider Denson the candidate to beat.
There is, of course, some interesting background concerning these two candidates. Four years ago, probably in collaboration with Athens Forwardtype folks, “our” Republican state legislators—Sen. Bill Cowsert, Rep. Houston Gaines and others, secure in their gerrymandered seats and not worried about Athens votes—overrode the will of Athens voters and redrew the lines of Athens- Clarke County commission districts to force out three of our most progressive commissioners: Melissa Link, Russell Edwards and Tim Denson. Link got back on the commission from her new district in the next election, Edwards continued as an unelected activist, and Denson was elected to the board of education.
VOTERS
to see how he’s being used by the Athens Forward crowd.
This group is anonymous and lives in a post office box, but they’ve always been around under some name or other or none, even back when they were in step with Advancing Athens, tearing down everything old and replacing it with blight.
What Athens Forward left out of their guide is the fact that after “our” Republican legislators forced Denson out of his District 5 commission seat, creating a vacancy, Fisher ran and was elected to what had been Tim’s seat. In fact, Fisher hadn’t even been in the 5th District until the Republican reps drew him in. Hmm. Just by running, Fisher signaled that he is fine with a seat created by Republican legislative bullying. If he’s willing to go along with that kind of politics, what will he go along with as a mayor financed by landlords and developers?
Fisher’s campaign said on social media that this “official guide” does not come from him. But many supporters of other candidates expressed the opinion that the disavowal did not go far enough in denouncing Athens Forward’s mailer.
But of course it’s not really about Dexter Fisher. Everybody who knows him says he’s a nice guy, and it’s obvious that he is. So he must be somewhat naive about politics not
It’s OK to be conservative and to base your politics on nostalgia for a time when everything was simpler (in hindsight) and the right people were in charge. But for a lot of reasons, Athens changed. The majority of Athenians became more liberal. The largely all-male, all- white city and county governments combined, elected Black citizens and women, and over time began trying to deal with thorny issues like poverty, racial discrimination, homelessness, housing affordability and transportation—earning the tag “progressive” and losing the support of those who wanted the government to be less friendly to the have-nots and friendlier to the haves, or something like that.
The upshot is that in Athens- Clarke County we have a strong minority of political and economic conservatives. Call them Republicans or Athens Forward or whatever, but because they are in the minority here, they have difficulty winning elections without stuff like extreme gerrymandering, forced redistricting and dirty tricks like this fake mayoral guide. And they need candidates who can appeal to the progressives but will do what the Athens Forward types want them to do.
Since Tim Denson is the only proven progressive in the race, he naturally becomes the target of this latest dirty trick by the same old crowd of naysayers. It’s just too bad they have to use a nice guy like Dexter Fisher as their tool. f
Attacking Athens
GOP CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATES ASSAIL THE CLASSIC CITY
By Blake Aued news@flagpole.com
Athens’ left-leaning politics took center stage at a debate among Republican candidates for the 10th Congressional District last week, with state Rep. Houston Gaines (R- Athens) and his main challenger, Ryan Millsap, arguing over Laken Riley, abortion and other hot-button topics on the right.
Gaines pointed to his record over eight years in the General Assembly. “When Laken Riley was brutally murdered by someone who never should have been in this country, I passed legislation to crack down on illegal immigration,” he said. “I passed legislation to hold rogue district attorneys that aren’t doing their job accountable. I stopped cashless bail, voted to keep boys out of girls sports [and] returned over $11 billion to Georgia taxpayers.”
Most recently, Gaines sponsored House Bill 295, allowing homeowners to sue their local government for lost property value if the government doesn’t do enough to crack down on homelessness. “The way to hit them is to hit them in their pocketbook,” Gaines said.
Millsap, a real estate developer who formerly owned a movie and TV studio in metro Atlanta, called Gaines a “career politician” while he’s running to crush the leftist Antifa communists in this country, and also to take back power from the “rat bureaucrats.”
“Politicians like young Gaines here do not have the backbone or the strength, nor do they have the will to take on the left and destroy them in this country,” Millsap continued. “They want to take away our free speech. They want to take away our guns. They would gladly take away our lives, like they did to Charlie Kirk.”
Gaines repeatedly touted his endorsement by President Donald Trump, which
Millsap called into question. “I don’t think President Trump could actually identify you in a lineup,” he told Gaines. “I don’t have any belief President Trump knows you, respects you, thinks you’ll provide any leadership. I think that was a party deal.”
Millsap also blamed Gaines for Athens nursing student Riley’s murder at the hands of a Venezuelan immigrant in 2024. Your family has been in Athens for eight generations, and yet Athens has gone to crap. It’s because of you.”
they have no excuse,” Millsap said. “They are complicit in the death of Laken Riley. They are complicit for the homelessness problem, for the drug use problem, for the lack of enforcing the law in Athens.”
Millsap, meanwhile, faced scrutiny for making conflicting statements about abortion rights over the years, having previously stated that Georgia’s strict abortion law put businesses at a disadvantage. He called himself “100% pro-life” and said Gaines “has voted for abortion. He, in voting for the heartbeat bill, that allows abortion.”
Gaines said that “22,000 babies have been saved” as a result of the law, which bans most abortions after the sixth week of pregnancy.
They ignored the third candidate, plumbing company owner Jeff Baker, who said he is running to support small businesses and the working class. He also stated his opposition to extending a post-9/11 surveillance
Gaines responded: “If you want to play that game, you’re from California, so should we blame you for everything California’s done? Because California is a disaster, and we don’t need California, Hollywood values in Georgia… I have fought Athens’ liberal policies every step of the way.”
“Gaines is the grandson of the late Joseph Gaines, a longtime Superior Court judge. Athens has just gone down, down, down, under not only his leadership, but the leadership of his family before him. So
law and support for drug- testing welfare recipients.
“If they’re going to sit around, smoke weed all day, eat Cheetos and play Xbox or binge on Netflix, there’s an issue with that,” Baker said.
There were far fewer fireworks at a debate among three Democratic candidates for the Republican-leaning seat, which includes Athens and about 20 other, mostly deep-red counties in East and Middle Georgia.
McDonough resident Pamela DeLancy said she retired as an Army nurse in 2019 with the rank of colonel after 39 years. “My platform is very simple: We the people,” she said.
Athens education consultant Lexy Doherty said, “I’m running because most of our representatives in Washington are wildly out of touch with what it’s like trying to get by. For too long, members of both parties have been bought by corporations, billionaires and special interests, and I would like to see more representatives who will fight for the average family.”
The only conflict came when Doherty and Delancy had an exchange about electability. Delancy noted that Doherty lost the race to Republican incumbent Mike Collins—who is running for Senate this year— by 100,000 votes in 2024.
Doherty said that’s why she got into the race last May, and pointed to her grassroots support, raising almost $200,000. “If this race swings like we’ve seen some of the other races in this community swing, and across the country, we will flip this seat,” she said.
Also running is John Dority. Little is known about him, as panelist Beau Evans of State Affairs News noted. Dority said he formerly served as chair of the Madison County Democrats and recently retired as vice president of a molecular diagnostics company. He said he is running to “restore the judicial system” and to “hold Democrats and Republicans accountable,” and that his experience in “high technology” would be valuable in Congress.
In her closing statement, DeLancy said, “I believe leadership in Congress does not need anyone with technical skills or aspirations or potential. We’re at a crossroads in the country, and we actually need individuals who have proven leadership.”
Doherty said the country needs to rebuild its institutions. “I think the most important thing we can do in this election is to take back the House,” she said. “We need a house that will hold this administration accountable.”
The Young-Loudermilk debate series is organized by the Atlanta Press Club and Georgia Public Broadcasting. Videos of the debates can be viewed at gpb.org. f
Houston Gaines (left) and Ryan Millsap debate on Georgia Public Broadcasting Apr. 26.
Commission District 9
TWO CANDIDATES CHALLENGE INCUMBENT OVITA THORNTON
By Chris Dowd news@flagpole.com
Commissioner Ovita Thornton is running for a third term in District 9, which runs from Newton Bridge Road to Spring Valley Road in North Athens. She’s being challenged by Barry Irwin and Tracy Smith.
Smith, an insurance agent and video content creator, says that she is running primarily to solve some infrastructure problems in District 9 and to help improve connectivity to the rest of Athens through an expanded sidewalk and transit network. “People in District 9 are still walking in high grass, walking in the streets, because there are no sidewalks. That is unacceptable. It’s a safety issue,” Smith told Flagpole Smith has never served in elected office before, but she has attended the ACCGov 101 program, a 10- week crash course on the ACC government. She also served on the advisory committee for TSPLOST 2023, a sales tax program earmarked for transportation capital projects. On that committee, she advocated for $8.2 million to be included for infrastructure improvements in North Athens, a proposal that was ultimately accepted by Athens voters.
Thornton agrees that her district has been underfunded historically when it comes to infrastructure. She hopes the $8.2 million from TSPLOST 2023 can start to make up that gap and give her constituents hope again.
“In my district, [residents] have been ignored. Their needs were never met,” Thornton told Flagpole. “We’ve been unified since 1991, but we [still] don’t have [adequate] stormwater [infrastructure], we don’t have street lighting… We don’t get those amenities that were promised [in 1991]... But I do feel there are buds blooming now.”
Beyond infrastructure funding, Thornton said she is also proud of the work she has done as commissioner for affordable housing. She organized four affordable housing summits to bring policymakers together with bankers and nonprofit housing providers to work on a solution
to bring down housing costs. In addition, Thornton serves as a representative on the local committee of the Georgia Initiative for Community Housing. On this committee, she helped craft a slate of policies which she feels has the potential to improve Athens’ housing situation, including proposals like allowing duplexes, manufactured homes and other cheaper housing options.
Despite this, Thornton feels that progress on infrastructure and housing has been
Jones for making a “deal with the Devil” as he planned to spend $25 million of federal grant money on roadway improvements in her district. Jones resigned from his post a few weeks later.
In her interview with Flagpole, Thornton also blamed the ACC Planning Department for lack of action on the Pinewoods water crisis. She accused these employees of being very slow in giving their approval to the owners of Pinewoods Estates to replace the water pipes there, which are desperately in need of repair.
“Getting permits is very slow. It’s not intentional, well I don’t know if it’s intentional or not,” Thornton wondered. “[The owners] need approval from the planning department to disrupt the ground to put in the new pipes. They haven’t gotten that, and it’s not because they haven’t submitted plan after plan after plan.”
slow in her district. In her interview with Flagpole, she blamed former ACC Manager Blaine Williams for the delay, along with other government employees, such as those in the ACC Department of Housing and Community Development.
“It bothers me when folks say the commission doesn’t listen. The bureaucracy or the policies [coming from the manager’s office] makes it look like we’re deaf,” Thornton said. “If people [in HCD] aren’t doing their job, they should be fired.”
Thornton quickly added that she didn’t know for a fact that anyone wasn’t doing their job, and she also praised new ACC Manager Robert Cowell, saying that he “gets it,” unlike Williams. However, this isn’t the first time that Thornton has cast blame on ACC staff over the years. She once blasted former interim ACC Manager Niki
The owners of Pinewoods Estates have never formally asked for approval to install new drinking water pipes on the property, according to the ACC Planning Department. Recently, the owners have submitted a plan to install fire hydrants, which involves upgrading the water lines and tapping into the municipal water supply. The upgraded water lines could later be used to connect to people’s homes, but to date, no plans have been submitted for that.
During her time on the commission, Thornton has openly fought with some of her colleagues as well, not just ACC staff. For example, she had an ongoing feud with former Commissioner Mariah Parker, who campaigned for her opponent in 2018, and Commissioner Melissa Link has also faced her anger at times. Thornton’s ad hominem attacks, angry emails and late-night texts
to colleagues are in part what led the mayor and commission to adopt a “civility pledge” which they now read at the start of every meeting.
If re-elected, Thornton’s priorities would be to continue her housing work, to build a police substation in District 9 and to finish the TSPLOST 2023 projects for North Athens.
Smith has criticized Thornton for a perceived lack of dedication in securing funding for a park in District 9, something that was on Thornton’s platform when she first ran for office in 2018.
“In District 9, we are in need of parks and recreation. We need green space. We need places where we can gather collectively,” Smith told Flagpole. “Our citizens are gathering in the Kroger parking lot just so they can meet and talk.”
Thornton said she remains committed to building a park in her district, but has not yet found a funding source.
Irwin, a retired lawyer, is also running for this seat. Irwin has a strongly negative view of local government, even more than Thornton. He said he is running to try and hold the police and other government workers accountable for their actions.
“Why do policemen hurt people or arrest people for no reason? Because they can. They can typically get away with it,” Irwin told Flagpole. “Same thing with people who work for the county. They do what they want to do, and there’s very little accountability. It’s ridiculous how horrible it really is.”
One example Irwin gives of government workers’ lack of accountability is when he applied to build a treehouse in his backyard. When it wasn’t approved right away, Irwin felt that the receptionist he gave the form to must have thrown it in the trash.
He also claimed that the local government doesn’t honor the open records act, saying that he has “a dozen or so claims” that he wants to “bring a lawsuit on.” In one instance, he said that the open records act was not honored because the ACC government sent him the files via email, not on paper as he requested. “Everybody is asleep at the switch,” Irwin said.
Irwin’s main priorities in office would be to build pedestrian infrastructure and to address climate change through the county’s 100% clean and renewable energy plan. Early voting has already started for this election. Election day is on May 19, the same day as the statewide primaries. f
From left, Barry Irwin, Ovita Thornton and Tracy Smith.
By Sam Lipkin editorial@flagpole.com
Sitting on the patio of Hendershot’s chatting with Ryan Lewis and Dan Geller of Kindercore lit the townie beacon as the conversation was accented with multiple drop-in visits by passersby related to the Kindercore family in various ways. Lewis and Geller laughed that this was the Athens they loved that prompted them to start Kindercore Records in 1996.
It began as an independent record label, then later it turned into the record pressing plant Kindercore Vinyl in 2017. However, Lewis and Geller separated from their brainchild in a flurry of controversy and lawsuits before the entire operation shut down “acrimoniously,” as described by Lewis. When asked if the duo ever thought there would be an EXPO2026, named as a follow up to Kindercore’s EXPO2000 festival, Geller uttered a prompt, “Hell no,” and Lewis said that he was “dead set against doing anything” due to how the end of Kindercore went down. However, that ending soon became a strong reason in favor of giving the business the celebration it deserved.
“Dan’s always been at UGA as a scientist, and now in entrepreneurship and startups. Ever since we started the label in ’96 I’ve always been the one that was trying to do this as the only thing I was doing. At the end of both of those businesses we weren’t allowed to talk about what was happening because it was an active lawsuit. Which was really difficult. Then as soon as it was over and we won, nobody gave a shit,” said Lewis. “I feel like our legacy of everything we did, which was really just about having fun with your friends and playing music, and trying to be like, this town is rad, right? That’s all it ever was. It got tainted by all this stuff.”
Last fall Lewis received a text message from a friend that said, “EXPO2026?” As he thought about officially closing the book on Kindercore and having a party with friends to celebrate its 30th anniversary, Lewis decided he had to make it happen.
“This is something I do all the time, which is either I have an idea or somebody else does. And I’m like, I’m just going to do this. Then it happens. But, you know, it happens at the expense of me and my sanity,” said Lewis.
“I’m the person that, people do that, and then I’m like, ‘I’ll help you,’” laughed Geller. Lewis threw out a net of messages not expecting much in return, but Kindercoreaffiliated and old Athens bands started saying yes. Instrumental indie rock group Japancakes initially said there was no way they could get everyone together, then a day later said everyone was in. Lo- fi pop rock band Joe Christmas, which played its last show at the Atomic in 1997, also joined the bill. At that point EXPO2026 started becoming a reality.
The final lineup of EXPO2026 is a web of new and old bands that tells a story of the local music scene, specifically with Kindercore’s legacy centrally located. A total of 30 bands will play over three days, May 7–9, at the 40 Watt Club with each night featuring
a double dose of bands performing on two stages. When it comes to piecing both local and Kindercore history back together, Lewis said his job as the Georgia music exhibit coordinator at the UGA Special Collections Libraries has led to him uncovering a lot of information.
Other highlights on the lineup include Man or Astro-man? which was one of the first bands Lewis saw in town and was featured on Kindercore’s first compilation tape. Although The Pink Stones released its debut album in 2021, frontman Hunter Pinkston was the first intern that worked at Kinder-
core Vinyl. Some bands that no longer exist are still represented through their members’ new bands, like pop group Masters of the Hemisphere. The Dry Runs features members of Kincaid as well as drummer Jeff Griggs of Masters. Then Sean Rawls of Masters is playing in the band Go Public. In other crossovers, Elf Power will have special guest Scott Spillane join to perform some of his old band The Gerbils’ songs.
But wait, it gets even more tangled. Dog Person features Jay Domingo, whose son Oliver Domingo fronts Organically Programmed, and Lauren Gregg, who drew Kindercore Vinyl’s mascot the Burrito (a tiny burro). The lone hip-hop act here is not out of place: Blacknerdninja performed at the pressing plant’s opening party. As for some of the newer bands booked that don’t have distant roots, Lewis said that they encourage the spirit of the music scene that Kindercore has always stood for.
“Personally, since Grape Soda stopped playing in 2018 I haven’t had an original band that I played in. This is the longest stretch I’ve gone in my whole life without playing in an original band. So this has been really amazing to reconnect with that,” said Lewis.
Then there are some unwanted connections that just keep resurfacing. “I got
a phone call yesterday, so they found my phone number for my office… It went to voicemail. It was a rant,” said Geller. “The general call is, ‘Hey, man, been checking out your band. And, I mean, you knew, right? I mean, I don’t think you did it. But who told you? Somebody told you.’”
Geller and Amy Dykes form the synthpop duo I Am the World Trade Center that has provoked online conspiracy theorists since the 9/11 terrorist attacks. In July of 2001 the band released the album Out of the Loop, on which the 11th track is titled “September.” This, paired with the band releasing its second album three years later named The Cover Up, has led to conspiracies around the band’s knowledge of or involvement with the terrorist attacks—which continues to the present day.
Through the entire Kindercore endeavor from the beginning to its changes then unfortunate ending, Lewis and Geller state that they’ve had very different experiences. Geller came up with the name and took ownership over the label while Lewis headed the vinyl pressing plant, but Geller also had a career as a scientist and other music projects while Lewis said he ended up deeply emotionally connected to this project as his life. Ultimately it’s why he wants closure with Kindercore and to speak on the events that happened.
“I think the important thing to say is that whatever people read about the end of Kindercore Vinyl is not true. Pretty much nothing that was in the press has any bearing on reality. Also, anything that was on the internet has even less bearing. The rants and the posts and the individual messages from the person that was perpetrating this whole thing, it’s bullshit,” said Lewis. “The investors in the business are the real villains at the heart of the story. The investors that basically were like, ‘Hey, we want to do this.’ Then they fucked all of us over individually. I wound up owing $40,000 to the IRS. They just put us in a terrible position, and then dumped us onto somebody else who did the best that they could to try to keep it going under impossible circumstances.”
One of the bright sides to this story is the relationship that has developed with Echo Base, the vinyl pressing plant that has taken over the old Kindercore Vinyl location with plans for renovation. Echo Base is also the primary sponsor of EXPO2026.
“Michael [Greig Thomas, of Echo Base,] brought me back to get me involved in helping them work out the building thing, because I’ve been the one that had all these ideas in the first place. So he was like, ‘Do you want to come help out with this?’ It’s been really lovely,” said Lewis. “I think this whole thing is why I’ve been protecting [EXPO2026] so much with who I had play and that this is about having fun. It’s about all of us taking a break from the fact that the world is a nightmare and hanging out for three days and listening to music, hanging out with friends, catching up, you know? I’m really just looking forward to having fun with everybody and seeing everybody again.” f
WHAT: EXPO2026
WHEN: May 7–9, 6:30 p m (doors), 7 p .m . (show) WHERE: 40 Watt Club HOW MUCH: $25/night or $60/full weekend
From left, Dan Gellar and Ryan Lewis c. 2000
Rauncher
By Mary Beth Bryan music@flagpole.com
You’ll find Rauncher performing live amid flashing lights and heavy sounds, delivering songs that are halfway basement punk, halfway warehouse rave. Its selftitled debut record is eight tracks of such sweltering danceability, out May 8 via Primoridial Void.
Rauncher is the work of two Athens artists who go by the aliases Al O. Vera and L. The duo met eight years ago when they started dating and knew they wanted to work together creatively in some capacity, though nothing fell into place immediately. Eventually, Al O. Vera got the idea for Rauncher. It was a pivot from his previous punk band, McQQeen, which had begun to take on some electronic influences in its programmed drums and production style. He began making fully programmed demos inspired by sample-based hip hop and electronic music, and when he showed them to L, she was into it.
and visual concepts have always been more my alley of creativity… When Rauncher was created, I immediately wanted to bring that out of the studio and into live spaces.”
While Al O. Vera alone is responsible for the production/mixing/mastering of the songs on Rauncher’s self- titled record— “Maybe I should try finding more collaborators for the next record,” he admits with a laugh)—L contributes live visuals, vocals and occasional lyrics. Al O. Vera says, “[L] is my tastemaker. She’ll tell me what works and what doesn’t.” His process most often involves “throwing shit at the wall and seeing what sticks,” and one of the most challenging aspects of making the record was second-guessing the work.
He mentions “Empathize” specifically as a song that took a lot of picking up and putting down to work into something solid. Moments like this are where L’s sensibilities become an important guiding force in the duo’s sound, and everything comes to life when paired with her live visual concepts, which she refers to as “unfiltered and playful stories.”
L hadn’t really considered herself to be a musician before, but when Al O. Vera came to her with the beginnings of Rauncher, she says she “easily envisioned how I could be involved. It was inspiring. Performance art
L says that the work Al O. Vera was showing her felt familiar, tapping into her roots as a rave kid. The two started going to dance parties and raves in Atlanta together, and decided that was the blueprint for what they were doing with Rauncher. “I wanted to make gnarly bass music that sounds like it’s shredding the speaker, that you can dance to,” Al O. Vera says.
Though the process of making Rauncher was similar to that of hiphop and electro music—the starting points for songs often come from random samples or drum beats that Al O. Vera finds online—it’s equally influenced by industrial music. He cites English band Godflesh in particular, explaining that frontman Justin Broadrick was a pioneer of incorporating drum machines into the aggressive and nihilistic sounds of bands like Napalm Death and Swans. This inspired Rauncher’s own boundariless tendencies. Al O. Vera says, “I wanted Rauncher to be its own entity that doesn’t follow any blueprints sonically
or structurally. There’s been a lot of genre crossover happening this decade, and I’m essentially taking a psych punk background and immersing it into a sample based EDM world.”
The sounds on Rauncher may come from diverse worlds, but what holds it together are Al O. Vera and L’s smothered, yet forceful voices. Here Al O. Vera turns to experimental rap artist JPEGMAFIA, referencing how he “can use different sounds and samples on every song on his records, but his voice is what ties it all together.” Similarly, Rauncher finds freedom in relying on its members’ vocals as an anchor while being able to explore instrumentally.
When asked how the duo slots into the local scene given their diverse sound, Al O. Vera says, “I feel like we’re always the black sheep of the show, but we like that. We’ve shared bills with hardcore/rock bands, electronic, ambient, noise and DJs.” As much is clear from the bill of Rauncher’s upcoming album release show, which includes local DJ HARDBYTE, electronic musician kamikaze_lover_ and post-hardcore noise rocker Johnny Falloon. In the future, Rauncher hopes to extend beyond Athens and infiltrate the Atlanta underground scene. f
WHO: Rauncher, HARDBYTE, kamikaze_lover_, Johnny Falloon WHEN: Saturday, May 9, 8 p m (doors), 9 p m (show) WHERE: The Roadhouse HOW MUCH: $5
Ryne Meadow
By Sam Lipkin editorial@flagpole.com
“Things need to be talked about, and if I don’t do it, why? Why would I expect somebody else to?”
After processing religious and generational trauma, finding self- confidence and standing in authentic queerness, this sentiment is a strong motivating force behind the release of singer- songwriter Ryne Meadow’s album Baptisms. Blending political pop and modern folk in this selfproduced project, Meadow’s songs speak directly to those in stifled spaces who may not have found their own voice yet, but also to anyone who has had to reconcile foundational beliefs that don’t match their reality. There’s a softness in how Meadow peels back the layers of societal pressures to find himself, and a theatrical nature to how his lyrics set the stage for self-awakening. The song “Milk + Honey” is a reclamation of one’s relationship with intimacy; “I was brought up to believe that a desire to explore that chemistry was a thing to feel shame about. As I’ve aged and worked on deconstructing those teachings, I have embraced that desire. Intimacy can be healing,” explains Meadow.
In addition to delving into specific topics, Meadow also portrays a spectrum of emotions. “Sinner” hurls fiery anger at the opposition, rooted in a moment when Meadow learned a family member was condemning his queerness in the name of religion, while “Hopes On High” is described as pure jubilation, stemming from seeing hard work finally paying off. Although battling
Christian nationalism is at the heart of much of the album, Meadow gets vulnerable with internal battles, too.
“My mother has struggled with alcoholism for years—since the loss of her marriage and her mother, my nanny, passing away. I watched her crumble, and I felt helpless not being able to heal her pain. When I wrote ‘I Still Do,’ she was in a rehab facility working on getting sober. I was feeling such pride and gratitude for this new lease on life
writer, but Meadow has left that behind. Each song was created in a short window of time as a practice in letting go and not overworking the message, just telling stories of growing up in the South in the most honest and authentic way possible. Meadow says that the people who need these songs will hear them.
“People talk about the church being harmful, but nobody really understands being called a faggot on the doorstep of the church is a sobering experience, and a lot of people are scared to talk about that. I don’t think that I have the privilege to be scared of that. If I have the ability to put a voice to that and push for change, I have to do it,” says Meadow. “My whole point of view is that I can’t just let things happen and just stand aside. I’ve never been that type of person, and I’m not going to start doing it now.”
didn’t happen. It was a crushing blow to Meadow, who fell into a deep depression, and as he focused on getting dressed each day, his love for fashion was an important element in building back his confidence and pulling through the fog. When Meadow began working on Baptisms again, there was a new visual element to his work and how he envisioned the songs.
“[The inspiration] was a mix of classic art, like the ‘American Gothic’ and ‘Christina’s World,’ then also my love for editorial fashion and creating a melding of the two where it feels vintage. But in a very tonguein- cheek kind of way of like, America is going back to the ’50s,” says Meadow. “I’m a big nature person, so that was always tied into it.”
In many ways, Meadow says that he now understands why everything happened the way it did with the release of Baptisms, and it was meant to come out in this way. There’s added urgency and power to the message of the songs in the current political landscape, but there’s also a more complete picture of who Meadow is as a person and artist. The album’s original singles, “Judgement” and “Weary,” only became more relevant.
for her. And I continue to be so proud of my best friend,” says Meadow.
The process of creating Baptisms has been therapeutic, says Meadow, and he feels more connected with his music now than ever before. In the past there was a desire to be more palatable to the masses as a song-
The concept of Baptisms was something Meadow started working on right after the pandemic, and he had signed a publishing deal in addition to having a promising opportunity with Netflix. After waiting a year, then working out details about which songs would be featured in a TV series, it
“For the longest time I went back and forth with myself being like, ‘Is this too much to release?’ Then I got to a point where I was like, I need to stand in my queerness. I need to stand in my political voice and use my art for what I feel like the purpose of art is, which is rebellion, in a sense. So that’s what led me to where we are right now,” says Meadow.
Listeners have some time to sit with the songs ahead of the album release show at Dead Beat Club on Friday, June 19. Libbaloops will open the show, and more info can be found soon at deadbeatathens.com. The album is currently streaming on Bandcamp at rynemeadow. bandcamp.com, with the full streaming release coming May 8. f
JOHN R. MILLER West Virginiaraised, Nashville-based singersongwriter 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.
Daily Groceries Co-op
Tuesday Tunes at Daily. 6–7:30 p.m. www.instagram.com/dailycoop
PHILIP KOHNEN Ambient music performed by the members of Yumbotron and Klezmer Local 42. 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.”
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.
HARDBYTE 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 Longest running jazz gig in Athens featuring a rotating cast of familiar faces performing American songbook, bossa nova classics and crossover hits.
Thursday 7
40 Watt Club
Expo2026: 30 Years of Kindercore. 6:30 p.m. (doors), 7 p.m. (show). $25 (adv.), $30, $60 (3-day pass). www.40watt.com
MAN OR ASTRO-MAN? Surf rock group that was formed in Auburn, AL in the early 1990s.
JAPANCAKES Local indie-rock band that released its first recording on Kindercore Records in 1999.
THE PINK STONES Local cosmic country band with a lighthearted, twangy charm.
THE TAMMY SHINE Project of Colorado rock musician Tammy Ealom.
GRAPE SODA Keys and drums power duo formed by two brothers. (B Stage)
GO PUBLIC Athens post-punk supergroup composed of Jay Domingo, Adrian Finch, SA Rawls and Sam Gunn. (B Stage)
DOG PERSON Organ-driven pop with breezy ennui from members of The Buddy System, Nana Grizol and Go Public. (B Stage)
HONEYPUPPY Four-piece indie rock band self-described as a “menace to society.” (B Stage)
VIV AND THE THINGS Alternative country noise for sweetie pies. (B Stage)
Athentic Brewing Co.
8–11:30 p.m. $10. www.athentic brewing.com
NOCHE DE SABACHA TIMBAthens and SALSAthens are collaborating with with SaBaCha for a graduationedition Latin dance social. The evening kicks off with a dance class.
WOODY GARRISON & FRIENDS
Singer-songwriter playing psychedelic Americana at its finest.
The Roadhouse 10 p.m. $5. www.instagram.com/ roadhouseathens
DERBY Corporate music for business bugs.
THE FALLING SPIKES Loud, dumb rock and roll.
FATAL ERROR Local punk rock.
Friday 8
40 Watt Club
Expo2026: 30 Years of Kindercore. 6:30 p.m. (doors), 7 p.m. (show).
$25 (adv.), $30, $60 (3-day pass). www.40watt.com
ELF POWER Longtime fixture on the Athens scene playing crisp, melodic psych-pop.
DRESSY BESSY Indie-rock band that released its 1999 debut album
DAVE FORKER & HIS CUSTOM
CONCERN Originals and covers. Ciné
Ashthrone Booking Presents. 8 p.m. $10 (adv.), $12. www.athenscine. com
SCHMOOZE Athens alternative rock band.
ADDED COLOR Three-piece alternative rock band from New York inspired by the juxtaposition between Brazil’s social injustice and musical richness that brothers Daniel and Kiko Freiberg grew up experiencing.
TRVY & THE ENEMY Live hip-hop band that fearlessly breaks barriers in the realm of modern rap music, blending elements of trap with psychedelic rock.
HUNLO Electrified, soulful artist with a soft, inspiring sound.
MARY MARGARET COZART Former Athenian who crafts beautiful indie rock songs.
LOGAN PILCHER Folk artist from Pensacola, FL with organic, layered tones and finger-style acoustic guitar playing.
The Globe 7:30–10 p.m. www.facebook.com/ globe.athens
MARY & THE HOT HOTTY-HOTS
Jazz and swing band offering music from the 1910s, ’20s and ’30s. Hendershot’s 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $10. www.hendershotsathens.com
STEVIE TOMBSTONE A quintessential troubadour, a veteran musician who crafts powerful folk songs tinged with classic country and vintage blues influences.
CLASSIC CITY CAM Musical project of Cameron Bosson.
JUSTIN BROGDON As the frontman of Athens-based rock trio The Royal Velvet, Brogdon draws on influences from bands like Black Sabbath, Pink Floyd and Soundgarden to create a sound comparable to Queens of the Stone Age, Stereophonics and Kings of Leon. Hotel Indigo Live After Five. 5:30–8 p.m. www. indigoathens.com
Pink Hearts Yellow Moons on Kindercore Records.
I AM THE WORLD TRADE CENTER Synthpop duo consisting of musician Daniel Geller and vocalist Amy Dykes.
JOE CHRISTMAS Lo-fi pop/rock band from Athens active in the mid-’90s.
KINCAID Project of Kindercore cofounder Daniel Geller
THE DRY RUNS Gritty pop from members of Kincaid (Greg Harmelink and Pat Valentine) and The Masters of the Hemisphere (Jeff Griggs). (B Stage)
SLEEPY BEEF No info available. (B Stage)
ORGANICALLY PROGRAMMED Oliver Domingo’s electronic spacethemed act, which utilizes drum machines and synthesizers to create disco-pop, jazz and easy listening inspired compositions. (B Stage)
JOHN KIRAN FERNANDES/ ARIANNA PETERSEN/FRANKLIN
RUSSELL TRIO Clarinet, cello and baritone saxophone trio. (B Stage)
CRITTER FRITTER Athens punk. (B Stage)
Amici at The Falls
6 p.m. www.facebook.com/amiciat thefalls
AUSTIN SISK & ALLIE BRYAN
Singer-songwriter duo playing altpop and country.
Athentic Brewing Co.
6–8:30 p.m. www.athenticbrewing. com
EVEY MAY Athens based indie alternative songwriter with postpunk and shoegaze influences. Marigold Auditorium for Arts and Culture
7 p.m. $29. www.wintervillecenter. com
FLYTE OF THE FREEBIRD Tribute to Southern rock bands.
INSOMNIAC Band formed in Altanta, GA whose sound revolves around transcendent, mind-expanding psychedelic heaviness. SHEHEHE Local band that draws from old-school punk and arena rock to create a fist-pumping atmosphere.
VINCAS Athens-based, dark postpunk with doomy, psychedelic flourishes.
ME’AN MILLS Americana roots rock band formed in Statesboro in 1987.
CREE MO Brainchild of local singer songwriter Chris Moore. Flicker Theatre & Bar
DJ TOMB LILY Adria Stembridge of Tears For The Dying spins deathrock, post-punk, goth and more.
TWIN POWERS Local DJ who is also a member of DJ trio Booty Boyz.
GOTH DAD Dustin Gannon of Vision Video leads a dance party spinning goth, post-punk, ’80s, Halloween music and more.
Hendershot’s
7–11 p.m. www.hendershotsathens. com
UGA KARAOKE GRAD PARTY
Come out and celebrate with a karaoke party.
Marigold Auditorium for Arts and Culture
Marigold Festival Afterparty. 8:30 p.m. $12 (adv.), $15. www.facebook. com/AubreyEntertainmentAthensGA
GRASSLAND Seven-piece Americana band that crosses generations, crosses genres and will cross your soul. Album release show!
CALL ME SPINSTER Chattanooga sister trio playing nostalgic tunes. Pittard Park Winterville Marigold Festival. 10 a.m. (festival), 12 p.m.–8 p.m. (music). www.marigoldfestival.com
SIR CRAZY PANTS High-energy family music act bringing big hooks, big laughs and big personality to the stage. (12 p.m.)
THE SPEAX Blues and psychedelic rock-influenced power trio who met through Nuçis Space’s Camp Amped program and play mostly original material. (12:45 p.m.)
DONOVAN RAM BAND The primary musical group at Donovan Catholic School, specializing in rock and pop hits spanning the decades. (1:30 p.m.)
REVEREND CONNER TRIBBLE
Old-fashioned rock and roll with a sprinkle of good-humored irreverence. (2:15 p.m.)
SUNNY WAR Folk-punk singersongwriter from Nashville. (3:15 p.m.)
CANNON ROGERS Local alt-country songwriter, guitarist and pedal steel player drawing inspiration from the likes of Flannery O’Connor and Lucinda Williams. (4:15 p.m.)
ME’AN MILLS Americana roots rock band formed in Statesboro in 1987. (5:30 p.m.)
ANDY & MANDY Brother and sister classic country duo from Savannah that brings low brow laughs with a high lonesome sound across the lowcountry. (6:45 p.m.)
BLUEGRASS JAM SESSION Players of all skill levels are invited to participate in this open jam, which strives to unite members of the local folk music community.
Boutier Winery & Inn Wine Down. 3–5 p.m. www.boutier winery.com
CHRIS HAMPTON Acoustic solo set by country performer. Comer Coffee Company 10 a.m.–1 p.m. www.comercoffee.co
FORCEGHOST Ambient house with arps and heart in the sleepy South.
Dead Beat Club 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $10. www.deadbeatathens.com
NIHILIST CHEERLEADER Raw riot grrrl-inspired punk that’s a pitchperfect blend of snotty and sunny, earnest and sardonic.
GRRRIZZLY Female punk/heavy rock power duo from Olympia, WA whose style is often compared to style is often compared to the Pandoras, The Muffs, Veruca Salt, Girlschool and more.
BADKILL Baddest, deadest local punk rock band.
First Baptist Church 3 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/ UGAMusic
CHAMBER MUSIC ATHENS Collaborative performance of classical music by special guests, UGA alumni and the CMA Orchestra.
The Globe 4–7 p.m. www.facebook.com/globe. athens
TRADITIONAL IRISH SESSION
Easy listening traditional Irish music. No. 3 Railroad Street 6 p.m. $10 suggested donation. www.3railroad.org
MOJO CONFESSIONAL SONGWRITER SHOWCASE Every second Sunday. Bring a dish to share at the potluck.
Oak House Distillery 3:30–6 p.m. www.oakhousedistillery. com
FOLIE À QUATRE Playing a mix of French chansons, jazzy tunes and originals by Lavon Smith, accompanied on guitar, accordion and double bass.
The World Famous 9 p.m. $10 suggested donation. www. facebook.com/theworldfamous athens
RED DWARF STAR Indie rock/ shoegaze solo project by Coley Dennis (Maserati) based in Switzerland and featuring dreamy, ’90sinfluenced sounds.
REAL WOW Loud, noisy and angular indie rock from Athens.
STEVE WYNN Cult favorite musician who has recorded over 400 songs in his career, known best for
his work in Los Angeles band The Dream Syndicate.
PETER BUCK Co-founder and lead guitarist of Athens alt-rock legend R.E.M.
Tuesday 12
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.”
Hendershot’s
5–7 p.m. www.hendershotsathens.com
PIANO BAR HAPPY HOUR Enjoy drink specials and live piano music. Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall
7 p.m. $18. pac.uga.edu
GEORGIA CHILDREN’S CHOURS
Performing the program “I Am a Voice That Sings,” a celebration of the joy, courage and connection that live within all of us featuring works by Tracy Wong, Benjamin Britten, Marques L.A. Garrett, Abbie Betinis and Michael Bussewitz-Quarm. Nowhere Bar
OPEN MIC Emcees, poets, rappers and freestylers of all styles are invited to perform with the backing band playing the tempo of their choice.
Porterhouse Grill
7 p.m. www.porterhousegrillathens. com
JAZZ NIGHT Longest running jazz gig in Athens performing American songbook, bossa nova classics and crossover hits. f
threats & promises
Red Dwarf Star Debut PLUS, MORE MUSIC NEWS AND GOSSIP
By Gordon Lamb threatsandpromises@flagpole.com
IT’S THAT TIME AGAIN: It feels like it’s been forever since there was a front porch record sale at Kurt Wood’s house. But this whole upcoming weekend solves that issue. So, get ready for the next instance of Kurt Wood’s Front Porch Record Sale which happens Friday, May 8 from 12–6 p.m.; Saturday, May 9 from 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; and Sunday, May 10 from 12–6 p.m. The front porch in question is located at 1080 Oconee St. (Turn right up the hill where Oconee meets Oak Street; the house is at the corner of Oconee and Carr streets.) Wood will have 45s, LPs, and even a few select 78 RPM records for sale and reports that tons of these have never been put up for sale by him. If you’re unfamiliar, please note that Wood is a record hound par excellence and has been a known quantity in that world for decades. You will not be disappointed.
A VIEW FROM THE TOP OF THE PARKING DECK:
Progressive/alternative metal band Oxystar has been kicking around town for a couple of years and will release its debut EP Saturday, May 9. This six- track calling card does a good job representing the group’s aesthetic intentions in a genre in which so much subtlety can be lost in a live setting. Honestly, this spreads its arms so wide that it escapes the boundaries of anything called metal, and listeners should find it easy to identify grunge, goth, darkwave, shoegaze and a few other styles. For my money, the clear highlight here is the expressively thematic “Life’s Spinning.” Find this on all major streaming platforms, and follow along at instagram.com/oxystarofficial.
The Infidels, et al) band Modern Ghosts released its debut single “Pass The Torch” late last week, and my only regret is that I couldn’t alert you before it dropped. People, this is a massive, stadium- sized, fist pumper of a pop-punk anthem that reflects on adulthood responsibilities, life changes, not letting go of what you love, etc. Also, I’m the first to admit that record production in general means very little to me. Basically, if I can hear the song and understand what you’re doing, I don’t care how it was recorded. That said, hoo boy is this thing shiny and bright! And the drums are so punchy they sound like they’re coming through the wall. It’s just a powerhouse of a track, and the only one in the last few years that could give Phantom Dan a run for his money. Find this on major streaming services, and keep up at instagram.com/ modernghostsband.
WE ARE ALL MADE OF STARS: Coley Dennis (Maserati) will make the U.S. debut of his new project Red Dwarf Star at The World Famous Sunday, May 10. Magyar and Real Wow are also on the bill. Dennis said it’s appropriate to call this his solo project. Because all his other band members live in Europe, as does Dennis most of the time, he’ll be performing with backing tracks but with Patrick Ferguson (Five Eight) on drums. If you’re in town for Kindercore’s EXPO2026, during which Maserati headlines the Saturday night bill, just stick around another night and call in sick on Monday. While the group’s album won’t be released until July, know that Red Dwarf Star leans heavily into the Creation Records tradition of shoegaze without apology. But this also has some very progressive hallmarks akin to some early Genesis, even as it mixes with other dark guitar influences.
TEAR THE ROOFT OFF: Brand spankin’ new all- star (as in it has members from Guff, Burns Like Fire, So It Goes, Hembree &
IT TAKES TWO: It is always nice when the irrepressible experimental Quiet Evenings (i.e. Grant and Rachel Evans of the Hooker Vision label, et al) release something. This pair works, basically, nonstop on their own projects and collaborations, but Quiet Evenings is part of where this all started. There’s a new, single- track, 53minute release out as we speak named Light Billows. I’ve always found it most edifying to turn everything else off when engaging with their work. And don’t tell me you don’t have an hour to spare when we both know you spent half of last week watching The Office for the 100th time. Working largely with drones, this release ebbs and flows along an optimistic, or at least not cynical, path that even in its occasional solemnity doesn’t encumber the listener. Silence your phone, throw the headphones on and get to streaming this at hookervision.bandcamp. com.
NOW HEAR THIS: Poet and spoken word artist Tama Rain released a six- track EP named tell time (sic) earlier this month. On it, she’s accompanied by multiple local musicians including Killa Cabbi, Erica Strout, Leminal (aka Lemuel Hayes), Adam Hebert, m. ellis (aka Mike Merva) and Ross White. Spoken word projects, much like performance art, tend to get the side-eye from grizzled old critics like me, but I was quite pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this. It’s thoughtfully paced, finely arranged, and Rain’s narrative voice is strongly declarative and crisply recorded. The music is clearly matched to each piece, and this works to great effect. This is especially evident in the sparse jazz of “The Dog Trainer,” the dreamscape of “La Luna” and the lightly pulsating opening track “Enero.” Find this at tamara rain.bandcamp.com. f
Red Dwarf Star HUGHES VANHOUCKE
event calendar
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 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/shihtzunot trivia
GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Akademia Brewing Co.) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Garrett. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/classiccitytriviaco
GAMES: UnPhiltered Trivia (Mellow Mushroom) Test your trivia knowledge with host Phil. 7 p.m. www. facebook.com/MellowMushroom Athens
GAMES: Singo! (Beef O’Brady’s) Win gift certificates and prizes at this music bingo night. Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m. www.beefobradys.com/athens
GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Magnolias of Athens) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Benjamin. Tuesdays, 8 p.m. www. instagram.com/classiccitytriviaco
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
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.
DODD GALLERIES (270 River Rd.) In the West Gallery, “Interior Futures” features works by 56 graduating BFA students in interior design. Through May 8. • In the Lupin Gallery, “Dial (706)” is the Spring BFA Exit Show for graphic design. Through May 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.) 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, au-
knowledge with host Ian. Wednesdays, 6 p.m. www.instagram.com/ classiccitytriviaco
GAMES: Love.Craft Bingo Night (Athentic Brewing Co.) A bingo event benefiting the nonprofit organization Love.Craft Athens. 6:30–8 p.m. $3–5. www.lovecraftathens.org
GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (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
Thursday 7
CLASSES: Art Work Workshop (Lyndon House Arts Center) Dusty Gannon will share practical strate-
gies for using social media to grow a brand, expand an audience and connect with fans and customers. 5:30 p.m. (networking), 6 p.m. (workshop). FREE! www.accgov. com/lyndonhouse
CLASSES: Rain Barrel Workshop (3500 Mitchell Bridge Rd.) Learn simple techniques to manage rainwater in your yard and build your own rain barrel to take home. Supplies provided. Registration required. 6 p.m. FREE! www. accgov.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: Ladies Night Out (Boutier Winery & Inn) Enjoy a night of line dancing with wine and a buffet. First Thursdays, 6–9 p.m. $20. www. boutierwinery.com
GAMES: Bad Dog BINGO (Amici at The Falls) Play BINGO with host TJ Wayt. Thursdays, 6 p.m. www. instagram.com/baddogathens
GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Terrapin Beer Co.) Test your general trivia knowledge. Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzu nottrivia
GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Butt Hutt) Test your general trivia knowledge. Thursdays, 7 p.m. www. instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia
GAMES: Athens’ Hardest Trivia Night (Nighthawks Lounge) Test your trivia knowledge with host Phil. 7 p.m. www.nighthawkslounge.com
KIDSTUFF: Lego Builder’s Challenge (Oconee County Library) Drop in to free build and create, or do one of the fun LEGO challenges. Ages 5–12. First thursdays, 3:30–5:30. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/ oconee
KIDSTUFF: Teen D&D (Bogart Library) Join a volunteer-run gam-
tobiographical 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.
HISTORIC ATHENS WELCOME CENTER (280 E. Dougherty St.) In honor of National Historic Preservation Month, an exhibit titled “Dear Friend: We’ve Done it” will share the story of how the historic Church-Waddel-Brumby House was saved from demolition in 1967. Through May.
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.
LYNDON HOUSE ARTS CENTER (211 Hoyt St.) “Somethings” features small sculpture works by Ivy Laurel Anderson made from discarded massproduced objects. May 14–July 18. • A Lobby installation by artist and STEAM educator Maria Nissan, “18,443 Souls: A Metamorphosis of Coffee Culture,” features works inspired by the multicultural connections to coffee that are composed using coffee and tea filters touched by 18,443 people in Athens. Through May 8. • The 51st Juried Exhibition features 130 works by 91 artists selected by Michelle Yun Mapplethorpe of the Katonah Museum of Art in New York. Through May 16. • “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.
MADISON-MORGAN CULTURAL CENTER (434 South Main Street, Madison) In celebration of the center’s 50th anniversary, the exhibition “experience and intersection” features works by John Cleaveland and the late Richard Olsen. Through October.
OCAF (34 School St. Watkinsville) In the Main Gallery, “Southworks” showcases a variety of mediums juried by Beth Malone and Rachel Waldrop.
ing session open to all skill levels. Grades 6–12. 6 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/bogart
MEETINGS: KnitLits Knitting Group (Bogart Library) Knitters of all levels are invited to have fun, share craft ideas and knit to their hearts’ content. Thursdays, 6 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/bogart
Friday 8
EVENTS: Bears’ Birthday Party (Bear Hollow Zoo at Memorial Park) Join the festivities as resident bears Athena and Yonah celebrate their birthdays with treats, crafts and more. 10 a.m.–12 p.m. FREE! www. accgov.com/bearhollow
EVENTS: Kurt Wood’s Front Porch Record Sale (1080 Oconee St.) Browse vinyls from a true record collector from 45s and LPs to 78 RPM records. May 8, 12–6 p.m. May 9, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. May 10, 12–6 p.m. See Threats & Promises for more info.
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
KIDSTUFF: Mommy & Me Retro Slumber Party (The Meadow Montessori Play Studio) Enjoy an evening of themed activities including retro music, nail salon experience, snacks and more. Registration required. 6 p.m. $15. www. themeadowplaystudio.com
THEATER: Shrek the Musical, Jr. (Morton Theatre) Based on the classic animated film, a not-soordinary fairy tale told through musical theater. May 8–9, 7 p.m. May 10, 2:30 p.m. $12–15. www. mortontheatre.com
Saturday 9
EVENTS: Winterville Marigold Festival (Pittard Park) During this family-friendly festival, there will be a 10K, parade, vendors, kids activities and live music. 7:30 a.m.–8 p.m. FREE! www.marigoldfestival. 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: Kurt Wood’s Front Porch Record Sale (1080 Oconee St.) Browse vinyls from a true record collector from 45s and LPs to 78 RPM records. May 8, 12–6 p.m. May 9, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. May 10, 12–6 p.m. See Threats & Promises for more info.
EVENTS: Triangle Plaza Community Resource Fair (Triangle Plaza) Meet with 40 community partners and departments to provide community resources. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. FREE! www.accgov.com/7679/ People-Belonging
EVENTS: Community Sip & Stroll (North Oconee River Greenway) Enjoy a complimentary kombucha, seltzer or coffee as you go on a guided walk along the North Oconee River Greenway. Registration required. 10:30 a.m. FREE! www. accgov.com/sipnstroll
EVENTS: Raise the Bar (Clarke County School District) TED x CCSD presents 15 student speakers sharing ideas to move the commu-
May 22–July 31. • “Before the End of Time” features oil paintings by Terry Rowlett. May 22–June 26.
STATE BOTANICAL GARDEN OF GEORGIA (2450 S. Milledge Ave.) Athens printmaker Amanda Burk displays works combining traditional printmaking techniques with hand-drawn and painted elements. Opening reception May 10, 2–4 p.m. Through June 28.
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.
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.
EVENTS: Really, Really Free Market (Reese and Pope Park) Just like a yard sale, but everything is free. Bring what you can, take what you need. Second Saturday of every month. 12–1:30 p.m. reallyreally freemarketathens@gmail.com, www.facebook.com/RRFMAthens
EVENTS: I Got It From My Mama Vintage Market (Athentic Brewing Co.) Browse vendors selling vintage games, art, jewelry, vinyl and more. 1–6 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com
EVENTS: Mother’s Day Festival (Terrapin Beer Co.) Dignidad Immigrante hosts live music, folk dancing, art and a children’s area. 1–7 p.m. www.terrapinbeer.com
FILM: Saturday Cinema (Bogart Library) Screening of one of the recent installments of a long-running simian-centric science fiction film franchise. 3 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/bogart
KIDSTUFF: Critter Tales (Sandy Creek Nature Center) Georgia-based wildlife biologist Alex Troutman will discuss his job and wildlife field guide with a book signing before leading a nature walk. 2:30 p.m. FREE! www.accgov.com/sandycreek naturecenter
OUTDOORS: Lakeside Trail Hike & Paddle (Sandy Creek Park) Join staff for a 5 mile hike, free paddle and picnic. Registration required. 10 a.m. $15 (ACC resident), $20 (non-resident). www.accgovga. myrec.com
THEATER: Shrek the Musical, Jr. (Morton Theatre) Based on the classic animated film, a not-soordinary fairy tale told through musical theater. May 8–9, 7 p.m. May 10, 2:30 p.m. $12–15. www. mortontheatre.com
Sunday 10
ART: Opening Reception (State Botanical Garden of Georgia) Works on paper and canvas by Amanda Burk will be on view. 2–4 p.m. FREE! www.instagram.com/ourlady ofprints
CLASSES: Bhakti Yoga Workshop (Let It Be Yoga) Monk Premahansa Goswami will lead a guided mediation and Kirtan event. 11:15 a.m. Donations suggested. www. letitbeyoga.org
COMEDY: Comedy Showcase (The Globe) Athens Comedy hosts themed and general showcases of local and regional comedians. Sundays, 9 p.m. www.athenscomedy.com
EVENTS: Kurt Wood’s Front Porch Record Sale (1080 Oconee St.) Browse vinyls from a true record collector from 45s and LPs to 78 RPM records. May 8, 12–6 p.m. May 9, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. May 10, 12–6 p.m. See Threats & Promises for more info.
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
THEATER: Shrek the Musical, Jr. (Morton Theatre) Based on the classic animated film, a not-soordinary fairy tale told through musical theater. May 8–9, 7 p.m. May 10, 2:30 p.m. $12–15. www. mortontheatre.com
Monday 11
CLASSES: Coyote Hendy (Hendershot’s) The Dancing Ruth leads a line dancing class. Second Mondays, 6 p.m. www.hendershots athens.com
GAMES: Chess and Community (ACC Library) Drop in for open chess play to learn the game, challenge skills and engage with other enthusiasts. Mondays, 3:30–5:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org
GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Fully Loaded Pizza Kitchen (Normaltown)) Test your general trivia knowledge. Mondays, 7 p.m. www. instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia
GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Dooley’s Bar and Grill) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Garrett. Mondays, 7 p.m. www.instagram. com/classiccitytriviaco
GAMES: General Trivia (Athentic Brewing Co.) Test your general trivia knowledge. Mondays, 7 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com
GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Pancho’s Tacos & Tequila) Test your general trivia knowledge. Mondays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzu nottrivia
GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Grindhouse Killer Burgers) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Benjamin. Mondays, 7:30 p.m. www.instagram.com/classiccity triviaco
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
MEETINGS: Pen Pals Writing Group (Oconee County Library) Meet other writers, share your writing experiences and get feedback on your work. Second & fourth Mondays, 5 p.m. FREE! www.athens library.org/oconee
Tuesday 12
CLASSES: Finding Employment Online (ACC Library) This class will show you where to go online to find jobs and how to spruce up your resume. 10 a.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org
GAMES: Rock ’n Roll Trivia (Athentic Brewing Co.) Test your trivia knowledge with host The Music Man. Second Tuesdays, 6 p.m. FREE! www.athenticbrewing.com
GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (Amici at The Falls) Test your trivia knowledge with host Miles Bunch. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/ baddogathens
GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (Paloma Park) Test your trivia knowledge with host TJ Wayt. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/baddogathens
GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Winghouse Grill Hull) Test your general trivia knowledge. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia
GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Akademia Brewing Co.) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Garrett. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.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
MEETINGS: Memoir Writing Group (Bogart Library) During this monthly
group, hear memoirs from others and learn tips on how to write your own. 5:30 p.m. FREE! www.athens library.org/bogart
Wednesday 13
ART: Tour at Two (Georgia Museum of Art) These drop-in public tours feature highlights of the permanent collection. 2 p.m. FREE! www.georgiamuseum.org
CLASSES: French Class (Oconee County Library) Join instructor Emma Auer to learn the basics of the French language. Ages 18 & up. 6 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary. org/oconee
EVENTS: Brewing Up Support (Morton Theatre) Fox Gives and Jittery Joe’s Coffee host a pop-up with samples of the Fox Theatre Blue Sky Blend coffee, desserts, networking and giveaways. 1–3 p.m. www.jitteryjoes.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
GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (South Main Brewing) Test your trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 6 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia
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: C3 to End Homelessness (Foxglove Plantbar) A roundtable discussion regarding housing and homelessness to educate, identify issues and plan steps to solutions. Second Wednesdays, 5–6:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenshc. org/coc
MEETINGS: Explore the Appalachian Trail (REI) The Georgia Appalachian Trail Club will discuss the Appalachian Trail from its starting point to how to care for the trail and backcountry infrastructure. 6 p.m. FREE! www.rei.com/events
MEETINGS: Athens Psychedelic Society (ACC Library) Creating conscious community for the psychedelic future. 6:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenspsychedelicsociety.com
Down the Line
5/14 Teen Studio: Art as Activism (Georgia Museum of Art)
5/14 Shakespeare in the Park (Dudley Park)
5/14 KnitLits Knitting Group (Bogart Library)
5/14 Bad Dog BINGO (Amici at The Falls)
5/14 Adult TTRPG (Bogart Library)
5/14 Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Terrapin Beer Co.)
5/14 Gorgeous George’s Improv League (Flying Squid Comedy) f
calendar picks arts & culture
MUSIC
| WED, MAY 6
Joseph Arthur, Abe Partridge
Dead Beat Club • 8 p.m. • $20 (adv.), $25 Originally born in Akron, OH, folkrock musician Joseph Arthur was living in Atlanta in 1996 when he was discovered through a demo of his first EP, Cut and Blind. Peter Gabriel’s A&R associate got a hold of the demo and showed it to Gabriel, who subsequently signed him as the first North American artist on his label. Since then, Arthur has built up a significant solo discography and toured consistently. In addition, he’s a visual artist who has designed and painted the covers for his entire discography. Abe Partridge is also a visual artist, as well as a singer- songwriter, storyteller and documentarian. His art is displayed in the private collections of notable figures like Rick Hirsch (Wet Willie), Tommy Stinson (The Replacements), Tommy Prine and Tyler Childers. Partridge debuted his music in 2018 with Cotton Fields and Blood for Days, an alt- country/folk record full of deeply personal musings, and is currently working on a new album. This event will include art and music from both Arthur and Partridge. [Mary Beth Bryan]
EVENT
| SAT, MAY 9
Winterville Marigold Festival
Pittard Park • 7:30 a.m.–8 p.m. • FREE!
The annual Winterville Marigold Festival is a family- friendly event with a full day of activities for all ages and interests. It kicks off bright and early with a 10K at 7:30 a.m. hosted by Athens Road Runners. The vendor market begins at 9 a.m., with the Marigold Express II train leading a parade through town at 10 a.m. From 11 a.m.–3 p.m. there will be a car show and children’s entertainment, including a puppet show, sing-along and storytime, music by Rebecca Sunshine and line dancing. There will be demonstrations from Canopy Studios, Athens Skatepark Project and several artists throughout the day, plus live music from 12–8 p.m. This year’s lineup features Sir Crazy Pants, The Speax, Donovan Ram Band, Reverend Conner Tribble, Sunny War, Cannon Rogers, Me’an Mills and headliners Andy & Mandy from Savannah. Each year the Marigold Festival Board chooses a featured artist to illustrate the festival artwork, and Winterville resident and Athens native Elise Geruntino was chosen as this year’s artist. [Sam Lipkin]
at Ciné along with recurring Goth Nights throughout the year, has become a staple of the Athens community. For this special anniversary, it’s returning to the place where it started. As usual, there will be a professional photographer to capture prom photos of everyone in their extravagant goth attire, cake, punch, and of course music from DJs Crow, Tomb Lily, Twin Powers and Goth Dad. Goth Dad, aka Dusty Gannon, says Goth Prom is an opportunity to “come celebrate what a wonderful scene we’ve all built here in Athens together! I’m so incredibly proud of how strong the community is here in a place that doesn’t seem like it would have a huge goth scene.” [MB]
Oxystar’s self- titled EP is a look at where the alternative metal band started and where it’s going. Influenced by bands like Type O Negative, Strawhorse, Failure, Hum and Deftones, the EP gathers up Oxystar’s early original material while hinting toward the band’s current sound, which members say is characterized by “heavy, groovy riffs, ethereal atmospheres, screaming vocals and soft melodic passages.” The recording process was fairly DIY, handled by the band’s lead guitarist Ethan McDonald with additional work from several audio engineers, which reflects the learning process and experimentation that defines the album. The band says, “Looking ahead, we’re excited to build on this release by playing more diverse venues, collaborating with other artists, and continuing to grow both the band and the local scene around us.” Alternative metal bands Mëdusa and Vindictive Mind, as well as hard alternative rock band Andovia, will be joining Oxystar for its release show. [MB]
MUSIC | SUN, MAY 10
GRRRizzly, Nihilist
Cheerleader, BADKILL
Dead Beat Club • 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show) • $10
The first Goth Prom was held 10 years ago at Georgia Theatre, giving people an opportunity to wear their best all-black getups and dance to classic goth tunes. Since then, the event, now usually held
Olympia, WA’s very own female-powered punk/heavy rock duo GRRRizly is coming to Athens to play a show alongside two local favorites. GRRRizzly was formed in 2022 by Lisa Koenig (drummer for ’90s proto-riot grrrl band Calamity Jane) and Liz Franklin (Tea in the Harbor, The Mesmerizers!). It released its debut self- titled record in 2024, described on its Bandcamp page as 17 tracks of “Lisa’s raw, grunge- spirited singing and roaring punk rock guitar, mixed with Liz’s smooth, brassy vocals and thunderous drum fills.” The first band joining GRRRizzly is local punk fixture Nihilist Cheerleader, a riotgrrrl-influenced band fronted by Flynne Collins, whose lyrics are rooted in social and political commentary. Indie punk rock band BADKILL will finish the bill. [MB] f
Andy & Mandy
bulletin board & classifieds
BULLETIN BOARD: Listings from nonprofits, community resources and free opportunities. Print deadline is THURSDAY
Classifieds
FOR SALE (Yard Sale) Cedar Creek Annual Community Yard Sale. Saturday May 16, 8 a.m.–1 p.m. Post QR Codes at Cedar Creek entrances list participating homes. Or visit www.cedarcreekathens.org for more information.
HELP WANTED (Part-Time) Junk South is hiring for the Crew Leader position. Must be 25 years or older, clean 3 year MVR and be a hands-on leader. Starting pay + tip ~ $25/hr. Email us at info@junk south.com to find out more.
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 (Musicians Wanted) 20 yr. old male guitar player looking to form or join an alternative rock/ metal band. Check out my originals and DM me on IG @gmarkey2024. Serious inquiries only.
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 (Room for Rent) Room for rent in a unique house near
Boulevard. $600/mo starting in June. 3 roommates in the alt/music scene. All identities welcome. Text 317-519-4790.
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) SUMMER CAMPS at Merit Music Academy are now open! Songwriting, Rock ’n Roll, Piano, and even Puppetry and Comedy camps. 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m. or 9 a.m.–5 p.m. options available. Read more at MeritMusicAcademy. com/camps.
SERVICE (Health) HYPNOSIS: Smoking, stress, weight, confidence. Harvard-trained, nationally certified. 678-895-4278, jimhilton911@ yahoo.com, www.hiltonhypnosis. com
SERVICES (Home & Garden) Are you ready for spring? We can help! Woman-Run Gardening Services: We offer garden maintenance, invasive plant removal, personalized edible and native gardens for your school, home or business! 706395-5321
SERVICES (Home & Garden) Hi! I’m Pablo, an expert gardener offering personalized care for your landscape. I specialize in lowmaintenance, native gardens that support pollinators and biodiversity. Find me @pablofromseed, email pkozatch@gmail.com or call 631903-4365.
Arts
ATHENS CREATIVE DIRECTORY
(Athens, GA) The ACD is a free platform to connect creatives with patrons. www.athenscreatives. directory
CALL FOR ART (Various Locations) Visit www.flagpole.com/bulletin board for ongoing open art calls. CALL FOR ART (Lyndon House Arts Center) Seeking art submissions for upcoming Pet Portrait Exhibition.
Artists of all skill levels and ages that meet guidelines are invited to submit up to two art pieces. Drop off May 29–30. On view June 18–Aug. 29. www.accgov.com/11761/ Pet-Portraits
CALL FOR ARTISTS (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 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
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS (Athens Homeless Coalition) Seeking submissions for street newspaper. Poetry, short stories, visual art, song lyrics. enagementcoordinator @athenshc.org
COMMUNITY TOURS (Georgia Museum of Art) A variety of tours open to the public including “Student Perspectives” which runs Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays
throughout the month. www.georgia museum.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
ANTIGONE (Town & Gown) Seeking a variety of performers for classic drama. June. 9–10. Performances held Aug. 7–16. www.townandgown players.org
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.
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. 706-8500387 or support@grailbras.com
DIAPER DONATIONS (Athens Area Diaper Bank) Diaper donations needed for local infants. All sizes and open packs/boxes are accepted. www.athensareadiaper bank.com
MEDICAL EQUIPMENT (Friends of Disabled Adults and Children) Free home medical equipment provided to those in need. Athens locations for pickup at Northeast Georgia Area Agency on Aging and Multiple Choices. Donations also accepted. www.fodac.org
MEDICAL EQUIPMENT EXCHANGE
(Silver Lace) Open registration for consideration for free mobility and daily living medical items. Donations also accepted. www.silverlace inc.org, info@silverlace.org
MICROCHIP SCANNING STATIONS
(Multiple Locations) Connect lost pets with their owners. Available 24 hours. Located at ACC Animals Services, Memorial Park Dog Park and Southeast Clarke Park. Instructions provided at each location.
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 DONATIONS (The Cottage) Seeking donations of single-serving, non-perishable snacks to help children and adults navigating interviews, therapy sessions and court hearings. To arrange a drop-off please call 706-546-1133, ext 223.
SEEKING DONATIONS (Hands of Hope) Local homeless ministry accepting donations of winter clothing for their free distribution program. Other donations accepted for fundraising yard sale with proceeds benefiting program. 706-207-5172
SEEKING DONATIONS & VOLUNTEERS (Animal Services Adoption Center) Animal service sessions run Monday through Friday; training session required. Seeking donations of gently used bath towels and rags. Donations can be dropped off at the door after hours. www. accgov.com/animalservices
SEEKING VOLUNTEERS (Marigold Collective, Winterville) Volunteers needed for community food distribution events including weekly food kitchen, meal deliveries and more. Also accepting donations of canned and dry goods. wwwmarigold collectivewinterville.com
SEEKING VOLUNTEERS (Meals on Wheels) Currently recruiting volunteers to deliver meals, engage in safety checks and more. eschley@ accaging.org
SEEKING VOLUNTEERS (PAX Exchange Students) Seeking volunteer families to host global exchange students. www.pax.org, 800-555-6211
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
GRAND SLAM SUMMER PROGRAM (Lay Park) Evenings include games, giveaways, guest speakers, life enrichment activities, music, refreshments, sports and more. For ages 11–17. Fridays through May 29–July 24, 6–9 p.m. www.accgov. com/grandslam
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-yearold children. Registration required for all events. www.accgov.com/ aquatics
SPRING & SUMMER CAMP (Canopy Studios) Registration for a variety of day camp dates for grades K-12 is now available. www.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/summercamp
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 & July including overnight stays. Ages 5–12. www.sweetolive farm.org/collections/2026-summercamps
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. athenswelcomecenter.com
COMMUNITY RUNNING GROUPS
(Athens Road Runners) Weekly community runs for all skill levels including Speed Workout (Wednesdays, 5:30 a.m.) and Fun Runs (Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. & Saturdays, 7:15 a.m.). www.athens roadrunners.org
FRIDAY EVENTS (Multiplechoices Center for Independent Living) The organization hosts ongoing Friday gatherings. Tech discussions, support groups, movies and games. www.multiplechoices.us/youreinvited
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. Kat at howdy@sweetolivefarm.org.
SEVENTH GENERATION (No. 3 Railroad Street, Arnoldsville) Seventh Generation Native American Church hosts various gatherings on Sundays, 11 a.m. 706-340-7134
SUMMER JOBS (ACCGov Leisure Services) Now hiring for more than 100 summer positions including camp counselors, counselors in training, lifeguards and more.
$15.60–$17.94 an hour. www.acc gov.com/jobs
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 Cofers Has What Your Mother Wants Roses 20% off until May 11 Hydrangeas 20% off until May 11
good growing
Yaupon Holly NATIVE
PLANT WITH A CAFFEINATED BOOST
By Erin France editorial@flagpole.com
Planting a native yaupon holly comes with a lot of benefits. It provides food for wildlife, tolerates neglect, adapts easily and, if you’re so inclined, you can make America’s only native caffeinated drink from its leaves.
Indigenous people drank yaupon tea for generations, and the plant’s promise as a beverage commodity is only just being understood, said Ben Long, a PhD candidate in genetics at the University of Georgia. Long, who is set to finish his doctorate program this fall, collected samples of these plants all along its range, from Texas to Georgia and from Florida to Virginia.
Through Long’s work, UGA now boasts a genetic resource of a 250- specimen grove for any future yaupon holly growers to use.
“Yaupon is an emerging beverage plant,” Long said. I’ve written more than one article in the last year about Georgia residents developing tea-growing and tea-making businesses. Yaupon slots easily into this trend.
“It’s impossible to ignore the cultural context of this beverage,” Long said. The indigenous cultural association of yaupon is long and fraught. Yaupon’s scientific name Ilex vomitoria doesn’t mean the plant will make you vomit—European colonists misnamed the holly.
plant this stuff everywhere.”
Not to say that there aren’t pitfalls in trying to buy a yaupon. He’s seen Ilex crenata, Japanese holly, sold as yaupon. “You really want to make sure you get that ID right,” Long said.
Athens residents who want to make tea from the yaupon should get a shrub—the Shillings variety is a good option—and plant it in full sun. It can grow in partial sun, but tends to get leggy, Long said. “You could ignore everything except for watering the first six months.”
As part of his research, Long talked with members of the Southeastern Muscogee Nation in Alabama. Indigenous people should be included in the conversation about developing this plant commercially so that there’s cultural respect, not misappropriation, he said. Yaupon tea was used in rituals and in medicinal practices, but also gulped down by older generations enjoying an afternoon gab.
Our hotline is confidential, and counseling is free. Get your life back. Get help.
If your partner objects when you use the phone, limits your everyday contact with family and friends, and you restrict yourself to avoid angry, aggressive confrontations, you need to step back and take another look. How can you cope once you are involved with a controlling partner? Call Project Safe for help. Our hotline is confidential, and counseling is free. Get your life back. Get help. 706-543-3331
If your partner objects when you use the phone, limits your everyday contact with family and friends, and you restrict yourself to avoid angry, aggressive confrontations, you need to step back and take another look. How can you cope once you are involved with a controlling partner? Call Project Safe for help. Our hotline is confidential, and counseling is free. Get your life back. Get help.
de crisis, las 24 horas del dia If your partner objects when you use the phone, limits your everyday contact with family and friends, and you restrict yourself to avoid angry, aggressive confrontations, you need to step back and take another look. How can you cope once you are involved with a controlling partner? Call Project Safe for help.
“[It] had this sort of dual nature, as both a very sacred and ceremonial plant, but also kind of an every day boost of caffeine,” Long said.
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Yaupon holly generally contains less caffeine than black tea or coffee. According to one yaupon tea seller, Catspring Yaupon, their tea blends have roughly 25–60 mg of caffeine per cup. That’s compared to 80 mg and up per cup of coffee.
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Hotline, 24 hours/day
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Let’s say you want to grow it in your yard—which I do. I told Long I’d tried to get my hands on a yaupon holly a few times and not managed it. He was surprised and pointed out a yaupon holly right behind us on the patio of Hendershot’s. Embarrassing? For sure. But also instructive. I was passing over the dwarf meatball- shaped hollies because they didn’t look like what I expected.
“It’s been used in the landscaping trade for a half century at least,” Long said. “They
Allow the holly to grow for two to three years before your first tea harvest. Harvest earlier, and you risk stunting the plant’s growth. When it’s time, prune back selected stems. Long has experimented with drying methods ranging from stuffing those trimmings in a nursery pot under his desk for three months to roasting the leaves over a fire, he said.
“I’ve even done them in an Instapot,” Long said. “I’ll be honest: It’s the Wild West out here.”
Leaves are dry enough when they immediately snap instead of bend when pinched between two fingers, he said.
Setting the yaupon stems in a 300 degrees Fahrenheit oven for 15–20 minutes is the most foolproof method for drying the leaves. But you’ll want to check the leaves right at the 15-minute mark or they could burn right up, Long said. Brew like you would a green tea.
Though he’s ready to receive his doctorate and move on from the yaupon in his professional life, Long plans to continue drinking and enjoying yaupon tea.
“I’ll definitely keep drinking it. And I”ll definitely keep making it, if I have access to it,” he said. “You’re not going to keep me away from my yaupon babies.” f
