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President’s House Sale Vetoed
PLUS, PROPOSED DEVELOPMENTS AND OTHER LOCAL NEWS
By Blake Aued news@flagpole.com
The University System of Georgia has put the former UGA President’s House back on the market after a proposal for a hotel on the Prince Avenue property fell through.
The 170- year-old Greek Revival mansion and its five-acre grounds were originally put up for sale in 2023, when the Board of Regents and UGA decided they did not want to be responsible for approximately $2 million in upkeep and repairs. Now, it’s up for sale again, with an asking price of $5.1 million.
“The University System of Georgia has reintroduced the property to the market following a prior contract that was ultimately terminated when local planning approvals were not secured, creating an opportunity for a visionary buyer to steward a piece of Georgia history into its next chapter, while preserving its historical character and stately facade,” according to the listing, first reported by the Atlanta Business Chronicle
Last year Gainesville, GA-based Capstone Property Group proposed turning the house into a bar and restaurant with a suite upstairs, and building a 112-room hotel behind it. Neighbors living on Boulevard and in Cobbham opposed the project, citing noise and light from weddings and other events, traffic and potential damage to surrounding buildings from blasting for underground parking. The Athens- C larke County Planning Commission recommended denying a rezoning in January, even after Capstone scaled back the plans, and the company withdrew them.
“After several months of community feedback, we’ve made the decision to pause and take more time to thoughtfully integrate what we’ve heard,” spokesman Brian Brodrick said at the time.
The Atlanta Business Chronicle quoted a spokesperson for Ansley Real Estate saying that the Board of Regents would require the buyer to agree to a historic preservation easement and would not sell the property to anyone who needed a rezoning. But the property is zoned “government,” and the Athens- C larke County code requires any property zoned G to be rezoned “to a classification that is compatible with the Future Development Map” when it’s sold to a private individual or group. Tony Eubanks of Keep Athens Local, a neighborhood group that opposed the hotel development, interpreted that comment as meaning a future sale would not be contingent on a successful rezoning.
Pay Raise for Athens Mayor?
The Athens- C larke County Commission is considering a proposal to raise the mayor’s salary by almost 50%. An ad hoc committee on charter compensation recommends setting the mayor’s salary at three times a commissioner’s salary—putting it at about $90,000.
The commission approved the recommendation 8–1 at a May 5 meeting, with Commissioner Stephanie Johnson opposed and Commissioner Ovita Thornton absent. But a second vote will be required toward
the end of the year because the state legislature will have to change the unified government’s charter to make the position of mayor full- time.
“What we’re doing is making a recommendation to start discussing it again,”
Commissioner Carol Myers said. “We’re not voting on it at all, or saying that the details in here are the best way to go about it. We’re just bringing up the discussion again.”
Johnson said the process was not transparent and questioned why Mayor Kelly Girtz chaired the committee. “What I fundamentally disagree with is the mayor serving as a member of the committee, selfappointing himself, and then [voting],” she said. “I do not see that being the best way to show leadership.”
Girtz said that he has “observed the high level of work that lands in the mayor’s office,” both as mayor for more than seven years and as a commissioner for 12 years. He also noted that the changes would not take effect until 2031. Girtz is term-limited and is leaving office at the end of the year.
cost $50,000, paid for by a county program devoting 1% of select SPLOST and TSPLOST projects (in this case the Tallassee Road bridge replacement) to public art.
Athens Rising
The ACC Commission also approved an apartment building for low- and moderateincome seniors near Forest Heights. The parcel at 1165 Oglethorpe Avenue was previously slated for a medical office, then a mixed-use development with single-family homes, townhouses and a coffee shop. Now, Piedmont Housing Group plans a 90-bedroom apartment building restricted to tenants 55 and up who earn less than 80% of the area median income, or about $45,000 for a two-person household. Nearby resident Justin Sanders said neighborhood concerns have been addressed by limiting the building to two stories, although Forest Heights resident Susan Brooks opposed a second entrance off Landor Drive.
Another rezoning request for affordable senior housing off Whit Davis Road near Southeast Clarke Park was withdrawn.
“ The University System of Georgia has reintroduced the property to the market.
At the request of the developer, the commission tabled a rezoning request for 45 houses on 11 acres off Lexington Road near Walmart. The commission approved a rezoning request for 32 townhouses off New Jimmie Daniel Road just south of Atlanta Highway.
only one house is allowed per 10 acres. So if the proposal were for a subdivision, only 13 houses could be built.
The planning commission tabled a request to tear down the Barnett Shoals Road Burger King to make room for more parking for Chick-Fil- A . Planning commissioners asked the applicant to consider adding more greenspace and rerouting traffic patterns.
The planning commission recommended approval of several variance requests for a 179-bedroom townhouse and apartment development behind Heyward Allen Toyota. In addition, a developer has applied for permission to build a six- story apartment building in the parking lot behind the 40 Watt Club at the corner of Pulaski and Clayton streets, within the West Downtown Historic District. The Historic Preservation Commission will consider the request at its May 20 meeting.
New Leisure Services Director
Kimberly Zygmant will start work May 26 as the new director of the Athens- C larke County Leisure Services Department.
ACC Manager Bob Cowell hired Zygmant last week after a lengthy search. Kent Kilpatrick retired in April 2025 after eight years heading the department. Assistant director Alex Bond has served as interim director since then.
At unification in 1991, Athens- C larke County’s charter set the salary for the mayor and commissioners at $45,000 and $15,000 a year, respectively. Both were considered part- time jobs. However, most mayors have treated the job as full- time.
By 2021, due to cost-of-living increases, the salary for commissioners was $19,133, and the mayor earned $57,399. The following year, the commission voted to raise commissioners’ base salary to $28,639, with supporters arguing that higher pay would reflect an increased workload and encourage more people to run for office. The population of Athens- C larke County has grown by about 50% since unification, so each commissioner serves thousands more constituents compared to 35 years ago.
In addition to raising the mayor’s salary, the ad hoc committee recommended a $5,000 stipend for the mayor pro tem. Each year commissioners choose someone from among themselves to chair meetings and attend events when the mayor is not available, and to consult with the mayor on meeting agendas and the annual budget.
The commission also approved an 18- foot- tall nonreflective industrial steel statue of a whitetail deer for the TallasseeW hitehead Road roundabout by a 7–2 vote, with Fisher and Johnson voting no. “A structure there, I’m not an expert, but it could cause more accidents,” Commissioner Dexter Fisher said. But there is a similarly sized statue at the Whitehall Road- South Milledge Avenue roundabout that has not caused any problems, according to commissioners Patrick Davenport and Carol Myers. The ACC Transportation and Public Works Department said it will increase the visibility of the roundabout.
An Athens Cultural Affairs Commission panel selected the design proposed by Atlanta artist Jonathan Imafidor. It will
About a dozen Whit Davis Road residents came out to an ACC Planning Commission meeting May 8 to oppose a wedding venue at a horse farm. The owner of the 9.5-acre property, which includes a historic house dating back to the 1950s, wants to rezone it from RS-25 (single- family residential) to AR (agricultural-residential) in order to open a “rural event facility.” The planning commission did not take a vote on the proposal.
Eastside residents also opposed a request for a special use permit to build a 200- space RV park with a “you-pick” commercial garden, trails and a nine-hole golf course on 113 acres off Old Lexington Road. The property is in the county’s “green belt,” where
“Kimberly has a wide variety of experience in many different facets of parks, recreation and cultural facilities operations at communities across the country,” Cowell said in a news release. “The knowledge and leadership she brings to Athens- C larke County will benefit not only the Leisure Services Department, but all of our residents and visitors into the future.”
Zygmant currently serves as assistant director of parks and recreation in Layton City, UT, where she oversees 150 staff members, three gymnasiums, 25 athletic fields, an amphitheater, a museum, special events and sports leagues serving more than 10,000 participants. The Appalachian State graduate previously worked for parks and recreation departments in Victoria, TX, Asheville, NC and Ocala, FL. f
Fisher’s Alternative Facts
In a recent interview with Flagpole (Apr. 15), Dexter Fisher responded to questions about housing and vacancy rates by saying: “I think we guess at everything. We guess at the weather. This is one man’s opinion.” It really is troubling to hear a leading candidate for mayor continually dismiss facts and figures because they don’t align with his opinion. Whether it is vacancy rates or the number of unhoused folks coming from outside of Athens, Fisher disputes findings from staff and supplies his own “data,” which is supported by his vibes and gut feeling.
Dexter has been on the commission for years now, he should know better. His questioning and disregard of Athens- C larke County staff is disheartening. He does not respect their work or their input—if he did, he would not question them at every turn or supply poorly constructed commissiondefined options week after week. We need a mayor who values local government and believes that local government can make people’s lives better; this is not something Dexter believes, based on his actions. It really is unbelievable that he said, “We guess at the weather. This is one man’s opinion.” That is literally not how it works. Weather forecasting is based on hundreds of years of data, advanced technology and science. If Dexter doesn’t believe in weather forecasting (something you can see every night of the week) what else won’t he believe to be true?
Ezra Schley Athens
Six DUIs and Still Driving
Having read the Mar. 25 Flagpole this morning, I feel torn. Do I go to town and vent my frustration by marching outside the courthouse, demanding an explanation for the murderer Terrence White being allowed to drive with six DUI events on his record, after which he was free to kill Kuk Chokhal, leaving a widow and their 4- yearold to manage as best they may without his support? Or do I line my catbox with this paper and just go on back to bed?
How does this happen, and why? Who set White free to commit this murder?
I admit to being a bit naive, expecting elected officials and the courts and the police to hold any person to account for their actions. Ordinarily, people who have reached my age have already given up on ever realizing real consequences for bad decisions and actions.
Please do follow up on this matter. I hope many more readers become angry enough to write about these inexplicable situations. Ignoring terrible events can only lead to further terrible events.
We readers who live and shop and vote in Athens- C larke County depend on elected officials, police and courts to pay attention and take action to punish those who choose poorly and end up changing lives. I don’t really want to feed Terrence White; bread and clean water would be too good for him.
CD Chastain Athens
The Rich Should Fight Their Own Wars
About the age of 10, I gave my father a birthday card that featured on the front page a smiling Confucius-like figure. The inside page read, “Happy birthday worthy sage, wisdom only comes with age.” That’s the way I felt about my father.
Standing beside him with pride at having chosen a card with what I thought was profound insight, I asked him if he liked the card, and what he thought about the saying. He thanked me and said he liked the card, but that, “Unfortunately, wisdom does not always come with age.” My 10- year-old pride deflated a little bit.
Some of us go to our graves not having learned from our experiences, and perhaps being little wiser than the day we were born. In particular, we cling to what we were taught as children, politically and religiously—not to question the patriotism of our elected leaders, not to question what the church says about Biblical contradictions, and not to question what the preacher says or does not say from the pulpit.
But after you are no longer a child, and if you have learned things you were taught politically and religiously are only partially true, you’ve come to a decision-making fork in the road. Do you stand up as a responsible adult? Or do you remain a child and take the easy way out, making excuses for yourself?
Our nation is in badly need of both quality political and quality religious leadership. The political need is blatant every day. The need for better religious leadership may be less obvious, but is no less there. To wit, as fundamentalist zealots speak in favor of war or against human rights, against religions different from their own, with only a few exceptions, the better- trained and more discerning ministers have been and remain publicly silent.
We have two dysfunctional political parties beholden to corporate money and the wealthy and powerful, making too many decisions that are not in the best interest of our country. Political/corporate payoffs in the form of campaign donations to members of Congress and senseless political infighting have lead us towards the collapse of our economy, the removal of the middle class, an increase in the number of poor families and individuals, and into two, if not three, unnecessary wars that are costing this country billions of taxpayer dollars and the unnecessary loss of American soldiers and innocent people. In the meantime, the politicians and CEOs who made the decisions to get us into these wars are staying safely at home with their families, making more money every day, receiving huge bonuses, attending banquets and sporting events, sleeping soundly with no risks at all to their own personhoods or fortunes. Those of you who want wars should fight your own wars. And ministers who are opposed to them need to be where Jesus was—out in the streets with your congregations protesting them, not just behind your pulpits in your regal robes.
Dennis A. Rice Athens
The Haymarket Riot INEQUALITY
LED TO EXPLOSIONS IN THE GILDED AGE
By Ed Tant news@flagpole.com
It was a cloudy night in May, and Chicago police stood ready as speakers addressed a dwindling crowd at a left- wing political rally. Just days before, police had killed protesters at a Chicago factory, so the whole city was on edge. Fiery orators stirred the audience at the rally, but the event remained peaceful. Then the police moved in.
Cops waded into the crowd, and screams echoed through the streets of Chicago. Police appeared able to disperse the small gathering of about 250 people. It was just another clash between police and protesters in the Windy City—until history changed in an instant. A dynamite bomb thrown by someone in the crowd exploded in the surging line of policemen. Seven officers would die from the blast or from “friendly fire” as other policemen sprayed bullets. At least four protesters were killed, and many others were wounded by panicked police officers. The person who threw the deadly bomb was never identified.
against protesters after World War I and the McCarthy-era “witch hunts” against Americans suspected of “disloyalty” after World War II.
Authorities in Chicago in 1886 used mass arrests and warrantless searches of homes and offices in their manhunt against radicals. When questioned about the legality of such tactics, the city’s prosecutor, Julius Grinnell, shouted, “Make the raids first and look up the law afterwards.” It didn’t take long for eight leaders of Chicago’s anarchist movement to be taken into custody.
“ It was May 4, 1886, but events that unfolded during a Chicago night 140 years ago have relevance today
It was May 4, 1886—the Gilded Age— but events that unfolded during a Chicago night 140 years ago have relevance today. While the era’s wealthy lived in mansions of opulent splendor, workers endured low wages and unsafe conditions in factories, on farms, in mines and mills where they labored long hours for pitiful paychecks. Protests spread across America in 1886, but nowhere was the movement as strong as it was in the growing city of Chicago.
On that fateful night 140 years ago, protesters had gathered in a Chicago area called the Haymarket, and the carnage that occurred there would forever become known as the Haymarket Riot. While workers in the city struggled to survive, Chicago’s corporate tycoons like meatpacker Philip Armour, railroad mogul George Pullman and department store magnate Marshall Field adamantly opposed labor activists who led struggles for better wages, working hours and job conditions. Wealthy Gilded Age corporate crowned heads were aptly called “robber barons,” and their influence was scorned as plutocracy—rule of, by and for the wealthy at the expense of the workers. When the dynamite bomb did its deadly work in Chicago, the whole city and much of this nation went into a frenzy against political dissidents, immigrants and labor activists. Police, politicians, preachers and the press peddled hysteria against left- wing protesters during an ensuing “Red Scare” that predated the repressive Palmer Raids
Supporters of the jailed men rallied in Chicago, across America and around the world, but their efforts came to naught as the anarchists were condemned to death or to long prison terms in spite of flimsy evidence presented against them at their Gilded Age show trial. When the Statue of Liberty was dedicated in New York in 1886, supporters of the Chicago anarchists showed solidarity with the condemned men by wearing gold pins in the shape of a hangman’s noose to the gala event that celebrated liberty while American dissidents were jailed.
Four of the Haymarket protesters died on the gallows in Chicago’s infamous Cook County Jail. The riot and its aftermath were a crushing blow to the cause of labor in America, but the men jailed and executed in 1886 are to this day viewed as martyrs to their cause. In his 2006 book Death in the Haymarket, historian James Green wrote that the incident was “a travesty that betrayed the American ideal of liberty and justice for all.”
In 1996 I visited the touching memorial to the Haymarket martyrs at historic Waldheim Cemetery outside Chicago. Nearby is the tombstone for fiery activist Emma Goldman, a supporter of the eight doomed anarchists. Her words engraved on the tombstone convey a message for the living of today: “Liberty will not descend to a people. A people must raise themselves to liberty.” f
An engraving by Thure de Thulstrup depicted the bomb going off at Haymarket Square.
Election Guide
A LONG BALLOT AND LOTS OF CHOICES
By Blake Aued news@flagpole.com
Athens voters will go to the polls Tuesday, May 19 to choose a new mayor (or at least narrow down the candidates to two) and several commissioners and school board members, in addition to nominees for a host of partisan state and federal offices. Everyone will get a nonpartisan ballot and can choose whether to vote in the Republican or Democratic primary (or neither, but not both). Runoffs will be held Tuesday, June 16, if necessary. Remember that for nonpartisan races, there will be no November election.
Here’s a brief look at local races, as well as some of the more high-profile statewide contests. For more in-depth coverage, visit flagpole.com.
Nonpartisan Races
MAYOR: It’s a five- way race to succeed Kelly Girtz, who is limited to two consecutive terms. Tim Denson previously ran for mayor in 2014, was elected to the Athens- C larke County Commission in 2018 and, after Republicans in the state legislature drew him out of his seat during redistricting, won a spot on the school board in 2022. Denson, whose day job is working with clients at a homeless day shelter, has the most detailed platform of any candidate—though perhaps too ambitious or pie-in- the- sky for some—including ideas like a “moonshot” to cut homelessness in half. He also wants to loosen zoning laws to encourage more housing construction and bring down costs, tax vapes to fund child care for low-income families, and allow developers to get out of minimum parking requirements if they contribute to a fund for walking and biking infrastructure. His successor on the commission, Dexter Fisher, is a retired facilities administrator at the University of Georgia and the Clarke County School District. Fisher is more focused on water and sewer, and he wants to explore expanding sewers throughout the county, while also casting doubt on whether Athens actually has a housing shortage. Psychologist LaKeisha Gantt, another school board member and formerly its president, is running because she feels underrepresented groups like native-born and Black Athenians are disconnected from local government. Gantt has proposed attempting to negotiate with the University of Georgia to fund affordable housing, as well as sprawling outward rather than building upward in the downtown area. Sharon Miller’s campaign is short on policy specifics; rather, she touts her experience as a pastor and running state, federal and nonprofit education and health care programs. Mara Zuniga, who finished a distant second to Girtz four years ago, is a fiscal conservative who says she will limit spending to core functions like public safety. The Nicaraguan immigrant also says speaking fluent Spanish will help her communicate with the local Hispanic community. But she also faces questions about her party affiliation—while Denson, Fisher and Gantt are avowed Democrats (though many Republicans are supporting Fisher), Zuniga and Miller have refused to say whom they voted for in 2024.
Firefly Trail construction over eminent domain concerns— but has mostly been a reliably progressive vote, championing environmental issues and oversight over ambulance service. Challenger Terry Johnson says he would make a good commissioner because he is a “people person” with a wealth of experience from sheriff’s deputy to construction worker, but policywise has not given voters much reason to boot Davenport.
COMMISSION DISTRICT 3: Social worker Tammie Foote is challenging incumbent Tiffany Taylor, who has been outspoken on issues related to housing and gentrification. Taylor has vowed to vote against any new student housing developments on the grounds that they’re pushing out longtime East Athens residents, and along with colleague Ovita Thornton secured 70% of new property tax revenue from development around Akins Ford Arena for their districts. Foote, however, accuses Taylor of doing a poor job communicating with constituents.
COMMISSION DISTRICT 5: Like the mayor’s race, the race for Fisher’s seat will almost certainly go to a runoff with four candidates on the ballot—Kimberly Bennett, Zander Mason, Rick Stanziale and Craig Topple. Bennett founded a local youth development nonprofit and is active in public schools, and her No. 1 issue is homelessness. Mason is a financial advisor who would tackle housing and homelessness by cutting red tape on development, and focusing on substance abuse and mental health issues. Stanziale, a retired real estate agent, and Topple, a St. Mary’s chaplain, have the most experience in government. The former serves on the Hearings Board, which deals with minor zoning issues, and formerly served on a TSPLOST committee, and the latter helped write the Athens in Motion bike and pedestrian plan. However, they have different views of government, with Topple seeing his role as listening to constituents, while Stanziale believes commissioners are elected to make hard decisions.
continue speaking out about the virtues of manufactured housing. Incumbent John Culpepper declined to run for a second term.
COMMISSION DISTRICT 9: This race has much in common with District 3 in some ways, with a challenger—Tracy Smith—accusing the incumbent of being out of touch and not communicating with constituents. Ovita Thornton, on the other hand, points to her work on affordable housing and steering money toward infrastructure in her long-neglected district. Smith, though, says it hasn’t been enough. Also running is Barry Irwin, an iconoclastic retired lawyer who believes government workers are not being held accountable.
BOARD OF EDUCATION DISTRICT 3: Both Carl Blount and Reginald Willis think the Clarke County School District gets something of a bad rap. Blount touts his experience budgeting and running a business, an insurance agency, and thinks CCSD should do more to address literacy and absenteeism. Willis points to his experience as a CCSD front-office employee and founding the Boys to Men student group at Barnett Shoals Elementary.
BOE DISTRICT 5: Reading proficiency is also a major issue for former high school Spanish teacher Heather Fletcher and Fred Smith Sr., a retired Georgia Department of Labor employee who founded the Athens Black History Bowl and helped start the Athens Tutorial Program. Fletcher, who now heads a dance nonprofit, still volunteers as a reading mentor.
BOE DISTRICT 7: Lillie Brooks has been involved in all aspects of public education. She has three sons in CCSD schools, worked as a pre-K parapro and served on several nonprofit and advisory boards. Adam Shirley also has extensive experience in local government—the Commerce Middle School science teacher served on the ACC Board of Elections and a committee that vetted SPLOST projects.
COMMISSION DISTRICT 1: Incumbent Patrick Davenport has taken some controversial stances—opposing a new location for an Eastside fire station, for example, or holding up
COMMISSION DISTRICT 7: Bennie Coleman III has all but conceded to longtime local lawyer and former school board member Ed Tolley, but remains in the race so he can
GEORGIA SUPREME COURT: While technically nonpartisan, it’s easy to see who’s on which side in this judicial election. One incumbent justice, Charlie Bethel, served in the state Senate as a Republican and was appointed to the bench by Gov. Nathan Deal. Deal also appointed Justice Sarah Hawkins Warren, who worked in the George W. Bush White House and for Republican Attorney General Chris Carr. On the other side are Jen Jordan, a Democratic state senator, and Miracle Rankin, a personal injury lawyer and president of the Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys. The pair, who’ve both been endorsed by President Obama, say they’re running to preserve reproductive and voting rights.
From left, Mara Zuniga, Tim Denson, Dexter Fisher and LaKeisha Gantt pose for a selfie after a mayoral candidate forum in November.
Sharon Miller
Democrats
U.S. HOUSE DISTRICT 10: The nominee from two years ago, Athens education consultant Lexy Doherty, pretty much never stopped running after losing to Republican incumbent Mike Collins. Pam Delancy, a retired Army nurse from McDonough, has also joined the race. Little is known about the third candidate, John Dority, who has not done much active campaigning. This year, Collins is running for U.S. Senate, so the seat is open, but it might not matter who Democrats pick because the mostly rural district tilts so far to the right.
GOVERNOR: Former Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has a big lead in the polls. The only question is whether she will get the 50% she needs to avoid a runoff. If not, three other candidates are vying for second place—Michael Thurmond, who served as a state representative from Athens, state labor commissioner, Dekalb County school superintendent and CEO of the Dekalb County government; Geoff Duncan, the former Republican lieutenant governor who switched parties over his disgust with Donald Trump; and Jason Estevez, a young former state senator representing Gwinnett County, originally from Columbus.
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR: State Sen. Josh McLaurin of Sandy Springs looked to have the inside track on the nomination until March, when state Sen. Nabilah Parkes of Duluth resigned her seat and switched from the insurance commissioner’s race to lieutenant governor. Parkes, a Muslim, was motivated to run when Sen. Greg Dolezal, a Republican candidate for lieutenant governor, ran an ad declaring that he would “keep Georgia sharia- free.” But McLaurin argues that he is the better choice to work with what will almost certainly remain a Republican-majority Senate. Accountant Richard Wright is also running.
ATTORNEY GENERAL: Former House majority leader Bob Trammell was one of the last remaining elected white Democrats in rural Georgia until Republicans finally ousted him in 2022. His main competition is state Rep. Tonya Miller of Atlanta, chair of the House Democratic Caucus.
SENATE DISTRICT 46: Watkinsville software engineer Ray Smith got involved in politics after the birth of his son in 2023, joined the Oconee County Democrats and Indivisible Georgia District 10, and helped Eric Gisler to flip a previously GOP-held state House seat before opting to run himself. William Gaulden, a mortician, ran for Clarke County coroner in 2024 and currently serves as candidate recruitment chair for the ACC Democrats.
Republicans
Savannah are arguing over who is more MAGA. Meanwhile, Gov. Brian Kemp is backing former football coach Derek Dooley, son of Vince Dooley, arguing that Collins or Carter is unlikely to prevail against Democratic incumbent Jon Ossoff in November.
GOVERNOR: Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and health care mogul Rick Jackson have spent a reported $80 million beating each other up in the primary, and they remain neck-and-neck
District Attorney Fani Willis’ prosecution of Donald Trump.
GEORGIA HOUSE DISTRICT 120: Gaines’ open seat has drawn two candidates—Ward Black, a Jackson County farmer and son of former Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black, and Chad Paton, a University of Georgia food science professor and officer in the Army Reserves.
for two spots in a runoff. Trump has endorsed Jones, but Jackson also claims the MAGA mantle. If either gets a leg up, there may be an opportunity for Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, who is running as Kemp’s self-proclaimed successor. Attorney General Chris Carr also has ties to Kemp and was endorsed by former Gov. Nathan Deal but has not been able to get much traction.
U.S. HOUSE DISTRICT 10: The Republican-leaning seat is wide open after incumbent Mike Collins opted to run for Senate. Developer and former film studio owner Ryan Millsap upended the race in March, accusing state Rep. Houston Gaines (R- Athens) of being a nepo baby and running ads depicting Gaines as a big-eared rat. Gaines, meanwhile, points to his Trump endorsement and record of sponsoring red-meat bills creating oversight for “rogue” prosecutors and requiting cash bail for minor criminal offenses. Jeff Baker is also running on a platform of standing up for the working class and small businesses.
U.S. SENATE: Collins is leading the polls, but there are too many undecided voters for that to mean much. Collins, who represents Athens, and fellow U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter of
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR: There are eight candidates running for the GOP nomination to replace Jones, including four powerful state senators—Forsyth County resident Greg Dolezal, the deputy majority whip; Majority Leader Steve Gooch of Dahlonega; John Kennedy of Monroe County, until last year the president pro tempore of the Senate; and Blake Tillery of Albany, chair of the Appropriations Committee, who made a controversial proposal this year to eliminate the state income tax but settled for a gradual cut.
ATTORNEY GENERAL: Bill Cowsert, a lawyer who represented part of Athens in the state Senate for 20 years, is among the frontrunners to replace Carr. He’s best known lately for chairing a committee investigating Fulton County
SENATE DISTRICT 46: Incumbent Cowsert encouraged his law partner, Michael Broun, to run for the seat. Broun is the grandson of the late state Sen. Paul Broun Sr. and nephew of former congressman Paul Broun Jr. Doug McKillip is looking to get back to the Gold Dome 14 years after losing his House seat, which he blames on sponsoring an anti-abortion bill. Another factor was that angry Democrats crossed over to the vote in the Republican primary and ousted him after he switched parties. McKillip is self- funding his campaign and has pledged not to accept anything from lobbyists. Marc McMain, a Monroe real estate agent and chair of the Walton County GOP, has been endorsed by four sheriffs in the district, as well as former congressman Jody Hice.
SENATE DISTRICT 47: Incumbent Frank Ginn, a Danielsville engineer who’s held the seat for eight terms, is known for giving out his cell phone number in public. But Jason Black, a Jefferson police officer turned lawyer, says Ginn has grown out of touch with the community.
More Information
Flagpole has compiled all of our election coverage, from features on each local race to recaps of candidate forums, at flagpole.com/election2026. Excellent resources for coverage of statewide races include the Atlanta Journal- Constitution and the Georgia Recorder ( georgiarecorder.com), which is not behind a paywall. For those who prefer video, search Atlanta Press Club on YouTube or visit gpb.org/election to watch the Loudermilk/Young debate series.
The dozens of different combinations of districts in Athens make it impossible to publish sample ballots that are accurate for everyone, but the Athens- C larke County Election Office does have a sample ballot available at accgov. com/160/Elections-Department. This website also includes hours and locations for early voting (through Friday, May 15), as well as precinct locations for Election Day voting May 19. Not sure where you vote or what district(s) you live in? Visit the Georgia secretary of state’s My Voter Page at mvp.sos.ga.gov. f
Cowsert is facing Henry County’s Brian Strickland, chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee.
State Rep. Houston Gaines (R-Athens) and Ryan Millsap (right) brawled during an Atlanta Press Club debate last month.
Former Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms (right), pictured here with Athens-Clarke County Commissioner Stephanie Johnson, held a meet-and-greet in Athens in February.
PALETARITAS ARE HERE
MUSIC | THU, MAY 14
Adam Klein Album Release
Dead Beat Club • 8 p.m. • $10
Recorded in Brooklyn, NY in 2019, folk rock musician Adam Klein’s Live at Leesta Vall Sound Recordings is an album full of songs that represent a variety of places and occasions, from a cold and rainy day outside of old sailors’ bars to the time awaiting the birth of a child. It was recorded with violinist Adam Poulin in a marathon- style session while Klein was on tour for his record Low Flyin’ Planes. Originally the album existed only as a sole 7inch, having been recorded directly to lathe- cut vinyl. Leesta Vall, an independent vinyl record label, shipped out pre-orders for the copies of the record and sold the rest to Klein. It might’ve remained a physical-only release out of respect for the label’s nondigital practices, but when Leesta Vall closed in 2025, Klein received its approval to release the mp3 files on his own label, Cowboy Angel Music. Now, five previously unreleased songs are widely available for listening, along with new versions of songs from previous albums and a cover of John Hiatt’s “Feels Like Rain.” Poulin will join Klein again for this release show, which will be opened by Patrick Hargon. [Mary Beth Bryan]
THEATER | MAY 14–16
put it on the map when R.E.M. used it as an album title in 1992. Attendees can enjoy a variety of food options, including but not limited to Londynn’s Lemonade, Taylor’s Treats and Ron & Sandra’s Fish Shack. Dexter Weaver, Weaver D’s owner, will also be serving the restaurant’s full menu. Entertainment will include the New Faith Tabernacle Male Chorus, Lavender House, Mr. Mister, The PRESHA Steppas, Old Gold Sport Peppers, Smackedass, Tonya Hay-
good, Determined Spirit, CeCe Glamour, Sho, Eddie King, Tracy & Jeff, Floyd Weaver and T.R. Thompson. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. [MB]
MUSIC | SAT, MAY 16
Surf Stomp
Creature Comforts • 12 p.m. • FREE!
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Dudley Park • Times Vary • FREE!
For the inaugural installment of Athens Creative Theatre’s Shakespeare in the Park series, attendees are invited to bring out a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy a performance of the comedy production A Midsum. According to the press release, the play will lean into the feeling of summer with lightweight costumes and an airy aesthetic. Shakespeare’s characters—Hippolyta, Titania, Hermia, Helena and more—will be transported to a 1920s seaside setting, resulting in “a lively celebration of Shakespeare’s magic, set against a ge backdrop.” The performance is directed by Danielle Bailey Miller, a multiciplinary theater artist who is currently the lead drama teacher and performing arts coordinator at Compass Community and Firefly Homeschool Community and a theater and leadership learning guide at Fox Den Third Space. Performances will be held May 14 and 15 at 5:30 p.m., and May 16 at 11:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. [MB]
Weaver D’s Food & Entertainment Festival
VFW Post 2872 • 11 a.m.–6 p.m. • FREE!
Athens’ beloved soul food restaurant
Weaver D’s Fine Foods closed its doors at the end of February, but the community will still come together in its name for Weaver D’s Food & Entertainment Festival. The festival theme is “Automatic For The People,” the restaurant’s famous slogan that
The 11th annual Surf Stomp, made free to the public this year thanks to a sponsorship from Creature Comforts, is an all-day event dedicated to surf music and good vibrations. Surf Stomp will feature seven musical acts with their own unique takes on surf rock, including The Super Resistors, The Creature Preachers’ swampy horror surf, Serf Lords’ post-apocalyptic surf rock, Big Ray & The Ultras’ mix of surf/spy/garage rock, The Ex Gentlemen, The Compartmentalizationists’ Italian film score-inspired rock and The Frigidaires. DJs Nate Mitchell and Kurt Wood will be spinning surf and surf-adjacent tunes when the doors open at noon until the bands start at 1 p.m., as well as in between sets. The event will also feature an art exhibition by Will Eskridge. [MB]
EVENT | SAT, MAY 16
Classic City Wrestling
40 Watt Club • 7 p.m. • $20–30
The next installment of Classic City Wrestling is here, bringing audiences another thrilling combination of wrestling and music. Classic City Wrestling was created by Cole Taylor and Justin Legend to platform wrestling as an artform in its own right by presenting it side-by- side with live bands. The event will include matches between Owen Knight and Alex Kane, Rose Gold and Kaitlyn Marie, and Bryce Cannon and Duncan M. Avecilla. Lazer/Wulf, a progressive metal trio, will perform in between the fights. Before the bell time at 8 p.m., there will also be a book signing with Alison Miller, author of Rough House. Miller’s book tells the story of an aspiring star born into a family of wrestlers in Georgia as he seeks to be signed for major promotion and build upon his father’s legacy. [MB] f
Adam Klein
JEFF SHIPMAN
Public Art Projects
By Libba Beaucham arts@flagpole.com
Three new public art murals have been completed at the Lay Park and Heard Park Community Centers, as well as the newly renovated historic Costa Building in downtown Athens. While distinct projects, each mural honors the community, culture and future of Athens.
At the Lay Park Community Center, Amy Patterson’s “Where It Leads” depicts the activities and amenities of the center through a large- scale, vertical mural in an impressionistic realism style. A young woman playing tennis, a girl playing basketball, a man swimming, and native Georgia trees and plants draw the eye upward to the sky. Light filters through water and tall grass, and wildflowers are present throughout, giving the composition a sense of warmth and movement.
Patterson was selected by community center staff, volunteers and local residents during a call for art in 2025. She brings more than a decade of mural experience to the project. Other mural art by Patterson can be seen at Tweed Recording in Athens and across Georgia, and Patterson also has public art pieces across cities in the United States, Mexico and Europe, including work in communal spaces and international hostels.
A graduate of Kennesaw State University with a BFA in drawing and painting, Patterson found their way into mural work after years in the fine art scene. They were drawn to the medium’s ability to transform a space and the people who move through it. Believing that “art deserves to be accessible, seen, and interactive within the space it’s installed in,” Patterson’s mural will now greet visitors to the Lay Park Community Center for years to come.
Selected by the Heard Park Community Center’s team and community is Allison Ward’s “The Future Floats Before Her,” a
horizontal, large- scale mural depicting a young girl’s carefree moment of blowing bubbles. Within each bubble is a symbol of Athens and the community center’s resources: City Hall, a stack of books, athletics and games, music, the Tree That Owns Itself, native flowers and two hands clasped together.
Ward’s career in education inspired the piece. Ward was spending an afternoon near the Lyndon House Arts Center when she observed a young girl simply blowing bubbles. Seeing this carefree and joyful moment, Ward wondered about the girl’s future.
“I thought, what’s ahead for her? You know, what’s her future going to be like? And what is it going to be like in our city that I love so much?” said Ward. The image stayed with her, becoming the emotional core of the mural’s whimsical design.
Ward has lived in Athens for about 12 years, relocating from Gwinnett County in search of a vibrant arts community. Her work as a visual artist centers on the people, landmarks and everyday moments of Athens and other Georgia scenes. She said she hopes young visitors to Heard Park will feel that connection, too, especially as the mural can be seen from the playground.
“I hope they feel seen first,” Ward said. “And
then I hope they just grow to love our city as much as I do, that they see the possibilities that are here for them.”
A public reception is planned for May 23 at 10 a.m. at Heard Park, where visitors can meet Ward.
A third mural by Waleed Johnson is now on display on the first floor, a public space, at the Costa Building in downtown Athens. The space is an entryway to the departments of Economic Development, Housing and Community Development, and People and Belonging. Titled “A City for All,” the mural spans six interior walls and one exterior wall.
Inspired by classical Greek art, the mural depicts three women figures holding symbolic items. On one wall, a woman holds a rudder and a cornucopia filled with locally grown fruits and vegetables, representing economic development and the steering
of the city toward prosperity. On another, a woman holds the scales of justice with a blindfold coming off her eyes, referencing the work of the People and Belonging Department. The blindfold winds through the composition, wrapping around trees that stand tall or lean on one another, representing communities that need support being held up by those with greater stability. The central figure holds a torch modeled on the “Spirit of Athens” sculpture outside of City Hall, lighting the way toward a brighter future. The exterior wall features statues similar to the Caryatids of the Erechtheion on the Acropolis that uphold the values depicted inside.
Johnson drew inspiration from Athens’ identity as the “Classic City,” and wanted to connect ancient imagery to a very presentday civic mission. He also made a point to root the mural in the local community: The three exterior figures were loosely modeled after community volunteers he was introduced to during the project. “I wanted to take some classical symbols and fit that into the current context here,” Johnson said. “The thought was creating a city for all, a place where everyone can thrive.”
For more information on public art in Athens, visit accgov.com/publicart. f
“A City for All” by Waleed Johnson
“Where It Leads” by Amy Patterson
CLASS 2026 of CONGRATULATIONS TO THE
Abby Holloway Abby Holloway
Abby Holloway Abby Holloway
Clarke Central Clarke
Clarke Central Clarke
From KOALA SCHOLAR to GRADUATED GLADIATOR you’ve accomplished so much and we are so proud!
GLADIATOR you’ve accomplished so much and we are so proud!
LOVE, Mom, Webby and Norbz
Aloïse
Aloïse
Clarke Central
Clarke Central
Carlie A. Holmes
Carlie A. Holmes
Clarke Central
Clarke Central
Carlie, we are so proud of the smart, talented, and determined young woman you've become. Keep chasing your dreams.
We love you always, Mom & Dad
Congratulations, Alo! We’re proud of you and we’re so glad you decided to spend this year in Athens. You’ll do great in college!
Congratulations, Alo! We’re proud of you and we’re so glad you decided to spend this year in Athens. You’ll do great in college!
Calum Cederbaum
“Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” (Proverbs 16:3)
Clarke Central
Love, John, Meredith, and Nora
Love, John, Meredith, and Nora
Follow me, follow me & do just what I do & when I’m done I’ll step aside & then I’ll follow you.
Stepping aside now to follow your future!
Gillian Williams Gillian Williams
Clarke Central Clarke Central
Big Love, Mama & Dad
We’re going to miss you like crazy but can’t wait to see you succeed in soccer and life at Young Harris.
Love, Mom & Dad
We’re going to miss you like crazy in soccer and life at Young Harris. Love, Mom & Dad
Calum Cederbaum
Clarke Central
Amelia ‘Moo’ George Clarke Central
We're so proud of our research scientist. Can't wait to see you thrive at Tulane, future Dr. Gehner.
We're so proud of our research scientist. Can't wait to see you thrive at Tulane, future Dr. Gehner.
Love, Mom & Dad
Mom & Dad
Follow me, follow me & do just what I do & when I’m done I’ll step aside & then I’ll follow you.
You are the artist that painted all of our hearts. We are wildly proud to be a part of your process.
Stepping aside now to follow your future!
— Poppa, Mama, Connor and Matt
Big Love, Mama & Dad
Josie Thrasher
Josie Thrasher
Clarke Central
Clarke Central
We loved watching you dance from age 6 to 18 with your DanceFX companies!
We loved watching you dance from age 6 to 18 with your DanceFX companies!
Can’t wait to see what’s next… Happy Graduation and GO DAWGS!
Can’t wait to see what’s next… Happy Graduation and GO DAWGS!
Love - Mom, Dad, and Frances
Love - Mom, Dad, and Frances
Love,
Carlie, we are so proud of the smart, talented, and determined young woman
Mom & Dad
Agnes Scott College
Cedar Shoals Wyatt Gehner
ENTERTAINMENT
White Rabbit, Bad Luck ELECTRONIC DUO OBSCURITY RELEASES REMIX RECORD
By Sam Lipkin editorial@flagpole.com
Considering there are only a few local projects putting out industrial electronic music, those that are have built a strong presence in the Athens music scene. Aidan Jackson and Addy Root make up the duo Obscurity, and they say that they’ve found a “really good pocket” of support and have been taken in by the hardcore bands.
On May 15 Obscurity will release the album White Rabbit, Bad Luck—a compilation of remixes from its album Black Cat, Good Luck released last November— that echoes the sentiment of support, but also admiration, that can exist between musicians. The 15 tracks feature remixes from seven Athens musicians, six from surrounding U.S. states, one from Japan and one from the U.K. Shortly after the release of Black Cat, the duo agreed a remixed version should be the next step and started to throw out some feelers locally and online.
“I threw together a little flyer on Photoshop, and it’s, like, Addie is Uncle Sam: ‘We want you to remix our record,’” says Jackson. “I did a lot of reaching out to friends I know that are producers or other projects around town that we’ve worked with or played with, kind of being like, ‘Hey guys, do you want to do this?’”
things, and there’s not that much overlap,” says Jackson, “and we have a lot of distinct ideas of what the project should be from each other. I think that’s what Black Cat was…”
son also admired.
“As someone who’s a producer, I love it when I listen to electronic music that’s made by another producer and I’m like, ‘What did you do?’ I don’t even know how you could have done that,” says Jackson.
Featured musician Ecrylian reached out to Jackson saying that he had just bought a record by BBBBBBB and was thrilled to be on the same project as them, which was an extremely unexpected connection after everything had been recorded. Overall, White Rabbit is an intricate web. Primordial Void labelhead Marcel Sletten joined in and brought along RonnyRX, whom he’s worked
this song to not suck?’ I was like, ‘Sure, yes, that’s the point!’ That’s why we want you to remix it,” Root says, laughing.
Having already started working on a new EP, the duo feels that the release of White Cat is essentially closing a chapter on early Obscurity. Jackson says that they’ve learned a lot since they’ve started and it’s time for a change, and Root agrees with the addition that the next chapter will be more purposeful. But ultimately, it will still be Obscurity.
The Black Cat release was Obscurity’s first focused effort of putting together a more cohesive album that represented the duo’s journey so far, which has come with a lot of “digging our fingers into whatever we could,” as Jackson says. Although the two have a lot of creative differences, Jackson and Root say that being best friends for years has made the process easier to navigate.
“We both listen to such a wide variety of
“Us mashing it together, because we would just send each other songs and be like, ‘I like this part of this song, we should try and do something with that,’” says Root. The idea of turning their record over to the hands of other musicians to create something new was a really exciting process for both of them. Al O. Vera of local industrial electronic duo Rauncher, which features on the record, had shown Jackson the producer BBBBBBB from Japan a while ago. Jackson decided to reach out with the idea of the remix album, and to his surprise, BBBBBBB was happy to work on the project. It was a unique opportunity to connect with someone across the world whom Jack-
closely with. Then one of Root’s favorites was a dubstep remix of “Cast Iron” by CGX, who was among the musicians that reached out to Obscurity directly.
“It’s very cool that people care enough to listen to your songs and then work on changing them into their own thing,” says Root. “I hope that people will pick their favorite few remixes, then in turn go listen to that person. They worked very hard, and it’s very cool that they wanted to be a part of it.”
But every creative knows that you haven’t made it until someone leaves you a hate comment. “Someone commented on the remix record post and was like, ‘Can I remix
The next phase may be more visual, including incorporating Root’s paintings into the album artwork. They have already worked on two music videos that will be released next, one for a track off Black Cat then a single release for the following project. The current art that has accompanied the Black Cat and White Rabbit era of Obscurity was influenced by old tattoo books, specifically flash designed by Crap Hound. Jackson and Root even have matching tattoos of the artwork they used for Obscurity’s first EP, Stretched Arms For Nothing. Jackson says that they spent a lot of time on Root’s floor cutting out non- copyrighted clipart they thought would look cool. Before Obscurity starts unveiling its next phase, an album release show for White Rabbit will be held at Flicker Theatre & Bar on Friday, May 15. Performing the remixes live is an impossible task, so Jackson and Root have invited locals who contributed to the album to perform on the bill. It’ll be a celebration of electronic music, and while the pair hopes people will enjoy Obscurity, they also hope people will find a new love for their friends’ projects, too.
Find all things Obscurity at obscurityy. bandcamp.com. f
Tuesday Tunes at Daily. 6–7:30 p.m. www.instagram.com/dailycoop
JOHN KIRAN FERNANDES
Local Elephant 6 stalwart and multi-instrumentalist who works his improvisational magic on the clarinet and loop pedal.
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 BussewitzQuarm.
net RED OAK STRING BAND Local band playing a feel-good blend of bluegrass, blues, folk, rock and classic country. (6 p.m.)
Dead Beat Club
8 p.m. $7. www.deadbeatathens.com
JIM WILLINGHAM Local folk rock singer-songwriter (Dim Watts, Burly Ivy) exploring themes of comedy and tragedy.
PETER ALVANOS Psych/power pop from the Elf Power member.
LANCE PORTER Songwriter and guitarist now based in Athens after a decade with the Baton Rouge noir garage-rock collective, The Rakers. Flicker Theatre & Bar
STRUMBRUSH Twinkly and effect heavy DIY art rock from Atlanta.
CHARLIE PASO Garage pop from Raleigh, NC. Sweet tunes for sweet people.
THE FALLING SPIKES Loud, dumb rock and roll.
GOODHOST Energetic alternative group incorporating math rock elements.
Georgia Museum of Art
7 p.m. FREE! music.uga.edu
CHAMBER MUSIC ATHENS Presenting “Sky-Ocean,” performances by the Ying Quartet, pianist Ieva Jokubaviciute and talented UGA faculty and students explore the deep connections between music, nature and fine art.
The Globe
7:30–10 p.m. www.facebook.com/ globe.athens
MARY & THE HOT HOTTY-HOTS
Hot jazz and swing band offering music from the 1910s, ’20s and ’30s.
THE SHUT-UPS Indie-pop outfit that describes itself as a “bottom
FREEMAN LEVERETT Dreamy, hypnotic and danceable songs with thoughtful lyrics and cosmopolitan influences.
Hotel Indigo
Live After Five. 5:30–8 p.m. www. indigoathens.com
TRACY & JEFF Jazz, blues and new and old classics from the voice of Tracy Brown and the guitar and harmonica of Jeff Lustig.
Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall
10 a.m. FREE! music.uga.edu
CHAMBER MUSIC ATHENS
Presenting “The Magic of Chamber Music,” an interactive performance especially designed for elementary school students by the Hugh Hodgson School of Music’s Community Engagement class.
JOKERJOKER Gallery
LIVE In The Studio. 6:30 p.m. FREE! www.jokerjokertv.com
G.T. ARPE JOKERJOKERtv presents a virtual performance. Weirdo one-man band from the Northeast. Nowhere Bar
SHAWN MULLINS Singer-songwriter whose Grammy Award-nomi-
The World Famous 9 p.m. www.facebook.com/theworld famousathens
CONOR DONOHUE New Orleansbased musician who combines dance-punk, electro-pop and traditional Americana.
AMERICAN DELHI Athens band that released its sophomore album We Buy Gold last year.
SUNSPUR New country-influenced musical project featuring members of Hotel Fiction.
Friday 15
Amici at The Falls
6 p.m. www.facebook.com/amiciat thefalls
ALEX BOSCOFF Playing covers and originals.
Athentic Brewing Co.
7:30–10:30 p.m. www.athentic brewing.com
THE ORIGINAL SPLITZ BAND A mixed drink of the classic Motown sound, part 1970s funk and disco flavor, a dash of the old-school and contemporary R&B, and a guaranteed good time.
Ciné
8 p.m. $15. www.athenscine.com
ESTIMATED PRINCIPLES Alternative rock from Augusta. CLAVICLE Two sappy, punctual punks in Little Five Points. BLUE. Heartfelt alt-punk from Macon.
HALEM ALBRIGHT BAND Atlanta rock group blending an eclectic mix of genres.
Southern Drawl Bar & Grille
5–10 p.m. www.southerndrawlbarand grille.com
KARAOKE Every Friday night. UGA Chapel
7:30 p.m. $13 (w/ UGA ID), $28. music.uga.edu
CHAMBER MUSIC ATHENS
Presenting “The Art of the String Quartet,” which showcases the evolution of the string ensemble, featuring pieces such as Franz Joseph Haydn’s String Quartet in G minor “Rider” and Billy Childs’ String Quartet No. 2, “Awakening,” performed by the Ying Quartet. VFW Post 2872
KAMIKAZE_LOVER_ Electronic breakbeat, house and dance music.
OBSCURITY Local synth-punk duo. Album release show!
IXIAN Experimental metal/industrial/noise music.
FORCEGHOST Ambient house with arps and heart in the sleepy South. Hendershot’s
Dizzy Rat Entertainment Presents. 6 p.m. (doors), 7 p.m. (show). $10. www.hendershotsathens.com
LIZ FARRELL Jeff Buckleyinspired vocals accompanied by intricate ukulele and piano
TRIO METRO This piano, sax and drums trio plays jazz standards and an array of more contemporary covers with a jazz twist, featuring Liz Farrell and Tony McCutchen.
ADRIANA AND JONATHAN Adriana Thomas and Jonathan Baillehache perform jazz music.
Hugh Hodgson Concert
Hall
7:30 p.m. $43–87 (discount w/ UGA ID). pac.uga.edu
THE DEL MCCOURY BAND Del McCoury, the most awarded artist in bluegrass history, performs with his sons Ronnie and Rob.
NORMA RAE Songs addressing contemporary Southern concerns told from a female perspective. Bishop Park Athens Farmers Market. 8 a.m.–12 p.m. FREE! www.athensfarmers market.net
JIM COOK High-energy solo blues, classic rock and roots music. (9 a.m.)
DJ NATE AND DJ KURT WOOD Spinning tunes before the bands start. (12 p.m.)
THE FRIGIDAIRES Atlanta-based five-piece mostly instrumental surf rock band. (1 p.m.) THE COMPARTMENTALIZATIONALISTS The project of Jeffrey Bützer, which has come to include accordion, toy piano, electric piano, chord organs, glockenspiel, melodica, banjo and other noise makers. (2 p.m.)
EX GENTLEMEN Original, power surf rock trio from Columbia, MO. (3 p.m.)
BIG RAY & THE ULTRAS Trio serving up a blend of instrumental surf, spy, garage and go-go rock and roll. (4 p.m.)
SERF LORDS Post-apocalyptic surf punk embedded in 8-bit DOS hellscapes. (5 p.m.)
THE CREATURE PREACHERS Creepy surf rock from the darkest depths of the Georgia swamps. (6 p.m.)
THE SUPER RESISTORS Savannah-based instrumental band. (7 p.m.)
Shawn Mullins will play at the Rialto Club on Thursday, May 14.
EIGHT PICTURES Like if Pixies took Morrissey’s lunch money.
SEVEN FANGS Local dreamy indie-rock project.
TAVO CARBONE Dystopian folk eagle songs, Front Porch Bookstore
6 p.m. FREE! Find Front Porch Bookstore on Facebook
SCARLET STITCH Rock and roll band influenced by outlaw country, jam bands and alternative rock.
Hendershot’s
Dizzy Rat Entertainment Presents. 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $10 (adv.), $12. www.hendershots athens.com
DRÍ & THE VIOLENCE Project of singer, percussionist and songwriter Adriana Thomas.
ELLI PERRY A melancholy mesmerist and ballsy chanteuse whose style ranges from Southern Gothic blues and folk to experimental alternative rock and roll.
ANNIE LEETH Local producer and violinist loops drums, synths and strings.
JUNIPER’S JAM Benefit for Juniper Bradfield’s medical treatments featuring Eddie King, Rabbit Hole Song Circle, Rattlesnake Revival, Wyld Staleyz, Molly Too Hot, Ishues, So Many Monsters, Mile From Meadow, Altrd and The Flying V. Memorial Park
WEAVER D’S FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT FESTIVAL Community event featuring food and vendors with performances by New Faith
Tabernacle Male Chorus, Lavender House, Mr. Mister, The PRESHA Steppas, Old Gold Sport Peppers, Smackedass, Tonya Haygood, Determined Spirit, CeCe Glamour, Sho, Eddie King, Tracy & Jeff, Floyd Weaver and T.R. Thompson.
Sunday 17
Athentic Brewing Co.
5–7 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com
THE BONES OF ST. MICHAEL
Performing the French tradition of jazz manouche.
Boutier Winery & Inn Wine Down. 3–5 p.m. www.boutier winery.com
SHANE MCALLISTER Piano covers of favorite rock songs. Dead Beat Club
CLOWNVIS PRESLEY Legendary live show incorporating music, comedy, magic and more, all held together by powerful vocals and charming wit. Don’t expect an Elvis impersonator!
MICHAEL MYERZ Experimental hip hop artist.
Sandy Creek Park 2–4 p.m. $2 (park admission). www. accgovga.myrec.com
SANDY CREEK HOOTENANNY
Bring your instrument and play along to campfire classics at this casual open jam session.
The World Famous 7 p.m. (doors). $5. www.facebook. com/theworldfamousathens FULL ON MONET Local pop-punk band.
HYPERSPACE Nerdy pop-punk band from Atlanta with distorted guitars and catchy songs.
THE DISCIPLINE New Athens indie-rock band that revels in avoiding the beaten path.
Monday 18
First Presbyterian Church of Athens
5 p.m. FREE! music.uga.edu CHAMBER MUSIC ATHENS
Presenting “The Art of the String Quartet,” which showcases the evolution of the string ensemble, featuring pieces such as Franz Joseph Haydn’s String Quartet in G minor “Rider” and Billy Childs’ String Quartet No. 2, “Awakening,” performed by the Ying Quartet. Flicker Theatre & Bar
8 p.m. FREE! www.flickertheatreand bar.com
BLUE MONDAY De La Luna and DJ Charlieflower spin new wave, post-punk, remixes, goth and Italo disco for this ’80s dance party. Normaltown Brewing Co. 6:30 p.m. (sign-ups), 7–9 p.m. (show). FREE! www.normaltown brewingco.com
MONDAY FUNDAY FUNK JAM
Will Shine hosts this open jam with a house band made up of rotating local musicians.
Tuesday 19
Daily Groceries Co-op
Tuesday Tunes at Daily. 6–7:30 p.m. www.instagram.com/dailycoop
JIM WILLINGHAM Local folk rock singer-songwriter (Dim Watts, Burly Ivy) exploring themes of comedy and tragedy.
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. Ramsey Hall
7:30 p.m. $13 (w/ UGA ID), $28. music.uga.edu
CHAMBER MUSIC ATHENS
Performing its Gala Finale, featuring works such as Turina’s Scène Andalouse, Ravel’s Chansons Madécasses and Saint-Saëns’ Septet
Wednesday 20
Amici at The Falls
6 p.m. www.facebook.com/amiciat thefalls
CAM NORTON Covers and originals in the vein of rock, folk, bluegrass and country.
SEEKING APPROVAL Athensbased psych-funk band performing a mix of originals and covers.
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.
Rialto Club
Aubrey Entertainment Presents. 6:30 p.m. (doors), 7:30 p.m. (show). $15–25. www.facebook.com/ AubreyEntertainmentAthensGA LEAH BLEVINS Artist from the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains of eastern Kentucky with influences ranging from gritty country to graceful gospel.
Down the Line
5/21 Jim & Jack (Hotel Indigo)
5/21 Rick Fowler Acoustic Band (Athentic Brewing Co.)
5/21 Jazz Jam (Hendershot’s)
5/21 Mary & The Hot Hotty-Hots (The Globe)
5/22 Little Gold, Sunset Honor Unit, Dipper Grande (Dead Beat Club) f
threats & promises
Five Eight’s Help A Sinner
PLUS, MORE MUSIC NEWS AND GOSSIP
By Gordon Lamb threatsandpromises@flagpole.com
GATHER ’ROUND: Live Wire will host the benefit concert Juniper’s Jam, presented by Music For Charity, on Saturday, May 16. This event is to benefit Juniper Bradfield, the young daughter of Nick Bradfield (White Rabbit Collective) and Victoria Bradfield who was diagnosed with PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome). So far she has responded positively to holistic treatment, and the family reports that progress is slow but steady, and that there is a long road ahead. Juniper’s Jam runs from 1–11 p.m. Featured acts are, in order of appearance, Eddie King, Rabbit Hole Song Circle, Rattlesnake Revival, Wyld Staleyz, DJ Flip, Molly Too Hot & Friends, Ishues, So Many Monsters, Mile From Meadow, Altrd and The Flying V. General admission tickets are $18.73 in advance (including fees) and $24.94 (including fees) on the day of show. There are a couple of VIP packages as well for you all with some bucks to toss around. Tickets are available at junipersjam.eventbrite. com, and you can access the GoFundMe campaign for Juniper and read her story via gofundme. com/f/join- junipers- journey.
to ask of one song, but The Grawks pulled it off. Find it at thegrawks.bandcamp.com.
TAKE WHAT YOU WANT: The brand new album from Five Eight, Help A Sinner, came out late last week. Already buoyed by three pre-release singles (“Take Me To The Skatepark,” “I’m Alone” and the title track), the whole album runs 12 songs. It’s yet
HURRY UP: The window of opportunity is closing quickly on the raffle for three nights worth of Widespread Panic tickets at Red Rocks in Morrison, CO. This raffle is sponsored by Nuçi’s Space, and the winner gets a pair of tickets for each night, June 26–28. The winner also receives accommodations at Kimpton Hotel Monaco Denver and an autographed concert poster. Raffle tickets are $10 each, but contributions of $100 or more doubles your entries. So, spend $100 and get 20 entries, etc. The deadline for entry is May 15 at noon, so hurry up! Head over to nuci.org/rocknraffle to enter.
DOWN ON THE STREET: Garage rockers The Grawks will release a new EP named Magnificent Little Deaths in August, but the first single is out as we speak. The single is “Still Small Voice” and includes guest vocals from such Athens luminaries as Noelle Shuck and Jason Fusco of SheHeHe, Fusco’s daughter Ramona, Mike Mantione (Five Eight), David Ferguson (Astral Weeks, Go Figures), and, as the band reports, many others. The Grawks have really spread their wings on this one, too. It builds from a slithery rhythm and pace into a heavy, bluesy and proto-punk number which, honestly, recalls The Stooges more than any other immediate reference. The band reports that, “It was written in direct response to the catastrophic events in Minneapolis earlier this year with the statesponsored murder of U.S. citizens practicing their free speech rights.” So, it’s both topical, relevant and rockin’, which is a lot
another solid entry in the sizable Five Eight catalog. It features a few guest appearances, too, from David Barbe, Jay Gonzalez and Matt Beck. Find this at fiveeightweirdo. bandcamp.com, and for more information, please see fiveeight.com and facebook.com/ fiveeightathens.
DOG DAYS: The new four- song demo by G.R.O.M.I.T. is, basically, self- titled and can be called Getting Racks On My iPod Touch. The entire thing runs just over fourminutes long. Yes, four minutes. At its core it’s a lo- fi punk release, but also exactly the kind of thing tailor made for late night college radio when DJs can spin their heart’s desire outside the purview of station management. Now, this rocks, but is also not above being a little goofy. If that’s not a kazoo playing on “You and Me,” then I don’t know what it is. This isn’t earth shaking or anything, but is a nice little souvenir of spring 2026 in Athens. Find it at hardtackk. bandcamp.com.
SWITCHED ON: AthensGATV, powered by JokerJokerTV, is seeking submissions to include during its 24/7 stream that will run right up until AthFest begins. For the duration of the festival JokerJokerTV will stream from the mainstage. Accepted submissions may include video podcasts, web and TV- style programs, other livestreams, etc. Basically, whatever you’re doing visually in the Athens arts and music scene is what they’re interested in. All submissions should be sent no later than the end of May. For more information, please see facebook. com/athensgatv and athensgatv.com. f
Five Eight
event calendar
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. RSVP required. 1–3 p.m. FREE! www. mortontheatre.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 general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 6 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzu nottrivia
GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Hotel Indigo) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Ian. Wednesdays, 6 p.m. www.instagram.com/ classiccitytriviaco
GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Normal Bar) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia
GAMES: Classic City Trivia (The Local 706) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Garrett. Wednesdays, 7:06 p.m. www.instagram.com/classiccitytriviaco
art around town
ATHENTIC BREWING CO. (108 Park Ave.) “Lands Left” features landscape works by Greg Benson in the taproom. Through May.
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.) 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.
FLICKER THEATRE & BAR (263 W. Washington St.) “A Love Letter to Athens” features photography by Megan Savage. Through May.
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.) “Seeing the News in Harper’s Weekly, 1860–80” features Civil War-era and Reconstruction-era illustrations by Thomas Nast and Winslow Homer, curated by students in UGA’s Hands-on Public History course. On view May 23–July 12. • Drawing on Ada Limón’s poem “In Praise of Mystery,” “We, Too, Are Made of Wonders” explores humanity’s fascination with the cosmos through poetry, science and visual art from the museum’s collection. Through June 28. • “Shacks, Stories and Spirit: Beverly Buchanan’s Art of Home” features works by Beverly Buchanan. The exhibition includes sculptures, drawings, photographs, print multiples, autobiographical ephemera and research materials alongside examples of her well-known “shacks.” Through June 28. • asin-
GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (Cafe Racer (Oak St.)) Test your 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
MEETINGS: Athens Psychedelic Society (ACC Library) Creating conscious community for the psychedelic future. 6:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenspsychedelicsociety.com
Thursday 14
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.
The exhibition “Feral Feminism” features paintings by Manda McKay at tiny ATH gallery. An opening reception will be held on May 15 from 6–9 p.m. and an artist talk on May 17 from 2–5 p.m.
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
EVENTS: 2nd Thursday Happy Hour (Winterville Cultural Center) An evening with games on the lawn, art viewings, snacks and drinks. 5–7 p.m. FREE! www.winterville center.com
EVENTS: OCAF Garden Hour (The Drennen Gardens) Explore the gar-
najaq’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.
HABIBI ART (160 Tracy St. Unit 4, Ste. 10) Free open studio event with guest artist Mr. E. and live poetry readings. May 21, 6–9 p.m. 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. • 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. May 22–July 31. Opening reception and Stancil entrance dedication May 22, 5–8 p.m. • “Before the End of Time” features oil paintings by Terry Rowlett.
dens of a local historic farmhouse, and enjoy live music, libations, an art auction and more. 6–8 p.m. $60. www.ocaf.com/gardenhour
GAMES: Bad Dog BINGO (Amici at The Falls) Play BINGO with host TJ Wayt. Thursdays, 6 p.m. www. instagram.com/baddogathens
GAMES: Adult TTRPG (Bogart Library) All skill levels can join for Dungeons & Dragons and other tabletop role playing games. Ages 18 & up. 6 p.m. FREE! www.athens library.org/bogart
GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Terrapin Beer Co.) Test your general trivia knowledge. Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia
GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Butt Hutt) Test your general trivia knowledge. Thursdays, 7 p.m. www. instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia
GAMES: Athens’ Hardest Trivia Night (Nighthawks Lounge) Test your trivia knowledge with host Phil. 7 p.m. www.nighthawkslounge.com
KIDSTUFF: Teen Studio: Art as Activism (Georgia Museum of Art) Explore the galleries and make art inspired by the exhibitions. Ages 13–18. Email to RSVP. 5:30–8 p.m. FREE! gmoa-tours@uga.edu
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
THEATER: Shakespeare in the Park (Dudley Park) Athens Creative Theatre will perform the popular comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream that intertwines four unique stories. May 14–15, 5:30 p.m. May 16, 11:30 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. FREE! www.accgov.com/act
Friday 15
ART: Art in the Park (Sandy Creek Park) Join staff to create works of art inspired by nature. All ages.
ART: Opening Reception (tiny ATH gallery) Works by Manda McKay will be on view. 6–9 p.m. FREE! www.tinyathgallery.com
COMEDY: Andy Gross (Marigold Auditorium for Arts and Culture)
An evening of comedy, magic and illusion by Andy Gross, who has appeared on television and performed around the nation. 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $30 (adv.), $35. www.wintervillecenter.com
EVENTS: Madison in May Tour of Homes (Various Locations) The self-guided tour will feature a selection of Madison’s historic and traditional homes. May 15–16, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $50. www.mmcc-arts. org
EVENTS: Madison in May Spring Artisan Market (Madison Morgan Cultural Center) Browse vendors offering local pottery, paintings, jewelry and more. May 15–16, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. www.mmcc-arts.org
GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Oak House Distillery) Test your general trivia knowledge. Fridays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia
GAMES: Friday Night Initiative (Tyche’s Games) Learn how to play a new roleplaying game. New players welcome. 7 p.m. FREE! www. tychesgames.com
THEATER: Shakespeare in the Park (Dudley Park) Athens Creative Theatre will perform the popular comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream that intertwines four unique stories. May 14–15, 5:30 p.m. May 16, 11:30 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. FREE! www.accgov.com/act
Saturday 16
CLASSES: Creating a Functional Floral Masterpiece (Steffen Thomas Museum of Art) Local textile artist Jackie Kelly will lead a
May 22–June 26. • “Art in the Family” presents multi-medium works by OCAF members and volunteers. July 3–31.
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. 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.
TINY ATH GALLERY (174 Cleveland Ave.) Works by Manda McKay will be on display through May 29. Opening reception May 15, 6–9 p.m. Artist talk May 17, 2–5 p.m. Closing reception May 29, 6–9 p.m.
UGA SPECIAL COLLECTIONS LIBRARIES (300 S. Hull St.) “Captain Planet: The Power Is Yours” explores the origins and impact of the TV series. Through May. • “Sustained Excellence: A History of UGA Swim & Dive” explores the program’s history through photographs and artifacts. Through May. • “Fashioning the Classic Bride: The Life and Career of Anne Barge” features 33 dresses from the UGA alumna. Through July. • “Beyond the ’96 Games: Atlanta’s Olympic Legacy” features an original torch from the opening relay and other authentic memorabilia. Through October.
UGA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER (230 River Rd.) In the Lobby Gallery on the mezzanine level outside Ramsey Concert Hall are large-scale paintings by Christopher Hocking with themes of pop culture, history, literature and more.
UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP (780 Timothy Rd.) “Claire and Bob’s Home Collection” is on view in the Claire and Robert Clements Gallery. Through May.
WINTERVILLE CULTURAL ARTS CENTER (371 N. Church St., Winterville) In honor of the United States’ 250th anniversary, “Rebellious Art, Treasonous Artists” is on view in Room 103. Through December.
workshop on creating a floral masterpiece. Registration required. 11 a.m. FREE! www.steffenthomas.org
COMEDY: Bros Before Shows
(Ciné) A night of standby Dejahzh Hedrick and David Goolsby. 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $10 (adv.), $12. www. athenscine.com
EVENTS: The Athens Farmers Market 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-
EVENTS: Madison in May Tour of Homes
The selfselection of Madison’s historic and traditional homes. May 15–16, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $50. www.mmccorg
EVENTS: Madison in May Spring Artisan Market Cultural Center) Browse vendors offering local pottery, paintings, jewelry and more. May 15–16, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. www.mmcc-
EVENTS: Abnormal Bazaar
South) This market features vendors selling soaps, jewelry, vintage, vinyl and more. 11 a.m.–3 p.m. www. theindiesouth.com
EVENTS: Weaver D’s Food & Entertainment Festival Post 2872) The familyevent will feature live entertainment, local vendors, engagement. Bringing lawn chairs encouraged. 11 a.m.–6 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/vfwpost2872
EVENTS: Together We Dazzle (Hendershot’s) Fourth annual benefit for the EhlersSociety featuring hors d’oeuvres, live music, and original artwork and archival prints for sale. 3–6:30 p.m. $10 suggested donation. www. christinajoystudio.com
EVENTS: Athens Got Talent pin Beer Co.) The Cottage Sexual Assault Center & Children’s Advocacy Center will host an alltalent show with activities for kids, games, music, food and drink. 5 p.m. (doors), 6–8:30 p.m. (event) $20. www.northgeorgiacottage.org
EVENTS: Thurtine Collective (Winterville Cultural Center) Visual, performance and musical artists will share projects that reflect the theme “Overthrowing the Just World Bias.” 6–10 p.m. www.wintervillecenter. com
EVENTS: AFMDS Contra Dance (Memorial Park Administration Building) This community dance features caller Christen Wittington and live music by Fiddlebone. No partner required. 6:30 p.m. (intro session), 7–10 p.m. (dance). $12 (adults), $10 (students w/ ID), 17 & under FREE! www.athensfolk.org
GAMES: Pathfinder Society RPG (Tyche’s Games) Come and adventure with the Pathfinder Society. 12 p.m. FREE! www.tychesgames.com
KIDSTUFF: Family Fun Day
(Oconee County Library) Kick off the annual summer reading program with a petting zoo, art projects, games and more. 10 a.m.–1 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/ oconee
KIDSTUFF: Kids Bike Rodeo
Shepherd) All ages and abilities are invited to navigate a certified bike safety course. Bring bike and helmet. 10 a.m.–12 p.m. FREE! www. instagram.com/gogeorgiaorg Community dance night on first and tagram.com/classiccitytriviaco FREE! www.athenslibrary.org f
bulletin board & classifieds
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.
HELP WANTED (Part-Time) ISO graphic designer for book project, ideally familiar with Adobe InDesign. Fair pay. Contact Lea: lk.rackley@ gmail.com for more information.
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
NOTICES (Organizations) Summer
Co-Op social and launch luncheon at ACC Library. May 23, 1–4 p.m. Join community for networking and cooperative connection. Women, veterans, LGBTQ+ and BIPOCowned businesses especially encouraged to attend. www.athens. coop
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.
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.
SERVICES (Home & Garden) Professional interior and exterior painting services. Fully insured. Call Ryan at 706-410-0177 or email at normalpainting@proton.me for a free quote.
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.
CLASSES, PROGRAMS & TOURS (State Botanical Garden of Georgia) Various ongoing weekly events including Guided Plant Walk (Tuesdays–Fridays), Porcelain and Decorative Arts Tour (Tuesdays), Free Sketch (Fridays) and more. botgarden.uga.edu
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
FIRE PIT RAFFLE (Friends of the Madison County Library) Madison County Library hosts a raffle for an outdoor gas fire pit to benefit various programs. $1 per ticket, unlimited entries. The winning ticket will be drawn in November after the Madison County Harvest Festival. www.athenslibrary.org/madison
MEDICAL EQUIPMENT (Friends of Disabled Adults and Children) Free home medical equipment provided to those in need. Athens locations for pickup at Northeast Georgia Area Agency on Aging and Multiple Choices. Donations also accepted. www.fodac.org
MEDICAL EQUIPMENT EXCHANGE
(Silver Lace) Open registration for consideration for free mobility and daily living medical items. Donations also accepted. www.silverlace inc.org, info@silverlace.org
MICROCHIP SCANNING STATIONS
(Multiple Locations) Connect lost pets with their owners. Available 24 hours. Located at ACC Animals Services, Memorial Park Dog Park and Southeast Clarke Park. Instructions provided at each location.
MULTIPLE CHOICES VOLUN-
TEERS (Multiple Choices Center for Independent Living) Seeking volunteers to assist a nonprofit agency that serves individuals living with disabilities throughout a 10-country area of Northeastern Georgia. 706-850-4025, dmyers@ multiplechoices.us
SEEKING 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
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-year-old children. Registration required for all events. www.accgov.com/aquatics
SPRING & SUMMER CAMP (Canopy Studios) Registration for a variety of day camp dates for grades K-12 is now available. www.canopy studio.org/class-schedule/camps
SUMMER CAMP (Athens Area Humane Society) Registration is now open for “Humane Heroes” and “Junior Vet” summer camps in June & July. Ages 6–14. www.athens humanesociety.org/summer-camp
SUMMER CAMP (OCAF, Watkinsville) Registration now open for variety of summer camp opportunities including improv, puppet making, mixed media art and more. Ages 7–14. www.ocaf.com/kids
SUMMER CAMP (Nuçi’s Space) A production, engineering, mixing and live sound curriculum added to the two week summer Camp Amped sessions. Registration now open.
Financial aid available. www.nuci. org/camp
SUMMER CAMP (Sweet Olive Farm, Winterville) Registration is now open for a variety of summer camps in June & July including overnight stays. Ages 5–12. www.sweetolive farm.org/collections/2026-summer-camps
SUMMER PROGRAMS (ACC Leisure Services Department) Registration open for diverse selection of activities highlighting the arts, environmental science, recreation, sports and special events. www.accgov. com/myrec
Word on the Street
CALL FOR PARTICIPANTS (APQC) Seeking parade participants, vendors and volunteers for Pridefest. Deadlines vary. Event held June 6. www.linktr.ee/athensgapride
CITY TOURS (Historic Athens Welcome Center) A variety of guided tours available including a daily shuttle tour, walking tour of the downtown area and local music tour. Schedule in advance. www. 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
VHS DIGITIZATION (Athens, GA)
Seeking previously recorded concerts and events on VHS, VHSC, Hi8, MiniDV and DVDs to digitize and archive. www.vhsordie.com
VOTER REGISTRATION
RESOURCES (ACC Library Atrium)
Economic Justice Coalition community volunteers assist Georgia residents with registration, confirm prior registration and update voter registration information as needed. www.economicjusticecoalition.org
Missing Something?
MORE LISTINGS (Online) Find the Bulletin Board at www.flagpole. com/bulletinboard for ongoing open art calls, support group information and other resources that are available on a continuous basis. f
ARE YOU READY TO CHASE YOUR NEXT
F L A G P O L E • C O M
feature
The Meditative Practice of Gardening RON
A BOOK OF SEASONS
By Libba Beaucham arts@flagpole.com
ABook of Seasons is a poignant, charming and deeply reflective collection of essays and poems that reminds the reader to connect with the natural world. My own thumbs have never been green, and yet I found myself recalling the sense of calm, curiosity and wonder I have felt when simply spending time in nature, especially in the woods of Georgia. For those who have experienced the joys and challenges of gardening and farming, I can only imagine the many nods of understanding and knowing laughter while reading.
The author, Ron Balthazor, and his wife Jane live on 10 acres of Georgia Piedmont farmland, complete with chickens, bees, dogs, cats and the usual nighttime raiders of deer and armadillo. Like their crops of figs, cucumbers, daikon radishes, peas, tomatoes—especially tomatoes—and so much more, the little farm has grown over 30 years in their care. With that time has come many opportunities to learn the life lessons that nature can teach us humans.
“This is a book about attention,” Balthazor says. “It is a book about communion.”
Balthazor grew up in Illinois and spent time in the garden with his father. Even in high school, he subscribed to gardening magazines and had a fascination with the “miracle” of nature. He says, “I really embraced that idea. I said, ‘This is right. This makes sense. This is the way we should live. This, this way we can be.’ We and our food and our whole planet can ultimately be healthier.” His passion has only grown since. “I kind of believe that everything is both nature and nurture, that it’s partly in our DNA. It’s partly how we’re raised, and it’s partly how we follow our own passions, and that’s really true with me for gardening.” His passion for both nature and literature led him to teach environmental literature at the University of Georgia and begin the sustainability certification program. Now retired, he takes great satisfaction in tending to his farm and shares the reflections on his relationship with it in
A Book of Seasons
among descriptions of death and decay. Balthazor’s observations of the cycles (seasons) of life has led him to accept his fate with contentment because it is the fate of all things, including the pesky armadillo. “I’m just going to be put away the same way the armadillo is put away, and I’ll become part of the larger cycle of life, which is the greater truth,” he says.
Balthazor connects many spiritual traditions to his practice by seeing the sacred in the simple. “In the Christian church, a sacrament is the most pedestrian thing in the world that’s raised to the holy. The Eucharist, the communion, is really nothing but a meal. But we’re making that a holy and beautiful thing. Baptism is really nothing but washing up a little bit. But we’re
making that into something glorious and special and sacred. And I think we should be looking at our gardens that way. This is a glorious and sacred thing,” he says.
Throughout the essays, there’s also a reverence for the animals that protect and provide for the farm, like Fabio the rooster and Zen the Great Pyrenees. “You don’t realize when you’re 6 years old that old McDonald needed all those things on the farm. Because that’s how farms work, you know, they’re this kind of great environmental, ecological system. It’s not just that you like to have a lot of things. It’s everything taking care of everything else, keeping it in balance,” says Balthazor.
The 108-page book is organized by the seasons, beginning with May. Each month begins with excerpts of writings that have great meaning to Balthazor, having studied and taught Romantic and Transcendentalist literature: “Thoreau is deep, deep down in me… Even as I’m walking, I’m thinking of Thoreauvian moments that are really wonderful to me.” Many of the essays have a sense of levity, even comedy to them, which is Thoreauvian, too. “He’s very tongue in cheek, sometimes very dry, but there are parts of it that I just think are hilarious,” says Balthazor. From the very first essay, the humor is delightfully present even
I found the essays to be a welcome opportunity to slow down, be present and appreciate these meaningful meditations. Though I had no garden to overlook, simply reading the book outside on a few beautiful spring days was a much-needed reminder to “touch grass” and reconnect with nature. That’s exactly what Balthazor had in mind for the reader. “My hope, ultimately, for this little book, is that it might encourage folks to love a little more, and to care a little more, and to see the sacred in all things around us,” says Balthazor.
A book launch event will be held at the Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation on May 29 at 7 p.m. in the main gallery with books available for sale and signing. To purchase a copy locally, visit GHOST Apothecary. Additional information is available online at abookofseasons.com. f
