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WE DO HAIR!

The Summer Sunset Music Series at 585 Barber St., hosted by Dead Beat Club and Treehouse Kid & Craft, will take place every Wednesday in June, starting on June 3 with Organically Programmed. For more performances, see the Live Music Calendar on p. 13.

This Modern World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 NEWS: City Dope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Mayoral Candidate Forum

Letters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 NIL Bill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Calendar Picks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Curb Your Appetite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

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

PrideFest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Candidates’ Commission History

Live Music Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Event Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

MUSIC: Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Art Around Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Futurebirds Double Album

Bulletin Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

MUSIC: Threats & Promises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Adopt Me . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Quentin Love’s Music Box

Crossword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Local Comics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Sudoku . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

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online exclusive Agua Linda announced that the business is under new ownership, and while the Prince Avenue location will continue operating, the Timothy Road restaurant closed on May 23. Meanwhile Taqueria La Parilla recently announced on social media that it will be opening a third location. Dovetail Market on Prince Avenue is officially open for market shopping, with lunch and dinner service coming soon.

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JUNE 3, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

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news

city dope

would only put the city further behind on building needed housing, he argued.

But new development is often unpopular, Fisher pointed out. “Every time we talk about density, people line up out the door at City Hall saying, ‘We don’t want more density,’” he said, pointing to Denson’s vote as a commissioner in favor of a “cottage court” development opposed by residents of the nearby Knottingham neighborhood off Oglethorpe Avenue.

“I’m not going to say the popular thing and say I’m going to do exactly what you want me to as mayor,” Denson responded.

“I’m going to do what’s best for the city.”

Fisher replied, “Do you want a mayor who’s going to force-­feed you what he thinks you should have, or do you want a mayor who will listen to you?”

Fisher agreed with the notion that homeless people are being bused in from other communities, although a survey of

Fisher mailer that claimed Fisher would end the “magnets” that draw the homeless to Athens. “Those magnets are our hospitals,” Denson said.

Fisher denied using the term magnets.

“For you to say that is wrong,” he told Denson.

Mailers sent to voters by Athens ForBy Blake Aued news@flagpole.com ward, a mysterious independent committee, in support of Fisher came up several times There’s an old saying in boxing: styles make will live if no new housing is built. UGA has during the forum. Fisher said that Denson fights. Mayoral candidates Dexter Fisher only built one new dorm in the past four had falsely accused him of accepting money and Tim Denson don’t just disagree on years, housing about 500 students. The from corporations and PACs (political action policies like addressing high housing costs. answer, he said, is they’ll displace residents committees). Denson said a statement his They presented sharply divergent overall in existing neighborhoods. “There has to be campaign put out included no reference to governing philosophies at a Saturday forum an alternative to that,” he said, proposing a Fisher, but he did point to the “derogatory at the Morton Theatre. student housing district near campus, posmailers” sent by Athens Forward on Fisher’s Much of the forum—organized by Russibly on land owned by UGA. behalf. Fisher denied having anything to do sell Edwards and Drew Abney, hosts of the Fisher, though, insisted that Athens has with Athens Forward.

Athchat podcast—focused on housing. too much student housing already, and said Another critical exchange came when Edwards cited studies showing that Athens he would push UGA to build more dorms.

Edwards read a question from Commishas a shortage of approximately 6,000 “Build student housing and push the neighsioner Allison Wright accusing Denson of homes, with a vacancy rate of just 2%. being divisive, two-­faced and anti-­ And the average price of a house on women. “I will meet people where the market now is $600,000, he said. they’re at. I listen to people. I desFisher—an Athens-­Clarke County perately want to work with people,” commissioner and retired adminisDenson responded, saying that he has trator at UGA and the Clarke County held town hall meetings and knocked School District—said the local governon 40 doors on Fourth Street that ment should look at selling off county-­ morning. Fisher, meanwhile, called owned property for housing, although collaboration his “superpower.” a commission committee determined Fourth Street is a mainly Black that ACC doesn’t have much property area, and Fisher used an audience that a developer would want. “Density question about criminal justice to is not the answer,” Fisher said, because emphasize race after Denson said many residents oppose it, and Athens that the system is unfair to Black and lacks both the land and the infrastrucbrown individuals. “I understand what ture for more housing. He said he supit’s like to be driving in my car and get ports “missing middle” housing and stopped because [police] thought I was wants to ease zoning restrictions on someone else,” Fisher said. tiny houses and manufactured houses, In addition to discrimination, but renewed his call for a temporary Denson cited housing and unaffordban on new housing construction able child care as his major concerns and called Denson’s proposals “a pipe during his closing statement. “I will dream.” work like hell to solve these problems,” “Missing middle is density,” said he said.

Denson, a former commissioner and Fisher said in his closing statement From left, co-­moderators Drew Abney and Russell Edwards, and mayoral candidates Tim Denson and Dexter Fisher current school board member who that he is “not going to be at City Hall. at a forum May 30 at the Morton Theatre. works in emergency intake for AdvanI’m going to be in the streets talking tage Behavioral Health, a nonprofit to you.” that assists the homeless. The concept borhood out, that’s not working for me,” the local homeless population found that During the first round of voting, Denson refers to housing that’s in between single-­ he said. He reiterated his call for a moratotwo-­thirds had been living in Athens for led five candidates with 38%, followed by family homes and high-­rise apartments, rium. “Put a pause on all construction and years. “I’ve seen the vans pull up to the Fisher with 27%. Since no one received like duplexes and townhomes. “The cost of find out really how many beds we have in Sparrow’s Nest and people get out,” he said. a majority, a runoff will be held June 16. housing is too high. It’s unsustainable,” he this community,” he said.

“They’re supposed to be brought here Early voting starts June 8. said, and it’s pushing out working-­class resThose answers are already known, to Athens-­Clarke County, where we have idents and those living on fixed incomes in Denson said, accusing Fisher of not having the services for them,” Denson said, favor of wealthy people moving to Athens. read the many studies ACC has done on adding that Athens has to stop treating the Akins Ford Arena has brought in millions With UGA planning to increase enrollhousing. “We’re not a stupid community,” homelessness problem like it’s a matter of of dollars from thousands of out-­of-­town ment by 400–600 students per year, he said. “We have very smart people here outsiders coming into the community and Denson questioned where those students who are studying this.” A moratorium not a homegrown one. He referenced a pro-­ visitors since opening in late 2024, officials

Clashing Styles in Mayor’s Race

FISHER SAYS HE’LL DO WHAT’S POPULAR; DENSON SAYS HE’LL DO WHAT’S RIGHT

BLAKE AUED

Arena Draws Visitors and Money

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · JUNE 3, 2026

said during the Athens-­Clarke County Commission’s budget hearings last week.

The Classic Center’s economic impact for the current fiscal year ending June 30 will be $89 million, up 24%, with $3.4 million in tax revenue generated, according to president and CEO Paul Cramer. “Hockey, I think, has taken off much bigger than any of us anticipated,” he said. In addition to the Rock Lobsters, Cramer cited Georgia Music Hall of Fame memorabilia displays at the arena, an indoor football team starting play next spring, a future Black history museum at the Classic Center and athletic events at UGA’s new track as reasons to be optimistic about tourism growth.

Since the arena’s debut, overall ticket sales at the Classic Center have risen from $2 million a year to $11.2 million, with 82% bought by out-­of-­town residents who bring their dollars into the city. Instead of the Classic Center serving primarily a five-­county area as in the past, the arena draws visitors from a 150–200 mile radius, Cramer said.

The Classic Center will host 606 events this year and an estimated 650 in fiscal 2027. Revenue from food and beverage sales, corporate suites and parking is also higher than expected.

“Akins Ford Arena is driving big numbers in tourism… Sellout concerts are driving room-­nights,” said Katie Williams, director of the Athens Convention and Visitors Bureau, which has launched a marketing campaign to draw visitors here during traditionally slow summer months. There is still a need for more hotel rooms, especially since Graduate Athens closed, but short-­ term rentals are helping to fill in the gap, she said.

A 7% local tax on hotel and motel rooms is a major source of funding for the Classic Center. According to an intergovernmental agreement between ACC and the Classic Center, it’s entitled to 54% of hotel-­motel tax revenue as long as it’s making bond payments on the arena. The CVB receives 31% under state law. The remaining penny must also be spent on tourism-­or economic development-­related activities.

With the ACC government seeking to lease or sell county-­owned property

between the Classic Center and the North Oconee River for an “entertainment district,” Cramer said the arena’s solid numbers will help entice developers. “I think you’re going to have people clamoring to build out those other areas,” Cramer said during a recent commission work session.

When built out, the entertainment district will create an estimated 665 jobs.

Representatives of consulting firm Accenture, hired to create a master plan for the area and recruit developers to build it out, agreed. “We believe that all signs are pointing toward this being a good ROI [return on investment]. It’s going to be successful,” Trey Weatherly, Accenture’s senior vice president of infrastructure and capital, told the Arena District Steering Committee on May 29.

The Classic Center has enough income to make the arena’s bond payments through next year, but in 2028 faces a “fiscal trough” when the payments rise.

For that reason, the county might sell the former Kelly Diversified property off Willow Street rather than lease it, forgoing future income for a lump sum in the present. ACC could also sell the development rights to the property but keep the land itself, while allowing the purchaser to build higher-­density apartments elsewhere downtown. Then the Kelly Diversified property, currently used for storage, could be declared surplus and developed as a hotel or office tower, Mayor Kelly Girtz said.

While office construction generally has ground to a halt in most cities since the pandemic because many white-­collar employees are still working from home, UGA has a need for space for startup companies to grow. The university’s Innovation District incubator has 30,000 square feet of office space, but many companies started by students and recent alumni are relocating to Atlanta or Greenville, SC after outgrowing that space. “UGA has a lot of companies ready to move, but locally we just don’t have spaces for them to move to,” interim ACC assistant manager Ilka McConnell said. Many of them are in the biotech field, which is ACC’s top economic development target. f

news

letters

SEND YOUR LETTERS TO P.O. BOX 1027, ATHENS, GA 30603 OR EMAIL US AT LETTERS@FLAGPOLE.COM Fight for Black Representation While some are focused on the governor’s race and local runoff elections, voters are also facing a powerful issue that will shape representation in Georgia for years to come: redistricting. The Supreme Court’s recent decisions have narrowed certain protections under the Voting Rights Act, and combined with renewed efforts to redraw political maps, this moment calls for urgent attention, especially here in Georgia, as a special legislative session beginning June 17 is expected to address redistricting under Gov. Brian Kemp.

So why should Black communities be concerned? Because redistricting is not just about maps; it is about power. It determines who is represented, which communities are split apart, and whose voices are strengthened or weakened in the political process. Across the South, from Tennessee to Alabama, we have already seen how redistricting battles can fracture growing voting coalitions and reshape political representation. In some cases, district lines have been redrawn in ways critics argue weaken Black political influence and disrupt unified community voting strength.

These changes can happen quickly, but their impact can last for years.

For example, during the 2022 redistricting process, a few of Athens’ elected officials were drawn out of their districts and could no longer run again because of how political boundaries were redrawn.

Whether people agreed with those officials politically is not the point. In a healthy democracy, voters should decide who remains in office, not strategic manipulation of district lines.

That moment should have been a warning about how easily representation can shift. Because when communities lose representation, they often lose more than political seats. They lose influence over housing decisions, funding, transportation, policing priorities and economic development. This is why redistricting is not a distant policy issue, it is a community issue with real consequences.

During the Civil Rights Movement, many people sacrificed their lives for the rights and freedoms we benefit from today.

The movement was rooted in courage, sacrifice, strategy and the fight to make America live up to its promise of equality.

It challenged segregation, racial violence, voter suppression, discrimination, unequal education, housing injustice, and systems designed to keep Black communities politically and economically powerless. Activists organized boycotts, sit-​ins, voter registration drives, legal challenges, and mass protests, often while facing arrest, threats, and violence.

Despite how celebrated the movement is today, many of its leaders were heavily criticized in their time. Martin Luther King Jr. was often labeled divisive and radical simply for demanding justice and equality.

History later confirmed the importance of that work because it reshaped laws and expanded rights for generations to come.

And one of the most important outcomes of that struggle was the 14th Amendment.

It established equal protection under the law and citizenship rights, becoming a constitutional foundation used to challenge discrimination, segregation, unequal treatment, and government abuse of power.

Without it, many of the civil rights protections people rely on today would not exist.

But after King was assassinated and major desegregation laws were passed, many people began to believe the work was complete. In reality, desegregation did not end inequality, voting rights victories did not end voter suppression, and civil rights laws did not end discrimination. The systems simply evolved and once again, we risk losing protections that were already fought and won.

The 14th Amendment was never just words on paper. It was a promise, one that each generation must decide whether to protect, ignore, or weaken. And right now, Georgia is being tested.

So what can we do? We must stay informed and engaged. Pay attention to what is happening at the Georgia State Capitol and in local government. The Civil Rights Movement did not survive because people stayed silent. It survived because ordinary people organized, educated themselves, spoke up and showed up. Now it is our turn.

Join the AADM Community conversation on June 20 during the Juneteenth Music & Arts Festival in Athens from 3–7 p.m., where community members will gather to discuss voting rights, representation, redistricting, and the future of our communities.

Mokah Jasmine Johnson Co-​founder, Athens Anti-​Discrimination Movement

Trump Is Like a Child You’ve probably been in situations when parents don’t step in when their unruly child is wreaking havoc, twisting another kid’s arm, breaking irreplaceable things and creating a giant mess.

That’s what it feels like each day with President Trump in office. The “parents” (Republicans in Congress and right-​wing Supreme Court justices) constantly make excuses or minimize his bullying, boasting about sexual harassment, and goading of the mean kids to gang up on others.

Like a toddler who scribbles on walls, Trump defaces buildings by adding his name, as he did to the Kennedy Center or the U.S. Institute of Peace. And just as spiteful children topple others’ LEGO creations or sandcastles, he used a wrecking ball to tear down the historic East Wing of the White House without asking permission, and then dumped the ruins in a public golf course.

Worse than a child totally out of control, he acts with cruelty and vengeance, but due to negligent and permissive “parenting,” he is enabled and even celebrated. We are left with a quagmire in the Middle East, more pain and suffering here and around the world, billions spent, and our values and reputation trampled.

Pat Priest Watkinsville

JUNE 3, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

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news

feature

Tale of the Tape

HOW TIM DENSON AND DEXTER FISHER VOTED AS COMMISSIONERS

By Blake Aued news@flagpole.com

E

xcept for one Athens-­Clarke County Commission vote five years ago, Tim Denson might be running for his third term representing District 5, and the general public might never have heard of Dexter Fisher.

Following the 2020 Census, commissioners Mike Hamby, Allison Wright and Ovita Thornton effectively booted Denson off the commission and paved the way for Fisher to win Denson’s seat. Athens’ Republican majority legislative delegation, already gerrymandered at the state level, had demanded a unanimous vote on a locally drawn commission district map, or they would draw their own lines. The ones the GOP drew prevented Denson, Russell Edwards and Melissa Link from running for re-­election, while the new District 5 stretched out a tendril to include Fisher’s house.

Commission votes have consequences, intended or not. Even if they didn’t serve side-­by-­side, commissioners’ voting records are also instructive. They must weigh when to side with public opinion, and when to stand by their principles. Here’s a look at how Denson and Fisher voted on several dozen key issues during their time in office.

eviction during COVID. Several other commissioners tried and failed to delay it.

However, a later vote to hire a newly created nonprofit to run the program proved to be a mistake when that organization failed to meet federal requirements, and the contract was pulled.

FISCAL YEAR 2022 BUDGET (JUNE 2021): Denson

for misdemeanor possession of marijuana, rather than make an arrest.

COVID (MARCH 2020): Denson backed a series of measures after the COVID-­19 pandemic hit Athens, including a declaration of emergency, a shelter-­in-­place order and a temporary ban on large gatherings that shut down bars and restaurants.

COLLEGE SQUARE (JUNE 2020): The commission unanimously approved closing College Square to cars for six months to create an outdoor gathering space, later made permanent. As part of the plan, the Confederate monument was moved from Broad Street to a location near Timothy Road and the Loop.

DEFUNDING POLICE (JUNE 2020): Denson was the

only other commissioner to support Mariah Parker’s “Reimagine Police” plan, which

was among seven commissioners to vote in favor of an annual budget that included fare-­free transit, alternative response teams to respond to police calls involving people suffering mental health crises, and a $15 minimum wage for ACC employees.

HOMELESS CAMP (AUGUST 2021): Mayor Kelly Girtz broke another tie to approve the First Step sanctioned homeless camp, supported

by Denson, when the pandemic shuttered the Bigger Vision shelter, and railroad company CSX was clearing out a tent city on its property. The camp was successful in terms of helping the homeless find permanent housing, but once again ran into problems due to the choice of nonprofit to run it.

PUBLIC RESTROOM (OCTOBER 2021): Denson was among seven commissioners to vote in favor of a “Portland Loo” downtown to address business owners’ complaints about

CLASSIC CENTER ARENA (JULY 2019): Denson

voted in favor of a failed effort to remove what would become Akins Ford Arena from the SPLOST 2020 list in favor of a generic reference to a downtown economic development project. Later, he successfully added a child-­care center to the project.

LATINX RESOLUTION (AUGUST 2019): After a mass shooting in El Paso, TX, Denson helped push through a resolution in support of the local Hispanic and immigrant communities with unanimous support. The resolution would come back to bite commissioners politically in 2023, after the murder of college student Laken Riley by a Venezuelan who was seeking asylum in the U.S. (Fisher would later question whether the resolution made Athens a sanctuary city; it does not.)

PRE-­TRIAL DIVERSION (MARCH 2020): The commission unanimously supported pre-­trial diversion programs to keep first-­time shoplifting and marijuana offenders out of jail. In 2022, Denson also voted in favor of directing local police to issue a $35 ticket

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OGLETHORPE AVENUE (JUNE 2022): Mostly Black residents in the Knottingham neighborhood opposed a “cottage court” off Oglethorpe Avenue, but Denson joined the majority in approving the development, which would have provided small, moderately priced houses, but never came to fruition.

FY 2023 BUDGET (JUNE 2022): Denson voted in favor of a budget that included a 0.6-­mill tax cut and raises for sheriff’s deputies, bringing them up to par with police.

PRINCE AVENUE BIKE LANES (AUGUST 2022): The Complete Streets policy was put into action when the commission voted unanimously in favor of a long-­awaited road diet on Prince Avenue and the addition of protected bike lanes.

ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS (DECEMBER 2022):

Even though Denson was among five commissioners to support allowing ADUs like apartments over garages or backyard cottages, the measure did not pass because it required six votes, and only nine commissioners were present, so Girtz couldn’t break a tie.

Dexter Fisher

Tim Denson GOALS AND OBJECTIVES (APRIL 2019): The progressive sweep of 2018 put Mayor Kelly Girtz and four new commissioners, including Denson, into office. The commission unanimously approved an ambitious set of goals for the coming year that included fare-­free transit, ending cash bail for minor offenses, a plan for 100% renewable energy by 2035 and a municipal wireless internet network. A resolution in support of clean energy was approved that May, and cash bail reform the following month.

COMPLETE STREETS (JUNE 2022): The commission voted unanimously to strengthen ACC’s Complete Streets policy, requiring the construction of bike and pedestrian facilities where feasible when roads are repaved.

BARBER STREET BIKE LANES (FEBRUARY 2023):

Fisher voted to table a multi-­use path along Barber Street. He did not give a reason, but some other commissioners said there had not been enough public input.

EVICTION PREVENTION (MAY 2023): Fisher voted with eight of his colleagues to give nonprofit The Ark $900,000 from the Biden administration’s American Rescue Plan Act to restart the eviction prevention program.

Tim Denson represented District 5 on the Athens-­Clarke County Commission from 2019–2022.

would have diverted 50% of police funding toward mental health and social services over 10 years.

homeless individuals using their restrooms.

Opponents objected to the $314,000 price tag.

BLACK LIVES MATTER (JULY 2020): A resolution in support of the BLM movement proved controversial, with one version voted down and another approved unanimously. Denson voted in favor of both.

POLICE GRANT (DECEMBER 2021): Denson was not one of the two left-­leaning commissioners who opposed accepting a routine grant to fund a regional drug task force.

WEST DOWNTOWN (NOVEMBER 2020): Denson

was on the winning side of a 6–3 vote creating the West Downtown Historic District, covering the Hot Corner and many music scene landmarks.

FIREFLY TRAIL (MARCH 2021): Over the objections of some nearby property owners, Denson voted with the majority to keep the Firefly Trail’s route running along the abandoned railbed, rather than detour around those properties. In a vote the following year, he would also support authorizing eminent domain to complete the project.

EVICTION PREVENTION (MAY 2021): Denson was

one of the driving forces behind Project Reset, a program to help residents facing

POLICE OVERSIGHT (FEBRUARY 2022): Denson was part of a 9–1 vote to ratify the first members of the Public Safety Civilian Oversight Board, which would later become controversial when it came to light that Denson and other commissioners conspired to keep conservative applicants off the board.

COMMISSION RAISES (MARCH 2022): Denson and five colleagues voted to give commissioners an approximately $10,000-­a-­year raise, arguing that it would make it easier for lower-­income residents to run for office.

INCLUSIONARY ZONING (APRIL 2022): By a unanimous vote, the commission created a policy offering developers incentives to include affordable housing in new developments.

FY 2024 BUDGET (JUNE 2023): Fisher voted in favor of Commissioner Mike Hamby’s budget that cut property taxes by 0.65 mills, using one-­time federal ARPA funds and tapping into the government’s rainy day fund to backfill the difference.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING PLAN (AUGUST 2023):

Fisher was the lone commissioner to vote against accepting a strategic plan for affordable housing, saying that he wanted to focus on single-­family home ownership rather than rentals.

HOMELESS CAMP (NOVEMBER 2023): Fisher was one of four commissioners to vote against closing the city-­funded First Step homeless camp, which had been beset by financial reporting issues, and whose director was removed after he was convicted of assaulting a female former resident.

ATHENS HOMELESS COALITION (JANUARY 2024):

Fisher and five other commissioners approved allocating $5 million from ARPA to the newly reorganized Athens Homeless Coalition.

SHORT-­TERM RENTALS (FEBRUARY 2024): The commission unanimously approved, with one recusal, new regulations on short-­term

NORTH AVENUE ROAD DIET (NOVEMBER 2024):

Fisher and all but one commissioner voted to reject a plan to make North Avenue safer—including removing a car lane, adding bike lanes and building a roundabout—instead opting to keep the five-­lane configuration. The commission would later vote to return most of the $25 million grant

anyway, with Fisher stating that he felt electric vehicles were a flash in the pan.

SAYE BUILDING (APRIL 2025): Seven commissioners, including Fisher, voted in favor of a settlement with Athens First United Methodist Church removing the Saye Building from the West Downtown Historic District and allowing its demolition.

FY 2026 BUDGET (JUNE 2025): Fisher was in the majority that voted in favor of an unusual last-­minute budget proposal from Hamby that used interest on money earmarked for transportation to fund a 0.2-­mill property tax cut and directed traffic-­calming funding to specific projects in certain commissioners’ districts, bypassing the usual formula that objectively determines which such projects to fund.

TRIANGLE PLAZA (SEPTEMBER 2025):

Fisher was one of three commissioners to vote against a slight tweak to a previously approved binding plan for a community garden at Triangle Plaza, bowing to residents who argued that the Dexter Fisher has represented a somewhat different District 5 since 2023. change was a back door to turning the after running out of time to spend it, but East Athens shopping center into student recently received an extension from the U.S. housing, even though the property remains Department of Transportation. zoned commercial, and any deviation from the binding site plan would require further TRASH FRANCHISING (DECEMBER 2024): Fisher commission approval. joined the majority in rejecting a franchisEASTSIDE FIRE STATION (OCTOBER 2025): Again, ing system for private trash haulers outside Fisher was one of three commissioners who of the old city limits, now known as the voted against a new site for the Whit Davis urban services zone. The system would Road fire station, siding with a small group have addressed complaints about multiple of nearby residents who said it would ruin trucks coming down the street by assigning a single company to each neighborhood and their view and create traffic and noise. The fire department said moving the station regulating their prices. would improve fire coverage in the rural part RACIAL JUSTICE (FEBRUARY 2025): The Athens of eastern Clarke County and keep insurance Anti-­Discrimination Movement wrote a rates low for all homeowners countywide. statement of support for racial equity in consultation with Fisher and other commis- DATA CENTERS (DECEMBER 2025): The commissioners. However, Fisher voted to delay pas- sion unanimously approved a moratorium sage when some Black residents wanted the on data centers, then extended it for another three months in March. It expires resolution to be converted somehow into on June 5. an ordinance with the force of law. In April, Fisher voted against the resolution, then DOWNTOWN APARTMENTS (JANUARY 2026): Fisher changed his mind and voted for it when the voted against a student housing developmotion to reject it failed. er’s offer to contribute $8 million to ACC’s WEST BROAD ROUNDABOUT (APRIL 2025): By a affordable housing trust fund, build a new 6–4 vote, the commission, including Fisher, sewer line and pay for half of a public parkvoted down a proposal to use eminent ing deck in exchange for two parking lots domain to acquire a small slice of land for near Thomas Lay Park. He said that Athens a roundabout at West Broad Street and does not need more student housing, and Hancock Avenue, despite having already that the new residents would keep Black approved the roundabout itself. Fisher and children from using the park. Girtz broke a four other commissioners later reversed tie to approve the agreement. their votes.

FUTURE LAND USE MAP (FEBRUARY 2026): Fisher ELECTRIC VEHICLES (APRIL 2025): Legally, the was among the commissioners who delayed commission had no choice but to spend a vote on a map guiding future develop$3.3 million on electric vehicles and ment so that commissioners could make chargers for the city fleet, since voters proposals to reduce density in certain areas. had approved the expenditure as part The commission would approve the map, of TSPLOST 2023. Fisher and two other with changes to several hundred parcels, in commissioners voted against the purchase April. f

news

feature

Bipartisan NIL Bill

SENATORS UNVEIL REGULATIONS ON COLLEGE ATHLETES’ PAY

By Shauneen Miranda news@flagpole.com

A

pair of U.S. senators reached a biparthe bill, athletes would also be guaranteed tisan agreement on a sweeping bill one transfer without losing eligibility. The aimed at tackling many of the biggest issues bill also establishes “a targeted antitrust surrounding how to compensate players in exemption allowing schools and confercollege sports. GOP Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas ences to voluntarily form a covered entity and Democratic Sen. Maria Cantwell of to pool and sell certain college sports media Washington state—the top members of the rights.”

Senate committee with jurisdiction over the Though the House’s bill seeks to bar matter—unveiled legislation this week that college athletes from being recognized as aims to “restore order in college athletics.” employees, the senators’ proposal is notaMeanwhile, a separate bill to set a bly neutral as to how the athletes would be national framework for college athletes’ classified. compensation remains stalled in the House GOP Reps. Tim Walberg of Michigan after being yanked from the voting schedule and Brett Guthrie of Kentucky took aim at earlier in May following unanimous opposi- the bill’s neutral stance, saying in a statetion from the Congressional Black Caucus. ment that “any lasting framework must The major voting bloc rallied behind the confront the central issue that continues to NAACP’s call to push back against GOP-​led cast uncertainty over the future of college redistricting efforts in Southern states via sports: whether student athletes will ulticollege sports, including a boycott of public mately be treated as employees.” Walberg universities by athletes and supporters. and Guthrie are the respective chairs of The senators’ proposal marks the latest the House Education and Workforce and congressional push to overhaul the college Energy and Commerce committees, which sports world, which continues to grapple share jurisdiction over the matter. with the fallout from the NCAA’s 2021 guidelines that allowed student athletes to profit from their name, image and likeness, or NIL. Colleges, businesses and marketers are also wrestling with a patchwork of state NIL laws, gender inequity in NIL deals and the NCAA’s controversial transfer portal, among other issues.

A federal judge in 2025 also approved the terms of a nearly $2.8 billion antitrust settlement that paved the way for schools to directly pay athletes. Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton’s estimated NIL value is Cruz, who chairs the Senate $1.4 million, but he reportedly passed up a $4.5 million offer to transfer to Alabama this offseason.

Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, said in a statement that “student athletes can profit “Congress cannot deliver real stability, from their name, image and likeness, but consistency, or certainty to schools, concollege sports still need real rules, competiferences and student athletes while leavtive balance, rivalries and a true connection ing that question unresolved,” the chairs to education.” The Texas Republican added said. “Without addressing employment, that the bill—set to be formally introduced smaller universities along with women’s the week of June 1, when Congress is back and Olympic programs may face massive in session—“protects athletes and fans and financial burdens and be forced to cut prokeeps college sports from becoming a two-​ grams and scholarships across their athletic conference minor league.” departments.”

Cantwell, the ranking minority-​party President Donald Trump’s administramember of the panel, said the legislation tion has also sought to impose solutions “puts new tools and new rules on the table at the federal level for the toughest issues to rein in runaway costs while still preservfacing the college sports world, including ing NIL, revenue sharing,” as well as womthrough a sweeping executive order signed en’s sports and the Olympics.

by Trump in April. Part of the order also GOP Sen. Eric Schmitt of Missouri and urged Congress to “expeditiously pass legDemocratic Sen. Chris Coons of Delaware islation that satisfactorily addresses these both played a part in the legislation and are issues.” co-​sponsoring the forthcoming bill.

A White House official, speaking on The legislation would create a national background, told States Newsroom the NIL standard that preempts the patchwork White House is “reviewing” the senators’ of state laws, provides certain antitrust legislation and “soliciting input from protections to the NCAA and college sports important stakeholders.” conferences and establishes a five-​year eli“We appreciate Congress’ efforts to move gibility timeline for athletes, among other forward on this important issue to save colmajor changes. The legislation would also lege sports,” the official added. f prevent football coaches from leaving mid-​ season to coach another program, per a sec- This article originally appeared at States Newsroom, statesnewsroom.com. tion-​by-​section summary of the bill. Under

JUNE 3, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

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TONY WALSH / UGA ATHLETICS

rental units in single-­family neighborhoods.

But the new ordinance was immediately sent back to committee in an attempt to head off a threatened lawsuit.

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arts & culture

calendar picks

ART | THU, JUNE 4

PERFORMANCE | JUNE 5–6

Lyndon House Arts Center • 6 p.m. • FREE!

work.shop • 8 p.m. • $10–15

Chelsea Lillo Artist Talk

In April, Lyndon House Arts Center opened “Surface Tension,” a collaborative exhibition by artists Chelsea Lillo and Erika Diamond that explores the human body in various ways, be it through its identity, construction, safety or movement. Lillo, who works as an anaplastologist, creates custom prosthetic forms to match individuals’ skin tone, eye color, bone structure and overall appearance. Through her practice, she diminishes her clients’ feelings of otherness, renews their sense of belonging and helps them to feel whole again physically and emotionally.

For her artist talk, she will be discussing the technical precision of crafting these prostheses and the way they transform her clients’ everyday lives and experiences. Lillo and Diamond’s works for “Surface Tension” are on display through June 27. [Mary Beth Bryan]

Small Box Series: Fingers Crossed Small Box Series is a quarterly performance event for which artists across multiple disciplines perform on a 4 feet by 4 feet box. Over time, however, the series has progressed to where participants often find creative ways to incorporate the box into their performance. The event is curated to encourage community connection and share art in a raw and intimate way, stripping back high-​tech pro-

THEATER | JUNE 5–14

She Loves Me

Town & Gown Players • Various Times • $15–20

GREAT FOR NEWCOMERS, VISITORS, AND LOCALS!

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · JUNE 3, 2026

The Town & Gown Players have a run of shows for the musical She Loves Me, a classic romantic comedy that follows the Chelsea Lillo tropes of secret pen pals and unexpected love. The tale is told through a fast-​paced and high-​energy production, where the stage is described by the theater troupe as being transformed “into a vibrant, living pop-​up book.” This production is directed by Michael Fulford with musical direction led by Andrea Barry. Performances are scheduled for June 5–6 and 11–13 at 8 p.m. with 2 p.m. matinees on June 7 and 14. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for members, seniors and students. [Sam Lipkin]

duction. This quarter’s Small Box Series will feature Athens Clarke County Poet Laureate Amanda Dzimianski, comedy improvisor Matt House, choreographers Jennifer and Mia Morlock, musician Jazmyn Trujillo, Leije Smith and Lisa Yaconelli, who also runs the space where the event is held as a performing arts rehearsal space. Tickets for the event include snacks and wine and can be purchased via the link at workshopathens.com. [MB]

EVENT | FRI, JUNE 5

ART | JUNE 6–7

Athentic Brewing Co. • 9 p.m. • $5

Various Locations • 9 a.m.–5 p.m. • FREE!

WERK: A Labor Rights Drag Night Kicking off a series of Pride Month events at Athentic this June is WERK, hosted by the UGA chapter of United Campus Workers of Georgia (UCWGA), Georgia’s only wall-​ to-​wall higher education labor union. WERK will offer more information about UCWGA, as well as entertainment from Athens Showgirl Cabaret, the premier Athens drag company. Athentic’s other events for Pride Month will include tie-​dyeing and queer speed dating on June 7, a pride market and high tea drag show on June 13, a queer club night on June 20, queer trivia on June 22, a showing of the 1996 comedy film The Birdcage on June 24 and finally a drag brunch on June 28. These events are open to all. [MB]

Athens Clay Trail

Athens Clay Trail is back, giving the community an opportunity to visit the studios of six nationally recognized potters located from Comer to Watkinsville. The goal of Athens Clay Trail is not only to promote the purchase of these artists’ functional and sculptural works, but also to make the Athens area a destination for pottery enthusiasts

MUSIC | FRI, JUNE 5

Neutral Snap

40 Watt Club • 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show) • $10 (adv.), $12

New Orleans band Neutral Snap is stopping in Athens on its upcoming tour across Georgia and Tennessee. Neutral Snap’s catalog pulls from nostalgic pop-​punk sounds and tongue-​in-​cheek lyricism, with Scene Point Blank reviewer Jeremiah Shawn Ireland’s studio Duncan comparing its most recent long-​form release, last year’s I Hardly Know Her, to bands like and cultivate a sense of community and tradition amongst Fall Out Boy and Neck Deep. Duncan says, “The songs are local artists and collectors. The participating artists this filled with catchy hooks that you’ll want to sing out loud with the windows down.” The band’s four-​show run is being year are Lori Breedlove, Maria Dondero, Courtney Hamill, Tom Homann, Shawn Ireland and Mathew Meunier. All of put on by Tank Touring, the promotion company of former the studios can be visited in a single day, but Athens Clay Athens-​based musician Jameson Tankersley. AccompanyTrail will run for two days to provide maximum scheduling ing acts will include Atlanta-​based alternative rock bands flexibility. Visit athensclaytrail.com to see a map of the six Intension and Frigga Five and Athens/Atlanta-​based band studios and plan your self-​guided route. [MB] f Andovia. [MB]

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“Asteroid City” June 11__________7 p.m.

World-changing events spectacularly disrupt the annual Asteroid Day celebration in an American desert town. 2023, PG-13, 105 min.

Free Admission

10

F L A GP OL E .C OM · JUNE 3, 2026

arts & culture

feature

PrideFest

CELEBRATING QUEER JOY IN DOWNTOWN ATHENS

By Libba Beaucham arts@flagpole.com

A

thens Pride & Queer Collective (APQC) will host its 2026 PrideFest on Saturday, June 6 from 3–11 p.m. in downtown Athens. The free event will feature a parade, live music, drag performances and a kids’ zone, plus vendors along Washington Street.

“We want to see all the colors. Be out loud and proud,” said Steph Cave, APQC’s board president.

SAM LIPKIN

For Cave, PrideFest is the culmination of a personal journey rooted in Athens. A lifelong area resident, Cave was among the first people in their social circle in rural Oconee County to come out. “It’s been very important to me to build community here in Athens with other queer people,” said Cave.

That commitment led them to join APQC’s board, and Cave became board president in February of this year. Cave attended the first Pride Parade in Athens in 2022, and has seen the event grow to its present day festival of over 5,000 attendees. “I’m just really excited for another great year,” said Cave.

The parade will begin at 5 p.m. at the corner of Prince Avenue and Pulaski Street and continue along Clayton Street, College Avenue and Hancock Avenue. Floats, walking groups, families and individuals will participate in the parade with vibrant decorations, signage, costumes and other expressions of pride.

Performances will feature drag and live music including those who were unable to perform last year due to a storm cutting the event short. “We have our drag lineup that we didn’t get to do last year. We were really bummed about that. So I’m really excited to showcase a lot of drag performers this year,” said Cave. The Athens Showgirl Cabaret, The Bombshells from DanceFX and individual drag performers are on the lineup. A dance performance by Belli Dance Company and live music from Weatherproof, Ryne Meadows and Joy Ride will also take the stage. Then the street will become a dancefloor with DJ Charlieflower and a closing performance by DJ Saturn.

The kids zone will be open from 3–8 p.m. with bouncehouses, coloring stations, face painting and games. Shade, fans, snacks, water and a diaper changing station will also be available.

“When it’s hot out, people want to enjoy these activities with their kids,” said Cave.

Last year’s sensory tent received positive feedback and will return this year with earplugs, fidget spinners and quiet seating.

Additional resources will make the event accessible to attendees of all ages and those who are neurodivergent or just need a quiet space to cool off. “One of the reasons that I joined, and something that I’ve been really excited to kind of be the person building the framework for, is accessibility measures at PrideFest,” said Cave. An online accessibility guide will be available with information and a map noting accessible parking and pathways.

“We also offer portable stool rentals if people need somewhere to sit. It can be really challenging to remember to bring that kind of stuff with you, but it’s totally refundable. It’s $15 up front, but if you bring it back, you get your money back,” said Cave. To ensure a comfortable and safe experience, Cave encourages attendees to bring sunscreen, leave the dog at home and have a water bottle to refill at the hydration stations.

The festival’s vendors will include nonprofits, local artists and makers, businesses, food and beverage trucks, and on-­site resources like HIV testing and gender-­ affirming care providers.

PrideFest is one of the primary funding sources for APQC’s year-­round programs serving the Athens queer community. The organization’s Gender-­Affirming Care Grant provides financial support to transgender and gender-­expansive people seeking gender-­affirming surgeries and related medical care. Since launching in 2023, the program has distributed more than $50,000 to community members facing financial barriers to procedures that insurance may not fully cover or may not cover at all.

The grant is open to any Georgia resident regardless of insurance status, and it prioritizes applicants in and around the Athens area who demonstrate significant financial need. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and all applicants are notified within one month of applying.

Other initiatives and resources include a partnership with Grail Bra Specialists to provide free gender-­affirming undergarments, a monthly LGBTQ+ youth group, a parents and allies support group in partnership with PFLAG Athens Area, a transgender support group through a partnership with Access Point, and an annual Athens Pride Community Guide with queer-­owned businesses and affirming spaces in the Athens area.

More information on PrideFest and all APQC programs is available at athenspride. org. f

Sunflower Concert Series

at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia June 16 - The Broken String Band July 21 - The Original Splitz Aug. 18 - Abbey Road LIVE! Sept. 15 - Classic City Jukebox

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit botgarden.uga.edu

JUNE 3, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

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music

feature

The concept of the double album, produced by Grammy Award-­winner Brad Cook (Waxahatchee, MJ Lenderman), is a sunlit day and introspective night view of the same world. Bassist Brannen Miles says that the material they had been working on

wild ones, the full brunt of the band going live, and then there are moments on the record that are very constructed and very intentional,” says Miles.

“We didn’t go into it with the idea there was going to be a double record and that it would have two sides. We ended up with 18 tracks, which always seems to be our problem,” says songwriter and guitarist Thomas Johnson. “I think once we took a look at the batch of the songs and we were trying to come up with a sequence for them, we just realized that it was going to be impossible on one record. When we decided it was going to be a double record, it just kind of presented itself.”

organically fell into these two piles, but the process behind them also was split essentially two ways.

“We made this record over a longer span of time. Some of the songs were cut live in the studio, everyone in at the same time, and then some of the songs were more constructed with a scalpel and pieced together.

So it’s kind of got a wide span, and we really like that about this record. There are the

With the band having three songwriters—Womack, King and Johnson—the songs often play out as a dialogue among them. Far Out Country is described as a place within their shared life that simultaneously holds common experiences and individual perspectives. King says that it’s their most mature record to date, reflecting on how they have grown as people and evolved as musicians since first starting Futurebirds.

Futurebirds

ATHENS NATIVES RELEASE FAR OUT COUNTRY DOUBLE ALBUM

By Sam Lipkin editorial@flagpole.com

P

BRIAN HARDING

sychedelic country rock band Futurebirds has gained a lot of lift since it started nearly two decades ago in Athens. And if the band’s past album releases have left you wanting more, you’re in luck. Futurebirds is releasing its first double album, Far Out Country, this Friday, June 5 via Dualtone Records.

However, the full album won’t be available to stream straight out of the gate. Serious fans can pick up a copy of the double-­album vinyl to listen to the whole project before anyone else. Meanwhile, the first half of the album will be streaming Friday with the second half available Sept. 4. It’s an interesting approach in the digital age where instant gratification often leaves us moving on too quickly from these time-­consuming and heartfelt projects.

“It was just a creative way to kind of inspire people to get the vinyl, and also a fun way to just extend out a giant release. We’ll have something to talk about and build towards, build content around, push more singles, that kind of thing,” says songwriter and guitarist Daniel Womack.

“We have some really dedicated hardcore fans, you know, and then we also live in this new age of the internet where attention spans are shorter, so this was a good way to service both those things. The deep fans can get all this music and take it in right now, and then they can be coming out to the shows singing the words of the songs that other people haven’t heard yet,” adds Carter King, another songwriter and guitarist of the band.

flagpole

“Having three songwriters and three visions is just how this band goes. I think we’ve gotten better at working with each other over time. Each record is kind of an evolution in sound and a tightening of our visions. I think this record is a great example of that. It’s another step towards us getting better, accomplishing what we’re trying to accomplish, which is matching all of our vibes. Any time you have three songwriters, you’re going to be weaving in and out of each other’s tastes and preferences, and I think this record is another evolution of that idea,” says Womack. “We’ve got this inside joke in the band, where we’re always super excited to get the next record out, saying, ‘This is our best work yet, this is our best work yet.’ Then over time that joke has kind of evolved because we feel like we’ve always been right, like it’s always been like a step above the last release.”

The band members agree that their best work is still ahead of them. Transitioning from starting the band as “fresh out of college kids” to now being seasoned touring veterans with families has added perspective but also purpose, says Womack. There’s still a sense of adventure in what they do. Johnson adds that growing up is humbling, and the opportunity they’ve been given as musicians means even more to them now than it did when they started.

Futurebirds will be making its way back to Athens on its Far Out Country tour Friday, Aug. 21 at the Georgia Theatre. Miles says coming back to Athens always energizes his connection back to the reason why they started doing this in the first place. While there’s a lot of nostalgia there for everyone, one of the unanimous things the members look forward to is visiting their favorite restaurants while in town.

“We look forward to the Cubano sandwich from Cali N Tito’s,” says King.

To pre-­order the vinyl, pre-­save the full album or buy tickets for the tour, visit futurebirdsmusic.com. f

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live music calendar Tuesday 2

Wednesday 3 585 Barber St. Summer Sunset Music Series. 7–8:30 p.m. FREE! www.treehousekidand​ craft.com ORGANICALLY PROGRAMMED Oliver Domingo’s electronic space-​ themed act, which utilizes primitive drum machines and synthesizers to create disco-​pop, jazz and easy listening inspired compositions.

Guests are encouraged to bring picnic blankets.

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

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

FREE! www.athensfarmersmarket. net MARION MONTGOMERY & GLYN DENHAM Bluesy local acoustic folk duo. (6 p.m.)

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

Hendershot’s Classic City Vintage Guitars Presents.

7 p.m. FREE! www.hendershots​ athens.com HENDERSHOT’S OPEN MIC NIGHT Discover new Athens musical talent.

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

Thursday 4 Dead Beat Club 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $10. www.deadbeatathens.com

Friday 5 40 Watt Club Tank Touring Presents. 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $10 (adv.), $12. www.40watt.com INTENSION Alternative rock inspired by bands like Smashing Pumpkins, Deftones and Tool.

NEUTRAL SNAP Up-​and-​coming New Orleans pop punk revivalists.

FRIGGA FIVE Raucous Atlanta rock band.

ANDOVIA Hard alternative rock rooted between the Atlanta and Athens areas.

Amici at The Falls 6 p.m. www.facebook.com/amiciat​ thefalls CHANGE OF HEART Tom Petty tribute band.

Ciné 6:30 p.m. (doors), 7 p.m. (show). $10 (adv.), $12. www.athenscine.com 7TH TRY Atlanta-​based alt-​rock band.

AFTER ALL THIS North Georgia pop-​punk about getting better.

KIDS IN KEVLAR Atlanta post-​hard hip hop-​core.

NOCTURNAE Georgia metalcore band.

SUMMER IN THE PSYCH WARD Atlanta band bringing danger and thrill on its debut album Freak Show.

Classic Citiva Eastside High Note Friday. 4:20 p.m. FREE! www.classiccitiva.com JOE CAT & THE GUIDESTONES Athens-​based Americana singer-​ songwriter and troubadour joined by Jim Wilson on drums.

Dead Beat Club 9 p.m. $5. www.deadbeatathens.com VICTOR CHARLIE Original grunge three-​piece grunge rock band that formed in Athens in 2001.

PERSISTENT LITTLE BEEPS Local alt-​rock band playing rhythmic, often driving songs about existential dread and grizzly bears.

Flicker Theatre & Bar Attaboy Tapes Presents. 8 p.m. $12. www.flickertheatreandbar.com

RED HENRY AND THE HOUSE OF BAMBOO Down-​to-​earth alternative country from Atlanta.

TERRY’S DOLMEN Project featuring Graham Ulicny of Reptar and Thick Paint.

YOUR EX’S PETS Band fronted

by Jackie Hales that makes haunting, groovy, soft-​loud songs with rich vocal harmonies and layered arrangements.

Hendershot’s 1 p.m. (doors), 2 p.m. (show). $10 (ages 4 & up). www.hendershots​ athens.com THE PG SHOW A campy, creative rock and roll band with songs about topics like veggies and exercise that make kids want to dance.

Normaltown Brewing Co. 6–9 p.m. FREE! www.diplomatsoffunk. com DIPLOMATS OF FUNK Organ trio playing funk, blues and jazz.

Nowhere Bar 7 p.m. (doors), 9:30 p.m. (show). $10. www.instagram.com/nowhere​ barathensga WYMBERLY Savannah-​based psychedelic and classic rock jam band.

Ciné 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $10. www.athenscine.com SPLIT RELIGION Atlanta-​based band playing grunge and alternative rock.

BULLSEYE Alternative rock trio from Atlanta.

FOR COLLEGE An alternative rock band making music out of bedrooms.

JOUAL Four-​piece indie-​rock band.

Dead Beat Club 7 p.m. (doors), 8:30 p.m. (show). $7. www.deadbeatathens.com STEPHAN EUTSLER Athens guitarist touring in support of his upcoming instrumental guitar record, Meditations of the Infinite Mind.

CODA NOVA Progressive/alternative rock band from Atlanta, bringing new relevance to prog..

THE WHILE Dynamic garage psych for the eclectic listener, performing in support of its debut single.

Downtown Athens 3–11 p.m. FREE! www.athenspride.org PRIDEFEST Pride month celebration and parade featuring

MIKE WHITE · DEADLYDESIGNS.COM

Daily Groceries Co-​op Tuesday Tunes at Daily. 6–7:30 p.m. www.instagram.com/dailycoop JAY TOTTY Solo set by member of Hetch Hetchy.

Flicker Theatre & Bar 8 p.m. (doors). $10. www.flicker theatreandbar.com BASICALLY NANCY Indie Savannah trio whose heavy tones paired with melodic sweetness portrays the experiences of being a young woman.

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

BRAND NEW COMPANION Rock band from Boise, ID. Hendershot’s 7:30 p.m. & 8:45 p.m. FREE! www. hendershotsathens.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.”

JAZZMYN Four-​piece ensemble blending jazz with Chinese influences.

MISNOMER Atlanta/Athens instrumental fusion group with a funky, jazzy sound.

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.

Nowhere Bar 7 p.m. (doors), 9:30 p.m. (show). www.instagram.com/nowherebar​ athensga CODY BOLDEN AND THE ROAD HANDS Atlanta-​based country band blending traditional ballads, classic country and honky tonk tunes.

The World Famous 9 p.m. $10. www.facebook.com/the​ worldfamousathens URANIUM CLUB Punk rock band based in Minneapolis, MN. MR. [REDACTED] Local band with new brakes and tires.

CRYING FORM Local hardcore punk trio.

CRUCIFLYS Atlanta-​based punk group.

SOUR YELLOW No info available.

Georgia Theatre 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $26.45–45.73. www.georgiatheatre. com ABBEY ROAD LIVE! Beloved local tribute band that keeps the crowd rocking to its extensive Beatles cover sets.

Nowhere Bar 7 p.m. (doors), 9:30 p.m. (show). www.instagram.com/nowherebar​ athensga COUNCIL RING Psychedelic rock band from Charlotte, NC. ALIEN FUNK ACADEMY Athens-​ based power trio specializing in high intensity rock and roll and galactic funk influenced by Vulfpeck, Umphree’s McGee and Phish.

Rialto Club 6 p.m. (doors), 7 p.m. (show). $36.56. www.indigoathens.com MARGARITATOWN Tribute to Jimmy Buffett.

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

Southern Drawl Bar & Grille 6–9 p.m. www. southerndrawlbarand​ grille.com ZACH HAINES Country singer-​songwriter.

Sunday 7

Mr. [REDACTED] will play at The World Famous on Thursday, June 4.

Southern Drawl Bar & Grille 5–10 p.m. www.southerndrawlbarand​ grille.com KARAOKE Every Friday night.

Saturday 6 40 Watt Club 9 p.m. (doors), 10 p.m. (show). $10 (adv.), $15. www.40watt.com TOTALLY RAD 80S PROM DJ Goth Dad and Twin Powers spin new wave, hip hop, post-​punk, pop and more for this ’80s-​themed dance party.

Athentic Brewing Co. 6–8:30 p.m. www.athenticbrewing. com THE SPECTRE OF SURF Instrumental surf rock band playing covers and originals.

Bishop Park Athens Farmers Market. 8 a.m.–12 p.m. FREE! www.athensfarmers​ market.net BENNY ST. PEIXE Atlanta-​based bass player layering and looping jazz. (9 a.m.)

Boutier Winery & Inn 7:30 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $10. www.boutierwinery.com SCARLET STITCH Athens-based rock and roll band influenced by outlaw country, jam bands and alternative rock.

performances by Weatherproof, Ryne Meadows and Joy Ride with a dance party led by DJ Charlieflower and DJ Saturn.

Flicker Theatre & Bar 8 p.m. (doors), 9 p.m. (show). $10. www.flickertheatreandbar.com ORGANICALLY PROGRAMMED Oliver Domingo’s electronic space-​ themed act, which utilizes primitive drum machines and synthesizers to create disco-​pop, jazz and easy listening inspired compositions.

HAWT SODA Atlanta rock and roll trio.

QUENTIN LOVE Bubbly indie pop with leanings into country and sunshine pop psychedelia.

Flying Squid Comedy 7:30 p.m. $10. flyingsquidcomedy. com CRYPTORCHID Local blackened hardcore punk.

CORPSE DUST EBM/industrial/ darkwave.

FROGBATH Flute skramz band.

OTHER VOICES, OTHER ROOMS House, rap and shoegaze-​inspired music on synth hardware.

Front Porch Bookstore 6 p.m. FREE! Find Front Porch Bookstore on Facebook THE HOBOHEMIANS Six-​piece acoustic band performing American and European roots music of the 1910s–30s, with a mix of proto-​ jazz, blues and folk.

ATHICA 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $10 suggested donation. www.athica.org SCOTT BAZAR Improvisor, composer and animator from Pensacola, FL performing with a guitar/banjo hybrid and LED light.

FROG LIKE LEAF Athens-​based improvisor making animal sounds and environments with a daxophone and other instruments.

WALKER YANCEY Best described as “music for people with knives,” their current work drifts through the likes of bedroom jazz, doom folk and seance saunter.

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

Hendershot’s 7 p.m. (doors), 7:30 p.m. (show). $10. www.hendershots​athens.com KARMA KAT Local band with sounds of rock, pop and funky jazz.

They’ll rock your whiskers off!

MURDER THE MOOD Sludgy, hardcore, heavy-​psych band based in Athens.

WILTED CABBAGE Experimental rock and metal band based in Atlanta that veers into heavy, strange and ambitious directions.

Oak House Distillery Three Year Anniversary Celebration. 4 p.m. www.oakhousedistillery.com FOLIE À QUATRE Playing a mix of French chansons, jazzy tunes and originals by Lavon Smith, accompanied on guitar, accordion and double bass.

Rialto Club 6 p.m. (doors), 7 p.m. (show) $25.03. www.indigoathens.com TIKICA & THE TLC BAND A dynamic fusion of soul, style and pure musical electricity from this all-​female quartet.

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

The World Famous 8 p.m. (doors), 9 p.m. (show). $10 suggested donation. www.facebook. com/theworldfamousathens THE GRAWKS Pure bastard rock.

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

BOULEVARD SAINTS Local punk-​ hearted, garage-​stained band.

Monday 8 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.

Tuesday 9 Daily Groceries Co-​op 6–7:30 p.m. www.instagram.com/ dailycoop TUESDAY TUNES AT DAILY Rotating local musicians play stripped down sets.

Hendershot’s 7:30 p.m. & 8:45 p.m. FREE! www. hendershotsathens.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.”

Wednesday 10 585 Barber St. Summer Sunset Music Series. 7–8:30 p.m. FREE! www.treehousekidand​ craft.com LIBBALOOPS Electronic musician and looping artist who loves to be silly and get “loopy doopy.” Guests are encouraged to bring picnic blankets.

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

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

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

Porterhouse Grill 7 p.m. www.porterhousegrillathens. com JAZZ NIGHT Longest running jazz gig in Athens performing American songbook, bossa nova classics and crossover hits. f

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Tuesday 2

event calendar

CLASSES: Internet 101: Browser Basics (ACC Library) Learn how to search and navigate the internet and utilize browser tools. Registration required. 10 a.m. FREE! www.athens​ library.org EVENTS: Tiki Taco Tuesday (Live Wire) Enjoy craft cocktails and a taco pop-​up from Don Carne with themed weeks, live music and dancing. Tuesdays, 5–10 p.m. www.livewireathens.com FILM: Frankenstein (Ciné) Screening of the film with a conversation about “Body Building: A DIY Kit” with experts in science. $11. 5:30 p.m. www.athenscine.com FILM: Love Island Watch Party (Athentic Brewing Co.) Chaotic Good Podcast hosts a watch party with a pre-​show podcast, games and special drinks. 8 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/shihtzunot​ trivia GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Akademia Brewing Co.) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Garrett. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/classiccitytriviaco GAMES: UnPhiltered Trivia (Mellow Mushroom) Test your trivia knowledge with host Phil. 7 p.m. www. facebook.com/MellowMushroom​ Athens GAMES: Singo! (Beef O’Brady’s) Win gift certificates and prizes at this music bingo night. Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m. www.beefobradys.com/athens GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Magnolias of Athens) Test your general trivia knowledge with host

Benjamin. Tuesdays, 8 p.m. www. instagram.com/classiccitytriviaco KIDSTUFF: Dino Fossils (Bogart Library) Join Ms. Harli to learn about fossils and enjoy a crafting project. 3 p.m. FREE! www.athens​ library.org/bogart LECTURES & LIT: Historic Athens History Hour (Lyndon House Arts Center) Learn about the first UGA Botanical Garden along Pope Street.

12–1 p.m. FREE! www.historic​ athens.com LECTURES & LIT: Bogart Bookies (Bogart Library) Pick up a copy of West with Giraffes by Ariel Lawhon and discuss it with the group.

1 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary. org/bogart SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 10 a.m. info@athenspetanque.org, www.athenspetanque.org

days, 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/shihtzunot​ trivia

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 ART: Opening Reception (The Old Pal) Local artist and ceramicist Michele Dross’ exhibition “Flowers in India Ink” will be on view. 5–7 p.m. FREE! www.instagram.com/theoldpal 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 EVENTS: ACC Mayoral Runoff Town Hall (ACC Library) There will be a meet-and-greet with candidates Tim Denson and Dexter Fisher before an open discussion about their platforms. 5:30–7:30 p.m.

FREE! www.athenslibrary.org EVENTS: Garden Nights (State Botanical Garden of Georgia) Enjoy

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.”

ATHICA (675 Pulaski St. Ste. 1200) “Mutual Grit” features works within the theme of Georgia’s ecology and human impact on the environment. Through June 30.

ATHICA@CINÉ GALLERY (234 W. Hancock Ave.) “Piecemeal” features collages by Brian George built piece by piece over two years. Through June 25.

AURUM STUDIOS (125 E. Clayton St.) “The Silk Show ’26” features painted silks by Margaret Agner. Through July.

DODD SCHOOL OF ART (270 River Rd. Main Building, Room 105) “Turtle World” features ceramic works by UGA first-​year student Anthony Campos on view June 5–6, 5–9 p.m.

FARMINGTON POTTERY (1171 Freeman Creek Rd., Farmington) Open house with wood-​and gas-​fired pieces on display and available for purchase June 6–7.

GEORGIA MUSEUM OF ART (90 Carlton St.) Drawing on Ada Limón’s poem “In Praise of Mystery,” “We, Too, Are Made of Wonders” explores humanity’s fascination with the cosmos through poetry, science and visual art from the museum’s collection. Through June 28. • “Shacks, Stories and Spirit: Beverly Buchanan’s Art of Home” features works by Beverly Buchanan. The exhibition includes sculptures, drawings, photographs, print multiples, au-

F L A GP OL E .C OM · JUNE 3, 2026

days, 8 p.m. www.instagram.com/ shihtzunottrivia KIDSTUFF: Community Art Project (Oconee County Library) Join Brella Studios for a painting session. 11 a.m. & 12 p.m. FREE! www.athens​ library.org/oconee LECTURES & LIT: Word of Mouth (The Globe) Athens’ longest-​running spoken word open mic, with this month’s featured reader Bob Ambrose. 6 p.m. (sign-​ups), 7 p.m. (poetry). FREE! www.facebook.com/ athenswordofmouth

Thursday 4

Wednesday 3

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a tour of the gardens, beverages, lawn games and more. Ages 18 & up. 6:30 p.m. $10 (members), $25 (non-​members). botgarden.uga.edu FILM: Blood Everywhere (Flicker Theatre & Bar) While recording a horror movie score in a secluded

“Flowers in India Ink” features framed original India ink works on paper by Michele Dross on view at The Old Pal. An opening reception will be held June 3 from 5–7 p.m. villa, a young composer’s visitors are murdered by a lurking maniac in A Blade in the Dark. 7 p.m. FREE! www.instagram.com/bloodevery​ where.athens GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (South Main Brewing) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 6 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Hotel Indigo) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Ian. Wednes-

GAMES: Classic City Trivia (The Local 706) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Garrett.

Wednesdays, 7:06 p.m. www.instagram.com/classiccitytriviaco GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (Cafe Racer (Oak St.)) Test your trivia knowledge with host TJ Wayt. Wednesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/ baddogathens GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Locos Grill and Pub Eastside) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednes-

tobiographical ephemera and research materials alongside examples of her well-​known “shacks.” Through June 14. • asinnajaq’s “Three Thousand” combines archival videos from the National Film Board of Canada with animations, soundscapes and contemporary video footage. Through June 28.

• “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. Through July 12. • 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.

FLICKER THEATRE & BAR (263 W. Washington St.) Works by Jeremy Long celebrate his 30 year anniversary in this exhibition. Through June.

LYNDON HOUSE ARTS CENTER (211 Hoyt St.) “Surface Tension” features artwork by Erika Diamond and prosthetics by Chelsa Lillo that explore protection, identity and the fragility of the human body. Artist talk June 4, 6 p.m. Through June 27. • “Somethings” features small sculpture works by Ivy Laurel Anderson made from discarded mass-​produced objects. Through July 18.

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.

NANCY GREEN CERAMICS (1500 Tappan Spur Rd., Watkinsville) Nancy Green, Juana Gnecco and Kourtenay Plummer hold a Summer Group Studio Sale, with select pieces by Ron Meyers also on view. June 6–7, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

ART: Artist Talk (Lyndon House Arts Center) Artist Chelsea Lillo will discuss her works on view in the exhibition “Surface Tension.”

6 p.m. FREE! www.accgov.com/ lyndonhouse COMEDY: Gorgeous George’s Improv League (Flying Squid Comedy) Bring a loose funny bone to some home-​grown townie improv. 6:30 p.m. (doors), 7 p.m. (short-​form), 8 p.m. (long-​form). $5. www.flyingsquidcomedy.com EVENTS: Kick Ath Business Expo (Union Fare) Join Women Who Work for a community-​focused networking event with light refreshments and paid sign-​ups for a professional headshot. Registration required. 5​​–7 p.m. www.business. athensga.com EVENTS: Ladies Night Out (Boutier Winery & Inn) Enjoy a night of line dancing with wine and a buffet. First Thursdays, 6–9 p.m. $20. www. boutierwinery.com FILM: To Kill a Mockingbird (Ciné) Screening of the crime film followed by a Q&A session hosted by practicing lawyers and judges. 5:30 p.m. $11. www.athenscine.com FILM: Marigold Movie Night (Marigold Auditorium for Arts and Culture) Screening of the action movie Top Gun with refreshments.

7 p.m. $6. www.wintervillecenter. com GAMES: Bad Dog BINGO (Amici at The Falls) Play BINGO with host

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

7 p.m. www.nighthawkslounge.com KIDSTUFF: Teen D&D (Bogart Library) Join a volunteer-​run gaming session open to all skill levels.

Grades 6–12. 6 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/bogart MEETINGS: KnitLits Knitting Group (Bogart Library) Knitters of all levels are invited to have fun, share craft ideas and knit to their hearts’ content. Thursdays, 6 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/bogart SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 10 a.m. info@athenspetanque.org, www.athenspetanque.org

Friday 5 ART: Opening Reception (Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Athens) The Athens Fibercraft Guild’s exhibition “Celebrating Fiber” will be on view. 4–6 p.m. FREE! www. athensfiber.org GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Oak House Distillery) Test your general trivia knowledge. Fridays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunot​ trivia GAMES: Friday Night Initiative (Tyche’s Games) Learn how to play a new roleplaying game. New players welcome. 7 p.m. FREE! www. tychesgames.com KIDSTUFF: Author Visit (Oconee County Library) Author Gail Karwoski will read from her book Julie the Rockhound. 11 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/oconee

OCAF (34 School St. Watkinsville) “Before the End of Time” features oil paintings by Terry Rowlett. Through June 26. • In the Main Gallery, “Southworks” showcases a variety of mediums juried by Beth Malone and Rachel Waldrop. Through July 31. • “Art in the Family” presents multi-​medium works by OCAF members and volunteers. July 3–31.

THE OLD PAL (1320 Prince Ave.) “Flowers in India Ink” features framed original India ink works on paper by Michele Dross. Opening reception June 3, 5–7 p.m.

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.

UGA SPECIAL COLLECTIONS LIBRARIES (300 S. Hull St.) “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.) The Athens Fibercraft Guild’s exhibition “Celebrating Fiber” is on view in the Claire and Robert Clements Gallery. Opening reception June 5, 4–6 p.m. Through June.

WINTERVILLE CULTURAL ARTS CENTER (371 N. Church St., Winterville) The Third Annual Juried Show features works of various mediums by local artists. Through June 12. • Solo projects by Yvonne Studevan, James Cook, Leslie Moody and Paula Reynaldi are on display through June 12. • In honor of the United States’ 250th anniversary, “Rebellious Art, Treasonous Artists” is on view in Room 103. Through December.

KIDSTUFF: Author Visit (Bogart Library) Author Gail Karwoski will read from her book Julie the Rockhound. 2 p.m. FREE! www.athens​ library.org/bogart LECTURES & LIT: Wash Your Hands After (Rec Room Books) Readings from Athens writers featuring Ben Allee, Will Donnelly, Dave Fitzgerald, Noah Isherwood, Thomas May, Jordan Rothacker and Jordan Stepp. 6:30 p.m. FREE! www.instagram.com/recroombooks PERFORMANCE: Small Box Series (Work.Shop) Artists across various disciplines perform on a 4×4 box.

Performers include Poet Laureate Amanda Dzimianski, comedian Matt House, choreographers Jennifer and Mia Morlock, and more. 8 p.m. $10–15. www.workshopathens.com PERFORMANCE: WERK: A Labor Rights Drag Night (Athentic Brewing Co.) Learn about the UGA chapter of the United Campus Workers of Georgia and enjoy an evening of drag featuring the Athens Showgirl Cabaret. 9–11:30 p.m. $5. www. ucwga.com THEATER: She Loves Me (Town & Gown Players) Musical production about a classic romantic comedy of secret pen pals and unexpected love. June 5–6 & 11–13, 8 p.m.

June 7 & 14, 2 p.m. $12–20. www. townandgownplayers.org

Saturday 6 ART: Pride without Prejudice Art Auction (Hendershot’s) Local drag queens host a Pride-​themed art auction. 12–2 p.m. www.hendershotsathens.com ART: Opening Reception (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Jeremy Long’s 30th anniversary exhibition of artwork will be on view. 6 p.m. www.flicker​ theatreandbar.com EVENTS: Have A Heart 5K (Dudley Park) A walk and 5K in benefit of Love.Craft Athens plus food trucks, vendors and more. 7 a.m. (check-​in), 8 a.m. (5K). $30. www. lovecraftathens.org EVENTS: The Athens Farmers Market (Bishop Park) Markets offer locally grown groceries and handmade goods with live music and children’s activities. AFM doubles SNAP dollars spent. Saturdays, 8 a.m.–12 p.m. www.athensfarmersmarket.net EVENTS: Comer Community Market (The Perch) Browse flower and vegetable plant starts, baked goods, vegetables, honey, pottery, eggs, mushrooms and handmade items. 9 a.m.–12 p.m. www.theperchcomer. com/farmers-​market EVENTS: Athens Clay Trail Studio Tour (Various Locations) Participating potters Lori Breedlove, Maria Dondero, Courtney Hamill, Tom Homann, Shawn Ireland and Mathew Meunier will have open studio hours. June 6–7, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. www.athensclaytrail.com EVENTS: Summer Studio Open House (Nancy Green Ceramics) New ceramic work from Nancy Green, Juana Gnecco, Kourtenay Plummer and Ron Meyers. June 6–7, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. www.nancy​ greenceramics.com EVENTS: Marigold Farmers Market (Pittard Park) Vendors offer organic produce, prepared foods, agricultural products and artisanal goods with live music, kids activities and more. Saturdays, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. www.marigoldcollectivewinterville.com EVENTS: Open House Pottery Sale (Farmington Pottery) Geoff and Lisa Pickett will have a selection of pots of all kinds for house and garden, handmade soaps and botanical

skincare products for sale. June 6–7, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. www.pickett​ pottery.com EVENTS: PrideFest 2026 (Downtown Athens) Athens Pride and Queer Collective’s annual festival features resources, vendors, entertainment, music, food trucks, a parade and more. 3–10 p.m. (festival), 5 p.m. (parade). FREE! www. athenspride.org FILM: Saturday Cinema (Bogart Library) Screening of a classic Stephen Spielberg film filled with rowdy raptors and roaming dinosaurs. 3 p.m. FREE! www.athens​ library.org/bogart KIDSTUFF: Patriotic Story Time (Oconee County Library) Celebrate America’s 250th birthday with a book reading, arts and crafts, scavenger hunt and more. 10 a.m.–1 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/ oconee PERFORMANCE: Athens Showgirl Cabaret Drag For All (Hendershots) Enjoy a fabulous night of open drag fun for all ages. 8–11 p.m. $5. www.athensshowgirl​ cabaret.com SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club Tournament (Lay Park) The annual FPUSA SE Regional Women’s Doubles Tournament will feature teams competing from around the Southeast. June 6–7, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. FREE! www.athens​ petanque.org THEATER: She Loves Me (Town & Gown Players) Musical production about a classic romantic comedy of secret pen pals and unexpected love. June 5–6 & 11–13, 8 p.m.

June 7 & 14, 2 p.m. $12–20. www. townandgownplayers.org

EVENTS: Color Me Queer Tie-​Dye Party (Athentic Brewing Co.) Bring an item and then get creative with tie-​dye to celebrate Pride Month.

2:30–5:30 p.m. $5. www.athentic​ brewing.com EVENTS: Queer Speed Dating (Athentic Brewing Co.) Meet and mingle with LQBTQ+ folks in the community. Registration required.

3:30–6 p.m. $25. www.athentic​ brewing.com GAMES: SIM Race Sunday (ACC Library) Drive for fun or compete for fastest lap at the Le Mans. Ages 12 & up. Registration required. 3 p.m.

FREE! www.athenslibrary.org GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (The Globe) Test your trivia knowledge with host TJ Wayt. Sundays, 4 p.m. & 6 p.m. www.instagram.com/ baddogathens

6 p.m. $85. www.athenshalloffame. com GAMES: Chess and Community (ACC Library) Drop in for open chess play to learn the game, challenge skills and engage with other enthusiasts. Mondays, 3:30–5:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Fully Loaded Pizza Kitchen (Normaltown)) Test your general trivia knowledge. Mondays, 7 p.m. www. instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Dooley’s Bar and Grill) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Garrett.

Mondays, 7 p.m. www.instagram. com/classiccitytriviaco GAMES: General Trivia (Athentic Brewing Co.) Test your general trivia knowledge. Mondays, 7 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com

Sunday 7 CLASSES: Sewcial Sewing Club (Oconee County Library) An afternoon of simple sewing techniques with all materials provided. Ages 13 & up. 2:30 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/oconee COMEDY: Comedy Showcase (The Globe) Athens Comedy hosts themed and general showcases of local and regional comedians.

Sundays, 9 p.m. www.athenscomedy.com EVENTS: Athens Clay Trail Studio Tour (Various Locations) Participating potters Lori Breedlove, Maria Dondero, Courtney Hamill, Tom Homann, Shawn Ireland and Mathew Meunier will have open studio hours. June 6–7, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. www.athensclaytrail.com EVENTS: Summer Studio Open House (Nancy Green Ceramics) New ceramic work from Nancy Green, Juana Gnecco, Kourtenay Plummer and Ron Meyers. June 6–7, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. www.nancy​ greenceramics.com EVENTS: Open House Pottery Sale (Farmington Pottery) Geoff and Lisa Pickett will have a selection of pots of all kinds for house and garden, handmade soaps and botanical skincare products for sale. June 6–7, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. www.pickett​ pottery.com EVENTS: Athens Athletic Hall of Fame Reception (UGA Center for Continuing Education & Hotel) The Class of 2026 will be introduced along with the winners of the Fosky Henderson Community Service Award. 1 p.m. $35. www.athens​ halloffame.com EVENTS: Three Year Anniversary Celebration (Oak House Distillery) Celebrate the distillery’s anniversary with live music, distillery tours, interactive vendors, giveaways and more. 2 p.m. www.oakhouse​ distillery.com

The Athens Fibercraft Guild’s exhibition “Celebrating Fiber” is on view at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship church. An opening reception will be held June 5 from 4–6 p.m.

SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club Tournament (Lay Park) The annual FPUSA SE Regional Women’s Doubles Tournament will feature teams competing from around the Southeast. June 6–7, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. FREE! www.athens​ petanque.org THEATER: She Loves Me (Town & Gown Players) Musical production about a classic romantic comedy of secret pen pals and unexpected love. June 5–6 & 11–13, 8 p.m.

June 7 & 14, 2 p.m. $12–20. www. townandgownplayers.org

Monday 8 EVENTS: Reptile Encounter (Bogart Library) An all-​ages event with educational biofacts and opportunities to visit with a variety of reptiles and bugs. 1 p.m. FREE! www.athens​ library.org/bogart EVENTS: Athens Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet (UGA Center for Continuing Education & Hotel) The banquet honors the class of 2026 Community Service Award Winners.

GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Pancho’s Tacos & Tequila) Test your general trivia knowledge. Mondays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzu​ nottrivia GAMES: Broadway Musicals Trivia (Athentic Brewing Co.) Test your trivia skills about all things broadway and enjoy a sing-​along. 7–9 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Grindhouse Killer Burgers) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Benjamin. Mondays, 7:30 p.m. www.instagram.com/classiccity​ triviaco MEETINGS: Writers of Oconee (Oconee County Library) Led by Sanese Pippen learn how to share your writing experiences and get feedback on your work. Second & fourth Mondays, 6:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/oconee

Tuesday 9 CLASSES: Internet 101: Search Engines (ACC Library) Learn how to utilize various search tools and

navigate the internet. Registration required. 10 a.m. FREE! www.athens​ library.org EVENTS: Tiki Taco Tuesday (Live Wire) Enjoy craft cocktails and a taco pop-​up from Don Carne with themed weeks, live music and dancing. Tuesdays, 5–10 p.m. www.livewireathens.com FILM: Love Island Watch Party (Athentic Brewing Co.) Chaotic Good Podcast hosts a watch party with a pre-​show podcast, games and special drinks. 8 p.m. FREE! www.athenticbrewing.com 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 KIDSTUFF: Toddler Tuesday: Water, Water Everywhere (Georgia Museum of Art) Enjoy art and storytime in the galleries, then complete an art activity. Ages 18 months to 3 years. RSVP by email.

10 a.m. FREE! gmoa-​tours@uga. edu 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 SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 10 a.m. www.athenspetanque.org

Wednesday 10 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 CLASSES: How to Pack a Backpack Workshop (REI) Bring your bag and gear to learn the best way to properly fit, pack and carry a hiking pack. 6 p.m. $20 (members), $50 (non-​members). www.rei.com EVENTS: The Athens Farmers Market (Creature Comforts Brewery) Markets offer fresh produce,

flowers, eggs, meats, prepared foods, arts and crafts. Live music at 6 p.m. AFM double SNAP dollars spent. Wednesdays, 5–8 p.m. www. athensfarmersmarket.net FILM: Pachinko Pop (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Screening of the 1978 musical fantasy film Pink Lady’s Motion Picture. 7 p.m. FREE! www. flickertheatreandbar.com GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (South Main Brewing) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 6 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzu​ nottrivia GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Hotel Indigo) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Ian. Wednesdays, 6 p.m. www.instagram.com/ classiccitytriviaco GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Normal Bar) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia GAMES: Classic City Trivia (The Local 706) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Garrett.

Wednesdays, 7:06 p.m. www.instagram.com/classiccitytriviaco GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (Cafe Racer (Oak St.)) Test your trivia knowledge with host TJ Wayt. Wednesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/ baddogathens GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Locos Grill and Pub Eastside) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 8 p.m. www.instagram.com/ shihtzunottrivia KIDSTUFF: Fiddlin’ Dan (Oconee County Library) Enjoy stories and live music inspired by the Appalachian Mountains. 10 a.m. & 11 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/ oconee KIDSTUFF: Fiddlin’ Dan (Oconee County Library) Enjoy stories and live music inspired by the Appalachian Mountains. 10 a.m. & 11 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/ oconee MEETINGS: C3 to End Homelessness (Foxglove Plantbar) A roundtable discussion regarding housing and homelessness to educate, identify issues and plan steps to solutions. Second Wednesdays, 5–6:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenshc. org/coc

Down the Line 6/11 Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) 6/11 Space Board Games (Oconee County Library) 6/11 KnitLits Knitting Group (Bogart Library) 6/11 Bad Dog BINGO (Amici at The Falls) 6/11 Adult TTRPG (Bogart Library) 6/11 Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Terrapin Beer Co.) 6/11 Gorgeous George’s Improv League (Flying Squid Comedy) 6/11 Athens’ Hardest Trivia Night (Nighthawks Lounge) 6/11 Asteroid City (Georgia Museum of Art) 6/11 Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Butt Hutt) 6/11 She Loves Me (Town & Gown Players) 6/12 Friday Night Initiative (Tyche’s Games) 6/12 Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Oak House Distillery) 6/12 She Loves Me (Town & Gown Players) 6/13 The Athens Farmers Market (Bishop Park) 6/13 Marigold Farmers Market (Pittard Park) 6/13 Comer Community Market (The Perch) 6/13 KACCB Litter League Cleanup (Dudley Park) 6/13 Really, Really Free Market (Reese and Pope Park) f

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

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

Classifieds HELP WANTED (Part-​Time) Junk South is hiring for the Crew Leader position. Must be 25 years or older, clean 3 year MVR and be a hands-​on leader. Starting pay + tip ~ $25/hr. Email us at info@junk​ south.com to find out more.

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

Not apartment. 159 North Jackson St. Approx. 400 s/f. Electricity/ water included. $300/mon. Contact Michael at 706-​201-​6058 or mginn2872@aol.com REAL ESTATE (Room for Rent) Room for rent w/private BA. Located in Watkinsville. $1000/mon all inclusive. Graduate student preferred.

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

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 (Classes) Change the direction of your life in 6 months -​from burnout to balance. Flexible career, enrolling now w/July program start. Strada Institute, School of Massage. www.athensmassage​ school.com SERVICES (Health) JAMES HILTON HYPNOSIS: Smoking, vaping, exam preparation and athletic performance enhancement. 678-8954278, www.hiltonhypnosis.org 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) Scratching your head with all this poison ivy? We can help! Woman-​ Run Gardening Services: We offer garden maintenance, invasive plant removal, personalized edible and native gardens for your school, home or business! 706-​395-​5321 SERVICES (Home & Garden) Hi! I’m Pablo, an expert gardener offering personalized care for your landscape. I specialize in low-​ maintenance, native gardens that support pollinators and biodiversity.

Find me @pablofromseed, email pkozatch@gmail.com or call 631-​ 903-​4365.

Arts CALL FOR ART (Various Locations) Visit www.flagpole.com/bulletin​ board for ongoing open art calls.

CALL FOR ART (Winterville Cultural Center Gallery) Taking inspiration from 18th-​century political and satirical art, entrants are invited to contribute their own works which speak to their personal conceptions of Revolution and Rebellion. Submissions accepted through June 8. www.wintervillecenter.com/gallery CALL FOR MURAL LOCATION (Double Helix) Students from the Double Helix Steam School are offering to paint a free mural for a local business/organization. kquinn@doublehelixschool.com CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS (Athens Homeless Coalition) Seeking submissions for street newspaper.

Poetry, short stories, visual art, song lyrics. enagementcoordinator​ @athenshc.org COMMUNITY TOURS (Georgia Museum of Art) A variety of tours open to the public including “Student Perspectives” which runs Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays throughout the month. www.georgia​ museum.org

ADOPT ME!

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

Glenda(60736277)

Meet Glenda! This sweet girl is currently part of the Project Homebound program. Her former foster says she is great on a leash, is already house and crate trained and loves to snuggle.

Cheetara (60564731)

Cheetara is one of many adoptable residents at Entangled Cat Cafe. She has a very calm and curious disposition and is looking for her forever home. Adopt or foster her today!

Freedom (58599339)

Freedom is an adorable, playful boy who loves chasing toys and sitting for treats. He’s hoping to match with a single-dog family where he doesn’t have to worry about sharing food.

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

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

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · JUNE 3, 2026

PUBLIC ART SELECTION PANELS (Athens, GA) The Athens Cultural Affairs Commission is seeking members to participate in public art panels. www.accgov.com/9656/ Public-​Art-​Selection-​Panels

Auditions 1776 THE MUSICAL (Marigold Auditorium for Arts and Culture) Interested performers should bring a 32 bar cut of a song in the style of the show or a 30–60 second monologue of their choosing. Sign up for a 10 minute slot required. June 11 & 12, 5:30-​9:30 p.m. www.wintervillecenter.com/ ANTIGONE (Town & Gown) Seeking a variety of performers for classic drama. June. 9–10. Performances held Aug. 7–16. www.townand​ gownplayers.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. www.canopystudio.org/outreach/ scholarships CLASSES & PROGRAMS (Athens, GA) The Athens Land Trust hosts a variety of virtual and in-​person classes. Topics include Affordable Housing Info and Homebuyer Education Course. www.athens​ landtrust.org/classes-​events 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), Mixed Media Meetup (Mondays) and more.

CLASSES & PROGRAMS (Winterville Cultural Center, Winterville) Flow Yoga & Pilates (Monday), Yoga in the Gallery (Wednesdays), Chair Yoga & Creative Cafe (Thursdays) and more. www.winterville​ center.com CLASSES, PROGRAMS & TOURS (State Botanical Garden of Georgia)

Various ongoing weekly events including Guided Plant Walk (Tuesdays–Fridays), Porcelain and Decorative Arts Tour (Tuesdays), Free Sketch (Fridays) and more. botgarden.uga.edu CLASSES, PROGRAMS & WORKSHOPS (OCAF, Watkinsville) Registration now open for extended session pottery classes, art instruction and more. www.ocaf.com/ courses 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 (The Studio) TIMBAthens & Bachata Conexión host a 9-​week workshop series for salsa and bachata dancers of all levels.

June 7–Aug. 9, 4:30 p.m. No class July 5. Registration required. www. timbathens.com/events.

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.

Help Out ATHENS SKATEPARK PROJECT (Athens Skate Park) Seeking volunteers and community input. Third Sundays. www.athensskatepark​ project.org BRAS FOR A CAUSE (Grail Bra Specialists) Seeking donations of gently-​used bras for distribution to local shelters, recovery centers and communities in need. 706-​850-​ 0387 or support@grailbras.com DIAPER DONATIONS (Athens Area Diaper Bank) Diaper donations needed for local infants. All sizes and open packs/boxes are accepted. www.athensareadiaperbank.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.

SEEKING BOARD MEMBERS (Bigger Vision of Athens) The nonprofit homeless shelter Bigger Vision of Athens, Inc. is seeking new members for its board of directors. the​ biggervisionshelter@gmail.com, www.bvoa.org/boardmember SEEKING BOARD MEMBERS (Moms Adopting Moms) Local nonprofit seeks board members, including a chair and treasurer, to support foster children and families through mentorship and reunification. momsadoptingmoms@ gmail.com SEEKING DONATIONS (The Cottage) Seeking donations of single-​serving, non-​perishable snacks to help children and adults navigating interviews, therapy sessions and court hearings. To arrange a drop-​off please call 706-​546-​1133, ext 223.

SEEKING DONATIONS (Hands of Hope) Local homeless ministry accepting donations of clothing for their free distribution program and fundraising yard sale with proceeds benefiting the 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 TASTE THE TOWN RAFFLE (Athens Area Diaper Bank) Enter to win a gift card from a local business. Tickets available for annual fundraiser with all proceeds benefiting AADB mission. $25–100 for ticket bundles. www.athensareadiaperbank.com

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 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 FarmPLAY (Foxfire Woods & Farm) Monthly nature-​based, creativity-​filled playgroup for kids ages 11–15. Registration required. $5 suggested donation. www.foxfire​ woodsandfarm.com 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 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 (Nowhere Archery) Traditional archery and outdoor education day/sleep away camps in the Beloved Land. Learn camping skills, canoeing, woodcraft, and more. Registration now open.

Scholarships available. www. nowherearchery.com/summer-​camp 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, sports and special events. www.accgov.com/myrec

Word on the Street CALL FOR NOMINATIONS (Historic Athens) The Jubilee Award for Humanitarianism recognizes those who embody the spirit of progress, unity and positive change through servant leadership. Nominations are open until June 15. bit.ly/jubilee​ award26 CALL FOR PARTICIPANTS (APQC) Seeking parade participants, vendors and volunteers for Pridefest.

Deadlines vary. Event held June 6. www.linktr.ee/athensgapride CALL FOR VENDORS (Athens Juneteenth Festival & Celebration) Seeking food and retail vendors, artists, community and nonprofit organizations tabling, and more.

Event June 19. https://www.historic​ athens.com/athens-​juneteenth CALL FOR VENDORS (Classic City Juneteenth Music & Arts Festival) Seeking food and retail vendors, artists, community and nonprofit organizations tabling, and more. Event June 20. www.aadmovement.org CALL FOR VENDORS (Historic Athens Welcome Center) Applications now open for Market Days featuring fresh foods, baked goods and specialty items. Every second Saturday beginning in June. $25 per market or $80 for the full four-​market series. www.athenswelcomecenter. com MEDICAL ASSISTANCE (Nuçi’s Space) Direct connections to mental healthcare like counseling and psychiatry, medical care for physical concerns and more. www. nuci.org, 706-​227-​1515 MINDFUL BREATH SANGHA MEETING (Healing Lodge) In the Zen tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh. Sundays, 1–2:30 p.m. Newcomers welcome.

Free. www.mindfulbreathsangha.org SEVENTH GENERATION (No. 3 Railroad Street, Arnoldsville) Seventh Generation Native American Church hosts various gatherings on Sundays, 11 a.m. 706-​340-​7134 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 WEAVER D’S FIRST FRIDAYS (VFW Post 2872) Pop-up from Weaver D’s serving plates for $20 donations in benefit of the VFW. 11 a.m.–6 p.m. www.facebook.com/ vfwpost2872

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

flagpole is seeking a bi-weekly columnist for our Grub Notes food reviews.

For more details, and to apply, fill out the online form at bit.ly/grubnotes.

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Hotline, 24 hours/day

Linea de crisis, las 24 horas del dia JUNE 3, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

17

music

threats & promises

Quentin Love’s Music Box PLUS, MORE MUSIC NEWS AND GOSSIP

By Gordon Lamb threatsandpromises@flagpole.com

WED June 3rd • 7pm • FREE Treehouse Outdoor Stage: Organically Programmed THU June 4th • $10 Jazzmyn, Misnomer FRI June 5th • $5 Victor Charlie, Persistent Little Beeps SAT June 6th • $7 Stephan Eutsler, Coda Nova, The While UPCOMING:

June 26th: Athfest Club Crawl: Nicholas Mallis & The Borealis, Crazier, and Woah Nelly June 27th: Athfest Club Crawl: Pylon Reenactment Society, Klezmer Local 42

Aug. 1st: Lera Lynn HANG OUT BEFORE THE SHOW BAR OPEN AT 5 PM • WED-SAT

DEADBEATATHENS.COM

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · JUNE 3, 2026

COMEBACK KID: Long-­running jazz outfit Kenosha Kid is in the midst of its newest residency at Hendershot’s. The group will play the remaining Tuesdays in June (the 9th, 16th and 30th). Featuring two sets each night, the first set begins at 7:30 p.m. and second at 8:45 p.m. Further, these nights are free. That’s right, zero admission charge. So unless time and weather are against you, there’s basically no excuse for missing ’em. For all other information on Kenosha Kid, please see kenoshakid.com.

YES, SIR: Right in the middle of last month the excellent new album from Tommy Jordan, Georgia Moon, (MrJordanMrTonks, et al) was released. His skill set is such that he’s supremely comfortable across a range of styles, including country, folk, some jazz, etc. The title track is a smooth example of his lithe jazz/blues stylings, but this track is also kind of an outlier here. It doesn’t happen often, but this album is one of those cases where the sequencing renders each song as superior to its predecessor. Which is a very long way of saying it just gets better the more it’s played. Particular favorites here are the dark banjo-­based “Cold Black Magic,” the Tom Petty-­ish “Nothing Left to Say,” the driving and surprisingly rhythmic “Siren Song” and the lovely and sad closing song “Stolen.” Find it at tommyjordan1. bandcamp.com.

information, please see facebook.com/ TheHobohemians.

HAPPY SAD: With regard to the category of “songwriter’s songwriter” it’s time to go ahead and add folk-­pop artist Quentin Love. The massive new album Music Box is all the evidence one needs. Opening slowly and thoughtfully with “Low Tide,” it jumps its mood considerably by the next track, which is the honky-­tonk-­ish “My Baby Ain’t Mine.” It’s not so much that there are distinctly different styles on this, but that we’re so accustomed to hearing a riff, chord change or progression that, once recognized as familiar, the temptation is to categorize them as such. This record is quite akin to the type of albums that we once received

THE NEW WAY: The newly christened Modern Ghosts are back with another new single that punches above the weight of so much of what we call pop-­ punk. It’s named “One More Time,” and Quentin Love it won’t blow the doors off whatever you’re driving, but will slot very nicely from Randy Newman, Tim Buckley, et al. next to anything of the genre you’ve got It’s good to listen to as a whole. Specific hanging out in that CaseLogic CD album highlights are “Shades Of Blue (I Still on the floorboard. The song is heavily inspi- Believe In You),” “Sunset Susie,” “Mandown” rational, and its message of hope can be and “Nobody Knows But You.” Find this at applied to any aspect of life, not just being quentinlove.bandcamp.com. in a band. In other news, the band reports TAPESTRY FROM AN ASTEROID: Spanish label it’s heading back into the studio in August Tataki Tapes recently picked up longto finish its EP, but before that it’s honored time Athens artist and composer Space to be included in this year’s AthFest lineup Brother‘s album Long Game. The good on June 27 at Live Wire at 10 p.m., right Brother describes these tracks as “… an before compatriot Phantom Dan. Find this ambient, long-­form, tribute to science ficnew single on all major streaming services, tion and skateboarding.” Further, he reports and for more information, head to instathat these tracks were largely recorded live gram.com/modernghostsband. and, as he says, woven together with some SWING TO THE EAST: The Hobohemians spepractice sessions. And, it’s true, this could cialize in pop music from the 1910s–1930s. loosely be called an ambient album, but it’s If you’ve been poking your head around not mind-­calming nor particularly relaxing. town for any decent length of time, chances But it does deliver an ambiance of a kind are good you’ve come across a time they’ve that is perpetually punctuated by clipped been performing near you. This week you beats, some odd bleeps and bloops, etc. can catch ’em out in Winterville at the However, the final two tracks are worth Front Porch Bookstore (102 Marigold the entire price of entry. The half-­hour Lane). Things are supposed to kick off right long “Lift Off” followed immediately by around 6 p.m., and this evening they’ll also the 21-­minute “I Like Your Music” will only have a special guest in the form of violinist take about an hour of your time to hear, Ivan Strunin. This event is supposed to but will stay with you the rest of the week. happen outside, so bring a chair if sitting Find this at tatakitapes.bandcamp.com, and off the ground is a priority for you. I supfor more information, please see linktr.ee/ pose a blanket would work as well. For more spacebrother. f

SUDOKU

Edited by Margie E. Burke

Difficulty: Easy

7 6

8

3

STAGE SCHEDULE SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 2026 • 11AM–10PM

1

7 4 1 6

4 Copyright 2026 by The Puzzle Syndicate

HOW TO SOLVE:

Each row must contain the numbers 1 to 9; each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9; and each set of 3 by 3 boxes must contain Week 6/1/261- to 6/7/26 the of numbers 9.

The Weekly Crossword 1

2

3

4

5

20 23

7

8

by Margie E. Burke 9

10

15

14 17

6

21

13

27

28

29

48

49

33 37 41

46

47

52 55

60

58 61

Copyright 2026 by The Puzzle Syndicate

44 Dappled, as a horse 46 Like a ___ bricks 50 More thin 52 Use more WD-40 on 53 Lymph ___ 54 Haughtily 56 Radio transmission 57 Jason of "The Wrecking Crew" 58 TV's "How ___ Your Mother" 59 Makes one 60 Defeat decisively 61 Prefix with -graphy DOWN 1 Rainforest rodents 2 Reason for a food recall 3 Right Guard rival 4 1974's and 2005's "The ____ Yard" 5 Animal pouch 6 Dash gauge 7 Current units 8 Made a surprise attack

CORNER OF WASHINGTON AND HULL STREET

Morning MC’s - Minister Clarence Smith and Barbara “Lady B” Sims Flags, Lift Every Voice and Sing, Greetings from Local Officials.………................ 11:00 am Devotion............................................................................................………...........11:30 am Rites of Passage.......................................................................................................12:00 pm Destined Inc………………………………….....……....……………….................12:15 pm AwesomeNdynamic…………………….......….…………….....…….................... 12:30 pm Evang. Jennien Baker...............................................................................................12:45 pm Empowerment Daughters of Praise..........................................................................1:00 pm Jus Sabrinas Ministries………………....................................…………......……….1:20 pm Chair Moment – Introduction of Youth Vendors, Ms. Juneteenth Contestants and Ms. Georgia Teen – Emily Jenkins……........….................................................…….1:50 pm Evening MC – Montu Miller with DJ – Chief Rocka The Bebop Lounge......................................................................………..................2:00 pm Va’Drequie.................................................................................................................2:15 pm Lawrence Luton.........................................................................................................2:30 pm Hello My Name Is.......................................................................................................2:45 pm THE ARSONIST............................................................................................................3:00 pm Shaunice Ingram…….....……………………….……………………………..........3:15 pm Madison.................................................................................................................... 3:30 pm Dancing in the Streets…………........…………………………………………...….3:45 pm John Dunn Band…………........…………………………………………............….4:00 pm Awards…………………………………………………………………………...….4:30 pm Scholarship, Car, Bike, Sling Shot, Dancing in the Streets

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4 9 5 253 2 7 26 6 1 8 7 3 1 9 6 8 5 4 2 30 31 32 2 8 6 4 355 1 7 3 936 34 3 5 7 398 4 2 9 640 1 38 9 1 2 5 7 6 4 8 3 43 42 8 6 444 1 9 3 2 5 7 45 6 517 8 2 1 4 3 9 5 50 1 2 9 6 3 5 8 7 4 54 53 5 4 3 7 8 9 1 2 6 57 56 ACROSS 1 Church bell sound 5 Takes off 10 Tiny fraction of a min.

14 Start to bat?

15 Commercial creator 16 Wistful words 17 Thanksgiving centerpiece 19 "The Amateur" actor Malek 20 Set straight 21 Like some herbs 23 More popular song, usually 24 Soon, in old times 25 Declared 27 Missionary Junipero ____ 30 Airport vehicles 33 Puzo and Cuomo 34 Mother ___ 35 "Lent" body part 36 Washed out 37 Allow 38 Digitally endorses 40 Samoan seaport 42 Equally irate 43 Diocese division

12

19

Solution to Sudoku: 24

59

11

16

18

HOT CORNER CELEBRATION & SOUL FOOD FEAST HISTORY • COMMUNITY • DIVERSITY

2 6 1 7 3 5 4 2 1 5 7 9 2 3

•••••••• 26TH ANNUAL ••••••••

9 Slow mover 10 Seattle slugger 11 Place of bliss 12 Jane Austen heroine 13 Top off a room 18 Neglected 22 Sicilian Mafia 26 "Oh, woe!"

28 "The Witches" director Nicolas 29 Regarding, in a memo 30 Mets' old stadium 31 Name on toy fuel trucks 32 Unrestricted 33 Wise Men 36 Naval officers' hangout 39 Diving maneuvers 40 Sicilian seaport 41 Cardinals' home 43 Pirate's pet 45 Grins widely 47 'Who did this?'' reply, maybe 48 Persian Gulf ship 49 Reach by plane 50 Old TV problem 51 Letter sign-off 55 Opening

Puzzle answers are available at www.flagpole.com/puzzles

Tonya Haygood..........................................................................................................4:45 pm RAYSHARD LLC...........................................................................................................5:00 pm Just Arts.....................................................................................................................5:15 pm Yani Bonnie................................................................................................................5:30 pm Keeping it real with Mr.White.............………………...……………………………5:45 pm MC Moments/Dancing in the Streets..………....………...…………………………6:00 pm SHo.............................................................................................................................6:15 pm Beto Cacao.................................................................................................................6:30 pm Infamous Ent..............................................................................................................6:45 pm Gnarlie Uptown.....……………………………………….........……………………7:00 pm Ishues...…………............…………………....………...……………………………7:15 pm MC Moments - Dancing in the Streets.......................................................................7:30 pm The Athens King of R&B TR Thompson ....................................................................7:45 pm No Butter Band......................................................................................................... 8:00 pm MC Moments/ Line Dancing/Dancing in the Streets……………..……………...…8:45 pm Splitz Band……………..........................……...………….........……………………9:00pm Thursday, June 11th, 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm, Reception at Ciné 234 W. Hancock Avenue, hosted by Marcel Mincey.

Featuring: Amanda 7Dzimianski (2026 – 2028 Athens Poet Laureate), Blacknerdninja and Seaboard Bridge Band.

Friday, June 12th, 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm – Gospel Program at First AME Church, 521 N. Hull Rev. Chekibe Holman, Senior Pastor Rev. Syreeta W. Holman, Co-Pastor; Hostesses – Athens Golden Girls and AKHi Court 259; MCs – Barbara “Lady B” Sims and Minister Clarence Smith – Welcome - “Devotion Dedicated to Mr. Venus Jarrell” morning Festiva led by Deacon.

Program: Restoration Choir, Liturgical Dance - Minister Lawanna Cofer, Offering, Gospel Aires, Memorial, Linda Adams, Morton Chapel Male Choir, UUFA Chalice Choir and Palms of Fire Drummers and Jaukeem Fortson.

CORD SIBILSKY VOTED ATHENS FAVORITE REALTOR 2015-2026

FIVE STARS ON ZILLOW WITH OVER 900 HOMES SOLD

O:706-510-5189

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C:706-363-0803

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CSG-GAP.COM

JUNE 3, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

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RAISE ATO EVERY GLASS GOAL! > WEAR YOUR JERSEY FOR 1/2 OFF PINTS > BEER OF THE MONTH: GOAL RUSH LAGER > 6/25 TRIVIA: SOCCER THEMED

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