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JUNE 17, 2026 · VOL. 40 · NO. 24 · FREE

‘Son of a Griff’ Rial Rye’s Exhibition Questions Racial Boundaries p. 11

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · JUNE 17, 2026

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

ICE in Walton County . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

ACC Budget Passed

Calendar Picks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Curb Your Appetite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

NEWS: Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Rial Rye . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Disenfranchised Redistricting

Live Music Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

ARTS & CULTURE: Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Event Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Cobb Enslaved People Database

Art Around Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Bulletin Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

ARTS & CULTURE: Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · JUNE 17, 2026

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Take a Load Off, Kelly

MAYOR GIRTZ ENTERS HIS LAME DUCK PHASE, AND MORE LOCAL NEWS

By Blake Aued news@flagpole.com

Taylor raised concerns that inclusionary zoning contributes to gentrification.

“Development has side effects, and a lot of times it’s the most vulnerable who are pushed out, displaced, for the new shiny thing,” she said.

The mayor and commission are now in the midst of a six-​week hiatus, with the next meeting scheduled for July 21.

New BOE Member Named

CHRIS DOWD

The Athens-​Clarke County Commission plicated, but it makes sense, and I think unanimously approved a $377 million it’s a good fit for our community,” CommisThe Clarke County Board of Education budget for 2027 at a called meeting June 9, sioner Allison Wright said. “Again, it will approved a $263 million annual budget keeping the property tax rate the same at be up to the voters in our community to for the 2026-​27 school year at its June 12.25 mills. decide, but we need to educate them.”

11 meeting, and temporarily appointed Commissioners made only minor Commissioner Ovita Thornton said she Johnelle Simpson to a vacant position on changes to the budget proposed by Mayor would abstain, but wound up voting no. the board.

Kelly Girtz—his last budget as he prepares “This is too complicated for me,” she said.

Simpson, originally from Southwest to leave office at the end of the year— “It’s a bit more than I want to take on.”

Georgia, came to Athens to attend UGA, including a slight increase in raises for Although the commission had already where he was elected student body presicounty employees from 3.5% to 4%, adding discussed FLOST at a retreat last year and a part-​time municipal court judge and funding for an investigator for the public defender’s office. “We had a lot of consensus on this as a group, and we are moving through in a conflict-​free, calm, responsible way,” Commissioner Carol Myers said.

That’s in contrast to the horse-​trading that often takes place on the floor as commissioners prepare to vote, but the body’s primary wheeler and dealer, Commissioner Mike Hamby, jokingly warned that next year’s budget process might not go so smoothly. “Don’t get too used to [Manager Bob Cowell’s] way of doing things,” he said. “I’ve been down but not out. I’ll be back to true form next budget season.”

Before the vote, Cowell gave a brief presentation on enterprise and special revenue funds. Enterprise funds— including the Solid Waste and Public Commissioners threw paper confetti at Mayor Kelly Girtz to celebrate passing his last budget as his second Utilities departments and the airport— term comes to a close. are run like businesses, supported by fees for services rather than taxes. dent in 2015. After graduating, he took a Special revenue funds, such as the Classic during a budget work session last month, job with the Clarke County School District Center, are supported by taxes levied for a Commissioner Dexter Fisher wanted to as head of the Great Promise Partnership, a specific purpose (in that case, a tax on hotel have another work session before voting program aimed at helping at-​risk youth gain and motel rooms). to put FLOST on the November ballot. job experience. “Back then the mantra was Public comment over the past few weeks However, there was not enough time due ‘proud to be CCSD,’ and I’m still proud to be focused primarily on funding for downtown to a July deadline for the ACC Board of CCSD,” he told the school board. “Particuevents and the use of surveillance cameras.

Elections to approve the referendum and to Festival organizers asked for $1 million to print ballots, Girtz said. assist public events like the Wild Rumpus, Myers voted against the referendum AthFest and others that are supported because she said sales taxes are regressive, by the local government. Girtz included and she believes it will be approved if voters $300,000, up from $250,000 last year, and are given the opportunity. Commissioner said he would ask the state legislature to Stephanie Johnson said the county should raise the local hotel/motel tax from 7% to have already begun educating voters even 8%, which would generate about $1 million before approving the referendum. a year. Several commissioners asked Cowell Thornton did abstain from a vote for information on whether police camera directing the ACC Planning Department footage is shared with other law enforceto write language expanding the county’s ment agencies. inclusionary zoning ordinance, which offers The commission also voted 6–4 to incentives for developers to build or fund approve a referendum on replacing a poraffordable housing. She said she abstained tion of property taxes with a sales tax hike. “because of my past experiences,” and that The FLOST (Floating Local Option Sales “I need more time to be focused in my Tax) would raise sales tax from 8% to 9%, decision-​making.” coupled with an approximately five-​mill The expanded ordinance would allow property tax cut, saving homeowners hundevelopers to add up to two stories in comdreds of dollars a year. mercial zones and four stories downtown, Girtz and other supporters say the proabove what is already allowed (65 feet tall in posal would shift part of the tax burden commercial zones and 100 feet downtown) from permanent residents to visitors and if they include below-​market units or conUGA students living on campus. “It is comtribute to the county’s affordable housing trust fund. There would be an exception for parcels located adjacent to single-​family For results of the June 16 runoff for residential zones. Commissioners will still ACC mayor and commission districts have to vote on whatever specific language 5 and 9, check flagpole.com. comes back to them through the ACC Planning Commission.

larly living on the Eastside, we understand that in Athens, the Eastside gets a bad rap.”

Simpson later went to law school and is now an attorney at Fortson, Bentley & Griffin. He also chairs the board of the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce and serves on the board of Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center. “Through those boards, I’ve learned how to govern,” he said, adding that he could help bring in businesses as partners with CCSD. The vote was 7–2 to name Simpson to replace Nicole Hull, the District 8 BOE member who resigned. Board members Mary Bagby and LaKeisha Gantt voted against Simpson. The other applicants were Irami Osei-​Frimpong, a UGA graduate assistant in philosophy and father of three CCSD students; and Sidney Waters, a former school board member who ran unsuccessfully for Athens-​Clarke County Commission in 2024. Simpson will serve until the end of the year, and a special election to fill the final two years of Hull’s term will be held in November.

In addition, Mumbi Anderson announced she is stepping down as board president, although she is keeping her seat representing District 6. Vice President Mark Evans was named as president. The board put off a vote on naming a new vice president until August (there is no BOE meeting in July).

CCSD’s budget for the coming year, starting July 1, keeps the property tax rate the same at 18.8 mills. It includes about $6 million in new spending to address pay raises, rising insurance and retirement costs, and recruitment and retention bonuses, particularly for special education teachers. Board member Linda Davis voted against the millage rate but for the budget, and Bagby abstained from both votes.

The board also voted to place a five-​ year extension of the 1% Education Local Option Sales Tax on the ballot in November. If approved, the tax would raise a maximum of $215 million for school construction, renovations, equipment, vehicles and other capital costs. It would not raise the sales tax rate, but rather keep it the same as it is currently. f

JUNE 17, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

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feature

ICE in Walton County

TRUMP STRONGHOLD GRAPPLES WITH HEALTH RISKS OF DETENTION CENTER

By Renuka Rayasam news@flagpole.com

U

RENUKA RAYASAM / KFF HEALTH NEWS

ntil recently, Social Circle, about 45 minutes east of try’s biggest immigration detention facilAtlanta and 45 minutes south of Athens, was best ity, which is in El Paso, TX. known for its Blue Willow Inn cookbooks featuring “I thought it was a joke,” said John recipes for Southern dishes such as baked pineapple casseMiller, when he first read about the plans role and kudzu blossom jelly. Lately, however, the commulast year. He and his wife, Kathlene, have nity has been trying to stave off a new identity of “prison lived in Social Circle for 21 years. When town” as it fights the opening of what could become the they bump into neighbors, Kathlene nation’s largest immigration detention center, holding up knows their children’s names, and John to 10,000 people. can cite the kids’ baseball stats. Their 50-­ Gareth Fenley is among the Social Circle residents fighting the ICE facility.

Walton County, home to this city of about 5,500, voted acre horse farm is less than a mile from policies and working with community leaders. “We want to overwhelmingly for President Donald Trump in 2024. But the elementary school and right across the street from the be good partners,” said Lauren Bis, a DHS spokesperson. as the administration’s mass deportation strategy hits detention center site.

Still, the administration’s swift escalation of immigrant closer to home—with plans moving forward to transform a The Millers support Trump’s stance on immigration, but detention has exacerbated long-­standing allegations of more than 1 million square-­foot warehouse into a holding feel that turning the vacant warehouse into a detention medical neglect for those in custody across the country pen—locals say the city’s infrastructure just can’t handle center would re-­create the very problems his administraand led to the highest number of detainee deaths in at such an influx of people. tion is trying to solve. Whether people are concentrated in least two decades. Three detention facilities in Folkston, Last month, Social Circle filed a lawsuit in federal court a detention center or out in the public, “they’re still there,” about an hour north of Jacksonville, FL, issued 130 emeragainst U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

John Miller said. gency calls from Feb. 4, 2025, to Feb. The city’s complaint argues that the 3, 2026, according to dispatch reports operation of a detention facility, what obtained by KFF Health News through it calls a “mega center,” would harm a public records request. The calls from public health, strain the local fresh the facilities, which hold about 2,000 water and sewage treatment systems, people, were for wide-­ranging reasons, and overburden emergency medical including anaphylaxis, assaults, suicide services “due to Social Circle’s modest attempts, overdoses, seizures, strokes, EMS capacity and DHS’ nebulous plan head injuries from falls and other for emergency transport,” referring to health issues. the Department of Homeland Security, GEO Group, ICE’s largest contracwhich oversees ICE. tor, which runs the Folkston facility, “The community is very unified,” provides “around-­the-­clock access to City Manager Eric Taylor said. “We medical care” and relies on emergency want them to go away.” medical services as needed, said ChrisSocial Circle is one of several comtopher Ferreira, director of corporate munities across the country thrust relations. into a charged national debate about ERO El Paso Camp East Montana, the administration’s mass immigrant built on a Texas military base, is curdeportation strategy. On the campaign rently the nation’s largest detention trail, Trump said migrants were occucenter and holds about 2,500 people. pying American towns. But local leadIn the five months from Aug. 17, 2025, ers, state attorneys general, advocacy to Jan. 20, 2026, about 130 emergency groups and others in Arizona, Marymedical calls were made from the land, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and site, according to city records. Several Texas claim the administration is doing DHS bought this industrial property to turn into an immigrant detention center holding up to 10,000 people. detainees have died at the facility; sevthe same thing by plopping detention DHS estimates that the facility would require about 1 eral others have tested positive for tuberculosis, measles centers into communities without the capacity to handle a million gallons of water daily, according to the city’s suit, or COVID-­19. Amentum Services, which recently took over surge of people. which alleges that volume would bleed residents’ taps dry management of the facility, did not respond to questions Last year, Todd Lyons, who is serving as acting director and contaminate local streams with sewage. Emergency about emergency calls. of ICE until the end of May, described a goal to have mass medical calls from the detention center, the lawsuit claims, Even bigger detention facilities, such as the “mega deportation operate with the efficiency of Amazon.com. would overwhelm the city’s first responders, which Taylor center” planned in Social Circle, would only supercharge Deportations would move “like Prime, but with human said clock in at 14 firefighters, 15 police officers and two those health issues and bring them to new communities, beings,” he said at a border security expo in Phoenix. school resource officers. The city relies on Walton County said Michelle Brané, who was immigration ombudsman at ICE is now putting every person they seek to deport for ambulance services. the Department of Homeland Security under Biden. Existin detention, including those with no criminal records, Additionally, Social Circle would live under an ever-­ ing facilities already suffer from staffing shortages, poor without the possibility of release on bond. In January, the present threat of a major disease outbreak, the lawsuit ventilation and hygiene, and insufficient medical care, she agency held almost twice as many people as it had that said, adding that the federal government didn’t conduct the said. The proposed facilities are enormous and generally same month in 2024 under President Joe Biden. needed environmental reviews or solicit community input built for boxes, not people, she said. “There’s no way, withHowever, while many supporters remain aligned with beforehand. out extreme cost, both to the community and just in dolTrump’s immigration stance, some locals fear their city’s Taylor said federal officials had only one meeting with lars, to make these safe for humans,” she said. stability will be jeopardized. “Social Circle is not exactly local leaders and brushed off concerns about water, sewage In the meantime, people such as Kathlene Miller said flourishing, but it’s making it,” said Gareth Fenley, a retired and emergency care, which administration officials said the they feel that Social Circle has become “collateral damage” social worker who ran for state Senate in 2024 as a Demosite wouldn’t need to use. “I don’t buy that,” Taylor said. in the larger debate over immigration. “We’re like the chilcrat and was not among the locals who voted for Trump.

“And that’s the problem.” dren in a divorce,” she said.

“If Social Circle becomes a prison town,” she said, “we’re But Social Circle may face an uphill battle. Taylor said gonna lose what we have.”

Walton County leaders and the state of Georgia have been silent on the center. “They say it’s federal issues, that they have no jurisdiction,” he said. “They don’t have any interest Current DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin has said he in helping us.” f In February, DHS purchased the 235-­acre site in Social is reviewing plans made by his predecessor, Kristi Noem, to Circle for almost $129 million, nearly five times its assessed transform warehouses like this one into detention facilities. KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-­depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs value. It plans to house more people there than at the And the department’s inspector general is investigating at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling and Rikers Island Correctional Facility in New York City, and whether the federal government overpaid for some of the journalism. Learn more about KFF at kff.org. nearly triple the number of people now housed at the coun- buildings. Mullin also said officials are reviewing agency

‘I Thought It Was a Joke’

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · JUNE 17, 2026

Supercharging Health Concerns

RENUKA RAYASAM / KFF HEALTH NEWS

news

news

feature

Civil Rights Reversed

SUPREME COURT RULING LETS REPUBLICANS ERASE BLACK DISTRICTS

By Blake Aued news@flagpole.com

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special session of the Georgia General Assembly starts June 17, and as a result, deep-­blue Athens could be left with no Democratic representation on the state level.

Gov. Brian Kemp called the special session last month, after the U.S. Supreme Court gutted a portion of the Voting Rights Act in Louisiana v. Callais. Previously, Southern states with a history of disenfranchising Black voters were required to draw political districts that allowed minority communities to elect the candidates of their choice. Now—even though redistricting is usually only undertaken once a decade, after a Census—many Southern states are rushing to erase majority Black districts, which also just so happen to invariably elect Democrats.

Whatever new political lines Georgia Republicans introduce this week won’t affect the 2026 election. But in 2028, the GOP could blunt any gains Democrats are making, giving themselves larger majorities in the state’s Congressional delegation and the Georgia House and Senate even as the statewide electorate shifts from red to purple.

Gerrymandering on Steroids Georgia politicians have a long history of gerrymandering Athens for partisan gain. In 2002, when Democrats were still in power, they drew a boomerang-­shaped congressional district connecting Democratic strongholds Athens, Augusta and Savannah that John Barrow, then an Athens-­Clarke County commissioner, won in 2004. By 2006, Republicans had taken full control of the state government, and took Athens out of the 12th District. Barrow responded by moving to Savannah and won re-­election, but Republicans finally beat him after they removed Savannah as well.

the map, moving part of McKillip’s district into Oconee County so that Athens would be represented by two Republicans and one Democrat in the state House. Perhaps spooked by Democratic upsets in two 2017 special elections, GOP legislators diluted the Athens electorate even further after the 2020 Census, dividing it among three Republican-­leaning districts, with just one Democratic district represented by Spencer Frye. Without the protection of the VRA, Frye could now be a target.

Georgia’s history of discriminating against Black voters is even longer. Carol Anderson, a history professor at Emory University, pointed to the all-­white state legislature refusing to seat Georgia’s first 33 Black lawmakers during Reconstruction.

Then came Jim Crow poll taxes and property ownership requirements—with exceptions for Confederate soldiers and their descendants—the county unit system that favored rural white communities, the institution of runoffs aimed at preventing Black voters from uniting behind a candidate, and more recently an attempt to limit access to the ballot box with Senate Bill 202, Anderson said. “They all share a common goal: weakening Black political power when it threatens the status quo,” she said on a call with reporters organized by the voting rights group Fair Fight Action. The current redistricting effort “should be understood as a modern continuation of an old strategy,” she added.

GOP legislators undertook another unusual mid-­decade redistricting in 2006, when they divided Athens between two strongly Republican state Senate districts, ensuring that Athens Republican Bill Cowsert would win what was formerly a swing district.

Prior to 2012, Athens had three state House districts—two drawn for Democrats and one shared with Oconee County drawn for a Republican. But when Democratic state Rep. Doug McKillip of Athens switched parties, Republicans scrambled

said. “I encourage every Georgian to contact your state representative and state senator, and urge them to reject unnecessary partisan gerrymandering. Competitive elections and accountable government are not weaknesses in a democracy; they are the foundation of one.

“Regardless of what maps are ultimately passed, voters should remember this: No district line can overcome an engaged electorate. High turnout, civic engagement and community organizing still matter.

If citizens stay involved and hold leaders accountable, even the most carefully engineered political maps will fail.”

Gisler is proof of that—he won in a right-­leaning district in a 2025 special election. But Republicans could choose to improve Gisler’s opponent Mac “Dutch” Guest’s chances this November by adding more conservative voters to the district.

Vulnerable Seats Georgia House Districts

Georgia Sendate Districts

Georgia’s 10th Congressional District

“I want to be very, very clear here: Any new maps that are proposed are meant to discriminate on the basis of race,” said Amir Badat, Southern states director for Fair Fight Action.

Republicans argue that the Supreme Court is forcing them to redraw districts.

“Voting is already underway for the 2026 elections, but it’s clear that Callais requires Georgia to adopt new electoral maps before the 2028 election cycle,” Gov. Brian Kemp said in a statement announcing the special session.

Democrats disagree. The special session is unnecessary, according to state Rep. Eric Gisler (D-­Watkinsville). “Nothing in the court’s decision requires aggressively partisan maps. Georgia can continue the cycle of endless partisan redistricting, or we can choose to draw districts that respect communities, county lines and voters,” Gisler

The Callais decision “triggered a mad dash across former Confederate states to redistrict as quickly as possible,” Badat said.

State legislatures in Alabama, Louisiana and elsewhere have eliminated majority Black (and Democratic) districts formerly protected by the VRA. So far, though, Georgia is alone in redrawing state legislature districts in addition to Congressional maps.

According to a study by Fair Fight Action, Republicans could flip 14 seats in the Georgia House and six in the Senate, reversing the slow gains Democrats have made since their low-­water mark in 2010.

With the VRA now gutted, the number of majority Black districts in Georgia could shrink from 17 to 9 in the Senate and 54 to 37 in the House, along with losing the state’s only majority Hispanic House district. Any Democratic district bordering on Republican territory could be targeted.

Republicans can do this by using the formerly illegal tactics of “packing” and “cracking.” Packing involves consolidating

minority voters into one district so that nearby districts can be “bleached.” Cracking means dividing minority communities into multiple districts to dilute their collective voting power.

However, University of Georgia political science professor Charles Bullock said Republicans could choose to proceed more cautiously. “The problem you run into, potentially… you could take a safe Republican district and a safe Democratic district and turn them into two swing districts.” In a wave election year, such tactics could wind up backfiring.

One example is the 13th Congressional District, an open seat represented until recently by the late David Scott. Republicans could try to flip it by swapping out Democrats for Republicans from the nearby 8th and 10th districts. But that would “change the flavor” of the 10th, which includes Athens, Bullock said. It’s currently rated as R+11, meaning that in a generic election, the Republican would win 61% of the vote, and the Democrat would win 39%.

An easier target would be the 2nd District in Southwest Georgia, represented by Black Democrat Sanford Bishop. As Bullock noted, Georgia legislators responded to a close call for Bishop in the 2010 election by moving Black voters into the 2nd from the Macon-­centered 8th District to meet the requirements of the VRA. That turned the 8th, formerly a swing district, into a safe one for Republicans. Now, without the VRA, they could do the reverse.

No one except a handful of insiders will know what strategy Republicans intend to pursue until they release a set of maps, which Badat predicted would be at the last possible minute. Nor will there be months of public hearings all over the state, as is customary for standard post-­Census redistrictings, he said.

“They’re not doing this because it’s what the community wants or their constituents want,” Badat said. “They’re doing this to amass as much political power as possible on the backs of Black and brown voters.” f

JUNE 17, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

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arts & culture

feature

No Name Left Behind

T.R.R. COBB HOUSE LAUNCHES DATABASE OF ENSLAVED PEOPLE

By Libba Beaucham arts@flagpole.com

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new public database of over 1,100 people who were enslaved by the Cobb and Lamar families, among others, will launch on June 17. The project was developed by the T.R.R. Cobb House, a circa 1834 house museum in Athens supported by the Watson-­Brown Foundation, and is the culmination of over a decade of research.

Ashleigh Oates, director of the T.R.R. Cobb House, led the effort to create the online database four years ago. “An earlier version existed before my time, so more than 11 years ago, but not as detailed as this,” said Oates, who took on the meticulous task of transcribing an 1859 plantation logbook. “Reading 18th-­or 19th-­century handwriting with a lot of scribbles and crossing out and smudges—reading the book itself and transcribing it has taken about four years.”

are probably teenagers, while the smallest are for the youngest children.” Another notation throughout the logbook indicated who were older adults. “It says ‘full hands exclusive of,’ and lists some names. So those people are likely older than 50, or disabled in some way and not able to be out in the fields,” said Oates.

Research for the book Seen/Unseen: Hidden Lives in a Community of Enslaved Georgians was essential to the development of the database. “That research saved us from having to go and find them all over again and duplicating research efforts,” said Oates. The book’s website, seenunseenbook. com, provides information about more than 700 people enslaved by the Cobb families.

The T.R.R. Cobb House’s extended database includes people who were enslaved by the Cobb, Lamar and other families noted in documents. Some individuals have far more details available than others, such as Susan Castle. Castle was interviewed by the Works Progress Administration in the 1930s and was formerly enslaved by the Cobb family. “She slept at the foot of [Marion Cobb’s] bed, according to her own record,” said Oates. The interview also mentioned an enslaved woman who was literate.

“A woman named Vic is mentioned in Susan’s narrative as being literate and reading the Bible to them,” said Oates.

Letters from the Cobb family also confirm that Aggy Carter, documented in Seen/Unseen, was literate. “She was taught to read and write by Mary Willis Cobb,” Oates said. “But then Aggy goes on to teach several of the Cobb children to read and write, so it’s kind of full circle.” Oates emphasized that allowing for literacy among the enslaved was selective: “Even though it was OK for some of the enslaved people to read and write, it was not OK for all of them.”

Information about what happened to enslaved people who were emanA page from John B. Lamar’s 1859 plantation logbook. cipated has also been discovered. The logbook for Hurricane Plantation near The information that Oates was able to Milledgeville has notes indicating those glean from the logbook offers insight into who left with the Union in 1864 when the lives of the enslaved including ages, the plantation was burned by General familial relationships, literacy, skills and Sherman’s troops. “Flag has ‘Yank’ next to types of labor, and where they lived on the him, so he probably went off to join Union various plantations. “This is John B. Lamar forces,” Oates said. One name has “off with managing seven different plantations for Sherman” written next to it. himself and for Howell [Cobb] and Mary Oates encourages anyone who has furAnn [Lamar Cobb],” said Oates. “In order ther information about any individual listed to do so, he needed to keep track of every in the database, or those who may not yet single name of every person that was on the be listed, to contact her. “This will grow and property.” develop with further research. This is not a While the logbook does not contain final product in any form… we’re trying to the specific ages of enslaved people, the make sure that no name is left behind,” said records of clothing allotments were a sigOates. nificant indication of age and sex. Oates The T.R.R. Cobb House will host a free explained, “Adult men are getting seven open house on Saturday, June 20 from 10 yards of summer [cloth], eight yards of a.m.–4 p.m. with guided tours of the house wool, three yards of cotton, while women at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Visitors will be able to are getting 11 of summer [cloth], seven of view the database and the original 1859 wool, six of cotton… That made us able to logbook during the open house. To view the figure out this is an adult man, this is an database and for more information, visit adult woman. And the smaller [allotments] trrcobbhouse.org. f

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · JUNE 17, 2026

arts & culture

calendar picks

MUSIC | FRI, JUNE 19

Parker Wierling

Georgia Theatre Rooftop • 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show) • $13.90

Multi-­talented artist Parker Wierling started writing and releasing his own songs in 2019, inspired by ’90s alt rock, indie pop and Americana. After graduating high school, he jumped into the music world by teaching himself music production using Logic Pro X. He has released several singles and EPs since then. Most recently, Wierling released his newest song, “Blur of Love,” on Apr. 10 along with an accompanying music video. This is the lead single from his upcoming debut record. When Wierling’s not busy releasing his own music, he can be heard on his music interview podcast, On That Note, or spotted acting in TV shows like “The Walking Dead” and films like Saturday Night or Yes, God, Yes. Joining him on the rooftop will be North Carolina-­based artist/producer Melodramatic and local indie-­rock musician Alex Jett. [Mary Beth Bryan] MUSIC | SAT, JUNE 20

Segar Jazz Affair with Dwan Bosman

Hendershot’s • 7:30 p.m. (early show), 9:30 p.m. (late show) • $20 (adv.), $25

Dwain Segar began the Segar Jazz Affair concert series after he moved to Athens from New York in 2010.

Alongside the smooth jazz show he hosts on WXAG 92.7, Segar Jazz Affair has since become a staple of the city’s jazz scene, hosting renowned musicians Dwan Bosman from near and far. For its 104th installment, Atlanta-­based saxophonist Dwan Bosman will return. Bosman has been surrounded by music since his birth. His original instrument was the clarinet, but after listening to John Coltrane’s A Love Supreme when he was 15, he decided to pick up the saxophone. He is now over three decades into his career as a musician and has performed across the country and abroad. You may have even caught him performing at Hartsfield-­Jackson Atlanta International Airport, where he is a veteran performer for “The Sounds of Southern Hospitality” program. [MB] MUSIC | SAT, JUNE 20

FLAP, Normaltown Sound Machine

Flicker Theatre & Bar • 8 p.m. (doors), 9 p.m. (show) • $10

Atlanta duo FLAP is returning to Athens to play songs from its newest record, DeKalb County Guitar, which is composed of all-­instrumental acoustic guitar tracks.

FLAP was formed in 1989 by Andy Hopkins and Matt Miller, who use their two acous-

tics to create danger-­folk songs that range from high speed to spooky, and combine elements of country, punk, jazz and psychedelic music. The band has played Athens many times over the years, and Hopkins says that FLAP “has always enjoyed sharing their acoustic guitar madness with great Athens crowds.” For the first time, FLAP’s record will be available for purchase on vinyl at the show. Joining is local band Normaltown Sound Machine, a post-­dance group that just released “(You May Not Use) My Likeness,” the first single from its upcoming record Temporal Strobes. The full record comes out this September. [MB] PERFORMANCE | WED, JUNE 24

Puppet & Clown Show

Dead Beat Club • 8:30 p.m. • $10 (adv.), $15

Puppet Pants is an Atlanta-­based one-­ man marionette troupe. He performs his shows over 100 times a year across the country for private parties, festivals, conventions and independent tours. His latest show, “Phantasmagoria,” is a weird, whimsical, circusy puppet show intended for mature audiences. Set to an original score, the show is about clowns, monsters and mysteries, but also has a core message about believing in yourself.

T. Anthony Marotta, who is an assistant professor and director of mainstage productions at UGA, as well as an expert on masks and puppetry, will also perform a program called “(un)filter.” This is a wordless marionette variety show featuring a signature mix of clown, puppetry, mask, movement and media.

The show looks at lies, liars and the little performances people do to get through the day while asking the question “What happens when the lie pulls the strings?” [MB] ART | THU, JUNE 25

‘Southworks’ Artist Talk OCAF • 6 p.m. • FREE!

OCAF’s annual “Southworks” national juried exhibition opened last month, and this month the foundation will host two events to give participating artists an opportunity to share more information with the public and with one another about their work and the creative processes behind it. Groups will tour through the exhibition for one hour on both June 25 and June 30 alongside these featured artists as they share their insights. The June 25 talk will feature Barbara Mann, Barbara Odil, Beata Kochut, Cathi Warren, Colin Ward, Ian McFarlane, John Roberts, Lawrence Stueck, Ray Lee, Wendy Garfinkel-­ Gold and Susan Pelham. June 30 will feature Deirdra Owen, Hilda Kurtz, Janet Rodekohr and William Lum. Light refreshments and snacks will be provided both nights. [MB] f

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arts & culture

20

COMMUNITY EVENTS CELEBRATING OUR SECOND INDEPENDENCE DAY

By Sam Lipkin editorial@flagpole.com

A

Celebrating Movies & America!

Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Join us as we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with iconic movie themes and beloved American symphonic music — from How to Train Your Dragon to Fanfare for the Common Man.

SAVE $20 NOW! Use promo code “FLAG20” to save $20 per ticket.* *Use code “FLAG20” online at pac.uga.edu, by phone, or at the Performing Arts Center Box Office. Valid for new orders only, based on availability. Offer may be modified or revoked at any time. Discount has no cash value.

All sales final—no refunds. Additional ticket service and/or delivery fees may apply.

230 River Road, Athens Scan for info and tickets

Submit free community listings to flagpole by emailing calendar@flagpole.com HAVE AN EVENT? Send your description with date, time, location, and price.

HAVE A BAND? Update your description or tell us exactly what you sound like.

HAVE ART DISPLAYED? Let us know what, where and for how long.

DEADLINE IS THE THURSDAY BEFORE THE PRINT ISSUE. 10

Juneteenth

F L A GP OL E .C OM · JUNE 17, 2026

lthough Juneteenth was signed into law as a federal holiday just five years ago, it’s a date long commemorating the end of slavery in the United States—hence being known as the Second Independence Day. Juneteenth celebrations date back to more than 100 years ago, when African Americans were still often prohibited from using public facilities for their festivities. Now Athens has multiple events and festivals honoring the history and traditions of Juneteenth for everyone to enjoy. These celebrations encourage understanding the past while building a brighter future.

A Day of Celebrating Our Black Heritage

June 19, 9:30 a.m.–7 p.m. • Morton Theatre

can be found at athensjuneteenth.com.

Classic City Juneteenth Music and Arts Festival June 20, 3–7 p.m. • Georgia Square Mall

The Athens Anti-­Discrimination Movement and United GA Entertainment organize this community-­centered celebration.

The free event features live performances, food trucks, vendors, children’s activities, collaborative art activities and more. There will be a curated Black-­owned business marketplace featuring regional entrepreneurs, retailers and creatives. The official festival opening at 3 p.m. will include a traditional libation ceremony and reflection led by Dr. Ojo, followed by a Freedom Bell ringing, collective affirmations and a Juneteenth Freedom Walk. At 3:40 p.m. there will be an African drum and dance performance, with a public art project at 4:30 p.m. that

Presented by Charlie Maddox with the Athens Downtown Development Authority, there will be a full day of activities that aim to celebrate Black culture and local icons. Through film screenings, spoken word and storytelling, different individual perspectives will help shape the broader experience of being Black in America. More details about the specifics of the lineup are still to be announced.

Admission is free but requires a ticket, which can be registered for at mortontAADM's 2025 Juneteenth Celebration heatre.com.

Athens Juneteenth Celebration & Festival

June 19, 10:30 a.m.–3 p.m. • Downtown Athens

On behalf of the Athens-­Clarke County Office of People & Belonging, Historic Athens is the organizer of this year’s festival held downtown. The free event is open to the community and features live performances, storytelling, food trucks, vendors, children’s activities, interactive exhibits and more. The event will begin with a gathering at Hot Corner at 10:30 a.m., where attendees can create signs with provided supplies, followed by a march from College Square to City Hall for the raising of the Juneteenth flag and a brief ceremony at 11 a.m. Historic Athens will distribute a Juneteenth Kids Guide created by the Historic Athens Welcome Center that includes information about the history of Juneteenth, traditional celebrations and a reflection on freedom.

The organization plans to turn downtown into a museum for a day with pop-­up interpretive signage highlighting important places, individuals and events in local African American history. More information

attendees can participate in throughout the rest of the evening. Then a live performance showcase will keep attendees entertained through the end of the festival with DJs, musicians, spoken word artists, dancers and cultural performances. For more info about individual or associated festivities, visit aadmovement.org.

Miss Black Northeast Georgia Teen Pageant

June 20, 4–6:30 p.m. • Morton Theatre

The third annual pageant presented by nonprofit Northeast Georgia Pageant Association celebrates Black excellence. The organization’s mission is to empower young women through leadership development, community engagement and personal growth while using its platform to build confidence and character. Contestants come from high schools in the Northeast and East Central counties of Georgia, and they will compete in talent, oratory, evening wear, and question and answer competitions. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at mortontheatre.com. f

DANIEL BORREMANS

June

SAT 7:30 pm Hodgson Concert Hall

feature

feature

DAVID CLIFTON-STRAWN

arts & culture

Q&A With Rial Rye

ART EXHIBITION ‘SON OF A GRIFF’ EXPLORES BIRACIAL IDENTITY

By Libba Beaucham arts@flagpole.com

A

tlanta-­based artist Rial Rye’s new exhibition “Son of a Griff” at the Lyndon House Arts Center concentrates on his biracial identity through vibrant, highly saturated works created with nostalgic children’s toys that invite visitors to consider race, identity and challenging histories in an unexpected way.

Flagpole spoke with Rye ahead of the exhibition’s opening reception on June 18 from 5:30–7:30 p.m.

Flagpole: Tell us about the intention behind using bright, “happy” colors and familiar toys to communicate more difficult subjects.

Rial Rye: Initially, you get that kind of sour candy sugar high; it’s the very first response you get. What you will realize is that all of the smiles and bright colors are hiding something. I think about all of these toys as being replacements for Black and brown bodies. So I’m putting these toys in situations that Black and brown bodies find themselves in.

FP: Can you describe a piece from the exhibition that exemplifies that experience for the viewer?

RR: The piece “Tethered” is of two dolls, and they are kind of balancing each other on opposite sides of the panel. They’ve been dunked in paint, and then they have gold leaf dripping down their faces, and the gold leaf and the paint splatters are something I utilize to depict biracial and BIPOC people.

The gold is actually something I’ve been doing in reference to Thomas Jefferson’s mistress, or enslaved woman that he had, Sally. She was utilized in his presidential campaign against him. The papers wrote that he had “golden affections,” which was a reference to her skin because she was a biracial woman. And that was a derogatory thing that was thrown against white men

that would be with mixed race enslaved women. And just like the title of the show, “Son of a Griff,” where I took the derogatory term “Griff”, and I reimagined myself as a griffin, or as more magical… I’ve kind of done that with the golden affections that I’ve marred these dolls with gold. You could see it as they’ve been altered or ruined, or you could see it as they’ve been embellished, made more beautiful.

FP: The exhibition’s title is linked to your family’s history. Tell me more about that.

RR: It was such a relief to find that my ancestors in the Census records were labeled as griffs, which despite being a derogatory term, brought me a lot of joy. One of my ancestors was presumably enslaved by the Native American people, by the Choctaw tribe… Being biracial and feeling like an outsider, I realize that I’m actually not really that outside. I come from generations of people who are biracial, intermixed. And that is the spirit of this show.

FP: What was the process of developing this show like for you?

RR: I gotta be honest, I was very angry when I made this work. Originally when I heard that I would be doing this show, it was prior to the Trump administration.

So it felt like a lifetime ago. So much has changed day to day and week to week as I was producing this work, and my feelings were all over the place… I damaged some art, like I took my anger out on some work in my studio, and I even threw a piece of wood, and it cracked, and I was like, “Oh, I like this…” this kind of all started out of a tantrum that I had.

FP: You saying “tantrum” seems to relate back to the childlike quality of the toys and colors. Is there something to that?

RR: What’s so funny is that sometimes I have parents who tell me that they’re concerned about what their child will think, seeing a My Little Pony wrapped in barbed wire… I have never had a child react in the way that people are afraid that they’ll react, and often I have kids that will tell me, “Oh, I did this to a Barbie doll too…” I think they totally understand that mindset of being upset and using the toys, not in a happy way, but as a tool of engaging with the world.

FP: What do you hope visitors take away from the exhibition?

RR: I really hope that they see that the world is not black and white, that there’s a

lot of different experiences… we can all be in mutual destruction, or we can help each other break free from these chains.

“Son of a Griff” will be on display from June 18 to August 29 as part of the Lyndon House Arts Center’s summer series featuring five shows: the non-­juried community presentation “Pet Portraits,” the language based group show “Speaking in Tongues,” Stephen Humphreys’ photographs documenting “Excursions in Ukraine” and the experimental group Swannatopia’s installation “BEE CITY OF NOW.” The opening reception on June 18 is for the entire summer series. More information is available at accgov.com/exhibits. f

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · JUNE 17, 2026

flagpole.com news • events calendar • classifieds • belly scritches*

*belly scritches for the bestest dogs only

ATHENS AREA HEALTH DEPARTMENTS

live music calendar Tuesday 16

Ciné 8 p.m. $12. www.athenscine.com THE SNARES Psych-​rock outfit based in Sacramento, CA. Booze, ear fatigue and a bruised knee guaranteed.

DEAF CONDORS Experimental garage-​rock group with a genre-​ bending sound anchored by Peruvian brothers Bob Jesus and Darrick Alvarez.

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

Georgia Theatre Rooftop 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). FREE! www.georgiatheatre.com FAST PREACHER The brain workings of Orlando, FL-​based musician Daniel Hanson.

KATARA Experimental, virtuosic harp playing over steady, deep grooves carried by lush harmony.

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.”

Nowhere Bar 7 p.m. (show). www.instagram.com/ nowherebarathensga HAYRIDE Long-​running local three-​piece rock band led by birthday boy Kevin Sweeney.

State Botanical Garden of Georgia Sunflower Concert Series. 7 p.m. $12 (ages 5–16), $24. botgarden. uga.edu THE BROKEN STRING BAND Americana band blending Western folk with indie rock.

The World Famous H.A.R.D.T.A.C.K. Presents. 9 p.m. $10. www.facebook.com/theworld​ famousathens GRIPE Houston, TX punk quartet.

CERVIX Birmingham, AL rock and roll unit.

RUBBER UDDER Self-​described weirdo experimental acid punk/ noise-​grunge thing from Athens.

REGULATOR Music for mounting up.

PETER AND THE SKEETERS Local lo-​fi egg punk group.

Wednesday 17 585 Barber St. Summer Sunset Music Series. 7–8:30 p.m. FREE! www.treehousekidand​ craft.com WOMEN IN STEM Indie rock girl trio with a power complex and lots of love.

Amici at The Falls 6 p.m. www.facebook.com/amiciat​ thefalls MAKENNA BRYAN Playing originals and covers.

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.

Nowhere Bar 7 p.m. (doors), 9:30 p.m. (show). www.instagram.com/nowherebar​ athensga DENNY ZINGER Progressive garage rock out of Pittsburgh, PA. 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 18 Athentic Brewing Co. Blues and Brews. 6 p.m. $5. www. athenticbrewing.com RICK FOWLER ACOUSTIC BAND Original, guitar-​driven local blues-​ rock group.

Dead Beat Club 8 p.m. (show). FREE! www.deadbeat​ athens.com TANNER FALLIN Recent graduate of UGA’s School of Music who is a classically-​trained percussionist well-​versed in piano and bass guitar.

RUDY MONTAYRE Athenian acoustic singer-​songwriter with influence from R&B, rock and folk music.

JOHN KINNISON Solo live-​looping acoustic artist originally from Pensacola, FL. Flicker Theatre & Bar 8 p.m. (doors). $10. www.flicker theatreandbar.com HEYDREAMER Alt-​rock band from Atlanta known for its energetic performances.

VILLAREAL Four-​piece psychedelic blues rock band from Atlanta.

LADY ELEVEN High-​energy rock band with a bold 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.

Hendershot’s 7 p.m. (sign-​ups), 8 p.m. (show).

FREE! www.hendershotsathens.com JAZZ JAM Seth Hendershot and the house band Unstarched host an open jazz jam. Bring an instrument or your voice.

Normal Bar 9 p.m. www.instagram.com/normal_​ bar_athens PUBLIC ERROR Tampa, FL rock and roll.

WRITHE Extra filthy stoner grunge.

COMMÜNE Local political/feminist punk band living in revolt.

TEMPLE OF CALISTHENICS Local surreal pop music.

Nowhere Bar 7 p.m. (doors), 9:30 p.m. (show). www.instagram.com/nowherebar​ athensga F.O.R.S. Neal Fountain, Erik Olson, Jeff Reilly and Matt Stoessel playing funk, rock, soul and experimental jazz.

Rialto Club Aubrey Entertainment Presents. 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). 20 (adv.), $25. www.facebook.com/Aubrey​ EntertainmentAthensGA JOHN PAUL WHITE Nashville songwriter previously part of the duo The Civil Wars.

Friday 19

Saturday 20

40 Watt Club 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $19. www.40watt.com OF MONTREAL Long-​running psych-​pop group fronted by Kevin Barnes, known for its outlandish stage presence.

CORMAE Austin, TX riot grrrl egg punk.

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

Athentic Brewing Co. 7:30–10:30 p.m. www.athentic brewing.com THE ORIGINAL SPLITZ BAND A mixed drink of the classic Motown sound, part 1970s funk and disco flavor, a dash of the old-​school and contemporary R&B, and a guaranteed good time.

Dead Beat Club 8:30 p.m. $10. www.deadbeatathens. com RYNE MEADOW Local indie folk singer-​songwriter with vulnerable and socially insightful lyrics. Album release show!

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

Downtown Athens 10:30 a.m.–3 p.m. FREE! athensjuneteenth.com JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION & FESTIVAL Family-friendly event featuring spoken word, special guest speakers and live music by Blacknerdninja, Ishues, TIKICA, Vernon Thornsberry with John Fernandes and Bill Oglesby, and Dr. Nkululeko “Freedomo” Zungu.

Flicker Theatre & Bar 8 p.m. (doors). $10. www.flicker theatreandbar.com VINCAS Dark post-​punk with doomy, psychedelic flourishes.

GRASSFACE Chicago-​based punk rock.

EATING First show!

Georgia Theatre Rooftop 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $13.90. www.georgiatheatre.com PARKER WIERLING Atlanta-​based alternative artist blending the sounds of ’90s alt rock, indie pop and Americana.

MELODRAMATIC The project of North Carolina-​based artist and producer Tyler Spencer.

ALEX JETT Local indie rock singer-​songwriter delivering a wide-​range of emotionally charged vocals.

Nowhere Bar 8 p.m. $10. www.instagram.com/ nowherebarathensga BEAT UP Local punks resisting the darkest timeline.

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

HERE BE MONSTERS Athens-​ based folk punk band that delivers emotive, introspective music blended with a high-​energy stage performance.

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

40 Watt Club 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $26. www.40watt.com DELTA SLEEP British math rock band, formed in 2010 in Canterbury and currently based in Brighton.

MICHAEL CERA PALIN Emotive emo/indie punk band from Atlanta.

COMBAT Baltimore, MD emo/ indie punk.

Athentic Brewing Co. 8 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com KIKI QUEER CLUB NIGHT Pride dance party featuring DJ Charlie­ flower, glow sticks, special treats and more.

Bolo Bolo Athens 6:30 p.m. (doors), 7 p.m. (show). $10 suggested donation. www.patreon. com/c/BoloBoloRecordings WET MEADOWS Folky, botanical jazz rock inspired by natural forms and rhythms.

GRANT FERRIS Recent Nashville transplant and multi-​instrumentalist whose music is heavily influenced by bluegrass, country and classical music.

LIZ FARRELL Folk, jazz and indie pop influences manifesting in heartfelt vocals and intentional throughlines of ukulele and piano.

Boutier Winery & Inn 7:30 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $10. www.boutierwinery.com AUDIO CANDY EXPERIENCE Playing classic and modern rock.

El Carretonero 8–11 p.m. $10. bit.ly/summersongs26 NOCHE DE BAILE: SUMMER EDITION SALSAthens and TIMB­ Athens host a summer social with music picked by you, starting with a Latin dance classes followed by social dancing.

Flicker Theatre & Bar 8 p.m. (doors), 9 p.m. (show). $10. www.flickertheatreandbar.com NORMALTOWN SOUND MACHINE Hologram pop for fans of The Cardigans, Squeeze, Stereolab and The Pretenders, featuring members of Ceiling Fan, The Salt Flats and Still Small Voice.

FLAP Avant-​guitar duo from East Atlanta comprised of Andy Hopkins and Matt Miller.

Front Porch Bookstore 6 p.m. FREE! Find Front Porch Bookstore on Facebook MARY & THE HOT HOTTY-​HOTS Hot jazz and swing band offering music from the 1910s, ’20s and ’30s.

Georgia Square Mall 3–7 p.m. FREE! www.aadmovement. org CLASSIC CITY JUNETEENTH MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL Family-friendly event featuring reflections, affirmations, cultural performances and live music by Duddy Ken, Ali & Lil One, Kaliah Hearts, Trina Meade & Band, and Miles Stone.

Hendershot’s Aubrey Entertainment Presents. 6:30 p.m. (doors), 7:30 p.m. & 9:30 p.m. (two shows). $20 (adv.), $25. bit.ly/SegarJazzJune20 SEGAR JAZZ AFFAIR WXAG radio DJ Dwain Segar curates a night of smooth jazz.

DWAN BOSMAN Saxophonist with over 25 years of experience.

Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall 7:30 p.m. $74–106. pac.uga.edu ATLANTA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA This program features iconic music from cinema and classic American symphonic music in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.

Nowhere Bar 7 p.m. (doors), 9:30 p.m. (show). www.instagram.com/nowherebar​ athensga EASTERN DREAMERS Americana and ’70s folk duo from Nashville.

Nuçi’s Space 6 p.m. FREE! www.nuci.org CAMP AMPED JUNE FINALE Young musicians in the Nuçi’s Space Camp Amped program show off what they’ve learned.

The Old Pal 6 p.m.–12 a.m. www.instagram.com/ vinyl_open_decks VINYL OPEN DECKS DJ Nate and JiiG host open decks where attendees can bring a few records and sign up to share some tunes.

Turntables and mixer provided.

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 BRANDON SEARS TRIO Playing Southern rock jams.

St. Gregory the Great Episcopal Church 2 p.m. Donations suggested. www.st​ gregoryathens.org COMMUNITY SING In memory of Don Downie, there will be performed pieces and opportunities for the audience to sing along.

Sunday 21 Athentic Brewing Co. Dad’s Day BBQ Bash. 4–8 p.m. www. athenticbrewing.com DAVE FORKER & HIS CUSTOM CONCERN Originals and covers.

Boutier Winery & Inn Wine Down. 3–5 p.m. www.boutier​ winery.com RAIL TOWN Performing ’70s soft rock, Americana, country, pop and current tunes.

Dead Beat Club Summer Solstice Ambient Night. 8 p.m. $5. www.deadbeatathens.com OTHER VOICES, OTHER ROOMS House, rap and shoegaze-​inspired music on synth hardware.

HAMAIXA Live solo electronics and modular synth project inspired by house, electro and musique concrète.

SWEETEARTHFLYING Former Athens resident Emmie Pierce uses guitar, found objects and modular synths to create subtle and extreme sonic textures, spatio-​temporal distortions, and serene waves of cut up music.

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

Oak House Distillery 4 p.m. www.oakhousedistillery.com GREG CLINTON Solo set by the guitarist for RiffNotes.

Tuesday 23

The Classic Center 6 p.m. (doors), 7 p.m. (show). $76– 413.50. www.classiccenter.com VINCE GILL Grammy Award-​winning modern country musician.

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 5–7 p.m. www.hendershotsathens. com PIANO BAR HAPPY HOUR Enjoy drink specials and live piano music.

Wednesday 24 585 Barber St. Summer Sunset Music Series. 7–8:30 p.m. FREE! www.treehousekidand​ craft.com THE SPEAX Blues and psychedelic rock-​influenced power trio who met through Nuçis Space’s Camp Amped program and play mostly original material.

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

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

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

FREE! www.athensfarmersmarket. net FOLIE À CINQ Playing a mix of French chansons, jazzy tunes, and originals by Lavon Smith, accompanied on guitars, accordion, and double bass. (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.

Nowhere Bar 7 p.m. (doors), 9:30 p.m. (show). www.instagram.com/nowherebar​ athensga GHOSTWRITER Musical project from Austin, TX that melds influences from country-​blues to post-​ punk and has opened for acts like Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds and T-​Model Ford.

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.

The Roadhouse 9 p.m. $5. www.instagram.com/road​ houseathens CHALICE D-​beat/crust punk band from Melbourne, FL. DRES CODE Hardcore punk from Murfreesboro, TN. CRYING FORM Local hardcore punk trio.

TOMMYGUN Athens punk band.

ARMS DEALER Welcome to the gun show punks.

JUNE 17, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

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Tuesday 16

event calendar

CLASSES: Internet 101: Privacy and Security (ACC Library) Learn how to protect your data, recognize security risks and get tips on how to manage your personal information.

Registration required. 10 a.m.

FREE! www.athenslibrary.org COMEDY: Take This! Improv (Athentic Brewing Co.) The troupe will perform their own improv skits along with a surprise musical guest.

7 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com COMEDY: Open Toad Comedy Night (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Comedy performed by a mix of newcomers and local favorites from Athens and Atlanta. 8:30 p.m. (doors). $7. www.flickertheatreandbar.com 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: Bad Dog Trivia (Amici at The Falls) Test your trivia knowledge with host Miles Bunch. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/ baddogathens GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (Paloma Park) Test your trivia knowledge with host TJ Wayt. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/baddogathens GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Winghouse Grill Hull) Test your general trivia knowledge. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Akademia Brewing Co.) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Garrett. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/classiccitytriviaco GAMES: UnPhiltered Trivia (Mellow Mushroom) Test your trivia knowledge with host Phil. 7 p.m. www. facebook.com/MellowMushroom​ Athens GAMES: Singo! (Beef O’Brady’s) Win gift certificates and prizes at this music bingo night. Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m. www.beefobradys.com/athens GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Magnolias of Athens) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Benjamin. Tuesdays, 8 p.m. www. instagram.com/classiccitytriviaco KIDSTUFF: Gator Talk (Oconee County Library) Retired gator wrangler Rick Cleveland will share artifacts, stories, photos and more.

10 a.m. & 11 a.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/oconee MEETINGS: Corporation Annual Meeting (Morton Theatre) There will be volunteer award presentations, board and staff reports, and more. 6:30 p.m. FREE! www. mortontheatre.com 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

Wednesday 17 ART: Tour at Two (Georgia Museum of Art) These drop-​in public tours feature highlights of the permanent

14

collection. 2 p.m. FREE! www.georgia​museum.org CLASSES: Beginner’s Camping Workshop (REI) This hands-​on introduction to tent camping includes setting up tents, sleeping bag saftey and other practical advice. 6 p.m. $15 (members), $45 (non-​members). www.rei.com COMEDY: Hendershot’s Comedy (Hendershot’s) Enjoy a lineup

p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzu​ nottrivia GAMES: Magic The Gathering and Pokemon Meet-​Up (Athentic Brewing Co.) Drop in to spend an evening playing games or matches.

Third Wednesdays, 6–9 p.m. FREE! www.athenticbrewing.com GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Hotel Indigo) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Ian. Wednes-

days, 8 p.m. www.instagram.com/ shihtzunottrivia KIDSTUFF: Paleo Palooza (Oconee County Library) Learn about the Paleolithic Era with puppetry, magic, comedy and more. 10 a.m. & 11 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary. org/oconee MEETINGS: Athens Puzzle Club (Hendershot’s) Puzzle lovers are invited to bring along their favorite

els. First come, first served. 6 p.m.

FREE! www.georgiamuseum.org 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 FILM: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (Ciné) Screening of the 1966 Western action film with a live film history podcast hosted by Aaron Strand of Behind the Slate. 8 p.m. $20. www.athenscine.com GAMES: Bad Dog BINGO (Amici at The Falls) Play BINGO with host TJ Wayt. Thursdays, 6 p.m. www. instagram.com/baddogathens GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Terrapin Beer Co.) Test your general trivia knowledge. Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzu​ nottrivia GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Butt Hutt) Test your general trivia 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: Read to Rover (Oconee County Library) Drop in to read a story to certified therapy dog Oliver.

Ages 4 & up. 3:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/oconee KIDSTUFF: Teen Dungeons & Dragons (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 19 The exhibition “Inner Possum” features works by Tatiana Kiselyova at tiny ATH gallery. An opening reception will be held on June 18 from 6–9 p.m. and an artist talk on June 26 from 6–9 p.m. featuring comics from Athens and Atlanta as well as newcomers.

Hosted by Noell Appling. Third Wednesdays, 8 p.m. www.hendershots​athens.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: Three Star Cinema (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Screening of the 1991 action drama film Maximum Breakout. 7 p.m. FREE! www.flicker​ theatreandbar.com GAMES: Shadowfist Power Lunch (Tyche’s Games) Drop in and play Shadowfist. All skill levels. 11:30 a.m. FREE! www.tychesgames.com GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (South Main Brewing) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 6

F L A GP OL E .C OM · JUNE 17, 2026

days, 6 p.m. www.instagram.com/ classiccitytriviaco GAMES: Love.Craft Bingo Night (Athentic Brewing Co.) A bingo event benefiting the nonprofit organization Love.Craft Athens. Third Wednesdays, 6:30–8 p.m. $3–5. www.lovecraftathens.org GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Normal Bar) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia GAMES: Classic City Trivia (The Local 706) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Garrett.

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

puzzles to share. 2–4 p.m. FREE! www.instagram.com/athenspuzzle​ club

Thursday 18 ART: Opening Reception (Lyndon House Arts Center) The summer series of exhibitions “Pet Portraits,” “Speaking in Tongues,” “Excursions in Ukraine,” “Son of a Griff” and “BEE CITY OF NOW” will be on view. 5:30–7:30 p.m. FREE! www. accgov.com/lyndonhouse ART: Opening Reception (tiny ATH gallery) Artist Tatiana Kiselyova’s exhibition “Inner Possum” will be on view. 6–9 p.m. FREE! www. tinyathgallery.com CLASSES: Yoga in the Galleries (Georgia Museum of Art) Enjoy a yoga class in the art galleries led by instructors from Yoga and Pilates for the People. Open to all skill lev-

ART: Opening Reception (Winterville Cultural Center Gallery) Artworks by Jack Burk will be on view. 5–7 p.m. FREE! www.wintervillecenter.com EVENTS: A Day of Celebrating Our Black Heritage (Morton Theatre) Film screenings, spoken word and storytelling celebrating Black culture and local icons. 9:30 a.m.–7 p.m. FREE! (with ticket). www. mortontheatre.com EVENTS: Athens Juneteenth Celebration & Festival (Downtown Athens) Historic Athens presents a community festival featuring live performances, storytelling, food trucks, vendors, children’s activities, interactive exhibits and more.

10:30 a.m.–3 p.m. FREE! www. athensjuneteenth.com EVENTS: Rum Tasting (Tonique Bottle Co.) Drop in to sample three different styles of Dark Caribbean Rum with a welcome Daiquiri cocktail. 5–7 p.m. $15. www.shop​ tonique.com EVENTS: After Hours: A Night of Regulation & Rituals (Shakti Power Yoga) Calming mocktails, acupressure, under eye masks,

aromatherapy, restorative yoga and sound bath. Registration required. 7 p.m. $35–50 (sliding scale). www. shaktiyogaathens.com FILM: Sinners (Marigold Auditorium for Arts and Culture) Screening of the 2025 action horror film. 7 p.m. $6. www.wintervillecenter.com GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Oak House Distillery) Test your general trivia knowledge. Fridays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia GAMES: Friday Night Initiative (Tyche’s Games) Learn how to play a new roleplaying game. New players welcome. 7 p.m. FREE! www. tychesgames.com MEETINGS: Creative Athenians (Hendershot’s) Connect with fellow creatives during this relaxed and informal monthly gathering. Third Fridays, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. FREE! www.hendershotsathens.com SPORTS: World Cup Watch Party (Terrapin Beer Co.) Screening of the United States vs. Australia soccer game with BINGO and merch raffles. 12–9 p.m. www.terrapin​ beer.com

Saturday 20 ART: Painting With Pops (K.A. Artist Shop) Celebrate Father’s Day with this beginner-​friendly painting workshop. Ages 13 & up. 1 p.m. $35. www.kaartist.com ART: Artist Talk (OCAF) Artist Terry Rowlett will discuss the works in his exhibition “Beyond the End of Time.” 1–2 p.m. FREE! www.ocaf. com CLASSES: Build a Glass Pride Flag (Work.Shop) Create a customized glass suncatcher by cutting, grinding and soldering. 11 a.m. & 1 p.m. $45. www.fluxgoods.com/classes CLASSES: Aromatherapy Skincare (OCAF) Learn how to blend essential oils for your skin type, understand safe dilution practices and create a custom aromatherapy product to take home. 1 p.m. $60 (members), $75 (non-​members). www.ocaf.com CLASSES: Dig Up Your Roots (Bogart Library) Learn about how to research records and search for family members. 3 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart COMEDY: Improv Comedy (ACC Library) A variety of all-​ages improv comedy skits with Off The Rail. 3 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.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.athensfarmers​ market.net EVENTS: Comer Community Market (The Perch) Browse flower and vegetable plant starts, baked goods, vegetables, honey, pottery, eggs, mushrooms and handmade items. 9 a.m.–12 p.m. www.theperchcomer. com/farmers-​market EVENTS: 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 (UGA Trial Gardens) Browse plants for sale,

take guided tours of the garden and get books signed by horticulturalist Allan Armitage. 9 a.m.–12 p.m.

FREE! ugatrial.hort.uga.edu EVENTS: YWCO 120th Birthday Celebration (YWCO) Celebrate with a trail walk, vendors, refreshments, games and more. 9 a.m.–12 p.m. FREE! www.ywco.org EVENTS: Enslaved People Database Launch (T.R.R. Cobb House) Learn about the new database that documents over 1,100 people enslaved by the extended Cobb family with guided tours. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. FREE! www.trrcobbhouse.org EVENTS: Abnormal Bazaar (Indie South) This market features vendors selling soaps, jewelry, vintage, vinyl and more. 11 a.m.–3 p.m. www.the​ indiesouth.com EVENTS: Father’s Day Celebration (Terrapin Beer Co.) There will be live music, food, activities for kids and more. 3–9 p.m. www.terrapin​ beer.com EVENTS: Classic City Juneteenth Music and Arts Festival (Georgia Square Mall) AADM presents a community festival featuring live performances, food trucks, vendors, children’s activities, collaborative art activities and more. 3–7 p.m.

FREE! www.aadmovement.org FILM: Arrival (Ciné) Screening of the film with a conversation about “Do Aliens Tell Knock-​Knock Jokes?” with experts in science. 2 p.m. $9. www.athenscine.com KIDSTUFF: Storytime (Rec Room Books) Enjoy a morning of storytelling with Ms. Rachel. 10:30 a.m. FREE! www.instagram.com/ recroombooks MEETINGS: Atheist Society of Athens (ACC Library) A reality-​based, non-​prophet organization. 4 p.m.

FREE! www.atheistsocietyathens.org PERFORMANCE: Miss Black Northeast Georgia Teen Pageant (Morton Theatre) In this third annual competition high-​school contestants will showcase their skills and compete in variety of presentations.

4–6 p.m. $15. www.missblack​ northeastga.com

Sunday 21 ART: Figure Drawing (Revolution Therapy and Yoga) Bring your supplies to sketch various poses

during a summer solstice yoga session. 12–2 p.m. $20–40 (suggest donation). www.revolutiontherapy​ andyoga.com ART: Artist Talk (tiny ATH gallery) Artist Tatiana Kiselyova will discuss the works in her exhibition “Inner Possum.” 2–5 p.m. FREE! www. tinyathgallery.com CLASSES: Floriography & Bouquets (Daily Groceries Co-​op) Learn about the Victorian Era secret language of flowers and create a fresh mini bouquet of your own.

Proceeds benefit Daily Groceries.

4 p.m. $20 (members), $25 (non-​ members). www.tussiemussie​ athens.com/class 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: Dad’s Day BBQ Bash (Athentic Brewing Co.) Enjoy live music, barbecue, custom cigars and more at this Father’s Day themed event. 4–8 p.m. www. athenticbrewing.com FILM: Tokusatsu Club (ACC Library) Screening of the 2017 Japanese sci-​fi movie BraveStorm. 3 p.m.

FREE! clubtoku@gmail.

GAMES: SIM Race Sunday (ACC Library) Drive for fun or compete for fastest lap at the Watkins Glen circuit. Ages 12 & up. Registration required. 3 p.m. FREE! www.athens​ library.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 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

Monday 22 ART: Mandala Workshop (Winterville Cultural Center) Nicole Bechill guides participants as they explore creativity and self-​discovery through mandala art. 10 a.m. $35. www.wintervillecenter.com CLASSES: Vietnamese Class (Oconee County Library) Instructor Martine Thy Nguyen will lead a

art around town 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. Special Third Thursday Hours on June 18, 6–8 p.m. Through June 30.

ATHICA@CINÉ GALLERY (234 W. Hancock Ave.) “Piecemeal” features collages by Brian George built piece by piece over two years. Special Third Thursday hours on June 18, 6–9 p.m. Through June 25.

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

DONDEROS’ KITCHEN (590 N. Milledge Ave.) Whimsical artworks by Susan Pelham will be on display through August.

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

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. • 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

class on the basics of Vietnamese. 6–7 p.m. FREE! www.athens​ library.org/oconee EVENTS: PFAS Community Screening & Discussion (ACC Library) Screening of the documentary Contaminated: The Carpet Industry’s Toxic Legacy followed by a discussion about what PFAS are and recent developments in regulations. 6 p.m. FREE! www.eacau.org GAMES: Chess and Community (ACC Library) Drop in for open chess play to learn the game, challenge skills and engage with other enthusiasts. Mondays, 3:30–5:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Fully Loaded Pizza Kitchen (Normaltown)) Test your general trivia knowledge. Mondays, 7 p.m. www. instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Dooley’s Bar and Grill) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Garrett.

Mondays, 7 p.m. www.instagram. com/classiccitytriviaco GAMES: General Trivia (Athentic Brewing Co.) Test your general trivia knowledge. Mondays, 7 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Pancho’s Tacos & Tequila) Test your general trivia knowledge. Mondays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzu​ nottrivia GAMES: Pride Trivia (Athentic Brewing Co.) Test your trivia knowledge in celebration of Pride Month.

7 p.m. FREE! 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 KIDSTUFF: Dino-​mite Magic Show (Bogart Library) Enjoy a dinosaur themed magic show with magician and ventriloquist Mr. Keith. All ages. 1 p.m. FREE! www.athens​ library.org/bogart 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 PERFORMANCE: Puppet & Clown Show (Dead Beat Club) Internationally touring solo artist T. Anthony

Marotta and the one-​man-​marionette-​troupe Puppet Pants will perform shows. 8:30 p.m. $10–15. www.deadbeatathens.com

Tuesday 23 CLASSES: Email Basics (ACC Library) Learn how to send and receive emails, manage your inbox, add attachments,and recognize spam. Registration required. 10 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org CLASSES: Boots & Brews Line Dancing (Athentic Brewing Co.) Learn the line dancing basics from host Lindsay before the floor opens for social dancing. Fourth Tuesdays, 7–9 p.m. www.athentic​ brewing.com EVENTS: 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: 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/baddog​ athens 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

Green’s “The Last Supper” series inspired by death row inmates’ final meal requests. Through Aug. 16. • “Looking Through a Sewn Sky: Rachel B. Hayes” is a commissioned installation in the Jane and Harry Willson Sculpture Garden that blends sculpture, painting and craft. Through Jul. 30, 2027.

HABIBI ART (160 Tracy St. Unit 4, Ste. 10) Third Thursday open studio June 18, 6–9 p.m.

LYNDON HOUSE ARTS CENTER (211 Hoyt St.) “AIR Group 2” features narrative printmaking works by Jo Anderson and jewelry pieces by Jordan Blackwell. Through June 27. • “Surface Tension” features artwork by Erika Diamond and prosthetics by Chelsa Lillo that explore protection, identity and the fragility of the human body. Through June 27. • “Somethings” features small sculpture works by Ivy Laurel Anderson made from discarded mass-​produced objects. Through July 18. • “Speaking in Tongues” features multi-​media works by local and regional artists inspired by language and text across mediums and eras. Opening reception June 18, 5:30–7:30 p.m. Poetry/spoken word event Aug. 27, 5:30–7:30 p.m. Through Aug. 29.

• A Pet Portrait Exhibition with works submitted by the public will be on display June 18–Aug. 29. Opening Reception June 18, 5:30–7:30 p.m.

• “Excursions in Ukraine” features photographs by Stephen Humphreys documenting life in the war-​torn country over the past four years. June 18–Aug. 29. Opening reception June 18, 5:30–7:30 p.m. • “Son of a Griff” features paintings by self-​taught Black and Indigenous American artist Rial Rye that explore race and identity through saturated color and found objects. June 18–Aug. 29. Opening reception June 18, 5:30–7:30 p.m. • “BEE CITY OF NOW” is a 24-​foot model community for bees by Swannatopia and Experimental Art Club, installed on the Arts Center’s second-​floor outdoor patio. Opening reception June 18, 5:30–7:30 p.m.

Through May 1, 2027.

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

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: Who Would Win? (Bogart Library) Learn about dinosaurs and polar bears, enjoy an indoor “snow” fight and watch a creature feature film. 2 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/bogart MEETINGS: Athens Photography Guild (Lyndon House Arts Center) Several photographers will provide live demonstrations of photographic equipment and software applications. 6 p.m. FREE! www. athensphotographyguild.wordpress. com 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

Wednesday 24 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: Hiking Basics Presentation (REI) Learn how to prepare for a day hike including what items to pack, where to explore local trails and how to practice Leave NO Trace principles. 6 p.m. FREE! 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: The Birdcage (Athentic Brewing Co.) Screening of the 1996 comedy drama film. 8 p.m. www. athenticbrewing.com GAMES: Shadowfist Power Lunch (Tyche’s Games) Drop in and play Shadowfist. All skill levels. 11:30 a.m. FREE! www.tychesgames.com GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (South Main Brewing) Test your trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 6 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia

GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Hotel Indigo) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Ian. Wednesdays, 6 p.m. www.instagram.com/ classiccitytriviaco GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Normal Bar) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunot​ trivia 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: Mermaid Meet & Greet (Oconee County Library) Enjoy a sea themed party, crafts and a visit from the mermaid Ariel. 11 a.m. & 12 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary. org/oconee LECTURES & LIT: RIP Book Club (Hendershot’s) Casual discussions about horror-​themed books, comics and graphic novels with rotating monthly picks. 5:30​​p.m. FREE! www.instagram.com/ripbookclub​ athens MEETINGS: Film Athens (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Meet and network with others in the filmmaking community (actors, directors, etc.) during happy hour. 5 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/FilmAthens

Down the Line 6/25 Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) 6/25 Across The Board Book Club (Oconee County Library) 6/25 World Cup Pregame (Terrapin Beer Co.) 6/25 LEGO Builder’s Challenge (Oconee County Library) 6/25 Dino Bingo (Bogart Library) 6/25 Pencil Pushers Drink & Draw (Hendershot’s) 6/25 Mystery Book Club (Bogart Library) 6/25 Closing Reception (tiny ATH gallery) f

Richard Olsen. Through October.

OCAF (34 School St. Watkinsville) “Before the End of Time” features oil paintings by Terry Rowlett. Artist talk June 20, 1 p.m. Through June 26. • In the Main Gallery, “Southworks” showcases a variety of mediums juried by Beth Malone and Rachel Waldrop. Artist talks June 25 & 30, 6 p.m. 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. Through June.

TINY ATH GALLERY (174 Cleveland Ave.) “Inner ‘Possum” features works by Tatiana Kiselyova. Opening reception June 18, 6–9 p.m. Artist talk June 26, 6–9 p.m. Through June 28.

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. Through June.

WINTERVILLE CULTURAL ARTS CENTER (371 N. Church St., Winterville) Artworks by Jack Burk will be on display June 19 through September 15.

Opening reception June 19, 5–7 p.m. • In honor of the United States’ 250th anniversary, “Rebellious Art, Treasonous Artists” is on view in Room 103.

Through December.

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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) Video Editor & Content Creator for new 4x4 offgrid DIY camping YouTube channel. Around 10 hours per week at $30/hr. Read more at milesog. com/editor 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.athensschoolofmusic.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 (For Rent) Hair salon in Normaltown area. One chair only.

Contact jujujr0000@gmail.com for more information.

REAL ESTATE (Room for Rent) Room for rent w/private BA. Located in Watkinsville. $800/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 (Health) HEALTH AND WELLNESS COACHING: Integrating herbalism, mindfulness and movement for a whole body approach.

706-​343-​3576, connect@cora​ rosewellness.com, www.cora​rose​ wellness.com SERVICES (Health) JAMES HILTON HYPNOSIS: Smoking, vaping, exam preparation and athletic performance enhancement. 678-​895-​ 4278, www.hiltonhypnosis.org 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 ATHENS CREATIVE DIRECTORY (Athens, GA) The ACD is a free platform to connect creatives with patrons. www.athenscreatives. directory CALL FOR ART (Various Locations) Visit www.flagpole.com/bulletin​ board for ongoing open art calls.

CALL FOR MURAL LOCATION (Double Helix) Students from the Double Helix Steam School are offering to paint a free mural for a local business/organization. kquinn@doublehelixschool.com CALL FOR STORYTELLERS (Rabbit Box) Rabbit Box seeks story ideas for upcoming shows. www.rabbit​ box.org/tell CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS (Athens Homeless Coalition) Seeking submissions for street newspaper.

Poetry, short stories, visual art, song lyrics. enagementcoordinator​ @athenshc.org COMMUNITY TOURS (Georgia Museum of Art) A variety of tours open to the public including “Student Perspectives” which runs Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays throughout the month. www.georgia​ museum.org PUBLIC ART SELECTION PANELS (Athens, GA) The Athens Cultural Affairs Commission is seeking community members to participate

ADOPT ME!

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

Amsterdam(61044609)

Meet Amsterdam! Amsterdam is a girl who loves to cuddle up with a friend, give hugs, go for walks and sit for treats. She’s a very happy pup who is always flashing her gorgeous smile.

Chickpea (61037500)

Chickpea is the sweetest, cutest little orange boy. He’s looking for a new home where he can be someone’s furever friend. You can stop by the ACC shelter and adopt or foster him today!

Honcho(61116048)

Happy Honcho has never met a stranger. He’s known for greeting everyone at the shelter, human or feline. He’s easy to fall in love with and would be a great buddy for anyone!

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 17, 2026

in upcoming public art selection panels. www.accgov.com/9656/ Public-​Art-​Selection-​Panels SEEKING DONATIONS (Lyndon House Arts Center) Accepting art paper, canvas, paint, tools and more for various community programs. www.accgov.com/lyndon​ house SEEKING INSTRUCTORS (OCAF) Currently seeking instructors to teach children’s art classes in any medium for the upcoming school year. Submit a course proposal at www.ocaf.com/courses

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

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

770-​237-​2354 ACCENT REDUCTION CLASS (Covenant Presbyterian Church) Improve your American English pronunciation skills. For ages 18 & up.

Tuesdays, 12 p.m. marjoriemiller@ gmail.com CLASSES, HIKES & PADDLES (Watson Mill State Park, Comer) The park offers a variety of events including firebuilding classes, various educational hikes including “Bridge History,” “Tree ID,” “Historic Mills” and more. Parking fee/ pass required for all events. www. gastateparks.org/WatsonMillBridge CLASSES & SCHOLARSHIPS (Canopy Studio) Canopy offers a variety of trapeze and aerial arts classes for children and adults. Scholarships and financial aid are available. 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.

Through 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 BRAS FOR A CAUSE (Grail Bra Specialists) Seeking donations of gently-​used bras for distribution to local shelters, recovery centers and communities in need. 706-​850-​ 0387 or support@grailbras.com DIAPER DONATIONS (Athens Area Diaper Bank) Diaper donations needed for local infants. All sizes and open packs/boxes are accepted. www.athensareadiaper​ bank.com FIRE PIT RAFFLE (Friends of the Madison County Library) Madison County Library hosts a raffle for an outdoor gas fire pit to benefit various programs. $1 per ticket, unlimited entries. The winning ticket will be drawn in November after the Madison County Harvest Festival. www.athenslibrary.org/madison MEDICAL EQUIPMENT (Friends of Disabled Adults and Children) Free home medical equipment provided to those in need. Athens locations for pickup at Northeast Georgia Area Agency on Aging and Multiple Choices. Donations also accepted. www.fodac.org

MEDICAL EQUIPMENT EXCHANGE (Silver Lace) Open registration for consideration for free mobility and daily living medical items. Donations also accepted. www.silverlace​ inc.org, info@silverlace.org MICROCHIP SCANNING STATIONS (Multiple Locations) Connect lost pets with their owners. Available 24 hours. Located at ACC Animals Services, Memorial Park Dog Park and Southeast Clarke Park. Instructions provided at each location.

MULTIPLE CHOICES VOLUNTEERS (Multiple Choices Center for Independent Living) Seeking volunteers to assist a nonprofit agency that serves individuals living with disabilities throughout a 10-​country area of Northeastern Georgia. 706-​850-​4025, dmyers@ multiplechoices.us PET SUPPLY DRIVE (Lyndon House Arts Center) Seeking toys, towels, treats and all types of cat/dog food.

In conjunction with the Community Pet Portrait Exhibit benefiting ACC Animal Services. Donations accepted during business hours. www.accgov.com/lyndonhouse 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.athensareadiaper​ bank.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

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

Financial aid available. www.nuci. org/camp SUMMER CAMP (Sweet Olive Farm, Winterville) Registration is now open for a variety of summer camps in June & July including overnight stays. Ages 5–12. www.sweetolive​ farm.org/collections/2026-​summer-​camps SUMMER PROGRAMS (ACC Leisure Services Department) Registration open for diverse selection of activities highlighting the arts, environmental science, recreation, sports and special events. www.accgov. com/myrec

Kidstuff

Word on the Street

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 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. canopystudio.org/class-​schedule/ camps SUMMER CAMP (Athens Area Humane Society) Registration is now open for “Humane Heroes” and “Junior Vet” summer camps in June & July. Ages 6–14. www. athenshumanesociety.org/summer-​ camp SUMMER CAMP (OCAF, Watkinsville) Registration now open for a 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

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 CITY TOURS (Historic Athens Welcome Center) A variety of guided tours available including a daily shuttle tour, walking tour of the downtown area and local music tour. Schedule in advance. www. athenswelcomecenter.com COMMUNITY RUNNING GROUPS (Athens Road Runners) Weekly community runs for all skill levels including Speed Workout (Wednesdays, 5:30 a.m.) and Fun Runs (Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. & Saturdays, 7:15 a.m.). www.athens​ roadrunners.org FRIDAY EVENTS (Multiplechoices Center for Independent Living) The organization hosts ongoing Friday gatherings. Tech discussions, support groups, movies and games. www.multiplechoices.us/youre-​ invited MEDICAL ASSISTANCE (Nuçi’s Space) Direct connections to mental healthcare like counseling and psychiatry, medical care for physical concerns and more. www. nuci.org, 706-​227-​1515 MINDFUL BREATH SANGHA MEETING (Healing Lodge) In the Zen tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh. Sundays, 1–2:30 p.m. Newcomers welcome.

Free. www.mindfulbreathsangha.org 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

ABOUT READY-MADE MEALS FOR THE 4TH OF JULY CHOOSE LOCAL FLAVOR FROM EPTING EVENTS FOR YOUR FAMILY BBQ BEEF SHORT RIBS COLLARD GREENS MAC & CHEESE SMOKED BOSTON BUTT HELLO DOLLY BARS CHEESE BISCUITS

ORDER YOUR MEAL BY JULY 1ST FOR LOCAL PICK UP BY JULY 3RD WWW.AGOODSTORY.COM

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

JUNE 17, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

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threats & promises

Mike Richmond’s Without An Audience PLUS, MORE MUSIC NEWS AND GOSSIP

By Gordon Lamb threatsandpromises@flagpole.com

KAREN ALLISON

AROUND THE BEND: Love Tractor co-­founder Mike Richmond released his first official solo album, Without An Audience, late last week courtesy of Strolling Bones Records. He’s got a crack team of contributors on here as well, including Joe Rowe, David Barbe, John Neff, Adam Poulin, Ben Hackett, Neil Rosenbaum and Jason NeSmith. Fans of classic Love Tractor will recognize Richmond’s chiming guitar, pop sensibility and tight arrangements. This is especially true on the whimsical but poignant, harmonica-­ punctuated “You Are Not Alone.” For more information, please see strollingbonesrecords. com, and you can hear the whole thing over at mike-­-­richmond.band​ camp.com.

THE SUMMER COMES UNDONE: Songwriter,

If you are in crisis due to domestic violence, Classic City Orthodontics wants you to find help.

guitarist and singer Scott Roberts has returned with a cool new album named Fake Fakebook on which he Mike Richmond covers “62.5%” of Yo La Tengo’s wonderful 1990 album Fakebook. Covering an album of covers is certainly a thing, as Roberts himself readily admits. He recorded the entire thing live to his iPhone, so what’s your excuse?

Continuing on, though, particular highlights on this 11-­song release are Roberts’ versions of “Can’t Forget,” “Tried So Hard,” his full-­ throated performance on “Oklahoma, USA” and a cool take on John Cale’s “Andalucia.”

Find this at scottroberts1.bandcamp.com.

ESCAPE FROM NOISE: Experimental electronic

troupers Invisible Machine already had attention by tagging its music with If your partner objects when you use themy phone, which is a term a lot limits your everyday contact with family“plunderphonics,” and friends, people use correctly, but a task often and you restrict yourself to avoid angry,of aggressive Ifconfrontations, your partner objects you use phone, executed poorly.

I’m pleased to report that you need to when step back and takethe Invisible Machine nails it. I was especially limits your everyday contact with family and another look. How can you cope once you are involved friends, impressed with the agitated ambience of with you a controlling Callto Project Safe for help. and restrictpartner? yourself avoid angry, aggressive “Hiding In Convergence” as well as the Our hotline is confidential, and counseling is free. confrontations, you need to step back and take future-­primitive pastoralism of “Piano Get your life back. Get help. another look. How can you copePiano.” onceThe you are cut-­ upsinvolved of “Maythti” are temptwith a controlling partner? Call ing Project for help. to playSafe backward to see if there are any hidden messages, and this remains true for Our hotline24 is hours/day confidential, and counseling is free.

Hotline, God.” In the group’s online bio it If your partner objects when youGet useyour the phone, back. help. del “Mother Linea de life crisis, las Get 24 horas dia mentions that this music is, “New deal era limits your everyday contact with family and friends, noises for Hoover townies & city kickers.” and you restrict yourself to avoid angry, aggressive And, dammit, that’s good enough for me.

Find this sweet chunk of art-­for-­art’s-­sake confrontations, you need to step back and take over at invisiblemachine.bandcamp.com.

706-543-3331

706-543-3331

Hotline, 24 hours/day

another look. How can you cope once you are involved Linea de crisis, las 24 horas del dia with a controlling partner? Call Project Safe for help.

HERE’S SOMETHING: Tattoo Logic, which is just such an unfortunate name, has released Our hotline is confidential, and counseling is free. its 10-­song self-­titled album. It begins to Get your life back. Get help. really kick in around the double-­dose of “Big

706-543-3331

Hotline, 24 hours/day

Linea de crisis, las 24 horas del dia

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · JUNE 17, 2026

Fish Intro” and “Big Fish” with the latter being a solid pop-­punk number, albeit a little reserved, and the former a decent little third-­wave emo introduction. I don’t really know what to do with the funky alt-­rock of “Simple Symbols,” so I’m going to ignore that one. Similarly, the jam band aesthetics

of “Soul Searching For The Soulless,” “Favorite Flavor” and “Sleep Listening” don’t elevate this. Every member of this group has had extensive training in their instruments and, indeed, this was recorded at the Dancz Center for New Music.

However, skillful playing doesn’t translate immediately into good songwriting, and mostly this suffers from too much going on with no real direction. Your mileage may vary, of course, so if you’re interested check it out at tattoologic.bandcamp.com, and for more information, please see instagram. com/tattoologicband.

GOT TIX?: While no show is absolutely certain to sell out, there are indeed still some that are pretty much guaranteed to be packed no matter the official ticket count. In this spirit, let’s cue the mighty math monsters Cinemechanica who return after an absence of several years to the 40 Watt Club stage Friday, July 17. Also on the bill this night are Tiger Bear Wolf and Real Wow. Advance tickets are $15, which you may want to go ahead and secure unless you just love the thrill of not really knowing whether or not you’ll get in. Advance tickets are available at 40watt.com, and you can catch up with all things Cinemechanica via cinemechanica. bandcamp.com, facebook.com/cinemechanica and cinemechanica.com.

SINGLES GOING STEADY: Atticus Roness is technically based in Atlanta but has recorded and played here in Athens enough for this to be of some interest. While his new full-­length album Rock ’N’ Roll Hit Parade won’t come out until Sept. 4, he’s got a summer full of singles slated for release.

The first is “Lovebombs.” It’s a classic pub-­ styled rocker in the vein of Nick Lowe, Elvis Costello, Dave Edmunds, et al. But this is also completely American and has big guitar solos, tooth-­rotting sweetness of a bridge and chorus, and hooks galore. Find it on major streaming services, and for more information, please see atticusroness.net.

SUSTAINED DISDAIN: Word on the street, and online, is that a new tape and a new split-­ release are on-­deck for hardcore merchants Crying Form. But, for now, we have a lone new song named “Contempt.” It’s only one-­ minute-­and-­thirty-­nine-­seconds long but completes the job successfully. The bones of this style of music were formed decades ago, but Crying Form is one of the few bands competent enough to grab it with both hands as if to say, “Hey, we speak this language as well!” At any rate, I dig ’em. It’s circle pit ready, sounds like it was recorded inside a mud pie, and hits as quick as a sucker punch. Find it at hardtackk.band​ camp.com. f

SUDOKU

Edited by Margie E. Burke

Difficulty: Easy

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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 by 3 boxes must contain Week of 36/15/26 - 6/21/26 the numbers 1 to 9.

The Weekly Crossword 1

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2 274 283 5 7 6 8 929 1 33 34 6 2 9 7 8 4 3 1 5 36 37 6 5 1 9 8 2 4 3 7 40 39 3 9 2 8 6 7 1 4 5 42 8 1 4 3 439 5 2 7 6 7 6 455 462 1 4 9 8 347 4 498 6 1 2 3 7 550 9 48 1 3 9 7 5 8 6 56 2 4 55 5 2 7 6 4 9 3 59 1 8 58 26

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ACROSS 1 Scottish miss 5 James who played Sonny Corleone 9 Woodworking files 14 Like a mechanic's rag 15 Pakistani language 16 French farewell 17 Philanderer 19 Part of NOW 20 Courage 21 Voicemail precursor 23 Like pie?

25 Stand for a portrait 26 Bold and outspoken 29 Crime-fighting turtles, briefly 30 One of the Gershwins 33 Company stationery 35 Point on a bus map 36 Neat anagram 37 Eagle's nest 38 Havana's home 39 Psychic 40 Checkout device

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Copyright 2026 by The Puzzle Syndicate

42 Royal flush card 43 ___ the hatchet 44 Oscar winner Borgnine 45 Certain believer 47 Guitar part 48 Francis, in Florence 51 Polite 55 Dentist's direction 56 Exhibiting angst 58 Misbehave 59 Genesis son 60 Narrow aperture 61 Winter runners?

62 It's tied at the altar 63 Julia's "Ocean's Eleven" role DOWN 1 Homebuyer's need 2 ___-de-camp 3 Talk like a lush 4 "Looney Tunes" lisper 5 Word before card or stick 6 Wide assortment 7 Mideast's Gulf of ____ 8 Mother's helper 9 Least refined

YOU ARE WELCOME HERE

10 Put on a pedestal 11 Likeness 12 Hammerhead part 13 Performed an aria 18 Make fun 22 Vagabond 24 Erie Canal city 26 Dynamite time?

27 She was Roxie in "Chicago" 28 Wedding party members 29 Absorbent fabric 31 Court wear 32 In different places 34 Despondent 35 Barest 41 At attention 43 Pull-up pullers 46 Follow as a result 47 Folded paper 48 Gridiron great Tarkenton 49 Puerto ___ 50 Reunion group 52 Low-lying area 53 Fertility goddess 54 Allows 57 Small insect

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

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