If your partner objects when you use the phone, limits your everyday contact with family and friends, and you restrict yourself to avoid angry, aggressive confrontations, you need to step back and take another look. How can you cope once you are involved with a controlling partner? Call Project Safe for help. Our hotline is confidential, and counseling is free.
706-543-3331
Hotline, 24 hours/day
If your partner objects when you use the phone, limits your everyday contact with family and friends, and you restrict yourself to avoid angry, aggressive confrontations, you need to step back and take another look. How can you cope once you are involved with a controlling partner? Call Project Safe for help. Our hotline is confidential, and counseling is free. Get your life back. Get help.
Linea de crisis, las 24 horas del dia
If your partner objects when you use the phone, limits your everyday contact with family and friends, and you restrict yourself to avoid angry, aggressive confrontations, you need to step back and take another look. How can you cope once you are involved with a controlling partner? Call Project Safe for help. Our hotline is confidential, and counseling is free. Get your life back. Get help. If you are in crisis due to domestic violence, Alpha Chi Omega wants you
706-543-3331
Hotline, 24 hours/day
Linea de crisis, las 24 horas del dia
706-543-3331 Hotline, 24 hours/day
Linea de crisis, las 24 horas del dia
We are offering discounted rates for local, independently owned businesses on our Shop Your Ath Off page in the issues of July 15th, 22nd and 29th. Run one, two or all three weeks. No contract needed. First deadline is July 8th.
For
In Memory of Brian Burke
PUBLISHER & ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Alicia Nickles
PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Larry Tenner
ADVERTISING SALES Jonathon Musser, Isabella Williams
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Sam Lipkin
CITY EDITOR Blake Aued
MUSIC EDITOR Sam Lipkin
ARTS & CULTURE COORDINATOR Libba Beaucham
OFFICE MANAGER & DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Jennifer Keene
CLASSIFIED ADS & CALENDAR COORDINATOR Jennifer Keene
AD DESIGNERS Chris McNeal, Cody Robinson
CONTRIBUTORS Erin France, Maya Homan, Gordon Lamb, Rebecca McCarthy, Ed Tant
CARTOONISTS Missy Kulik, David Mack, Klon Waldrip, Joey Weiser
CIRCULATION Gerald Burris, Charles Greenleaf, Joe Rowe
EDITORIAL & OFFICE ASSISTANT Mary Beth Bryan
EDITORIAL INTERNS Lily Thomas
PHOTOGRAPHERS CJ Bartunek, Kat Wood, Jake Zerkel
SPECIAL AGENT Pete McCommons
online exclusive
The Athens Music Walk of Fame Committee officially announced five new inductees for 2026 in between acts during the AthFest Music & Arts Festival on Friday, June 26. Honorees included Mary Frances Early, Elite tha Showstoppa, Hugh Hodgson, The Jesters and Wuxtry Records.
See “Athens Music Walk of Fame Announces 2026 Inductees” at flagpole.com.
L A G P O L E . C O M
Krakin Jokes, started in 2015 by Kelly Petronis, is returning on Friday, July 3 at Flying Squid Comedy.
more information, see “Calendar Pick: Krakin Jokes” online at flagpole.com.
city dope
Pedal to the Metal
BIKE
PROJECTS PROGRESS IN ATHENS AND MORE LOCAL NEWS
By Blake Aued and Rebecca McCarthy news@flagpole.com
Athens scored a woeful 23 out of 100 on People for Bike’s most recent city rankings, putting it in the lowest 25th percentile among more than 3,000 U.S. cities for the safety and usefulness of its bike network. Despite its reputation as a progressive city, Athens ranked just 60th in Georgia, behind bastions of socialism like Jefferson, Canton and Dahlonega, where the Lycra- clad elite hold sway over oppressed drivers. With a few exceptions, mostly on campus and the Eastside, Athens streets are “high stress” for cyclists, and the scattershot network of bike lanes does not connect residents to jobs, services or other amenities.
Fortunately, help is on the way. Last week Daniel Sizemore, Athens- Clarke County’s bike and pedestrian coordinator, provided the Athens in Motion Commission—a volunteer group that advises local officials on transportation projects—with an update on more than a dozen projects that are in the works.
The projects below are listed in rough order of where they are in the process, from those that are about to be built to those that are still in the early design stage. “Even if there is a date, it’s not set in stone. That’s kind of our best guess,” Sizemore said. “Generally what I’ve found talking to project managers is they don’t like to say, ‘It will be done by this date,’ because it’s hard to know.”
TIMOTHY ROAD/MITCHELL
BRIDGE ROAD: Two multi-use paths along the corridor are expected to be completed this fall and winter, respectively.
SYCAMORE DRIVE: A sidewalk is in the land acquisition phase.
PRINCE AVENUE/JEFFERSON ROAD: Coming improvements include a left- turn lane from Jefferson Road onto Jefferson River Road, as well as right-in, right-out access at Camak Drive, Putters Drive and Kinder Morgan Driveway. Preliminary plans for a sidewalk, transit stops and signalized crosswalks are underway on Old Jefferson Road between Jefferson River Road and Newton Bridge Road, which will also provide a safer biking alternative to Jefferson Road. After a delay from changing design firms, ACC is also working with GDOT and CSX Railroad on a Jefferson Road multi-use path between Old Jefferson Road and Vincent Drive, with completion now scheduled for 2028. In addition, GDOT is adding crosswalks at Georgia Avenue and near the Social Security building, although the details aren’t finalized. Meanwhile, construction on the per-
around Chase Street and Newton Bridge Road, this project has been somewhat scaled back after commissioners altered the plans twice. Now the path will only extend from Chase to Oneta streets, using “sharrows” (painted share- the-road symbols) rather than protected infrastructure for the section between Oneta and Prince. The northern half, sections 1 and 2, are moving toward final design, while sections 3 and 4 have been tabled. An all- way stop at Barrow Street was added as part of this project, and new crosswalks are coming to the Boulevard intersection.
VINCENT DRIVE: A 1.4-mile sidewalk between Holland Park and Jefferson River Road is expected to move into right-of- way acquisition within the next month.
NORTH AVENUE: Funded by a highly competitive $25 million federal RAISE (Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Safety and Equity) grant under the Biden administration, this project has a complex history. First commissioners rejected a proposed four-lane configuration in favor of keeping the wide, fast and dangerous road five lanes. Then local officials learned that they would likely miss a key deadline due to the
with Epps Bridge Road and Hodgson Drive, near Hancock Avenue, as well as $550,000 toward improved lighting between Epps Bridge and Alps Road. GDOT is developing three alternatives for the path. A final design for a roundabout at West Broad and Hancock Avenue is expected in late July. That project will also include traffic- calming speed tables and filling in sidewalk gaps on nearby residential streets.
FIVE POINTS INTERSECTION: A user group is working with the professional design team on project concepts. It will include new crosswalks with a pedestrian-only phase, pedestrian refuges and other improvements. Although the intersection could eventually be turned into a roundabout, it’s more likely that the final design will use only the existing right-of- way. [Blake Aued]
Students’ Song Celebrates U.S.
Taught by English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) educator Keli Bivins, a sixth-grade class of non-native English speakers at Clarke Middle School has written and performed an original hip-hop song that celebrates the 250th birthday of the United States.
CHASE STREET: Land acquisition is underway for roundabouts and a multi-use path around the Loop interchange at Chase, in coordination with GDOT. The path will run from Oneta to Barber with crosswalks at the roundabouts. Construction is scheduled to start in late 2027.
RIVERBEND ROAD: The scheduled completion date for a multi-use path between College Station Road and South Milledge Avenue is December, although “I would be surprised if that’s true,” Sizemore said. ACC is still negotiating with UGA for access to a disused railbed through campus that the university purchased several years ago.
HAWTHORNE AVENUE AT OGLETHORPE AVENUE: ACC is currently negotiating to acquire land to reconfigure the intersection. The project will fill a gap in Oglethorpe’s bike lane between Sunset Drive and the fire station.
manent Prince Avenue protected bike lanes between Pulaski Street and Milledge Avenue should be starting “any day now,” according to Sizemore. The temporary “zippers” and plastic pylons will be replaced with concrete.
LEXINGTON ROAD: Three separate projects are underway on Lexington Road. One is a sidewalk on the north side from roughly Winterville Road to Atlas Way, the entrance to the new apartment complex near the police station. A multi-use path will extend to the Walmart shopping center. Further along time- wise is a sidewalk on the south side of the highway, between the end of the recent Loop construction and Southeast Clarke Park. “We’ll have sidewalks along the entire south side of Lexington, which will be huge. It will be fantastic,” Sizemore said.
BARBER STREET: Originally intended as a multi-use path connecting Prince Avenue with the fast-growing former industrial area
redesign and necessary right-of- way acquisition. But they received a reprieve when Congress unexpectedly gave recipients a five- year extension. Now the project is back to four lanes—one southbound, one turn lane and two northbound to accommodate drivers leaving football games and major downtown events—and back on track. It also includes new bike lanes and sidewalks. Construction is scheduled to be completed in 2033.
STONEHENGE SIDEWALKS: TSPLOST- funded sidewalk improvements in the neighborhood off Atlanta Highway are nearing the preliminary engineering phase.
ATLANTA HIGHWAY/WEST BROAD: While primarily a Georgia Department of Transportation project, the ACC Commission contributed $3 million from TSPLOST 2023 toward a multi-use walking and biking path on the north side of the corridor between the split
At the start of the academic year, her six students had different language proficiencies—some read only a little English, while others could hold a conversation—but everyone worked together to create “Somos Unidos.” “These students came from urban settings, which is unusual,” Bivins said. “Music was the one thing they all loved, so that’s what we decided to focus on.”
She applied for and received a $400 classroom innovation grant from the Clarke Middle School Parent-Teacher Association. With that money, she was able to pay an honorarium to musician and veteran literacy teacher Jim Willingham, who worked with the children on their reading and rhyming skills, and to bilingual music producer Bryant Perez, who raps in Spanish. An ESOL student in Gainesville when he arrived in Georgia, Perez produced the song. He told Bivins he wanted to get involved to give back to the community.
The class began working on the project in January. They took what they were learning in social studies—whose topic was exploring Latin America—and “used that, plus English instruction, in the song,” says Bivins. They learned the geography of Latin America, including, for example, the importance of rivers throughout the region.
“Kids learn by using rhyming words and word families,” Willingham said. He worked with the students for several weeks. “The brain works by making analogies. We worked on rhyming couplets, and then we would sing together.”
Perez blended the different performances into a cohesive presentation.“It was a slow process for the kids to get to rhyming, but they did it,” Bivins said. “I’m so proud of them all.” [Rebecca McCarthy] f
Permanent concrete barriers separating bikes from cars on Prince Avenue should be installed any day now.
SUZANNAH EVANS / FILE
Election Bill Passes
LEGISLATURE KEEPS QR CODES, SCALES BACK HAND RECOUNTS
By Maya Homan news@flagpole.com
Georgia lawmakers dialed back a controversial change that would have mandated hand recounts of the two top- ticket races in every election before local officials could certify the results.
The hand- count provision was added by Senate Republicans to a measure extending the state’s self-imposed deadline to stop using ballot QR codes to tally votes, prompting outcry from Democrats, local election officials and other advocacy groups. The revised measure, which passed out of both chambers largely along party lines, limits the use of hand recounts to only the governor’s or lieutenant governor’s race, and implements them only when the leading candidate’s margin of victory falls within half a percent of the candidate in second place. The state will reimburse counties for the cost of conducting a hand recount.
The bill also allows the state to continue using QR codes to tally votes until 2028, meaning they will still be in place for this year’s midterms, and mandates additional post-election audits on certain statewide contests and establishes a special committee to help select the state’s next voting system.
An amendment added by Covington Rep. Tim Fleming, the Republican nominee for secretary of state, instructs the committee to narrow their focus to hand-marked paper ballot systems, which would represent a shift away from Georgia’s current system that uses voting machines to mark ballots.
vocal group of conservative activists who have continuously cast doubt on Georgia’s election integrity in the years since President Joe Biden’s 2020 victory in Georgia. “You just cannot build a healthy democracy by catering to people who will just never accept the results of an election if it does not favor them,” she said.
Fair Fight Action CEO Lauren GrohWargo echoed Clark’s sentiments, criticizing the use of ballot hand counts and arguing that Republicans were “giving conspiracy theorists outsized influence over how Georgia’s elections are run.”
The People’s Bicentennial
THE PROBLEMS OF 1976 ARE STILL WITH US TODAY
By Ed Tant news@flagpole.com
“For too long, patriotism has been used by the power holders to manipulate and exploit. It is time for all decent Americans who love their country… to take back the flag.” So said a manifesto by the People’s Bicentennial Commission in 1976, when this nation celebrated its 200th birthday. The organization’s words from half a century ago resonate more than ever today as the United States marks its 250th anniversary on July 4.
were environmentalist Barry Commoner, Chicago Seven show trial defendant Tom Hayden and his then- wife, actress/activist Jane Fonda, who told rally-goers to “take it home” and bring positive political changes to their local areas.
Opponents of ballot QR codes had long hoped that Georgia might find a way to phase out voting machines this year and replace them with hand-marked paper ballots, which they say can be more easily verified. Voter GA cofounder Garland Favorito, who has been one of the main proponents of switching to hand-marked and handcounted ballots ahead of the midterm elections, said he had conflicting feelings about the version of the bill that crossed the finish line. “It’s a mixed bag,” Favorito said, arguing that the bill takes “steps in the right direction, but it doesn’t ensure that the 2026 elections are going to be secure.”
The PBC was a left- wing alternative to the official U.S. Bicentennial events in observance of this nation’s 200th year. Urging citizens to “join the Second American revolution,” the PBC’s focus was on the power of plutocracy and multinational corporations to affect the lives of the American people. Decades before the Occupy Wall Street movement decried economic injustice in America, People’s Bicentennial organizers were rallying about the same issue at a rally in Washington, DC on July 4, 1976.
“ The PBC’s focus was on the power of plutocracy and multinational corporations to affect the lives of the American people.
In 1976 the resignation of the scandalridden President Richard Nixon and his subsequent pardon by his hand-picked successor, President Gerald Ford, were still on the minds of millions. For the first time in history the United States had an unelected chief executive and an unelected vice president, billionaire Nelson Rockefeller. Such a shady scenario was mocked by rally speaker Jonathan Kozol, an author and educator who brought cheers from the assembled crowd when he called the president “a rusty Ford with four flat tires, parked in the Oval Office.”
Sen. Max Burns, a Sylvania Republican who is sponsoring the bill in the Senate, told lawmakers the language “ensures that Georgia moves forward, that our elections are safe and secure, that we are prepared for not only 2026 elections but also for ’27 and ’28 and beyond.”
Speaking to reporters after the bill passed, Burns added that the hand count provision was aimed at boosting voter confidence in the machine- tallied election results, despite the fact that studies have shown hand- counts of ballots are less accurate than ballots counted by machines. “We’re not using the hand count as the primary method of determining election results,” he said. “When the machine tabulation suggests that a race is very close, we then say ‘review it,’ take a second count, and evaluate it.”
But Democrats questioned the measure’s reliance on hand recounts, citing high labor costs and the potential for human error. They also pushed unsuccessfully to have the bill changed to guarantee that a member of the minority party would have a seat on the special committee that will help choose the state’s next election system.
Rep. Jasmine Clark, a Lilburn Democrat who is running for Congress, accused Republicans of acquiescing to a small but
The last-minute addition of the handcounting provision also risked compromising the support of the Georgia Association of Voter Registration and Election Officials, which had initially supported the bill but reversed its stance after mandatory hand counts for the top two races in every election were added to the legislation.
Joseph Kirk, the Bartow County elections director and president of the association, said he was glad to see the hand recount provision scaled back in the final version, arguing that small discrepancies in vote totals can easily undermine voter confidence. “When you see small changes in results, the question is why?” he said. “And most of the time when you’re hand counting, that’s an issue with people that are doing the hand count.”
He added that local officials may still have to adapt to some new audit and recount procedures for the midterm election, but said the bill is ultimately a “clear path forward” for election administrators.
The bill now goes to the governor’s desk for his signature.
Gov. Brian Kemp announced the special session in May, calling lawmakers back to the Capitol to address the QR code issue, to redraw the state’s political maps, ratify the recent gas tax suspension and consider local tax referendums. However, Republican lawmakers in both chambers ultimately backtracked on their plans to redistrict, and Democrats successfully blocked the tax measures. f
Protest buttons and banners are a part of any march or rally in Washington and the PBC gave a nod to history with its logo of the “Don’t Tread On Me” flag featuring a fierce rattlesnake coiled to strike. The flag is called the Gadsden Flag for its creator, Christopher Gadsden of South Carolina, a brigadier general in the Continental Army during the American Revolution. Gadsden flags flew over the 1976 rally in Washington long before the right- wing TEA Party movement carried the same flag in Washington in 2009 and insurrectionist mobs hoisted the Gadsden flag as they stormed the Capitol on the Jan. 6 “date of infamy” in 2021. I still have a “Don’t Tread On Me” button that I picked up at the PBC rally half a century ago.
After the People’s Bicentennial rally in 1976 I wrote, “The dream of freedom continues, the light of hope still shines, agitation still goes on in the courts, on the campuses, in the jails and on the streets.”
It was a sunny summer Sunday when the PBC’s Rally for Economic Democracy enlivened the nation’s anniversary events in Washington, and I was there covering the rally for the Athens Observer weekly newspaper. During a spirited march from the Jefferson Memorial to the National Mall not far from the stately Capitol, Gadsden flags fluttered in the breeze above the cheering, chanting crowd. PBC volunteer Mary Murphy summed up the significance of the flag’s rattlesnake motif, saying, “The rattlesnake has no eyelids, so it is evervigilant. Also, it never attacks without a warning.”
The People’s Bicentennial rally was not large, by Washington standards, but it was important, memorable and prescient. Musician Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul and Mary fame sang protest songs that fit the mood of the day. Among the speakers at the event
Now it is 50 years later, and the same issues raised by the PBC rally of 1976 are still relevant today.
The 1976 PBC rally countered the official ceremonies in Washington, but all were welcome at both events. The official Bicentennial was often dismissed by protesters as a corporate and commercialized “Buy- Centennial.” In many ways it was, but multitudes enjoyed the official Bicentennial events like a gala parade with Johnny Cash as grand marshal, a Festival of American Folklife, the opening of the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum and a thunderous fireworks display while the National Symphony Orchestra performed.
As America’s 250th birthday approaches, citizens today would do well to remember George Washington’s wise words of warning: “Guard against the postures of pretended patriotism.” f
State Sen. Max Burns discusses his election bill on June 23.
ROSS WILLIAMS / GEORGIA RECORDER
Remembering Brian Burke
THIS FLYER WAS IN THE MUSIC SCENE FROM THE GIT-GO
By Dan Johnson music@flagpole.com
OnMay 30—with Fran, his beloved wife of 50 years at his side, along with Tom Ryan, his great friend and musical brother—Brian Burke died at home, 59 years after he first came to Athens.
Brian entered the University of Georgia in the fall of 1967, and the first friend he made at his Reed Hall residence was Jimmy Uhler. “Fat Jimmy” worked as the doorman at The Last Resort, which was the whole downtown Athens music scene at that time. The small folk club was owned by Terry Melton and featured some of the top folk singers of the day, including Jeff Espina, Gamble Rogers, Elizabeth Corrigan, Steve Young and Billy Joe Shaver.
Jimmy introduced Brian to the club, and he started hanging out there. When Terry discovered that Brian played the guitar, he encouraged the shy newcomer onto the stage. Before long, Brian was playing on weeknights and watching and learning from the weekend headliners. He always credited Gamble with teaching him the fingerpicking style that would help Brian develop into Athens’ finest flat- top picker.
In 1971, Your Mother’s Moustache opened its doors. It was the first downtown Athens club where you could hear live music, dance and buy a beer. The local scene was exploding with bands looking for somewhere to play—Easy Roscoe, Labyrinth, Chili Dreams—but the undisputed best was Mad Dog Melton and the Laughing Disaster. Terry was on a stool out front with Randall Bramblett on keyboards, sax and whatever; Davis Causey on guitar; Arch Pearson and Cleon Nally back and forth on bass; and first Ed Dye, then Moi Harris on drums—a truly great band. But Terry believed that every band should have a rhythm guitar player, and he nominated Brian for the job. Brian had never played electric guitar before, but Terry was convinced he could handle it, and handle it he did. He became a great rhythm guitar player at a time when everybody else was dreaming of being the next Eric Clapton.
Davidowski—a who’s who of Athens musicians in the early ’70s.
In 1975, bass player Greg Veale was living at 815 Milledge Ave. The house has a large front porch, and after gigs musicians would gather there and enjoy late night acoustic pick ’n’ grins. This is where Brian, Greg and Mike Cronic started playing together, and something clicked among them. In 1978 they formed The Normaltown Flyers.
They hit the ground running. They played the newly opened Georgia Theatre as the opening act for The Earl Scruggs Revue, John Prine and Sea Level. Danny Self, the manager of “World Famous” Allen’s Hamburgers, approached them with the idea of playing every Wednesday night at the venerable Normaltown blue collar, white collar, no collar beer joint. The Flyers were a perfect fit, and began a legendary run of shows that lasted over 20 years until they closed down Allen’s on Dec. 31, 2003.
Among those who sometimes sat in with The Flyers was Peter Buck, who remembers Brian: “With the passing of Brian Burke, Athens has lost one of the alltime honky tonk greats. For over 30 years The Flyers rocked Athens. Brian was a great singer-
enough to play Allen’s on Friday night.
John Keane remembers Brian: “As a musician in the early ’80s, I always looked up to Brian Burke, Davis Causey and Randall Bramblett. They gave younger musicians something to aspire to. Brian had that bone- chilling country blues voice that could cut right through the honky tonk cacophony of a Wednesday night at Allen’s.
“I didn’t get to know him well until The Flyers came to my studio to record Barnstorming. It was 1984, and I was just getting started. I had an eight- track reel- to-reel, one good mic and not much else. He had a laconic, easygoing manner and a unique
Quinter kicking in on drums when called for. And Mike Caulk was known as “the fourth Flyer.”
Andy remembers Brian: “There was such a variety of people who would come to Allen’s. Goldberg, Scott Adams buck dancing. Mad Dog would come from flipping burgers to sing a song. Brian always welcomed my grandpa [fiddler Earl Murphy] to join us. What great crowds! Brian was a country music historian, but he loved all kinds of music. He didn’t just come to my master’s recital in the Chapel, he played with me. He loved The Rolling Stones. We did an all Stones show billed as The Stolen Bones at the Theatre. Always fun. He was such a good friend.”
Randall Bramblett remembers Brian: “He had such an incredible dedication to and love of the music. It always felt good playing with him. He was a great picker of songs; whether covers or originals, his passion for the music always came through.”
Brian continued to play and learn with Dixie Grease, The Riverbottom Band, The Austin Church band and Boone Montgomery, Carl Vipperman, Jay Smith, Buddy Blackman, Kathleen McGuire, Cal Hale, Mike Cronic, Greg Veale, Joe Barnes, Jim Cavenaugh, Austin Church, Don Allgood, Marion Jamison, Freddie Seagraves, Steve
songwriter, and The Flyers were an Athens treasure.”
In the rich history of The Flyers, a Thanksgiving Eve tradition was born, an annual show to mark the start of the holiday season. There were records and cassette and CD releases. There was the excitement of the Nashville signing and the two Mercury record releases. There were personnel changes. There was Brian’s two- year stint working in Nashville as a staff writer for Harold Shed’s Millhouse Music. This was a dream job for Brian, but he still refused to move to Nashville. He would return home every weekend, trying to arrive early
fingerpicking style that really impressed me as a guitarist. That started a friendship that lasted until his recent passing. It was always a pleasure working with Brian and getting the opportunity to render with him at live shows. No ego, no baggage: just having a good time playing good music with good friends.”
Greg played with Brian for 15 years and could sum up Brian’s playing in one sentence: “He never had an off night.”
Over the years the three-man Flyers were drawn from Brian, Greg, Davis Causey, Tom Ryan, David Blackmon, Andy Carlson and Mike Cronic, with Cal Hale and Deane
Tom Ryan remembers Brian: “He was so much fun to play with. His rhythm and fingerpicking were rock solid. His songs were nothing fancy, but they were well thought out, and they worked. With Fran at his side he was able to live his life playing music.”
Brian and Fran held an open house gathering on Christmas every year. It was always special, but the past year, looking like it would be Brian’s last, it took on extra meaning. There were over 30 people packed into the Burkes’ Sunset Drive home, and, as the evening peaked, Tom Ryan handed Andy Carlson a guitar and just said, “Run Rudolph Run.”
The Normaltown Flyers’ Thanksgiving Eve Holiday Kickoffs always included Chuck Berry’s classic, the only Christmas song the Flyers played.
Tom knelt on the floor next to Brian’s chair anticipating helping Brian, but to nobody’s surprise, Brian’s shoulders and head rose as Andy began playing, and Brian was singing along with Andy and Tom without missing a beat. By the second verse, everybody was joining in, singing and dancing around the crowded room, and the place erupted with applause and laughter and tears. It was a hell of a party.
A remembrance of Brian in stories and music is planned for the Georgia Theater at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 15, with details to be announced later. f
Brian Burke, doing what he did.
Some of The Flyers: (l-r) Deane Quinter, Brian Burke, Greg Veale, Tom Ryan
DAN JOHNSON
calendar picks arts & culture
Star Room Boys Return
PLUS, MORE MUSIC NEWS AND GOSSIP
By Gordon Lamb threatsandpromises@flagpole.com
TEARIN’ UP BOTH OUR TOWNS: While they weren’t Athens’ first country band by a long shot, there’s no denying that the Star Room Boys played a popular and pivotal role in the establishment of what we can now casually refer to as the Athens Americana scene. Although the Star Room Boys, who existed between 1994–2002, were always much more traditional than “Americana” would indicate, they were also Athens’ calling card to a national scene that had a hell of a lot of momentum at the time. The band released two acclaimed full-length
hear it. So go bother the band themselves at instagram.com/cousinclemband.
records, Why Do Lonely Men and Women Want To Break Each Other’s Hearts? (1999) and This World Just Won’t Leave You Alone (2002). For two nights only this August the band will reform. First is Friday, Aug. 28 at Atlanta venue The Earl with Thayer Sarrano ($24.82 in advance, inclusive of fees) and then the next night Saturday, Aug. 29 at the 40 Watt Club ($20.20 in advance, inclusive of fees) with Don Chambers. As expected, tickets appear to be flying out the door for these shows already, and there is no expectation of further performances. For tickets and absolutely zero additional information, please see starroomboys.com.
OPEN ALL NIGHT: Preorders are open as we speak for the new album Back On My Good Foot by blues guitarist, and collaborator with more artists than even he’s likely to remember, Rick Fowler. The 10-track album comes courtesy of Strolling Bones Records and will see release as digital download, compact disc and double-LP vinyl on July 17. The first single, “Skeletons In Your Closet,” features a foot stompin’ beat, border-radio tinged vocals in its intro, and a steady and measured blues jam throughout. The official release show happens Friday, July 31 at the 40 Watt Club with special guest Michael Guthrie. For more information, please see strollingbonesrecords.com/rick-fowler.
HEE HAW: Athens Americana rocker Cousin Clem has a fiery new single out this week on July 3. It’s named “Sarcophagus Blues” and was mixed by Sloan Simpson (Sloan Brothers). It opens with a totally raw and fuzzy guitar before dropping into its full personality, which is complemented by pedal steel and a driving beat. Not much to say about this except that once it’s out I have no idea where you’ll actually be able to
KING OF CATALOG: The sheer volume of material that Killick Hinds releases is intimidating to attempt to cover, although Lord knows I’ve tried multiple times to keep up. That said, while he is an awesome and adaptable collaborator, some of my favorite work of his has always been solo. So I was quite pleased that his newest album is exactly that. The five- track record, titled No Spinning, is Killick performing his selfcreated genre of Appalachian Trance Metal. The only instrument listed is “strings” but, damn if this doesn’t sound like there’s a lot more happening. As best I can tell this was recorded improvisationally. And, if you’re unfamiliar with Killick’s work, it helps if you have a background or at least an interest in jazz, drones, acoustic instruments, etc. It is especially helpful if you leave behind any expectations for any of them. Particular highlights here are the fingerwork at the beginning of “Fomented Leverage,” as well as the slight psychedelic of “Borogodastic.” Find this at killick.bandcamp.com.
REST IN PEACE: Robert Caskin Prince III, 1963 graduate of Athens High School and founding member of The Jesters, died on June 16 in Pigeon Forge, TN. An Indiana native, Prince worked as a lawyer for many years but began creating music for video games around 1991. He was the composer for a handful of “Doom” titles, as well as a couple of “Duke Nukem” titles, among many others. He is survived by his wife Connie Freeman Prince and his sons Robert Caskin Prince IV and Andrew (Cristy) Prince, among multiple extended family members. He was 81.
BAYOU BOYS: Athens band Swamp has been putting out music for 13 years. Generally speaking, the band has done well propagating a messy-’n’-loud shambolic indie rock smorgasbord. The new EP Nutrition, however, is the most deconstructed stuff it’s ever done. Open rack “Wash Bowl” is a nerve- wracking, off-beat tune that behaves as if Jandek really wanted to sound like Black Flag. “Spineless Chord No. 4 (Mr. Mustachio)” leans back into the indie sound we’ve come to expect from the band and is easily the most immediately enjoyable track on this. The cleverly named “Dada Centers” is a tuneful but jittery mess that feels like a throw-away offered for inclusion on a foreign compilation. The relatively broken down epic-length “Go Home” clocks in at 6:27 long, and is akin to getting one’s teeth scraped for that same amount of time, which is to say it feels much longer. Check it out at swampathens.bandcamp.com, and while you’re there, dig through their older records. It’s worth your time. f
EVENT | FRI, JULY 3
Independence Day Picnic
Madison-Morgan Cultural Center • 6 p.m. • FREE!
For Madison-Morgan Cultural Center’s annual old- fashioned Independence Day Picnic, the community is invited to gather on the front lawn with picnic baskets, coolers, tables and chairs to enjoy a patriotic concert. In addition to the concert, the national anthem will be performed by Maghan Jefferson. There will also be kids activities like face painting, sidewalk chalk and photo ops with Uncle Sam. Food vendors will include This & That, Scoops Ice Cream and Kona Ice. The event is free, but tables with seating for eight can be reserved on MMCC’s website, and the best decorated table will receive a prize. The pre- celebration portion of the picnic will be from 6–7 p.m., and the concert will begin at 7 p.m. [Mary Beth Bryan]
EVENT | SAT, JULY 4
Slice of Americana
Athentic Brewing Co. • 12–9 p.m. • FREE!
Athentic’s July 4th celebration will be full of festive games, music and drinks. From 3–5 p.m. Wade Newbury will take the stage to play acoustic covers of classic rock and Americana songs. From 6–8 p.m., headliner The Hobohemians will play high-energy folk songs for the “Indepen’dance’ Party.” Classic games will be held throughout the afternoon, including a BINGO game where contestants can win prizes like brewery stickers and koozies. There will also be a tie-dye station where Athentic shirts and bandanas can be purchased to dye, or guests can bring their own white items from home and dye them for $5. Athentic will also be celebrating the release of new menu items including Apple Brandy and Knee High corn lager, festive “hello jello” shots and specialty cocktails and slushes. Finally, food from Karen’s Pupusas will be available for purchase. [MB]
MUSIC | SAT, JULY 4
less alone in their struggles. The performers for this show will include Southern blues/ doom metal band Unus Mundus, looping musician Libbaloops, deathrock/goth band Tears for the Dying and multi-genre producer and musician Bryant Perez. [MB]
EVENT | SUN, JULY 5
Athens 706 Day
Bishop Park • 2–7 p.m. • FREE! The second annual Athens 706 Day returns with the goal to bring together local residents, families, businesses and community organizations for a day of fun and connection. Named for the local 706 area code, the event was envisioned by Alesha Smith and Isaiah Stephens as a way to bring different generations together in celebration and appreciation of the Athens community. There will be free food, athletic competitions, a water balloon fight, music and a vendor area for resources and businesses. In the spirit of supporting local, organizers have worked with locally owned businesses to continue the celebration on Monday for a 706 Saving Day, where businesses that signed up will offer a $7.06 inspired deal. The list of participating businesses and associated deals will be advertised on the @ athens706day Instagram page. [Sam Lipkin]
JOKERJOKERtv, a local volunteerdriven, community- supported television platform, is hosting a special concert to celebrate America’s birthday and promote mental health awareness. The proceeds from the show will benefit Nuçi’s Space in honor of the late Stephen Ernest Cramer, a longtime member of the Athens music scene who founded Brain Aid Fest to destigmatize mental illness and raise funds for local support organizations. Brain Aid benefit concerts were held in Georgia and Michigan from the 2000s to the 2020s, bringing together members of the community to feel
Lyndon House Arts Center • 12 p.m. • FREE! July is National Culinary Arts month, and Historic Athens is celebrating with the upcoming installment of its One Story series. One Story began in 2022 as part of Historic Athens’ mission to develop community understanding of the value of historic buildings, neighborhoods and heritage. On the first Tuesday of every month, it hosts free and accessible programs to share underrepresented histories. This month, archivist and author Valerie J. Frey will give a presentation on Georgia’s oldest known foodways, providing information about what those who came before us cooked and why those traditions still matter today. She will cover everything from 18th- century cookbooks to handwritten family recipes. Frey will also sign copies of her own books, including Georgia’s Historical Recipes and Preserving Family Recipes The event will also feature complimentary lunch from Rashe’s Cuisine on a first come, first serve basis. [MB] f
Star Room Boys
Unus Mundus will perform at Happy Birthday ’Murica
event calendar
Tuesday 30
ART: Artist Talk (OCAF) Artists featured in the “Southworks” juried exhibition will discuss their works. 6 p.m. FREE! www.ocaf.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
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: Volcano Madness (Bogart Library) Join Ms. Harli to learn how to craft an active volcano. 3 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. www.athenspetanque.org
Wednesday 1
EVENTS: The Athens Farmers Market (Creature Comforts Brewery) Markets offer fresh produce, flowers, eggs, meats, prepared foods, arts and crafts. Live music at 6 p.m. AFM double SNAP dollars spent. Wednesdays, 5–8 p.m. www. athensfarmersmarket.net
EVENTS: Frankenstein Flea (Dead Beat Club) A nighttime market featuring local artists and vendors selling goods. 6–10 p.m. www. deadbeatathens.com
FILM: Blood Everywhere (Ciné) A woman plagued by nightmares finds black magic, blood orgies and murder in All the Colors of the Dark. 7 p.m. FREE! www.instagram. com/bloodeverywhere.athens
GAMES: Puzzle Swap (ACC Library) Drop by to swap out your old puzzle for a new one, and work on the community puzzle. 9 a.m.–9 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org
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/shihtzunottrivia
GAMES: Classic City Trivia (The Local 706) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Garrett. Wednesdays, 7:06 p.m. www.instagram.com/classiccitytriviaco
GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (Cafe Racer (Oak St.)) Test your trivia knowledge with host TJ Wayt. Wednesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/ baddogathens
GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Locos Grill and Pub Eastside) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 8 p.m. www.instagram.com/ shihtzunottrivia
KIDSTUFF: Ms. Rachel Meet & Greet (Oconee County Library) Enjoy storytime, dino themed crafts, photo ops and a dance party. 11 a.m. & 12 p.m. FREE! www.athens library.org/oconee
Thursday 2
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
GAMES: Bad Dog BINGO (Amici at The Falls) Play BINGO with host
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.”
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.
GEORGIA MUSEUM OF ART (90 Carlton St.). “Seeing the News in Harper’s Weekly, 1860–80” features Civil War-era and Reconstruction-era illustrations by Thomas Nast and Winslow Homer, curated by students in UGA’s Hands-on Public History course. Through July 12. • On loan from the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art are 377 painted ceramic plates from Julie Green’s “The Last Supper” series inspired by death row inmates’
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 (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
Friday 3
COMEDY: Krakin Jokes (Flying Squid Comedy) A showcase of local and regional comedians plus limited open mic spots for the lucky audience members brave enough to take the stage. 8 p.m. $10. www. flyingsquidcomedy.com
EVENTS: Independence Day Picnic (Madison Morgan Cultural Center) Bring your picnic baskets, coolers, tables and/or chairs to gather on
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: Slice of Americana Fest (Athentic Brewing Co.) Celebrate July 4th with live music, classic
Garden Nights at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia will take place in the Porcelain and Decorative Arts Museum on Wednesday, July 8.
GAMES: Athens’ Hardest Trivia Night (Nighthawks Lounge) Test your trivia knowledge with host Phil. 7 p.m. www.nighthawkslounge.com
KIDSTUFF: Dino-mite Magic Show (ACC Library) Enjoy a dinosaur themed magic show with magician and ventriloquist Mr. Keith. All ages. 10:30 a.m. FREE! www.athens library.org
KIDSTUFF: Teen D&D (Bogart Library) Join a volunteer-run gaming session open to all skill levels. Grades 6–12. 6 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/bogart
MEETINGS: KnitLits Knitting Group (Bogart Library) Knitters of all levels are invited to have fun, share craft ideas and knit to their hearts’ content. Thursdays, 6 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/bogart
SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 10 a.m. www.athenspetanque.org
the front lawn for a celebration and live music. 6–8 p.m. FREE! www. mmcc-arts.org
GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Oak House Distillery) Test your general trivia knowledge. Fridays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia GAMES: Friday Night Initiative (Tyche’s Games) Learn how to play a new roleplaying game. New players welcome. 7 p.m. FREE! www. tychesgames.com
Saturday 4
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,
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.
LYNDON HOUSE ARTS CENTER (211 Hoyt St.) “Somethings” features small sculpture works by Ivy Laurel Anderson made from discarded massproduced 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. Poetry/spoken word event Aug. 27, 5:30–7:30 p.m. Through Aug. 29. • A Pet Portrait Exhibition features works submitted by the public. Through Aug. 29. • “Excursions in Ukraine” features photographs Through Aug. 29. • “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. Through Aug. 29. • “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. Through May 1, 2027.
MADISON-MORGAN CULTURAL CENTER (434 South Main Street, Madison) In celebration of the center’s 50th anniversary, the exhibition “ex-
themed and general showcases of local and regional comedians. Sundays, 9 p.m. www.athenscomedy.com
EVENTS: Athens 706 Day (Bishop Park) Second annual family-friendly festival featuring activities, games, music, food vendors and local organizations. 2–7 p.m. FREE! www.athens706day.com
EVENTS: 40s-50s Speed Dating (Athentic Brewing Co.) A meet and mingle followed by speed dating sessions for ages 40–50s. Registration required. 3–7 p.m. $25. www.athenticbrewing.com
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. www.athenspetanque.org
Monday 6
EVENTS: The Living Dinosaur and Maori Culture of New Zealand (Bogart Library) Learn about the tuatara lizard and its connection with the Maori culture, and enjoy performances by Dawn Mahealani Douglas. All ages. 1 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart
games, a tie-dye station and special menu items. 12–9 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com
EVENTS: Fourth of July Festivities (Watson Mill Bridge State Park) Celebrate America’s 250th birthday with field games like watermelon sitting, tug-of-war, horsehoes, cornhole, kickball and more. 12–4 p.m. FREE! www.gastateparks.org/ WatsonMillBridge
GAMES: Learn to Play Shadowrun RPG (Tyche’s Games) Join others to learn about the science fantasy tabletop role-playing game. 12 p.m. FREE! www.tychesgames.com
Sunday 5
CLASSES: Sewcial Sewing Club (Oconee County Library) An afternoon of simple sewing techniques with all materials provided. Ages 13 & up. 2:30 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/oconee
COMEDY: Comedy Showcase (The Globe) Athens Comedy hosts
EVENTS: Oconee County Contra Dance (Social Dance Preserve) Community dance night on first and third Mondays. 7 p.m. (beginner lesson), 8–10 p.m. (dance). $10. www.oconeecountycontra.com
GAMES: Chess and Community (ACC Library) Drop in for open chess play to learn the game, challenge skills and engage with other enthusiasts. Mondays, 3:30–5:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org
GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Fully Loaded Pizza Kitchen (Normaltown)) Test your general trivia knowledge. Mondays, 7 p.m. www. instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia
GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Dooley’s Bar and Grill) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Garrett. Mondays, 7 p.m. www.instagram. com/classiccitytriviaco
GAMES: General Trivia (Athentic Brewing Co.) Test your general trivia knowledge. Mondays, 7 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com
GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Grindhouse Killer Burgers) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Benjamin. Mondays, 7:30 p.m.
perience and intersection” features works by John Cleaveland and the late Richard Olsen. Through October.
OCAF (34 School St. Watkinsville) “Before the End of Time” features oil paintings by Terry Rowlett. Through June 26. • In the Main Gallery, “Southworks” showcases a variety of mediums juried by Beth Malone and Rachel Waldrop. Through July 31. • “Art in the Family” presents multi-medium works by OCAF members and volunteers. July 3–31.
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. WINTERVILLE CULTURAL ARTS CENTER (371 N. Church St., Winterville) Paintings by Jack Burk are on display. Through Sept. 15. • In honor of the United States’ 250th anniversary, “Rebellious Art, Treasonous Artists” is on view in Room 103. Through December.
www.instagram.com/classiccity triviaco
MEETINGS: Death Over Drafts (Athentic Brewing Co.) Conversation about the intersection between hypnosis and legacy work with Brenda Fanning. 6–8 p.m. organizingdeath @gmail.com
Tuesday 7
CLASSES: Microsoft Word: Basic Formatting (ACC Library) Learn how to create a word document and to format text, insert content and more. Registration required. 10 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org
EVENTS: Tiki Taco Tuesday (Live Wire) Enjoy craft cocktails and a taco pop-up from Don Carne with themed weeks, live music and dancing. Tuesdays, 5–10 p.m. www.livewireathens.com
FILM: OLLI Summer Film Festival (Ciné) This weekly film festival featuring best-rated movies sponsored by OLLI presents Adaptation Tuesdays, 1:30 p.m. $9. www. athenscine.com
GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (Amici at The Falls) Test your trivia knowledge with host Miles Bunch. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/ baddogathens
GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (Paloma Park) Test your trivia knowledge with host TJ Wayt. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/baddogathens
GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Winghouse Grill Hull) Test your general trivia knowledge. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunot trivia
GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Akademia Brewing Co.) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Garrett. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/classiccitytriviaco
GAMES: Bingo & Sip (MaiKai Kava Lounge) Play BINGO with a chance to win prizes. Every other Tuesday, 7 p.m. FREE! www.athenskava.com
GAMES: UnPhiltered Trivia (Mellow Mushroom) Test your trivia knowledge with host Phil. 7 p.m. www. facebook.com/MellowMushroom
Athens
GAMES: Singo! (Beef O’Brady’s) Win gift certificates and prizes at this music bingo night. Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m. www.beefobradys.com/athens
GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Magnolias of Athens) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Benjamin. Tuesdays, 8 p.m. www. instagram.com/classiccitytriviaco
KIDSTUFF: Toddler Tuesday: Sun Art (Georgia Museum of Art) Enjoy art and storytime in the galleries, then complete an art activity. Ages 18 months to 3 years. RSVP by email. 10 a.m. FREE! gmoa-tours@ uga.edu
KIDSTUFF: Ancient Egyptian Necklaces (Bogart Library) Learn about ancient Egyptian jewelry and create a paper plate necklace. Ages 4 & up. 3 p.m. FREE! www.athens library.org/bogart
LECTURES & LIT: Historic Athens History Hour (Lyndon House Arts Center) Celebrate National Culinary Arts Month with archivist and author Valerie J. Frey’s presentation on Georgia’s oldest known foodways. 12–1 p.m. FREE! www.historic athens.com
LECTURES & LIT: Bogart Bookies (Bogart Library) Pick up a copy of Theo of Golden by Allen Levi, and discuss it with the group. 1 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart
SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 10 a.m. info@athenspetanque.org, www.athenspetanque.org
Wednesday 8
CLASSES: French Class (Oconee County Library) Join instructor Emma Auer to learn the basics of the French language. Ages 18 & up. 6 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary. org/oconee
CLASSES: Camping Basics (REI) Learn what to consider before your trip, how to stay comfortable sleeping outside, and how to set up a functional camp kitchen. 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
EVENTS: Garden Nights (State Botanical Garden of Georgia) Enjoy an after hours tour of the Porcelain and Decorative Arts Museum with beverages, a scavenger hunt and more. Ages 18 & up. 6:30 p.m. $10 (members), $25 (non-members). botgarden.uga.edu
FILM: Pachinko Pop (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Screening of the 1968 action drama film Sun Above, Death Below. 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 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzu nottrivia
GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Hotel Indigo) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Ian. Wednesdays, 6 p.m. www.instagram.com/ classiccitytriviaco
GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Normal Bar) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia
GAMES: Classic City Trivia (The Local 706) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Garrett. Wednesdays, 7:06 p.m. www.instagram.com/classiccitytriviaco
GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (Cafe Racer (Oak St.)) Test your trivia knowledge with host TJ Wayt. Wednesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/ baddogathens
GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Locos Grill and Pub Eastside) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 8 p.m. www.instagram.com/ shihtzunottrivia
KIDSTUFF: Magic Show (Oconee County Library) Drop in to enjoy a magic comedy show with Ken Scott. 10 a.m. & 11 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/oconee
KIDSTUFF: Dino Mad Libs (Bogart Library) Jurassic Summer Reading continues with a dinosaur themed version of the classic word game. Ages 8–12. 4 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/bogart
LECTURES & LIT: Word of Mouth (The Globe) Athens’ longest-running spoken word open mic, with this month’s featured reader Trevor Lisa. 6 p.m. (sign-ups), 7 p.m. (poetry). FREE! www.facebook.com/ athenswordofmouth
Down the Line
7/09 Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park)
7/09 Bad Dog BINGO (Amici at The Falls)
7/09 Ladies Night Out (Boutier Winery)
7/09 Gorgeous George’s Improv League (Flying Squid Comedy) f
live music calendar
Tuesday 30
Athentic Brewing Co.
6–8 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com
EDDIE HALFASS Self-claimed as Athens’ 483rd best band.
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.”
VINDICTIVE MIND Alternative metal known for its heavy groove riffs.
WILTED CABBAGE Experimental rock and metal band based in Atlanta that veers into heavy, strange and ambitious directions.
KAIMERA Atlanta-based alternative rock band.
PROOF Grunge-gaze from Lawrenceville.
Dead Beat Club
8:30 p.m. $10. www.deadbeatathens. com
CODY WHITE AND THE EASY RIDERS Roots rock/Americana quartet featuring the intense writing and singing of Cody White with Velvety Nubs on guitar, Patrick Ferguson on drums and Dan Horowitz on bass.
LARRY’S HOMEWORK Four-piece Americana/roots rock band from Athens started by Stephan Eutsler and Pat Pensyl. Flicker Theatre & Bar
BIRDLEAF Savannah-based psychedelic rock band brought to life through the collaborative efforts of founding members Reid Gaboury and Finnegan Murphy.
FLORENCE CARDIGAN Local group mixing funk, punk and jazzinspired indie rock.
BOHEMIAN MAYDAY Athens/ Atlanta indie-rock band that was originally a duo for years before adding on a bassist and drummer.
Madison Morgan Cultural Center Independence Day Picnic. 6 p.m. FREE! www.mmcc-arts.org
INDEPENDENCE DAY CONCERT
Enjoy a program of patriotic music following a pre-celebration with food vendors, face painting, photo ops and more.
The Roadhouse
9:45 p.m. $5. www.instagram.com/ roadhouseathens
TRENDKILL Thrash, death metal trio. Album release show! APATHETIC DISCHARGE No info available.
JET ENGINE DRAGONS Progressive and technical death metal band from Athens that is influenced by bands like Opeth, Nevermore and Allegaeon.
EVIL LIKE LUCY Local thrash metal band.
Southern Drawl Bar & Grille
5–10 p.m. www.southerndrawlbarand grille.com
KARAOKE Every Friday night.
Saturday 4
Athentic Brewing Co. Slice of Americana Fest. 12–9 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com
WADE NEWBURY Playing acoustic covers of classic rock and Americana songs. (3 p.m.)
THE HOBOHEMIANS Six-piece acoustic band performing American and European roots music of the 1910s–30s, with a mix of protojazz, blues and folk. (6 p.m.)
BEATS, RHYMES AND LIFE OPEN MIC Emcees, poets, rappers and freestylers of all styles are invited to perform with the backing band playing the tempo of their choice.
Porterhouse Grill
7 p.m. www.porterhousegrillathens. com
JAZZ NIGHT Longest running jazz gig in Athens performing American songbook, bossa nova classics and crossover hits.
Down the Line
7/09 Rick Fowler Acoustic Band (Athentic Brewing Co.)
7/09 Steve Wynn, Peter Buck (Rialto Club)
7/09 Mary & The Hot Hotty-Hots (The Globe)
7/09 Natalie Jane Hill, Julia Barfield, Dipper Grande (Flicker Theatre & Bar)
7/09 Song-O-Rama (Dead Beat Club)
7/10 Karaoke (Southern Drawl Bar & Grille)
7/10 Los Cantares, Flash to Bang Time, Valley of Giants, Devils of the New Frontier (40 Watt Club) f
By Sam Lipkin editorial@flagpole.com
Last weekend the local shoegazeinspired, grunge- tinged band Trepid made big strides releasing its debut EP Together // Apart on Friday, then taking the AthFest main stage on Saturday.
Composed of members Maymay Bryant (vocals), Turner Chastain (rhythm guitar), J. Ben Turk (lead guitar), Adam Smith (bass) and Ethan Houseman (drums), the group has been playing together for roughly two years. Chastain and Turk had played together in multiple bands and wanted to create their own project that was “truly impactful, tight and heavy,” they say. The duo recruited Houseman based on his performance in the band Swear Jar, then Maymay joined about a week before the band’s first show. After seeing some teasers the fledgling band posted on Instagram, she asked to be a part of what they were forming. Smith rounded out the lineup later, and Trepid started accepting shows around town from whoever invited them to play. Now that the band has a solid base,
fully formed, so the future holds more collaborative material from all of the members. Although a lot of their influences meld together cohesively, naturally each member brings their own unique flavor to the mix.
of post grunge, but my music taste spreads far and wide from bay area hardcore all the way to bossa nova.”
Turk says that he grew up on pop-punk as well as general emo and surfy garage rock. His guitar style is more inspired by simple playing styles. “I heavily prefer writing parts for the song rather than trying to be a flashy guitar player,” says Turk.
Balancing being both the calm in the storm and its amplifier, Maymay shares, “As an awkward teenager and now awkward adult I’ve always played the tuba. I feel it’s honed my approach to harmony and dynamic vocal melodies. I’ve always been
Houseman says that he’s been drumming since he was a kid and grew up on ’90s grunge. “[I] consider drummers such as Matt Cameron and Dave Grohl as big influences on my playing. As I got older, I got really into Led Zeppelin and The Police and admire John Bonham and Stewart Copeland for how they influenced drummers from all over. Playing with Trepid has opened my eyes to bands such as Title Fight, Basement and Superheaven, and they’ve quickly become bands I listen to consistently today,” he says.
Meanwhile, Smith’s musical background was more reactionary from his bandmates.
Chastain says of his background, “I came from the riff-heavy roots of classic rock as a
influenced by my teachers, like my mom and the bands in Athens that have come before me. It was later in my life that J. Ben and Turner led me to the path I feel like I most belong on: making music with my best friends who I love with the entirety of my
“Growing up with only church music and garage rock that my parents listened to, I reached for the odd parts of music. La Dispute and mewithoutyou are some of my favorite bands, but there’s plenty of jazz, metal, hardcore and a bit of hip hop floating around in the brain. When writing I tend to always look for the odd touch to add to songs,” says Smith.
As a unit, Trepid delivers punchy and dynamic songs drenched in emotional energy. Following a songwriting formula that works for this group of musicians, the six songs on the EP know when to breathe and when to cast the listener into a flurry of guitars. And Maymay provides a steady and confident voice to help guide you through the lulls and crashes. It’s fair to say that getting in on this EP is the ground floor of something that could really take off.
For more content and future updates on the band, follow @trepidsucks on Instagram. f
bulletin board & classifieds
BULLETIN BOARD:
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
MUSIC (Instruction) Athens School of Music. Now offering in-person and online instruction in guitar, bass, drums, piano, voice, brass, woodwinds, strings, banjo, mandolin and more. From beginner to expert, all styles. Visit www.athensschoolof music.com. 706-543-5800
MUSIC (Services) Instant cash is now being paid for good vinyl records & CDs in fine condition. Wuxtry Records at corner of Clayton and College Dwntn. 706-612-4926
REAL ESTATE (Commercial) Space For Rent. Glass frontage, Approx. 1750 Sq. Ft. 2812 Atlanta Hwy across from McDonalds. $2500. Call or email Dale at 706-224-8933 or ddun265@aol.com for info.
REAL ESTATE (For Rent) Apartment, 5 Points. Daylighted, 1BR/1BA, basement apartment in home on quiet street. Separate entrance. Non-smoker. No pets. Utils. included. $875/mon. Available. Text 706-363-2412.
REAL ESTATE (Room for Rent) Room for rent in a unique house near Boulevard. $600/mon starting
in August. 3 roommates in the alt/ music scene. All identities welcome. Text 317-519-4790.
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 (Financial) Bookkeeping for Athens nonprofits, small businesses & makers. QuickBooks Certified ProAdvisor, now booking 2026. Locally kept. Text Sam 706386-0281. www.beeskneesbook keeping.com
SERVICES (Health) HEALTH AND WELLNESS COACHING: Integrating herbalism, mindfulness and movement for a whole body approach. 706-343-3576, connect@cora rosewellness.com, www.corarose wellness.com
SERVICES (Home & Garden) Scratching your head with all this poison ivy? We can help! WomanRun 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 lowmaintenance, native gardens that
support pollinators and biodiversity. Find me @pablofromseed, email pkozatch@gmail.com or call 631903-4365.
Arts
ATHENS CREATIVE DIRECTORY
(Athens, GA) The ACD is a 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
LIFE DRAWING (Winterville Cultural Center) Monthly afternoon life drawing sessions, every fourth Tuesday. Models scheduled represent the full spectrum of age, color, race and genders. Artists 18+ only. Registration and prepayment required. $20. www.drawathens.org.
PUBLIC ART SELECTION PANELS
(Athens, GA) The Athens Cultural Affairs Commission is seeking community members to participate in upcoming public art selection panels. www.accgov.com/9656/ Public-Art-Selection-Panels
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
SPONGEBOB THE MUSICAL (Athens Creative Theatre) Seeking individuals for this comedy musical based on the classic cartoon. Auditions will include cold readings, a short prepared vocal selection and a movement section. Auditions held Aug. 26–28 at the Morton Theatre. act@accgov.com
Classes
A COURSE IN MIRACLES (580 Tallassee Rd.) Heal your psychology and your life using simple instruction of high vibrational thought. Sundays, 10–11:30 a.m. 770-2372354, www.unityathens.com
ACCENT REDUCTION CLASS (Covenant Presbyterian Church) Improve your American English pronunciation skills. For ages 18 & up. Tuesdays, 12 p.m. marjoriemiller@ gmail.com
CLASSES, HIKES & PADDLES (Watson Mill State Park, Comer) The park offers a variety of events including firebuilding classes, various educational hikes including “Bridge History,” “Tree ID,” “Historic Mills” and more. Parking fee/ pass required for all events. www. gastateparks.org/WatsonMillBridge
CLASSES & SCHOLARSHIPS (Canopy Studio) Canopy offers a variety of trapeze and aerial arts classes for children and adults. Scholarships and financial aid are available. outreach@canopystudio.org
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 instruc-
tion 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) TIMB Athens & 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.
YOGA CLASSES (Shakti Yoga) Free new student beginner yoga. July 5 and 12, 11 a.m. Registration required. www.shaktiyogaathens. com/events
Help Out
ATHENS SKATEPARK PROJECT
(Athens Skate Park) Seeking volunteers and community input. Third Sundays. www.athensskatepark project.org
BRAS FOR A CAUSE (Grail Bra Specialists) Seeking donations of gently-used bras for distribution to local shelters, recovery centers and communities in need. 706-8500387 or support@grailbras.com
COUCH CRASHERS (ACC Animal Services Department) A short-term foster initiative to provide shelter dogs with the chance to experience the comfort of a home environment over weekends and holiday weekends for one to three days. All needed items provided. Currently seeking volunteers for July 3–6. Other opportunities throughout the year. www.accgov.com/couch crashers
DIAPER DONATIONS (Athens Area Diaper Bank) Diaper donations needed for local infants. All sizes and open packs/boxes are accepted. www.athensareadiaperbank.com
FIRE PIT RAFFLE (Friends of the Madison County Library) Madison County Library hosts a raffle for an outdoor gas fire pit to benefit various programs. $1 per ticket, unlimited entries. The winning ticket will be drawn in November after the Madison County Harvest Festival. www.athenslibrary.org/madison
MEDICAL EQUIPMENT (Friends of Disabled Adults and Children) Free home medical equipment provided to those in need. Athens locations for pickup at Northeast Georgia Area Agency on Aging and Multiple Choices. Donations also accepted. www.fodac.org
MEDICAL EQUIPMENT EXCHANGE
(Silver Lace) Open registration for consideration for free mobility and daily living medical items. Donations also accepted. www.silverlace inc.org, info@silverlace.org
MICROCHIP SCANNING STATIONS
(Multiple Locations) Connect lost pets with their owners. Available 24 hours. Located at ACC Animals Services, Memorial Park Dog Park and Southeast Clarke Park. Instructions provided at each location.
MULTIPLE CHOICES VOLUN-
TEERS (Multiple Choices Center for Independent Living) Seeking volunteers to assist a nonprofit agency that serves individuals living with disabilities throughout a 10-country area of Northeastern Georgia. 706-850-4025, dmyers@ multiplechoices.us
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
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. 706-2075172
SEEKING DONATIONS (RIP Book Club) Local book club seeking donations of any genre of old books to stock Little Libraries around town. Email ripbookclubathens@ gmail.com for updated drop off location or arrange pick up.
SEEKING DONATIONS & VOLUNTEERS (Animal Services Adoption Center) Animal service sessions run Monday through Friday; training session required. Seeking donations of gently used bath towels and rags. Donations can be dropped off at the door after hours. www. accgov.com/animalservices
SEEKING VOLUNTEERS (Marigold Collective, Winterville) Volunteers needed for community food distribution events including weekly food kitchen, meal deliveries and more. Also accepting donations of canned and dry goods. wwwmarigold collectivewinterville.com
SEEKING VOLUNTEERS (Meals on Wheels) Currently recruiting volunteers to deliver meals, engage in safety checks and more. eschley@ accaging.org
SEEKING VOLUNTEERS (PAX Exchange Students) Seeking volunteer families to host global
exchange students. www.pax.org, 800-555-6211
SEEKING VOLUNTEERS (Shoal Creek Sanctuary) Volunteers needed for variety of events including invasive plant removal, plant adoptions and more. First Sundays, 1–3:30 p.m. www.shoalcreek sanctuary.org/volunteer
SEEKING VOLUNTEERS (St. Mary’s Home Health & Hospice) Seeking volunteers to provide companionship or to help with simple tasks for those in hospice care. Training provided. 706-389-2273
TEACHER SUPPLIES (Teacher Reuse Store) Educators can access free creative supplies at the store. Please bring credentials. www.acc gov.com/trs
VOLUNTEER NETWORK (Community Works, Watkinsville) A nonprofit organization that connects volunteers of all ages to events, resources and training opportunities. CWorksOC@gmail.com
Kidstuff
CLASSES & PROGRAMS (ACC Leisure Services Department) Various ongoing weekly and monthly events including Jumping Gym, 123 Toddler & Me!, Fantastic Friday, Storytime and more. www.accgov. com/myrec
CLASSES & PROGRAMS (Bogart Library) Various ongoing weekly events including LEGO Mania (Wednesdays), Storytime with Miss Harli (Mondays), Sensory Open Play (Tuesdays) and more. www. athenslibrary.org/bogart
CLASSES & PROGRAMS (Oconee Library) Various ongoing weekly events including Kids Yoga and Open Play (Tuesdays), Story Time and Cocoa Club (Wednesdays), and more. www.athenslibrary.org/ oconee
GRAND SLAM SUMMER PROGRAM (Lay Park) Evenings include games, giveaways, guest speakers, life enrichment activities, music, refreshments, sports and more. For ages 11–17. Fridays through 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-yearold children. Registration required for all events. www.accgov.com/ aquatics
SPRING & SUMMER CAMP (Canopy Studios) Registration for a variety of day camp dates for grades K-12 is now available. www.canopy studio.org/class-schedule/camps
SUMMER CAMP (Athens Area Humane Society) Registration is now open for “Humane Heroes” and “Junior Vet” summer camps. 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.
SUMMER CAMP (Sweet Olive Farm, Winterville) Registration is now open for a variety of summer camps in including overnight stays. Ages 5–12. www.sweetolivefarm.org/collections/2026-summer-camps
SUMMER PROGRAMS (ACC Leisure Services Department) Registration open for diverse selection of activities highlighting the arts, environmental science, recreation, sports and special events. www.accgov. com/myrec
Word on the Street
CALL FOR VENDORS (Historic Athens Welcome Center) Applications now open for Market Days featuring fresh foods, baked goods and specialty items. Every second Saturday. $25 per market or $80 for the full four-market series. www.athens welcomecenter.com
CALL FOR MUSICAL DIRECTOR
(Athens Creative Theater) Seeking a musical director for an upcoming production. Email act@accgov. com for information.
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 and more. 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 MEET-
ING (Healing Lodge) In the Zen tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh. Sundays, 1–2:30 p.m. Newcomers welcome. Free. www.mindfulbreathsangha.org
SEVENTH GENERATION (No. 3 Railroad Street, Arnoldsville) Seventh Generation Native American Church hosts various gatherings on Sundays, 11 a.m. 706-340-7134
VHS DIGITIZATION (Athens, GA)
Seeking previously recorded concerts and events on VHS, VHSC, Hi8, MiniDV and DVDs to digitize and archive. www.vhsordie.com
VOTER REGISTRATION
RESOURCES (ACC Library Atrium)
Economic Justice Coalition community volunteers assist Georgia residents with registration, confirm prior registration and update voter registration information as needed. www.economicjusticecoalition.org
WEAVER D’S FIRST FRIDAYS
(VFW Post 2872) Pop-up from Weaver D’s serving plates for $20 donations in benefit of the VFW. 11 a.m.–6 p.m. www.facebook.com/ vfwpost2872
Missing Something?
MORE LISTINGS (Online) Find the Bulletin Board at www.flagpole. com/bulletinboard for ongoing open art calls, support group information and other resources that are available on a continuous basis. f
feature
Remembering Michael Moody
THE BOSSMAN OF BROAD RIVER OUTPOST
By Libba Beaucham arts@flagpole.com
Ever since he was a kid, Michael Moody was an adventurer. At age 14 he built a foldable kayak and, despite it not being a whitewater boat, paddled the rapids of the Potomac River. The resulting crash of his kayak did not deter him. His love of nature, paddling and the thrill of exploration led to a life dedicated to connecting others to the environment by actually experiencing it.
Moody founded Broad River Outpost in Danielsville in 1984, and many Athenians and visitors alike have made memories along the Broad River thanks to Moody and his team. But it was Moody himself that made the greatest impact on the people who knew him or even just met the man. Moody died in April, leaving behind a legacy of fierce dedication to the environment through both the Broad River Watershed Association and sharing the joy of the water through Broad River Outpost. Flagpole spoke with members of Moody’s family and received comments from his team and friends who shared stories of the “Bossman” that speak to his impact on the Athens community and the local environment.
Having grown up in a military family, Moody was exposed to different cultures living in various countries across Europe. “I think that gave him a perspective that a lot of people don’t necessarily get,” says his wife Christie Moody.
“He was a rebel,” says grandson Devin Moody. “There was so much conviction. He was righteous in his own way, in a good way.” Moody’s daughter Gwyneth Moody says, “He didn’t want to see anybody getting taken advantage of. That was a huge thing with his personality. He definitely took up for the underdog and whenever he saw injustice, he was the first one to stand up and say we should do something.”
Moody did “do something” as a founding member of the Broad River Watershed Association formed in 1991. The nonprofit is a regional land trust dedicated to preserving and protecting the environment and wildlife within the Broad River basin. “It was spurred by a threat, a company that wanted to put a landfill in the watershed,”
says Christie. “He always had his fingers on the pulse. He was always scratching beneath the surface, looking to find out where threats to the river were coming from, and he often knew before anybody else… He was constantly looking at the watershed and its health, raising funds and educating other people, and getting other people to get on the bandwagon as far as protesting threats to the river.” Shortly before his death, Moody could be found in the river helping to restore rare native spidershoal lilies in the Broad River, planting bulbs by hand.
Though he had no background in business, Christie says, “He just had a sense about how he wanted it done and what would work. And he made it work, but he had his ups and downs. Just like a farmer, you’re dependent on the weather, dependent on the water levels and whether it rains every weekend. So he rolled with it.”
Those on the Broad River Outpost team had many memories of Moody and his unconventional practices. Kell Pihera recalls, “I was fixing a hole in a boat with the extremely loud welding machine going in the workshop, and he dumps something out of an old cooler on my feet (I’m wearing sandals). I look down, it’s a giant king snake… He explained it was needed to help control the rodent population at the outpost.” Thomas Valadez says, “I’ll never forget the moment Michael was in the process of chastising portions of our staff for what he perceived as a lackluster work performance when he saw me walk by soaked and covered in dirt. He stopped to give me praise as an example of what we should look like after work… I took the compliment to heart and still wear it today as a badge of honor.” Chip Baker remembers, “Michael taught me every aspect of running a business from hiring to running marketing campaigns… We salvaged cars from junkyards and scored old clothes from Salvation Army (’70s polyester is really good winter river wear). I learned how to tie almost anything to the roof rack of a Volkswagen Rabbit.”
Broad River Outpost continues Michael Moody’s legacy under family ownership, and the Broad River Watershed Association offers resources, promotes environmental advocacy, and hosts river cleanup events throughout the year. It’s important to Moody’s family, friends and team that they continue to tell the story of the Broad River. Gwyneth says, “He would tell stories and then through those stories people would understand and start to fall in love with the river… He did that for rivers his whole life.” f
food & drink
good growing
Tomaters for Tomorrow
MARIGOLD COLLECTIVE FUNDRAISER FOR CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS
By Erin France editorial@flagpole.com
White bread, Duke’s mayo and a juicy, locally grown tomato: If you’re searching for a great tomato sandwich, Winterville’s Marigold Collective will be making them this Fourth of July.
“Tomaters for Tomorrow” aims to continue long-range funding for outreach and nutritional programs in Winterville Elementary, said Sarah Hovater, the executive director of the Marigold Collective. The nonprofit runs the Marigold Market, the recently opened Firefly Farmstop grocery store and an array of programs designed to bring local produce to the East Athens community, including those families who cannot afford it.
Past grant funding allowed the Marigold Collective to bring a mini farmer’s market to Winterville Elementary, as well as fund activities like candle making with a beekeeping farmer, Hovater said. “We want to do more interactive things with the kids.”
“Tomaters for Tomorrow” will help keep the program funded whether the collective wins a grant or not. The program focuses on teaching students things like how food is grown, seasonality, and how best to enjoy it, said Bradley Wheeler, general manager at the Marigold Market. “So many people these days are disconnected from the food system,” he said.
The store is open Monday through Saturday, 8:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m. There’s a selection of prepared food as well as drinks—including some tipples—and some shaded outdoor seating. Though a new addition to the city, the farmstop feels like an organic gathering spot.
The Marigold Collective is pushing to make good, local, tasty food more available to a wider swath of Winterville and East Athens, Wheeler said. “We’re really trying to build a community out here,” he said. “We have to be intentional in cultivating the community we’re trying to build.”
This is a sentiment I share. I’m often surprised by the number of adults who don’t know when produce is in season—or even what Georgia farms can and can’t grow. Just in case this is you: Avoid making a tomato sandwich outside of the summer without a tomato grown in the Southeast. Tomatoes picked in places like California or Mexico are harvested green and forced to ripen while they are shipped. These tomatoes tend to taste bland, watery and underwhelming. A sun-ripened local tomato, no matter where your local is, should pack a flavor punch.
Wheeler also holds the post as the general manager for the Firefly Farmstop, a small grocery store featuring local produce just off Main Street in Winterville. The grocery store held its grand opening in April. The store should help the collective become a net positive, Hovater said. “The whole idea for us was to have this store be revenue generating for us,” she said. “We do all have to be paid.”
The store is small, but well stocked with fresh veggies as well as other grocery staples from local producers. It’s easy to get to with nearby parking for cars and bicycles.
The “Tomaters for Tomorrow” program is one way to introduce school kids to these ideas. The sandwiches will feature Trader Joe’s white bread and Duke’s mayo, as well as lettuce and tomatoes sourced from local farms. Those who pre-order will have the opportunity to add applewood- smoked bacon from Jenson Reserve, Hovater said. The $10 sandwich will come with chips and a drink.
Pickup will be July 4 with two pick-up windows at either the Marigold Farmers Market or the Firefly Farmstop. The tomato sandwiches will be made right before the pickup so they don’t have time to get soggy, Hovater said.
“We want them to be good,” she said. For logistical reasons, there will be 250 tomato sandwiches for sale. If they reach that in pre-orders, they’ll stop there, Hovater said.
Want to support the cause, but not interested in a tomato sandwich? You can donate on the website at marigoldcollective winterville.com.
Want more tomato sandwiches? The Athens Wellness Clinic will host its annual Tomatoes at Terrapin Saturday, July 18 from 4–7 p.m. A $40 ticket gets you a tomato sandwich and six 6 oz beer pours. More information is available at athenswellnessclinic.org. f
ERIN FRANCE
Bradley Wheeler, the general manager of the Firefly Farmstop, prepares some to-go meals made with local ingredients available at the grocery store.
(l-r) Grandaughter Aviva Peiken, wife Christie Moody and Michael Moody.
by Margie E. Burke
Margie E. Burke
July 11, 10:00AM-1:00PM
River’s Crossing
Find out more about OLLI, a dynamic learning and social organization for adults 50+
• 300+ Classes
• Lunch & Learns
• Travel Adventures
• Shared Interest Groups
• Social Events
Drawing for 2 FREE MEMBERSHIPS!
River’s Crossing, 850 College Station Road, Athens. GA 30602
OLLI@UGA is one of 124 Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes of The Bernard Osher Foundation, each affilated with a college or university across the country. OLLI@UGA maintains a strong 1,000+ membership.
olli.uga.edu
River’s Crossing, 850 College Station Rd, Athens GA 30602 | (706) 542-7715
