Folk singer-songwriter Natalie Jane Hill will perform her introspective songs with Julia Barfield and Dipper Grande at Flicker Theatre & Bar on Thursday, June 9. For more shows, see the “Live Music Calendar” on p. 11.
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 Gordon Lamb, Jarrod Lipshy
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 B-52s narrowly missed a tornado that destroyed their gear on stage at a festival in France after the promoter delayed making a call about the incoming bad weather. Drum tech for The B-52s Patrick Ferguson was on the scene and shared his first-hand experience with Flagpole
See “The B-52s French Festival Set Canceled Moments Before Tornado Hit” at flagpole.com.
city dope
Courthouse Moves Quickly
LONG-SOUGHT JUDICIAL CENTER IS NOW ON A FAST TRACK
By Blake Aued news@flagpole.com
Athens- Clarke County is moving forward with plans to build a new judicial center on Dougherty Street, even if county officials’ preferred site becomes available.
ACC officials have long coveted the Robert G. Stephens Federal Building, which fills the block between Dougherty, Jackson and Thomas streets and Hancock Avenue. However, after pursuing the property for five years, the mayor and commission shifted their focus to 120 Dougherty Street, where the county planning department is currently located.
commission that the existing courthouse on Washington Street is overcrowded, outdated and lacks modern security features. At one time, there were not even any working elevators—forcing some trials to be held at the Classic Center—though they’ve since been repaired. A space allocation study found that the current courthouse couldn’t feasibly be renovated or expanded, and recommended building a new judicial center.
“There’s no real cohesion, and of course there’s not enough space,” Sheriff John Q Williams told Flagpole at a June 30 open house on the project.
The Atlanta Journal- Constitution reported last week that the Athens federal building and five others in Georgia could be put up for sale. If that’s the case—and it may not be, as it was briefly listed in 2025 before being pulled off the market—it would take about two and a half years to close the deal, according to Mayor Kelly Girtz.
“I’d imagine we’ll make a pitch for the federal building, but we’ll stick with 120 Dougherty Street for the judicial center,” Girtz said. “I don’t want to be Lucy perpetually pulling the football away from Charlie Brown.”
After languishing since the SPLOST 2020 referendum, the $225 million judicial center is now on a fast track because ACC Manager Bob Cowell has made it a priority. The commission approved the location, preliminary plans and financing in June, and a final vote on schematics is expected this fall. Construction is scheduled to be finished in 2030.
For years, judges and other courthouse officials have been telling the mayor and
For example, the district attorney’s office is spread out among three floors, and Magistrate Court is located on two levels.
Deputies have to guard two entrances, whereas the new facility will have only one.
The lack of holding cells and back hallways means that inmates must be brought into courtrooms by leading them through public spaces in shackles.
“Right now, the way the courthouse is built, there’s no way around that,” Williams said.
In addition to the federal building and 120 Dougherty, the commission initially considered a county-owned site near the Multimodal Center, but ultimately decided to lease it to a developer to help pay for Akins Ford Arena. Commissioners also looked at sites outside of downtown, such as the Lexington Road jail and the North Avenue shopping center where Piggly Wiggly used to be. However, they opted to keep it downtown due to concerns about transit access and the impact on the downtown economy.
While downtown is the central hub for bus service, parking will be a challenge.
“We know we’ll need structured parking in close proximity to the [new] courthouse,”
Deputy Manager Andrew Saunders told Flagpole. The current plan is to build a 500space parking deck on what’s known as the “Uncommon lot,” a county-owned parking lot on the other side of a student apartment building next door to the planning department. That will likely tack another $25 million to $30 million onto the cost of the project, according to Saunders.
Parking is also a concern for First AME Church next door, Saunders said. (The church did not respond to a request for comment from Flagpole.) He said ACC has
offered to build a taller building to preserve more room for parking, but First AME declined.
The constraints of the site mean that the nearly 220,000 square- foot judicial center will be six stories high, with limited secure parking in a surface lot and underground. It also means that the 50- year-old “moon tree”—planted from a seed that flew to the moon on Apollo XIV—probably won’t survive. “The exceptional life of a loblolly pine is 100 years, but for most it’s a lot less,” said Saunders, who has a background in forestry. Even if space were created for the trunk, there would not be enough soil for the tree’s expansive root system, he said. But ACC officials are looking into cloning the tree or planting seedlings elsewhere. “We need to make plans to honor its legacy no matter what happens,” Saunders said.
modern look, according to Todd Orr of DLR Group, the project’s architect, although most people preferred a lighter color rather than red brick. The final design could include some combination of features, such as simple columns rather than ornate ones, Orr said.
“ I’d imagine we’ll make a pitch for the federal building, but we’ll stick with 120 Dougherty Street for the judicial center.
In addition to approving a design, commissioners will be voting this fall on details of financing. They’ve already decided to use an urban redevelopment authority to issue bonds, but still have to decide on the length. $77 million is already included in SPLOST 2020. If voters reject the next SPLOST, though, making the bond payments could require a sizable property tax hike.
The judicial center’s design could prove controversial, as well. Attendees at the drop-in session were evenly split on whether they prefer a more traditional or
During construction, transportation and public works, planning and building inspections employees will be moved into temporary offices. When the judicial center opens, the existing courthouse building will be renovated, and ACC offices currently scattered in various other buildings will be consolidated there. f
No. 4 and No. 6 were the most popular choices, according to architect Todd Orr.
A loblolly pine grown from a seed that flew to the moon is unlikely to be saved.
event calendar
Tuesday 7
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/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 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
art around town
AURUM STUDIOS (125 E. Clayton St.) “The Silk Show ’26” features painted silks by Margaret Agner. Through July.
BMA DESIGNS (1354 South Milledge Ave.) An art installation featuring floral works by Sarah Mason is on display. Through August.
DONDEROS’ KITCHEN (590 N. Milledge Ave.) Whimsical artworks by Susan Pelham are 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’ 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
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. 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’ longestrunning 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
MEETINGS: Crafters Meetup (ACC Library) Bring your crafting workin-progress and chat with other creative people. 6:30–8 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org
Thursday 9
ART: Creative Aging Art Workshop (Georgia Museum of Art) Join teaching artist Toni Carlucci to discuss art in the galleries and to make art in the studio classroom. All skill levels welcome. Ages 55 & up. Registration required. 10 a.m. FREE! gmoa-tours@uga.edu
COMEDY: Gorgeous George’s Improv League (Flying Squid Comedy) Bring a loose funny bone to some home-grown townie improv. 6:30 p.m. (doors), 7 p.m. (short-form), 8 p.m. (long-form). $5. www.flyingsquidcomedy.com
EVENTS: Ladies Night Out (Boutier Winery) Enjoy a night of line dancing with wine and a buffet. First Thursdays, 6–9 p.m. $20. www. boutierwinery.com
FILM: Marigold Movie Night (Marigold Auditorium for Arts and Culture) Screening of the classic movie Dirty Dancing with refreshments. 7 p.m. $6. www.wintervillecenter.com
GAMES: Bad Dog BINGO (Amici at The Falls) Play BINGO with host TJ Wayt. Thursdays, 6 p.m. www. instagram.com/baddogathens
GAMES: Adult TTRPG (Bogart Library) All skill levels can join for Dungeons & Dragons and other tabletop role playing games. Ages 18 & up. 6 p.m. FREE! www.athens library.org/bogart
GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Terrapin Beer Co.) Test your general trivia knowledge. Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. www.instagram.com/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 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: Dinosaur Baby Rave (ACC Library) Dance party with dinosaurs and remixed kiddie classics. 10:30 a.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org
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 10
COMEDY: TV Game Show Night (Flying Squid Comedy) An evening of comedy where audience members can compete with “celebrity” panelists for actual prizes. 8 p.m. $12. www.flyingsquidcomedy.com
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 by Stephen Humphreys. 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. • “It Came to Me in a Dream” features paintings by self-taught Georgia artist Valton Murray exploring dreamlike landscapes and abstract forms rooted in memory and personal history. July 16–Oct. 10. Opening reception July 16, 5:30–7:30 p.m. • “Interwoven” features paintings and ceramic sculptures by Athens-based artist Jennifer Heynen inspired by the coast, combining loose brushwork with free-form weaving in yarn, string, wire, beads and sequins. July 16–Oct. 10. Opening reception July 16, 5:30–7:30 p.m. • In the Lobby Case is “Critters,” which features colorful cut-tin figures by Steven Burnley that blend human and animal forms. July 23–Sept. 26.
EVENTS: 40th Anniversary Friend Friday Celebration (esp) Celebrate ESP’s 40th anniversary with camp activities, family stories, a cake ceremony, community leaders and more. 9 a.m. FREE! www.esp youandme.org
EVENTS: Shark Night (Athentic Brewing Co.) Screening of the seasonal suspense classic Jaws plus live music, a food truck and themed cocktails. 5–10 p.m. www. athenticbrewing.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. 7 p.m. FREE! www.tychesgames.com
KIDSTUFF: Meet & Greet with The Very Hungry Caterpillar (Oconee County Library) Drop in to meet author Eric Carle’s famous children’s book character. 10 a.m. & 11 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/oconee
KIDSTUFF: Meet and Greet Moana (Bogart Library) Drop in to meet Moana and then watch the Disney movie. 1 p.m. FREE! www.athens library.org/bogart
LECTURES & LIT: Open Mic Poetry Night (ATHICA) Read from your own work or share a personal favorite. Snacks and drinks provided. 7–8 p.m. $3–5 suggested donation. www.athica.org
PERFORMANCE: Athens Showgirl Cabaret Luv Shak (Dead Beat Club) Celebrate with a red, white and blue drag show featuring special guest Kitty Love Antoinette. 8–11 p.m. $5. www.athensshowgirl cabaret.com
PERFORMANCE: The High Tea Drag Show (Athentic Brewing Co.) Mary Jane hosts a fabulous and hilarious night of drag entertainment. 9 p.m. $5. www.athentic brewing.com
THEATER: Too Many Detectives at the Murder Mansion (Morton Theatre) Athens Creative Theatre presents a comedy murder mystery production performed by the actors of the teen performance camp. 7 p.m. $10. www.mortontheatre.com
Saturday 11
ART: Artist Talk (Madison Morgan Cultural Center) John Cleaveland will discuss his works in the exhibi-
tion “experience and intersection.” 5 p.m. FREE! www.mmcc-arts.org
CLASSES: Life Drawing & Painting (Georgia Museum of Art) Sketch or paint from two nude models. Ages 18 & up. Registration required. 1 p.m. $25. www.drawathens.org
EVENTS: Annual Cottage Classic Charity Golf Tournament (UGA Golf Course) Enjoy breakfast, beverages on the course and a catered lunch. Proceeds benefit The Cottage Sexual Assault Center & Children’s Advocacy Center. 7:30 a.m. (registration), 8:15 a.m. (teeoff). $150. www.givebutter.com/ cottageclassic2026
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: Farmview Market Local Heroes (Farmview Market) Local first responders and healthcare professionals are invited to enjoy live music, free food, a market and more. 9 a.m.–2 p.m. FREE! www. farmviewmarket.com
EVENTS: Star Wars Day (ACC Library) Meet Star Wars characters, enjoy photo-ops and make themed crafts. All ages. 11 a.m.–1 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org
EVENTS: Really, Really Free Market (Reese and Pope Park) Just like a yard sale, but everything is free. Bring what you can, take what you need. Second Saturday of every month. 12–1:30 p.m. reallyreally freemarketathens@gmail.com, www.facebook.com/RRFMAthens
EVENTS: Seed Sorting (ACC Library) Help library staff sort seed packets for the seed library. 1 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org
MADISON-MORGAN CULTURAL CENTER (434 South Main Street, Madison) In celebration of the center’s 50th anniversary, the exhibition “experience and intersection” features works by John Cleaveland and the late Richard Olsen. Artist Talk July 11, 5 p.m. Through October.
OCAF (34 School St. Watkinsville) 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. Through July.
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. ➤ continued on next page
Event Calendar
FILM: Saturday Cinema (Bogart Library) Screening of a blockbuster film filled with apes taking over planet earth. 3 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/bogart
GAMES: Day of Board Game Demonstrations (Tyche’s Games) Try new games and watch how they’re played. 12 p.m. FREE! www. tychesgames.com
GAMES: Drag Plant BINGO (Hendershot’s) Drag queen hosted game with prizes. 5 p.m. (doors), 5:30–7:30 p.m. (game). www.hendershotsathens.com
KIDSTUFF: Chess Club (Oconee County Library) Drop in for open chess play to learn the game, challenge skills and engage with other enthusiasts. 3 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/oconee
PERFORMANCE: Athens Showgirl Cabaret Drag For All (Hendershots) Enjoy a fabulous night of open drag fun for all ages. 8–11 p.m. $5. www.athensshowgirl cabaret.com
Sunday 12
CLASSES: Movement That Meets You (Revolution Therapy and Yoga) Learn a variety of body awareness practices including gentle movement and enjoy a space for free intuitive exploration or quiet stillness. 4:30 p.m. Donation based. www.revolutiontherapyandyoga.com
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: Paws on the Patio (Hotel Indigo) Athens Pets will have adoptable dogs and cats on the patio. 4–7 p.m. www.indigoathens.com
FILM: Roots So Deep (ACC Cooperative Extension) Screening of the documentary about farmers and scientists building a path to solving climate change. 2 p.m. FREE! www. gnps.org/athens-east-piedmontchapter
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
MEETINGS: Georgia Native Plant Society Meeting (ACC Cooperative Extension) Screening of the environmental documentary Roots . 2 p.m. FREE! gnps.org/ piedmont-chapter
SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 10 a.m. www.athenspetanque.org
Monday 13
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. www.instagram.com/classiccity triviaco
KIDSTUFF: The Hard “Rock” Cafe (Bogart Library) Join naturalist Auggie Smith to learn about geology. 1 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary. org/bogart
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
EVENTS: Craft Night (G H O S T)
Drop in after hours to enjoy community crafting, music and more. 7–9 p.m. FREE! www.instagram. com/ghost.athens
FILM: Three Star Cinema (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Screening of the 1993 comedy action film Future Cops. 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
MEETINGS: Writers of Oconee (Oconee County Library) Led by Sanese Pippen learn how to share your writing experiences and get feedback on your work. Second & fourth Mondays, 6:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/oconee
Tuesday 14
CLASSES: Microsoft Word: Styles, Themes and Templates (ACC Library) Learn how to create a word document and use themes, styles and more. Registration required. 10 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org
CLASSES: Safety Tips for Summer (Athens Community Council on Aging) Learn how to stay cool in extreme heat with Bentley Adult Day Health Center director Sheila Dubose. 11 a.m. FREE! www. accaging.org
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. 6 p.m. $60 (members), $75 (non-members). www.ocaf.com
COMEDY: Take This! Improv (Athentic Brewing Co.) The troupe will perform improv skits featuring suggested movies and TV shows. 7 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.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: OLLI Summer Film Festival (Ciné) This weekly film festival featuring best-rated movies sponsored by OLLI presents The Lives of Others. Tuesdays, 1:30 p.m. $9. www. athenscine.com
GAMES: Rock ’n Roll Trivia (Athentic Brewing Co.) Test your trivia knowledge with host The Music Man. Second Tuesdays, 6 p.m. FREE! www.athenticbrewing.com
GAMES: 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: If Adventure Had a Name (Bogart Library) Join in an interactive cinematic adventure in search of archaeological discoveries. 2 p.m. FREE! www.athens library.org/bogart
MEETINGS: Memoir Writing Group (Bogart Library) During this monthly group, hear memoirs from others and learn tips on how to write your own. 5:30 p.m. FREE! www.athens library.org/bogart
SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 10 a.m. info@athenspetanque.org, www.athenspetanque.org
Wednesday 15
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
EVENTS: The Athens Farmers Market (Creature Comforts Brewery) Markets offer fresh produce, flowers, eggs, meats, prepared foods, arts and crafts. Live music at 6 p.m. AFM double SNAP dollars spent. Wednesdays, 5–8 p.m. www. athensfarmersmarket.net
GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (South Main Brewing) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 6 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzu nottrivia
GAMES: 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. Wednesdays, 6 p.m. www.instagram.com/ classiccitytriviaco
GAMES: Love.Craft Bingo Night (Athentic Brewing Co.) A bingo event benefiting the nonprofit organization Love.Craft Athens. 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. Wednesdays, 8 p.m. www.instagram.com/ shihtzunottrivia
KIDSTUFF: Shadow Puppets (Oconee County Library) Join Mr. Damon for an interactive puppetry experience. 10 a.m. & 11 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/oconee
(Athentic Brewing Co.) 7/16 Teen Dungeons & Dragons (Bogart Library) f
John Cleaveland will give an Artist Talk about his works in the exhibition “experience and intersection” at the Madison Morgan Cultural Center on Saturday, July 11 at 5 p.m.
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‘Interwoven’
JENNIFER HEYNEN’S PLAYFUL DISPLAY OF SCULPTURE AND PAINTINGS
By Sam Lipkin editorial@flagpole.com
Mixed-media artist Jennifer Heynen’s exhibition “Interwoven,” featuring sculpture and paintings, will open at the Lyndon House Arts Center next week with a reception on Thursday, July 16 from 5:30–7:30 p.m. Inspired by the coast, Heynen’s works embody a warm and playful summer energy that also invites the viewer to take a moment of reflection. She graduated from Indiana University with a BFA in ceramics, and works commercially as an artist out of her Athens studio. More info about the exhibition can be found at accgov.com/exhibits, but Heynen shared with Flagpole what inspires her process.
Flagpole: You use so many different mediums and materials. Do you find different inspirations in each of those?
Jennifer Heynen: I love to tackle a new craft or material. Over the years I’ve done a lot of different things, but I always come back to painting, ceramics and textiles. I have my BFA in ceramics. So the ceramics, like the bases and the handles and all those parts, just kind of come natural to me. I sew little doodads of balls and buttons and things on my weavings that are also made out of ceramics. I used to, like probably 15 years ago, I had a jewelry making business, and I made ceramic beads and buttons, and so I just kind of knew how to do that, and how to hang them in the kiln the right way. I kind of brought that along with me, and then the yarn, the spinning was kind of recent, maybe in the last like six years. I discovered that because I was teaching myself how to rug hook, and I couldn’t find the yarns I wanted, so I bought a spinning wheel and just kind of figured it out. Once I started spinning yarn, then I was like, oh, there’s just so much possibility here for really cool yarns that kind of took me in a different direction. Once I had the yarn,
then I was like, I’ve got to weave baskets with this. All the things I’ve always done, I bring it all back together somehow.
FP: What inspires you to sit down and paint versus create your sculpture pieces?
it gets glazed and goes back in the kiln, and the yarn has to be spun. There’s just so much preparation, and a lot of it I kind of have worked out in my head already when I started. The paintings come when I just want to do something very spontaneous with no plans. When I paint I just get a canvas and pick out colors, and I will not let myself think of what I’m going to paint. I keep it very quiet, and I start layering paint on the canvas, and it’s almost like a meditation for me to paint. But it’s also like something is coming out of me that is just doing the work, you know, I have no plan ahead of time of what the painting is going to look like.
JH: So, the sculpture pieces I have to really think out ahead of time. When I make clay things it takes a couple weeks to dry, and then it goes in the kiln, and then
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I also design. I do licensed art and design for part of my job, and I own my own company doing it. I paint and design things to be exact, and so it’s this kind of a balance to
what I do for part of my day job to do this, which is so different.
FP: Could you explain the kind of things that you produce on the commercial side?
JH: I design artwork that goes on products, and then I also design products and they go to manufacturers, then they produce them, and I’m paid royalties on what they sell. I will paint some flowers, and I will send it to the art directors I work with, then a greeting card company might put it on a greeting card, another company might put it on a garden flag or a floor mat or something like that. I also will sew and do ceramics for these companies, so I have a baby collection with a company that I sewed the bibs and the soft books and things like that for them. Then I do the same thing with ceramics. I will make plates and mugs and cookie jars and whatever, and then hand them off, and they produce them.
There’s so many rules in the commercial work that I feel like I get to do whatever I want on this side, and it’s just such a good balance for the other work that I very much enjoy.
FP: You have a very bright, airy and summery style in your personal works. What inspires that?
JH: I always made things kind of personally all my life, but when I really stopped doing my jewelry and other things that I was selling, it became much more important to make personal art for that balance between the commercial and this, and so that’s kind of where it came from. I have a lot of art training, and everything was very precise and neat and tidy. It’s not my style, it’s just kind of how you’re taught. So I spent a lot of time, like I would drink coffee and get really shaky and then paint. Learn to paint being shaky. It kind of gave me this way to loosen up. It was more loose ends and raw edges, which I think is where I kind of draw from the coast and boats that are found that have paint chipping off, and things like that. They’re weathered and they’re worn, and I feel like these kind of represent that in me, too. You know, I’ve been through things, too, and nobody is perfect, including myself, and so I just want that to be shown in these pieces. f
THE DOG DAYS OF SUMMER ARE THE BEST DAYS!
HARD TACK’s And I’ll Do What I Want
PLUS, MORE MUSIC NEWS AND GOSSIP
By Gordon Lamb threatsandpromises@flagpole.com
THE NEW AMERICAN ELECTRONIC FOLK SONG: Marcel Sletten (Chairs, Primordial Void, et al.) released his eighth solo album right smack dab in the middle of last week. It’s titled Plastic Jazz, which is one of those titles it’s easy to imagine being mentioned in a documentary or book sometime years from now. But, back to the present, this is a fairly easily digested collection of Sletten’s
Mr. [Redacted]
layering mastery and painterly style of composition. That said, if you’re unfamiliar with Sletten’s work or this style of experimentation, this will sound otherworldly. The intro is jagged and ends abruptly before the record slides into the hypnotically looped “Asheville Honey.” The talk-box voice, unintelligible as it is, that appears in the middle of “Dreamlights” humanizes the otherwise cold track. He gives a solid nod to, while executing wonderfully, IDM (Intelligent Dance Music) with the tracks “Data Erasure” and “Viridian” and closes the album with the dreamscape of “Perpetual Myrrh.” Find this at primordialvoid.bandcamp.com.
25 FOR FIGHTING: I swear we’re in a golden age of local Athens labels. The most active have distinct personalities and prolific artists. The brand new 25- song compilation released on our nation’s birthday by HARD TACK, And I’ll Do What I Want, is just more evidence of this. It’s a benefit release for Access Reproductive Care, and nine of the featured bands are from Athens. Namely these are Crying Form, Rubber Udder, Derby, The Skippers, G.R.O.M.I.T., 700 Club, Mr. [Redacted], Starburst and Bayou Princess. With very little hometown rahrah on my part, I can say each weighs in with solid contributions. The out-of- town bands, though, are a real treat. Specifically, these include T-Rex boogie of Cincinnati’s Age Of Peace (“Dead Aligator”), the indie psych of Miami’s Adhesive (“IAmEvil”), reliable Atlanta rockers GG King (“Son Of Chronos”), the jittery new wave of Portland,
OR’s Odor Eater (“Decibels”), and Houston’s Gripe, which 1) is not related at all to the former Athens band of that name and 2) cleverly throws in a solo that’s eerily similar to the solo in Dead Kennedy’s cover of “Viva Las Vegas.” Remember back when everything was fresh and new and awesome and exciting, and you’d pick up a compilation somewhere and would like so many of the bands on it that you then went out and explored them individually? This is one of those. Lay your money down over at hardtackk.bandcamp. com.
WILD VISION: Preorders are open now for the new Great Lakes album, Fear Of The Fear, which comes out Aug. 21 courtesy of HHBTM Records. Although the band, which is songwriter/ main character Ben Crum and musicians he gathers, hasn’t been directly associated with Athens for a long time, I know there are those of you reading this who are enjoying hearing this news. The gorgeous and sad new single, “Why Did My Love Go Away?,” is out now. This is available to be ordered as a vinyl LP or digital download. This is Crum’s second LP for HHBTM and eighth full-length overall. Please see hhbtm.bandcamp.com and facebook.com/ bandgreatlakes for more information.
TAKING OFF AND LANDING: It’s been over two years since we got any new tunes from Garett Hatch, but this was resolved recently with the release of the single “Face Card Blues.” This is less of an in- your- face scorcher, the likes of which Hatch has no issue composing, but is rather a slower, half-delicate tune replete with low- toned vocals. Musically, this is comparable to Radiohead if they were working out of the garage. Dig it over at garetthatch.bandcamp.com.
GOING OUT FOR A BIG TIME: New-ish venue Dead Beat Club will host a new event named Twenty by Five which is, as you may suspect, five artists performing for 20 minutes each. The show is Friday, July 17 with doors at 7 p.m., music at 8 p.m. and the cost is $10. According to an email by participant Dan Nettles, these performances are meant to be “...solo set(s) built entirely around new material, works in progress, experiments, and ideas still finding their final shape.” So, to this end, you’ll get Joe Rowe (8 p.m.), Claire Campbell (8:30 p.m.), Mexico City’s Jacob Wick (9 p.m.), JoJo Glidewell (9:30 p.m.) and the aforementioned Nettles (10 p.m.). f
live music calendar
Tuesday 7
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 8
Athentic Brewing Co.
7–10 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com
KARAOKE WITH DJ GREGORY Second and fourth Wednesdays. Flicker Theatre & Bar
9 p.m. FREE! www.flickertheatreand bar.com
DR. FRED’S KARAOKE Featuring a large assortment of pop, rock, indie and more.
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 featuring a rotating cast of familiar faces performing American songbook, bossa nova classics and crossover hits.
Thursday 9
Athentic Brewing Co.
JULIA BARFIELD Americana singer-songwriter sometimes delivering electrified alternative country and sometimes softly picking an acoustic guitar.
DIPPER GRANDE Alt-cosmic music from Athens. 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.
LOS CANTARES Stoner desert rock and roll band from Athens. FLASH TO BANG TIME Legendary Athens group with a new lineup playing a mesmerizing and unusual
INTERSTELLAR ECHOES The Southeast’s premier Pink Floyd tribute band performing the staples and the deep cuts. Hendershot’s 7 p.m. $10. www.hendershotsathens. com
MATT KNOX For fans of Elvis
Costello, friends of Dorothy, and Men of the Cloth, maximalist power-pop meets a confused upbringing.
Saturday 11
40 Watt Club Aubrey Entertainment Presents. 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $20 (adv.), $25. bit.ly/AmyRayBandJuly11
AMY RAY BAND The Indigo Girls member explores the bounds of folk-rock across her decades-long solo career.
GRASSLAND Seven-piece Americana band that crosses generations, crosses genres and will cross your soul.
Nowhere Bar 7 p.m. (doors), 9:30 p.m. (show). www.instagram.com/nowherebar athensga
JANUARY Indie singer-songwriter whose melodies echo the big hits of the late ’90s and early 2000s.
WYLD STALEYZ Self-described hot blooded, ball clenching power rock band from Athens.
STEPHAN EUTSLER Instrumental guitarist. The Root
10 p.m. FREE! www.therootathens.com
SILENT DISCO Grab a pair of
LSV TRIO No info available. MICHAEL SOLOMON TRIO Atlanta-based jazz musician. Nowhere Bar 8:30 p.m. $10. www.instagram.com/ nowherebarathensga J. KILLEN Nationally-touring Americana songwriter making his
Flicker Theatre & Bar 8 p.m. (doors). $10. www.flicker theatreandbar.com
FATAL ERROR Local punk rock band.
OH DANG New Orleans rock and roll.
CRITTER FRITTER Athens punk.
MAISY OWEN Nashville native whose unique sound, musical truth and stirring vocals inhabit her debut record, Dark On A Sunny Day LUCKY BREAK San Franciscobased artist blending classic altrock and modern indie pop with a DIY punk collective aesthetic.
SHANE PARISH Master guitarist and fearless explorer of rhythm and timbre, known for releasing music on Bill Orcutt’s Palilalia Records and John Zorn’s Tzadik Records.
Tuesday 14
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.
Wednesday 15
headphones, choose a music channel and dance the night away.
Southern Drawl Bar & Grille
6–9 p.m. www.southerndrawlbarand grille.com
BLACK CHERRY PARFAIT Versatile band playing a mix of classics.
Down the Line
bulletin board & classifieds
Classifieds
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 (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@corarose wellness.com, www.corarosewell ness.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 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
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, 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) 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. 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 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. Opportunities throughout the year. www. accgov.com/couchcrashers
DIAPER DONATIONS (Athens Area Diaper Bank) Diaper donations needed for local infants. All sizes and open packs/boxes are accepted. www.athensareadiaperbank.comc
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 through July. 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 singleserving, non-perishable snacks to help children and adults navigating interviews, therapy sessions and court hearings. To arrange a dropoff 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 to arrange pick up.
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 (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-year-old children. Registration required for all events. www.acc gov.com/aquatics
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 (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 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
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
calendar picks arts & culture
MUSIC | THU, JULY 9
Steve Wynn
The Rialto Club • 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show)
• $25 (adv.), $30
Steve Wynn is known best for creating California rock band The Dream Syndicate, and more specifically the band’s cult favorite debut, The Days of Wine and Roses. The band recorded three more records after this before breaking up in 1988, but Wynn’s songwriting credits span much further. In the past four decades, he’s written over 400 songs for solo records, Miracle 3 and most recently The Baseball Project alongside members of R.E.M. and The Minus 5. He’s inspired by the greats like The Beatles and Bob Dylan, but he’s even more drawn to those who, like him, didn’t quite find acclaim until later in their careers, like The Velvet Underground, The Stooges and Modern Lovers. Joining Wynn for this show is Peter Buck, co- founder and lead guitarist of R.E.M. [Mary Beth Bryan]
THEATER
| FRI, JULY 10
Showgirl Cabaret will also be hosting its Drag for All Summer Time show at Hendershot’s on July 11. [MB]
Amy Ray’s music career began in high school, when she and Emily Saliers started playing together, with the duo later adopt-
Too Many Detectives at the Murder Mansion
Morton Theatre • 7 p.m. • $10
Over the span of two weeks of rehearsals, young actors from Athens Creative Theatre’s Teen Performance Camp have been memorizing lines and developing their characters for a production of Too Many Detectives at the Murder Mansion. Written by Ian McWethy in 2024, this comedy is a twist on all the classic whodunnit tropes. Its discerning cast of characters—which includes Sherlock Holmes, Nancy Drew, Batman, Miss Marple and more—meet at a mansion only to soon become suspects in a murder. The play asks the question, “What happens when all the suspects are also detectives?” It’ll leave the audience guessing who the murderer is and who will be the one to solve the crime until the very end. [MB]
PERFORMANCE | FRI, JULY 10
Luv Shak
Dead Beat Club • 8 p.m. • $5
Athens Showgirl Cabaret, the city’s longest-running drag haus, is hosting a special red, white and blue drag show called Luv Shak. The performances will be full of lip syncing, theatrical flair and crowd interaction, and will feature members of the house cast and other local performers, including Kellie Divine, Alice Divine, Jenn Sparx, Drag King Dot, Jizzabell Divine Cummings, Enigma Foxx, Ella Gent and Freya Diva. Special guest Kitty Love Antoinette, a prominent drag queen and show director based in Atlanta, will also join. Everyone is welcome to the show, but those under 18 are asked to attend with a parent. If you can’t make it to Luv Shak, Athens
ing the name Indigo Girls. The two have released nearly 20 albums since then, crossing into multiple genres including folk, country, pop and rock. Activism has also been an important part of their musical presence, supporting causes including LGBTQ+ rights, environmental justice and Indigenous rights. In Ray’s solo career, she has been just as exploratory and just as committed. 2001’s Stag has a political punk edge while 2018’s Holler is feminist Americana. The inspirations for her solo sound range from Patti Smith to Big Star to Bon Iver, and she speaks on issues including homophobia, racism and rock and roll machismo. Her newest record, If It All Goes South, digs deeper into her and her band’s folk/Americana roots and includes collaborations from artists like Brandi Carlile, I’m With Her and Sarah Jarosz. Opening Ray’s Athens show is multi-generational bluegrass band Grassland. [MB]
FILM | FRI, JULY 14
OLLI Summer Film Series
Ciné • 1:30 p.m. • $9
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at UGA is hosting another round of films this summer at Ciné. Every Tuesday in July, one of the best-rated films of the 21st century will be shown. The next film in the series is 2006’s The Lives of Others Set in East Berlin in 1984, this film follows a secret police officer tasked with following a community of artists. The officer bugs a playwright’s apartment and is impacted by watching the interactions between him and his creative collaborators as they fight for artistic freedom. The rest of the OLLI Summer Film Series includes Boots Riley’s film Sorry to Bother You on July 21 and Wes Anderson’s Moonrise Kingdom on July 28. After each screening, attendees will have the opportunity to discuss what makes a film great and debate whether these films qualify. [MB] f
Amy Ray
SANDLIN GAITHER
Bizarro-Wuxtry: To Be Continued?
DOWNTOWN COMIC BOOK STORE PREPARES TO LEAVE ITS SPACE AFTER 35 YEARS
By Jarrod Lipshy editorial@flagpole.com
From the moment you open Bizarro-Wuxtry’s stickermottled front door, you get the sense you’re crossing into a parallel dimension worthy of the store’s name. Immediately past the countertop are freshly printed single issues from current series. Creaking further down the well- worn floorboards, you’ll find spinning drug store magazine racks dedicated to local Athens cartoonists. In the corner is an ample stock of collected underground oddities from the likes of Evan Dorkin and Daniel Clowes. Through a doorway on the right, you’ll find a musty- carpeted room bearing countless boxes, brimming with single issues that span comics history. From atop a shelf, a row of colorful, demented-looking “Bippy” carnival prize dolls from the 1960s watches over you.
Back towards the front and off to the left, a large room presents riotous displays of vintage toys, model kits, Halloween masks, paperbacks, discount VHS tapes and awardwinning graphic novels. Looking down, you can still see cuts in the brown linoleum where the service counter for the Athens Chamber of Commerce once stood.
Many shops go through eras. Bizarro-Wuxtry is living all of them all at once. The store is like an in-progress archaeological dig site. Each shelf and each room records a niche moment, adding to the story of the comic book species as a whole. “We try to represent all sides of comics,” explains manager Devlin Thompson, “with the emphasis more on art comics—stuff I can stand behind.”
Bizarro-Wuxtry, a subsidiary of Wuxtry Records downstairs, was the brainchild of Shannon Stewart, manager of the now- closed Baxter Street Wuxtry store. “There were comics at Wuxtry from the word ‘go,’” Thompson asserts, but Stewart had the notion to put the comics in their own separate space.
Wuxtry’s downtown record store once consisted solely of the tiny, window- covered unit at the corner of College and Clayton streets. It expanded next door to its current address at 197 E Clayton St. in 1988. Wuxtry Comics took over the corner unit in 1990, and Stewart hired amateur comic artist Devlin Thompson soon after as co-manager. When space opened up on the second floor in 1991, Wuxtry’s owners seized the opportunity to grow. According to Thompson, it was around this time that the “big boss” Dan Wall said they were like the “Bizarro” version of Wuxtry, a reference to Superman’s eccentric pocket-dimension counterpart, “and at that point, the name was born.”
The unit the store currently occupies was initially much smaller. There was a wall just a few feet past the counter, where newer single issues are now on offer. Eventually, the wall was knocked down, new rooms opened up, and the shop gradually grew to its current incarnation. Thompson, who was 22 at the time he joined the Wuxtry
team, has been the sole manager since Stewart left in 1994. Since then, the shop has weathered “two cataclysmic, massive market crashes” in the comics industry, multiple recessions and at least one pandemic, “but we’ve lived through them all, thus far.”
Like its record-dealing counterpart, Bizarro-Wuxtry has hosted a range of admired artists over the decades. Thompson looks back most fondly on the 1993 Fantagraphics’ “Hateball Tour” featuring artists Peter Bagge and Dan Clowes, which gave birth to Thompson’s immortalization in a comic by Bagge entitled “Bippy.” Evan Dorkin, creator of Milk & Cheese and The Eltingville Club comics, held a signing earlier that year. Other notable visitors included Drawn
& Quarterly cartoonists Adrian Tomine and Seth, and David Greenberger of The Duplex Planet. The shop has also featured many Athens artists, including Joey Weiser, Klon Waldrip, Abby Kacen, James Burnes, and comics power couple Eleanor Davis and Drew Weing.
Bizarro-Wuxtry has sponsored and co-organized Athens’ FLUKE comics and zine festival since its inception in 2002. Starting in 2023, it has also hosted “SPLAT!”, a session where visiting authors can present and discuss their comics the night before FLUKE.
Thompson says the shop draws a wide range of comics readers, anyone from their mid- teens to their 50s and above. Patrons enjoy the staggering breadth and depth, with wares spanning from New York Times bestseller graphic novels to obscure cartoonist compendiums to recent manga to horror comic back issues bearing cracked covers. All are given roughly equal shelf (or box) presence,
exposing visitors to the whole gamut even as they thumb for specific items of interest.
“Comics are life,” professes Thompson. “I’ve been reading comics steadily since some time before my 3rd birthday. So, I mean, I have no memory of a time when I couldn’t read. And I have no memory of a time when I didn’t read comics.”
This unabashed love comes across in every corner of the shop—even the ones that could use a little reorganizing. “The medium isn’t great for communicating every concept, but most of them, and many things it can do better than anything else,” Thompson reflects. “It is a synthesis that is unlike looking at pictures or reading. It’s engaging the brain in a different way.”
Unfortunately, Bizarro-Wuxtry now faces that most dreaded of comic book narrative devices: a forced reboot. An undisclosed buyer is purchasing the Shackleford building, which houses Bizarro-Wuxtry, Wuxtry Records, Native America Gallery and Bear Hug Honey Co. While the ground-floor businesses may be left mainly intact, Thompson was told that the new owner hopes to start renovations on the upstairs floors soon.
Even when hard-pressed, Thompson says he cannot divulge further details: “We don’t have a date. We don’t know what’s happening. We’re looking at ideas.” The store will be operating on limited hours for at least the next month: Wednesdays and Saturdays from 12–6 p.m.
The shop recently posted an offer via Instagram to liquidate its inventory to any serious buyers. But, at the same time, Thompson expresses a desire to keep serving his loyal patrons despite the change in building ownership. “They do want us out of here,” he laments. “So we got to figure out how we work with that, but it’s my intent to be doing this one way or another. But how that works out, I don’t know, and it will not be on the second floor of the Shackleford building.”
Unsatisfyingly, but perhaps apropos, the story leaves us hanging onto a slate of dramatic questions: What fate awaits our heroes? Will their whimsical comic shop, beloved by Athenians and visitors alike, find a way to survive? It appears we’ll all need to stay tuned to find out.
Meanwhile, on the second floor of the Mission Square retail center across Atlanta Highway from Georgia Square Mall, another figure emerges to partially sate Athenians’ comics fix. College Comix, which mainly operates via online sales, has recently expanded its in- store hours to 12–5 p.m. on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays as of July 1. The brick-and-mortar store mainly carries new single-issue comics and graphic novels, offering pull lists for in-person pickup or mail delivery. Shop owner Joel Kight says they can’t possibly recreate the Bizarro-Wuxtry experience, but they do want to cater to those interested in new series and recent indie graphic novel printings. He encourages comic fans to visit during their in- store hours to browse their backstock, start a pull list or place a special order.
Like comics themselves, comic stores have always found ways to evolve and adapt. But as long as there remains a passionate community, there will likely be a place you can walk in, look around, talk shop, maybe get a recommendation and leave with a fresh, colorful book tucked under your arm—one with a whole world inside just waiting to be discovered. f
