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JULY 22, 2026 · VOL. 40 · NO. 29 · FREE

The Grawks Magnificent Little Deaths Record Release p. 11

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · JULY 22, 2026

this week’s issue

contents

Art Rosenbaum’s “Portrait of Michael Stipe” is one of many works on view in the exhibition “Art: Through the Decades” at the Winterville Cultural Arts Center. An opening reception will be held on July 24 from 5–7 p.m. For more info, see “Art Around Town” on p. 8.

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

Street Scribe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Downtown Apartment Building

Housing Bill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Event Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

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

Art Around Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Clarke Middle School Essays

Curb Your Appetite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 The Grawks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

ARTS & CULTURE: Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Calendar Picks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Outsider Art Attractions

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

FOOD & DRINK: Good Growing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Threats & Promises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Beat the Heat with Chalk

Fool’s Errand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Bulletin Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Adopt Me . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Local Comics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Crossword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Sudoku . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 MARY BETH BRYAN

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 Iris Aued, Joshua Baer, Gideon Cade, Erin France, Cem Uelzmann Gueneli, Jennifer Keene, Gordon Lamb, Rebecca McCarthy, Ezra Minard, London Peel, Alander Rocha, Ed Tant, Sullivan White 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

Natalie Jane Hill

Flagpole, Inc. publishes Flagpole Magazine weekly and distributes 8,600 copies free at over 275 locations around Athens, Georgia. Subscriptions cost $140 a year, $75 for six months. © 2026 Flagpole, Inc. All rights reserved.

VOLUME 40 ISSUE NUMBER 29

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online exclusive Athens GA Live Music documents artists gracing stages across the Classic City. Don’t miss footage from Steve Wynn & Peter Buck, Julia Barfield, Amy Ray Band, Critter Fritter and more.

Deadline is the Thursday before the print issue.

See “Athens GA Live Music Presents” at flagpole.com.

JULY 22, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

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news

city dope

or parking deck on the Classic Center’s covered pavilion and outdoor skating rink.

[Blake Aued]

Downtown Apartments Approved CCSD Focuses on Literacy A SIX-­STORY BUILDING BEHIND THE 40 WATT AND MORE LOCAL NEWS

BLAKE AUED

In 2022, after the COVID-­19 pandemic ended, an evaluation showed that only

By Blake Aued and Rebecca McCarthy news@flagpole.com 27% of Clarke County public school third-­ graders were reading on grade level. That The Athens-­Clarke County Historic Preserfigure spurred the CCSD administration “There’s an irony that suddenly we’re vation Commission signed off on a six-­story like, ‘Hey, let’s save a parking lot,’ and often into action. apartment building last week in the parking we’re like, ‘Oh no, you want to tear down In 2023, the district changed the way it lot behind the 40 Watt Club downtown. was teaching reading, moving to the Scithis building and just have a parking lot.’

While most of the buildings in the West ence of Reading, which emphasizes phonics So, it’s interesting,” Katie Marages said. “I Downtown Historic District are one to and “evidence-­based teaching methods.” think we can’t use that argument and have three stories, the new development would Teachers themselves had to learn how to it go both ways. Density is good.” not be the tallest in the area. Across Pulaski teach according to the Science of Reading HPC members were inclined to table Street is the AT&T building, which at 82 protocols. the discussion again, after having tabled it feet would be approximately the same The timing couldn’t have been better.

May 20, but Nave asked for an up-­or-­down height, despite being only four stories.

The Georgia General Assembly this session vote to keep the project on schedule. (If Across Clayton Street are the Gameday passed House Bill 538, the Georgia Early denied, the developer could appeal to the condos and hotel, which Literacy Act. It acknowlwould be slightly taller. edges that a “comprehensive Even though those buildapproach to early literacy ings are virtually next door, can ensure early identificathe HPC is only supposed tion of struggling readers,” to consider other buildings and says that public schools within the historic district, 1) have their K-­3 teachers and they are just outside the use the science of reading, borders.

2) screen children for dys“It is still much larger lexia and reading ability than buildings around the three times a year, 3) train West Downtown Historic teachers in “evidence-­based” District,” ACC planner reading instruction and 4) Amber Eskew said. “All the intervene if students have other higher ones are outreading deficiencies. side the district.”

At a recent CCSD conHPC members were ference—called Culture not concerned so much of Literacy, Community The parking lot at the corner of Clayton and Pulaski streets, with the Georgia Game­ about the height as the Stakeholder Forum—Superday Center in the background. massing, and asked if intendent Jennifer Scott more of the upper floors said literacy should extend could be stepped back from the street. beyond the classroom and into the commuACC Commission.) The HPC then voted to Architect Brett Nave of local firm Studio nity. Guest speakers were literacy researchapprove the development on the condition BNA, however, said that sacrificing those ers Garry McGiboney and Arianne Weldon, that Studio BNA work with ACC planning apartments would mean the development staff to change the yellow/green color of the members of the governing board of the would no longer be profitable because of the brick.

Sandra Dunagan Deal Center for Early Lanfixed costs involved, like the land and the guage and Literacy, housed at Georgia ColIf not for its location within a historic foundation. lege and State University in Milledgeville. district, the project could have moved “As far as stepping a floor back, it’s a Both are part of the Get Georgia Reading forward by right, with only administrative very small footprint… We recess the middle, approval required. For “noncontributing” or campaign. we just don’t have anything left,” he said.

CCSD has a goal of having every third-­ non-­historic properties like a parking lot, Barrie Buck, owner of the 40 Watt Club, the HPC’s role is to ensure that new develsaid she was afraid that the apartment opment neither clashes with nor mimics building would tower over the one-­story the district’s historic buildings. music venue. Because of Pulaski Street’s The parking lot and a neighboring buildslope, the parking lot is 19 feet below the ing near the former Caledonia Lounge were 40 Watt, Nave said, and from the north recently acquired by Athens-­based Landonly the top floor or two would be visible. mark Properties, developer of The Mark, Buck also expressed concerns about The Standard and numerous other student parking. “It isn’t a beauty, but it’s a very apartment buildings around the country. useful parking lot that everyone uses,” she The vacant building at 290 W. Clayton St. is said, adding that, “I’m mystified as to where slated to become the headquarters for Cafe those people [the tenants] are going to Racer, a small local fast-­food chain. park.”

In other development news: Parking will be located underneath the • Plans have been submitted to turn the building and on the bottom floor, which will medical office building at 644 N. Chase St. also house retail spaces. Nave said that— into apartments. compared to the parking lot, billboards, • The former Cafe on Lumpkin at 1700 vape shop and ATM on the site now—the S. Lumpkin St. is being renovated and new building would be “iconic” for that expanded, and will become a restaurant or end of Clayton Street, and an influence event space with apartments upstairs. on future developments if, for example, • The Arena District Steering Committee Redeemer Presbyterian Church decides to is considering options for private develsell its property one day. opment of an entertainment district One HPC member noted the irony of around Akins Ford Arena, including a fighting to preserve a parking lot when, hotel, parking deck, retail space, apartjust last year, some people were up in arms ments and townhouses. One presented about First United Methodist Church fightby consultants Accenture would relocate ing to have the Saye Building removed from the Multimodal Transportation Center to the West Downtown Historic District, then make space for retail and an “innovation tearing it down to create a parking lot. hub;” two others involve building a hotel

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · JULY 22, 2026

grade child in the district reading at or above grade level by 2029, and having incoming kindergarten students ready to learn to read. Several local groups have stepped up to help, including nonprofit Books for Keeps, former UGA football player Malcolm Mitchell’s Share the Magic Foundation and Get Comfortable, the philanthropic arm of Creature Comforts Brewing Co. Partnering with UGA, Books for Keeps and other local nonprofits and businesses, Get Comfortable has paid to train volunteers as literacy coaches, who then read with young school children, one-­on-­one, at Howard B. Stroud Elementary and Fowler Drive Elementary. The program is improving the reading ability of participating students and will be expanding to other grades and other schools.

Researchers Weldon and McGiboney said there are a host of good reasons for children to be reading well by third grade, as well as numerous factors that could impede them.

As Scott said, “Literacy touches every part of a child’s day.” Third grade is seen as the time when children should stop learning to read and start reading to learn.

McGiboney and Weldon said that numerous outside factors influence a child’s “path to literacy.” Factors impeding a child from learning to read can include: a family in which no one reads to the child; whether the child was born prematurely, a negative classroom environment, vision or hearing issues, poor dental health or absences from school—as few as five missed days means a 20% lower score in reading. Food insecurity is another factor. With the recent changes in SNAP benefits, one in three Georgia families is experiencing food insecurity.

Weldon views literacy holistically, as a public health issue. She came up with the term “language nutrition,” believing that frequent, positive, language-­rich social interactions nurture brain growth and language development. Scott is inviting community members and businesses to participate in the Culture of Literacy Initiative. People can become literacy mentors or tutors, community partners or early literacy supporters, among other things. [Rebecca McCarthy] f

street scribe

news

feature

Athens’ ‘Moon Tree’

Investor-​Owned Homes

By Ed Tant news@flagpole.com

By Alander Rocha news@flagpole.com

COURTHOUSE PROJECT COULD MEAN THE END FOR LUNAR LOBLOLLY

“He who plants a tree plants a hope,” wrote poet Lucy Larcom during America’s Gilded Age of the late 19th century. Today, hope may be running out for a historic tree that was planted here in Athens during the 1976 U.S.Bicentennial celebration. The Athens Moon Tree has grown from a seedling to a stately tree in the half-​century since it was planted, but it may soon be destroyed by construction of a courthouse where the tree now grows near downtown.

BLAKE AUED / FILE

our Founding Fathers. May it inspire us to strive for the kind of growth that benefits our own citizens and all mankind.”

When Apollo astronauts flew to the moon in the late 1960s and early ’70s, their journeys were much-​needed inspiration for an America reeling from war abroad and political corruption and chicanery at home.

The trees that grew from the seeds carried

by Roosa are living links to a time that was fraught with fear but filled with hope.

For years, Athenian Melanie Ford has worked to preserve the Athens Moon Tree and raise awareness of the dwindling numbers of such trees. She serves as senior director of construction for the Office of University Architects at UGA. After talking with local officials and people involved with the proposed construction at 120 Dougherty St.— currently home to the Athens-​Clarke County planning, building inspections and transportation departments—Ford told Flagpole, “I think/hope that I convinced them that there are some viable options to save the tree if they will reconsider a little bit of potential site design revisions, and I Athens-​Clarke County officials say the Moon Tree is likely near the end am hopeful that they are of its lifespan, and could be cloned or its seeds planted elsewhere. exploring those.” She noted “how fortunate we The Athens Moon Tree grew from seeds are to still have a living Moon Tree when flown aboard the 1971 Apollo 14 moon there just aren’t that many left.” mission. Astronaut Stuart Roosa brought In an article titled “Where on Earth are the seeds back to Earth after his long lunar the Moon Trees?” published in the journal voyage with fellow astronauts Ed Mitchell Plant Perspectives last year, Ford and co-​ and Al Shepard. Commander Shepard had author Eric MacDonald wrote that only 66 gained fame and fortune as America’s first known moon trees survive across America astronaut in 1961, when Shepard took a 15-​ today. They asked if a tree grown from a minute rocket ride three weeks after Russeed that went from lunar orbit to Earth’s sia’s Yuri Gagarin became the first human soil could be considered “just” a tree. Their to travel to space and back. Ten years after answer was a heartfelt “no.” his brief suborbital jaunt, Shepard was Roosa died in 1994, but the celestial walking on the moon with Mitchell while seedbearer’s work is carried on by his Roosa kept a lonely vigil flying the Apollo daughter, Rosemary Roosa, president of the mothership high above the lunar surface, Moon Tree Foundation. The organization’s ready to rejoin his cosmic comrades when motto is “Planting the Seeds of Inspiration.” they blasted off from the moon.

Moon trees do indeed continue to inspire.

After Apollo XIV’s crew returned to In 2024, two years before their lunar Earth, seeds that Roosa took along on odyssey last spring, the four astronauts of the voyage grew into seedlings that were Artemis II planted on Capitol Hill in Washplanted in the United States, Brazil and ington a tree grown from a seed carried to Switzerland. Surviving moon trees are rare, lunar orbit aboard an unmanned spacecraft and Athens is fortunate to have a living in 2022. No Russians have been to the connection to American space history and moon, but to this day Russian cosmonauts to the 1976 Bicentennial celebrations that plant trees before they fly to Earth orbit—a marked this nation’s 200th birthday. tradition that began when Gagarin planted A handsome plaque at the base of the a poplar tree before his pioneering flight in Athens Moon Tree quotes then-​President 1961. The Gagarin Tree still stands.

Gerald Ford, who wrote: “This tree is a living Lucy Larcom’s words from the Gilded symbol of our spectacular human and sciAge apply today during the Space Age: entific achievements. May this young tree “Heaven and Earth help him who plants a renew our deep-​rooted faith in the ideals of tree.” f

WARNOCK TOUTS NEW LAW LIMITING CORPORATE OWNERSHIP OF HOUSING

S

peaking in southwest Atlanta in front harder for working families to achieve their of a home that is corporate owned, dream of home ownership, and it becomes U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock touted a harder for legacy residents to remain rooted new federal law that went into effect over in the communities that they helped to the weekend that is aimed at making home- build,” Dickens said. “Here in Atlanta, we ownership more attainable, joined by city see the negative impacts of unchecked instileaders and a local resident struggling to tutional investment. Over the last decade or find an affordable home for sale. more, corporate investors have suffocated The legislation, headed by Massachusetts metro Atlanta’s housing market.”

Democratic U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren Atlanta was identified in a 2024 U.S. and South Carolina Republican U.S. Sen. Government Accountability Office report Tim Scott, automatically became law after as a hotspot for investor-​owned homes. The President Donald Trump did not sign the report named the city as the top market in measure but also did not veto it. the country for homes owned by private Warnock, who is a Democrat, highequity firms, with 25% of single-​family lighted a provision he pushed for that homes owned by a private equity firm. limits the number of single-​family homes an institutional investor can own to 350 homes. “What’s happening in metro Atlanta is happening in communities all across the state.

Private equity firms and major corporations have bought up thousands of single-​ family homes, leaving Georgians without an opportunity. Let’s be clear: If you’re a single mom, if you’re U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock (left) speaks at a press conference on July 13, the married father of 2026, in Atlanta and is joined by Mayor Andre Dickens to discuss a new two trying to buy a home, owning a small federal law that limits the number of single-​family homes an institutional investor can own to 350 homes. barber shop, you cannot compete with Wall Street,” Warnock said.

Despite the lack of data on private-​equity Most of the Georgia delegation voted in homeownership outside of Atlanta, Todd favor of the new law, with only GOP U.S. Edwards, director of governmental affairs Reps. Andrew Clyde of Jackson County and for the state association that represents Clay Fuller of Lookout Mountain voting counties at the state Capitol, said that any against it. place in the state that is growing or has a The law is “forward-​looking,” Warnock tourism industry is a target area for corsaid, and corporations won’t have to divest porations to buy homes. Edwards said that if they currently own more than 350 invest- rural areas, however, aren’t as impacted. ment homes. But moving forward, if a “Any cities and counties that are growcorporation goes beyond the 350-​home cap, ing. It’s not just Atlanta. You go up all the the federal government can impose a fine of way to Cherokee [County], anywhere on the up to $1 million per violation or three times outskirts, inside and out. It’s all demand,” the purchase price of the home involved, Edwards said. “And then if it’s not for outwhichever is greater. right purchasing and renting, it’s purchas“What I want to do is to stop the spread ing for short-​term rentals anywhere that’s a of corporations buying homes. If you’re vacation spot around the state.” already in a home that’s owned by one of Jacob Parcel, a Smyrna barbershop these corporations, this does not force the owner who joined Warnock at the Monday corporation to sell that home. But what press conference, has been trying to buy a we’re trying to do is stop the spread, and home for the last two years in that area. He this is a start in that direction,” Warnock said that affordable homes for sale “have said. been few and far in between.” He said that Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, who with unaffordable options, he’s had to conjoined Warnock the morning of Monday, sider moving farther away from his family July 12, said the new federal law would and business. complement his administration’s local “I believe if you work hard and if you efforts to build or preserve affordable hous- save for years, you should be able to buy a ing, pointing to initiatives that are aimed at home in the neighborhood that you want revitalizing underserved neighborhoods in to be in, and with all the homes being purAtlanta. chased up by major companies, it’s very “Large institutional investors, private hard to do,” Parcel said. f equity firms—they buy up neighborhoods This article originally appeared at georgiarecorder.com. and the homes in bulk. It becomes so much

JULY 22, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

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ALANDER ROCHA / GEORGIA RECORDER

news

news

comment

Student Essays

MIDDLE-​SCHOOLERS WEIGH IN ON TECHNOLOGY, TESTING AND TEACHERS

By Various Authors news@flagpole.com Editor’s Note: These essays were submitted

by Clarke Middle School teacher Julia Dawson-​Deweese on behalf of students in her Expanded Learning Time (ELT) classes.

She selected the three essays that received the highest grades.

Let’s Go Analog! More Recess, Fewer Computers at School As rising seventh graders at Clarke Middle School, we call for less computer time and more active breaks during the school day. On average, middle school students like us use computers for up to four hours each day during school hours, and we often don’t get any time outside. In our opinion, both factors make learning harder. The amount of information that teachers expect us to remember can feel overwhelming, especially without breaks.

Computers create distractions and work against learning goals. A 2015 study published by the journal Education Next agrees. That study was led by three researchers who studied 726 students in 50 classrooms at West Point military college in New York for two college semesters, fall and spring. The researchers divided students into three groups: 1) technology-​free, 2) technology-​at-​ will and 3) tech-​limited. What did the researchers find? According to the journal, “On the… final exams… students in the technology-​free group fared best…

No matter how they sliced the data, the researchers found no group in which those using classroom technology outperformed their no-​tech peers.” The researchers added that their results match several others from that time, which showed that “classroom technology had negative effects on student learning.”

Screen use is impacting kids’ ability to learn outside the U.S., too. According to a 2015 study by Microsoft Corp. in Canada, as technology use increased since the year 2000, the average attention span decreased.

Some people believe that computers in schools make learning more efficient, but we believe they are incorrect. Screens bring in distractions that slow kids down.

Students like us also engage with our work more when we use paper and pencil instead of typing on computers. A 2024 report by National Public Radio found research from different scientists in the U.S. and Norway which showed that “In kids… writing by hand improves memory and recall of words… In adults, taking notes by hand during a lecture, instead of typing, can lead to better conceptual understanding of material.”

To solve this problem, we call on education leaders to train teachers to reduce how often they assign students to complete work on computers, and to make outdoor recess time part of the regular school day.

A 2024 article published by the website Edutopia quotes the book The Anxious Gen-

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · JULY 22, 2026

eration by Jonathan Haidt. Haidt’s book agrees with our argument that too much screen time, and almost no outside time, hurts the mental health and learning of students like us. As the Edutopia article shares, Haidt’s book shows research to explain why students in kindergarten up to eighth grade should have “generous free time,” and how that actually helps learning instead of taking away from it, as some argue.

Research from the United States, Canada and Norway going back to 2015 backs up our experiences as middle-​schoolers here in Athens: Too much screen time and no outside time in U.S. schools is hurting students instead of helping us. Adults can use the evidence found in this research, and

the voices and opinions of students like us, to work together to change schools for the better. Our ability to learn depends on it.

[Gideon Cade, Cem Uelzmann Gueneli and Sullivan White]

The Effects of Standardized Testing As a rising seventh grader here in Athens, a big part of the end of our school year as students has to do with end-​of-​year tests. Standardized testing is one of the main ways schools check students’ academic performance, but is it effective?

A 2018 study done by The National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) called “Testing, Stress, and Performance: How Students Respond Physiologically to High-​ Stakes Testing,” tested the cortisol levels of 93 student volunteers ages 8–13. The results showed that the students’ cortisol levels rose 15% on weeks they were taking standardized tests, compared to weeks when they weren’t. Spikes in cortisol levels can cause a lack of focus and memory loss.

These cortisol spikes could be caused by a number of factors, but I believe that they are at least partly caused by schools teaching children that they’re only smart if they get a high score on end-​of-​year tests.

Standardized tests also do not test skills

needed for success like problem solving, logic and teamwork. A 2024 survey done by The EdWeek Research Center asked 1,135 educators if they thought standardized tests covered all the knowledge needed for life outside of school. The results showed that about 60% of the educators said that standardized tests don’t test students on skills like logic or problem solving. This can cause students to be unprepared for the workforce and daily life. This narrow view of academic ability could be caused by the fact that standardized tests mostly contain multiple choice questions. Too many multiple choice questions can stop students from using logic and critical thinking skills, especially in subjects like English Language Arts.

Some people say that standardized tests are the only way to test children’s knowledge fairly. This leads to my third argument— that standardized tests are biased towards students from higher income families.

From 1999–2015, Harvard University researchers conducted The Opportunity Insights study, where they collected data from 500,000 student volunteers. This study compared students’ families’ tax

records with their SAT scores. What they found was that children of the top 1% do, on average, 13% better on the SAT than kids from low-​income families. This can pose some major disadvantages, including less access to higher education, and could stop children from getting other opportunities that could help them build a successful career. One of the reasons this happens is because families with lower incomes may not be able to afford things like tutors.

Another reason is that, on average, children from lower-​income families are more stressed, which can cause problems when taking tests.

One solution to the problem of so much weight being put on standardized tests is something called portfolio-​based assessments. This is where teachers get an accurate idea of a student’s learning using school work from the entire year. Another solution schools can consider is free tutoring for children who need extra help.

Schools could ask high school or college students to volunteer to tutor children who need it.

In summary, standardized testing should not be the only way to measure student learning. We need changes to the ways schools measure the learning of students like me, and as part of that, we need to make sure that more low-​income students have better access to learning support. [Iris Aued]

What if Teachers Asked Us How We Wish to Learn?

As rising seventh grade students at Clarke Middle School, we strongly support increased training for middle-​school teachers nationwide to create lessons that are engaging. This issue cannot be ignored, and in our view is partly why, according to reporters like Andrew Rice and his November 2025, New York Magazine article “The Big Fail,” students in U.S. schools have fallen behind on reading and math scores since 2015.

As middle-​schoolers ourselves here in Athens, if we are ever not engaged in a class, we “zone out,” then get behind in our learning, which makes our anxiety increase. Lack of classes with excitement and engagement could even discourage attendance, as kids feel hopeless when they’re in the school environment. Still, this issue is avoidable.

A 2019 article published by Gallup called “Focus on Student Engagement for Better Academic Outcomes” agrees with us. It discusses a study of over 128 schools and 110,000 students. The results were that, “schools [at] the top… of student engagement had significantly more students exceeding and meeting proficiency requirements than schools [at] the bottom… of engagement.”

That same study found that “in math, students with higher engagement had [about 22%] higher achievement compared to students with lower engagement.” For reading, the increase was about 4%, and it was 13% for all subjects combined.

One strategy we like for improving engagement in school lessons is training teachers to use short videos in ways that keep students more actively involved. A second way to make lessons more enjoyable is to ask students themselves what they think should be added to lesson plans; also, give students like us choices in how assignments are completed. We also suggest that engagement could be increased if teachers verbally check in with individual students to ensure that they understand the current content before moving on to a new topic.

Some in education believe that traditional methods, like having students in their seats most of the class listening to adults read from a slideshow, are better for learning. But this is simply not the case.

These teachers might believe that boredom is good for kids and causes them to perform better. That is not true. A 2022 article published by Kappan Online talks about many studies that say: “Without a curriculum that engages [students] in new and interesting ideas and requires them to work to maintain high grades, students are more likely to become unmotivated, unengaged and achieve less academic growth.”

We agree.

We call for teachers to look carefully at the problem of low engagement in U.S. schools and change the contents of their lesson plans. Every student is different. We all have different dreams, personalities and histories. Therefore, we ask that our teachers talk with us face-​to-​face about what we need to know, and then ask us how we wish to learn. Use that information to find fun, engaging ways to replace old, traditional teaching methods. [Joshua Baer and London Peel] f

feature

JENNIFER KEENE

arts & culture

An Outsider’s Roadtrip GEORGIA FOLK ART INSTALLATIONS TO VISIT

By Jennifer Keene editorial@flagpole.com

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any road trip lists revolve around destination locations like theme parks full of rides and interesting fried foods or visiting a sprawling city full of gleaming buildings to shop ’til you drop.

Nothing wrong with any of those things, but would you like a different flavor of adventure—say, the world of folk art and outsider art greenspaces in Georgia? No matter what part of the state you want to see, you’ll be able to jump in the car for a day adventure to visit one of these creative spots.

First, let’s start close to Athens. Like, right here in Athens. Harold Rittenberry’s home is just off of Baxter Street, and his yard is a spectacle of delights created from cut iron. While I don’t encourage you to roam right up to his door, you can definitely drive by and gawk from the street.

You can also find his work at almost any park in town, the parking lot of the Lyndon House Arts Center, the library, and the gates of Brooklyn Cemetery and the Georgia Museum of Art, to name just a few locations. For armchair travelers, a new book, Harold Rittenberry: Love is All, will be released this fall by the Georgia Museum of Art that features his art and story.

ment to take a self-­guided tour of the place, and donations are always welcome.

SamG Land is another meandering art installation on personal property, but instead of metal, it’s brightly colored quirky creations that include mannequin parts and army men that can be found under trees, in the woods, around/on several outdoor structures, and inside the artist’s studio.

You can see the world’s biggest grit and then take home a miniature version of it for a steal.

St. EOM’s Pasaquan and Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden are the two most well-­known and well-­funded outdoor art experiences in the state. Contemporaries but on very opposite sides of the spectrum—St. EOM was an avid spiritualist, and his pieces were filled with nudity and whimsy, while Finster was a preacher who used his pieces to celebrate God and country. They both left lasting impressions and very large works that needed restoration.

Each place has undergone expansive, sweeping and extensive work and are very much recommended experiences. Pasaquan is located just south of Columbus and is free to visit most of the year. Paradise Garden

Paradise Garden

famous women of history, politics and literary society, as well as notable military figures of the time. The artist’s home has distinctly different interior wall paintings, and the many porches’ decorative design uses sewing machine parts. After her death in the 1970s, her home and land went into decline, and many of her works were lost or destroyed. What remains and what continues to be unearthed as the vegetation is cleared is carefully tended to by the current property owners. While most of Forrester’s JENNIFER KEENE

JENNIFER KEENE

and figures, most representing the lives of sailors who felled the giant oaks for boating materials in days of yore, are found scattered across several square miles. Carved into trees using minimal damage, placement approved by arborists, the trend was started by a local artist in the 1980s. Today his son has continued the tradition, adding new touches to the aging sculptures. Hop on a bike, dodge swaying moss and enjoy the sea air as you go on a scavenger hunt to find those open to the public.

Pasaquan

If you like heavy metal, then The Mechanical Riverfront Kingdom is going to be right up your alley. Located off of Druid Hills Road in Decatur, it’s a free public sculpture installation on the property of artist, musician and political activist Clark Ashton. Ashton uses his experience as a welder to create various pieces that focus on the changed landscape of Druid Hills—from the Native American community that once called it home to the land lotteries of 1821 to prehistoric landscapes.

Since its establishment in 1984, the spot has expanded to include more interactive exhibits that you walk through as well as a steampunk-­styled chapel that towers over the backyard. You don’t need an appoint-

in West Georgia is open year-­round and requires a fee to enter.

The Calhoun Rock Garden is Georgia’s version of an outdoor grotto of sorts, as it was created to honor Christianity and the expansion of religion, all while using found materials. Volunteers have recreated over 50 historic locations and scenes using tiny stones, shells, broken crockery and glass.

You can visit the exhibit all year-­round, but they are very strict about after-­hour excursions, as it’s on church property. Remember, God sees everything—including you trying to sneak a peek after closing.

Head way south to Saint Simons Island to find the eerie-­looking tree spirits of coastal Georgia. Over 20 different faces

Pope’s Museum

Last but not least is the little-­known Pope’s Museum near Whigham. Pope’s is officially recognized as one of Georgia’s earliest outdoor folk art environments, but has only recently received restoration and recognition. Created by Laura Pope Forrester, her property is a showcase with over 200 yard sculptures that focus on

sculptures can be viewed from the road and via various pathways, you must make an appointment to have a guided tour of the interior of the home, as the space is being used for local events.

As Finster said, “The more art you have, the more life you have.” So get on out there and start living. f

JULY 22, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

7

Tuesday 21

event calendar

COMEDY: Open Toad Comedy Night (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Comedy performed by a mix of newcomers and local favorites from Athens and Atlanta. 8:30 p.m. (doors). $7. www.flickertheatreandbar.com EVENTS: Tiki Taco Tuesday (Live Wire) Enjoy craft cocktails and a taco pop-​up from Don Carne with themed weeks, live music and dancing. Tuesdays, 5–10 p.m. www.livewireathens.com FILM: OLLI Summer Film Festival (Ciné) This weekly film festival featuring best-​rated movies sponsored

by OLLI presents Sorry To Bother You. Tuesdays, 1:30 p.m. $9. www. athenscine.com GAMES: Bad Dog Bingo (The Globe) Drop in to play and win prizes.

6–8:30 p.m. www.instagram.com/ baddogathens GAMES: Dino Bingo (Bogart Library) Enjoy an afternoon of fun games and prizes with dinosaur themed games. All ages. 6 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 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 LECTURES & LIT: Athentic Book Club (Athentic Brewing Co.) Discuss Hooked by Asako Yuzuki with the group. 6 p.m. FREE! www. athenticbrewing.com 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 22 ART: Tour at Two (Georgia Museum of Art) These drop-​in public tours feature highlights of the permanent collection. 2 p.m. FREE! www.georgia​museum.org ART: Pints & Paint (Terrapin Beer Co.) Drop in for a guided painting session. 6:30 p.m. $10. www.terrapin​beer.com EVENTS: The Athens Farmers Market (Creature Comforts Brewery) Markets offer fresh produce, flowers, eggs, meats, prepared foods, arts and crafts. Live music at 6 p.m. AFM double SNAP dollars spent. Wednesdays, 5–8 p.m. www. athensfarmersmarket.net GAMES: 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

art around town ATHICA (675 Pulaski St.) “Nonsensica” is an immersive art experience that engages the senses. Through July 30.

ATHICA@CINÉ GALLERY (234 W. Hancock Ave.) “Piecemeal” features collages by Brian George incorporating pieces of discarded books, including children’s bibles, medical textbooks and frontier history books. Through Aug. 25.

ATHENS CLARKE-​COUNTY LIBRARY (2025 Baxter St.) The 2026 Athens Art Association Members Exhibit is on display in the Bogue Gallery. Through July 26.

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.) 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 July 30, 2027.

HISTORIC ATHENS WELCOME CENTER(280 E. Dougherty St.) The exhibit “Anne Brumby: Her Life in Athens, Georgia” shares the story of Anne W.

8

F L A GP OL E .C OM · JULY 22, 2026

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) Join magician Keith Karnock for a comedy show about paleontology and archeology. 11 a.m. & 12 p.m. FREE! www.athens​ library.org/oconee LECTURES & LIT: RIP Book Club (Hendershot’s) Casual discussions about horror-​themed books, comics and graphic novels with rotating monthly picks. 5:30​​p.m. FREE! www.instagram.com/ripbookclub​ athens PERFORMANCE: Open Mic (G H O S T) A performance opportunity for a variety of creative expression.

Sign up required. 7 p.m. FREE! www.instagram.com/ghost.athens

Thursday 23 CLASSES: Maximizing Social Security (ACC Library) Learn about social security claiming decisions, benefits, common mistakes to avoid and more. Registration required. 6 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org COMEDY: Gorgeous George’s Improv League (Flying Squid Comedy) Bring a loose funny bone to some home-​grown townie improv. 6:30 p.m. (doors), 7 p.m. (short-​form), 8 p.m. (long-​form). $5. www.flyingsquidcomedy.com FILM: Marigold Movie Night (Marigold Auditorium for Arts and Culture) Screening of the 2025 movie How to Train Your Dragon 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.athenslibrary.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 Discovery (ACC Library) Learn about dinosaurs with a live show, fun facts and a fossil experience. 10:30 a.m.

FREE! www.athenslibrary.org KIDSTUFF: LEGO Builder’s Challenge (Oconee County Library) Drop in to complete challenges and earn prizes. Ages 5–12. Fourth Thursdays, 3:30 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/oconee LECTURES & LIT: Across The Board Book Club (Oconee County Library) Discuss books chosen by the group. New members welcome.

Fourth Thursdays, 11 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/oconee LECTURES & LIT: Author Talk (Rec Room Books) Author Emily Martin discusses her new book Nell O’Dell Hates Quests with local author Carey Blankenship-​Kramer. All ages. 6:30 p.m. FREE! www.instagram.com/recroombooks 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 MEETINGS: Athens Science Café (Little Kings Shuffle Club) Join the

Brumby and features a curated selection of antique women’s garments on display in the master bedroom of the c. 1820 Church-​Waddel-​Brumby House. Through Aug. 17.

LYNDON HOUSE ARTS CENTER (211 Hoyt St.). “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. Artist Talk July 30, 5:30 p.m. 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. Through Oct. 10. • “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. Through Oct. 10.

• 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.

MADISON-​MORGAN CULTURAL CENTER (434 South Main Street, Madison) In celebration of the center’s 50th anniversary, the exhibition “experience and intersection” features works by John Cleaveland and the late Richard Olsen. Through October.

OCAF (34 School St. Watkinsville) In the Main Gallery, “Southworks” showcases a variety of mediums juried by Beth Malone and Rachel Waldrop.

Coalition of Athens Scientists for a discussion and Q&A with The Scientists Engaged in Educational Research (SEER) Center. 6 p.m.

FREE! www.instagram.com/athens​ sciencecafe SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 10 a.m. www.athenspetanque.org

THEATER: The Prince of Egypt (Oconee Youth Playhouse) Oconee Youth Playhouse presents a musical based on the 1998 DreamWorks animated film. July 24–25, 31 & Aug. 1, 7 p.m. July 26 & Aug. 2, 3 p.m. $15–20. www.oconeeyouth​ playhouse.com

Friday 24

CLASSES: Learn Miniature Painting Workshop (Tyche’s Games) Bring your primed miniatures and learn the basics of painting them.

Supplies provided. 1 p.m. $5. www. tychesgames.com CLASSES: Dig Up Your Roots (Bogart Library) Learn about how to research records and search for family members. 3 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart COMEDY: Rapture Comedy Show (Sister Louisa’s Church Bar) Lineup of Southern-​based comedians. Last Saturdays, 9 p.m. FREE! www.instagram.com/rapturecomedy_ 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: End of Summer Dance Party (Oconee County Library) Celebrate the end of the summer reading program with a dance party, snacks and more. All ages. 10 a.m.–12 p.m. FREE! www.athens​ library.org/oconee

ART: Opening Reception (Winterville Cultural Center Gallery) The exhibitions “This and That,” “Art: Through the Decades,” “Layers” and “The Art of Sedition” will be on view. 5–7 p.m. FREE! www.winterville​center.com EVENTS: Cookout on the Cobblestones (Historic Fire Hall No. 2) Join the preservation impact team for a community open house with food, drinks and information about upcoming programs. 11 a.m.–2 p.m. FREE! www.historicathens.com EVENTS: Mid Georgia Bull Bash (Heritage Park) The third annual event features competitive bull riding with food and retail vendors.

July 24–25, 5:30 p.m. (doors), 7:30 p.m. (event). $20 (adults), $10 (ages 6–12). www.midgeorgia​ bullbash.com FILM: Marigold Movie Night (Marigold Auditorium for Arts and Culture) Screening of the original mafia movie The Godfather with refreshments. 7 p.m. $6. www. wintervillecenter.com GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Oak House Distillery) Test your general trivia knowledge. Fridays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia GAMES: Friday Night Initiative (Tyche’s Games) Learn how to play a new roleplaying game. New players welcome. 7 p.m. FREE! www. tychesgames.com PERFORMANCE: Athens Showgirl Cabaret Fabulous Fridays (Hendershots) A fabulous night of drag entertainment. Ages 18 & up.

9 p.m. $5. www.athensshowgirl​ cabaret.com

Saturday 25

Through July. • “Art in the Family” presents multi-​medium works by OCAF members and volunteers. Through July.

STATE BOTANICAL GARDEN OF GEORGIA (2450 S. Milledge Ave.) “Defining the Lines” features watercolor paintings by Leigh Ellis. Artist reception Aug. 2, 2–4 p.m. Through Aug. 9.

TINY ATH GALLERY (174 Cleveland Ave.) Artist Cecilia Reynolds will have works on view in the exhibition “rivers, roots, and bones.” Closing reception July 30, 6–9 p.m. 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) In the Narrow Gallery, “This and That” features collages and wall works by Jack Burk. Opening reception July 24, 5–7 p.m. Through Sept. 15. • In Gallery 1, “Art: Through the Decades” features works by the late artist and folklorist Art Rosenbaum. Opening reception July 24, 5–7 p.m. Through Sept. 15. • In Gallery 2, “Layers” is a juried Members exhibit with works in a variety of mediums. Opening reception July 24, 5–7 p.m. Through Sept.

15. • In the Music Room Gallery, “The Art of Sedition” is on view through Sept. 15. Opening reception July 24, 5–7 p.m. • In honor of the United States’ 250th anniversary, “Rebellious Art, Treasonous Artists” is on view in Room 103. Through December.

ese. 6–7 p.m. FREE! www.athens​ library.org/oconee 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

EVENTS: Dueling Daiquiri Competition (Puma Yu’s) Contestants compete for the best daquiri with tastings and voting by attendees, benefiting Farm 2 Neighborhood. $10. 6–9 p.m. www.instagram. com/pumayus FILM: OLLI Summer Film Festival (Ciné) This weekly film festival featuring best-​rated movies sponsored by OLLI presents Moonrise Kingdom. 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

OCONEE YOUTH PLAYHOUSE

EVENTS: Back to School Jam (Georgia Square Mall) This third annual event offers students in grades K-​5 the opportunity to receive backpacks and school supplies plus games, snacks and more. 11 a.m.–2 p.m. FREE! www. georgiasquaremall.com EVENTS: Mid Georgia Bull Bash (Heritage Park) The third annual event features competitive bull riding with food and retail vendors.

July 24–25, 5:30 p.m. (doors), 7:30 p.m. (event). $20 (adults), $10 (ages 6–12). www.midgeorgia​ bullbash.com 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 KIDSTUFF: Family Day: World Explorers (Georgia Museum of Art) Play gallery games, enjoy interactive storytime and create your own take-​home project. 10 a.m.–12 p.m. FREE! www.georgiamuseum. org 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 LECTURES & LIT: Local Author Storytime (ACC Library) Authors Ricky Tavernier and Jenifer Borg read their books and demonstrate how to create collage illustrations.

All ages. 11 a.m. FREE! www.athens​ library.org THEATER: The Prince of Egypt (Oconee Youth Playhouse) Oconee Youth Playhouse presents a musical based on the 1998 DreamWorks animated film. July 24–25, 31 & Aug. 1, 7 p.m. July 26 & Aug. 2, 3 p.m. $15–20. www.oconeeyouth​ playhouse.com

Sunday 26 CLASSES: Herbal Study Group (Revolution Therapy and Yoga) Learn about specific herbs including their properties and uses, affect on different body systems, how to identify and prepare them and more.

4:30 p.m. Donation suggested. www.revolutiontherapyandyoga.com COMEDY: Funny Femmes (The Globe) An all-​femme showcase featuring comedians from Athens and Atlanta. Fourth Sundays, 9 p.m. $10. www.globetavern.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 KIDSTUFF: Kids Club Dog Training (Pet Supplies Plus) Learn how to foster better relationships with dogs through games, activities and play with stuffed dogs. Registration required. 2 p.m. FREE! Find Sit Happens Kids Club on Eventbrite.

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 THEATER: The Prince of Egypt (Oconee Youth Playhouse) Oconee Youth Playhouse presents a musical based on the 1998 DreamWorks animated film. July 24–25, 31 & Aug. 1, 7 p.m. July 26 & Aug. 2, 3 p.m. $15–20. www.oconeeyouth​ playhouse.com

Monday 27 CLASSES: Vietnamese Class (Oconee County Library) Instructor Martine Thy Nguyen will lead a class on the basics of Vietnam-

The Prince of Egypt will open at the Oconee Youth Playhouse on Friday, July 24.

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: Archaeology Adventure! (Bogart Library) Learn about about archeology, see real archeology tools and then dig for treasure in the dino pool. 1 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/bogart MEETINGS: Writers of Oconee (Oconee County Library) Learn how to share your writing experiences and get feedback on your work with Sanese Pippen. Second & fourth Mondays, 6:30 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/oconee

Tuesday 28 CLASSES: Microsoft Powerpoint (ACC Library) Learn how to create slides, enter content, change layouts, and use styles and themes. 10 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org CLASSES: Boots & Brews Line Dancing (Athentic Brewing Co.) Learn the line dancing basics from host Lindsay before the floor opens for social dancing. Fourth Tuesdays, 7–9 p.m. www.athentic​ brewing.com EVENTS: Tiki Taco Tuesday (Live Wire) Enjoy craft cocktails and a taco pop-​up from Don Carne with themed weeks, live music and dancing. Tuesdays, 5–10 p.m. www.livewireathens.com

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: Back-​to-​School Trivia (Hendershot’s) Test your trivia knowledge with host Arden. 7 p.m. www.hendershotsathens.com 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 LECTURES & LIT: Mystery Book Club (Bogart Library) Discuss The Searcher by Tana French with the group. 5:30​​p.m. FREE! www.athens​ library.org/bogart MEETINGS: Athens Photography Guild (Lyndon House Arts Center) Heather Larkin will give a presentation on flower photography. 6 p.m.

FREE! www.athensphotography​ guild.wordpress.com SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled days are Tues-

days, Thursdays and Sundays at 10 a.m. info@athenspetanque.org, www.athenspetanque.org

Wednesday 29 ART: Tour at Two (Georgia Museum of Art) These drop-​in public tours feature highlights of the permanent collection. 2 p.m. FREE! www.georgia​museum.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: 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 LECTURES & LIT: Stories of the AT with GATC (REI) Join the Appalachian Trail Club for an evening of stories about the Appalachian Trail. 5:30 p.m. FREE! www.rei. com/events MEETINGS: Film Athens (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Meet and network with others in the filmmaking community (actors, directors, etc.) during happy hour. 5 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/FilmAthens

Down the Line 7/30 Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) 7/30 Snake Encounter (ACC Library) 7/30 Read to Rover (Oconee County Library) 7/30 Closing Reception (tiny ATH gallery) 7/30 Author Talk & Book Signing (Ciné) 7/30 Mesozoic Movies (Bogart Library) 7/30 KnitLits Knitting Group (Bogart Library) 7/30 Bad Dog BINGO (Amici at The Falls) 7/30 Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Terrapin Beer Co.) 7/30 Gorgeous George’s Improv League (Flying Squid Comedy) 7/30 Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Terrapin Beer Co.) 7/30 Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Butt Hutt) 7/30 Athens’ Hardest Trivia Night (Nighthawks Lounge) 7/31 Bucket Drum Experience (ACC Library) 7/31 End of Summer Reading Party (Bogart Library) 7/31 The Prince of Egypt (Oconee Youth Playhouse) 7/31 Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Oak House Distillery) 8/01 The Athens Farmers Market (Bishop Park) f

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music

feature Athens Craft Breweries Can Collective & Stirling Real Estate

The Grawks

Present...

GARAGE ROCK BAND RELEASES MAGNIFICENT LITTLE DEATHS

By Sam Lipkin editorial@flagpole.com

N

oticing the pterodactyl tattoo on the forearm of The Grawks frontman Steve Phillips and knowing the band has a fondness for the extinct flying reptile, it felt necessary to ask, “So, what’s the deal with the pterodactyl?”

“He’s our mascot,” Phillips says, laughing. “It’s ridiculous. It means absolutely nothing except that now it means so much because it’s been from the beginning.”

When Phillips decided to put together a band 14 years ago after a long hiatus from the music scene, one of the first songs that he wrote was named “Pterodactyl.” One of the lines was, “You’ve got to grawk like a pterodactyl,” playing on his idea of what sound the creature might make intertwined with the expression “let’s rawk.” It was a lighthearted, funny song at the time, but it spurred an idea for the nameless band that had been looking for a unique moniker. Phillips says his bandmates at the time thought The Grawks was the funniest name ever, and a better name never came along, so the pterodactyl became its mascot.

JULIA DUFFY

Since this moment, The Grawks has primarily been the songwriting vehicle of Phillips with a turnover of collaborative band members over the years. He says that the current lineup—Mark Brill on drums, Eric George on bass and Nick Shelton on lead guitar—has inspired a lot of confidence to stretch the band’s sound and material outside of its prior iterations. This is most noticeable in the new EP release, Magnificent Little Deaths, that will be available to stream and on vinyl Aug. 1.

The biggest challenge Phillips faced when he started the band was communicating his points of musical reference to people willing to play who weren’t quite on the same page.

Although they were great musicians, the musical inspirations weren’t the same. Phillips had to open himself up to what others were bringing to the table, but at the same time, he felt something was missing. Now he says that the band has the best of both worlds, members drawing from the same well of sounds but with different styles and technical expertise.

“I’ve always needed a lead guitar player because I play rhythm and I write songs, but I’ve never been a proficient, technically skilled guitar player. Nick is a guy that is more willing as a lead player to leave space open for that second guitar, and it’s really forced me to think harder about what I’m doing, and we’re getting more guitar interplay… He brings a lot of originality and artistry to what he does,” says Phillips. “We’re just more curious about what we could do playing off of each other than the band has ever shown before, which sort of strays from our punk rock roots, but not really so much because we have that same attitude

and energy. In a way it’s more punk rock because it’s more confident.”

“Mark is now, other than me, the most tenured.

Chemistry-­wise what he does for us is the embodiment of what drums do for a band in general. Like he holds us all together, the solid propulsion that he gives us, no matter what we do, just everything is rock solid on time. I don’t think that the rest of the three of us, what I talked about before trying to be curious with each other and more playful and figure out what we can do, that would not be possible without him,” continues Phillips.

The confidence to explore with this lineup has come at the perfect juncture with Phillips’ songwriting inspiration likewise moving in a different sonic direction. Magnificent Little Deaths carries less angst than previous releases by The Grawks, and in part, Phillips says it’s because he’s reached a point in life where he’s not constantly battling his own demons and writing emotionally charged confessionals. If anything, he’s had to learn how to translate happiness, positivity and spirituality into his music for the first time. The dark moments and themes on the record come from experiences happening out in the world and not focused on Phillips’ own internal universe.

Overall the project was a more community-­based collaboration than any of the band’s previous releases, too. Recording with Kyle Spence and having Asa Leffer on as a producer helped to push the band outside its comfort zone and maintain its newfound confidence. Phillips says that this EP has been “less navel gazing” and more “community-­ minded,” interjecting some much needed hope and positivity into the world.

One week before The Grawks share Magnificent Little Deaths with an album release show at Nowhere Bar on Saturday, Aug. 1, the band will delve into another first: an acoustic set for Athens Goes Acoustic at Athentic Brewing Co. on Saturday, July 25. Phillips says when The Grawks were invited to participate by Ashthrone Booking, he expected his fellow bandmates to say, “What are you talking about?” But instead, they enthusiastically agreed to give the format a try.

“I love that they didn’t want to just say, ‘Well, let’s go do it and turn down and just make it a softer version of what we do.’ We’re doing a full-­on real acoustic set. Everything is geared towards how the songs should translate to more of an acoustic, folky kind of countryfied feel, and we have been having a blast. It’s just so much fun. We’re even thinking about maybe just incorporating it into what we do every so often, just because we have had so much fun doing it,” says Phillips.

The Grawks set at Athens Goes Acoustic will be a unique experience and a different way to get to know the band before seeing it in its full glory for the Nowhere Bar record release show. For more info about these shows and updates on the band, follow The Grawks at instagram.com/ the_grawks. f

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JULY 22, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

11

arts & culture

calendar picks

MUSIC | FRI, JULY 24

Dog Days Freq Beats Dead Beat Club • 8 p.m. • $5

country musician Johnny Riordan at 7:55 p.m. and garage rock group The Grawks at 8:30 p.m. Headliner Trvy and the Enemy will close out the show at 9:15 p.m. with a set of trap-­and psychedelic rock-­tinged hip hop. While the musicians take the inside

Four acts with distinct takes on electronic music will take over Dead Beat Club this Friday. The first is DJ Other Voices, Other Rooms, who typically performs live on synth hardware, but for this occasion will be spinning a vinyl record set including Chicago house music, punk and post-­punk. Next is Ellwin, a DJ and producer who combines riddim, heavy dubstep, tearout and techno, but is also inspired by metal, punk and K-­pop subcultures. Third is Smoggo Sound System, an improvisational electro funk project that uses modulated oscillators and sampled ethnography. Sci-­fi Karma Kat will perform at Athens Goes Acoustic electronic act Space Brother will round out the bill, adding stage, local artisans, food vendors and a in elements of trip hop, sampling, techno, silent auction will be located outside. The and drum and bass. [Mary Beth Bryan] proceeds from Athens Goes Acoustic will MUSIC | JULY 24–25 benefit the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia. [MB]

Threats & Promises

40 Watt Club • 5:30 p.m. • $15 each day

CHASING SUNBEAMS AND SUMMER VIBES

Hosted by Most Known Unknown, Threats & Promises is an annual gathering of punk bands from near and far. This year’s festival has expanded into a two-­day event that will host over 40 bands representing all kinds of punk subgenres and punk-­inspired noise. Event organizer Thomas Kim, whose own bands are featured on the bill, says that he reached out to twice as many acts this year compared to last, drawing in both local musicians and folks he’s seen on tour or played with over the years. Threats & Promises is the spiritual successor of the late Derek Wiggs’ Slopfest, which Kim says he has a soft spot for as essentially the first show he ever played. Like Slopfest, Threats & Promises fills the summer music void in Athens and gives people a way to familiarize themselves with the regional punk scene.

It’s representative of the local punk community’s goals of “bringing in cool bands, creating art, making and distributing our tapes, and hopefully facilitating other folks getting involved and finding their way.”

Most Known Unknown will also host after party shows each day, beginning at 12 a.m. at Nowhere Bar after the Friday lineup and at The World Famous after the Saturday lineup. [MB] MUSIC | SAT, JULY 25

Athens Goes Acoustic

Athentic Brewing Co. • 3 p.m. (doors), 4 p.m. (show) • $15 (adv.), $20

m o c . e l o p g a l f 12

F L A GP OL E .C OM · JULY 22, 2026

Returning for its second year, Athens Goes Acoustic is an event featuring 10 local artists performing stripped back and acoustic sets. This year’s show will begin at 4 p.m. with Southern rock band Ol’ Fader, followed by indie-­pop artist Quentin Love at 4:35 p.m., alternative pop/rock band Laurelwood at 5:05 p.m., funk punk outfit Tattoo Logic at 5:40 p.m. and pop-­punk band Full On Monet at 6:15 p.m. Starting the second half of the lineup will be funky rock/jazz band Karma Kat at 6:50 p.m., followed by heavy psych band Murder the Mood at 7:25 p.m.,

MUSIC | SUN, JULY 26

Queer Joy for Mutual Aid

The World Famous • 8 p.m. • $10 suggested donation

Athens’ Queer Joy Dance Party is back for its fifth installment, combining live music and intersectional activism. The lineup features several electronic musicians from Athens and Atlanta, including intense and danceable music from kamikaze_lover_, textured pop from treypxy, dusky and moody music from Nightout and more. Beyond being a celebration of electronic music and a gathering place for the LGBTQ+ community, all of the proceeds from the event will also benefit Athens Immigrant Rights Coalition’s Support for Immigrant Families in Crisis. SIFIC provides emergency assistance to local immigrant families facing the trauma of forced separation or violence in their home country, financial losses and medical crises by connecting them with volunteers, resources and support systems. [MB] EVENTS | TUE, JULY 28

Dueling Daiquiri Competition Puma Yu’s • 6 p.m. • $10

Southeast Asian restaurant Puma Yu’s hosts an annual daiquiri competition, using Pelacañas rum as the main ingredient, as a fundraiser for the local nonprofit Farm 2 Neighborhood, and as a fun way to build community in the cocktail scene of Athens.

The nonprofit works with local and minority farms to deliver free, healthy meals to people who are living in poverty. For the competition, 12 contestants will go head-­to-­ head in three rounds, with only one winner crowned at the end. Attendees will have the opportunity to sample drinks and vote for their favorite in round one. The $10 door fee will be donated directly to Farm 2 Neighborhood, and it covers the tasting of all contestant drinks. A special food and beverage menu will be available for separate purchase through Puma Yu’s. [Sam Lipkin] f

live music calendar Tuesday 21

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.

Nowhere Bar 7 p.m. (doors), 9:30 p.m. (show). www.instagram.com/nowherebar​ athensga SCOTT PRYOR Alternative rock from Atlanta.

State Botanical Garden of Georgia Sunflower Concert Series. 7 p.m. $12 (ages 5–16), $24. botgarden. uga.edu THE ORIGINAL SPLITZ BAND A mixed drink of the classic Motown sound, part 1970s funk and disco flavor, a dash of the old-​school and contemporary R&B, and a guaranteed good time.

The World Famous ATHfactor-​Liberty Entertainment Presents. 8 p.m. (doors), 9 p.m. (show). $10 suggested donation. www.facebook.com/theworldfamousathens MARCEL P. BLACK A true grassroots, DIY emcee who uses his platform for social justice.

ARSENIC Former Athenian hip-​hop artist known for sharp lyricism and battle-​tested energy.

SHO An Athens hip-​hop artist bringing raw emotion, personal storytelling and a commanding presence rooted in real-​life experience.

STELLA GROOVE Athens-​area singer-​songwriter whose music moves through soul, R&B, country and rock.

FARIN Athens artist who blends hip hop, reggae, dancehall and Caribbean-​inspired energy.

DK Local artist weaving lyrically driven truths together with lo-​fi beats.

ISHUES Legendary local hip-​hop artist who is influenced by both Northern and Southern hip-​hop sounds.

DJ CHIEFROCKA A trusted Athens hip-​hop DJ providing the soundtrack, energy and transitions that keep the night connected.

Wednesday 22 Athentic Brewing Co. 7–10 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com KARAOKE WITH DJ GREGORY Second and fourth Wednesdays.

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

FREE! www.athensfarmersmarket.net WASHBURN BUSTERS Acoustic covers of Americana hits.

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

Nowhere Bar 8 p.m. (doors), 9 p.m. (show). $10 (adv.), $15. www.instagram.com/ nowherebarathensga ASSEMBLY Art punk/math rock band from Atlanta.

CHEER-​ACCIDENT A creative, vital force in Chicago rock music for over 30 years.

GOODHOST Energetic alternative group incorporating math rock elements.

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.

Thursday 23 Athentic Brewing Co. Blues on Tap. 7–9 p.m. www.athentic​ brewing.com THE ORIGINAL SCREW TOPS Blues jam for musicians, dancers and music lovers every fourth Thursday.

Dead Beat Club 8 p.m. $8. www.deadbeatathens.com HUNTER BLALOCK North Georgia troubadour who doesn’t shy away from the heavy stuff.

WILL SLATER Blending country grit, southern rock edge and Americana storytelling into a sound he refers to as “Southeast emo.”

TYLER KEY Multi-​instrumentalist who plays with T. Hardy Morris, The Howdies and others performs his own set of folk rock, backed by The Strangers.

Flicker Theatre & Bar 8 p.m. (doors). $12. www.flicker theatreandbar.com KAITLIN SIMOTICS Collaging a unique selection of samples, text to speech poetry and effected vocals.

NIGHTOUT Dusky monastic plur; asks you to dance.

MARCEL SLETTEN Athens-​based electronic music producer, composer and artist playing a DJ set.

PEAKS Playing an experimental ambient DJ set.

The Globe 7:30–10 p.m. www.facebook.com/ globe.athens MARY & THE HOT HOTTY-​HOTS Hot jazz and swing band offering music from the 1910s, ’20s and ’30s.

Nowhere Bar 9:30 p.m. www.instagram.com/ nowherebarathensga KIRKOS Progressive punk jazz band from St. Louis, MO, described by audiences as “swamp jazz for the third eye” and “villain funk.”

SAMURAI TEST DRIVE Five-​ piece jazz fusion band based out of Athens, GA that takes inspiration from artists like Casiopea, Return to Forever, Lettuce and Jaco Pastorius.

The World Famous 8 p.m. (doors), 9 p.m. (show). $10 suggested donation. www.facebook. com/theworldfamousathens DOGSMILES A live set from Florida’s favorite hardcore keyboard dance punk freaks.

DJ ESTHER DIAL Spinning punk, bounce and techno.

DJ REQUEST Spinning punk, bounce and techno.

Friday 24 40 Watt Club Most Known Unknown Presents. 7 p.m. (doors). $15. www.40watt.com THREATS & PROMISES Day one of this punk and hardcore festival

features D. Sablu, Born, Degreaser, Cervix, Confusion’s Prince, Abuse SS, Regulator, Whiphouse, Mr. [Redacted], Arms Dealer, Mortuary Ritual, Suffer Bomb Disease (first show!) and Multiple Miggs.

Athentic Brewing Co. 7–9 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com TERRAPLANE BLUE Versatile trio performing originals, traditional blues tunes and blues rock songs.

Ciné 8 p.m. (doors), 9 p.m. (show). $12. www.athenscine.com SUNHOUSE Greenville, SC indie-​ rock band.

THE UNBELIEVING DOG Power pop alt-​country songs from Iain Cooke and friends.

EMERSON BRUNO AND THE UNDERCURRENTS Playing lush and introspective songs informed by the ’60s Laurel Canyon sound.

Creature Comforts Brewery Sun Glow Summer Music Series. 7 p.m. creaturecomforts.co PEACH ICE CREAM BLUEGRASS Bluegrass band that blends folk and blues with a carefree dash of improvisation to sooth the soul.

Dead Beat Club 8 p.m. $5. www.deadbeatathens.com DJ OTHER VOICES, OTHER ROOMS Spinning a vinyl set of classic house music.

ELLWIN Heavy dubstep and drum & bass from this local producer.

SMOGGO SOUND SYSTEM Live modular hardware electro funk.

SPACE BROTHER Blurred hip hop and drum & bass from the sampler wizard.

Flicker Theatre & Bar Attaboy Tapes Presents. 8 p.m. (doors). $12. www.flickertheatre​ andbar.com GRACE ROGERS Singer-​songwriter from Kentucky who comes from a family of old time, traditional and string band musicians.

LITTLE GOLD Local group playing garage rock with country and pop sensibilities. Album release show!

NIGHTINGAIL Folk artist whose debut record, Shut the Door on Your Way Out, came out in 2024.

Georgia Theatre Rooftop 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $10. www.georgiatheatre.com KNELT Psych-​folk friends from Atlanta.

CAPTAIN KUDZU Fuzzy guitars, time-​warped effects and washed-​ out textures from Birmingham, AL. SLOPING Atlanta-​based ambient folk.

Nowhere Bar Ashthrone Booking Presents. 8 p.m. $12. www.instagram.com/nowhere​ barathensga GREYWATER Elements of shoegaze, grunge and metal siphoned into a single alt-​rock act.

BULLSEYE Atlanta alt-rock trio.

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

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

VFW Post 2872 Aubrey Entertainment Presents. 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $12 (adv.), $15. bit.ly/AthensVFWJuly24 HARVEST MOON Athens songwriters in the round pay tribute to Willie Nelson and Neil Young.

Saturday 25

40 Watt Club Most Known Unknown Presents. 5 p.m. (doors). $15. www.40watt. com THREATS & PROMISES Day two of this punk and hardcore festival features Harsh Words, Coffee Stain, Allergic, Rubes, Curleys, Lower Receiver, De()t, Magic Cross, Chloride, Dres Code, Zero Sum, Pollute, Sour Yellow, Bolt Swallower, Hospice, Centipede, Big Trouble, Crying Form and Taxpayer.

Athentic Brewing Co. 3 p.m. (doors), 4 p.m. (show). $15 (adv.), $20. www.athenticbrewing. com ATHENS GOES ACOUSTIC Ten local artist performed stripped-​ down sets, including Trvy & the Enemy, The Grawks, Johnny Riordan, Murder the Mood, Karma Kat, Full On Monet, Tattoo Logic, Imogen & the Strays, Quentin Love and Ol Fader.

Bishop Park Athens Farmers Market. 8 a.m.–12 p.m. FREE! www.athensfarmers​ market.net ALYS WILLMAN Athens singer-​ songwriter. (9 a.m.)

Boutier Winery 7:30 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $10. www.boutierwinery.com CHRIS HAMPTON BAND Athens-​ based band performing a variety of country, western and rock dance music.

Ciné 8:30 p.m. (doors), 9 p.m. (show). $10. www.athenscine.com MANIC WAVE Emotionally charged alternative rock band from Atlanta with haunting soundscapes, introspective lyrics and a fearless approach.

RADIO DECAY New new wave emo and post post-​punk.

SID ALCATRAZ AND THE KILLJOYS Local post-​industrial funk band.

STARLUVR Electronic pop/rock project with a recently released single called “Wasting Away.”

Dead Beat Club 8 p.m. $10. www.deadbeatathens.com TENNIS COURTS Singer-​songwriter duo Patrick Walsh and Andrew Clarke plus an ever-​fluctuating lineup of friends and musicians sitting comfortably on the fence between power pop glitz and alt-​country gloom.

HOMEMADE HAIRCUTS Four-​ piece indie rock outfit from Columbia, SC that began as a bedroom recording project.

Flicker Theatre & Bar 8 p.m. (doors). $10. www.flicker theatreandbar.com DON CHAMBERS Longtime local favorite who delves into pastoral folk and experimental rock with equal passion.

PATRICK HARGON & THE LONELY FEW Musician known for his work in Broken Down Boxes and Don Chambers’ band.

Hendershot’s 7 p.m. (doors), 7:30 p.m. (show). $10. www.hendershotsathens.com SAM SAMPLE Musician blending the vivid storytelling of Americana with the grit and edge of alternative and classic rock.

LIVING STILL Athens-​based rock with a folky, psychedelic spin.

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

ASHES Dynamic, psychedelic rock and roll.

Marigold Auditorium for Arts and Culture 7 p.m. $25–40. www.winterville​ center.com THE MAD HATTERS Tom Petty tribute band.

No. 3 Railroad Street 6 p.m. www.3railroad.org FOLIE À CINQ Playing a mix of French chansons, jazzy tunes, and originals by Lavon Smith, accompanied on guitars, accordion, and double bass.

Nowhere Bar 9 p.m. (doors), 10 p.m. (show). $10. www.instagram.com/nowherebar​ athensga SILENT EUPHONY Progressive death metal band forging a unique sound at the intersection of chaos and melody.

PERSONA MACHINE Athens-​ based metalcore.

RAPID CHANNEL Local alternative thrash-​metal, punk rock and grunge trio.

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

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

Southern Drawl Bar & Grille 6–9 p.m. www.southerndrawlbarand​ grille.com HOMAN AUTRY BAND Long-​running local band blending rock and country.

The World Famous Most Known Unknown Presents: Threats & Promises After Party.

11:30 p.m. (doors), 12 a.m. (show). FREE! www.facebook.com/ theworldfamousathens GARBAGE FOR LUST Hardcore experimental electronic project based out of Atlanta.

RAUNCHER Electronic duo from Athens blending aggressive bass, experimental sampling and dark punk vibes with a pop sensibility and a focus on overstimulation of mind and body.

OBSCURITY Local digital hardcore duo.

Sunday 26 Athentic Brewing Co. 5:30–7:30 p.m. www.athenticbrewing. com ALLIE BRYAN & AUSTIN SISK Acoustic singer-​songwriter duo.

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

The World Famous 8 p.m. $10 suggested donation benefiting SIFIC. www.facebook.com/ theworldfamousathens QUEER JOY FOR MUTUAL AID Featuring performances from kamikaze_lover_, treypxy, Nightout and more.

Tuesday 28

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

Flicker Theatre & Bar 8 p.m. (doors). $10. www.flicker theatreandbar.com MIRACLE HOUSE Hazy, lo-​fi synth meditations from Marcel Sletten.

CIRCLE K Pulsating arctic dub and disintegrated fourth world electronics from Samuel Miller and Jackson McLendon.

BUGS EAT BOOKS Fearsome foursome that plays jangly, chaotic and surferyish indie pop.

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

Rialto Club Aubrey Entertainment Presents. 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). SOLD OUT! www.facebook.com/Aubrey​Entertainment​AthensGA KEVN KINNEY Lead singer and songwriter of the Atlanta rock band Drivin N Cryin.

PETER BUCK Co-​founder and lead guitarist of Athens alt-​rock legend R.E.M.

Wednesday 29 Creature Comforts Brewery Athens Farmers Market. 5–8 p.m. www.athensfarmersmarket.net CUSTOM CONCERN Originals and covers. (6 p.m.)

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

Hendershot’s Nuçi’s Space Presents. 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $10. www. hendershotsathens.com SWMPY’S SUMMER SWAMPTACULAR Camp Amped bands perform for this special summer show.

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

Rialto Club Aubrey Entertainment Presents. 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). SOLD OUT! www.facebook.com/Aubrey​Entertainment​AthensGA KEVN KINNEY Lead singer and songwriter of the Atlanta rock band Drivin N Cryin.

PETER BUCK Co-​founder and lead guitarist of Athens alt-​rock legend R.E.M.

Down the Line 7/30 Eddie Halfass (Athentic Brewing Co.) 7/30 Telemarket; Hunlo; Howdy, Fellow Traveler! (Georgia Theatre Rooftop) 7/30 Big Band Athens (Hendershot’s) f

JULY 22, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

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music

threats & promises

Trvy & The Enemy Album Release PLUS, MORE MUSIC NEWS AND GOSSIP

By Gordon Lamb threatsandpromises@flagpole.com

time it happens at Dead Beat Club. This will happen each Tuesday in August (i.e. 4, 11, 18 and 25), and the group will play two sets each night. One at 8 p.m. and one at 9 p.m. These shows are free, if you can believe that. But they are, so be on time. If you’re on the ground floor, then head over to kenoshakid.com and get familiar with these modern jazz stylings.

FLY INTO THE SUN: Iodine Watt may now be in the running for best album name of 2026. It’s “Cycles” (or “Life is Stupid, Why Should Death Be Any Different?”). Yeah, it’s a mouthful, but if this town can produce

BARROW COUNTY BY MORNING: The city of Winder will host Kinchafoonee Cowboys at Jug Tavern Park (139 E. Athens St., Winder) on Friday, July 24, and the event runs from 6–9 p.m. Food trucks and local vendors are to be on site as well. This event is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs, etc. Kinchafoonee Cowboys have been performing for over 30 years, and there was a time that if you ever needed a gigantic line

something named Coquelicot Asleep in the Poppies: A Variety of Whimsical Verse, then there’s no reason to complain about this.

It opens with the heavily vaporwave-​ish “Heaven Scent.” I’m also very partial to the plucked melody and drone bass of “Big Lullaby,” as I am to the filthy, funky metal of “No, Explain the Joke To Me.” That said, I think I’ll always be more drawn to Iodine Watt’s electro experimentation than any standard rock tropes, but damn, it’s nice to

SALATHIEL SALDANA

WOODSHEDDING: Trvy & The Enemy release of people to snake down a few city blocks, an ambitious new album this week, and you all you had to do was book Kinchafoonee to can begin streaming it on major services perform at one end, and the people would starting July 25. The whole album runs as a follow. Their shows remain in-​demand single 36-​minute track, but inside this are events. Now, if this is your type of thing, 12 different songs. The record is named aura: spirals, and the central story here seems to be group leader Trvy assembling the band in a barn and not giving up until the sessions rendered an album. For the uninitiated, Trvy & The Enemy are at first blush a hip-​hop group, but significantly, they are an actual live band, and a lot of times the only immediate connection they have with hip hop is Trvy’s rap vocal style. They are just as often a jazz combo, small R&B band or occasionally very heavy rockers.

Fans that want to support the band directly can access the record via even.biz/r/aura-​spirals where a purchase also yields behind-​the-​ scenes footage, some artwork, live stuff and more. Word is the band did this entire record in three days, and that’s pretty impressive when you hear how layered and complete the arrangements are. For more information, please see @trvyf on Trvy & The Enemy Facebook or Instagram.

I’d encourage you to go see them in Winder, even if just for a change of scenery, but if you can’t be bothered to get off the couch, daddio, then you can catch them at Paloma Park on Friday, Sept. 25. For more information, please see kinchafooneecowboys.com.

If you have any specific questions about the facilities, please see cityofwinder.com.

MARK UP THE CALENDAR: Kenosha Kid will once again sit for a local residency. This

hear someone spreading their wings in a way such that everything still makes sense.

Too many artists lose the plot when trying, but Iodine Watt never does. Find this at iodinewatt.bandcamp.com.

OPENING THE VAULT: Athens instrumental artist Mellow made four albums between 2014–2018, but only released one of them.

Recently, though, he dropped them all online, and someone should thank him.

The most recent drop is his album Asylum, recorded in 2018. It’s 15 tracks of electro excursion, deeply groovy slow numbers and icy cold futuristic beats, and it places you inside your own spy adventure when listening. Some of the vibes here are so classic you’ll swear you’ve heard them before.

This is especially true for tracks like “Machine Gun Love” and “Invictus.” Take some time and head over to staymellow.bandcamp.com and sit with all this for a while.

DOUBLE-​FEATURE: The split release from Macon/Athens band Cult of Riggonia and Athens-​based Modern Lamps titled In the midst of strin / Terracotta Changeling slipped through my fingers a couple of months ago, but I’m here to make amends. Each group contributes one long, expansive track of music, and each clocks in at around 23 minutes. Riggonia’s is from 2016. The first four minutes are essentially a sitar convocation, and it really starts stomping around the seven-​minute mark. As expected, it traverses several movements, none of which are challenging by themselves. Taken as a series, though, they offer a range of emotions and reactions. Modern Lamps music here was inspired by a vision of a rock being torn apart like wool and the Lamps attempting to capture that through improvisation with multiple instruments and effects. At around eight minutes in the track drops off precipitously from its previous full arrangement, and the aural impact is like peeling back layers of an onion. Find this at hookervision.bandcamp.com. f

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music

feature

Fool’s Errand

FROM DAVIDSON COLLEGE TO TWEED AUDIO PRODUCTION SCHOOL

By Ezra Minard editorial@flagpole.com

F

50 years, they hit it off and a friendship formed.

Inspired by both Downs and Fool’s Errand, Cope was insistent upon creating a connection between the music scene of Davidson College and Tweed Recording, at the center of the town he loves so dearly.

His unlikely weaving together of several friendships, generous grants and determined individuals resulted in this beautiful weekend, much of that work happening behind the scenes for months. Cope and Semans secured funding from the Davidson College’s music department as well as from the TryItFund, an entrepreneurial funding source from Davidson’s Jay Hurt Hub for Innovation and Entrepreneurship where students and community members gather to lift projects off the ground.

It wasn’t until the trip to Athens that my friendship with the band sprouted.

Its sound leans into warm keyboards, layered guitars and nostalgia filled with a yearning to return to something, perhaps a memory half blurred but no less beautiful for it. Like most great bands, Fool’s Errand has a unique being to it. It resembles something like an affection for human life and friendship.

Onstage Semans’ ’70s soft rock aesthetic and magnetic presence anchor Fool’s Errand’s performances. Six bandmates joined her on the trip and in the studio: Enzo Guardado on guitar (’27), Jacob Kim on keys (’26), Peter Diugu on bass (’27), Jayson Rivera on guitar (’27), with Paige Pakenas (’25) and Henry Erickson (’26) on drums. Erickson balances Pakenas’ punk-­ier style with a more classic rock groove, but with no less excitement.

I first met lead vocalist and recent Davidson graduate Semans during Davidson College’s Summer Arts Residency last summer.

I was practicing creative writing at the time, and she was experimenting with and working on her music and songwriting. I was captivated by her vision for her band.

Except for Semans, I didn’t really know the rest of the band until that Friday in May, when the band members and their instruments piled into a van and got on the highway after classes. They were charged to finally record music they had been working on for months, but a distinct undercurrent of tension also occupied the van. None of them had recorded music before, let alone at this scale. This was new territory. So going in blind and buzzing with energy of both excitement and fear for the unknown, we shared music, conversation and our collective dread and/or resignation about approaching finals.

We touched down in Athens around dusk, when the canopy of trees in Boulevard lost their monopoly on the encroaching shadows and darkness. We shared a late COURTESY OF EZRA MINARD

ool’s Errand, a young rock band born in the brick dormitories of Davidson College in North Carolina, recently traveled south to record an EP at Tweed Recording and Audio Production School in downtown Athens.

Fool’s Errand has been a campus staple ever since I arrived in the small North Carolina town as a student in 2024. Playing its first show behind a Davidson fraternity house in 2024, it became not only known to the entire student body, but genuinely loved by it. The band’s loyal following grew quickly through shows at fraternity and eating houses, the student favorite Summit Coffeeshop (nicknamed “Nummit” by students), and other venues around the area.

It’s a three-­time Davidson College Battle of the Bands champion.

One night in early May, students packed shoulder-­to-­shoulder into the campus coffeeshop, dancing with and holding one another as Fool’s Errand played the final song of its final set of the year. Three of the band’s six members were graduating that month. Crying seniors knew that Fool’s Errand had become a soundtrack of their college lives. That sense of community followed the band south to Athens, a town where music history hangs in its air like humidity. Over the course of 36 warm hours in Athens, the band recorded its first EP, Final Errand, which features three original songs alongside three covers.

To me, the trip felt assembled and executed with miraculous ease. That’s because my decision to go was made in the 11th hour, after I determined that finals studying could wait one more weekend. Niko Cope (class of 2028, an Athens native and perhaps the single most important factor in making the weekend happen) and Annabel Semans (class of 2026 and the band’s lead vocalist) had been planning the project through various interactions and over the course of more than a year.

But Cope, like I said, is the magical glue that made Athens happen. It is, after all, his town. His mother Jasna emigrated from Bosnia at age 20 in 1994 and built a life in Athens. She teaches piano out of her beautiful home in the Boulevard Historic District, which I’ve heard in the background while calling Cope when he’s home. And that’s where the band stayed. Walking through the dogwood-­laden neighborhood with him, I quickly learned that Cope is a product (or maybe a child) of the village.

Another marker of Cope’s Athens-­ entrenchment is his friendship with Bertis Downs (class of 1968). A resident of the nearby Cobbham Historic District, Downs is known to both the Davidson and Athens communities for, among many other things, his decades-­old connection to R.E.M. as their friend and agent. Downs reached out to Cope when he landed on Davidson College as a Questbridge Scholar during his senior year of high school, but they had known each other for years before. During that time, Downs’ daughter had taken lessons with Cope’s mother Jasna. Despite the two Davidsonians being separated by

dinner in ZZ and Simone’s “Green Room” and a wonderful carrot cake, both per the well-­informed direction of Downs. Then we settled into Cope’s home for a brief sleep.

At 9 a.m. on Saturday, Cope led the band, full of eggs and coffee consumed on his wrap-­around porch on that cool dry morning, into the beautiful Tweed Recording Audio Production School on East Washington Street in downtown Athens, where his friend and audio wizard Roan O’Reilly welcomed us through the glass doors and explained that he was a recent graduate of Tweed’s 20-­week audio program. Deeply immersed in the town’s musical community as an audio producer and a musician himself, he also leads educational sessions for Tweed as well as Nuçi’s Space.

Beyond Tweed’s bright lobby, there’s a painting of T-­Model Ford, a legendary blues artist from Mississippi, looking down a dark hallway to the left with a glint in his

eye toward the studios. Down that hallway is Studio B through a heavy, orange, noise-­ canceling door lined (on the inside) with console tape marking the mic channels used by previous musicians. The studio’s orange walls are covered in black acoustic panels and the lighting hangs from the ceiling like a film set.

After setting up, the band jumped into recording. Cope and I hung back in the control room, where Guardado waved to us with a big smile on his face on the other side of the window separating the studio from the massive mixing console. If we had been on a movie set, O’Reilly would have been the director. He sat before the console’s knobs and dials like an astronaut in the cockpit of a rocket ship, suavely gliding from switch to switch in a chair that swiveled around the console and danced around the room. Lights flickered across the equipment.

O’Reilly wasn’t quick to dish out praise, but when Semans sang the first lyric of their cover of Carol King’s “It’s Too Late,” O’Reilly nodded and said, “Wow, she can sing.” His words weren’t intended for us, nor did they convey anything other than a natural consequence of his genuine surprise. I had sunk into the couch, mesmerized by the guitars and the piano, as if standing to leave would wake me from a pleasant dream. I wanted to remain where the music was.

After recording each song raw with the whole band, the bandmates shifted into the meticulous work of overdubbing—stepping into the studio one at a time to fine-­tune their parts. During one of these moments, the other bandmates would stand behind

O’Reilly, working together to get the part to the best version of itself.

Kim—the pianist who also has a prominent hold online with mixing and music composition under the name jaykay.mp3— especially had an ear for this kind of thing.

He tracked the timing and the rhythms and the notes and all the other things that he and O’Reilly and the rest of the band communicated about in a language unfamiliar to me. The process felt slow and made me appreciate the intricacies of music recording and editing.

Athens itself added another layer of mythology to the weekend. On the other side of the block from Tweed, Athens staple Wuxtry Records celebrated 50 years of buying and selling records with a party and show at the beating heart of Athens music, the 40 Watt Club. The Asymptomatics, a local college band that included a dozen or more band members, were joined by R.E.M. co-­founder and lead guitarist Peter Buck on stage.

Jamming out with rock royalty and an energetic young band after watching Fool’s Errand record in the same town collapsed the distance between Davidson and Athens, between Fool’s Errand, The Asymtomatics and R.E.M. The day was spent in a musical laboratory, and the night followed up with a performance. Here was a young band sweating on stage next to Peter Buck, strumming nonchalantly beside them. On the drive to Athens, I had imagined the legends archived within Athens’ music history. After Tweed and at the 40 Watt, I realized that the legend was still alive, breathing violently like the guitars and the drums.

We returned to the studio the next morning, squeezing every ounce out of our Athens time before returning to Davidson on Sunday night, just a week before finals.

Before departure, O’Reilly pulled the console tape off the soundboard and stuck it to the studio’s orange door, but not before everyone signed it. Doing so left a permanent piece of Fool’s Errand behind in the studio to join a collage of similar artifacts left by other groups. Just like the band left a mark on the orange door, the studio left a mark on them.

Driving past the white Davidson College sign, which welcomes students past main street and into the small campus’ nucleus, we considered how much time it felt like had passed since we had left campus only 36 hours earlier. We had done incredibly less school work than we would have on campus, if any. Semans said, “That was the most productive weekend of my life.”

Reflecting on the experience and his connection to Fool’s Errand, Cope couldn’t help but feel a connection to the work that Downs did with R.E.M. 45 years earlier as a young man in the same town. No, Fool’s Errand is not R.E.M. and Niko Cope is not Bertis Downs. Yet standing at the intersection of these two eras occupied by these two men, I also can’t help but to trace a throughline from Davidson to Athens, from a genre-­defining American band to an up-­ and-­comer; that throughline being braided together by the youthful and scrappy drive of people who want to make music magic happen. f

JULY 22, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

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

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

Classifieds 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 FOR RENT (Cottage) 1BR cottage 2 blocks from campus. Full kitchen, W/D and water included. Avail. Aug 1. $1500 month. tinroofsrusted@ gmail.com 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 w/private BA. Located in Watkinsville. $800/mon all inclusive. Graduate student preferred.

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

NOTICES (Missed Connections) You are the nicest hostess and myself a regular. You said it’s not working.

Myself said am a nuisance. Am concerned about you all the time.

This is unfair.

SERVICES (Financial) Bookkeeping for Athens nonprofits, small businesses & makers. QuickBooks Certified ProAdvisor, now booking 2026. Locally kept. Text Sam 706-​ 386-​0281. www.beeskneesbook​ keeping.com

SERVICES (Health) JAMES HILTON HYPNOSIS 678-​895-​4278, www. hiltonhypnosis.org SERVICES (Health) HEALTH AND WELLNESS COACHING: Integrating herbalism, mindfulness and movement for a whole body approach.

706-​343-​3576, connect@cora​ rose​wellness.com, www.cora​rose​ wellness.com SERVICES (Home & Garden) Scratching your head with all this poison ivy? We can help! Woman-​ Run Gardening Services: We offer garden maintenance, invasive plant removal, personalized edible and native gardens for your school, home or business! 706-​395-​5321 SERVICES (Home & Garden) Hi! I’m Pablo, an expert gardener offering personalized care for your landscape. I specialize in low-​ maintenance, native gardens that support pollinators and biodiversity.

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

Arts ATHENS CREATIVE DIRECTORY (Athens, GA) The ACD is a platform to connect creatives with patrons. www.athenscreatives.directory CALL FOR ART (Various Locations) Visit www.flagpole.com/bulletin​ board for ongoing open art calls.

CALL FOR ART (ACCGov) Professional artists are invited to submit qualifications to create a sculpture for Memorial Park pond. Art will be placed in or around the lower pond, one large sculpture or a series of smaller sculptures. Deadline to apply is Friday, July 24. tatiana. veneruso@accgov.com CALL FOR GRANT APPLICATIONS (AthFest Educates) Applications for the 2026-​2027 grant cycle are now available. Applicants planning to use music and/or arts as a teaching and learning mechanism for core education are encouraged to apply.

Deadline Aug. 26 and grantees announced in September. www. athfesteducates.org/grants/apply-​ for-​a-​grant 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 CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS (The Lightroom) The Athens FIlm Fes-

ADOPT ME!

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

Taco Tuesday(61041082) Meet Taco Tuesday! This fouryear-old cutie loves to run around outside and play fetch, but he is also very easygoing. He knows how to sit and lie down and does great on a leash.

Ravioli (61041075)

Ravioli arrived at the shelter with Taco Tuesday, and he’s equally as friendly. While Taco Tuesday plays outside, Ravioli prefers to relax in the shade. You can adopt or foster him today!

Godiva(61340252)

Godiva is named for her gorgeous chocolate brown coat, and she’s just as sweet as her namesake! She has a passion for racing after toys and sees everyone as a potential playmate.

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

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

16

F L A GP OL E .C OM · JULY 22, 2026

tival is seeking submissions from the community for the second annual Pitchfest. All formats and experience levels of film, docuseries, podcast, branded content or creative projects are welcome.

Deadline Aug. 3, participants notified Aug. 11 and final competition held Aug. 29. One selected winner will win support and opportunity to bring their vision to the screen. www.athensfilm.com/pitchfest 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 & up 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 ZINE ART & IDEAS (Suburban Vermin) Accepting submissions for art, craft ideas, poetry and more for free local publication.

Message @suburban.vermin.zine on Instagram.

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-​237-​ 2354, 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 & PROGRAMS (Winterville Cultural Center, Winterville) Flow Yoga & Pilates (Monday), Yoga in the Gallery (Wednesdays), Chair Yoga & Creative Cafe (Thurs-

days) and more. www.winterville​ center.com 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 FALL PROGRAM REGISTRATION (Athens, GA) The Leisure Services Department offers a diverse selection of classes and activities highlighting the arts, environmental science, recreation, sports and holiday events for both adults and children. Registration opens Aug. 1 for residents and Aug. 3 for non-​ residents. www.accgov.com/myrec FREE CLASSES (The Athens Free School) Learning network for community centered around compassion, autonomy and playfulness. Visit @athensfreeschool on Instagram.

Help Out ATHENS SKATEPARK PROJECT (Athens Skate Park) Seeking volunteers and input. Third Sundays. www.athensskateparkproject.org BRAS FOR A CAUSE (Grail Bra Specialists) Seeking donations of gently-​used bras for distribution to local shelters, recovery centers and communities in need. 706-​850-​ 0387 or support@grailbras.com 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.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. www. accgov.com/11669/pet-​microchips MULTIPLE CHOICES VOLUNTEERS (Multiple Choices Center for Independent Living) Seeking volunteers to assist a nonprofit agency that serves individuals living with disabilities throughout a 10-​country area of Northeastern Georgia. 706-​850-​4025, dmyers@ multiplechoices.us PET FOOD PANTRY (Animal Services Adoption Center) The Animal Services community pet food pantry provides pet food support to ACC residents at no cost. Donations always welcome. Monday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Sundays, 12–3 p.m. www.accgov.com/ adoption​center 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. 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. moms​ adoptingmoms@gmail.com SEEKING DONATIONS (The Cottage) Seeking donations of single-​serving, non-​perishable snacks to help children and adults navigating interviews, therapy sessions and court hearings. To arrange a drop-​off please call 706-​546-​1133, ext 223.

SEEKING DONATIONS (Hands of Hope) Local homeless ministry accepting donations of clothing for their free distribution program and fundraising yard sale with proceeds benefiting the program. 706-​207-​ 5172 SEEKING DONATIONS (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.

SEEKING DONATIONS & VOLUNTEERS (Animal Services Adoption Center) Animal service sessions run Monday through Friday; training session required. Seeking dona-

tions of gently used bath towels and rags. Donations can be dropped off at the door after hours. www. accgov.com/animalservices SEEKING VOLUNTEERS (Books for Keeps) Seeking literacy mentors for local elementary school students.

Training provided. No experience needed. bit.ly/BFKLitMentors, story​ tellers@booksforkeeps.org 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 FARMPLAY (Foxfire Woods & Farm) Monthly nature-​based, creativity-​filled playgroup for kids ages 11–15. Registration required. $5 suggested donation. www.foxfire​ woodsandfarm.com GRAND SLAM SUMMER PROGRAM (Lay Park) Evenings include games, giveaways, guest speakers, life enrichment activities, music, refreshments, sports and more. For ages 11–17. Fridays through July 24, 6–9 p.m. www.accgov.com/ grandslam LEARN TO SWIM (ACC Leisure Services Department) Registration open for variety of lessons for ages over 3 years old including Swim School, Parent/Tot Swim School and Adult Swim Lessons. $33 per session.

Additionally, a free Kinderswim program is offered for 5-​year-​old chil-

dren. Registration required for all events. www.accgov.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. nowhere​archery.com/summer-​camp

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 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 MEETING (Healing Lodge) In the Zen tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh.

Sundays, 1–2:30 p.m. Newcomers welcome. FREE! www.mindfulbreath​ sangha.org PEACEFUL PROTEST (Indivisible GA District 10) “Every Monday” weekly protest on the corner of the corner of Alps and Baxter. Beginning Aug. 3, 12:30–1:30 p.m. www.indivisible​ ga10.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

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · JULY 22, 2026

apartment, it’s cheap enough to be worth a try. My house is an old oddball. Built in 1900, it’s got no south-­facing windows and a ceiling fan in nearly every room. My windows are single-­paned, so I can paint the inside or outside with little thought to an air barrier because there is none. Your mileage may differ with proper double-­paned windows. You’ll definitely want to stick with painting the outside pane to avoid, at best, convection-­based heat and, at worst, damage to your windows.

What’s clean up like? The chalk comes off very easily once dry. My dogs, who paw at the doors when they want to be on the other side, leave little paw prints in the french doors. So far, it hasn’t made much of a dent in the effectiveness of the chalk paint. I can easily touch it up in a few minutes, if needed. If you have children, or cats, who rub on windows, this might not be the

Why does this work? Chalk is made of calcium carbonate, a chemical known to be highly reflective and radiation resistant.

Researchers use calcium carbonate as an additive to create and study “super cool” paints that could help mitigate urban heat islands, and are even testing it as a protective coating for future spacecrafts.

While I do have indoor shutters and curtains on my windows, pre-­chalk the sun’s rays still came in through the window panes.

It made shutters and curtains warm to the touch. That heat then moved to the cooler parts of the house. Now, Painting windows with a slurry of chalk and water reduced indoor tem­ that heat can’t come peratures by 3 degrees. indoors and is stopped at the window. best option for you. To clean up at the end What about aluminum foil? I can’t disof summer, all I’ll need is a hose and a wet count the viral trend of sticking aluminum towel to wipe off the remaining chalk. The foil on the outside of your windows—I just chalk does slightly flake off and leave a little don’t like it. I spend a lot of time outside, residue under each painted window or door and I don’t want to see the reflective glare. after the two-­week mark. It’s easy to sweep With the chalk, the light is diffused, but still or vacuum up, but this might not be a good present. It feels more like a shabby stained solution for tidier folks. glass window than a tinned can. Influencers say aluminum foil stuck to the outside of What happens to the chalk in the rain? your windows can reduce indoor temperaIt washes off easily. If you’ve got some protures by 10 degrees. tective eaves or gutters, you’ll likely be fine.

Some experts caution folks to keep After the latest round of thunderstorms the foil on the outside of the window. passes, I’ll reapply where necessary—one Double-­paned windows create an air barrier window is fine, another could use some between inside and outside temperatures. touch-­ups and the third lost 50 percent of Sticking the foil to the inside pane can heat its chalk covering. up the air barrier. At best, the heat seeps into your house later on and at worst, the Other solutions: There’s a plethora of heated air can crack the outside window other hot-­weather house hacks online. I pane. Some apartment leases and home refuse to test the yoghurt-­painted winowner associations ban the use of foil on dows because of the aforementioned dogs windows. and also, that sounds like a gross mess.

Longterm, I’m more inclined to invest in Would this work for me? I’m not sure, hurricane shutters (useful for heat deflecbut if you’re trying to cool your house or tion or wind storms) or outdoor shades. f

ERIN FRANCE

If you’re looking for a helpful hack to help keep your house cooler in the summer, try painting your windows with chalk.

I got the idea from this article in The Guardian: “Why the French are painting their windows with chalk to beat the heat.”

I like trying out inexpensive weather hacks from other cultures, so I bought a pound of ground-­up chalk online for $16. I made a thick slurry with two parts chalk to one part water and painted all the windows in my house in two hours.

My house is 3 degrees cooler now with chalk painted on the windows. Indoor temperatures generally stand at 77 and 76 degrees in the evening, and hover at 79 degrees in the hottest part of the day. When the air conditioning is off—usually 5 a.m. to noon—the house heats up slower.

LET PEIKEN HELP!

Edited by Margie E. Burke

4

PRONOUNCED I CAN HELP

5 9

Selling In-Town Athens for Over 25 Years UGA Graduate / 706-296-2941

6 1

6

2 9 4 8 4 6 2 7 5 2 9 3 6 1 4 2

SAFOR LE

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Voted one of Athens Favorite Realtors by Flagpole’s readers!

2014-2016, 2018

PRNEW IC E

SUDOKU

Difficulty: Easy

5 1

156 LAKE OGLETHORPE DR. 156 LAKE OGLETHORPE DR. 3/2.5 BATH / 2 ACRES LAKE ACCESS $699,000

OVER 3000 SQUARE FEET LESS THAN 16 MILES TO FIVE POINTS

Daniel Peiken dpeiken@hotmail.com • 5Market Realty 824 South Milledge Ave., Ste 200 • 706.850.4636

Copyright 2026 by The Puzzle Syndicate

HOW TO SOLVE:

Each row must contain the numbers 1 to 9; each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9; and each set of 3 by 3 boxes must contain Week 7/20/261- to 7/26/26 theofnumbers 9.

The Weekly Crossword 1

2

3

4

5

6

14

15

17

18

20 23

7

8

by Margie E. Burke 9

12

13

28

29

49

50

19

21

1 3 4 267 8 6 5 27 9 2 3 4 7 9 6 5 2 33 1 8 30 31 32 4 3 6 7 8 2 1 365 9 35 37 3 5 1 8 406 2 9 4 7 39 8 9 7 443 4 5 6 2 1 43 4 2 466 9 7 1 3 8 5 6 524 9 5 1 8 2 7 353 51 2 7 8 6 9 3 1 556 4 54 55 8 6 9 5 1 3 4 2 7 59 58

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The Coolest Way to Heat Things Up

34 38 41

42

45 47

62

ACROSS 1 Not much 5 Captain's superior 10 Pesters 14 Extinct bird 15 In the loop 16 Eye flirtatiously 17 Take-charge type 18 Engrossing read 20 Senselessly 22 Rosa Salazar series 23 Bagel variety 24 Tuesdays, in Marseille 26 Unplugged 30 Clear the windshield 33 Missouri Rep. Bob ____ 34 401(k) alternative 35 Notable period 36 Barn cats, often 38 Spanish hero, El ___ 39 Feel ill 40 "When You Wish Upon ___" 41 Corn coverings 43 Connection 46 Pop star Grande

11

16

Solution to Sudoku: 24 25

61

10

48

57 60 63

Copyright 2026 by The Puzzle Syndicate

47 Like some fans 51 Subatomic particle 53 Smallest Great Lake 54 Common people 57 Fork feature 58 Richard of "The Agency" 59 Kind of change 60 Subj. for an M.B.A. 61 Play parts 62 Author Sinclair 63 Beach blanket?

DOWN 1 Ethiopian capital, ___ Ababa 2 Frontiersman Daniel 3 Notions 4 Home wrecker 5 Sappy trees 6 Hanks film, "Cast ___" 7 Navy legal dept.

8 Metallic rock 9 Football special teams player 10 Like Danes and Finns 11 Deity doubters

12 Secluded spot 13 Drought-ridden 19 Hanes product 21 Exodus 24 Kalispell's home 25 William of Apollo 8 27 Tee fabric 28 ___ the Red 29 Root beer brand 30 Letter opener 31 New York canal 32 Emotionally break down 37 Outbreak of the late 1950s 42 Software changes 44 Shaw and others 45 2017 Tony winner "Dear Evan ___" 48 Novelist Jong 49 Sheer fabric 50 "The war ___ all wars" 51 Nelly Korda's org.

52 Monthly util. bill 53 "And your point is?"

55 Alley in the comics 56 Filming site

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

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