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AUGUST 19, 2026 · VOL. 40 · NO. 33 · FREE

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · A UGU S T 19, 2026

this week’s issue

contents

BRIAN HARDING

The Futurebirds are playing two nights at the Georgia Theatre Aug. 20–21 in celebration of the release of their double album, Far Out Country. For more info, visit georgiatheatre.com.

This Modern World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Street Scribe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Pub Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Letters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Campaign Fundraising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Calendar Picks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 hey, nothing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Live Music Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Curb Your Appetite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Threats & Promises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Event Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Art Around Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Bulletin Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Adopt Me . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Local Comics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Kids Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Crossword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Sudoku . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

NEWS: City Dope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Downtown Street Parking ARTS & CULTURE: Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Fall Theater Productions ARTS & CULTURE: Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Local Bookstores FOOD & DRINK: Good Growing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

The Great Southeast Pollinator Census

COVER PHOTOGRAPH of hey, nothing by Trent Wayne (see story on p. 11) STREET ADDRESS: 220 Prince Ave., Athens, GA 30601 MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. Box 1027, Athens, GA 30603 EDITORIAL: 706-­549-­9523 · ADVERTISING: 706-­549-­0301 CLASSIFIED ADS: class@flagpole.com ADVERTISING: ads@flagpole.com CALENDAR: calendar@flagpole.com EDITORIAL: editorial@flagpole.com

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PUBLISHER & ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Alicia Nickles PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Larry Tenner ADVERTISING SALES Jonathon Musser, Isabella Williams EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Sam Lipkin CITY EDITOR Blake Aued MUSIC EDITOR Sam Lipkin ARTS & CULTURE COORDINATOR Libba Beaucham OFFICE MANAGER & DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Jennifer Keene CLASSIFIED ADS & CALENDAR COORDINATOR Jennifer Keene AD DESIGNERS Chris McNeal, Cody Robinson CONTRIBUTORS Erin France, Maya Homan, Gordon Lamb, Rebecca McCarthy, Alander Rocha, Ed Tant CARTOONISTS Missy Kulik, David Mack, Klon Waldrip, Joey Weiser CIRCULATION Gerald Burris, Charles Greenleaf, Joe Rowe EDITORIAL & OFFICE ASSISTANT Mary Beth Bryan EDITORIAL INTERNS Lily Thomas PHOTOGRAPHERS CJ Bartunek, Kat Wood, Jake Zerkel SPECIAL AGENT Pete McCommons

Ghavi’s The Steak Place

online exclusive Ghavi’s The Steak Place opened at the corner of Prince and Hawthorne avenues, in the former Synovus Bank property, with local chef Mimi Maumus as senior executive chef.

Chain coffeehouse Dutch Bros opened at 3131 Atlanta Hwy, and Hendershot’s is now open on Mondays. Daily Groceries Co-Op is now serving fresh-scooped locally made ice cream daily from 2–4 p.m.

See “Ghavi’s The Steak Place Opened, and More Food News” at flagpole.com.

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · A UGU S T 19, 2026

news

city dope

There’s an App for That

DOWNTOWN PARKING, THE FUTURE OF GEORGIA SQUARE MALL AND MORE LOCAL NEWS

By Blake Aued and Lily Thomas news@flagpole.com

Questions Remain About Mall Project Whatever happens as the Georgia Square Mall redevelopment continues to take twists and turns, one thing is clear: The old mall isn’t coming back.

“Obviously, the 1980s-­era model of the mall doesn’t work anymore,” Brian Lu, a member of development team The Leaven

Group, said at an Aug. 13 town hall meeting hire market specialists to research what about the project. Belk is the sole remaining types of housing to build, and what kinds anchor tenant—Macy’s, Sears and JCPenof restaurants and retailers to attract. The ney closed years ago—and modern consum- earliest date for construction to start would ers prefer shopping online or in an outdoor be the fall of 2027, according to Williams. physical space.

It will likely be built in phases over a long Still, several of about 200 people who period of time, as market conditions dicattended the latest mall update pleaded for tate. But with the certainty the overlay a mall like they remember (or an indoor district provides, Wu said The Leaven water park, as one man proposed). “We don’t want to drive to the mall in Atlanta,” said Athens-­Clarke County Commissioner Stephanie Johnson, who organized the meeting. “We want options here [in Athens].”

Others stated that they did not want to have to go to Oconee County to shop.

Another Leaven Group principle, Mark Jennings, said that “some version of Belk will definitely be involved in the new development,” whether in its current space or a new big Small town. Not much to do in the evening. box. He made no promises beyond that.

“There’s not a plan right now,” said Group could start recruiting new businesses Jon Williams, president and CEO of W&A immediately.

Engineering, the local firm designing the As for traffic, another major concern, project.

Jennings and Williams said there isn’t At another point, Jennings said that he much they can do about it. Atlanta Highdidn’t “buy a 45-­year-­old mall to keep it a way is owned by the state, and the Georgia 45-­year-­old mall,” adding that, “the mall has Department of Transportation is redoing to be de-­malled to be redeveloped.” the Loop interchange and has plans on the The Athens-­Clarke County government books to widen the road. Whatever a trafapproved a binding site plan for a mixed-­ fic study shows they should do within the use planned development (PD) in 2024, but nearly 80-­acre property to alleviate traffic, The Leaven Group could not obtain financdevelopers will do, Williams said. In addiing due to what they say is the restrictive tion, The Leaven Group remains committed nature of the PD. Now, developers are to providing land for an Athens Transit asking for a less restrictive overlay district station. [BA] that would allow them more flexibility in what they build and when. A project of this size “is like eating an elephant, I’ve The Athens-­Clarke County Commission learned,” Johnson said. “It takes time.”

ACC planning commissioners said earlier is considering an update of the Athens in Motion bike and pedestrian plan, first this month that they believe the overlay approved in 2018. district would allow too many apart“A core strategic goal of ACC is to be ments—up to 4,000 bedrooms, compared able to move safely around Athens,” Henry to 2,000 under the PD—with no guarantee Cohen of consulting firm Toole Design of community amenities, and sent it back Group told commissioners at an Aug. 11 for further work. Some nearby residents work session. “Today, unfortunately that is agreed. “I’m still not clear on the vision,” not the reality, especially for bicyclists and one said. pedestrians.”

“I have a vision. I have a plan. I have a Walkers and cyclists make up only 2% permit,” Jennings replied. “We’re undoing of road users, but are involved in 22% that.” of crashes, Cohen said. And one in nine A revised version of the overlay district will come to the planning commission Sept. Athens households doesn’t have a car.

“Athens is unique in that there are so many 3 for an up-­or-­down vote. The advisory destinations that are really a short walk or board, appointed by the mayor and combike ride away, and yet if people don’t feel mission, is not allowed to table it again. safe walking and biking there, they have to The county commission will vote on the rely on their car,” he said. planning commission’s recommendation in But the plan is not only for cyclists and October; it could table the overlay district pedestrians. “Safe walking and biking infrafor another 40 days, but no longer. structure makes roads safer for everyone, If and when the overlay district is drivers included,” Cohen said. approved, Jennings and Lu said they would BLAKE AUED

If you believe the internet, the switch to an app-­based system for downtown parking is the worst thing that’s happened since… well, probably the last time the Athens Downtown Development Authority changed its method of parking payment. Twenty years ago, motorists were mad that the old-­fashioned coin meters didn’t take cards.

Nobody liked the short-­lived kiosks that replaced them, even though they took cards and dollar bills. Then people complained about the frequently malfunctioning solar-­ powered meters that replaced the kiosks.

So ADDA employees were bracing themselves for a bunch of complaints when they finally replaced all of the remaining meters with signs indicating how to pay using the new system. “They’ve been averaging about two calls a day in the parking services office, and they were prepared for 100 calls a day,” ADDA Director of Business Services Linda Ford told the authority’s board at an Aug. 12 meeting.

Contrary to popular belief, the ParkMobile app is not required. After experimenting with a different app, the ADDA went with ParkMobile because it’s already used

by UGA and many of the private paid lots downtown. Among the benefits, drivers can avoid a ticket by extending their time with a tap, rather than having to walk to the meter to deposit more money. Those who don’t have the app and don’t want to download it can pay by texting or using their smartphone browser instead. Those without a smartphone can pay by calling a phone number listed on the signs. Those without any kind of cellphone, or a debit or credit card, can still pay cash at the Washington Street and College Avenue parking decks, with the added bonus that the first hour is free.

Despite the convenience, some 21st century Cool Hand Lukes have been taking it upon themselves to rip down the signs. As of last week, police had suspects—remember, kids, cameras are everywhere downtown—and ADDA Director of Planning and Outreach David Lynn said police told him each count could be prosecuted as a felony.

“The male frontal lobe isn’t fully developed until 26 years old,” Mayor Kelly Girtz quipped.

In other news, “crews are working around the clock” finishing up the College Square pedestrian plaza, SPLOST project manager Diana Jackson said. College Square will be open for UGA’s first home football game Sept. 6, although the project won’t be completed until mid-­October, she said. [Blake Aued]

Street Safety Plan Updated

The updated plan lists 16 priority corridors, based on factors like safety, connections to destinations like schools and grocery stores, and community support as expressed in almost 5,000 survey responses: Dougherty Street/North Avenue, Barnett Shoals Road between Lexington Road and Gaines School Road and Gaines School Road to Whitehall Road, South Milledge Avenue, College Station Road, Gaines School Road, North Thomas Street, Moores Grove Road, Pulaski Street, Old Hull Road, Baxter Street, Vine Street, Cedar Shoals Drive and Danielsville Road. It also lists five roads that are the responsibility of the Georgia Department of Transportation, including a portion of South Milledge and Prince Avenue, as well as Highway 78 (Atlanta Highway/Broad Street/Oconee Street/Oak Street/Lexington Road).

But ACC would not be limited to those corridors when implementing improvements. The plan calls for incorporating safety measures like traffic calming or sidewalks whenever the county repaves a road, for example. Several commissioners expressed frustration with the pace of projects, although some of that is the result of the commission repeatedly calling for more public input or redesigning those projects on the fly. The commission’s policy of not using eminent domain also plays a role, delaying construction by a year or more to acquire right of way, Deputy Manager Andrew Saunders said. [BA]

Georgia State Taxes and Affordability Georgia House Democrats hosted a town hall on taxes and affordability at the Bogart Library on Aug. 11, moderated by House Minority Whip David Wilkerson (D-­Powder Springs), Rep. Eric Gisler (D-­Watkinsville) and Rep. Spencer Frye (D-­Athens). This was a stop on Wilkerson’s tour across the state, using his background in accounting to discuss financial struggles with Georgians and gather feedback on more effective policies at the Georgia Capitol.

“In Atlanta, we hear from representatives, both parties, about the struggle that homeowners are having regarding affordability,” Wilkerson said. “What we heard was… ‘You need to understand our districts.

You don’t understand why we need this…’

And so what we decided after [the legislative] session is, let’s get around the state and just kind of talk to people.”

Frye spoke about the increased lack of affordability, saying, “Property taxes [are] just one little aspect of the way that we’re getting nickeled and dimed to death… And so, one of the things that we talked about a lot this year was the elimination of all property taxes. Personally, I didn’t think that that was a very good idea. I feel like our property taxes, at least in my area, in this region, are spent pretty wisely.” He cited the important public goods funded by these taxes, such as education, infrastructure, public safety, water and sewage. However, ➤ continued on next page

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corporations buying up homes has made housing “an investment rather than an American dream,” said Frye. “Our property taxes are high because our assessments are high because it’s a market issue. We don’t have housing supply, and if you had more houses for people to live in, your property taxes wouldn’t go up as high as they are right now.”

Meeting attendees asked questions about equitable options to raise tax revenue, Georgia Department of Transportation spending, tax rates in other Georgia counties, potential pied-­a-­terre taxes, affordability solutions at local and state governmental levels, and homelessness in Athens.

Wilkerson discussed how property taxes fund government at the local level, and sales taxes are everywhere, “because the government has to eat. It’s just a matter of whose table they’re eating off of.” He said to be wary of actors claiming they can cut a key source of tax revenue and still allow the government to function, because the hole left in the budget usually leads to important public services being cut. Wilkerson shared differences in his constituency, Cobb County, including lower property and sales tax rates and homestead exemptions.

Data centers were also a point of contention, with the audience frustrated at the tax breaks they are receiving, despite knowing they may leave the state without financial incentives in place. Representatives expressed frustration that a bill sundowning tax exemptions for data centers with bipartisan support was vetoed

by Gov. Brian Kemp. Meeting attendees also expressed worries that eliminating ad valorem property taxes would take power from local governments and place it into the hands of the state government, as well as runaway property valuations increasing rates. Frye said, “the assessment issue is [Athens] is a victim of its own success.”

Despite community pushes against density of homes, Frye asserted it as an important solution with a lack of housing stock in the region.

6

An attendee expressed concerns about budget oversights for the GDOT, but Frye is on the House committee and affirmed its efficiency. Another audience member suggested the possibility of a pied-­a-­terre tax on individuals that have second homes in Georgia, but more so on corporations that own many properties and rent them out.

The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act was mentioned, which is a recent federal law that restricts industrial investors owning excessive single-­family properties.

Wilkerson warned, “If you do away with property taxes, you’ve gotta count on us,” meaning the state government could exercise excessive control over local governments if local income is not funding them, including education and infrastructure.

Wilkerson emphasized the budgetary need for both sales and property taxes to fund local governments. Despite the rhetoric Wilkerson said is present at the Georgia Capitol, no one in attendance shared that they actually wanted to eliminate property taxes. “It’s easy for someone to run a commercial saying that you’re stopping property tax relief, and that’s not what we’re doing,” he said.

Attendees expressed worries that not much can be accomplished at the state level with so many national and external influences at play, and moderators shared the importance of flipping the Georgia General Assembly blue and holding current representatives accountable.

Many audience members expressed worries about the prevalence of homelessness and the importance of resources to assist Athenians experiencing it, which brought up Rep. Houston Gaines (R-­Athens), who sponsored a bill allowing Georgia property owners to sue local governments if a city fails to enforce laws regarding illegal public camping, loitering and panhandling. To address homelessness, zoning reform and accessory dwelling units were mentioned as solutions—though the latter was rejected by the ACC Commission earlier this month.

In closing, moderators encouraged attendees to elect individuals who will listen to them and vote out officials who do not, calling the upcoming election a “mid-­year performance review.” [Lily Thomas] f

F L A GP OL E .C OM · A UGU S T 19, 2026

news

street scribe

The People’s Historian HOWARD ZINN CELEBRATED DISSIDENTS AND UNDERDOGS

By Ed Tant news@flagpole.com Before his death at the age of 87 in 2010, historian Howard Zinn said he wanted to be remembered as “somebody who gave people a feeling of hope and power that they didn’t have before.” Zinn achieved that goal during his long and eventful life as an author, an academic and an activist. His best-​known book, A People’s History of the United States, has sold more than two million copies since its original publication in 1980.

Zinn was born on Aug. 24, 1922, so it is fitting that a new biography of the historian was published earlier this month. The People’s Historian: The Outsized Life of Howard Zinn details a life that was indeed outsized and interesting. Writer Dave Zirin’s book

“Belle of the Brawl” were among the first Americans in wartime to use napalm, an infamous incendiary later used to deadly effect in Vietnam. After the war Zinn discovered that civilians also had been killed by the napalm meant to kill German soldiers.

“There is no flag large enough to cover the shame of killing innocent people,” he wrote.

Zinn began his academic career in 1956 as a popular professor at Spelman College in Atlanta, but he was fired for “insubordination” by the historically Black school in 1963 for encouraging his students to join the civil rights movement that was challenging the racial injustice of the Jim Crow South. Zinn went on to teach at Boston University.

JIM FROM STEVENS POINT, WI

City Dope

Howard Zinn in 2009.

details the life of a man who went from shipyard worker to World War II bombardier, and from professor of history to protester against war and injustice.

Zirin is a columnist for The Nation and The Progressive, two of America’s oldest and most venerable political magazines. In an Aug. 3 interview with journalist Amy Goodman, Zirin said that for Zinn, “being an academic was always secondary to being in the streets making history.”

For Zinn, history was not in the past, but in the here and now. For him, history’s heroes were the political underdogs and agitators who struggled to make this nation live up to its ideals of justice and freedom.

“Dissent is the highest form of patriotism,” he maintained. “Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world.” Zinn meant it when he said, “The most revolutionary act one can engage in is telling the truth.”

As a young, working-​class Jewish man in New York City, Zinn was appalled at the rise of fascism and the carnage of World War II. He joined the military and became what he called “an eager bombardier” on a B-​17 bomber crew. His youthful eagerness turned to sadness in the crucible of war. “As a bombardier, I was flying at 30,000 feet, 6 miles high. Couldn’t hear screams, couldn’t see blood—and this was modern warfare,” he recalled.

Zinn and his crewmates aboard the B-​17

In 2005 he returned to the Spelman campus when he was invited to receive an honorary doctorate degree and give that year’s commencement speech. “The lesson of history is that you must not despair,” he told the graduating students. “The truth has a power greater than a hundred lies.”

When Zinn visited Athens in 2004, during the Iraq War, I interviewed him for the Athens Banner-​Herald and for Z Magazine, a political periodical published in Zinn’s home state of Massachusetts. When asked what was the greatest danger facing the United States, Zinn gave a reply that is relevant today: “America’s greatest danger is our becoming a warfare state where the wealth of the country is sacrificed for military adventures abroad, with less money for children and the environment—a movement toward a kind of U.S. fascism.” He mentioned that It Can’t Happen Here, the 1935 Sinclair Lewis novel, was a compelling fictional treatment of America under a dictatorship.

Zinn did not live to see Donald Trump become president, but during his first term Trump said that Zinn tried to make students “ashamed of their own history.”

In reality, Zinn tried to make Americans aware, not ashamed, of this nation’s history. Inspired by hard-​won victories by its people. Zinn’s words could be a lesson for Trump: “Education can, and should, be dangerous.” f

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SEND YOUR LETTERS TO P.O. BOX 1027, ATHENS, GA 30603 OR EMAIL US AT LETTERS@FLAGPOLE.COM

Rick Rose 1944–2026

means you care less.” So why don’t we Ramsey Dropoff Is Unsafe for Campers less take care of our Georgia home? It’s not just

By Pete McCommons pete@flagpole.com

I’m writing concerning the loss of Legion Pool versus using Ramsey Pool this summer for ESP camps. The loss of Legion is a great detriment to ensuring safety for the hundreds of special campers that utilized the facility almost every weekday in the summer. But the burden placed on these campers and their volunteers to gain access and egress from the Ramsey Center is unacceptable, in my opinion.

I have driven the bus for ESP for nearly 10 years, and this is by far the worst experience for ensuring safety and liability of those in planning at UGA. I’m unsure if the plan was designed by campus police or recreational sports, but there seems to be very little forethought. After the first few days in June, I shared a better plan for safely ensuring campers were not in harm’s way in traffic around the Ramsey Center, and it went very well. But the following week it was subverted by someone in supervision at UGA to go back to the crossing traffic plan originally implemented.

UGA is supplying one very kind and helpful officer to try and ensure safety, but it’s a task hindered by campers who may not follow instructions and bolt into oncoming traffic.

I would like to see the talking heads reconsider their approach and make a decision that benefits the safety of the campers and not their own egos.

Eric Jones Athens

Stop Littering I’ve been thinking about the beauty and grandeur of our country, especially after spending time in upstate New York, where we were astonished by the litter-​free roadsides and nature trails. I mean pristine: For hundreds of miles, no trash bags spilling their contents, no bottles or fast food trash, and none of those awful single-​use dental floss gizmos I detest.

We remarked about it to the locals. One woman said, “We have volunteer groups that pick up trash.” I said, “So do we.” (I only saw one sign crediting those groups.) She said, “We have recycling programs.” I said, “So do we.” (But theirs are more extensive.

They have bottle-​and can-​return policies that keep a lot of trash off the streets and incentivize retrieval.)

She added, helpfully, “We have penalties for littering.” I said, “So do we.” When I looked online to see what the fines were, some of the top responses were ads from lawyers offering to help offenders fight citations. But here’s the answer: Fines in Georgia can range from $100—$1000, and may include community service (picking up a mile of roadside) and even jail time.

This brings a joke to mind: A sheriff’s deputy says to a guy littering, “Didn’t you see the sign?” The man responded: “Sure did. It says, ‘Fine for littering.’”

We returned to Georgia to see the bypass dotted with black bags bulging with collected trash. That’s great, but why is so much litter thrown out so carelessly? My husband’s parents always told him, “Care-

the South that’s trashed, but we’re among the worst. Recent news stories about Japanese soccer fans cleaning up the stadium after a match, and the team leaving their locker room spotless, show a cultural ethic we could and should learn to emulate.

But there’s something deeper, too: a “care less” attitude toward the land and our environment. And there’s some kind of weaker tie to each other and to the ethos of mutual aid that Benjamin Franklin espoused where people pitch in to fund social services. (Instead, Georgia’s GOP is calling for an end to the state’s income and property taxes.)

We also talk trash to each other, a smearing of bilious filth. We say we hate that, but we tolerate it, just as we are not standing against the Trump Administration’s evisceration of environmental protections that once safeguarded our air, water and health.

And President Trump is selling off wild places to his friends or the highest bidder for mining and timber extraction. But this land is our land!

Former First Lady Michelle Obama spoke about the “work of democracy” at the opening of her husband’s presidential library. She included this as part of the definition: “To being neighborly, taking care of public spaces… [and] shaking out of the isolation and division that have crept too deeply into our lives.”

In this 250th anniversary of our founding, let’s rededicate ourselves to America the Beautiful, and to mutual aid values that show our love for our country and our fellow Americans.

Pat Priest Athens

Reform the Electoral College Congress passed the Reapportionment Act of 1929 to permanently set the members of the House of Representatives to 435. Over time, as the American population has grown, so has the disparity in the number of voters a House representative actually represents.

As an example, Montana’s two House members represent about 540,000 people.

California’s 53 House members each represent around 700,000 people. This discrepancy is reflected in the number each state is allotted.

Being that “one person, one vote” is a foundational principle of democratic elections, each citizen’s ballot should have equal weight. The Reappointment Act clearly undermines the “one person, one vote” rule.

It might be time to consider the Wyoming Rule. The Wyoming Rule sets the size of all Congressional districts to the smallest possible unit, which is the state of Wyoming and its population of 578,000.

The unfortunate consequence of implementing the Wyoming Rule is an increase of 139 House members, from 435 to 574.

At the same time, it increases the Electoral College by the same number, with a more accurate elector-​to-​population ratio.

Albert DeSimone Athens

HE EXCELLED IN ALL HE DID, AND STARRED AT FRIENDSHIP

Those who know theater, and few have In addition to visits back and forth over known it like Rick Rose, understand how the years between Rick and Flo and my wife much goes on before, during and after the Gay and me, I got one more privileged look performances. The play’s the thing, but for at Rick the actor. He had the lead role in a sure it’s not the only thing, and Rick was play titled A Month of Sundays, directed by experienced in all of it: heading a theater Gay. His co-­star and old friend Jeff Evans program, designing a theater building, had moved to Florida by then, but he was acting, directing, building sets, taking down coming back a couple of weeks before the sets and hauling off the debris. play to finish rehearsing with Rick and do At the Town & Gown Players here in the play. Meanwhile, Rick asked me to help Athens, the actors and the director and the him rehearse by “reading lines.” While Jeff ticket-­takers and everybody else build the sets, and when the show is over dismantle the sets, being careful to save every board and nail and anything else that might be used in another set sometime. After a show has closed, you might see Hamlet wielding a drill, backing screws out of the partition that so recently concealed Polonius, while Ophelia waits to pull it up into the storage loft, aided by the director.

After the set is struck, the debris is piled in the parking lot beside the theater and hauled off.

Rick invited me to join the Dump Road Teamsters, to swoop in with Rick Rose in his final stage role as Martin Vanderhof (Grandpa) in our trucks and haul the debris to the county land- Town and Gown Players’ You Can’t Take it With You February 2020. fill. Including me in that way was so typical of Rick Rose. With all his rehearsed in Florida, Rick would come by academic credentials and his career at the my upstairs Flagpole office, and I’d read top levels of UGA administration, he gladly Jeff’s lines while Rick worked to memorize took on the most menial tasks and made his own. So here’s the former head of the them an opportunity to enjoy new friends. drama department at Piedmont College, He was laid-­back and unpretentious, a seasoned director and actor in some of always focused on his friends, yet he was T&G’s best plays, but he had to sit down also a perfectionist—a master gardener just like anybody else and learn his lines. who enjoyed leading tours of the State Nobody could do it for him.

Botanical Garden and an expert chef who The play is about two aging men turned out perfect cakes and pies. “trapped” in an assisted living place and Trying to describe trying to help each Rick, I feel like one of other cope with their He was laid-­back and situation.They drop by the blind men and the elephant, with my limother’s rooms and unpretentious, always each ited view of him. He convene the “Escape focused on his friends, yet he Committee,” fantasizhad so many friends, colleagues, admirers, ing ways they could was also a perfectionist. fans, family—all of break out of the facility. whom have their own Escape Committee meetspecial view of Rick—but I suspect that ings usually begin with the question, “What all know him as a concerned and loving would you say to a whiskey?” The answer is friend, a competent and fun colleague, and always, “Hello, whiskey!” a welcome addition to any group, onstage It’s hard to believe that Rick, so dilior gathered for a cigar (and he had a temper gent in his many endeavors and so much a when an occasion called for righteous friend to so many, is gone, felled by a stroke indignation). and pneumonia, taken too soon, but with And then, of course, Rick was married to enough time to say what he needed to Flo the brainy, beautiful and ebullient Florence and family and friends.

King, herself a stalwart in Town & Gown, Let’s raise a glass to the Escape Commitwho has shone there in many musicals tee: Hello, whiskey! Goodbye, Rick. f and attended to myriad behind-­the-­scenes Flo’s loving and informative obituary of Rick can details. Rick and Flo were a team, each be found at www.lordandstephens.com/obituaries/ enhancing the other through 29 years richard-­rose-­ii together.

“

A UGU S T 19, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

7

MATT HARDY PHOTOGRAPHY

news

news

feature

Campaign Finances

REPUBLICANS OUTRAISE DEMOCRATS IN MOST STATEWIDE RACES

By Maya Homan and Alander Rocha news@flagpole.com

W

ith less than three months until the November election, Republican candidates are outraising Democrats in most of Georgia’s statewide races, according to the latest round of campaign filings.

However, the most recent data comes with a silver lining for Democrats. Candidates outraised Republicans in three statewide races: attorney general, secretary of state and one of the two Public Service Commission seats up for election this year.

Many of Georgia’s top offices won’t have an incumbent candidate on the ballot in November, leaving candidates competing for an open seat.

The first campaign finance disclosures of the general election were due Aug. 7, offering an initial glimpse into how the Democratic and Republican nominees for some of the most high-​profile races are doing as they hurtle toward the general election.

party nomination, aside from paying for some of the campaign expenses like over $50,000 combined in helicopter and plane transportation, and nearly $35,000 in legal fees.

While Jackson has not contributed to his own campaign since winning the party nomination in June, he has vowed in public speeches that he’s willing to spend his fortune in order to win Georgia’s top office.

Bottoms trailed Jackson with about $5.6 million in total contributions. That includes about $1.8 million from the Democratic Governors Association that went to Project

with a history of campaign finance violations.” According to the Georgia Ethics Commission, Bottoms will be fined $125 for submitting the form a day late.

Bottoms’ spokesperson TaNisha Cameron did not address comments from the Jackson campaign, but said in a statement that there’s enthusiasm behind Bottoms’ proposals “while billionaire insider Rick Jackson continues to pledge his loyalty to Trump as his policies hurt Georgians.

“Keisha will continue to share her plans to lower costs, expand Medicaid and protect Georgia’s hospitals, and invest in education by guaranteeing pre-​K and raising teacher pay,” Cameron said.

Lieutenant Governor

Governor

ROSS WILLIAMS / GEORGIA RECORDER

Democratic nominee Josh McLaurin raised more than $67,000 during the most recent quarter. An attorney and state senator from Sandy Springs, McLaurin has campaigned on expanding Medicaid, lowering the cost of living and protecting Georgians’ civil rights. But unlike the top-​ticket Democrats this year, he first had to compete in a runoff election in order to secure the nomination for lieutenant governor, and ended up spending over $157,000 over the course of the quarter. That leaves him with a little under $36,000 to face off against Republican state Sen. Greg Dolezal of Cumming.

“My campaign will have the resources necessary to inform voters that Greg Dolezal’s record is too toxic for RepubliBoth candidates for governor continued can voters—and even some of his elected to raise millions in campaign contributions, Republican colleagues—to accept,” McLaualthough Republican Rick Jackson has rin said in a statement. pledged to supercharge his campaign again Dolezal, who has made issues like elecwith his own wealth. tion integrity, immigration enforcement Both Jackson and Democrat Keisha and opposition to sharia law central to Lance Bottoms have jumped on the opporhis campaign, raised more than $291,000 tunity to raise money through a leadership this quarter. His leadership committee, committee, which is a type of political Georgia Liberty PAC, reported an addiorganization authorized under a 2021 state tional $189,800 this quarter. (McLaurin Rick Jackson speaks at a Georgia Chamber of Commerce event at the Classic Center on Aug. 5. law that allows certain high-​level officials does not currently have his own leadership and candidates to raise unlimited campaign committee.) contributions.

Dolezal also competed in a runoff before clinching the Battleground Georgia, the leadership committee Bottoms Jackson, who secured the Republican nomination after GOP nomination, and is sitting on a war chest of over created once she became the official Democratic nominee. spending over $100 million of his own money during the $377,000 heading into the general election. He did not primary, raised over $13 million during the reporting The campaign finance filings from Bottoms came a day respond to a request for comment. period that ended July 31. Most of those funds came from after the grace period for submitting the forms had passed, a $10 million donation the Republican Governors’ Associwhich the campaign said was caused by a technical error. ation made to For All Georgians, Jackson’s new leadership That led to Jackson pouncing at the opportunity to remind committee. voters about a $37,000 fine Bottoms received during the Republicans dominated the fundraising numbers for the Jackson so far, unlike in his primary election, has lim2017 Atlanta mayor’s race. Garrison Douglas, spokesperson governor and lieutenant governor races. But in the race to ited the deployment of his own wealth since winning the for Jackson’s campaign, painted Bottoms as “a candidate

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become Georgia’s next top lawyer, Democrat Tanya Miller has pulled ahead.

Miller, a state representative who currently serves as chair of the House Minority Caucus, reported raising over $446,000 during the most recent quarter. Campaign manager Joey Wozniak celebrated the achievement, noting that Miller is the only candidate with experience as a prosecutor.

“This fundraising haul is another clear sign that Georgians are ready for an attorney general who puts the people first,” Wozniak said.

Brian Strickland, the Republican nominee and a state senator from McDonough, raised nearly $324,000 during the most recent quarter. Though he fell short of Miller’s fundraising numbers from over the summer, he still maintained an overall edge, ending the quarter with $448,000 on hand compared to Miller’s $329,000.

“The growing support behind our campaign demonstrates what families across Georgia want in their chief law enforcement officer: steady leadership focused on public safety,” Strickland’s campaign manager Jantz Womack said in a statement.

Secretary of State The battle to be Georgia’s next top elections official is heating up, becoming the second statewide race in which a Democrat has outraised a Republican candidate.

Democratic nominee Penny Brown Reynolds raised nearly four times as much as Republican state Rep. Tim Fleming of Covington during the most recent quarter, and ended it with a war chest over three times larger. Brown Reynolds, a former judge, reality TV show star and member of the Biden administration, raised over $133,000 since April, and ended the quarter with nearly $68,000 on hand.

Fleming, who was deputy secretary of state under then-​ Secretary of State Brian Kemp and is currently serving on a committee dedicated to helping replace Georgia’s election system, only raised about $34,000, and ended the quarter with a little over $20,000 on hand.

Other Down-​Ballot Races In the race for commissioner of agriculture, two-​term GOP incumbent Tyler Harper raised over $244,000. That dwarfed the $3,000 raised by his Democratic opponent, Katherine Juhan-​Arnold, who ended the quarter with over $500 on hand. Harper ended the quarter with over $541,000.

Insurance Commissioner John King, a Republican, raised nearly $72,000 during the most recent quarter and ended with over $545,000 on hand. The Democratic nominee, Keisha Waites, claimed she had no contributions or expenses on her campaign finance disclosure.

Incumbent Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes, a Republican who was appointed by Gov. Brian Kemp last year, raised nearly $11,000 during the most recent quarter, and is ending with over $174,000 on hand.

Nikki Porcher, the Democratic nominee for labor commissioner, raised about $4,500 during the most recent quarter. An Air Force veteran, former teacher and nonprofit founder, Porcher’s ending cash balance sat at over $15,000.

In the race for state school superintendent, Republican incumbent Richard Woods added $4,800 to the bank and is sitting on a total of $30,000. His opponent, Democrat Lydia Powell, raised over $4,000 since April and ended the quarter with over $5,400 on hand.

For the District 3 Public Service Commission seat, incumbent Peter Hubbard, a Democrat, raised over $105,000 and ended with $82,000 on hand. His Republican opponent, former commissioner Fitz Johnson, raised more than $60,000 and ended with about $86,000.

In the open District 5 PSC contest, Republican Josh Tolbert raised $2,000 and ended the quarter with over $25,000 on hand. Democrat Shelia Edwards raised more than $7,700 but her ending cash balance leaves her nearly $13,000 in debt.

The next round of fundraising reports will be due in October. f

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This article originally appeared at georgiarecorder.com.

A UGU S T 19, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

9

arts & culture

calendar picks

ART | FRI, AUG. 21

Ethan Snow Opening Reception FOYER • 5 p.m. • FREE!

San Diego-­born, Athens-­based artist Ethan Snow’s newest exhibition, “New Faith,” features works of plexiglass and handmade ceramic bones that are transformed by light. Both natural and embedded light sources create colorful shadow play along the modern reliquaries, which are inspired by Western medieval religious paintings, manuscripts and stained glass windows. The works address Snow’s interest in how intangible beliefs are often enshrined in objects, with this impulse also connecting to our modern devotion to computers, smartphones and other technology. This combination of medieval visual language with contemporary behaviors merges two eras, using one to make sense of another and exploring a new form of worship. “New Faith” will be open for view by appointment through Oct. 11. FOYER, curated by Jaime Bull, is located at 135 Park Ave. in a pink house. [Mary Beth Bryan]

performing/visual/culinary arts programs and maintain The Classic Center as a state-­of-­the-­art venue. The foundation awards more than $60,000 annually in grants and scholarships for hospitality education, performing and visual arts. [MB] ART | SAT, AUG. 22

Community Collections Artist Talk Lyndon House Arts Center • 1 p.m. • FREE!

The Community Collections Case at Lyndon House Arts Center is a display of hidden treasures from the local community. On display through Aug. 22 is “Dottie Waffles: Rescue Icon.” Rescue dog Dottie Waffles was left at the

MUSIC | SUN, AUG. 23

Live @ The Portico

The Portico • 6 p.m. (doors), 7 p.m. (show) • $45

ART | FRI, AUG. 21

‘Perspectives’ Preview Reception OCAF • 6 p.m. • $25

The annual “Perspectives” exhibition and sale is the largest functional pottery invitational in the Southeast, showcasing more than 50 potters and 5,000 original works that draw in collectors, artists and enthusiasts from across the country. At the preview event, attendees will get the first opportunity to view and purchase the pottery, and will also enjoy food, drinks and live music. The rest of the exhibition and sale will run through Sept. 6 with free admission. This year’s “Perspectives” will feature a special solo exhibition by Rebecca Wood, who is one of the show’s founding artists, tracing her 35-­year career through botanical surfaces and wood-­fired forms. In addition to her solo exhibition, there will be a free live glazing demo with Wood on Aug. 22 at 1 p.m., an ikebana demonstration on Aug. 29 at 1 p.m. and a tour of her studio on Aug. 31 at 10:30 a.m. Visit ocaf.com to see what times “Perspectives” is open to the public and find out about other associated events. [MB] EVENT | SAT, AUG. 22

Athens Beer Fest

Akins Ford Arena • 1 p.m. • $50–85

Athens Beer Fest is an event that allows participants to sample a wide selection of beers from a variety of regional breweries. Among this year’s participating breweries are Creature Comforts Brewing Co., Monday Night Brewing, Wicked Weed Brewing, Athentic Brewing Co., Piedmont Brewing, Snafu Brewing Co. and Bold Rock Hard Cider.

In addition to unlimited beer tastings, the event will also feature cornhole in partnership with CornholeATL and live music. The proceeds from Athens Beer Fest benefit The Classic City Cultural Foundation, whose mission is to entertain and educate the local community, support diverse

10

F L A GP OL E .C OM · A UGU S T 19, 2026

gency services to low-­income workers to prevent eviction.

Summer is a particularly rough time for many individuals who are increasingly faced with layoffs, short hours, difficulty finding childcare, higher utility bills due to rising temperatures and overall rising rent and gas prices. The Ark’s goal is to raise $10,000 to keep these families housed this summer. The performers for the Summer Bash will include alt-­country singer-­songwriter Cannon Rogers, indie-­rock band Florence Cardigan and funky rock band Karma Kat. There will also be a silent auction for prizes including a Fripp Island vacation, a mandolin, a yoga and pilates membership, Louise Norrell Jewelry and more. Raffles will be held throughout the event for gift cards including Last Resort Grill, 7 Brew and Jeni’s Ice Creams. Purchases of Creature Comforts beers will also contribute to the fundraiser. [MB]

Dottie Waffles

fence of PAWS Animal Shelter in Decatur in the middle of the night when she was about four years old. Local artist Amanda Burk’s eye was caught by a split-­screen image of Dottie Waffles next to her lookalike, Charlie Chaplin. Burk adopted and started an instagram page for her to show off her charming personality and raise awareness for the important work that animal shelters do. Since then, others have been inspired to make their own artwork of Dottie Waffles, and many of these pieces are now on display in the Community Collections Case. To close out Dottie Waffle’s time in the case, Burk and local rescue organizations will be holding a discussion to accompany the exhibition of her fan art. [MB] MUSIC | SAT, AUG. 22

Rock the Ark: Summer Bash

Creature Comforts • 5 p.m. (doors), 5:30 p.m. (show) • FREE!

Local nonprofit The Ark is hosting a summer benefit show to raise funds for its mission of providing emer-

The Portico in Good Hope, just 20 minutes outside of Athens, is an event space in the restored former High Shoals Baptist Church, which was built in 1868. North Georgia-­based recording company Piedmont Sound is hosting its first music performance open to the public in the space, featuring Americana songwriters Gabe Lee, Tyler Key and Cody Marlowe. The ticket price includes a lowcountry boil dinner served at door time before the intimate show begins. Over the past year Piedmont Sound has hosted video and audio recording sessions at The Portico, and this will be a behind-­the-­ scenes look at the space for guests ahead of Piedmont Sounds’ first annual festival, Piedmont Stomp, that will be held Nov. 21–22.

Session videos from The Portico and tickets for both events can be found at piedmont​ sound​company.com. [Sam Lipkin] MUSIC | SUN, AUG. 23

Segar Jazz Affair

Hendershot’s • 6:30 p.m. (doors), 7:30 p.m. & 8:45 p.m. (shows) • $25

The Segar Jazz Affair is celebrating its 17th anniversary and 105th show with a special performance by contemporary jazz alto saxophonist Marcus Click. There will be two sets hosted by DJ Dwain Segar, who has successfully made it his personal mission to bring live jazz to Athens over the years. Alongside the smooth jazz show he hosts on WXAG 92.7 FM, the Segar Jazz Affair concerts have brought the sounds and styles of musicians from around the nation to Athens. Click received the InterContinental Music Award for Instrumentalist of the Year for his performance on “Higher Ground” last year, and he released a single earlier this year, “Gratitude,” that was produced by Grammy-­, Stellar-­and Dove Award-­nominated Mel Holder. Advance tickets for the night are available for $20 at bit.ly/Hendershots​ Aug23. [SL] f

music

feature

hey, nothing

BACK TO BASICS WITH DEBUT ALBUM HOUND

By Sam Lipkin editorial@flagpole.com

W

hen reflecting on your teenage years, you can relate to the process of forming your own identity while also still being stuck in situations outside of your control, and starting a healing journey from childhood trauma.

Now imagine that and opening yourself up to the world through raw, vulnerable music.

Throw in navigating the music industry and going straight from long days at high school to long days touring on the road, and you’re completely out of your depth.

the urge was to say, ‘Hey, maybe instead of trying to write completely vulnerable, maybe we switch directions entirely and try to write super rock and roll. Try to write without substance.’ And then when we tried doing that, we found ourselves completely falling back into writing full music, and I think the album kind of tells that story because there’s so much of both extremes in there, and I think we finally got the album to a point where it captures our full dynamic range emotionally,” says Mabry.

TRENT WAYNE

Now that Athens natives Tyler Mabry and Harlow Phillips have crossed into their 20s, they’re ready to confidently introduce the foundation and the future of their folk duo project hey, nothing with the debut album Hound, to be released Friday, Aug. 21 via Interscope Records. This comes after hey, nothing’s breakout hit “i haunt ur dreams” racked up three million views overnight as high school juniors, being nominated for the Vic Chesnutt Songwriter of the Year Award here in Athens, and performing at major music festivals like Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, Shaky Knees and Austin City Limits.

By the time that Mabry and Phillips were ready to write new material, they found that their motivations behind songwriting had changed. Knowing their fans found them through their heartbreaking and darkly introspective music, but they were now in a more positive mindset, it took a lot of consideration to find the root of who they were as songwriters.

“We were going on tour, and we were getting to make an album and signing a record deal, and so life was very very good.

But then there was the internal pressure of, we need to be making emotional music where it’s not going to be good, and trying to force anything like that always kind of turns out without substance. That’s what we found, at least in our process, and so then

“I think balancing those expectations, where we want to write things that our fans are going to love and that is going to resonate with them, but at the end of the day, the things that they fell in love with were the songs that we wrote because we wanted to write them. So I think just getting back to the basics of like, what are the songs that we want to write right now? And I think that realization just didn’t really hit us until the last song,” says Phillips.

The album unravels like a diary, demonstrating this stylistic songwriting journey and telling a very transparent story of the people behind hey, nothing. While the creative process, songwriting, touring logistics and band lineup is always changing, Phillips says that they always end up back at the basics: “wanting to play the music and have a lot of fun on stage, and make the music sound as good as possible when we’re playing it.”

But taking an album on the road and touring is an exhausting effort behind the scenes, and it’s one that sometimes you don’t know how to manage until you’ve experienced it. Mabry says that a lot of the challenges they faced during past tours and releases came from getting burned out, and the duo has learned a lot to protect themselves moving forward.

“We have a lot more perspective on the things that were making us uncomfortable

in those moments and why a band like hey, nothing could burn out. So I think going into the Hound tour, we’re very prepared to live in a way that isn’t super conducive to burning out, and I think we’re ready to really take care of our health,” says Mabry.

“I think it’s the positivity aspect, where we weren’t always the most positive people.

I think nowadays we are super positive, bringing that sort of vibe to our touring and making sure that we’re taking care of our bodies, but we’re taking care of our minds as well. And each other, just lifting each other up,” says Phillips.

While confidence and authenticity are an important driving force behind this album, so is community. The duo says they’re bringing some of their best friends on the road with them this time. It’s clear that the two want to share their success and this experience with the people they care about, but it’s also important to have a traveling support system and lifeline back to home.

The opportunity to travel and first-­hand experience the music scenes in other cities has inspired the band a lot, says Phillips, but Mabry adds that the two are always comparing and contrasting the other cities with Athens. Everywhere they go has a hand in what they bring back to Athens, which is where all of hey, nothing’s prior releases were written and recorded. Phillips and Mabry both agree that the collaborative spirit of Athens is what has kept them in their hometown, where the other major cities they’ve visited have a strong competitive edge among musicians.

“Athens has such a rich music history that I think bleeds to everything we make,” says Mabry. “It’s the reason that Tommy Trautwein produces all of our music and plays bass in our band. The reason we met our drummer Carmen [Smith], who drummed on this entire last record, and it’s the community aspect of it that has bled through our music and our band in like every single way that possibly could. It’s really incredible,” says Mabry.

Smith and Roan O’Reilly will be supporting Phillips and Mabry as hey, nothing starts its world tour next month. The last date on the North American leg of the tour will land them in Atlanta at Variety Playhouse on Oct. 30.

“I think for us it was important to show that we really do have fun with what we’re doing, and we do really love the life that we are so fortunate to live. I want that to come through when we’re playing the shows and stuff, and also just be like we always are. It really is just us, like what you see is what you get,” says Phillips.

Tickets and more band content can be found at heynothing.com. f Editor’s Note: When asked what people should know about hey, nothing, Phillips says, “I think people should know that we do the Flagpole crossword every week. Every week.”

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A UGU S T 19, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

11

live music calendar Tuesday 18

Daily Groceries Co-​op Tuesday Tunes. 6–7:30 p.m. www. instagram.com/dailycoop NANCY HEIGES Heartfelt ukulele songs.

Dead Beat Club 8 p.m. & 9 p.m. FREE! www.deadbeat​ athens.com KENOSHA KID The brainchild of Athens-based guitarist Dan Nettles performs two sets of adventurous new music each week from his ever-​expanding catalog that exists “somewhere in the Schrödinger’s nexus of jazz, post-​rock and improvised music.”

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

7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $10. www.hendershotsathens.com BICHOS VIVOS Local band playing forró, an accordion, zabumba and triangle-​driven genre of party music from Brazil.

PERRENGUE Ensemble recreating the sounds of a summer night party in Brazil through samba, bossa nova and more.

State Botanical Garden of Georgia Sunflower Concert Series. 7 p.m. $12 (ages 5–16), $24. botgarden. uga.edu ABBEY ROAD LIVE! Beloved local tribute band that keeps the crowd rocking to its extensive Beatles cover sets.

Wednesday 19 Creature Comforts Brewery Athens Farmers Market. 5–8 p.m.

FREE! www.athensfarmersmarket. net STRING THEORY Old-​time fiddle band. (6 p.m.)

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

MUZZLE Boston-​based band with an unorthodox approach to alternative rock, blending melodic groove with chaotic noise.

FROGS DIY post-​hardcore made in Boston.

Thursday 20 Georgia Theatre 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $37.87. www.georgiatheatre.com FUTUREBIRDS Psychedelic Southern rock group formed in Athens in 2008 whose career is defined by its twangy yet fun rhythm.

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

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

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

Lyndon House Arts Center Music in the House. 6 p.m. FREE! www.accgov.com/lyndonhouse SLIGHTLY LESS FAMOUS SOMEBODIES Ensemble of musicians blending rock, pop and theatrical styles.

Nowhere Bar 9:30 p.m. www.instagram.com/ nowherebarathensga BRAIN EMOJI An unpredictable, fully improvised post-​jam band.

The World Famous 9:45 p.m. (doors), 10 p.m. (show). $10 suggested donation. www.facebook.com/theworldfamousathens RACECAR 44 A post-​rock band with heavy shoegaze and noise rock influences, established in January 2024 through the powers of friendship, cinema and pedals.

CHAIRS Enigmatic local recording project that pulls from shoegaze and post-​punk influences.

Friday 21 Amici at The Falls AmiciFest. 5–10 p.m. www.facebook. com/amiciatthefalls MATT RYAN GIUDICE Country singer-​songwriter.

PEACH ICE CREAM BLUEGRASS Bluegrass band that blends folk and blues with a carefree dash of improvisation to sooth the soul.

THE SPEAX Local rock music trio.

CHANGE OF HEART Tom Petty tribute band.

Athentic Brewing Co. Percentage Night. 5–9 p.m. www. athenticbrewing.com GOLDEN BOWL Alt-​country and psychedelic garage rock four-​piece band.

Flicker Theatre & Bar 8 p.m. $5. www.flickertheatreandbar. com DJ NIGHT Tunes from Franke DJ, DJ Jellybean, 9 for Nothing and Houseplant 300.

Georgia Theatre 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $37.87. www.georgiatheatre.com FUTUREBIRDS Psychedelic Southern rock group formed in Athens in 2008 whose career is defined by its twangy yet fun rhythm.

Georgia Theatre Rooftop 5 p.m. FREE! www.georgiatheatre.com FLAT TIRED Contemporary indie rock with an organic, old-​school twist inspired by the timeless songwriting of ’60s classic country and ’70s roots rock.

Marigold Auditorium for Arts and Culture 7 p.m. $15. www.classicitycommunity​ chorus.org CLASSIC CITY COMMUNITY CHORUS Summer spectacle

concert with the theme “Murder, Mystery and Mayhem.”

Nighthawks Lounge 5–11 p.m. FREE! www.instagram. com/nighthawkslounge RADIO HAMAIXA Vinyl DJ set spanning genres and sounds.

Nowhere Bar 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). www. instagram.com/nowherebarathensga GIANT DENIRO Absurdist punk band from Milledgeville.

Ramsey Hall 7:30 p.m. FREE! music.uga.edu FACULTY AND GUEST ARTIST CHAMBER RECITAL Faculty members Michael Heald (violin), Maggie Snyder (viola) and James Kim (cello) along with special guest Kenn Wagner (violin) perform works

by Mozart and Schubert.

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

VFW Post 2872 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $10. www.facebook.com/vfw2872 CHRIS HAMPTON BAND Athens-​ based band performing a variety of country, western and rock dance music with line dancing during the breaks.

Saturday 22 40 Watt Club 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $16 (adv.), $20. www.40watt.com HAPPY LANDING Folk rock band formed in Oxford, MS in 2020, self-​ described as “America’s first folk skate band.”

THE BAND SOLSTICE Indie rock, alternative and Americana five-​ piece formed in Knoxville, TN in 2019.

Amici at The Falls AmiciFest. 4–10 p.m. www.facebook. com/amiciatthefalls ALEX BOSCOFF Playing covers and originals.

CAM NORTON Covers and origi-

nals in the vein of rock, folk, bluegrass and country.

AUSTIN & ALLIE Acoustic singer-​ songwriter duo.

RED OAKS Acoustic bluegrass and Americana group.

ASHES Dynamic rock band.

Bishop Park Athens Farmers Market. 8 a.m.–12 p.m. FREE! www.athensfarmers​ market.net NORMANS BOY Folk and old-​time songs. (9 a.m.)

Boutier Winery 7:30 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $10. www.boutierwinery.com BRANDON SEARS BAND Playing Southern rock jams.

Ciné Athens Goth Night Dance Party. 9 p.m. (doors), 9:30 p.m. (show). $10. www.athenscine.com DJ CROWE DJ Steven Crowe.

DJ TOMB LILY Adria Stembridge of Tears For The Dying spins deathrock, post-​punk, goth and more.

TWIN POWERS Local DJ who is also a member of DJ trio Booty Boyz.

DJ GOTH DAD Dustin Gannon of Vision Video leads a dance party spinning goth, post-​punk, ’80s, Halloween music and more.

The Cotton Press 8 p.m. $25. www.instagram.com/ hardbyte_ HEAT RAVE Late-​night dance party featuring DJs Hardbyte, Xaothesis, Marzi.mp3, Spectra3 and Iryss b2b Pisgah.

Creature Comforts Brewery 5 p.m. (doors), 5:30 p.m. (show).

FREE! www.athensark.org CANNON ROGERS Local alt-​country songwriter, guitarist and pedal steel player drawing inspiration from the likes of Flannery O’Connor and Lucinda Williams.

FLORENCE CARDIGAN Local group mixing funk, punk and jazz-​ inspired indie rock.

KARMA KAT Local band with sounds of rock, pop and funky jazz.

They’ll rock your whiskers off!

Dead Beat Club 8 p.m. $10. www.deadbeatathens.com BEN DE LA COUR Evocative stories told with an “Americanoir” sound.

JIM WILLINGHAM Local folk rock singer-​songwriter (Dim Watts, Burly Ivy) exploring themes of comedy and tragedy.

BO BEDINGFIELD Alt-​country singer-​songwriter of local band The Wydelles.

Flicker Theatre & Bar 9 p.m. $10. www.flickertheatreandbar. com OCIFFER New-​wave-​inspired band based in Carrollton.

GLISTENING MINERALS Speed into the void on waves of blistering motorik rock, stream of consciousness vocals and unhinged guitar solos.

FORCEGHOST Electronic psych duo now based in Athens.

Flying Squid Comedy 8 p.m. $10. www.flyingsquidcomedy. com THE WHILE Dynamic garage psych for the eclectic listener.

COOPER! Manic yeehaw punx.

ALLEY RAINY Slowcore band from Atlanta.

VALLEY OF GIANTS Folk-​emo for anyone who’s missed something they can’t quite name. Solo show.

Georgia Theatre 7:30 p.m. (doors), 8:30 p.m. (show). $25.09. www.georgiatheatre.com HIVE MIND Atlanta jam band formed by four friends looking for a temporary escape from their daily lives.

ALLEN AUCOIN Denver, CO-​based drummer, teacher and producer.

LUCKY DUCK Athens-​based jam-​ fusion band.

Hendershot’s Aubrey Entertainment Presents: A Benefit Concert for Pat Biddle. 6:30 p.m. (doors), 7:30 p.m (show). $20. www.hendershotsathens.com PYLON REENACTMENT SOCIETY Vanessa Briscoe Hay and an all-​star cast of locals play the music of Pylon, plus new originals.

Art Shows, Live Music, Cult Movies

FLICKER 263 WASHINGTON ST. MON - SAT 4PM - 2AM Home of Athens' Longest Running Karaoke and Comedy Shows!

HAPPY HOUR SPECIALS 12

F L A GP OL E .C OM · A UGU S T 19, 2026

KARAOKE EVERY WEDNESDAY

HAND-CRAFTED COCKTAILS

GRASSLAND Seven-​piece Americana band that crosses generations, crosses genres and will cross your soul.

KEMP JONES Musician from Silent Partner, The Sunny Side Up Band and The MGB. Marigold Auditorium for Arts and Culture 2 p.m. & 7 p.m. $15. www.classicity​ communitychorus.org CLASSIC CITY COMMUNITY CHORUS Summer spectacle concert with the theme “Murder, Mystery and Mayhem.”

Nowhere Bar 7 p.m. (doors), 9:30 p.m. (show). www.instagram.com/nowherebar​ athensga DIREWOLF Grateful Dead tribute band.

Oak House Distillery Beach Day. 2–10 p.m. www.oakhouse​ distillery.com BENNYT A lively mix of rock and country classics.

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.

Sunday 23 Athentic Brewing Co. 5–8 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com VINYL NIGHT Every fourth Sunday bring your favorite records for the DJ to spin.

Dead Beat Club 8 p.m. $10. www.deadbeatathens.com SCOTT LOW Rustic folk singer-​ songwriter and former Athenian whose music is also inspired by jazz, punk and Southern rock.

JOHANN GRECO Emotionally-​ charged indie rock played with careless abandon.

DJ LURLENE Spinning a set of country music.

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

Hendershot’s 6:30 p.m. (doors), 7:30 p.m. & 8:45 p.m. (two sets). $20 (adv.), $25. www.hendershotsathens.com SEGAR JAZZ AFFAIR WXAG radio DJ Dwain Segar curates a night of smooth jazz.

MARCUS CLICK Smooth jazz alto saxophonist sharing songs from his album Brand New Day and his newest single called “Gratitude.”

Oak House Distillery 4–6:30 p.m. www.oakhousedistillery. com TRACY & JEFF Jazz, blues and new and old classics from the voice of Tracy Brown and the guitar and harmonica of Jeff Lustig.

Monday 24 Normaltown Brewing Co. 6:30 p.m. (sign-​ups), 7–9 p.m. (show). FREE! www.normaltown​ brewingco.com MONDAY FUNDAY FUNK JAM Will Shine hosts this open jam with a house band made up of rotating local musicians.

Tuesday 25 Daily Groceries Co-​op Tuesday Tunes. 6–7:30 p.m. www. instagram.com/dailycoop TURTLE GRENADE & MK BARNES Singer-​songwriter duo.

Dead Beat Club 8 p.m. & 9 p.m. FREE! www.deadbeat​ athens.com

KENOSHA KID The brainchild of guitarist Dan Nettles performs two sets of adventurous new music each week from his ever-​expanding catalog that exists “somewhere in the Schrödinger’s nexus of jazz, post-​rock and improvised music.”

Flicker Theatre & Bar 8 p.m. $10. www.flickertheatreandbar. com ORCHID MANTIS Atlanta-​based sad indie music for when you can’t sleep.

ORGANICALLY PROGRAMMED Oliver Domingo’s electronic space-​ themed act, which utilizes primitive drum machines and synthesizers to create disco-​pop, jazz and easy listening inspired compositions.

TELEMARKET Driving, angular indie-​rock band from Athens.

Georgia Theatre Rooftop 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $23.50. www.georgiatheatre.com FOXTIDE Electric, surf and jazz sounds from San Diego.

THE BRAYMORES Indie folk rock founded in Chicago in 2022.

GESKLE Dreamy, melancholic indie-​rock project based out of Worcester, MA. Hendershot’s 5–7 p.m. www.hendershotsathens. com PIANO BAR HAPPY HOUR Enjoy drink specials and live piano music.

7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $10. www.hendershotsathens.com BICHOS VIVOS Local band playing forró, an accordion, zabumba and triangle-​driven genre of party music from Brazil.

PERRENGUE Ensemble recreating the sounds of a summer night party in Brazil through samba, bossa nova and more.

Nowhere Bar 7 p.m. (doors), 9:30 p.m. (show). www.instagram.com/nowherebar​ athensga LEANNAN SHI Alternative pop rock band from Virginia.

EASTERN DREAMERS Americana and ’70s folk duo from Nashville.

TELEPHONE POLE Indie rock band from Athens.

Wednesday 26 Amici at The Falls 6 p.m. www.facebook.com/amiciat​ thefalls CAM NORTON Covers and originals in the vein of rock, folk, bluegrass and country.

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

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

Hendershot’s New Faces Night. 8 p.m. FREE! www. hendershotsathens.com OMOZEH Where soulful melodies meet authentic stories and unwavering hope.

DEER ON THE ROAD Athens ambient folk to listen to post-​lobotomy.

DEION D FIST Local rapper combining sharp lyricism with modern trap soundscapes.

Nowhere Bar 7 p.m. (doors), 9:30 p.m. (show). www.instagram.com/nowherebar​ athensga SCHMOOZE Alternative rock band from Athens with a sound blending ’90s grunge with modern punk and indie rock influences.

CAVEHOLE Nashville-​based art rock.

MONTAGE Alternative psychedelic rock from Atlanta. f

BIRTH CONTROL MADE EASY

Athens Area Health Departments NortheastHealthDistrict.org

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NOW HIRING AMAZING PEOPLE! PREFERABLY BILINGUAL! CASHIERS/RUNNERS/ BARTENDERS. COME IN FOR A FREE LUNCH INTERVIEW! LUMPKIN & CEDAR SHOALS 706-227-9979 • 706 - 355 - 7087

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music

threats & promises

285 W. Washington St Athens, GA 30601 706-549-7871 Ticket info at 40watt.com

Infinite Favors’ Glass Against the Wall PLUS, MORE MUSIC NEWS AND GOSSIP

facebook.com/40wattclub @40WattAthens

By Gordon Lamb threatsandpromises@flagpole.com All Shows 18 and up • +$2 for Under 21

BRING YOUR OWN NARRATIVE: The weird and wonderful world of French Exit has reared its head again with a new album named Music for Times and/or Occasions, and Other Songs.

French Exit is the long-​running project of AJ Griffin (Laminated Cat, Olivia Tremor Control, Casper & The Cookies, et al). The 14 tracks here can seem very disjointed and unrelated until the entire album is experienced, sort of like a jigsaw puzzle. It begins with the almost bleep-​bloop near-​musique concrète of “Planet Worm,” but shifts to the wildly jammy “Hayden’s Sobriquet” without missing a beat. The album notes describe the record as, “The perfect instrumental soundtrack or score to any task, topic, feeling, or situation life might possibly throw at you…” and that’s pretty accurate. There’s the robo-​Fisher Price piano of “For Two-​Dimensional Garden Work in the Early Morning of a Foggy Sunday” to explore, as well as the over seven-​minute free-​rock jam of “Wormy Loses; I Can Relate,” and the multi-​layered and semi-​aggressive “For Preserving Sanity in the Event a Microsoft Windows Alarm Tone Sounds Unceasingly at One-​Second Intervals and Cannot Be Turned Off Per Regulatory Protocol,” which also is my favorite track here. This is not a linear listening experience in any sense, so just press play and let it run until you feel something, which you inevitably will. Find it at frenchexit1. bandcamp.com.

BUILT FOR SPEED: The hyper pop/electro Blaire World is as prolific as you like and a whole lot more. The new 10-​song album i want wings so i can fly awayawayaway… is steeped in heavily expressive weirdo pop and a sincerity masked in art-​heavy nonchalance. My attention was piqued by the chaotic second song, “Synth My <3 Out (want me dead),” but I’m much more immediately partial to the relative smoothness of the catchy dance number “Hardest Part Of Moving In.” That’s the basic divide in Blaire World’s songs: absurdity and chaos on one hand and groove-​oriented beat-​based thrills on the other. Absent the vocals, a decent amount of this could be placed on any number of hip-​ hop records, especially the trappy “Throw The City Away.”

The drum and bass album closer, “I Can’t Help But Hope/ Bubblegun,” is a solid two minutes of listening, and in a perfect world would be the first single from this. This, as well a ton of other music, is all ready for your ears at blaire​ world.bandcamp.com.

THROW ME SOMETHIN’, MISTAH!: I’ve no idea who Richard

“Rick” Bear is, but dammit if his newly released M’Umbo Gumbo Jumpin at the ’81 shouldn’t be playing out of every car window in Louisiana. This is packed with meaty R&B, blues, jazz and some improvisations of each. The trumpet trills of “Hey Little Girl” are worth the price of entry alone.

Then there’s the swing packed into “Chesterfields” and the urgent blues of “Live The Life,” as well as the mournful Blues of “Betty and Dupree” and “Broke Down Engine,” the instantly recognizable sway of New Orleans jazz in “After Dark” and the unapologetic defiance of “Hang Up My Rock and Roll Shoes.” Where unexpected treats are concerned, this album takes a front row seat. Dig it at richardrickbear. bandcamp.com.

SETTLE IN: Former Flagpole staffer and decades-​long concert photographer and musician Chris McKay (Bored Music Geek Radio, Critical Darlings, Q Sign) has, and does, write substantially about his concert history (both shows he’s shot and merely attended). He’s been doing this so long

it’s totally reasonable to add “writer” to his resume above.

However, McKay is more than a long-​form writer; he’s a very long-​form writer. Seriously, y’all, pack a lunch. In our modern world, however, his missives have been getting suppressed and incorrectly tagged as being produced by artificial intelligence. So he’s moved his writing to his Substack account, and you can dig in there for free. He published nearly every day, and his archives are huge, so you’ve plenty to enjoy. If you’re the subscribing type, you may also subscribe, and this small action may help McKay, at least in terms of moral support, as he continues to battle multiple serious and life-​limiting ailments that he has endured for years. Find his work at boredmusicgeek.substack.com.

THE FIRST CUTS ARE THE DEEPEST: I’ve always loved hearing band

demos—those first musical utterances from groups finding their way. So the new one from Twin Schematic, Twin Schematic Demo, found favor with me initially simply by being released. Once I heard it, though, I was both pleased and intrigued. Ostensibly “space rock,” this is still very grounded. Opening track “Treacherous Maximus” displays a marked goth and shoegaze influence but starts to get a little funky and more traditional around the two-​minute mark. “Sublunar” honestly sounds like a continuation of the previous track’s ending. “Fragile Encounters” is noisy and thrashy but in much more of a jazz tradition. The real pleaser here is “Faceraser,” which starts slowly but builds to a crescendo of forceful rock in such a way that it seems the band just couldn’t avoid throwing in a few noted solos. Overall, a cool little slice of something that I hope will yield future results. Test drive it at twinschematic.bandcamp.com.

NEVER ENDING: The Athens scene is so intertwined with itself that “all star” records seem to happen with decent frequency. The new album by Infinite Favors certainly deserves a high spot on the list of stellar, or close, collaborations as its participants include Athens and ex-​Athens luminaries Andrew Prater, Becky Brooks, Adam Hebert, Max Talkovich, Jason Trahan, Kemp Stroble, Kris Deason and Charlie Estes. The eight-​song album was recorded by Kyle Spence (Kurt Vile and the Violators) at Ronnie Jones Sound. While clearly originating in the South, the whole thing has a sort of heartland-​indie feel about it, and this is especially evident on opening song “Little Wonder.” By the time the third song, “Old and In the Way,” kicks in, the album’s mid-​ tempo/semi-​mellow personality is in full relief. We finally hear actual rock-​and-​roll guitar action on “Get 2 Know Me,” which is both surprising but also reassuring. This group of players could have very easily constructed an album full of rock cliches and easy expectations, but didn’t. It ends with the epic-​length, relatively speaking, “Snow White Dove” which clocks in at just over seven minutes. Find it at infinitefavorsathens.bandcamp.com.

RECORD SELECTION TIME: Athens musician and visual artist Emileigh Ireland is currently across the pond with collaborative troupe Human Jukebox, not to be confused with Baton Rouge’s Southern University and A&M College marching band, which is an “original musical game show.”

By the time you read this, the group will have settled in for six performances at Space UK at Surgeon’s Hall for its participation in the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. In other news, her most recent art show will hang at Flicker Theatre and Bar until Aug. 31. You can preview work and even purchase directly from her at emileighireland.com. f

@40WattAthens

SAT. AUGUST 22 • DOORS 7PM • SHOW 8PM

HAPPY LANDING THE BAND SOLSTICE

THU. AUGUST 27 • DOORS 7PM • SHOW 8PM

WAX MONKEY THE REGULARS

FRI. AUGUST 28 • DOORS 7PM • SHOW 8PM

IN THE END

LINKIN PARK EXPERIENCE

TUE. SEPT. 1 • DOORS 6:30PM • SHOW 7:30PM

BEN QUAD // MACSEAL AREN’T WE AMPHIBIANS

FRI. SEPT. 11 • DOORS 7PM • SHOW 8PM

BLOODKIN

ALBUM RELEASE PARTY SCOTT LOW

... COMING SOON ...

9/23 - THE DEVIL MAKES THREE - TIM BARRY 9/25 - CLASSIC CITY WRESTLING WITH SHEHEHE 9/29 DREAM SYNDICATE - ELF POWER 9/30 LUCERO - JOELTON MAYFIELD 10/2 - AN EVENING W/ BLACK FLAG (PLAYING 2 SETS )

Submit free community listings to flagpole by emailing calendar@flagpole.com Have an event?

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A UGU S T 19, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

15

5

venues

Monday, October 20

4 dAYS

MUSIC 26 | 27

FEATURED PERFORMANCE

Monday, October 20 FRIDAY, OCT. 24 at 3:30 p.m.

Ramsey ConcertUniversity Hall of Georgia

Symphony

ORCHESTRA MARK CEDEL conductor

JOHANNES BRAHMS Symphony No. 1

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 at 7:30 p.m. $20 - Adults $3 UGA students Hodgson Concert Hall plus $3 transaction fee An evening of masterworks...Wagner’s overture the opera Rienzi and French impressionist Lili music.uga.edu Boulanger. Brahms’ first symphony, sometimes 706-542-4400 called “Beethoven’s 10th.”

AUGUST 27 - Monday, 30 October 201 2 0 + F i l m s athensfilm.com

UPCOMING FREE PERFORMANCES

@athensfilmfest

FACULTY AND GUEST ARTIST RECITAL FRIDAY, AUGUST 21 at 7:30 p.m.

Ramsey Concert Hall

Kenn Wagner, violin (Atlanta Symphony Orchestra) returns to the Hugh Hodgson School of Music alongside UGA faculty Michael Heald, violin, Maggie Snyder, viola, and James Kim, cello.

Community open House August 22 Come celebrate the fall semester special exhibition, “Edmonia Lewis: Said in Stone.”

FACULTYARTIST series TUESDAY, SEPT. 1 at 7:30 p.m.

Ramsey Concert Hall

JAY IVEY baritone

Family Day, 10 a.m. – noon

ANDREW VOELKER

Door prizes, drop-in art activities and photo booth, all day

piano

This event is free but RSVPs are encouraged

Learn more about marble carving with artist Stan Mullins, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Tintype photography sessions with Salvage Sparrow ($70), 1 – 6 p.m.

Talk by curator Shawnya Harris and musical performance, 3:30 p.m.

Reception with Cafe Racer donuts, and wine and snacks by the Lark Winespace, 4:30 – 7 p.m.

Free registration for community open house

16

F L A GP OL E .C OM · A UGU S T 19, 2026

$15 tickets for reception

FEATURED WORKS: Gustav Mahler’s Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen (Songs of a Wayfarer), Selections inspired by the tales of Don Quixote, and classic pieces from the beloved musical Man of La Mancha. Meet- and-greet reception to follow.University of Georgia music faculty

BEYOND EGRESS UGA

CHORAL

Project

Works of Holst and Shaw featuring Schütz Musikalische Exequien

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 at 7:30 p.m.

Ramsey Concert Hall Musikalische Exequien weaves together Germanic Biblical and poetic texts with Italianate musical textures and style.

All Hugh Hodgson School of Music events take place at the UGA Performing Arts Center, 230 River Road in Athens unless indicated.

theater notes

arts & culture

feature

Take a Bow

Reading Rainbow

By Libba Beaucham arts@flagpole.com

By Rebecca McCarthy news@flagpole.com

ON STAGE IN ATHENS THIS FALL

Theatergoers have a lot to look forward to this fall, from touring Broadway productions to community theater groups taking the stages of Athens. Here’s a list of plays and musicals that have been announced, but be sure to check Flagpole’s event calendar for the latest additions.

CONSTELLATIONS: Opening the UGA Theatre

season is Nick Payne’s surreal comedy in which the same conversation between a physicist and a beekeeper replays over and over again. The small variations of each iteration build toward different outcomes from poignant to humorous to heartbreaking. Directed by Katie Chambers, the cast itself changes night to night, so audiences never see the exact same show twice. Performances take place at the Cellar Theatre on Baldwin Street. Sept. 24–25, 29–30 & Oct. 1–2, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 27 & Oct. 4, 2 p.m. $20, $7 for students. ugatheatre. com CATCHING THE MOON: The Morton Theatre presents this musical for young audiences based on the children’s book by Crystal Hubbard and adapted for the stage by Tyrone L. Robinson. The show follows the true story of Toni Stone, an African American woman who became the first female to play on an all-­male professional baseball team when she joined the Negro Leagues in the 1940s and ’50s. Catch the show on Sept. 25 with performances at 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. $10. mortontheatre.com THE PHANTOM TOLLBOOTH: Town & Gown

Players present this adaptation of the 1961 fantasy novel by Norton Juster in which a kid is transported to the Kingdom of Wisdom by a magical tollbooth. He meets archetypal characters along the way and becomes entangled in a battle to rescue princesses Rhyme and Reason. The play is directed by W. Steven Carroll, and runs Oct. 2–4 and 9–11. townandgownplayers.org UNMYTHABLE: The touring British company Out of Chaos performs a family-­friendly ALEX BRENNER

Unmythable

and comedic retelling of classic Greek myths as part of the UGA Presents season.

Shows run one hour and take place at the Morton Theatre on Oct. 5–6, 7:30 p.m. $40-­ $50. pac.uga.edu TEN THOUSAND HOURS: Part of UGA’s Performances for Young People series, this contemporary circus performance for youth

ATHENS STILL HAS PLENTY OF OPTIONS FOR BUYING BOOKS

audiences shares how dedication and effort can lead to incredible feats and overcoming challenges. This one-­hour show will take place on Oct. 8 at 7:30 p.m. at Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall. $53–$85. pac.uga. edu THE MUSIC MAN: The ever-­popular musical

by Meredith Willson comes to the Classic Center this fall with a large ensemble cast of favorite characters, from the fast-­ talking traveling salesman Harold Hill and beloved librarian Marian Paroo to the gossiping “Pickalittle” ladies of the small town. Directed by Matt Lenz and choreographed by Joshua Bergasse, the show brings Broadway to the Athens stage on Oct. 20–21 at 6:30 p.m. $34 and up. classic​ center.com THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL: Athens Creative Theatre presents a show for the kids and now kids-­at-­heart who treasure the world of Bikini Bottom. This adaptation of the popular Nickelodeon series follows the sudden threat of a volcano wiping out the beloved town “under the sea,” and how the always optimistic SpongeBob tries to save it with his underwater friends. Directed by ACT’s artistic director Cara Rose Sullivan, performances will take place at the Morton Theatre Nov. 6 at 7 p.m., Nov. 7 at 1 p.m. & 7 p.m., and Nov 8. at 3 p.m. $15, $10 for students. Tickets go on sale Sept. 7 at noon. mortontheatre.com AN EVENING OF OPERA SCENES: UGA Opera Theatre presents its popular student-­led mix of scenes from operas on Nov. 6 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 8 at 3 p.m. $15, $3 for students. pac.uga.edu GUYS & DOLLS: UGA Theatre will perform this 1950 musical favorite by Frank Loesser that follows gambler Sky Masterson and con man Nathan Detroit as they play the game of life and love in Manhattan’s underworld.

The score includes popular songs like “Luck Be a Lady” and “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat.” Directed by George M. Contini, performances will take place at UGA’s Fine Arts Theatre Nov. 6–7 & 12–13, 7:30 p.m., Nov. 8 & 15, 2 p.m. $20, $7 for students. ugatheatre. com MYSTIC PIZZA: At the Classic Center, this jukebox musical adaptation of the 1988 film centers on three young women working at a pizza joint in Connecticut who confront conflicts of class and status, love and disappointment, and the limits of small town life. Hits from the 1980s and ’90s are in the score, like “Manic Monday,” “Lost in Your Eyes” and “Take My Breath Away.” Directed and choreographed by Jennifer Werner, performances take place Nov. 10–11 at 6:30 p.m. $34 and up. classic​center.com f

W

hen it’s hot or rainy, what better rary books, offering a picture of American way is there to pass the time life through different perspectives. Some than to read a good book? of the books on the list include James by Although Avid Bookshop closed in Percival Everett, There, There by Tommy April, Athens has several other bookstores Orange, Joan Didion’s Play it as it Lays and to peruse. Of course, there’s the Barnes Ray Bradberry’s Fahrenheit 451. Another & Noble on Atlanta Highway, which has club is called “Women Writing Weird,” and a regional author section despite being a includes non-​binary writers of science ficcorporate store. Recently it had a special tion. Octavia Butler comes to mind. exhibit for the sudden swooning over The Odyssey movie, offering buyers different translations of Homer’s epic, plus Odyssey-​themed journals, tote bags and other items.

Closer to town, there are four local booksellers to choose from.

Opened in January, Rec Room Books is in the space below the Jittery Joe’s on Broad Street at Rec Room Books is located in the basement space underneath the downJackson Street. You town Jittery Joe’s. may recognize booksellers Ian McCord and Mikey Lafave, who have worked at “People are coming in to make friends,” other bookstores. McCord is in partnership Bailey says. “Our focus is on the book, and with David Parajon, who owns the World that’s what we talk about.”

Famous.

In addition to classic titles, the store feaRec Room sells both new and used tures paperback romance novels published books. The store credits patrons for used by 831 Stories, written by people who books, which they can then use to defray don’t normally write in the romance genre. the cost of other used books.

There are also lots of books for children and McCord says he is still “reading the young adults. G H O S T Apothecary is open neighborhood” in figuring out what people Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. want to read and what Wall of Books on they will buy. There are Baxter Street also offers I’m tired of hearing we’re thousands of used current books of fiction, history and art, as books, at half of the so divided. We come well as some plays and usual price, and a handtogether over books. cookbooks. The store ful of new books, at seems to be selling 25% off the cover price. more books from smaller presses, “but then Employee Koda Kelley says people bring in someone will come in and buy three new, used books every day and leave with other hardback fiction books,” he says. books.

The space is 850 square feet, which There are also tote bags and T-​shirts with means book events may be a little cozy. The funny images on them. Set aside at least staff is holding one or two a month. It’s half an hour to wander through the aisles. open every day from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m.

Chances are you’ll find a recent book in In Five Points, Robby Bailey and Dave good condition, for a fraction of its normal Ranney opened G H O S T Apothecary, cost. The store is open from 11 a.m.–6 p.m. a gift shop and bookstore, on Lumpkin every day but Sunday.

Street in June 2025. The original G H O S Farther up Baxter, off the entrance to T was haunting Clayton in Rabun County the Athens Clarke County Public Library, for four years. About 40–50% of what they is the Friends of the Library Bookstore. sell is books, which Bailey calls “a curated Open 10 a.m.–3 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednescollection.” day, Thursday and Saturday, the bookstore An English and creative writing major at features a curated collection of gently used Piedmont College, Bailey says he studies The books. Members of the Friends of the New Yorker, LitHub, the New York Review of Library staff the store.

Books and what other people are reading to You can’t beat the prices, from $3 for figure out what to buy for the store. Differan adult hardcover to 50 cents for a child’s ent book clubs meet monthly at the store paperback. Vintage books range in price. for discussions. “I’m tired of hearing we’re There are also stickers, local art, T-​shirts so divided,” he says. “We come together from the Bitter Southerner, tote bags over books.” and other gifts. You can also get a cup of One club focuses on The Great American coffee and a snack to fortify yourself before Novel, with six classic and six contemposearching for the book of your dreams. f

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JAKE ZERKEL

arts & culture

Tuesday 18

event calendar

CLASSES: Online Financial Tools (ACC Library) Learn how to use two free online resources from the library to make more informed financial decisions. 10 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org COMEDY: Take This! Improv (Athentic Brewing Co.) The troupe will perform improv skits featuring suggested back-​to-​school movies.

7 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com COMEDY: Open Toad Comedy Night (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Comedy performed by a mix of newcomers and local favorites from Athens and Atlanta. 8:30 p.m. (doors). $7. www.flickertheatreandbar.com EVENTS: Tiki Taco Tuesday (Live Wire) Enjoy craft cocktails and a taco pop-​up from Don Carne with themed weeks, live music and dancing. Tuesdays, 5–10 p.m. www.livewireathens.com GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (Amici at The Falls) Test your trivia knowledge with host Miles Bunch. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/ baddogathens GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (Paloma Park) Test your trivia knowledge with host TJ Wayt. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/baddogathens GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Winghouse Grill Hull) Test your general trivia knowledge. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Akademia Brewing Co.) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Garrett. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/classiccitytriviaco GAMES: Bingo & Sip (MaiKai Kava Lounge) Play BINGO with a chance to win prizes. Every other Tuesday, 7 p.m. FREE! www.athenskava.com GAMES: UnPhiltered Trivia (Mellow Mushroom) Test your trivia knowl-

edge 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 The Made Wife by Meagan Church 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. info@athenspetanque.org, www.athenspetanque.org

Wednesday 19 ART: Tour at Two (Georgia Museum of Art) These drop-​in public tours feature highlights of the permanent collection. 2 p.m. FREE! www.georgiamuseum.org EVENTS: UGA Marine Sciences Percentage Night (Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams) The University of Georgia Marine Science Graduate Student Association will have a marine life meet-​and-​greet. 4–7 p.m. marsci.uga.edu EVENTS: The Athens Farmers Market (Creature Comforts Brewery) Markets offer fresh produce, flowers, eggs, meats, prepared foods, arts and crafts. Live music at 6 p.m. AFM double SNAP dollars spent. Wednesdays, 5–8 p.m. www. athensfarmersmarket.net FILM: Three Star Cinema (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Screening of the 1987 action horror film Child of

art around town ATHENAEUM (287 W. Broad St.) “Erin Johnson: The Measure is Something Else” is the first survey exhibition of work by the artist and filmmaker, exploring ecology, science, nationalism and queer worldmaking through film and installation. Opening reception Aug. 29, 4–6 p.m. Through Mar. 20, 2027. • “Megan Ledbetter: The Field (2022–2026)” features photographs of a historic municipal cemetery in Red Bank, TN that was in operation from 1890–1912. Opening reception Aug. 29, 4–6 p.m. Through Nov. 21.

ATHENS-​CLARKE COUNTY LIBRARY (2025 Baxter St.) In the Bogue Gallery, “Earth: Living on and with Our Only Home Planet” features music album covers curated by Ilkka Kauppinen and Olli-​Pekka Moisio that are inspired by the earth’s natural environment and span the 1940s to present.

Through Sept. 13.

ATHICA (675 Pulaski St.) “Ground Zero Athens” features never-​before-​seen photographs by Barbara McKenzie documenting the early Athens music scene. Opening reception Aug. 20, 6–9 p.m. Through Sept. 27.

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.

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

BMA STUDIO (1354 South Milledge Ave.) An open studio event will be held on Aug. 20 from 5–7 p.m. featuring abstract and floral works by Sarah Mason. Through August.

DODD GALLERIES (270 River Rd.) In the West Gallery, “Runner Up” features multimedia works by Victoria Dugger, recipient of the 2026 Margie E. West Alumni Prize, which examines Black girlhood, disability and the Southern Gothic. Artist talk Aug. 27 at 4 p.m. in room S151. Opening reception Aug. 27, 5–7 p.m. On display Aug. 27–Nov. 20.

DONDEROS’ KITCHEN (590 N. Milledge Ave.) Whimsical artworks by Susan Pelham are on display. Through August.

FLICKER THEATRE & BAR (263 W. Washington St.) “The Emcyclopedia

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · A UGU S T 19, 2026

Peach. 7 p.m. FREE! www.flicker​ theatreandbar.com GAMES: Shadowfist Power Lunch (Tyche’s Games) Drop in and play Shadowfist. All skill levels. 11:30 a.m. FREE! www.tychesgames.com GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (South Main Brewing) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 6 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzu​ nottrivia GAMES: Magic The Gathering and Pokemon Meet-​Up (Athentic Brewing Co.) Drop in to spend an evening playing games or matches.

Third Wednesdays, 6–9 p.m. FREE! www.athenticbrewing.com GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Hotel Indigo) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Ian. Wednesdays, 6 p.m. www.instagram.com/ classiccitytriviaco GAMES: Love.Craft Bingo Night (Athentic Brewing Co.) A bingo event benefiting the nonprofit organization Love.Craft Athens. Third Wednesdays, 6:30–8 p.m. $3–5. www.lovecraftathens.org GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Normal Bar) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia GAMES: Classic City Trivia (The Local 706) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Garrett.

Wednesdays, 7:06 p.m. www.instagram.com/classiccitytriviaco GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (Cafe Racer (Oak St.)) Test your trivia knowledge with host TJ Wayt. Wednesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/ baddogathens GAMES: Dungeons and Dragons and Drinks (Athentic Brewing Co.) Meetup for beginners and seasoned players to learn basics or play one-​ shot games. Third Wednesdays, 7 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com 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: 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 LECTURES & LIT: Third Wednesday Book Club (Oconee County Library) Discuss books chosen by the group. New members welcome.

7 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary. org/oconee

Thursday 20 ART: Teen Studio: In the Round (Georgia Museum of Art) Explore the galleries and make art inspired by the exhibitions. Ages 13–18.

Email to RSVP. 5:30–8 p.m. FREE! gmoa-​tours@uga.edu ART: Opening Reception (tiny ATH gallery) Sarah Pattison’s exhibit “A Sense Of Place” will be on view.

6–9 p.m. FREE! www.tinyathgallery. com ART: Open Studio (160 Winston Dr., Suite #8) Artist Christina Habibi’s work will be on view. 6–9 p.m.

FREE! www.habibiart.com ART: Music in the House (Lyndon House Arts Center) Easels and tables will be set up for anyone who would like to draw, write or simply listen to music by the Slightly Less Famous Somebodies.

6 p.m. FREE! www.accgov.com/ lyndonhouse ART: Opening Reception (ATHICA) The exhibition “Ground Zero Athens” features never-​before-​seen photographs by Barbara McKenzie documenting the early Athens music scene. 6–9 p.m. FREE! www. athica.org

Galactica Vol. V: very probably, i’m afraid” by Emileigh Ireland features textile and mixed-​media works inspired by The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy and classical mythology. Through Aug. 31.

FOYER (135 Park Ave.) “New Faith” features plexiglass and ceramic sculptures by Ethan Snow inspired by medieval art that explore artificial intelligence, technology and devotion. Opening reception Aug. 21, 5–7 p.m.

Open by appointment through Oct. 11.

GEORGIA MUSEUM OF ART (90 Carlton St.) “Edmonia Lewis: Said in Stone” features sculptures by the 19th-​century Black and Indigenous artist Edmonia Lewis. Community open house Aug. 22, 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Through Jan. 3, 2027.

HABIBI ART (160 Winston Dr., Ste. 8) A free open studio event will be held on Aug. 20 from 6–9 p.m. as part of Third Thursdays at the studio’s new location.

HENDERSHOT’S COFFEE AND CAFE (237 Prince Ave.) Vintage artworks are on display through September.

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. 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. Through Sept. 26.

MADISON-​MORGAN CULTURAL CENTER (434 South Main Street,

CLASSES: Yoga in the Galleries (Georgia Museum of Art) Enjoy a yoga class in the art galleries led by instructors from Yoga and Pilates for the People. Open to all skill levels. First come, first served. 6 p.m.

FREE! www.georgiamuseum.org COMEDY: Gorgeous George’s Improv League (Flying Squid Comedy) Bring a loose funny bone to some home-​grown townie improv. 6:30 p.m. (doors), 7 p.m. (short-​form), 8 p.m. (long-​form). $5. www.flyingsquidcomedy.com EVENTS: Art & Vintage Pop-​Up Sale (Tiger’s Eye Gallery) Browse collectibles, vintage decor and original art by Noah Mendelson, David Hale, Jessica Magnarella and more.

6–9 p.m. www.tigerseyegallery.com GAMES: Bingo (VFW Post 2872) Support local veterans at this game night with prizes. Thursdays, 5 p.m. (doors), 7 p.m. (game). www.facebook.com/AthensVFWPost2872 GAMES: Bad Dog BINGO (Amici at The Falls) Play BINGO with host TJ Wayt. Thursdays, 6 p.m. www. instagram.com/baddogathens GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Terrapin Beer Co.) Test your general trivia knowledge. Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzu​ nottrivia GAMES: Happy Hour Trivia (The Rook and Pawn) Test your trivia knowledge with host Nikolai. Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. www.therookand​ pawn.com 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 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 Ladies Homestead Gathering (University Church) Join Joba’s Artisan Bread to learn all about how to make and bake sourdough followed by a discussion on homesteading topics.

6:30 p.m. FREE! www.nlhg.org SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 10 a.m. info@athenspetanque.org, www.athenspetanque.org

Friday 21 ART: Opening Reception (Foyer) The exhibition “New Faith” by Ethan Snow features plexiglass and ceramic sculptures. 5–7 p.m. FREE! www.foyerathens.com ART: Pop-​Up Art Show (523 Prince Ave.) The one-​night exhibition includes works by Callia Alandete, Matt Alston, Lucie Corbett and Emma Scott. 6–9 p.m. FREE! ART: Opening Reception (OCAF) “Perspectives: Georgia Pottery Invitational” features works from more than 50 potters from across the state with pottery sales, food, music and more. 6–9 p.m. $25. www. ocaf.com/perspectives COMEDY: Keep It Clean Comedy (Jittery Joe’s Five Points) Comedian Lanny Farmer hosts a local lineup where comedians perform clean 5-​minute sets. 7:30–9:30 p.m. FREE! www.jitteryjoes.com EVENTS: Ritmos Y Raices Dance Weekender (Athentic Brewing Co.) TIMBAthens is hosting a three-​day event, tonight featuring DJs, a dance class and social dancing.

8 p.m. $15. www.ritmosyraices​ athens.com

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) “Perspectives: Georgia Pottery Invitational” features more than 50 potters and nearly 5,000 functional pieces available for sale. A solo exhibition in the Members Gallery traces the career of founding artist Rebecca Wood. Preview reception Aug. 21, 6–9 p.m.

Through Sept. 6.

THE OLD PAL (1320 Prince Ave.) “Normal Townies” features posters in the style of the Polish school of posters and Soviet-​era propaganda art by Lydia Kinsey designed for locally-​owned businesses. On display Aug. 27 through late September.

TINY ATH GALLERY (174 Cleveland Ave.) Artist Sarah Pattison will have works on view in the exhibition “A Sense of Place.” Opening reception Aug. 20, 6–9 p.m. Artist talk Aug. 23, 2–5 p.m. Closing reception Aug. 27, 6–9 p.m. Through August.

UGA SPECIAL COLLECTIONS LIBRARIES (300 S. Hull St.) “Beyond the ’96 Games: Atlanta’s Olympic Legacy” features an original torch from the opening relay and other authentic memorabilia. Through October. • “Seeking Intrinsic Essence, Whatever Direction: The Photography of Nancy Ellison” features portraits and behind-​the-​scenes photographs of Hollywood celebrities from the 1970s-​1990s. Artist talk Sept. 10 at 6 p.m. Through Dec. 23.

UGA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER (230 River Rd.) In the Lobby Gallery is “Antiques” by Margaret Morrison featuring large canvas works depicting scenes from her visits to Italian antique markets. Opening reception Aug. 27, 5 p.m. Through Jan. 2027.

WINTERVILLE CULTURAL ARTS CENTER (371 N. Church St., Winterville) In the Narrow Gallery, “This and That” features collages and wall works by Jack Burk. Through Sept. 15. • In Gallery 1, “Art: Through the Decades” features works by the late artist and folklorist Art Rosenbaum. Through Sept.

15. • In Gallery 2, “Layers” is a juried Members exhibit with works in a variety of mediums. Through Sept. 15. • In the Music Room Gallery, “The Art of Sedition” is on view through Sept. 15. • In honor of the United States’ 250th anniversary, “Rebellious Art, Treasonous Artists” is on view in Room 103. Through December.

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 KIDSTUFF: Game On! Board and Beyond (ACC Library) Drop in to play new and classic games.

Ages 12–18. 4–5:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org MEETINGS: Creative Athenians (Hendershot’s) Connect with fellow creatives during this relaxed and informal monthly gathering. Third Fridays, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. FREE! www.hendershotsathens.com OUTDOORS: Friday Night Paddle (Sandy Creek Park) Bring your own boat or use one of the provided single or tandem kayaks for a peaceful evening on the water. Registration required. 7:30 p.m. $10 (ACC resident), $15 (non-​resident). www. accgov.com/sandycreekpark 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 22 ART: Community Open House (Georgia Museum of Art) A celebration of fall exhibitions that includes family day activities, a food truck, door prizes, an artist talk and more.

Registration required. 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. www.georgiamuseum.org ART: Community Collection Talk (Lyndon House Arts Center) Discussion featuring art created to honor rescue dog Dottie Waffles and how to become involved in local rescue organizations. 1 p.m.

FREE! www.accgov.com/lyndon​ house ART: Live Glazing Demonstration (OCAF) Local ceramicist Rebecca Wood shares stories of her work and demonstrates how she creates glazed pottery. 1–3 p.m. FREE! www.ocaf.com ART: Opening Reception (Georgia Museum of Art) A reception for “Edmonia Lewis: Said in Stone” following the museum’s community open house with beverages and light bites. 4:30–7 p.m. $15. www. georgiamuseum.org CLASSES: Ritmos Y Raices Dance Weekender (UGA New Dance Theatre) TIMBAthens is hosting a three-​ day event, this afternoon featuring dance workshops. 9:30 a.m.–6 p.m. $15/class, $70–99/passes. www. ritmosyraicesathens.com 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: New Georgia Bike Swap (Firefly Farmstop) Peruse all types of bikes from community and

regional vendors plus food trucks and more. 9 a.m.–1 p.m. www. instagram.com/fireflyfarmstop EVENTS: 7th Anniversary Celebration (Kempt) The store is celebrating its anniversary with free beverages, giveaways and party vibes. 11 a.m.–6 p.m. www.shop​ kempt.com EVENTS: Eastside Library Groundbreaking Celebration (Hilsman Middle School) Learn more about what the new library will have to offer and enjoy refreshments. 1–3 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org EVENTS: Athens Beer Fest (Akins Ford Arena) Sample beers from regional breweries with live music in benefit of The Classic Center Cultural Foundation. Ages 21 & up.

1 p.m. $55–85. www.classiccenter. com EVENTS: Athens Block Party (Athentic Brewing Co.) Join conversations about the future of AI, blockchain and crypto in Georgia with refreshments and live music.

RSVP required. 4–8:30 p.m. FREE! luma.com/kgqbhtil EVENTS: Ritmos Y Raices Dance Weekender (Live Wire) TIMBAthens is hosting a three-​day event, tonight featuring dance performances, live music, DJs and social dancing. 8 p.m. $15. www. ritmosyraicesathens.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 GAMES: Plant Bingo (Foxglove Plantbar) Learn more about plants, and win plant prizes. 7 p.m. $20. www.instagram.com/foxglove​ plantbar KIDSTUFF: Family Day: ‘Marble’ous Portraits (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.georgia​ museum.org

Sunday 23 ART: Artist Talk (tiny ATH gallery) Artist Sarah Pattison will discuss her exhibit “A Sense Of Place.” 2–5 p.m. FREE! www.tinyathgallery.com CLASSES: Ritmos Y Raices Dance Weekender (UGA New Dance Theatre) TIMBAthens is hosting a three-​ day event, this afternoon featuring dance workshops. 9:30 a.m.–4:45 p.m. $15/class, $70–99/passes. www.ritmosyraicesathens.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 LECTURES & LIT: History Now! Living History and Interpretation (ACC Library) The program “1776: A Declaration of Rights Before a Declaration of Independence” tells the story of the influential Virginia Declaration. 3 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 10 a.m. info@athenspetanque.org, www.athenspetanque.org

Monday 24 CLASSES: Vietnamese Class (Oconee County Library) Instructor Martine Thy Nguyen will lead a class on the basics of Vietnam-

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: Magic the Gathering (The Rook and Pawn) Meet up to play in Commander format. Every other Monday, 6 p.m. FREE! www. therookandpawn.com GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Fully Loaded Pizza Kitchen (Normaltown)) Test your general trivia knowledge. Mondays, 7 p.m. www. instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Dooley’s Bar and Grill) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Garrett.

Mondays, 7 p.m. www.instagram. com/classiccitytriviaco GAMES: General Trivia (Athentic Brewing Co.) Test your general trivia knowledge. Mondays, 7 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Grindhouse Killer Burgers) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Benjamin. Mondays, 7:30 p.m. www.instagram.com/classiccity​ triviaco MEETINGS: Writers of Oconee (Jittery Joe’s Watkinsville) Writing challenges and discussions, with this meeting serving as critique day for two submissions from the group. Fourth Mondays, 6:30 p.m.

FREE! www.instagram.com/writers​ ofoconee

Tuesday 25 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: Mahjong Night Out (Union Fare) Come solo or reserve a table for four with a basic knowledge of American mahjong, and enjoy raffles, giveaways and a food truck.

6–10 p.m. $20. www.classiccity​ mahj.com/open-​play-​events GAMES: Bad Dog BINGO (The Globe) Drop in to play and win prizes. 6:30–8:30 p.m. www.instagram.com/baddogathens GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (Amici at The Falls) Test your trivia knowledge with host Miles Bunch. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/ baddogathens GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (Paloma Park) Test your trivia knowledge with host TJ Wayt. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/baddog​athens GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Winghouse Grill Hull) Test your general trivia knowledge. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Akademia Brewing Co.) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Garrett. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/classiccitytriviaco GAMES: 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 MEETINGS: CCSD Superintendent Progress and Plans (Aaron Heard Community Center) Superintendent Jennifer Scott will discuss updates about the school system. Submit questions in advance. 5:30 p.m.

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

Wednesday 26 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 FILM: Vintage Movie (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Screening of Night At The Opera on 16mm with cartoons and shorts. 7 p.m. FREE! www. flickertheatreandbar.com GAMES: Shadowfist Power Lunch (Tyche’s Games) Drop in and play Shadowfist. All skill levels. 11:30 a.m. FREE! www.tychesgames.com GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (South Main Brewing) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 6 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzu​ nottrivia GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Hotel Indigo) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Ian. Wednesdays, 6 p.m. www.instagram.com/ classiccitytriviaco GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Normal Bar) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia GAMES: Classic City Trivia (The Local 706) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Garrett.

Wednesdays, 7:06 p.m. www.instagram.com/classiccitytriviaco GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (Cafe Racer (Oak St.)) Test your trivia knowledge with host TJ Wayt. Wednesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/ baddogathens GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Locos Grill and Pub Eastside) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 8 p.m. www.instagram.com/ shihtzunottrivia 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 8/27 Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) 8/27 Across The Board Book Club (Oconee County Library) 8/27 LEGO Builder’s Challenge (Oconee County Library) 8/27 Friends of Bear Hollow Ice Cream Social (Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams) 8/27 CCSD Superintendent Progress and Plans (ACC Library) 8/27 Closing Reception (tiny ATH gallery) 8/27 KnitLits Knitting Group (Bogart Library) 8/27 Trivia Night (Jittery Joe’s Alps Village) 8/27 Athens Improv Festival (Flying Squid Comedy) f

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

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

Classifieds FOR SALE (Yard Sale) Indoor Yard Sale. Saturday 08/22, 8 a.m.–1p.m.

Variety of vendors, please bring cash. Plants, books, furniture, household wares, toys and more.

Chapelwood UMC at 100 Janice Dr, Athens.

HELP WANTED (Flexible) Now Hiring! Drift Wellness Studio is seeking a licensed massage therapist. If interested, please contact us hello@driftwellnessstudio.com for more information.

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 NOTICES (Lost & Found) Lost cat ‘Beef’ last seen in the Arches on the Lake neighborhood. $100 reward.

Please call 404-​623-​6539 with any information.

NOTICES (Hairdresser Wanted) Rent private salon in normal town. Work in the privacy you deserve in a spacious elegant salon. Contact jujujr0000@gmail.com for more information.

NOTICES (Missed Connections) Myself approached my CF Hostsess and you said I don’t know what’s wrong. My abused mind did not catch on. Please be alright.

SERVICES (Consultant) Affordable

business and general consulting in Athens, GA. Free initial consultation. Email DrJPThornton@Incandescent.US or call 205-​289-​8747.

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 free platform to connect creatives with

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

CALL FOR ENTRIES (ATHICA) Open call for the 2026 National Juried Exhibition. All artists are invited to submit up to five contemporary works in any media by Sept. 14. $500 cash awards. www.athica.org CALL FOR ARTISTS (Winterville Cultural Gallery) Seeking submissions for the 2026 Small Works juried exhibit. Deadline Aug. 30.

Exhibition Oct. 7–Dec. 15. www. wintervillecenter.com/gallery 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 MURALISTS (ACCGov) ACCGov invites professional artists to submit qualifications for interior mural for new Eastside Athens Library. Deadline Sept. 18. www. accgov.com/11628/Call-​for-​Public-​ Art-​Eastside-​Athens-​Libr CALL FOR PERFORMERS (Jam in the Streets) Local bands, independent artists and DJs in the Athens or

ADOPT ME!

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

Reacher (61498404)

Little Reacher’s favorite activity at the shelter is going outside and taking in all the scents he can. He’s looking for someone who likes to spend as much time outdoors as he does!

Muriel (61434762)

Weighing in at 99 pounds of pure love, Muriel is one of the shelter’s gentle giants. All the barking from the kennels scares her, so she’d love to be adopted or fostered by a new friend.

Octo (61485419)

Octo came to the shelter with his best buddy, Rover. Both pups are calm, well-behaved and don’t mind sharing attention. This happy boy loves wagging his tail while getting head scratches.

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

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

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · A UGU S T 19, 2026

greater Atlanta area and surrounding cities are encouraged to apply. Jam For Cam is a 501c3 nonprofit organization. Deadline Oct. 31. www. instagram.com/jamforcam CALL FOR PERFORMERS (Porchfest) Seeking musicians and performers for the 2026 Historic Athens Porchfest. One hour slot pairing in one of the following areas: Boulevard, Buena Vista Heights, Cobbham, Newtown, Normaltown, Pulaski Heights and Reese-​Hancock. Also seeking sponsors, hosts and volunteers.

Event held Oct. 18. bit.ly/porch​ perform26 CALL FOR PHOTOS (Athens, GA) Submit water or nature-​themed photos taken in Athens-​Clarke County to be considered in the Stormwater Management Program’s annual calendar. www.accgov.com/ stormwater 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.

SEEKING PERFORMANCE SUBMISSIONS (The Cottage Sexual Assault Center & Children’s Advocacy Center) Seeking original written works for new theatrical production “Our Bodies, Our Voices,

Our Choices.” Open to all ages and backgrounds who identify as women. Monologues, short scenes, poetry, spoken word, songs, musical sketches, personal essays, testimonials and more. Deadline Sept.

15. www.thecottagega.org/ 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.

MERIDIAN WOMEN’S CHORUS OPEN CALL (Holy Cross Lutheran Church) New members invited to join the fall rehearsal season.

Schedule vocal assessment to determine voice part. No audition necessary. First performance Sept.

3. www.meridianwomenschorus.org

Auditions A KILLER NIGHT AT CLUB 85 (Jefferson Community Theatre) Seeking individuals ages 18 & up for interactive comedy murder mystery. Auditions held Aug. 23 & 24 at the Jefferson Community Center.

Performances Oct. 23–24. jct@ jeffersonga.gov CASTING CALL (Zombie Farms Haunted Trail) An open call for actors and support staff for the 2025 season. No experience required. Ages 18 & up preferred.

Aug. 22 & 29 for new or returning cast members from 7–10:30 p.m. at Zombie Farms. Visit www.zombie​ farms for more info including roles available and submission forms.

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 instruc-

tion 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 & PROGRAMS (Athens, GA) The Athens Land Trust hosts a variety of virtual and in-​person classes. Topics include Affordable Housing Info and Homebuyer Education Course. www.athenslandtrust.org/classes-​events 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 CLASSIC CITY ROLLER DERBY SKATE CAMP (Fun Galaxy Athens) Learn to skate with no experience or equipment needed. Ages 18 & up. Registration required. $20 for 5 weeks, Saturdays 9–11:30 a.m. and Wednesdays 6–9 p.m. Runs Aug. 22–Sept. 26. www.Classic​ CityRollerDerby.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 (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 DRAWING OTHER HUMANS (UGA Community Art School) An introduction to figure drawing for adult students of all levels. Materials provided. Mondays, 6–8:30 p.m. Sept.

14–Nov.16. $450. Proceeds from the UGA Community Art School support the studio art program at the Lamar Dodd School of Art. art. uga.edu/programs/community-​ programs 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 now open. www.accgov.com/myrec FREE CLASSES (The Athens Free School) Learning network for community centered around compassion, autonomy and playfulness. Visit @athensfreeschool on Instagram.

Help Out ATHENS SKATEPARK PROJECT (Athens Skate Park) Seeking volunteers and community input. Third Sundays. www.athensskatepark​ project.org BRAS FOR A CAUSE (Grail Bra Specialists) Seeking donations of gently-​used bras for distribution to local shelters, recovery centers and communities in need. 706-​850-​ 0387 or support@grailbras.com 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 NOMINATIONS FOR PLACES IN PERIL (Historic Athens) Eligible sites must be 50 years or older, look largely as they did originally, face a current threat to their existence or integrity and have active grassroots support for preserving the structure. Nominees may include historic homes, buildings, structures, cultural landscapes and cemeteries. Submissions close Sept. 30. bit.ly/athensplaces.

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/ adoptioncenter

PET SUPPLY DRIVE (Lyndon House Arts Center) Seeking toys, towels, treats and all types of cat/dog food.

In conjunction with the Community Pet Portrait Exhibit benefiting ACC Animal Services. Donations accepted during business hours through July. www.accgov.com/ lyndonhouse SEEKING BOARD MEMBERS (Bigger Vision of Athens) The nonprofit homeless shelter Bigger Vision of Athens, Inc. is seeking new members for its board of directors. the​ biggervisionshelter@gmail.com, www.bvoa.org/boardmember SEEKING BOARD MEMBERS (Books For Keeps) Seeking new members for its board of directors.

Preferred experience includes marketing and financial management. www.instagram.com/bfk_athens, www.booksforkeeps.org SEEKING BOARD MEMBERS (Moms Adopting Moms) Local nonprofit seeks board members, including a chair and treasurer, to support foster children and families through mentorship and reunification. momsadoptingmoms@ gmail.com SEEKING 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 TEACHER SUPPLIES (Teacher Reuse Store) Educators can access free creative supplies at the store.

Please bring credentials. www. accgov.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

Word on the Street CALL FOR VENDORS (Historic Athens Welcome Center) Applications now open for Market Days featuring fresh foods, baked goods and specialty items. Every second Saturday. $25 per market or $80 for the full four-​market series. www.athens​ welcomecenter.com

CALL FOR VENDORS (Living Legacy Outreach Foundation) Seeking local artists, food vendors and business for indoor shopping event. Sept. 19 at the Georgia Square Mall. Vendor proceeds help support Hope for the Holidays, an annual community outreach program that provides assistance, gifts and holiday support to families in need. Call 706-​ 202-​7825 to reserve a space.

CITY TOURS (Historic Athens Welcome Center) A variety of guided tours available including a daily shuttle tour, walking tour of the downtown area and local music tour. Schedule in advance. www. athenswelcomecenter.com COMMUNITY RUNNING GROUPS (Athens Road Runners) Weekly community runs for all skill levels including Speed Workout (Wednesdays, 5:30 a.m.) and Fun Runs (Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. & Saturdays, 7:15 a.m.). www.athens​ roadrunners.org FRIDAY EVENTS (Multiplechoices Center for Independent Living) The organization hosts ongoing Friday gatherings. Tech discussions, support groups and more. www. multiplechoices.us/youre-​invited MEDICAL ASSISTANCE (Nuçi’s Space) Direct connections to mental healthcare like counseling and psychiatry, medical care for physical concerns and more. www. nuci.org, 706-​227-​1515 MINDFUL BREATH SANGHA 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. 12:30–1:30 p.m. www.indivisiblega10.org SEEKING POLL WORKERS (Athens, GA) The Elections Department is seeking residents to serve as poll workers. Advanced voting Oct. 13–30 and Nov. 3 general election. $15.60 per hour. www. accgov.com/10102/Poll-​Worker-​ Information SEVENTH GENERATION (No. 3 Railroad Street, Arnoldsville) Seventh Generation Native American Church hosts various gatherings on Sundays, 11 a.m. 706-​340-​7134 SUNDAY CELEBRATION & DRUM CIRCLE (Unity Athens Spiritual Center) Sunday Celebration every Sunday 12:30 p.m. Monthly drum circle before service every 3rd Sunday. Visit unityathens.com for more information.

VHS DIGITIZATION (Athens, GA) Seeking previously recorded concerts and events on VHS, VHSC, Hi8, MiniDV and DVDs to digitize and archive. www.vhsordie.com VOTER REGISTRATION RESOURCES (ACC Library Atrium) Economic Justice Coalition community volunteers assist Georgia residents with registration, confirm prior registration and update voter registration information as needed. www.economicjusticecoalition.org WEAVER D’S FIRST FRIDAYS (VFW Post 2872) Pop-​up from Weaver D’s serving plates for $20 donations in benefit of the VFW. 11 a.m.–6 p.m. www.facebook.com/ vfwpost2872

Missing Something?

MORE LISTINGS (Online) Find the Bulletin Board at www.flagpole. com/bulletinboard for ongoing open art calls, support group, volunteer information and other resources that are available on a continuous basis. f

A UGU S T 19, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

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arts & culture

feature

food & drink

good growing

A Town for the Kids

Great Pollinator Census

By Libba Beaucham arts@flagpole.com

By Erin France editorial@flagpole.com

If

you’re looking for activities for the kiddos, there are tons of local free and low-­cost programs that cover a variety of interests from nature to fashion design.

There are so many things for kids to do in spite of Athens’ college town reputation.

While by no means a comprehensive list, here are some free or low-­cost activities for the youths of Athens. Be sure to check Flagpole’s kidstuff section in the weekly calendar and bulletin board for upcoming events and ongoing activities.

For the Little Ones ACC Leisure Services’ 123 Toddler & Me at the Lay Park Community Center offers low-­cost programs for parents and caretakers to bond with their toddlers through crafts and games twice monthly on a Thursday from 10–11 a.m. beginning Sept. 3.

A free Open Play-­Time for toddlers is held at the Athens-­Clarke County Library Mondays from 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m.

The Georgia Museum of Art’s monthly Toddler Tuesdays at 10 a.m. includes storytime in the galleries, art-­based games and guided craft time for ages 18 months to 3 years.

ATHENS-CLARKE COUNTY LEISURE SERVICES

Storytime with Mr. Doodles is a free story and music program hosted at Treehouse Kid & Craft Tuesdays from 11:15 a.m.–12 p.m.

For the Big Kids ACC Leisure Services’ free after-­school programs take place Monday–Thursday from 3–5 p.m. at the Heard Park, Lay Park and Howard Park community centers. Mentors provide homework help and facilitate group activities for kids ages 6–15.

Monthly family days at the Georgia Museum of Art offer free activities and kid-­ friendly ways to connect with art in the galleries. The next one is held Aug. 22 from 10 a.m.–12 p.m. during the “Edmonia Lewis: Said in Stone” exhibition open house.

The Boys & Girls Club of Athens has low-­ cost and free after-­school programs for ages 5–18 at its six Athens club locations. Students participate in recreational activities,

22

field trips and academic support. School bus drop off is available at all sites.

The Athens-­Clarke County Library hosts Chess & Community’s free open chess play for ages 7 and up Mondays from 3:30–5:30 p.m. A Scrabble Club is held weekly on Sundays from 3–5 p.m. for ages 8 and up.

Join in on the low-­cost Friday Night Paddle at Sandy Creek Nature Center on Sept. 18 from 7–9 p.m. on Lake Chapman.

Participants can bring their own kayak or canoe or use one of the single or tandem kayaks available. Ages 13 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Bear Hollow Zoo at Memorial Park is free and open daily from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. and has its reptile exhibit hall open Saturdays from 1–4 p.m. See animals like the American Black Bear, North American River Otter, American Alligator, Red Fox, Eastern Spotted Skunk and more during your visit.

Just for Teens At Lyndon House Arts Center, there are three free clubs for teens ages 12–17 with interests in media arts, fashion design and illustration. Each club is led by a local professional artist who offers mentorship and hands-­on instruction. Photographer Kidd Fielteau will lead the Media Arts Club, luxury womenswear and bridal designer Tabitha Fielteau will lead the Fashion Design & Sewing Club, and illustrator Robert Brown of Bizarro Wuxtry will lead the Cartoon & Illustration Club. The Media Arts Club and the Fashion Design & Sewing club meet Tuesdays, and the Cartoon & Illustration Club meets Thursdays from 5:30–7:30 p.m. starting in September.

Teens ages 16 and up can audition for the upcoming Athens Creative Theatre production of SpongeBob the Musical or become involved behind the scenes. Register online for an audition time Aug. 26–27 at Quinn Hall.

The Boys & Girls Club of Athens offers a Teen Experience group for ages 13–18 at several sites to offer mentorship, job training and teen-­only activities.

ACC Leisure Services’ Go Beyond: Teen Program provides a free monthly field trip for middle school and high school students like the Cool River Tubing excursion on Sept. 12 from 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

The Georgia Museum of Art hosts a free quarterly Teen Studio program led by Kristen Bach, artist and owner of Treehouse Kid & Craft. Young artists tour the galleries and create a piece of art inspired by the collection. The next Teen Studio will be held Aug. 20 from 5:30–8:30 p.m. and includes free pizza from DePalma’s. Registration is required. f

F L A GP OL E .C OM · A UGU S T 19, 2026

BRUSH UP ON YOUR BUG IDENTIFIERS

Don your hat and sunglasses—it’s time to count the bugs in your back yard. The Great Southeastern Pollinator Census will take place again this weekend, Aug. 21–22.

Citizen scientists use a 15-​minute block to count the number of pollinators landing on a favorite plant. Folks then upload that information to the census website at gsepc. org.

Don’t have a backyard? You can still participate! Pick a large and varied location like the State Botanical Garden, or find a neighbor’s garden box or local business landscaping that’s buzzing with activity. It’s not a bad idea to scope out potential spots for a count before the actual day. I recommend practicing your ID skills with a dry run or two. I did this last year, and it helped me feel much more confident in my tallies.

The Great Southeastern Pollinator Census began in Georgia in 2019. This year the census is honoring longtime educator Walter Reeves, also known as The Georgia Gardener, who died in April.

If you’re unsure about identifying different critters, here’s a quick cheat sheet.

More information is available at the census website.

BUMBLEBEES: Large-​to medium-​sized bees, bumblebees’ standout trait is their fuzziness all over their bodies, including their abdomen. The name “bumblebee” comes from their genus name Bombus, which comes from the Greek word “bombos,” meaning a low-​humming sound. Bumble bees were also known as “humble bees” for that same hum—a sound they emit while flying and pollen gathering.

Bumblebees collect pollen and nectar, like honey bees, but they don’t need to store it.

Bumblebee colonies are annual affairs, so there’s no need to feed workers and young throughout the winter.

CARPENTER BEES: Yep, they do more than leave holes in your deck. These guys are Carpenter bee the heavyweights of the bee world, larger than most of the other varieties that you’re going to see locally. They have a shiny, hairless abdomen, which is the easiest way to spot the difference between them and the bumble bees. Their genus name xylocopa is Greek for “wood-​worker.” While their big bodies make them excellent pollinators for large, open petals, they can steal nectar from narrow, tube-​like flowers by biting a hole near the base. While the carpenter bee gets a meal, the flower might not get pollinated if this happens.

HONEY BEES: The standard pollinators we know and love. Smaller than carpenter bees

or bumblebees, they usually carry pollen on their legs. They also sport smaller, slighter bodies than the other bees. Their genus name of mellifera means “honey-​bearing” in Latin. Honey bees aren’t native, but they are naturalized. European colonists brought hives in the 1600s, but they can escape domestication and survive without human intervention.

SMALL BEE: This is the category for any bee other than the top three. This could include sweat bees or leafcutter bees.

WASPS: This encompasses any wasp, including paper wasps and yellow jackets. Wasps aren’t covered in hair like bees, and they have slender waists. They are pollinators, though some, like yellow jackets, are more deliberate about hunting the critters feeding on the flowers than they are about collecting nectar or pollen.

FLIES: It’s those big ’ol peepers that are going to help you distinguish the flies from the rest. Not only are the eyes huge, but they’re also close together. Flies have two wings, while wasps and bees have four. There are several flies that use mimicry—coloring that makes them look like bees—to avoid predators, so make sure you’re not just counting all black and yellow fellows as bees.

BUTTERFLIES AND MOTHS: The easiest to identify, especially for younger citizen scientists. If you’re more of a night owl, consider DANIEL SCHWEN

FREE AND LOW-­COST ACTIVITIES FOR YOUTH

a nighttime count. Scout out a midnight bloom popular with moths, and mark the number of visitors the plant receives in a 15-​minute span.

OTHER INSECTS: This category includes any other insects that are landing on the flowers that you’re observing, not just insects in the general area. You could see lady beetles, dragonflies or stink bugs. Spiders are arachnids, not insects, so they shouldn’t be under this category. Also, they’re not pollinating anything. So while you can appreciate their presence, you’ll leave them off this census. f

SUDOKU

LET PEIKEN HELP!

Edited by Margie E. Burke

Difficulty: Easy

PRONOUNCED I CAN HELP

6

6 4 5 1

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 of 8/17/26 - 8/23/26 the numbers 1 to 9.

The Weekly Crossword 1

2

3

4

5

6

14

15

17

18

20

7

8

by Margie E. Burke 9

10

13

28

29

30

16

21

5 261 8 6 4 2 3 9 27 7 4 9 6 3 8 7 5 2 1 32 31 2 3 7 5 351 369 8 4 6 34 6 4 5 401 9 413 2 7 8 39 7 2 9 4 456 8 1 5 3 44 1 8 3 477 2 5 4 6 948 5 9 506 512 8 3 4 7 1 49 52 3 7 4 9 5 1 6 8 2 55 56 7 6 9 3 4 8 5 1 2 59 58

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

PLEASURE

HAS MORE THAN ONE DOOR

22

25

33 37 42

38 43

ANAL AUGUST

46

62

ACROSS 1 Just okay 5 Aaron and Raymond 10 Home to the Himalayas 14 Cocoon contents 15 Son of Cain 16 River's turn 17 Rapper-turnedactor 18 Paneled art in a church 20 Having a topic 22 Funnywoman Tracey 23 "Credit or ___?"

24 Toddler's perch 25 Diacritical dots 27 Walmart's home 31 Potting mixtures 32 Scottish hillside 33 Emerald Isle 34 Self starter?

35 Chic 38 Blackjack card 39 Actor Stoltz 41 "Rebel Yell" rocker 42 Pistol-packing 44 Goes back over, as one's steps 46 Systems of belief

12

19

Solution to Sudoku: 24 23

61

11

PRNEW IC E

2

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

2014-2016, 2018

SAFOR LE

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

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

53

54

57 60 63

Copyright 2026 by The Puzzle Syndicate

47 Once more 48 Spills 49 South American river 52 Perfectly clean 55 Iberian and Yucatan, e.g.

57 Superfruit berry 58 Effortlessness 59 Wear away 60 Knitter's need 61 Paint can direction 62 Frozen raindrops 63 Guys-only party DOWN 1 Type of shine 2 Exclamation of pain 3 Highway sign 4 Quaker product 5 "Get lost!"

6 Out, as a candle 7 School military org.

8 Color TV pioneer 9 Shriveled up 10 Chisholm Trail town 11 Come across as 12 Machu Picchu builder

13 Yemen port city 19 "Not guilty," e.g.

21 Treat poorly 24 South African village 25 Theater worker 26 Watered silk 27 Odysseus' dog 28 Blue-eyed feline 29 Rainbowlike 30 Gardener's need 32 Sprinkle with drops 36 IDs shown at airports 37 Mystical deck 40 Less rational 43 Sportscasters' second looks 45 Any minute 46 Coat or linen follower 48 Digging tool 49 Chimps and gorillas 50 Vegan no-no 51 Standards org.

52 Blackthorn fruit 53 Actress Gilbert 54 Croon a tune 56 Web address

20

% off

ALL ANAL PRODUCTS 4100 Lexington Road

ShopStarship.com

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

A UGU S T 19, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

23

ARTS

FRANKLIN FINE AND PERFORMING

Embrace the arts.

ENRICH YOUR WORLD. VISITING ARTIST LECTURE AUGUST 25 AT 5:30 p.m.

KELLI ANDERSON, GRAPHIC ARTIST

DODD GALLERIES OPENING EVENT AUGUST 27 FROM 4-7 p.m.

LECTURE 4 p.m.

Victoria Dugger, 2026 Margie E. West Alumni Prize Winner with UGA faculty Benjamin Britton

RECEPTION 5 p.m.

Fall exhibitions include Victoria Dugger: Runner Up, prized artworks curated from the collection of Professor Joe Norman, photography by faculty Blake Jacobsen, and more.

ATHENAEUM OPENING EVENT AUGUST 29 FROM 4-6 p.m.

ERIN JOHNSON: THE MEASURE IS SOMETHING ELSE MEGAN LEDBETTER: THE FIELD (2022-2026) Exhibiting artists in attendance

30+ EXHIBITIONS TALKS, OPEN STUDIOS, AND ART SALES THIS SEASON FOR ADDRESSES, ARTIST DETAILS, AND ADDITIONAL PROGRAMMING, VISIT ART.UGA.EDU

26 | 27 SEASON Victoria Dugger, “Sugar Coat It,” 2024. Garden chair, tutu, nylon stockings, pearl, and fabric trim.

Sugar Coat It, 2024, garden chair, tutu, nylon stockings, pearls and fabric trim, 34 x 22 x 14 inches.

Courtesy the artist and Sargent’s Daughter, New York, copyright the artist.

TICKETS NOW ON SALE LAMAR DODD SCHOOL OF ART

art.uga.edu

UGA DEPARTMENT OF DANCE

dance.uga.edu

SCAN QR CODE OR VISIT OUR WEBSITES FOR SCHEDULE AND DETAILS SPECIAL PACKAGES AND OFFERS AVAILABLE HUGH HODGSON SCHOOL OF MUSIC

UGA DEPARTMENT OF THEATRE AND FILM

music.uga.edu ugatheatre.com