COLORBEARER OF ATHENS HAS A TEAR IN ITS BEER
LOCALLY OWNED SINCE 1987
AUGUST 26, 2026 · VOL. 40 · NO. 34 · FREE
The Star Room Boys Reunion and 1999 Debut Album Reissue p. 11
Monday, October 20 FRIDAY, OCT. 24 at 3:30 p.m. Ramsey Concert Hall
MUSIC 26 | 27
FEATURED PERFORMANCES Symphony
ORCHESTRA
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
music.uga.edu 706-542-4400
An evening of masterworks...Wagner’s overture the opera Rienzi and French impressionist Lili Boulanger. Brahms’ first symphony, sometimes called “Beethoven’s 10th.”
GEORGIA BRASS QUINTET MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 at 7:30 p.m. $15 - Adults $3 UGA students Ramsey Concert Hall plus $3 transaction fee
music.uga.edu 706-542-4400
The Georgia Brass Quintet is presenting an All-American program of classical- and jazzinspired compositions comprised of original works and transcriptions.
WIND ENSEMBLE
PAUL HINDEMITH
with
MAGGIE SNYDER
The Swan Turner
viola
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 at 7:30 p.m. $15 - Adults $3 UGA students Ramsey Concert Hall plus $3 transaction fee
music.uga.edu 706-542-4400
This concerto for viola is sometimes referred to as the Concerto from Old Folk Songs. The piece follows a wandering medieval minstrel performing and embellishing these folk tunes.
FREE PERFORMANCES
FACULTYARTIST series
TUESDAY, SEPT. 1 at 7:30 p.m. Ramsey Concert Hall
JAY IVEY
This event is free but RSVPs are encouraged
ANDREW VOELKER
baritone
piano
BEYOND EGRESS UGA
CHORAL
Works of Holst and Shaw featuring Schütz Musikalische Exequien
Project
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.
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F L A GP OL E .C OM · A UGU S T 26, 2026
Submit free community listings to flagpole by emailing calendar@flagpole.com HAVE AN EVENT? Send your description with date, time, location, and price. HAVE A BAND? Update your description or tell us exactly what you sound like. HAVE ART DISPLAYED? Let us know what, where and for how long.
DEADLINE IS THE THURSDAY BEFORE THE PRINT ISSUE.
this week’s issue
contents
GARRETT CARDOSO
Jam-heavy band Penelope Road is playing two nights at the Georgia Theatre with co-headliners Winyah. Frank Mastra will be joining on Friday, Aug. 28, and Hotel Fiction will be opening on Saturday, Aug. 29. For more info, visit georgiatheatre.com.
This Modern World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Flock Cameras . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
NEWS: City Dope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
The Star Room Boys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
College Avenue Housing
Curb Your Appetite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
NEWS: Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Live Music Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
UGA Enrollment Rises
Event Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Art Around Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
ARTS & CULTURE: Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Calendar Picks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
OCAF’s “Perspectives” Exhibition
Bulletin Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
ARTS & CULTURE: Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Adopt Me . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Athens Film Festival
Local Comics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Threats & Promises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Grub Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Crossword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Sudoku . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 SAM LIPKIN
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 Amanda Johnson, Gordon Lamb, Nicole Clark McGowan, Lee Shearer, Amanda Watford 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
Tyler Key
COVER PHOTOGRAPH of The Star Room Boys by Deb Benanti (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
ARTS & CULTURE: arts@flagpole.com LETTERS: letters@flagpole.com MUSIC: music@flagpole.com NEWS: news@flagpole.com
Flagpole, Inc. publishes Flagpole Magazine weekly and distributes 8,600 copies free at over 275 locations around Athens, Georgia. Subscriptions cost $140 a year, $75 for six months. © 2026 Flagpole, Inc. All rights reserved.
VOLUME 40 ISSUE NUMBER 34
Association of Alternative Newsmedia
PLEASE SUPPORT FREE LOCAL NEWS SUPPORT FLAGPOLE
online exclusive Piemont Sound hosted an intimate evening of music with country singer-songwriters Tyler Key, Gabe Lee and Cody Marlowe at The Portico in Good Hope on Sunday, Aug. 23. The company has worked with Key and Marlowe on recording new projects in the historic church space. See “Photo Gallery: Live @ The Portico” at flagpole.com.
A UGU S T 26, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM
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Book Signing
September 13, 1_______3 p.m. Join the museum for a book signing with Athens artist Harold Rittenberry to celebrate its publication of “Harold Rittenberry: Love Is All,” the first book on the artist. Light refreshments. The Museum Shop will have copies of the book for sale.
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F L A GP OL E .C OM · A UGU S T 26, 2026
news
city dope
The day shelter provides showers, laundry facilities and a place to pick up mail for homeless individuals. Advantage said it’s seeking other community partners to provide those services. Services will be reduced gradually leading up to the Sept. 25 closure date, but people will still be able to pick up mail until Oct. 16. Advantage will continue to provide other services, such as street outreach, rapid rehousing, eviction prevention, housing vouchers, supportive housing and transitional housing. Read more at flagpole.com.
Concrete Plans
COLLEGE AVENUE DEVELOPMENT WILL RAISE TRESTLE, AND OTHER LOCAL NEWS
By Blake Aued news@flagpole.com A new housing development at a former and other residential neighborhoods to the concrete plant off College Avenue could lead north. to fixing one of the trestles that routinely “I’m really impressed with this projshears the top off of box trucks. ect,” Link said. “The diversity of housing is Before it opens, the Athens-Clarke exactly what we need.” County Fire Department is requiring that Commissioner Ovita Thornton questhe developer raise the clearance at the tioned why the developer didn’t take advannorthernmost of two trestles on College tage of the county’s inclusionary zoning Avenue from 13 feet to 13 feet 6 inches so policy. That policy offers density bonuses or that fire trucks can fit underneath. “Capt. permission to build less parking in exchange [Rick] Vaughn [the fire marshal] calls this for building affordable housing or contriba can opener, and it is on one side, right? uting to the county’s housing trust fund. So we’ve got to fix that. But it’s only this However, the developer is already building much,” said architect Brett Nave of Studio less parking than required and fewer units BNA, holding his fingers a few inches apart. than allowed under the requested zoning, The taller of the two trestles is part of so would have no need for the bonuses. the Athens Line, which has gone unused “When we talk about mixed developsince UGA stopped burning coal at the ment, I don’t really know what that mix campus boiler. The shorter (9 feet) trestle looks like at the end of the day, and one to the south, part of a and two bedrooms does CSX line, would not be really look like what That thing eats a truck not affected. It’s unclear I would envision in my whether the road underabout once every other head,” Thornton said. neath the Athens Line Also headed for a month, it seems. would be lowered or the Sept. 1 vote is a request trestle would be raised— to add more manufacthat’s something engineers will study once tured home pads to the Pine Woods Estates the project is approved. and Country Corners neighborhoods off “They would not be able to get a building U.S. Highway 29. The existing mobile permit to do anything, they would not be homes are grandfathered into the current able to get a permit to start construction, agricultural-residential zoning, but a spewithout having a design for how to fix the cial use permit is required to build more trestle, which is also going to involve how because manufactured homes are currently to pay for it,” ACC Planning Director Bruce only allowed in multifamily zones. Lonnee told commissioners at their Aug. According to the new owners, expanding 18 agenda-setting meeting, “... and then it those mobile home parks will fund improvehas to be finished prior to the first building ments to the water and sewer infrastrucbeing occupied.” ture. Pine Woods Estates, in particular, has Fixing the trestle was a major selling dealt with frequent water shutoffs due to an point for commissioners as they considaging private wellwater system. Any expanered the rezoning request. “That thing eats sion would require the installation of new a truck about once every other month, it water lines and hydrants for fire protection, seems,” Commissioner Melissa Link said. so the new ownership group is replacing the “My husband [a teacher] was on a Barrow internal pipes and connecting to city water. County school bus that had its top skimmed “The entire water infrastructure at Pine off by that trestle.” Woods Estates is in the process of being The development would include 156 replaced,” Jeff Carter of Carter Engineering units ranging from duplexes to apartments, told the commission. That will be completed with a total of 374 bedrooms. Studio BNA “very, very soon,” he said, but “there has and co-applicant Smith Planning Group to be some way to pay for that. They [the are seeking a rezoning from employment- owners] don’t have a million and a half dolindustrial to residential-multifamily. The lars laying around.” density is a far cry from what could be built The manufactured homes are rent- under the commercial-downtown zoning— to-own and sell for between $90,000– more than 1,500 bedrooms on the 7.8-acre $120,000, co-owner Mike Warren said. parcel, the applicants pointed out. Payments on a 15-year loan and rent on the “The goal is to have a variety, a mix of pad combined are “slightly below” the averbuilding types, and have a kind of neighbor- age rent for a three-bedroom apartment, he hood vibe or feel,” Nave said. He compared said. Modern mobile homes do not depreit to developments in the Mill District ciate the way they used to because they’re between Chase and Barber streets. “We’ve built to similar standards as stick-built got students, of course, because we’re homes, Carter added. Athens, but we’ve got empty nesters, and Commissioners seemed confused about there’s a couple families… and young prothree requests to apply for federal grants fessionals,” he said. addressing homelessness. One is nearly $1 Having outgrown the site, Quality Block million for the “continuum of care,” which moved to the former Southern Brewing Co. is an annual grant that goes to various nonproperty off Collins Industrial Boulevard profits to provide shelter and other services. last year. Decades ago College Avenue was Another is $1 million for a grant specifically primarily an industrial area, but that is no to establish an intake system for homeless longer the case, and so planners said that individuals ages 18–24, who Housing and housing makes sense, given the nearly Community Development Director Melinda 8-acre parcel’s location between downtown Lord said often have different needs than
“
the rest of the population—for example, young adults exiting the foster care system. The third is a grant of up to $8.5 million to support affordable housing. “This ain’t making no sense,” Thornton said during a lengthy discussion, adding Flagpole has a new neighbor, as indepenthat “all money isn’t good money.” Commissioner Stephanie Johnson also said that she dent student newspaper The Red & Black moved into the Bottleworks at 297 Prince is “not comfortable with the grant.” Ave. last week after selling its home of But Link said she hopes that the “Pathnearly 25 years at 540 Baxter St. way to Removing Obstacles to Housing The sale of the building, built in 2002, Grant” from the U.S. Housing and Urban Development Department could be used on gives the nonprofit news organization a financial cushion, code enforcement to according to Executive “fight student gentriThis is one of the most Director Charlotte fication,” and for a day shelter. significant moments in our Varnum and Lisee Pullara McIlroy, president Lord agreed to proof the board of direcvide more information organization’s modern history. tors. “This is one of to commissioners the most significant moments in our orgabefore they vote on the grant applications nization’s modern history,” Varnum said. next Tuesday. “Like so many alumni, I have incredible memories inside this [Baxter Street] building. It has been where students discovered Advantage Behavioral Health Systems, their voices, covered their first breaking a nonprofit that contracts with the county news story, built lifelong friendships and and the state to provide services to the found confidence in themselves as journalhomeless, announced late last week that it ists and leaders. While it’s bittersweet to will be winding down its North Avenue day say goodbye to a place that has meant so shelter. much to so many, our mission has never “We recognize the significance of this been tied to a building. This decision allows decision and the impact it may have on us to invest in what matters most—our people who have come to rely on the HDSC students, our journalism and our long-term [Homeless Day Service Center]. This was independence.” not a decision made quickly or easily. It folLocal real estate company Polias—which lows careful consideration of our mission, owns the Beechwood shopping center, the long-term sustainability of our proamong other properties—bought the grams, and how Advantage can most effecBaxter Street building, and intends to turn tively focus its resources on the treatment, it into offices. Terms of the sale were not recovery, housing and supportive services released. The Athens-Clarke County Tax at the core of our role in the community,” Assessor’s office values the property at $1.6 the organization said in a news release. million. f
New HQ for Red & Black
“
Day Shelter Closing
A UGU S T 26, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM
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feature
LEE SHEARER
news
UGA Growth
BOTH CAMPUS AND THE STUDENT BODY GET BIGGER
By Lee Shearer news@flagpole.com
T
he University of Georgia’s new acapress release. demic year began with what’s likely The growth in graduate enrollment is to be record enrollment of about aimed primarily at “high demand” areas— 44,500 students and the dedication of two but in a way that could ease a little of the new buildings meant to accommodate the relentless pressure UGA’s growth puts on school’s steady growth. Athens real estate prices as more and more A UGA enrollment management plan students look for temporary homes. The for 2024–2028 calls for annual enrollment plan would nearly double the number of growth in student enrollment of a modest graduate students enrolled in UGA online 1.5% a year, but over the past five years programs, which are diminutive compared enrollment has grown nearly 3% a year. to many schools. UGA enrollment was 43,887 students in fall UGA programs that could boost online 2025, up from 39,147 in 2020, according to graduate enrollment to around 2,000 University System of Georgia enrollment include social work, with a potential enrollstatistics. (Fall 2026 numbers are not yet ment of 509 (up from 130), and business available.) administration and management, with a The plan’s goals also include hiring 115 potential of 449 students (up from 58 in Students cross Baxter and Lumpkin streets during a class change. additional tenure-track faculty members to 2023–24). keep UGA’s student-faculty ratio at about Barely a decade ago, in the fall of 2015, 17:1. UGA was the state’s largest university, students, but all undergraduates—is 20.2 Some 51,600 candidates applied for with an enrollment of 36,130. Now it’s years, third-lowest among the state’s public admission to UGA’s 2026 freshman class, the fourth-largest. Last fall Georgia Tech colleges and universities. Just before classes began, UGA officials the latest in a long string of record numtopped the list at 56,715, followed by GeorAs UGA grows, its student demogradedicated two new buildings directly related bers. That’s not entirely because of UGA’s gia State University (53,144) and Kennesaw phy is changing, too, in long-term trends to enrollment growth. lofty football success and growing academic State University (51,375), according to that don’t mirror statewide demographic On Lumpkin Street near downtown, a reputation—in recent years, more stuUniversity System of Georgia counts. Tech changes. new $72.5 million residence hall called (for dents nationwide are applying to multiple and Kennesaw State grew with aggressive About 61% of UGA students identified now) Building 2266 houses 565 first-year schools. Of those applicants, UGA offered growth strategies. Georgia State’s big as white last fall, down from 67% in 2020, students. It’s UGA’s second new first-year admission to 15,400, expecting, based on growth came when it absorbed the state’s according to USG enrollment figures. Asian residence hall in four years; Black-Diallo- history, that most will go elsewhere. largest junior college. students were the largest minority group Miller Hall, with 525 beds, opened in fall This fall, the goal was enrolling 2022. about 6,250 first-year students. Just Further toward the heart of campus, before classes began on Aug. 17, UGA nestled among the residence halls near the announced a first-year class of more intersection of Baxter and Lumpkin streets, than that, but didn’t say how much UGA’s new West Campus “Dining, Learning more. and Well-being Center” is now open with As usual, the new students arrive classrooms (including a teaching kitchen), with strong academic credentials, a University Health Center satellite branch including an average SAT score of 1360. and a dining hall with a terrace overlooking Most are Georgia residents; another the place where Legion Pool used to be. The UGA goal is to keep its undergraduate historic swimming pool was demolished in mix at about 80% in-state. More than March to make way for four sand volleyball half the applications for this year’s courts and an expanded and reconfigured entering class came from students outLegion Field, where a homecoming concert side Georgia, who face a much higher is scheduled for Sept. 29. bar than Georgia students. Students Hundreds of millions of dollars in other in this first-year class hail from 146 campus construction projects are underof Georgia’s 159 counties, according way or planned. A $100 million building to to a UGA press release, but a majority house UGA’s new medical school is nearing comes from metro Atlanta. completion on the university’s health sciThe top majors applicants said they ences campus in Normaltown, and planfavored were finance (4,548,) and Students play beach volleyball where Legion Pool used to be. ning is underway for a building to house biology (4,487), trailed by business the university’s recently approved nursing (2,748), psychology (2,653), mechanical school. engineering (2,128) and marketing (1,915), Students in the big Atlanta schools are a at 12.9%, up from 10.4% in 2020. Students On Lumpkin Street, workers are building wrote UGA Executive Director of Undertiny part of the population of Atlanta, the identifying as Hispanic are the fastest- a $56 million addition to UGA’s football graduate Admissions David Graves in a blog nation’s sixth-largest metro area, but UGA growing group, up from 5.8% in 2020 to complex, including new practice fields and post earlier this year. students are about a third of Clarke Coun8.3% in 2025. Black student enrollment, parking, atop what used to be the UGA First-year students are only a part of ty’s total population of 129,000 according 7.9%, was down from 8.3% in 2020, but up track, now replaced with a $60 million track UGA’s annual growth, though. According to to Census Bureau estimates. slightly from 7.4% in fall 2024. Nearly one and field complex near the State Botanical the UGA Office of Instruction’s enrollment Tech’s enrollment growth, primarily in in 10 students don’t fit into those categoGarden on Milledge Avenue. management goals, the size of the first-year graduate programs, includes a much lower ries, however. About 4% are listed as of two On South Campus, work continues on class should increase by about half a perproportion of full-time students, many of or more races, while the race or ethnicity of centage point, but enrollment of transfer them in online courses. Less than half of 5.3% are unknown or undeclared, according the university’s ongoing multiphase, multi- year renovation of science buildings. students and graduate students should Tech’s students are full-time, but nearly to the USG statistics. More construction is in the works. A increase even more—including admitting 90% of UGA students are—the highest Georgia’s statewide population is about $116 million renovation of nine-story one transfer student for every first-year ratio among the public University System of 48% non-Hispanic or Latino white, 32% Creswell Hall, which houses nearly 1,000 student enrolled, and a 4% annual increase Georgia’s 26 colleges and universities. Black, 12% Hispanic or Latino, and 5% students, is scheduled to begin next year. in graduate student enrollment, which was Among other effects, that puts a lot Asian, according to 2025 U.S. Census Renovations of two of UGA’s other two 9,242 last fall. more cars on Athens streets when school is Bureau estimates. 1960s-era Baxter Street high-rise dormiAbout 3,600 students transferred in in session, many driven by relatively inexWomen accounted for 58.5% of UGA tories, Brumby Hall and Russell Hall, were over the past academic year, almost all of perienced drivers. The average age of a UGA enrollment in the fall 2025 semester, the completed in 2018 and 2020. f them Georgia residents, according to a UGA undergraduate student—not just first-year same as in 2020.
New Buildings
LEE SHEARER
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F L A GP OL E .C OM · A UGU S T 26, 2026
feature
JASMINE MILBOURNE
arts & culture
OCAF’s Bigger Perspective ANNUAL POTTERY EXHIBIT HIGHLIGHTS LOCAL ARTISTS
By Jasmine Milbourne arts@flagpole.como
I
JASMINE MILBOURNE
nside the walls of an old Oconee County Although she had been selling most of school gym, now Rocket Hall, delicate her work, Wood decided to explore different pieces of pottery sit perched on shelves, mediums, diversifying her collection. She patiently waiting to find their home. Fifty started painting different household items, artists from all over Georgia come together making furniture and experimenting with once a year to showcase their work at the fabrics. Then, a trip to New York changed Oconee County Art Foundation showcase, everything. “Perspectives.” In her solo exhibition, titled “From For 24 years, this exhibition has highPainter to Potter,” Wood traces her career lighted artists with unique talents and over multiple decades, detailing the evoluallowed them to sell their work to anyone tion of her work and exploring the different willing to come out. “There’s no other pottery show like this in Georgia, much less anywhere,” said Rebecca Wood, a founding partner and this year’s Solo Spotlight Artist. “So it was a big success, and people love it.” Wood has been creating household items through pottery for upwards of 30 years. The self-taught potter owns a business titled R.Wood Studios, where she sells everything from plates to vases and hosts painting workshops. She stumbled upon pottery by accident. “I literally just ordered some clay and glazes, and a friend of mine got me a used kiln at a yard sale, and I just got a ball of clay and a rolling pin, and Rebecca Wood started making circles and decorating them,” Wood said. Some of her most popular items take mediums she’s worked with. Pieces from two days to make, including wood firing. every era of her work are on display alongShe said she got into wood-fired pottery on side the larger “Perspectives” showcase on a whim around 23 years ago and fell in love. School Street in Watkinsville. “So these “Even though I have a pottery business, I are just an amalgamation of one-of-a-kind never had a pottery class,” Wood said. “I things I’ve done over the last 35 years,” just sort of got into it by accident.” Wood said. After graduating from the University of She isn’t the only person who has Georgia with a degree in drawing and paint- enjoyed Athens’ creative scene. “It’s so rich ing, she decided to stay in Athens to soak and funky and weird and gifted,” said Beth up everything the Classic City had to offer. Malone, the executive director of OCAF. Wood started out selling still life oil paint“And there have been so many cool, amazings before a stock market crash. ing artists here.”
Malone moved to the Athens area after almost 25 years in Atlanta to work for OCAF. She said she hopes her daughter can take inspiration from the artists in Athens, just as she has. According to her, OCAF hosts 10 exhibits a year featuring artists in everything from paintings to glassware, with a year- round Gallery Shoppe from local artists. “So we do art classes,” Malone said. “We have a really cool pottery studio and then the University of North Georgia, they have art classes there.”
This year’s “Perspectives” lineup includes some familiar faces such as Maria Dondero, Michael Klapthor, Roger Jamison, Minsoo Yuh and Shawn Ireland. The showcase will also be presenting new faces including K.T. Tauches of Atlanta and Natasha McPhaul of Gainesville, according to the press release. As part of the showcase’s remaining events, ceramicist Margo McCoy will host a Homeschool Art Explorers event on Friday, Aug. 28 from 10 a.m.– 12 p.m. and a wheel-throwing demo Saturday, Aug. 29 from 12–1 p.m. That same day, Wood will be doing an Ikebana demonstration from 1–3 p.m. On Monday, Aug. 31, Wood will host a studio tour from 10:30–11:30 a.m. at her storefront location at 450 Georgia Dr. The final weekend of “Perspectives” will be Saturday, Sept. 5, when Wood will hold a live Q&A and artist talk. Visitors can view the showcase through Sept. 6 during OCAF’s operating hours, Tuesday through Sunday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and until 8 p.m. on Fridays. “So I’m just real proud of this show,” Wood said. “How it’s gotten so big, and everyone enjoys it so much.” More info about specific events can be found at ocaf.com. f
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CLASSIFIEDS
BUY SELL RENT HIRE Interact with real, local, human beings. 706-549-9523 • class@flagpole.com A UGU S T 26, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM
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feature
For investigations that require older information, Flock is introducing “Evidence Mode,” which will allow detectives to preserve specific license plate data as evidence in an active case. The change does not automatically apply to existing customers, which can keep their current retention policies. Communities also will continue to choose their own retention periods. The American Civil Liberties Union called the shorter By Amanda Watford awatford@stateline.org retention period a potential step forward, but said its impact will depend on how the new mode works. In a statelock Safety is tightening privacy and oversight conment, the group recommended a 48-hour retention period But civil liberties advocates say some of the safeguards trols for its nationwide network of automated license have been tried before and question whether the company’s and warned that if searches cause data to be preserved, the plate readers as more communities pull back from the changes address broader concerns about a system that can new system could allow significant amounts of location technology and lawmakers across the political spectrum information to remain available longer than seven days. create a record of people’s movements even when they are push for new restrictions. Flock also is giving communities more control over not suspected of a crime. The company announced recently that it will recommend which outside agencies can search their cameras. Under the States have taken different approaches to regulating that police agencies retain license plate reader data for new “offense filtering” system, a community could allow technologies used in policing, including artificial intelliseven days, down from 30, while adding tools to restrict another agency to search its cameras for specific crimes or gence, facial recognition, drones and automated license data sharing between agencies and detect potentially offenses and block searches related to immigration enforceplate readers. More than a dozen states have enacted laws abusive searches. Flock also plans to require law ment, for example. enforcement users to associate searches with case Flock also will require all law enforcement cuscodes and automatically suspend users whose activtomers to adopt its audit assistance tool by the end ity is flagged as abnormal. of the year. The system looks for unusual search The changes come amid growing scrutiny of activity and flags it for administrator review. Flock a surveillance network that Flock says has more plans to automatically suspend users whose activity than 120,000 cameras across 49 states and serves meets certain criteria for abnormal behavior while thousands of law enforcement agencies and their access is reviewed. communities. The company also will require case codes for The cameras photograph passing vehicles and law enforcement searches by the end of the year. record information including license plates, vehicle Officers can bypass the requirement during emercharacteristics, location and time. Police can search gencies, but those searches also will be flagged for the resulting data during investigations, sometimes review. across jurisdictional lines. Flock’s new controls build on safeguards the More than 50 agencies or communities have company has introduced in recent years, including canceled, suspended or rejected a Flock contract or electronic audit logs and requirements that users deactivated their cameras since the beginning of provide a reason for searches. 2026, according to DeFlock, a grassroots group that The ACLU, in its statement, said some of those Flock Safety license plate readers are typically mounted on tall poles, with a camera tracks license plate reader deployments. Cameras earlier safeguards were ineffective. The group and solar panel on top. The company says its technology is used in more than have also been vandalized in communities around pointed to cases in which officers circumvented 6,000 communities across 49 states in partnership with thousands of law enforcethe country. search-purpose restrictions by entering vague or ment agencies nationwide. Recent incidents involving police officers accused meaningless explanations before Flock replaced a of using Flock to track friends, relatives and romanfree-text field with a list of approved search reasons. tic partners have added to concerns about how the data can governing such technologies, according to the National The Washington Post reported earlier this month that be accessed and shared. The technology also has been critinearly 50 police officers had been charged or accused of Conference of State Legislatures, but there is no consistent cized after inaccurate license plate information contributed national framework for their use. using Flock cameras for unauthorized purposes, many to wrongful police stops, arrests and detentions. involving attempts to track current or former romantic Flock says the new measures will give communities partners or family members. In Savannah, four police greater control over their data while strengthening safeofficers and two civilian employees were fired last week guards against misuse. “These changes, like I said, are the after a department investigation found searches involving Flock’s seven-day retention recommendation is one of next chapter of a long book I hope to write on how we build personal acquaintances and family members, according to its most significant changes. a better version of America that’s both safer, protects our a news release. The investigation also found that an officer When the company launched nine years ago, it set 30 privacy and holds those who have power accountable,” had allowed an outside law enforcement agency to access days as the default recommendation, while allowing comFlock Safety co-founder and CEO Garrett Langley said in a Savannah’s Flock system. The activity was identified using munities to choose shorter or longer periods. video statement. 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F L A GP OL E .C OM · A UGU S T 26, 2026
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the Georgia Bureau of Investigation for independent criminal investigations. The technology has also drawn scrutiny when information in the system is inaccurate or outdated. In Wisconsin, a woman was pulled over at gunpoint earlier this month after a Flock camera incorrectly flagged her vehicle as being involved in a homicide. Brookfield police stopped Amber Newell on Interstate 94 after receiving the alert, but Milwaukee police told officers they no longer needed the vehicle or its occupants. Newell was released. Milwaukee police later said the incident was caused by an employee’s failure to remove an outdated wanted-vehicle alert from the Flock system, rather than an error by Flock itself. Newell said she had also been stopped at gunpoint earlier that week and was afraid to drive afterward. In its announcement, Flock said its alerts are intended to be investigative leads rather than conclusions and that officers should visually confirm a vehicle’s license plate before taking action. The company said its system produces fewer than nine human-reported errors for every 1 million alerts.
Bipartisan Interest A bipartisan group of Pennsylvania lawmakers announced last week that they plan to introduce legislation establishing statewide privacy and accountability requirements for automated license plate readers, including Flock cameras. The proposal would establish rules governing access to the data, documented reasons for searches, audit trails, data retention and transparency. It also would create civil penalties for unauthorized access, use or disclosure and allow people harmed by misuse to bring civil suits. “Technology that can help keep our communities safe should never become a tool for stalking or abuse,” Democratic state Rep. Jennifer O’Mara said in a statement announcing the proposal. Republicans in Congress also have introduced or plan to introduce at least two proposals aimed at restricting automated surveillance technology. One would restrict federal agencies from purchasing or using certain automated surveillance technology, while the other would bar state and local police from using federal funds to acquire automated license plate reader systems. Last month, 15 Democratic lawmakers in Michigan sent a letter to the state Department of Transportation to end an agreement allowing federal agencies, including U.S. Border Patrol and Homeland Security Investigations, to install surveillance technology on state property. The lawmakers argued that automated license plate readers infringe on residents’ constitutional rights. The West Virginia House Democratic Caucus also released a statement last month opposing Flock cameras, and said it is monitoring canceled contracts and lawsuits involving the technology. Some local governments are going further by ending their relationships with Flock altogether. DeFlock’s tracker lists dozens of communities that have canceled contracts, deactivated cameras or rejected proposals since 2021. More than 50 agencies or communities have taken one of those steps since the beginning of 2026. Several communities in Rhode Island and Nebraska have acted this month, with city leaders voting to cancel contracts or uninstall cameras. Earlier this month, the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office in Texas announced that it had removed all fixed Flock cameras after repeated vandalism damaged the equipment. The cameras were provided by the Heart of Texas Auto Theft Task Force, a multi-agency, multijurisdictional task force in Central Texas. The sheriff’s office has initiated criminal cases, but there are currently no suspects, according to a news release. The debate over this technology is likely to continue through the rest of the year and into 2027, when more state legislatures return to session. That could bring additional proposals to regulate artificial intelligence tools used in policing, as well as how license plate reader data is collected, retained, shared and used. f This story was originally produced by Stateline, which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network which includes Georgia Recorder, and is supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity.
A UGU S T 26, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM
9
feature
WADE SHELDON
arts & culture
Athens Film Festival WAYS TO NAVIGATE THE THIRD ANNUAL FESTIVAL
By Libba Beaucham arts@flagpole.com
T
he third annual Athens Film Festival will be held Aug. 27–30 throughout venues in downtown Athens to showcase over 110 independent films from across the globe. Discussion panels, workshops and networking events for filmmakers of all experience levels to learn from industry professionals will also be offered. Whether you’re a film buff or just curious, all are invited to attend. “Filmmakers are shocked that so much of the community shows up, because a lot of the time at film festivals it’s filmmakers and industry watching each other’s films,” said the festival’s executive director, Chuck Griffin. The films presented include international short films, animation, documentaries and feature-length films, including productions by local and regional filmmakers. “We have probably about 35 world and U.S. premieres, which means these films are premiering for the first time at the Athens Film Festival,” said Griffin. Workshops and panels will cover topics like film scoring, creating short films, networking advice and how to pitch a project. For the full four-day schedule, film trailers and descriptions, and to purchase passes or individual screening tickets, visit athensfilm.com. MEET & GREETS: The festival kicks off with a VIP Red Carpet & Happy Hour at Ciné (Thursday from 5–9 p.m., free to the public 8–9 p.m.). Creature Comforts hosts free Golden Hour Networking Friday and Saturday at 3 p.m. Paloma Park’s free Afterglow Party runs Friday from 9:30 p.m., and Ciné hosts another Red Carpet & Happy Hour Saturday from 5–8 p.m. before the awards ceremony (Saturday at 10:15 p.m., Ciné LAB) and a closing night party. SUPPORT LOCAL: Watch shorts by Athens and Georgia filmmakers during “Local
Lens” (Thursday at 4:30 p.m., Ciné LAB). Opening night brings the world premiere of Once Upon a Time In Macon (Thursday at 8 p.m., Ciné), about a man with severe OCD navigating a relationship with his ex-convict father. “Reel Peaches Georgia Shorts 1” (Friday at 2:45 p.m., Ciné) and “Reel Peaches Georgia Shorts 2” (Saturday at 5 p.m., Morton Theatre) will showcase narrative shorts from across the state. Brannu: The Urban Horseman (Saturday at 2:30 p.m., Morton Theatre) documents rancher Brandon Fulton’s fight to build a community ranch despite political and economic pressures. FEATURE FILMS: This year’s feature films include two documentaries and three narrative films. Unheard Voices: A Mother’s Quest for Freedom (Friday at 5:30 p.m., Ciné LAB) follows a mother’s journey after her 17-year-old son is sentenced to 40 years for a robbery committed with a toy gun. This is Pike County (Saturday at 5 p.m., Flicker) documents the story of a rural community’s unsolved murder. Narrative features include My Turn (Friday at 8 p.m., Ciné), about siblings who suddenly share one body; Frogtown (Friday at 9 p.m., The Globe) about a woman out to prove the existence of a magical swamp creature; Risa and the Wind Phone (Saturday at 2:30 p.m., Ciné), an Argentine film about a girl who discovers a phone booth that allows her to speak to the dead; and closing night’s That Friend (Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Ciné) about a romantic weekend away gone wrong. EXPLORE GENRES: Animation lovers can watch international shorts at “World Class Animation 1” (Thursday at 5 p.m., Flicker), “2” (Thursday at 9:30 p.m., Flicker), and “3” (Friday at 5:30 p.m., Morton Theatre). A free and family-friendly “Saturday Morning
Cartoons” block will show international animated shorts (Saturday at 10:30 a.m., Morton Theatre). For horror fans, check out “Widescreen Panic 1” (Friday at 9 p.m., Morton Theatre) and “2” (Saturday at 9:30 p.m., Morton Theatre). Short comedies will be shown during “Laugh Your Ath Off Comedy Shorts 1” (Thursday at 9 p.m., Live Wire Athens) and “2” (Saturday at 3:30 p.m., Flicker). Documentaries are showcased in “Documentary Shorts” (Thursday at 6:15 p.m., Flicker) and “Music Docs” (Saturday at 1 p.m., Morton Theatre). A free “Music Video Showcase” includes independent artists from around the world (Friday at 10 p.m., Paloma Park). “World Cinema Showcase” (Thursday at 6:30 p.m., Ciné LAB), “Global Flickers” (Thursday at 8 p.m., Flicker), and “Best in the Globe 1-4” across Friday and Saturday at The Globe will show international shorts. “Latin American Shorts” (Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Morton Theatre) spotlights filmmakers from Peru, Puerto Rico, the U.S. and the Dominican Republic. Films produced and directed by women will be featured during “Women in Film” (Friday at 7 p.m., Morton Theatre). A free “Ice, Grit & Great Outdoors” will showcase sports-themed films (Friday at 7:30 p.m., Paloma Park). “Fellowship of the Screen” (Saturday at 12 p.m., Ciné LAB) features shorts that explore how movies
bring people together and “Best of the Fest” (Sunday at 1 p.m., The Globe) offers an encore of the top narrative shorts. LEARN FROM THE PROS: Oscar Award-winning producer Damon Russell will be present virtually to conduct a screening of his short film Curfew followed by a discussion on creating short films (Friday at 1 p.m., Ciné). Dr. Trinity Vélez-Justo, director of film and media scoring at UGA, will lead a workshop on scoring films and collaborating with composers (Friday at 4 p.m., Flicker). Filmmakers will pitch to industry judges during Pitchfest (Saturday at 10 a.m. The Lightroom-ATH). Atlanta filmmaker Aaron Strand will host an audience-led panel on the modern viewer experience (Saturday at 1:15 p.m., Ciné LAB), followed by Networking 101 for Creators at Cura Lounge (Saturday at 2 p.m., Creature Comforts). f
WHAT: Athens Film Festival WHEN: Aug. 27–30 WHERE: Ciné, Flicker Theatre & Bar, The Globe, Morton Theatre, Paloma Park HOW MUCH: $12–20/ticket, passes available
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F L A GP OL E .C OM · A UGU S T 26, 2026
music
feature
The Star Room Boys Are Back In Town A YEARNED-FOR REUNION AND DEBUT ALBUM REISSUE
By Sam Lipkin editorial@flagpole.com
S
consideration,” says McArdle. “So far the amount of enthusiasm for it that we’ve seen is great. It feels really good.” Perhaps the most successful mark of the album is how much it hasn’t aged in 27 years. Marr’s emotional lyrics and heartfelt storytelling, given life and fullness by the breath of his bandmates, have a humanity that never really fades. McArdle credits the timeless nature of their sound to the fact that the members were drawing on a range of older music rather than leaning into a ’90s sound, or any particular era for that matter.
JASON THRASHER
elling out a reunion show nearly a month in advance is what any band hopes for, although it being the first time the band has ever sold out the 40 Watt Club naturally comes with a little amusing irony—but times are different than when Athens country luminaries The Star Room Boys last hit the stage together in 2002. “Capacity at the 40 Watt was a little bit more on the generous side. That was probably three or four fire marshals ago, right? I don’t think they even hit 700 anymore,” says Dave Marr, frontman and rhythm guitarist of The Star Room Boys. The 40 Watt website says the official capacity is 460, which it seems to stick to nowadays. Together Marr, Philip McArdle (lead guitar, backing vocals), John Neff (pedal steel, backing vocals), John McMahon (bass) and Bob Fernandez (drums) established a dedicated local fanbase in the ’90s and early 2000s and influenced a new generation of Americana songwriters. Recently Strolling Bones Records announced that the label is reissuing the band’s debut album Why Do Lonely Men and Women Want to Break Each Other’s Hearts?, allowing the record to reach yet another new generation. Released in 1999, the 13-track album, originally produced and mixed by David Barbe at his Chase Park Transduction Studio, will be available for the first time on vinyl and streaming platforms Sept. 25. The Star Room Boys all feel a lot of excitement over the opportunity to perform and share these songs again. “I’ve always been real proud of what we did, and it’s been so long now. It’s a bit surprising, but at the same time, I guess it doesn’t surprise me,” says McMahon, who will have Kevin Lane fill in on bass on his behalf at the reunion shows. “I’ve been involved with, and probably this is true for all of us, albums where, you know, maybe they’re never going to get much recognition. It’ll just be something like, ‘Oh well, I thought that was really good, but I guess no one else liked it.’ Whereas it’s really validating to have an opportunity to put this record back out in front of people for
OCONEE CULTURAL ARTS FOUNDATION
“I’ve always appreciated and enjoyed what we did, and I remember all of that happening at the time. But now, with all of this time having passed, and not just casually listening to it, but listening to it for all of its nuance, it’s definitely brought it to a different level as far as my appreciation of it. It’s a great challenge and a really enjoyable one to be in a position to be able to perform the songs again,” says Fernandez. “The thing I’m really excited about it being re-released is that an entirely new generation is going to have access to this in a really easy way, as opposed to someone showing it to them or them having to go after it.”
WHO: The Star Room Boys, Don Chambers WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 29, 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show) WHERE: 40 Watt Club HOW MUCH: SOLD OUT!
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“I’ve made so many friends since then who definitely didn’t see us play, but some of them haven’t heard the records either. So it’s cool for them to discover it,” says Neff. The album has received praise as an inspiration by Patterson Hood of the Drive-By Truckers, Francie Medosch of Florry and Lydia Loveless, among others. While The Star Room Boys aren’t the first of Athens’ country bands, they laid down important footwork for the scene. When it comes to aspects of the genre that the members feel a personal connection to, Marr says, “There’s an emotional directness that is sort of a main quality of good country music that I was drawn to, and a certain stoicism in the face of everything.” “You hear it in Merle Haggard, you hear it in Willie Nelson, you hear it in Billy Joe Shaver, a lot of our favorite songwriters… They show you how to talk about really difficult things in really simple terms that will hopefully get straight to the heart of the matter,” he says. “I think that’s what I really admired about the lyrics of Dave’s songs was the devastating depth of emotion that was there. It can be heavy stuff, and country can be a really good musical bed for that kind of heaviness to still feel good, as opposed to feeling oppressive,” says McArdle. The Star Room Boys will play songs from both of their released albums at the reunion shows, and the members say none of their old fans should go home wishing something had been played. Although the 40 Watt show is sold out—but who has that ever stopped in Athens—tickets were still available at the time of print for their show in Atlanta the night before at The EARL. On Friday, Aug. 28 The Star Room Boys will perform with Thayer Sarrano. “The 40 Watt was the club that we always considered our home. It’s a lot of the same people, a lot of different people, but the foundation is the same. It’s the same room. It makes it a little bit more special that we get to play there again, and especially with a packed house. It’s just really cool, and yeah, kind of dreamy,” says Marr. Tickets for the Atlanta show and pre-orders for the vinyl are both available at starroomboys.com. f
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F L A GP OL E .C OM · A UGU S T 26, 2026
SUN–THURS 10:30AM–10PM • FRI & SAT 10:30AM–11PM
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live music calendar 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.deadbeatathens.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. (doors). $10. www.flicker theatreandbar.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. Creature Comforts Brewery Athens Farmers Market. 5–8 p.m. FREE! www.athensfarmersmarket. net RED OAK STRING BAND Local band playing a feel-good blend of bluegrass, blues, folk, rock and classic country. (6 p.m.)
Dead Beat Club 8 p.m. $7. www.deadbeatathens.com SLOPING Atlanta-based ambient folk led by JJ Posway. Solo set. IAIN COOKE Multi-instrumentalist and songwriter from Athens who writes music that is equal parts confessional, composed and catchy. JOSEY Athens-based indie pop artist, incorporating audience participation and off-kilter comedy into her sets. 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. DAY ONE Solo project of Athens songwriter William Kissane blending elements of indie rock, folk and jazz. 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.
Thursday 27 40 Watt Club 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $17 (adv.), $20. www.40watt.com WAX MONKEY Five-piece jam band composed of childhood friends hailing from Birmingham, AL. THE REGULARS A Southern stew of funk, soul, blues and rock and roll. Athentic Brewing Co. Blues on Tap. 7–9 p.m. www.athentic brewing.com THE ORIGINAL SCREW TOPS Blues jam for musicians, dancers and music lovers every fourth Thursday. Dead Beat Club 7:30 p.m. FREE! www.deadbeatathens. com ERIK OLSON TRIO Athens-based pianist and organist originally from Montana, where he developed a deep love of groove, melody, and the wide-open possibilities of improvised music. Georgia Theatre 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $21.47. www.georgiatheatre.com GIMME HENDRIX Local Jimi Hendrix cover band led by Eric Keaton. DIRE WOLF Grateful Dead tribute band. 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 8 p.m. $10. www.hendershotsathens. com BIG BAND ATHENS 18-member Athens band whose swinging tunes
consist of cover music from the ’40s to the ’70s. Marigold Auditorium for Arts and Culture 5–7 p.m. FREE! www.winterville center.com HAPPY HOUR KARAOKE Hosted by Seth Hendershot. Nowhere Bar 9:30 p.m. www.instagram.com/ nowherebarathensga BLUES JAM Bring an instrument and join host Big C and The Moonshynes for an open blues jam. The house band includes Scott Nicholson, Derek Warren, Brent Davenport and Bo Hembree.
Friday 28 40 Watt Club Ember South Entertainment Presents. 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $25 (adv.), $30. www.40watt.com IN THE END A Linkin Park concert experience. Amici at The Falls 6 p.m. www.facebook.com/amiciat thefalls ALEX BOSCOFF Playing covers and originals. Athentic Brewing Co. 8 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com SUMMER SEND OFF DANCE PARTY DJ Jesse will be spinning classics to dance the night away. Dead Beat Club 8 p.m. $8. www.deadbeatathens.com GIRL SAINT Electronic dream pop from Atlanta. BUGS EAT BOOKS Fearsome foursome that plays jangly, chaotic and surferyish indie pop. LITTLE MAE Trio blending indie, pop and shoegaze, drawing from influences such as Samia, Mercury and Alice Phoebe Lou. Flicker Theatre & Bar 8:30 p.m. $12. www.flickertheatreand bar.com SACRED BULL Athens post-metal known for its heavy and dark combination of meditative melodies and deliberate cacophony. FALSE GODS New York-based sludge/doom metal mixed with melodic noise and down-trodden hardcore. LUNGBURNER Atlanta-based stoner metal group dedicated to amp worship through “slow riffs and bong rips.” Georgia Theatre 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $39.02. www.georgiatheatre.com PENELOPE ROAD Five-piece band that boldly embraces the self- awarded label of “stanky funky junk.” WINYAH Nashville-based indie and Southern rock band. FRANK MASTRA Musician whose soulful debut single, “Hangin’ On,” has already amassed hundreds of thousands of streams. Georgia Theatre Rooftop 6:30 p.m. (doors), 7 p.m. (show). FREE! www.georgiatheatre.com ATTICUS RONESS Atlanta-based power-pop artist known for his stage presence. Hendershot’s 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $10 (adv.), $12. www.hendershots athens.com EVEY MAY Athens based indie alternative songwriter with post- punk and shoegaze influences. RUDY MONTAYRE Athenian acoustic singer-songwriter with
influence from R&B, rock and folk music. EIGHT PICTURES Like if Pixies took Morrissey’s lunch money. Normaltown Brewing Co. 6–8 p.m. FREE! www.instagram.com/ rhodes_bass RHODES AND THE CLASSIC CITY ALLSTARS Funk jams by bassist Rhodes Crowe and his backing band. Nowhere Bar 7 p.m. (doors), 9:30 p.m. (show). www.instagram.com/nowherebar athensga MOJO THUNDER Lexington, KY- based rock band for fans of Kings of Leon and My Morning Jacket. Southern Drawl Bar & Grille 5–10 p.m. www.southerndrawlbarand grille.com KARAOKE Every Friday night.
Saturday 29 40 Watt Club 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $15. www.40watt.com THE STAR ROOM BOYS Country band that was formed in Athens in the ’90s and produced songs about “young men nursing broken hearts, drinking way too much, and getting too deep into their own heads.” DON CHAMBERS Longtime local favorite who delves into pastoral folk and experimental rock with equal passion. Bishop Park Athens Farmers Market. 8 a.m.–12 p.m. FREE! www.athensfarmers market.net DAVE FORKER Custom Concern member plays originals and covers. (9 a.m.) Boutier Winery 7:30 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $10. www.boutierwinery.com DWIGHT WILSON BAND Classic soul and funky Motown music. Dead Beat Club 8 p.m. $10 (adv.), $12. www.deadbeat athens.com DRÍ AND THE VIOLENCE Project of singer, percussionist and songwriter Adriana Thomas. YOUR EX’S PETS Haunting, groovy, soft-loud songs with rich vocal harmonies and layered arrangements. DHEMO Richmond, VA-based artist whose sound spans from dream- like indie ballads to upbeat, funk- infused grooves. Flicker Theatre & Bar 8:30 p.m. $10. www.flickertheatreand bar.com THE GECKOS Local band formed by UGA students. LAS VELAS Nostalgic Latin music revived. Georgia Theatre 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $39.02. www.georgiatheatre.com PENELOPE ROAD Five-piece band that boldly embraces the self-awarded label of “stanky funky junk.” WINYAH Nashville-based indie and Southern rock band. HOTEL FICTION Indie-pop band led by Jessica Thompson and Jade Long. Georgia Theatre Rooftop 6:30 p.m. FREE! www.georgiatheatre. com HOTEL HUGO Indie-rock band from Charleston inspired by a love
for ’60s and ’70s rock and South Carolina twang. Hendershot’s 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $10 (adv.), $12. www.hendershots athens.com VALLEY OF GIANTS Folk-emo for anyone who’s missed something they can’t quite name. PONDGORL Athens-based artist Laila Li McCleery joins genre-bending friends in a band of beautiful, harmonious DIY glory. MCKENDRICK BEARDEN Athens- based alternative-rock artist whose music depicts the negatives and positives we all experience in life. Marigold Auditorium for Arts and Culture 7 p.m. $29. www.wintervillecenter. com GLOWBAND “Eagles & Friends” features quintessential Eagles songs, plus favorites by Jackson Browne, Linda Ronstadt and Bob Seger. Nowhere Bar 7 p.m. (doors), 9:30 p.m. (show). www.instagram.com/nowherebar athensga AIRSHOW Nashville-based jam band featuring a contrast of acoustic and electric sounds. 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. VFW Post 2872 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $10. www.facebook.com/vfw2872 COUNTRY RIVER BAND Classic western and honky-tonk style country band.
Sunday 30 The Globe 4–7 p.m. www.facebook.com/globe. athens TRADITIONAL IRISH SESSION Easy listening traditional Irish music. Hendershot’s Attaboy Tapes Presents. 8 p.m. $12. www.hendershotsathens.com CANNON ROGERS Local alt-country songwriter, guitarist and pedal steel player drawing inspiration from the likes of Flannery O’Connor and Lucinda Williams. DOG PERSON Organ-driven pop with breezy ennui from members of The Buddy System, Nana Grizol and Go Public. TAYLOR HOLLINGSWORTH Guitarist and singer-songwriter from Birmingham, AL who is also a member of Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band and Dead Fingers. Oak House Distillery 4–6:30 p.m. www.oakhousedistillery. com FOLIE À QUATRE Playing a mix of French chansons, jazzy tunes and originals by Lavon Smith, accompanied on guitar, accordion and double bass.
Monday 31 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 1 40 Watt Club 6:30 p.m. (doors), 7:30 p.m. (show). 24 (adv.), $27. www.40watt.com BEN QUAD Post-emo band from Oklahoma City, OK whose members originally bonded over bands like Microwave and Modern Baseball. MACSEAL Indie-rock band from Long Island that mixes hooky emo with math rock smarts. AREN’T WE AMPHIBIANS Self- described “ballroom emo” from San Diego, CA. Athentic Brewing Co. 6:30–8:30 p.m. www.athenticbrewing. com SONGWRITERS ANONYMOUS Featuring several songwriters in the round. Daily Groceries Co-op Tuesday Tunes. 6–7:30 p.m. www. instagram.com/dailycoop RYAN BERESCH Soft, sweet folk ballads. Flicker Theatre & Bar 8 p.m. FREE! $5–10 suggested donation benefiting Athens Area Homeless Shelter. www.flickertheatre andbar.com VIRGO-X 90S DANCE PARTY DJ Seffro and DJ Charlieflower spin Chemical Brothers, Blur, Digable Planets, Crystal Method, Beastie Boys, De La Soul and much more. Hendershot’s 5–7 p.m. www.hendershotsathens. com PIANO BAR HAPPY HOUR Enjoy drink specials and live piano music. Ramsey Hall 7:30 p.m. FREE! music.uga.edu FACULTY ARTIST SERIES Jay Ivey (baritone) and Andrew Voelker (piano) traverse a diverse musical landscape of quests, journeys and wayfaring.
Down the Line 9/02 Howdy, Fellow Traveler! (Creature Comforts Brewery) 9/02 Eihwar, Frayle (Georgia Theatre) 9/02 Hendershot’s Open Mic Night (Hendershot’s) 9/02 Lydia Loveless, Jay Gonzalez Duo (Dead Beat Club) 9/02 Dr. Fred’s Karaoke (Flicker Theatre & Bar) 9/03 Mary Margaret Cozart, The Unbelieving Dog, The Falling Spikes (Georgia Theatre Rooftop) 9/03 Foozer, My God is the Sun (40 Watt Club) 9/03 Mary & The Hot Hotty-Hots (The Globe) 9/04 Karaoke (Southern Drawl Bar & Grille) 9/04 Barnhouse, Jacoozy (Georgia Theatre) 9/04 UGA Choral Project (Ramsey Hall) 9/04 Ryne Meadow, Ian Andrew White, Michael Carnes (Flicker Theatre & Bar) 9/04 Saftey Training, The Carolyn, Modern Ghosts, MTM (Dead Beat Club) 9/04 Intension, Greywater, Menorah (Georgia Theatre Rooftop) 9/05 Benny St. Peixe (Bishop Park) 9/05 The Ocho, hallpass (Georgia Theatre) f
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event calendar
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.georgiamuseum.org EVENTS: Athens Indoor Football (The Classic Center) During this brand reveal the team name and logo will be announced. 11 a.m. (doors), 12 p.m. (event). FREE! www.classiccenter.com EVENTS: The Athens Farmers Market (Creature Comforts Brewery) Markets offer fresh produce, flowers, eggs, meats, prepared foods, arts and crafts. Live music at 6 p.m. AFM double SNAP dollars spent. Wednesdays, 5–8 p.m. www. athensfarmersmarket.net EVENTS: Movie Night Reads (ACC Library) Screening of Jurassic Park followed by a book discussion about the movie’s inspiration. 6 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org 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/shihtzunot trivia
GAMES: Classic City Trivia (The Local 706) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Garrett. Wednesdays, 7:06 p.m. www.instagram.com/classiccitytriviaco GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (Cafe Racer (Oak St.)) Test your trivia knowledge with host TJ Wayt. Wednesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/ baddogathens GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Locos Grill and Pub Eastside) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 8 p.m. www.instagram.com/ shihtzunottrivia MEETINGS: Athens Psychedelic Society (ACC Library) Creating conscious community for the psychedelic future. 6:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenspsychedelicsociety.com 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
Thursday 27 ART: Artist Talk (Lamar Dodd School of Art) Victoria Dugger will discuss her multimedia exhibition “Runner Up.” 4 p.m. FREE! art.uga.edu ART: Artist Reception (UGA Performing Arts Center) Margaret Morrison’s exhibition Antiques will be on view with drinks and light refreshments. 5 p.m. FREE! pac.uga.edu ART: Opening Reception (Lamar Dodd School of Art) Five new exhibitions are opening for the fall season. 5 p.m. FREE! art.uga.edu ART: Closing Reception (tiny ATH gallery) Sarah Pattison’s exhibit “A Sense Of Place” will be on view. 6–9 p.m. FREE! www.tinyathgallery. com COMEDY: Athens Improv Festival (Flying Squid Comedy) The fourth annual festival spans three days,
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. Through Sept. 27. AURUM STUDIOS (125 E. Clayton St.) “The Silk Show ’26” features painted silks by Margaret Agner. 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. • In the Lupin Foundation Gallery, “Cornucopia: Ties That Bind” is a curated collection of works by renowned artists of color. Opening reception Aug. 27, 5–7 p.m. On display Aug. 27–Nov. 20. • In the Plaza Gallery, “True Conceal” is an exhibition of new work by collaborators Katie Hargrave and Meredith Lynn from their Bad Outdoorsman series. Opening reception Aug. 27, 5–7 p.m. On display Aug. 27–Nov. 20. • In the Mills Family Gallery, “Through Service We Grow” is a new body of work by Dodd photography faculty Blake Jacobsen. Opening reception Aug. 27, 5–7 p.m. On display Aug. 27–Nov. 20. • In the Bridge Gallery, “I hope this finds you well” explores methods of communicating
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with events featuring local and regional improvisers and comedians. Aug. 27–29, 6–11 p.m. $20 (day pass), $50 (weekend pass). www.flyingsquidcomedy.com 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: Friends of Bear Hollow Ice Cream Social (Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams) A portion of ice cream sales goes to Friends of Bear Hollow to support Bear Hollow Zoo. 4–7 p.m. www.friendsofbearhollow. org FILM: Athens Film Festival (Various Locations) This third annual festival spans five days screening more than 100 films across four venues with expert-led workshops and networking events. Aug. 27, 4 p.m.–12 a.m. Aug. 28, 12 p.m.–12 a.m. Aug. 29, 10 a.m.–12 a.m. Aug. 30, 1–2:45 p.m. $12–50. www.athens film.com GAMES: Bad Dog BINGO (Amici at The Falls) Play BINGO with host TJ Wayt. Thursdays, 6 p.m. www. instagram.com/baddogathens GAMES: Trivia Night (Jittery Joe’s Alps Village) Test your trivia knowledge. 6 p.m. FREE! www.instagram. com/jitteryjoesathens 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 KIDSTUFF: LEGO Builder’s Challenge (Oconee County Library) Drop in to complete challenges and earn prizes. Ages 5–12. Fourth Thursdays, 3:30 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/oconee LECTURES & LIT: Across The Board Book Club (Oconee County Library) Discuss books chosen by the group. New members welcome. Fourth Thursdays, 11 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/oconee MEETINGS: CCSD Superintendent Progress and Plans (ACC Library) Superintendent Jennifer Scott will discuss updates about the school system. Submit questions in advance. 5:30 p.m. FREE! bit.ly/ AskDrScott MEETINGS: KnitLits Knitting Group (Bogart Library) Knitters of all levels are invited to have fun, share craft ideas and knit to their hearts’ content. Thursdays, 6 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/bogart SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 10 a.m. info@athenspetanque.org, www.athenspetanque.org
Friday 28 CLASSES: Samples and Samplers (Classic Citiva) Local musician Trvy will lead a hands-on songwriting workshop with samples of THC infused lemonades to try. Ages 21 & up. 4 p.m. FREE! www.classic citiva.com COMEDY: Athens Improv Festival (Flying Squid Comedy) The fourth annual festival spans three days, with events featuring local and regional improvisers and comedi-
and working together. 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 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. • David Wilson will have works on view for the month of September. 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. 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. Through Jan. 3, 2027. 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
ans. Aug. 27–29, 6–11 p.m. $20 (day pass), $50 (weekend pass). www.flyingsquidcomedy.com EVENTS: Spirits Tasting (Tonique Bottle Co.) Drop in to sample Murrell’s Row gin and amaro spirits. 5–7 p.m. FREE! www.shoptonique. com EVENTS: Joy Ride (Bike Athens) Bring a helmet and water for a 6–8 miles group bike ride. 6 p.m. FREE! www.bikeathens.org FILM: Athens Film Festival (Various Locations) This third annual festival spans five days screening more than 100 films across four venues with expert-led workshops and networking events. Aug. 27, 4 p.m.–12 a.m. Aug. 28, 12 p.m.–12 a.m. Aug. 29, 10 a.m.–12 a.m. Aug. 30, 1–2:45 p.m. $12–50. www.athens film.com GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Oak House Distillery) Test your general trivia knowledge. Fridays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia GAMES: Friday Night Initiative (Tyche’s Games) Learn how to play a new roleplaying game. New players welcome. 7 p.m. FREE! www. tychesgames.com KIDSTUFF: Homeschool Art Explorers (OCAF) Enjoy a scavenger hunt, artist talk, art activities and more. Ages 5 & up. Registration required. 10 a.m–2 p.m. FREE! (members), $10 (non-members). www.ocaf.com PERFORMANCE: Blessed & Bedazzled (Haven Bar) A night of drag performances and music. 8 p.m. (doors), 11 p.m. (show). www.instagram.com/haven.bar.athens
Saturday 29 ART: Opening Reception (The Athenaeum) The exhibitions “Erin Johnson: The Measure is Something Else” and “Megan Ledbetter:
The Field (2022–2026)” will be on view. 4–6 p.m. FREE! athenaeum. uga.edu CLASSES: Nourishing the Next Generation (Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center) There will be workshops on infant CPR and car seat safety, breastfeeding support from consultants, breast pump demonstrations and more resources. Registration required. 10 a.m.–1 p.m. www.piedmont.org/ nourishingthenextgeneration CLASSES: Learn Miniature Painting Workshop (Tyche’s Games) Bring your primed miniatures and learn the basics of painting them. Supplies provided. 1 p.m. $5. www. tychesgames.com CLASSES: Intro to Improv Comedy (Flying Squid Comedy) Learn the basic principles of improv comedy. 1 p.m. Donation suggested. www. flyingsquidcomedy.com COMEDY: Athens Improv Festival (Flying Squid Comedy) The fourth annual festival spans three days, with events featuring local and regional improvisers and comedians. Aug. 27–29, 6–11 p.m. $20 (day pass), $50 (weekend pass). www.flyingsquidcomedy.com COMEDY: Rapture Comedy Show (Sister Louisa’s Church Bar) Lineup of Southern-based comedians. Last Saturdays, 9 p.m. FREE! www.instagram.com/rapturecomedy_ EVENTS: The Athens Farmers Market (Bishop Park) Markets offer locally grown groceries and handmade goods with live music and children’s activities. AFM doubles SNAP dollars spent. Saturdays, 8 a.m.–12 p.m. www.athensfarmers market.net EVENTS: Oconee Therapeutic Riding 5K and Lap of Love (Briarwood Baptist Church) A children’s walk and 5K in benefit of programs for Oconee Therapeutic Riding plus an opportunity to interact with ther-
blend human and animal forms. Through Sept. 26. MADISON-MORGAN CULTURAL CENTER (434 South Main Street, Madison) In celebration of the center’s 50th anniversary, the exhibition “experience and intersection” features works by John Cleaveland and the late Richard Olsen. Through October. OCAF (34 School St. Watkinsville) “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. 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.” 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, 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.
apy horses. 8 a.m. $10–30. www. oconeetherapeuticriding.org 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: Athens Library Store First Anniversary Celebration (ACC Library) Celebrate the store’s anniversary with refreshments, specials, activities and more. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. www.friendsofacc library.org/store EVENTS: Ikebana Demonstration with Rebecca Wood (OCAF) Learn about the Japanese practice of floral arrangement. Registration required. 1 p.m. FREE! www.ocaf. com/perspectives EVENTS: Keepin’ It Clean Dirty Dance Party (Little Kings Shuffle Club) KACCB’s fundraiser will include dance performances, open dance floor time, food, face painting, a photo booth and raffles. 5–9 p.m. $5 suggested donation. www. accgov.com/dirtydanceparty EVENTS: Fizzy Lifting Party (Athentic Brewing Co.) A collaboration celebration featuring Pontoon’s Fizzy Lifting products, food trucks, local artist market, tie-dye station, giveaways, live music and more. EVENTS: Opening Reception (Athens Welcome Center) The pop-up exhibit “American Dance History” will be on view with lessons on historic dances of the early 1800s. RSVP encouraged. 5–7 p.m. FREE! www.athenswelcomecenter.com FILM: Athens Film Festival (Various Locations) This third annual festival spans five days screening more than 100 films across four venues with expert-led workshops and networking events. Aug. 27, 4 p.m.–12 a.m. Aug. 28, 12 p.m.–12 a.m. Aug. 29, 10 a.m.–12 a.m. Aug. 30, 1–2:45 p.m. $12–50. www.athens film.com GAMES: Plant Bingo (Foxglove Plantbar) Learn more about plants, and win plant prizes. 7 p.m. $20. www.instagram.com/foxglove plantbar KIDSTUFF: Squid Kids (Flying Squid Comedy) A family-friendly improv show featuring Clawdius the Rock Lobsters’ mascot. 11 a.m. FREE! www.flyingsquid.com OUTDOORS: Creek Walk (Sandy Creek Nature Center) Bring binoculars, a camera, and a sense of adventure for a walk led by naturalists. Registration required. 10 a.m. FREE! www.accgovga.myrec.com
Sunday 30 COMEDY: Comedy Variety Show (The Globe) Performances including stand-up, musical comedy, sketch comedy, improv and burlesque. 9–11 p.m. $10. nheiges@ gmail.com FILM: Athens Film Festival (Various Locations) This third annual festival spans five days screening more than 100 films across four venues with expert-led workshops and networking events. Aug. 27, 4 p.m.–12 a.m. Aug. 28, 12 p.m.–12 a.m. Aug. 29, 10 a.m.–12 a.m. Aug. 30, 1–2:45 p.m. $12–50. www. athensfilm.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: Author Talk & Book Signing (ACC Library) Award-winning author and actor Barnard Sims will discuss his book The Southern Awakening: A Black Man’s Guide to Liberating the Rural South. 2:30 p.m. FREE! www.athens library.org MEETINGS: Sandwich Generation Support Group (Oconee County Library) Resources and community network for those who are supporting aging parents and raising children at the same time. Registration required. 4:30 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/oconee 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 31 ART: Learn How to Create Collage Posters (Hendershot’s) Collage materials are provided to make a poster. Suggested to bring your own scissors and glue. 5:30–7:30 p.m. FREE! www.hendershotsathens.com EVENTS: Behind the Scenes: Rebecca Wood Studio Tour (R. Wood Studio) Learn about the studio’s history, meet the artists and follow the journey of a pot from clay to kiln. 10:30 a.m. FREE! www. rwoodstudio.com GAMES: Chess and Community (ACC Library) Drop in for open chess play to learn the game, challenge skills and engage with other enthusiasts. Mondays, 3:30–5:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Fully Loaded Pizza Kitchen (Normaltown)) Test your general trivia knowledge. Mondays, 7 p.m. www. instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Dooley’s Bar and Grill) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Garrett. Mondays, 7 p.m. www.instagram. com/classiccitytriviaco GAMES: General Trivia (Athentic Brewing Co.) Test your general trivia knowledge. Mondays, 7 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com GAMES: Reality TV Trivia (Athentic Brewing Co.) Test your trivia skills about all things reality TV with host Allison Skinner from Chaotic Good Pod. 7–9 p.m. www.athentic brewing.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: CCSD Superintendent Progress and Plans (Rhema Christian Fellowship) Superintendent Jennifer Scott will discuss updates about the school system. Submit questions in advance. 5:30 p.m. FREE! bit.ly/AskDrScott MEETINGS: Death Over Drafts (Athentic Brewing Co.) Conversation about curating your final playlist. RSVP encouraged. 6–8 p.m. organizingdeath@gmail.com PERFORMANCE: happy accident (Flicker Theatre & Bar) A live avant- garde puppet show featuring Happy Accident (PDX) with an opening performance by local troupe Peepa Show. 8 p.m. $10. www.flicker theatreandbar.com
Tuesday 1 CLASSES: Internet 101: Privacy and Security (ACC Library) Learn how to protect your data, recognize
security risks and get tips on how to manage your personal information. Registration required. 10 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org 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 knowledge with host Phil. 7 p.m. www. facebook.com/MellowMushroom Athens GAMES: Singo! (Beef O’Brady’s) Win gift certificates and prizes at this music bingo night. Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m. www.beefobradys.com/athens GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Magnolias of Athens) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Benjamin. Tuesdays, 8 p.m. www. instagram.com/classiccitytriviaco LECTURES & LIT: Bogart Bookies (Bogart Library) Pick up a copy of Good Night, Irene by Luis Alberto Urrea, and discuss it with the group. 2 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary. org/bogart SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 10 a.m. info@athenspetanque.org, www.athenspetanque.org
Down the Line 9/02 Shadowfist Power Lunch (Tyche’s Games) 9/02 Tour at Two (Georgia Museum of Art) 9/02 The Athens Farmers Market (Creature Comforts Brewery) 9/02 Classic City Trivia (Hotel Indigo) 9/02 Fly Fishing Film Tour (Athentic Brewing Co.) 9/02 Word of Mouth (The Globe) 9/02 Shih Tzu Not Trivia (South Main Brewing) 9/02 Garden Nights (State Botanical Garden of Georgia) 9/02 Classic City Trivia (The Local 706) 9/02 Curio Cinema (Flicker Theatre & Bar) 9/02 Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Normal Bar) 9/02 Bad Dog Trivia (Cafe Racer (Oak St.)) 9/02 Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Locos Grill and Pub Eastside) 9/03 Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) 9/03 KnitLits Knitting Group (Bogart Library) 9/03 Teen Dungeons & Dragons (Bogart Library) 9/03 Ladies Night Out (Boutier Winery) 9/03 Bad Dog BINGO (Amici at The Falls) 9/03 ORAS Fall Kick-Off (Odum School of Ecology) f
arts & culture
calendar picks
EVENT | THUR, AUG. 27
‘Speaking in Tongues’
Lyndon House Arts Center • 5:30 p.m. • FREE!
“Speaking in Tongues” is a collection of pieces by nine artists who utilize language in their work. Across a variety of mediums including video, embroidery, printmaking, synthetic hair, commercial flags and more, these artists explore the longstanding relationship between text and art, the human need for connection, and how language becomes form and form becomes language. The exhibition’s accompanying event will feature former Athens Poet Laureate Mikhayla Robinson-Smith, Ellie Swensson, Patty Tacuri, Stacey Brown, O-Jeremiah Agbaakin and Benny St. Peixe in what Robinson-Smith calls “an evening of language, engagement, experimentation, presence and poetry.” The audience will be immersed in a diverse range of poetry and music, and there will also be an ASL interpreter to make the event more accessible. [Mary Beth Bryan] ART | THURS, AUG. 27
Margaret Morrison Opening Reception
UGA Performing Arts Center • 5 p.m. • FREE!
Composed of a series of intricate, vibrant works of realism, Margaret Morrison’s “Antiques” exhibition is meant to invite nostalgia and curiosity to its viewers. Morrison is a retired professor emerita from UGA, where she taught for years, served as the chair of the painting and drawing department and was even the first artist to be featured in UGA Performing Arts Center’s Lobby Gallery in 2024. She also taught summer courses for the university in Cortona, Italy. Morrison draws inspiration from the Italian and Tuscan markets she encountered on her trips overseas, and her works celebrate the everyday objects and treasures found at them through rich detail and color. The pieces that compose “Antiques” will be on display in the Lobby Gallery through January 2027, and Morrison will be present at the opening to discuss her work. [MB] COMEDY | AUG. 27–29
Athens Improv Festival
Flying Squid Comedy • Times Vary • $20 (day pass), $50 (weekend pass)
Athens Improv Festival is returning for its fourth year, bringing the Southeastern improv community together for three days of diverse performances, packed houses, workshops and endless opportunities for connection offstage. There will be six sets of improv on Thursday, starting at 7 p.m. and including segments like “But I Digress”
and “Two Daves.” There will be seven sets on Friday, starting again at 7 p.m. and featuring offerings like “Hook Line & Singers” and “The Charm Offensive.” Saturday’s show will start at 6 p.m., and the audience can look forward to topics like “Imminent Baby” and “Knock Knock Who Cares.” These improv shows will include everything from narrative to short-form to musical segments. On Saturday, there will also be a free kids show at 11 a.m., two separately ticketed workshops held at work.shop at 1 p.m. (How to Create & Maintain Characters and Improv 101) and an Open Improv Jam at 3 p.m. Visit flyingsquidcomedy.com to see the full lineup of events. [MB] MUSIC | FRI, AUG. 28
Girl Saint
Dead Beat Club • 8 p.m. • $8
Hailing from Boulevard Heights in Atlanta, electronic/indie dream-pop band Girl Saint was formed in 2023 by Phoenix native Kat Hurtado and Atlanta-and Athens-based musicians Corey Gronner, Josh Seckman and Phil Horan. The band’s self-titled album came out on all major streaming platforms earlier this year, combining indie rock with nostalgic synth textures across its nine tracks. It’s emotionally expansive, driven by atmospheric instrumentals and Hurtado’s unabashed vocals. Joining Girl Saint for its upcoming show in Athens are local bands Bugs Eat Books and Little Mae. The former is self-described as “weird and sometimes Western jangle pop and slacker indie rock,” and the latter is an indie shoegaze band formed by siblings Sam and Ethan Caspary. [MB] EVENT | SAT, AUG. 29
Keepin’ It Clean Dirty Dance Party
Little Kings Shuffle Club • 5–9 p.m. • $5 suggested donation
Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful (KACCB) is hosting a dance party to raise money toward its mission of creating a cleaner, more beautiful environment. The nonprofit, which is part of the ACC Solid Waste Department’s Recycling Division, is responsible for community projects like the daffodil and crape myrtle plantings on the loop, the Litter Hotline, Christmas tree recycling, Adopt-A-Highway and much more. For this fundraising event, there will be dance performances scheduled throughout the evening, plus plenty of time for attendees to dance socially. There will also be dinner for sale, face painting and a photo booth. Finally, there will be a raffle to support KACCB’s daffodil planting efforts for which you can purchase one-dollar tickets for Love Where You Live, Play Where You Live and Adventure Where You Live baskets. [MB] 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) Interpol drummer relocation sale. Equipment, furniture, motorcycles and more. Saturday & Sunday August 29–30 from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. 230 N. Georgia Ave. in Winterville. 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. SERVICES (Consultant) Affordable business and general consulting in Athens, GA. Free initial consultation. Email DrJPThornton@Incandescent.US or call 205-289-8747. SERVICES (Health) HEALTH AND WELLNESS COACHING: Integrating
herbalism, mindfulness and movement for a whole body approach. 706-343-3576, connect@cora rosewellness.com, www.corarose wellness.com SERVICES (Home & Garden) 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 ART (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 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 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.instagram. com/accstormwater LIFE DRAWING (Winterville Cultural Center) Monthly afternoon life drawing sessions, every fourth Tuesday. Models scheduled repre-
ADOPT ME!
Visit www.accgov.com/257/Available-Pets to view all the cats and dogs available at the shelter
Doxson (61564409)
Little Doxson is ready to be the perfect football season companion! This nine-month-old softie just wants to spend his time playing with loved ones and enjoying head scratches.
Phoenix (59199112)
Meet Phoenix! This gorgeous boy is pictured here lounging at Entangled Cat Cafe. The cafe life is nice, but he’s looking for something a little more permanent. Adopt or foster him today!
Dee-Bo (61547709)
Dee-Bo’s friends at the shelter say he’s extra large and extra sweet! He’s a calm, easygoing boy who loves to flash his big smile, hang out in the shade, sit for treats and get loved on.
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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sent the full spectrum of age, color, race and genders. Artists 18 & up only. Registration and prepayment required. $20. www.drawathens.org. PUBLIC ART SELECTION PANELS (Athens, GA) The Athens Cultural Affairs Commission is seeking community members to participate in upcoming public art selection panels. www.accgov.com/9656/ Public-Art-Selection-Panels SEEKING 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.
Auditions 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. 29 for new or returning cast members from 7–10:30 p.m. at Zombie Farms. Visit www.zombiefarms for more info including roles available and submission forms. 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 OPEN AUDITIONS (Georgia Children’s Choir) GCC serves singers in grades 2–12. Auditions for placement across five ensembles currently available for all skill levels. www.georgiachildrenschorus. org/about/audition OPEN AUDITIONS (Athens Master Chorale) Seeking new members in all voice parts including high sopranos, tenors and basses. Scheduled auditions held at St. Gregory the Great Church. athmcdirector@ gmail.com OPEN AUDITIONS (Athens Symphony) The Athens Symphony is holding auditions for qualified musicians. www.athenssymphony. org/openings SPONGEBOB THE MUSICAL (Athens Creative Theatre) Seeking individuals for this comedy musical based on the classic cartoon. Auditions will include cold readings, a short prepared vocal selection and a movement section. Auditions held Aug. 26–28 at the Morton Theatre. act@accgov.com
Classes A COURSE IN MIRACLES (580 Tallassee Rd.) Heal your psychology and your life using simple instruction of high vibrational thought. Sundays, 10–11:30 a.m. 770-237- 2354, www.unityathens.com ACCENT REDUCTION CLASS (Covenant Presbyterian Church) Improve your American English pronunciation skills. For ages 18 & up. Tuesdays, 12 p.m. marjoriemiller@ gmail.com CLASSES, HIKES & PADDLES (Watson Mill State Park, Comer) The park offers a variety of events including firebuilding classes, various educational hikes including
“Bridge History,” “Tree ID,” “Historic Mills” and more. Parking fee/ pass required for all events. www. gastateparks.org/WatsonMillBridge 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.athensareadiaper bank.com FIRE PIT RAFFLE (Friends of the Madison County Library) Madison County Library hosts a raffle for an outdoor gas fire pit to benefit various programs. $1 per ticket, unlimited entries. The winning ticket will be drawn in November after the Madison County Harvest Festival. www.athenslibrary.org/madison HALLOWEEN COSTUME DROP- OFF (Bogart Library, Bogart) Accepting gently used costumes and accessories for all ages and sizes. Donors will receive tokens to redeem for new costumes. Donations open Sept. 1 through Oct. 1. www.athenslibrary.org/bogart 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 DONATIONS (The Cottage) Seeking donations of single-serving, non-perishable snacks to help children and adults navigating interviews, therapy sessions and court hearings. To arrange a drop-off please call 706-546-1133, ext 223. SEEKING DONATIONS (Hands of Hope) Local homeless ministry accepting donations of clothing for their free distribution program and fundraising yard sale with proceeds benefiting the program. 706-207- 5172 SEEKING DONATIONS (RIP Book Club) Local book club seeking donations of any genre of old books to stock Little Libraries around town. Email ripbookclubathens@ gmail.com for updated drop off location or to arrange pick up. SEEKING VARIOUS VOLUNTEERS (AthHalf 5K & Half Marathon) AthFest Educates volunteer signup now open. 2026 half marathon event held Oct. 10–11. Available roles include runner check-in, course monitoring, expo registration and post-race hospitality. athhalf volunteers@athfesteducates.org SEEKING VOLUNTEERS (Various Locations) Visit www.flagpole. com/bulletinboard for ongoing opportunities with nonprofits and community organizations. TEACHER SUPPLIES (Teacher Reuse Store) Educators can access free creative supplies at the store. Please bring credentials. www.acc gov.com/trs VOLUNTEER NETWORK (Community Works, Watkinsville) A nonprofit organization that connects volunteers of all ages to events, resources and training opportunities. CWorksOC@gmail.com
Kidstuff CLASSES & PROGRAMS (ACC Leisure Services Department) Various ongoing weekly and monthly events including Jumping Gym, 123 Toddler & Me!, Fantastic Friday, Storytime and more. www.accgov. com/myrec CLASSES & PROGRAMS (Bogart Library) Various ongoing weekly events including LEGO Mania (Wednesdays), Storytime with Miss Harli (Mondays), Sensory Open Play (Tuesdays) and more. www. athenslibrary.org/bogart CLASSES & PROGRAMS (Oconee Library) Various ongoing weekly events including Kids Yoga and Open Play (Tuesdays), Story Time and Cocoa Club (Wednesdays), and more. www.athenslibrary.org/ oconee FARMPLAY (Foxfire Woods & Farm) Monthly nature-based, creativity-filled playgroup for kids ages 11–15. Registration required. $5 suggested donation. www.foxfire woodsandfarm.com
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. CALL FOR VENDORS (Marigold Collective, Winterville) Applications now open for Winterville Wonderland Christmas Market. Crafts, food, music and more. $50 registration fee required. Acceptance announced Oct. 1, and event held Dec. 12. www.marigoldcollectivewinterville. com/connect/vend-with-us 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 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 information and other resources that are available on a continuous basis. f
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music
threats & promises
food & drink
grub notes
Vicious Devil’s Self-Titled Debut Cafe Racer For All Times of Day PLUS, MORE MUSIC NEWS AND GOSSIP
PLUS, FOOD TRUCK WINGS WORTH SEEKING OUT
By Gordon Lamb threatsandpromises@flagpole.com
By Amanda Johnson food@flagpole.com
CAREER IN ROCK: When Athens music luminaries Curtiss Pernice (Porn Orchard, Vic Chesnutt), Ballard Lesemann (Roosevelt, The Rock*A*Teens) and Larry Tenner (Magneto, The Lures) get together, it’s time to sit up and pay attention. Their group, Vicious Devil, released its debut album this week, and it’s 10 tracks of rock-and-roll bliss. Sticking to the trusty drums-bass-guitar lineup, it’s quite a tasty platter of tracks
CAFE RACER (377 Oak St., instagram. com/caferacerhwy78): Cafe Racer got its start in a tiny trailer in Oglethorpe County at the corner of Arnoldsville Road and Highway 78. Since then CR has expanded to include a full-service food truck, a brick and mortar store on West Broad Street and now its newest home at 377 Oak St. I don’t know about you, but watching this little local business evolve from its humble beginnings into a legit chain makes me a little emotional. I’m not crying, you are. The general feeling of fun and whimsy is something I have always noticed at Cafe Racer, and this location is no different. Outdoors is an inviting lawn with a few distinct dining spaces with a sprinkling of colorful folding chairs strewn about. The playful menu, featuring adorable food cartoons and funny item descriptions, is strung on a line by the entrance. Inside you’ll find a lofty dining space with floor-to-ceiling windows that blur the barrier between indoors and out. The space gives big service station vibes, right down to the restrooms being located on the exterior of the building. The only thing missing is a giant wacky waving arms inflatable tube man to hoist our spirits, but alas, that is probably against code or something. For breakfast I really enjoy the El Niño, a spicy chorizo and scrambled egg taco adorned with cheese, avocado crema and fried torti- Cafe Racer lla strips. The potato donuts are fabulous and available in several unique flavors; simple cinnamon sugar is my go-to. The patty melt is delicious: two smash burger patties with grilled onions, pepper jack and racer sauce on perfectly griddled sourdough bread. Their fries are of the battered variety; think Checkers but better. The menu has a few iterations of loaded fries, my favorite being the birria fries, drenched in queso with beef birria, cilantro, lime and red onion. This new location extends the Cafe Racer experience with the addition of a full-service bar and a few large TVs, which will certainly be a hit for football season. The drink menu says “Time for a Little Drinky Poo” at the top, clearly a nod to the great Jim Lahey, trailer park supervisor. I tried the Isla Mujeres—fresh watermelon juice, tequila, cointreau, simple syrup and hellfire habanero tincture with a tajin rim—which was lightly sweet, quite spicy and completely refreshing. In purely Athens fashion, they offer a weekend Howdy special for $3 half shots of several bar favorites. Did I mention there is also a drive- through? It’s really convenient for when you are in need of an emotional support
steeped in classic Ameri-indie-college rock of the sort propagated by Volcano Suns, Moving Targets and Big Dipper. Opening song “Saltwater Sea” is like the whole of AC/DC’s “For Those About To Rock,” but it keeps the tension tight and never blasts into a chorus or anything. “The Stain” is the first of several highly melodic tunes here, and Pernice’s distinctive vocals really come through. Songs of similar satisfaction are the jangly “Asian Cities,” the chunky and kind of proggy “Keep It Alive,” and the straightforward “The Open Window.” This is best listened to all the way through, so find it on major streaming services now and look for CD versions to appear in local stores soon-ish. You can also grab one at the band’s release show Sept. 18 at Nowhere Bar (EATing opens). For all other information, please see linktr.ee/ viciousdevil. HIGH FLYIN’: The group that bills itself as “Athens’ only peace-core, quack-rawk jam band,” The Flying V, just released the live recording from a private show they did back during Independence Day weekend at an event named A Hole in Heaven, so this is, naturally, titled Live from A Hole in Heaven. When it comes to bands self-describing, The Flying V nails it. This is paced with recognizable noodly guitar sections (“Into the Ferns”), funky jams with rapped vocals (“Take A Load Off”), catchy pop numbers (“Fish”) and straight up party songs (“Mimosa,” one of the very best songs here). This is all exactly the type of thing I’d have eviscerated years ago, but since then I’ve actually come around to appreciating some of this type of stuff at certain levels, and I also really dig the rawness of this recording
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IVORY TORTURE: I’ve written about Blair World on this page before, but don’t think I’ve ever mentioned Brody Daggers. Anyway, these two have collaborated as nuPOODPENIS for at least all of 2026 and steadily released material the whole time. Most recently, they let loose the three-track i have discovered my love for freeform jazz, which is the pair each contributing piano, but it’s also like they’re each deconstructing their own piano and throwing it into a dump. I’d like to think there’s more going on within this slight cacophony, but it all comes across like one big joke anyway, and I’m loath to look too deeply under the hood. That said, while I don’t think this release is all that great, I think their EDM/hyperpop EP from February, !! NUMETAL !!, is really great. So, figure this one out on your own at nupoodpenis.bandcamp.com. DARK ENTRIES: Right at the very end of last month, Athens’ rockers nothingifanything released the four-song EP 2Y34R5. Starting with the basically buried “[unm4k3r],” this barely-there track still acts as a convocation of sorts. From there it immediately jumps into the throbby metal riffs of “gunplay [as] foreplay” before launching itself full-throatedly into it. The acoustic performance, recorded at Buvez, of “panic:defense” has a traditional goth vibe about it, and the closing track is a live version of the aforementioned, but differently stylized, “gunplay/as/foreplay.” Find this over at nothingifanything.bandcamp.com. WAIT IN A LINE: The first new music in 20 years from Now It’s Overhead is now available for preorder. The new EP is named in the beginning. The first single, “eleven-seven- thirty-five,” was written around the same time as the band’s 2001 debut album. Of the other songs, out of five total, there’s a brand-new one composed specifically for this record, and then three previously released tracks that may be difficult for fans to find these days. It is slated for release on Sept. 18, so bookmark nowitsoverhead. bandcamp.com and head over there when the time is right. In other NIO news, the 2001 self-titled debut, as well as sophomore album Fall Back Open (2004), are to be rereleased on the same date, with vinyl copies of each currently up for preorder, available at that same band URL above. f
F L A GP OL E .C OM · A UGU S T 26, 2026
soft serve cone but don’t want to leave the comfort of your car. I think the only real criticism I have is that their one-way driveway ends at an exit where you can’t turn left. At most a minor inconvenience, at best a sterling opportunity to rebel and practice your illegal left turns. Remember kids, take no prisoners! Cafe Racer is open 6 a.m.–10 p.m. Sunday and Tuesday through Thursday, then 6–12 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Closed Mondays. BIG BOY WINGS (various locations, instagram.com/bigboywingsllc): I love chicken wings—specifically 10 lemon pepper hot, all flats, extra crispy, no ranch, no celery. Where do I go when I need to fill the chicken-wing-shaped void in my heart? Big Boy Wings food truck in the Advance Auto Parts parking lot at 332 North Ave. An unlikely location for a gourmet experience, maybe. AMANDA JOHNSON
because it really does place you in the room. Play this for your neighbors by streaming it at theflyingv.bandcamp.com, and head to linktr.ee/TheFlyingVOfficial if you need to know anything else.
Devante Smith, aka Chef Big, is a local Athenian and graduate of Cedar Shoal High School. This man understands wings on a fundamental level. His wings are on the smaller side, which is actually my preference. The more even ratio of meat to crispy surface area to sauce is where it’s at. Big Boy offers just about every flavor combo you can imagine, as well as toppings like “white powder,” which I am pretty sure is ranch powder. I ate so many of Chef Big’s chicken wings when I was pregnant with my son, I considered naming him Big Boy Thompson. The lad is made of fried chicken on a molecular level. There’s more to Big Boy’s menu than just wings, of course. They offer loaded fries, studded with sauced chicken tenders and splashed with a Jackson Pollock of ranch. You can also get fried chicken sliders and Philly cheesesteak egg rolls. Consider doing some minor automotive maintenance while you wait for your food. Replace your windshield wiper blades, you know it’s time. Big Boy Wings is open Wednesday–Saturday 5 p.m. until they sell out of wings. The best way to ensure wings will await you is to check social media. f
SUDOKU
Edited by Margie E. Burke
Difficulty: Easy
1 6 1
2 4
7 7 3
9
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VOTED ATHENS FAVORITE REALTOR 2015-2026
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CORD SIBILSKY
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WITH OVER 900 HOMES SOLD
O:706-510-5189
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FIVE STARS ON ZILLOW
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C:706-363-0803
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CSG-GAP.COM
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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 8/24/261- to 8/30/26 theofnumbers 9.
The Weekly Crossword 1
2
3
4
5
6
14
15
17
18
20
21
7
Solution to Sudoku: 23
8
by Margie E. Burke 9
10
12
13
28
29
30
53
54
16 19 22 24
9 268 3 6 1 5 2 4 7 25 27 6 1 5 7 2 4 9 8 3 31 32 4 2 7 3 358 9 6 1 5 34 1 9 2 408 4 3 5 7 6 41 39 3 7 6 5 9 1 8 2 4 43 44 45 8 5 4 2 7 6 1 3 9 47 48 2 6 9 4 3 8 7 5 1 49 50 51 52 5 4 8 1 6 7 3 9 2 55 56 7 3 1 9 5 2 4 6 8
ALL DOORS LEAD TO PLEASURE
33 36
37
38 42
46
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
ACROSS 1 "___ girl!" 5 Not to be missed 10 Deal with 14 Safari hat 15 Reluctant 16 Actress Perlman 17 Gulf V.I.P. 18 Slideshow creator 20 Spoiled 22 Cyanide and arsenic, e.g. 23 "Pride and Prejudice" suitor 24 First name in fairy tales 25 Hebrew name for God 27 Drummed, as raindrops 31 Poetic Emily 33 Seedy joint 34 FBI operative, briefly 35 Harder on the ears 38 Clinch, with "up" 39 Cape of ____ Hope 41 Take another look at 43 Signed up
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Copyright 2026 by The Puzzle Syndicate
46 Sharp 47 Like some meat 48 Served, as hash 49 Moves skyward 52 Colt's spot 55 Red Cross contributor? 57 Turner or Fey 58 Azerbaijan's capital 59 Nonsensical 60 Do magazine work 61 Beat anagram 62 Encouraged, with "on" 63 Ohio team DOWN 1 "… ___ a puddy tat!" 2 Large book 3 Public relations pro 4 Reef diver's need 5 "Serpico" actor 6 Apt to pout 7 Detroit labor gp. 8 Zimbalist of "Remington Steele"
9 Frog's place 10 Risked the wrath of 11 Buckeye State 12 Famous Quaker 13 Consumes 19 Pub serving 21 Pinky's pal 25 Old saying 26 Enjoy, slangily 27 Sat for a shoot 28 It lifts all boats, in a saying 29 It may be blessed 30 ____ Decimal System 32 Alluring tune 36 Examined closely 37 The Phantom's rival 40 Dispense 42 Large church, in the UK 44 Give temporarily 45 Highland boy 48 Excelled 49 "Fernando" group 50 Building pad 51 Rum partner 53 Tennyson lady 54 Sewer dwellers 56 Hound
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A UGU S T 26, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM
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UPCOMING SHOW SHOWS & EVENTS Thu 9.3 – FOOZER: Foo Fighters & Weezer Tribute – Celebrating 30 Years of Weezer’s Pinkerton — performed in its entirety – 40 Watt Club Fri 9.4 – Stewart & Winfield – 30th anniversary of ‘Bout Time with special guest Bradley Cole Smith – Live Wire Athens (UGA vs Tenn State weekend) Fri 9.11 – Guardians of the Jukebox – Paloma Park Beer Garden (UGA vs Western Ky weekend) Fri 9.11 – Yacht Rock Schooner: The Steely Dan show + Yacht Rock favorites – Live Wire Athens Fri 9.18 – Thomas Dollbaum with Reagan Byrd (of Heffner) – Hendershot’s Wed 9.23 – Stevie Tombstone – Hendershot’s Fri 9.25 – Kinchafoonee Cowboys with BTBTE: 90s tribute – Paloma Park Beer Garden (UGA vs Oklahoma weekend) Fri 9.25 – Drivin’ N Cryin’ – Live Wire Athens (UGA vs Oklahoma weekend) Tue 9.29 – The Dream Syndicate with Elf Power – 40 Watt Club Fri 10.2 – The Core: H.O.R.D.E. Festival revival – Nowhere Bar (UGA vs Vanderbilt weekend) Fri 10.2 – Evening with the Rick Fowler Band – Hendershot’s (UGA vs Vanderbilt weekend) Sat 10.3 – Cosmic Charlie – 40 Watt Club Fri 10.9 – The Welfare Liners with Tony Tidwell – Hendershot’s Sat 10.10 – Evening with Organ Fairchild – Nowhere Bar Sat 10.10 – Segar Jazz Affair SMOOTH JAZZ concert #107 with John Dunn Band – Hendershot’s Thu 10.15 – Evening with CPK Trio featuring JEFF COFFIN (Dave Matthews Band, Bela Fleck & The Flecktones), JORDAN PERLSON (Adrian Belew, Hiromi, Alison Brown, Matisyahu), VIKTOR KRAUSS (Robert Plant/Alison Krauss, Lyle Lovett and James Taylor) with special guest BOB LANZETTI (Snarky Puppy) – Live Wire Athens Fri 10.16 – Cardinal Bloom – Flicker Theatre Fri 10.16 – Athens All–star Songwriters in the Round “All originals show” featuring Eric Dodd, Steve Heath, Todd Cowart, Fester Hagood, Andrew Lane, Bo Hembree & Curt Spell – Hendershot’s Wed 10.21 – LaMP featuring Russ Lawton (Trey Anastasio Band), Scott Metzger (Joe Russo’s Almost Dead) & Ray Paczkowski (Trey Anastasio Band) – Live Wire Athens Fri 10.23 – Lamont Landers – Hendershot’s Fri 10.23 – The Original Splitz Band – Athentic Brewing Co. Thu 10.29 – Parker Barrow + Hippies & Cowboys – Live Wire Athens Thu 11.5 – Clownvis Presley – Hendershot’s Wed 11.11 – Evening with Murray Attaway, Don Dixon & Peter Holsapple – 40 Watt Club Wed 11.24 – Kevn Kinney & Peter Buck – Rialto Club Fri 12.4 – Athens Inside/Out 40th Anniversary reunion concert – featuring Pylon Reenactment Society • Love Tractor’s Armistead Wellford with VIP Guests • Dexter Romweber Tribute (with members of Starcrawler) • The Kilkenny Cats • Claire, Arthur and David of the Bar–B–Que Killers (with guests) • Bob Hay performing Squalls – 40 Watt Club Wed 12.9 – David Nail & Will Hoge – Rialto Club Mon 12.14 – Good Grief Trio – Marigold Auditorium Sun 12.20 – Blue Ridge Mountain Xmas with The Solstice Sisters – Marigold Auditorium CONTACT A2A TO HELP SUPPORT AAHS: jeanatjax@gmail.com | 706.983.1815
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