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Harold Rittenberry His Life and Art in Love Is All p. 11

SEPTEMBER 9, 2026 · VOL. 40 · NO. 36 · FREE

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · S E P T E MB E R 9, 2026

BENEFITING

this week’s issue

contents

Kiddie rock band The PG Show will perform at the ACC Library on Sunday, Sept. 13 at 3 p.m. for a free show. For more music around town, see the “Live Music Calendar” on p. 13.

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

Flock Camera Concerns

Comment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Threats & Promises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Curb Your Appetite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Harold Rittenberry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

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

Senate Elections

Live Music Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Event Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Art Around Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

MUSIC: Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Bulletin Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Angélique Kidjo Visits

Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Adopt Me . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

MUSIC: Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Bloodkin’s New Album

Local Comics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Calendar Picks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Crossword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Sudoku . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

PUBLISHER & ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Alicia Nickles PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Larry Tenner ADVERTISING SALES Isabella Williams, Rachel Watkins 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 Patrick Barry, Tushar Kansal, Gordon Lamb, Jennifer Shutt 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 COVER PHOTOGRAPH of Harold Rittenberry courtesy of the Georgia Museum of Art (see story on p. 11) STREET ADDRESS: 220 Prince Ave., Athens, GA 30601 MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. Box 1027, Athens, GA 30603 EDITORIAL: 706-549-9523 · ADVERTISING: 706-549-0301 CLASSIFIED ADS: class@flagpole.com ADVERTISING: ads@flagpole.com CALENDAR: calendar@flagpole.com EDITORIAL: editorial@flagpole.com

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VOLUME 40 ISSUE NUMBER 36

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Jake’s Place

FORGIVENESS: online exclusive Casual American restaurant Jake’s Place opened recently in the Ansonborough development on the East Side, serving a breakfast-heavy menu. Atlanta-based franchise Henri’s Bakery & Deli is opening a location on Lumpkin Street in the former Five Points Subway this fall. Mirin Fusion Kitchen has announced it’s coming to the Briarcliff development on West Broad Street. See “East Side Restaurant Jake’s Place Opens, and More Food News” at flagpole.com.

A Path to Peace

Sometimes the greatest gift you can give ourselves is the willingness to release resentment and hurt. Join Coach Greta for a powerful 90-minute workshop to help you understand forgiveness and release what no longer serves you. Come discover that forgiveness is not about forgetting-it’s about freeing yourself. Unity Athens, 100 Janice Dr (UMC building) Sunday, September 13, 2:00, after the 12:30 Unity service, questions? unityathens@gmail.com unityathens.com

S E P T E MB E R 9, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

news

city dope

Flock of See-Gulls

SHOULD ACC RUN FAR AWAY FROM SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS? AND MORE LOCAL NEWS

By Blake Aued news@flagpole.com Athens-Clarke County immediately put new that,” he continued. “I think you try to go security protocols into place and is reviewforward and show improvement.” ing its policies related to Flock cameras Mayor Kelly Girtz, who leaves office in after a police department employee was January, took the middle road. “I’m not an fired for using the automated license-plate absolutist about decrying technology of this readers to track his ex-wife. sort, but I’m also not an absolutist about Police said Aug. 28 that Criminal Intelusing it all the time, everywhere, under ligence Analyst Supervisor Nick Barker, a every circumstance,” he said. civilian employee, had used the Flock system to search for his ex-wife’s license plate number “numerous times over the course of several months in 2025.” Barker has been fired, and both ACCPD’s Office of Professional Standards and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation are looking into potential crimes. According to Police Chief Jerry Saulters, he initiated an audit of ACCPD personnel’s use of Flock after reports started surfacing of abuse in other law enforcement agencies. The audit turned up Barker’s misconduct on Aug. 27. “Within just a few hours, we had enough evidence to move forward with termination,” he told the ACC Mayor and Commission at a Sept. 1 meeting. Saulters said the offenses occurred A rendering of the proposed Arena district before the county’s real-time crime center started operating last year. The center pulls in video from not only Flock, Manager Bob Cowell reassured commisbut ACC’s downtown surveillance cameras, sioners that he and Saulters immediately UGA cameras, AI facial recognition, federal took action to limit access to Flock. Cowell databases, information from other Georgia said he issued an executive order “scaling law enforcement agencies, and Ring camback when it can be used and by whom eras at private businesses and residences it can be used, and attaching additional (with permission from the property owner). approvals to that.” It was set up in the wake of Laken Riley’s Specifically, Saulters said that only sworn murder in 2024, and has been credited with officers with the rank of lieutenant can now helping to solve several crimes. access the system, and they need permisHowever, some have held reservations sion from a captain to do so. Permission from the beginning. Commissioner Melissa is reserved for major felonies like kidnapLink, for example, worried that ACCPD ping or a missing person report, Saulters would be compelled to share data with said. He added that safeguards that were Immigration and Customs Enforcement. already put into place last December probFelix Bell, who chairs the Public Safety ably would have prevented Barker’s alleged Civilian Oversight Board, warned that actions. the technology could be used to target “When the real time crime center came Black and LGBTQ communities, as well as onboard, we actually changed a whole series immigrants. of policies,” Cowell said. “And frankly, Flock Those concerns have only been heightcreated some options [for additional safeened by the allegations against Barker. guards] that didn’t exist before that.” Three people spoke at the mayor and comSaulters said he has two internal teams mission meeting about the dangers of Flock working on Flock regulations, and they and the artificial intelligence technology it would produce a report within two to three runs on, including former mayoral candiweeks. Coincidentally, a commission work date Tim Denson. Instead of the local govsession on public safety issues was already ernment asking residents to trust Flock and scheduled for this Tuesday, Sept. 8. law enforcement, he said the government “Public trust is our no. 1 priority, so should “trust the people of Athens that we we’ve got some work to do,” Saulters said. don’t need to be surveilled 24/7.” “We’ve got to tighten up the system.” Commissioner and Mayor-elect Dexter The company has also taken steps to Fisher—who differed sharply with Denson improve security, such as only allowing on Flock in the mayor’s race—dismissed clients to keep data for seven days before those privacy concerns. “You’re being surerasing it, instead of 30; requiring officers veilled when you go to the grocery store to submit a specific case number and crime to buy stuff… Everywhere we go, we get to access data; and automatically suspendsurveilled, and I want us to be reminded of ing anyone who appears to be misusing the that,” Fisher said. “But I do want to make system. sure we have the right safeguards in place. Some influential Republican state “Every organization is gonna have bad legislators have also taken an interest in apples. There’s nothing you can do about limiting Flock lately. Sen. John Albers

F L A GP OL E .C OM · S E P T E MB E R 9, 2026

(R-Alpharetta), who chairs the Senate Public Safety Committee, recently said he’s working with sheriffs and police chiefs on new regulations that could come before the General Assembly next year. During a relatively brief—for them— meeting of less than three hours, commissioners also put several zoning issues and

other business to bed, including: • approving two small multifamily buildings on Clover Street 9–0, with Commissioner John Culpepper absent. • approving a mixed-density housing development at a former concrete plant off College Avenue 8–1, with Commissioner Tiffany Taylor voting no. • unanimously approving almost 300 new manufactured home sites at the Country Corners and Pine Woods Estates mobile home parks off U.S. Highway 29, which

will also involve replacing Pine Woods’ notoriously unreliable well water system with city water. • unanimously approving a nearly $1 million annual “continuum of care” grant to provide services to the homeless. • voting 6–3 to give permission to apply for a $1 million grant to create an intake system specifically for homeless individuals ages 18–24, with Fisher and commissioners Stephanie Johnson and Ovita Thornton opposed. Fisher and Johnson said they believed the grant would duplicate the Athens Homeless Coalition’s existing intake system, although Athens Homeless Coalition Executive Director Michael Bien said it’s particularly hard to gather data about the young adult demographic to determine how best to help them. Thornton was upset that the grant did not address transitional housing. “Shame on HUD [The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development]. Shame on HUD,” Thornton said before walking out of the meeting. “They should be providing funding for direct services.” • unanimously approving an application for an $8.5 million federal grant to provide affordable housing for the homeless. • voting 8–0 to accept the updated Athens in Motion bike, pedestrian and overall transportation safety plan. Accepting the plan does not mean the projects it contains will be built—they each have to be approved individually. • voting 7–1 to put the county-owned Kelley Diversified property near the Classic Center up for sale to help pay back bonds for Akins Ford Arena. Johnson was opposed. • voting unanimously to update the wording of ACC’s parking ordinance to account for replacing parking meters with an internet-or phone-based payment system. “It’s actually working out fairly well. I think folks are getting used to it. It’s very easy to use,” said Commissioner Mike Hamby, who serves on the Athens Downtown Development Authority. In fact, Hamby said he used the parking app that evening.

Arena District Moves Forward Selling or leasing county-owned property around Akins Ford Arena has always been part of the plan for funding its construction, and the Athens-Clarke County Commission took another step toward that goal last week. The county is putting a parcel known as the Kelley Diversified tract on Willow Street up for sale. The old City of Athens bought the land and built a warehouse in 1970, and for a time it was used for vocational training. The unified government declared it surplus in 2007, but bids came in well below expectations, so it was never sold. However, since then the area between downtown and the North Oconee River has been built up, so the property could be more desirable to developers than it was almost 20 years ago. Classic Center President and CEO Paul Cramer initially requested over $70 million for the arena, but as commissioners whittled down the SPLOST 2020 list in 2019, they included just $34 million in sales tax revenue. The rest of the price tag—which eventually ballooned to $170 million after the COVID pandemic drove up construction costs—would be covered by a host of other sources, including ticket fees, catering fees, naming rights and hotel/motel taxes. One of them was leasing public lands around the arena for a private developer to create a new entertainment district. “It was always contemplated that those public properties would be monetized for supporting the bond repayment. This has been in the works for a very long time,” Mayor Kelly Girtz said before the Sept. 1 vote. The Classic Center Authority has enough cash to cover the bond payments through next summer, but is expected to run into a deficit in fiscal 2028. Selling Kelley Diversified will help bridge the gap. Accenture, the consulting firm hired to create a development plan, recommended selling the land because it’s not connected to the other ACC- owned parcels around the arena. Funds from the sale will be “set aside through 2028 and 2029 so we can ensure that [in] those years before the development goes vertical and produces revenue, we can ensure our payment of the bonds,” Girtz said. That is not to say the arena is unprofitable. It netted $4 million over FY25 and FY26, not including bond payments. Revenue for FY27 (which ends next July) is projected to be $33.9 million, with expenses of $27 million. Accenture recently submitted a preliminary plan to the Arena District Steering Committee, appointed by Girtz to steer development in the area. It envisions a hotel at the corner of East Broad and Foundry streets; an “entertainment plaza” for events like outdoor concerts, food truck festivals, yoga lessons and farmers markets between the arena and the Multimodal Transportation Center; a parking deck replacing the Classic Center pavilion on Foundry; apartments and townhouses on Hickory Street; a rideshare dropoff area; an extension of Firefly Trail across East Broad; and a covered escalator connecting the arena to the rest of downtown. After tweaking, the plan will come before the mayor and commission at a November work session prior to a vote in December, Girtz told Flagpole.

Re-bag the Bag More than a decade after the proposal originally surfaced, Athens-Clarke County commissioners are once again considering banning plastic grocery bags, as well as plastic foam food containers. An estimated 2 million disposable plastic bags are used in Athens each year, and a significant number wind up littering the side of the road or in local streams. The same goes for expanded polystyrene—commonly known by the brand name Styrofoam— which easily breaks apart into tiny pieces. Together, they make up 19% of litter locally. “Those items show up on the side of the road, in our systems where they shouldn’t be, at the [recycling facility] where they shouldn’t be, in our storm drains, in our litter traps, and of course in the natural landscape in general,” ACC Solid Waste Director Suki Janssen told the commission’s Legislative Review Committee Sept. 3. ACC and the Georgia Department of Transportation combined spend more than $1 million cleaning up litter in Athens. That’s not to mention the damage plastic bags cause to recycling equipment at the Recovered Materials Processing Facility (known as the “Murph”), Janssen said. Plastic bags found in recycling go to the landfill, she said; they’re only accepted at the Center for Hard-to-Recycle Materials (CHaRM). Commissioners tried to ban plastic bags in 2014, but faced pushback from organizations representing the plastics and grocery store industries. The state legislature voted down a bill aimed at Athens-Clarke County in 2015 that would have banned local governments from banning plastic bags. Then-mayor Nancy Denson opposed the bag ban and refused to bring it up for a vote. “I remember there was enthusiasm for it on the majority of the commission, and that’s where it ended, was on her desk,” LRC member Allison Wright said. “She was very adamant of her feelings against us doing that.” After Kelly Girtz was elected mayor in 2018, he reassigned the issue to the LRC. But the COVID-19 pandemic prevented county officials from gathering the data they needed to justify the ban. Times have changed, and shoppers are more accustomed to bringing their own reusable bags, several commissioners said. The public might be more accepting of a bag ban now that stores like Aldi and Costco do not offer free plastic bags to customers. The law would include exceptions for loose produce, meat, fish, bread, newspapers and drycleaning. It would also provide alternatives for people who cannot afford their own compostable or reusable bags. If passed, the law would be phased in over a year-long educational period. Questions remain, though, such as why a ban is more effective than a fee, and whether the law would be enforced through random checks or by complaint. Commissioners also asked for more information about similar laws in coastal communities and other college towns. The proposed law in Athens is based on one in the city of South Fulton. Not many cities in Georgia have banned plastic bags entirely, although cities like Columbus, Atlanta and Clarkston do restrict them on city property, assistant county attorney Courtney Davis said. The LRC’s next meeting is Oct. 1. “Hopefully we will move ahead with this,” chair Carol Myers said. f

news

comment

New Homes Help Everyone LOWER-INCOME RESIDENTS BENEFIT FROM MORE HOUSING

By Tushar Kansal news@flagpole.com A common objection to new housing devel1,654 ZIP codes found that metropolitan opments is that most working families areas that increased their housing stock cannot afford them. If most new construcby at least 10% from 2017 to 2023 saw tion is market-rate housing that costs more rents fall from 2023–2024—again, with than many locals can afford, how does the steepest declines in the oldest, most building more homes improve affordability? affordable apartment buildings. University A growing body of research, including a of Notre Dame economist Evan Mast has new study conducted in Honolulu, shows found that for every 100 market-rate homes that new housing of all kinds improves built in a high-income neighborhood, as affordability throughout the housing many as 70 homes are freed up in commumarket, and that the people who benefit nities with below-average incomes. Adding most are Hawaii’s cost-burdened tenants. In homes, even expensive ones, gives all rentMarch, the University of Hawaii Economic ers more choices. When landlords have to Research Organization (UHERO) published compete for tenants, rents go down. a working paper describing what happened after The Central, a 512- unit mixed-income condominium tower near Ala Moana, opened in 2021. The research team traced who moved into each unit, where they came from, and what became of the homes they left. The result is what economists call “housing filtering.” When residents move into a new apartment, their previous home becomes available to someone else, who in turn leaves their home for someone else to purchase or rent. UHERO estimates that because of housing filtering, The Central generated more than 500 vacancies across O‘ahu in its first three years. Those freed-up Hawaii condo tower The Central freed up less expensive homes were, on average, larger homes elsewhere. than the new condos, with more bedrooms, and about 40% less expensive per square foot. Critically, these When there aren’t enough homes for benefits stayed local. Of the families that anyone, everyone competes for limited moved into The Central and whose prior supply. Those with the least money have addresses could be identified, 88% had been the fewest options. Across U.S. metro areas, living in Hawaii. And the vacancies they cre- low-income ZIP codes saw rent increases ated extended across O‘ahu. that were, on average, 10% higher than One particularly striking chain began wealthy ones from 2017–2024—not when a unit at The Central was purchased because wealthy households displaced by a woman leaving a 1960s-era apartthem, but because constrained supply ment in a low-income neighborhood. That leaves lower-income residents with nowhere apartment was subsequently occupied by to go. And today, consistent outmigration, someone moving from a transitional housthe lowest square footage per home of any ing facility for the formerly homeless. That state, and the highest over-crowding are all means, in two steps, the sale of a high-end the result of insufficient homebuilding in condo freed up a bed at a homeless shelter. Hawaii. Austin, TX shows how this process can The evidence is consistent: When houslower rents citywide. From 2010–2019, ing supply grows, rents moderate, and the rents in Austin increased nearly 93%— people who benefit most are those who more than in any other major American previously had the fewest choices. Building city. Austin responded by allowing larger new homes—including apartments, mixed- apartment buildings near jobs and transit; use buildings, and other housing types that reducing parking mandates; streamlining add meaningful supply—frees up existing permitting; and facilitating accessory dwell- homes throughout the market and makes ing units, or self-contained, smaller residen- them more affordable for others. tial apartments next to the existing house. Policymakers who reduce the barriers From 2015–2024, Austin added 120,000 preventing new housing are helping famnew homes, the vast majority of them ilies doubled up in too-small apartments, market rate. Today, Austin’s median rent renters spending most of their income on has fallen below the national average—even housing, and longtime residents on the after 18,000 new residents moved in from verge of moving away. Austin proved it 2022–2024. And rents in older, less expenworks. f sive apartment buildings fell the most: 11% Tushar Kansal is a senior officer with The Pew from 2023–2024. That means that lower- Charitable Trusts’ housing policy initiative. Trey income renters were among the biggest beneficiaries of Austin’s construction boom. Gordner is a policy researcher at the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization. This op-ed Austin is not an outlier. A Pew Charitawas first published in Honolulu Civil Beat on May 21. ble Trusts analysis of rental markets across

S E P T E MB E R 9, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

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“I’ve got about 15 minutes left on my time, so y’all got to hurry up,” he joked.

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news

Senate Tossups

MAP TRENDS TOWARD DEMOCRATS, BUT REPUBLICANS HAVE SLIM ADVANTAGE

By Jennifer Shutt news@flagpole.com

oters throughout much of the country will cast ballots for their U.S. senator this fall, but just nine states hold the power to determine control of the chamber—setting the course for which presidential nominees can secure confirmation and what bills advance during the next two years. The Senate races, as well as the campaigns for every House seat, will serve as a test of Republican policies after two years of unified control of Congress. The outcome of this year’s midterm elections will also have a substantial impact on the remainder of President Donald Trump’s term. Republicans hold 53 Senate seats, requiring Democratic candidates to win over voters in at least four states that previously chose a GOP lawmaker. Zachary Peskowitz, political science professor at Emory University, said Republicans have a bit of an advantage this year, but that doesn’t guarantee they’ll keep their majority. “I think that the Senate is a tougher map for the Democrats than the House is,” he said. “But given Trump’s approval ratings, obviously it is certainly possible that Democrats win, even in these tougher states.” Alaska, Iowa, Maine, North Carolina, Ohio and Texas could be won by either candidate, according to a top elections forecaster, giving Democrats several paths to regain the Senate. That marks an improvement in the party’s chances, though they also need to secure wins in competitive races in Georgia, Michigan and New Hampshire. A 50-50 split would keep Republicans in charge of the Senate with the vice president casting the tie-breaking vote. While each Senate candidate has a different message and variations in their policy goals, big-picture issues like the war in Iran, immigration enforcement tactics and the rising cost of living are at the top of voters’ minds. That’s been clear on the campaign trail.

Immigration Enforcement Key in Maine Maine Republican Sen. Susan Collins, seeking her sixth term against Democratic challenger Troy Jackson, has faced several questions about immigration funding and federal officers’ actions. As chairwoman of the Appropriations Committee, Collins was central to negotiations earlier this year over

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whether Congress should place new guardrails on immigration enforcement after federal officers shot and killed two U.S. citizens in Minnesota. She told reporters during the launch of her bus tour in mid-August that Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents involved in enforcement in Maine Future U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff campaigns in Athens in 2020. will now have to wear body cameras. Her comments came about a month after federal officers shot and killed Johan Sebastián Durán Guerbody at Fort Bragg obviously is on pins and needles worryrero in Biddeford. ing about their deployed loved ones who are out there. But “I think what happened is too many of the Immigration also having to face the brunt of the rising prices in their and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol agents were own military families.” sent out there without proper vetting and without proper Cooper then criticized his opponent, former Republican training,” she said. National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley, for his Collins also defended her decades-long strategy after a comments on the economy, saying he hadn’t accepted how reporter asked about her voting record and criticism from challenging the cost of living has become for Americans. Democrats that she often aligns with Trump. “People are struggling and looking up at the middle class “My approach has not changed in any way,” she said. and thinking, ‘Am I ever going to get there? Is the American “I have worked with five presidents. I’ve supported them dream dead?’ And so many people in the middle class who when I think they’re right. I have not hesitated to oppose are just barely hanging on, not knowing what to do next,” them when I think that they’re wrong.” he said. The issues highlighted during those two events are reflected in nearly every Senate campaign, with each candidate positioning themselves as the best solution to Americans’ struggles. North Carolina Democratic candidate Roy Cooper told supporters at a campaign rally in Henderson that health care should remain at the forefront, noting that changes to Medicaid included in Republicans’ “big, beautiful” law won’t So far, polling and analysis haven’t indicated a clear outtake effect until after the election. come to this fall’s elections. “As we say back home on the farm, you ain’t seen nothThe Cook Political Report with Amy Walter rates Alaska, ing yet,” he said. “That’s why we need to send leaders there, Iowa, Maine, Michigan, Ohio and Texas as toss-up races. to make sure that we are paying attention to those who have been left behind. Making sure that people have quality Campaigns for Senate seats in Georgia, North Carolina and New Hampshire currently lean toward Democrats. Iowa and healthcare.” Texas had been in the lean-Republican category, but CPR The former governor and state attorney general spoke changed that in late August, with Senate and Governors about concerns military families have experienced since Editor Jessica Taylor writing “we see the overall battle for Trump coordinated with the Israeli government to launch the Senate as a toss up, but one in which Republicans may a war against Iran, which drags on despite the president’s still hold the slimmest of advantages.” initial claims it would only take about four to six weeks. “Even though, on paper, it should be extraordinarily “We know this war in Iran has no strategy and we know difficult for Democrats to flip seats that President Donald that it is sending prices soaring at home,” he said. “Every-

Affordability Concerns Amid Iran War

GOP Holds Slim Advantage

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · S E P T E MB E R 9, 2026

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Trump won by more than 13 points, it’s increasingly hard to ignore both public and private polling showing both races to be more competitive than the Lean category reflects,” she added. Ratings could continue to fluctuate, possibly several times, before voting ends on Nov. 3, but the top concerns aren’t likely to change much during the next couple of months. A Pew Research Center poll released in late July shows voters consistently want politicians to talk about the economy, with 29% saying it’s an important issue, followed by 9% focused on ethics and reform, 7% on immigration, 5% on health care, 4% on foreign policy and 4% on the president. Democrats held a slight advantage at the time of the poll, with 43% of those surveyed saying they would vote for a candidate from that party, while 37% said they were likely to support a Republican. The remaining 20% said they hadn’t decided or would vote for someone else. The poll showed that while voters agreed more with Republicans on crime and immigration, Democrats held an advantage on education, health care and environmental policy. Neither party outpaced the other on economic issues, with 37% saying they agree with Democrats, 36% saying they believe Republicans handle that issue better and 25% saying neither.

Dems Have Enthusiasm Edge Emory University’s Peskowitz said many people will cast ballots based on party affiliation, though swing voters will decide based on the specifics of each candidate. And this year, that will likely be their economic policies. “What voters often do if they have negative perceptions of the economy or don’t feel great about the economy, they punish the incumbent presidential party,” he said. “The other important thing to keep in mind is enthusiasm of partisans, and whether they’re willing to turn out to vote or not.” That trend may favor Democrats, since Republicans have held the House, Senate and White House for two years. And midterm elections almost always see the president’s party lose seats in Congress. Michael Traugott, a research professor emeritus at the University of Michigan’s Ford School of Public Policy, said the primary elections during the last several months have shown somewhat more enthusiasm among Democrats than Republicans based on turnout. “And we’ll have to see how much of this, you know, carries over to the fall,” he said. What the president says about Republican candidates in toss-up states and whether Trump decides to endorse those candidates could also become a factor, Traugott said. “This is not necessarily the positive advantage that it’s been in past elections, because he has historically low approval ratings,” he said. “Mike Rogers is going to have to think a fair amount about whether or not he brings Donald Trump into the state of Michigan to campaign with him. And I think that this could be true in other states,” Traugott added. “I’m not sure that Susan Collins would like to have Donald Trump come in to campaign with her.” Rogers, a former GOP congressman who ran unsuccessfully for a Senate seat two years ago, and Democrat Abdul El-Sayed, former executive director of the Detroit Health Department, are both slated to appear on the ballot after winning their primaries. Democratic candidates will spend the next few months trying to sway voters frustrated or disillusioned with their party’s current focus, despite that being an uphill climb, Traugott said. “I think the pull of party identification is still very strong. So if there are people who voted for Trump in ’24, say, and are unhappy with what’s happened since, I don’t think they’re going to switch to Democrats. It’s more likely they won’t vote for Senate,” he said. “Depending upon other things going on in their state, they could even stay home. So the consequence would be more in terms of turnout or not marking the ballot for the Senate race than it would be voting for a Democrat.” f This article originally appeared at georgiarecorder.com. Georgia Recorder is part of States Newsroom, the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news organization.

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WED. SEPT. 9 • DOORS 6:30PM

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music

F L A GP OL E .C OM · S E P T E MB E R 9, 2026

WHO DAT?: The newest Rock ’n’ Raffle fundraiser for Nuçi’s Space is now live. The winner will receive two tickets for each night of Widespread Panic’s Halloween shows (Oct. 30–31) at New Orleans’ Lakefront Arena. Also included are a $300 gift card, a drum head and an autographed event poster. Raffle tickets are $10 each, and purchases in increments of $100 double your entries. So, if you spend a hundred bucks on 10 entries, you’ll actually receive 20. The raffle closes Friday, Oct. 2 at noon, so if this is your bag, you better jump on it. To purchase raffle tickets and receive more information, please see nuci.org/rocknraffle. AS THE WORLD TURNS: The newest album by Bloodkin comes

out Friday, Sept. 11 and is titled Flowers and Ash. I imagine for most of us it’s difficult to imagine a Bloodkin existing without founding member Daniel Hutchens, who passed away in 2021. Still, there’s no denying the strength left in the concept. Hutchens’ co-writer, bandmate and lifelong friend Eric Carter was assisted in bringing the record to fruition by the encouragement and coordination of manager Carison Stokes, as well as musicians and studio folk Jon Mills, Betsy Franck, Tori Pater, David Barbe, John Neff and Aaron Phillips. The album eases into itself with the first couple of tracks (the stompy invocation of the title track and the dusky haze of “Texas Ghost”) then blasts into its full rock-and-roll spirit with “Whiskey in The Wild West.” The less immediately urgent “Enemy Within” has a walkabout type of melody, and “Crystal Ball” is a high point with the band positively storming through its Rolling Stones best. Album closer “Jet Stream” is whimsical but with some emotional Parking Garage weight that’s impactful. After its release, find this wherever you stream music. On the same night, Bloodkin celebrates the album’s release with opener Scott Low at the 40 Watt Club. For all other information, please see bloodkin.net. A BUSY WEEK: Parking Garage has hooks for days, and performs them very generously on the new album Steel. The group punches its way through opening song “Meathead Olympics” and ups its own ante with the horn-driven second song “Truly Automatic.” Of similar muscularity is “Anything Underneath,” “The Cleanest Wrist Award” and the epic-length (and multi-sectional) “Epilogue: Six Finger Handshake.” Other particular highlights are the tropically bouncy “Eden Still,” the chimey-guitar sheen of “Only You” and drop dead classic Floyd of “All I Have To Give.” The band plays its release show this Friday, Sept. 11 at Flicker Theatre and Bar and welcomes Rare Birds (Atlanta), Giant DeNiro (Milledgeville) and “internet singer-songwriter” Milk in the Microwave. Find the new album at parking garage.bandcamp.com. YOU NEVER STOOD A CHANCE: Just as soon as it was announced, it was sold out. I’m talking about the Athens, Ga: Inside/ Out reunion concert happening Friday, Dec. 4 at the 40 Watt Club. Lucky ticket holders will get to see Pylon Reenactment Society (including appearances by original Pylon members Michael Lachowski and Curtis Crowe), Love Tractor’s Armistead Welford with special guests, The Kilkenny Cats, ex-members of Bar-B-Q Killers and special guests billed as the “New Que Review” (a clever pun known only to those of a particular age group), Squalls songs performed by member Bob Hay, and a Dexter Romweber tribute with Henry Cash and Seth Carolina. A second

show was added to meet demand, and it happens the night before on Dec. 3. By the time you read this, that show, too—featuring Dreams So Real, the aforementioned Pylon Reenactment Society, Bob Hay, and Kilkenny Cats plus Time Toy and Is/Ought Gap—will very likely have sold out. And all the tickets for the free screenings at Ciné on Sept. 24 are gone as well. There’s a planned December theatrical release of the newly restored film, so just wait for that to roll around, I guess. For more information, please see facebook.com/athensgainsideout. REGULAR FOLKS LIKE YOU AND ME: The Newtown Music Festival happens Saturday, Sept. 12 from 4 p.m. to midnight. Artists will be featured on stages at Dead Beat Club, Treehouse Kid & Craft, restaurant Nové Mesto and Hidden Gem. And all these places are right next to each other. so it’s going to be a breeze to arrive and enjoy everything. Featured acts this day are Golden Bowl (4

p.m.), Creemo (5 p.m.), Freeman Leverett (6 p.m.), Ted Montesanto (7 p.m.), Athens Cowboy Choir (8 p.m.), Boulevard Saints (9 p.m.), Luxury Vehicle (10 p.m.) and Nicholas Mallis (11 p.m.). Admission to this is free, so just show up and maybe bring some dollars to spend at these nice locations. SIT UP, TAKE NOTICE: Congratulations are due to fiddler Jason Cade (Hog-Eyed Man) who was selected as this year’s Artist in Resonance Fellow at the Library of Congress’ American Folklife Center. His project for the duration of his time is “From Archive to Active Tradition: Reviving Bascom Lamar Lunsford’s Lost Fiddle Repertoire on His Historic Instrument.” For such Cade will make extensive use of the library’s collection on Lunsford, but he will also get to record using Lunsford’s own fiddle at the Southern Appalachian Archives. This is an incredible honor that is both well deserved and hard won. For more information on the American Folklife Center, please see loc.gov/ research-centers/american-folklife-center. SHORT TAKES: The 2026 remastered, five-year anniversary version of Marcel Sletten’s Vicious Kisses is out now. It’s an indie-ambient album of the first degree, so check it out at primordialvoid.bandcamp.com. The debut single from alt- rocky The Speax is out now, and it’s named “Unborn.” It’s a little long at nearly five-and-a-half minutes, but the guitar work is solid and it gets more tuneful the more you listen to it. Find it on major streaming services. A new single by Olivia Tremor Control sneaked out a couple of weeks ago. The song, “Advice From The Oceans,” is taken from the forthcoming album The Same Place due out Oct. 23. f

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arts & culture

feature

better on that one.’ A few of ’em might have fun, but I never had fun.

Love Is All

NEW BOOK DOCUMENTS THE LIFE AND ART OF HAROLD RITTENBERRY

By Libba Beaucham arts@flagpole.com

look in the refrigerator and put a gourmet meal out on the table. She showed us all kind of sweet things, how to treat people. How to talk with them, not to them. It’s one of the greatest stories in my life: my mom. FP: You’ve said that art isn’t fun. Can you explain what you mean by that? HR: When you build something, you’re not there to do it for yourself. You ain’t

FP: Your sculpture The Byzantine Knight has stayed with you in your yard for decades. Why has that piece stayed so close? HR: It took me over two or three years to do that. Every time I’d think about an idea about him, I’d go try to put it onto it…

COURTESY OF THE GEORGIA MUSEUM OF ART

new collection of essays, interviews and artworks about Athens-based artist Harold Rittenberry has been released this month by the Georgia Museum of Art. Harold Rittenberry: Love Is All is the first monograph to be published about Rittenberry and shares his life story, perspective on the discipline of art, and personal reflections from those who have followed his 40-plus-year career. The self-taught artist is most well known for his rust-red steel sculptures that often depict nature, mythical creatures and spirituality with whimsy and hopeful messages. His works can be seen in Athens installed as public art throughout parks, community centers, the UGA campus and Rittenberry’s own yard called the Spirit Yard. Flagpole spoke with Rittenberry and his longtime friend and collaborator in the book Dan Coenen ahead of the book signing event with Rittenberry on Sept. 13 from 1–3 p.m. at the Georgia Museum of Art.

FP: What would you tell a young person who wants to make a career out of art? HR: They ought to go somewhere and find a difficult job that they think they can’t do. Work on that job and find out all the hard things and then tackle them… Don’t try to do what other people do. Do what you do. Find your thing. Do like a jazz musician, always find a new groove. That’s the way I feel about that.

Flagpole: You’ve talked about learning discipline from your father and from the military. What did your father teach you, growing up watching him work as a stonemason and carpenter? Harold Rittenberry: What I learned from my father is if you’re gonna build something, build it with the best material you can find, and always complete what you start. And give it a meaning. What you’re doing it for. I always have a meaning. FP: And your mother? HR: She did that, too. Sometimes she didn’t have the best material. She could

FP: How did it feel to finally hold the finished book?

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I wanted him to stand tall and look brave… I wanted him to stay in and guard me and be my friend just like a person. I always thought [of] it as a person.

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thinking about yourself—you’re thinking about how the other people are gonna react to it. You don’t want to be out there having fun… When you work, you work… You sit back and look at it when you get through with it, you’re not satisfied. But in a way, you never satisfied. You think ‘I could’ve did

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FP: Dan, you’ve said this project took about six years to reach print. What kept it going? Dan Coenen: I reached out to the Georgia Museum of Art—in particular the then-director, Bill Eiland, who’s a huge fan of Harold’s work. The process was complicated by a number of things. COVID hit us. Another was that Bill Eiland retired from the museum, and the new director, David Odo, was also very supportive of the book, but he had health challenges when he came in… But with the help of [director of communications] Hillary Brown and others on staff at the art museum, we just kept chugging along. It was sort of like Harold says: If you start something, just keep fighting through and get it done and do it right. FP: What do you hope readers take away from the book? DC: Harold’s story is a story of someone who’s had many different steps and stages in his life, and that journey culminated in his becoming an artist of extraordinary creativity and talent. I hope the book captures that. Harold, in many ways, is like all of us—we all have a journey in life, and his has been rooted in very, very basic values: a strong family, spirituality in the broad sense and accepting spirituality, and a love of beauty, including of the natural world.

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HR: I think it’s one of the most wonderful highlights of my life. When I saw the book, I couldn’t believe it. It had the big hardcover, it was just so professional. It just blew me away. Everything it’s saying is true. It’s true… It means a lot to me, and the people who went through all this time doing this… I thank everybody for that.

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FP: The book’s title is a phrase that is often referenced in your work, “Love Is All.” What does that mean to you? HR: It’s the kind of love that Jesus dispenses. It’s not the kind of love where people go around hugging and kissing. It’s just about caring about people and the work and the world of everything… That’s all you want. Love is all. It’s caring. It’s giving. It’s everything. f

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music

feature

Angélique Kidjo

AWARD-WINNING SONGWRITER AND HUMANITARIAN VISITS AS UGA DELTA CHAIR

By Sam Lipkin editorial@flagpole.com

layers of our humanity. Diversity is natural, and necessary even. “Look at the trees. I deeply believe that in the forest, where trees are, they speak to each other through the roots. They come to the rescue of each other. Sometimes you see

BRANTLEY GUTIERREZ

ive-time Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, actress and humanitarian Angélique Kidjo recently added a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame to her accolades on Aug. 18, making her the first African musician to receive the honor. Born in Ouidah, Benin, Kidjo has become one of the world’s most celebrated global music artists, drawing on musical traditions of West Africa while incorporating elements of Afrobeat, jazz, funk, R&B, Latin rhythms and pop to weave a tapestry of what it means to be human. The Beninese musician will be making a stop in Athens Sept. 8–10 as UGA’s Willson Center for Humanities and Arts annual Delta Visiting Chair for Global Understanding. Each day there will be a free event open to the public. On Sept. 8, Kidjo will talk with students in a Hodgson School of Music survey class in world music. It is an open class starting at 1:15 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center’s Ramsey Concert Hall. There will be an “African Perspectives” podcast taping featuring Kidjo in conversation with the show’s host, Akinloye Ojo, on Sept. 9 at 7 p.m. at the 40 Watt Club. No reservations are required, but arriving early for seats is recommended. Kidjo’s culminating performance with her band on Sept. 10 at Hodgson Hall does require reserved tickets, and while it has sold out, there’s a waiting list registration at pac.uga.edu. As an advocate Kidjo is passionate about education, but she doesn’t view the world of music as different from the opportunity to educate. She says that, for her, it’s difficult to detach music, education and human rights from one another because they are all essential to our social ecosystem. “Teaching art in school is as important as teaching science because when you have a vision, an artistic vision about things, you discover the world differently. You learn differently. Your approach is different because it has a dimension of beauty and creativity to it. We make a lot of discoveries scientifically about many diseases and many things around us… without talking about the enchantment when you discover something wonderful, and that’s what music allows your brain to do,” says Kidjo. That idea of living in the same ecosystem is a guiding factor in Kidjo’s life and art. She says that being raised in a country where nature was present every day and the seasons affected day-to-day life taught her a lot about the

F L A GP OL E .C OM · S E P T E MB E R 9, 2026

a trunk that is dying and it starts coming back because the other helps, and that’s what our humanity is,” says Kidjo. Growing up questioning, observing and humbling herself to learn are qualities that have “nourished” Kidjo’s music, she says. But it always comes back to nature, and

through nature a connection to each other as people. Kidjo has released numerous acclaimed albums, and she sings in multiple languages. She’s also a prolific collaborator, and her recently released album, HOPE!!, demonstrates exactly how music can unite people across cultures, generations and genres. “When it comes to music, it always amazes me that my ancestors’ rhythm can fit in any music in the world, and is powerful yet humbling in questioning, because we created a world forgetting that it was one planet together before the separation of the continents,” says Kidjo. “That’s what brings me to do collaboration, because I want to learn, I want to bring something to the table, and I want to see what we have to meet halfway and see our similarities.” Inspiring positive change is an important motivating factor for Kidjo, and she says that artists have a responsibility to use their creativity to lift people up. “Singing the story of shared humanity, that’s what keeps my humanity in check,” she says, and that attitude brought together the collaborations on HOPE!! organically. The album took five years to create, during a period of time when Kidjo was mourning her mother’s passing. In some ways, it helped Kidjo process her grief because she says that all of the topics on this album are related to values that her mother passed down to her. That was a guiding light along the way. “So one of the things that I grew up hearing my mom say all the time is that if you lose hope, you lose everything,” says Kidjo. “When I was leaving my home, I was 23 years old. I knew that I was embarking on something that will force me to tap into all the resources inside of me to start over from scratch, and I take that challenge head on with enthusiasm and say, ‘Well, if I don’t try, I don’t know. If I fail, who cares? I’m gonna start over again.’ And that’s what this album is about. We need to tap into that gift that we are born with, that is more powerful than any weapon. When you hope that tomorrow’s going to be better, no matter what anyone does, when you have that purpose, everything you do is through that purpose, and you win.” The song “Superwoman” was one she started working on nearly eight years ago with Dadju, a young man from the Congo. He wanted to write a song to celebrate his mother, and this was before Kidjo’s mother had passed. She found it endearing and inspiring that he would want to write a song about his mother, and so they came together to lift up all the mothers in this world. Moments like that on the album reflect the throughline of shared humanity and importance of positivity. The conversations and performances during Kidjo’s time in Athens will center on advancing understanding between cultures around the world and her new album, HOPE!!. More information about these events can be found at pac.uga.edu. “Everybody has to have a little bit of hope,” says Kidjo. “It’s a starting point of change.” f

live music calendar Tuesday 8

Wednesday 9 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 HIBBS FAMILY BAND Quartet of family members combining the textures and rhythms of bluegrass and folk music with alt-rock melodic sensibilities and lyricism. (6 p.m.) Flicker Theatre & Bar 9 p.m. FREE! www.flickertheatreand bar.com DR. FRED’S KARAOKE Featuring a large assortment of pop, rock, indie and more. Georgia Theatre 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). SOLD OUT! www.georgiatheatre.com DJ BIG RED Internet personality on a college DJ tour. Hendershot’s 7 p.m. (sign-ups). FREE! www.hendershotsathens.com BEATS, RHYMES AND LIFE OPEN MIC Emcees, poets, rappers and freestylers of all styles are invited to perform with the backing band playing the tempo of their choice. Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall 7:30 p.m. $3 (w/ UGA ID), $20. music.uga.edu UGA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Performing an evening of masterworks including Brahms’ Symphony No. 1 and Wagner’s overture from the opera Rienzi.

Thursday 10 40 Watt Club Tank Touring Presents. 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $10 (adv.), $15. www.40watt.com GREAT DANE Self-described “loudest band from Athens, GA.”

Friday 11 40 Watt Club 8 p.m. (doors), 9 p.m. (show). $25 (adv.), $30. www.40watt.com BLOODKIN Formed by Eric Carter and the late Daniel Hutchens in 1986, this gritty rock and roll group has accumulated a catalog of over 500 songs. Album release show! SCOTT LOW Rustic folk singer- songwriter and former Athenian whose music is also inspired by jazz, punk and Southern rock. Flicker Theatre & Bar 8 p.m. $10 (adv.), $15. www.flicker theatreandbar.com PARKING GARAGE Athens-based alternative ska punk band made of 100% steel. Album release show! MILK IN THE MICROWAVE Project known for its lo-fi, 8-bit electronic textures. GIANT DENIRO Absurdist punk band from Milledgeville. RARE BIRDS Original music inspired by the best of ’70s rock, blues, gospel and soul. Georgia Theatre 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $36.58. www.georgiatheatre.com RUMOURS ATL Atlanta-based Fleetwood Mac tribute band formed in 2014.

Hendershot’s 6 p.m. (doors), 7 p.m. (show). $10. www.hendershotsathens.com QUENTIN LOVE Bubbly indie pop with leanings into country and sunshine pop psychedelia. USEYOURWORDS Athens-based five-piece band. LITTLE MAE Trio blending indie, pop and shoegaze, drawing from influences such as Samia, Mercury and Alice Phoebe Lou. ALMOST ALWAYS The project of Athens-based guitarist, bassist and vocalist Caroline Shigas. THE MIDKNIGHTERS High- energy rock band founded by Sean MacPherson and Ryan Dater and built on raw sound, tight chemistry and a powerful live presence.

thoughtful lyrics and cosmopolitan influences. (6 p.m.) TED MONTESANTO Local musician. (7 p.m.) ATHENS COWBOY CHOIR Group that sings the songs of the west, inspired by the Norman Luboff Choir from the 1950s. (8 p.m.) BOULEVARD SAINTS Punk- hearted, garage-stained Athens band. (9 p.m.) LUXURY VEHICLE High-energy duo featuring DJ Reindeer Games with John Swint on drums. (10 p.m.) NICHOLAS MALLIS AND THE BOREALIS Local synth-pop act claiming a diverse array of supposed corporate sponsors. (11 p.m.)

SAM LIPKIN

Daily Groceries Co-op Tuesday Tunes. 6–7:30 p.m. www. instagram.com/dailycoop LIZ FARRELL Folk, jazz, and indie pop influences manifesting in heartfelt vocals and intentional throughlines of ukulele and piano. Dead Beat Club 8 p.m. & 9 p.m. FREE! www.deadbeat athens.com KENOSHA KID The brainchild of guitarist Dan Nettles performs two sets of adventurous new music each week from his ever-expanding catalog that exists “somewhere in the Schrödinger’s nexus of jazz, post-rock and improvised music.” Flicker Theatre & Bar 8 p.m. $10. www.flickertheatreandbar. com THE WHILE Dynamic garage psych for the eclectic listener. ANNIE LEETH Producer and violinist loops drums, synths and strings. STEPHAN EUTSLER An Athens guitarist playing in support of his instrumental record Meditations of the Infinite Mind. Hendershot’s 5–7 p.m. www.hendershotsathens.com PIANO BAR HAPPY HOUR Enjoy drink specials and live piano music.

LITTLE GRACIE Southern rock jam band based in Savannah. TEN HIGH Five-piece Athens rock band. Dead Beat Club 8 p.m. $8. www.deadbeatathens.com NOISE MOUNTAIN Inspired by Midwestern alternative rock, this Athens band incorporates both ’80s and ’90s punk rock into its sound. CRUCIAL FIX A band of veteran rockers from the Gainesville, FL post-punk swamp scene. DIVINE FEED Power pop band based in Athens that is comprised of former members of Hunter/Gatherer, Karbomb and Ninja Gun. Flicker Theatre & Bar Nowsense Presents. 8 p.m. (doors), 9 p.m. (show). $10. www.flicker theatreandbar.com JUSTIN VREELAND Savannah- based folk/Americana songwriter. SAMURAI TEST DRIVE Five- piece jazz fusion band based out of Athens that takes inspiration from artists like Casiopea, Return to Forever, Lettuce and Jaco Pastorius. KARMA KAT Local band with sounds of rock, pop and funky jazz. They’ll rock your whiskers off! The Globe 7:30–10 p.m. www.facebook.com/ globe.athens MARY & THE HOT HOTTY-HOTS Hot jazz and swing band offering music from the 1910s, ’20s and ’30s. Hendershot’s 7:30–11 p.m. $7 (adv.), $10. www. hendershotsathens.com SABACHA DANCE SOCIAL DJ L.A. Darius leads a Latin dance party with salsa, bachata, merengue and cha-cha-cha. An hour-long lesson is followed by open dancing. Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall 7:30 p.m. FREE! (ticket required). pac. uga.edu ANGÉLIQUE KIDJO Five-time Grammy Award winner and international icon performs music from her newest album, HOPE!!

Georgia Theatre 4 p.m. FREE! www.georgiatheatre.com ROCK DOWN SOUTH Live music from Nashville artists immediately following the UGA home game vs Western Kentucky. Performers include Jet Black Roses, Hunter Chastain, Chase Baker, Derrick Flowers, Daniel Lee, Luke Brown, Chris Chapman, Matt Ryan and Matt Roper. RSVP for Location Attaboy House Show. 7 p.m. $12. www.instagram.com/attaboytapes ANNA MCCLELLAN Her childhood summers were spent in front of the TV, cementing a love of narrative that would later reveal itself through songwriting. CGI JOE AND THE DOO DAD CREW Psychedelic power pop ensemble featuring Joe Kubler (CGi Joe), Greg O’Connell (Half-Acid) and Charlie Wilson (Eternal, The Skippers). SAVANA CAMERON Pastoral folk songwriter of Marie Marie. FELTIE Atlanta-based cloud folk band.

Sunday 13

Pulp Diction will play at Ciné on Saturday, Sept. 12. SAMURAI TEST DRIVE Five- piece jazz fusion band based out of Athens that takes inspiration from artists like Casiopea, Return to Forever, Lettuce and Jaco Pastorius. Live Wire Aubrey Entertainment Presents. 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $20 (adv.), $25. www.livewireathens.com YACHT ROCK SCHOONER A tribute to Steely Dan and other yacht rock favorites. Paloma Park Aubrey Entertainment Presents. 6:30 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $10 (w/ student ID), $12 (adv.), $15. www.palomapark.com GUARDIANS OF THE JUKEBOX A tribute to MTV’s pop, rock, new wave and new romantic era. Southern Drawl Bar & Grille 5–10 p.m. www.southerndrawlbarand grille.com KARAOKE Every Friday night.

Saturday 12 40 Watt Club 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $25 (adv.), $30. www.40watt.com ANDY FRASCO & THE U.N. Genre-blending rock band with a party attitude. TWIN SCHEMATIC Athens-based space rock band. Atlas Complex 4 p.m.–12 a.m. FREE! www.deadbeat athens.com GOLDEN BOWL Alt-country and psychedelic garage rock four-piece band. (4 p.m.) CREE MO Rock songs written with candid lyrics powered by strong vocals. (5 p.m.) FREEMAN LEVERETT Dreamy, hypnotic and danceable songs with

Bishop Park Athens Farmers Market. 8 a.m.–12 p.m. FREE! www.athensfarmers market.net ACOUSTIC JAM Bring an instrument and join in. (9 a.m.) Ciné ATHens Goes Global. 8 p.m. (doors), 9 p.m. (show). $5 (adv.), $10. www.athenscine.com ISHUES Local hip-hop artist with a plaque on the Athens Music Walk of Fame. GNARLIE UPTOWN WILSON Athens songwriter performing soulhop and R&B. MOTORHEAD 2X Athens rapper with a story to tell that still knows how to start a party. MOLLY TU HOTT Combining lyrical raps with trap beats, this femcee represents her world honestly. MULA MEECH Athens rapper with a contemporary sound. PULP DICTION Emcees Ishues and Whisper rap with a full backing band. Flicker Theatre & Bar 8 p.m. $10. www.flickertheatreandbar. com BEAT UP Local punks resisting the darkest timeline. BADKILL Baddest, deadest local punk rock band. DAMES Four-piece Athens rock band. Flying Squid Comedy 7:30 p.m. (doors). $5. www.flyingsquidcomedy.com TH3R4 Local dark folk and alt pop. CRYINGOSLING DJ set from the soft Georgia boy emo musican. Front Porch Bookstore 6 p.m. FREE! Find Front Porch Bookstore on Facebook MK BARNES Athens singer- songwriter who blends raw storytelling with Southern nostalgia.

ACC Library Live at the Library. 3 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org THE PG SHOW A campy, creative rock and roll band with songs about topics like veggies and exercise that make kids want to dance. The Globe 4–7 p.m. www.facebook.com/globe. athens TRADITIONAL IRISH SESSION Easy listening traditional Irish music. Hendershot’s 7 p.m. $12 (adv.), $15. www.hendershotsathens.com KLEZMER LOCAL 42 Local seven- piece klezmer band specializing in Jewish and Romani music. PRIESTESS CHOIR A gathering of women devoted to song as ritual, remembrance and celebration. Oak House Distillery 4–6:30 p.m. www.oakhousedistillery. com BENNYT A lively mix of rock and country classics. The Rook and Pawn Crow Market. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. www. therookandpawn.com CAT LITTLEPAGE Singer- songwriter and multi- instrumentalist. The World Famous 9 p.m. $10 suggested donation. www. facebook.com/theworldfamous athens REGULATOR Music for mounting up. A KISS BEFORE DYING Emotional hardcore from Memphis, TN VISION OF RUIN Atlanta-based post-rock/death metal outfit. HEMATOMA Bruising metal outfit from the poultry capital of the planet.

Monday 14 Flicker Theatre & Bar 8 p.m. (doors). $10. www.flicker theatreandbar.com PENNY LOAFER Local “post- college rock” band delivering grunge-tinged pop with sweet yet sometimes vicious compositions.

MAX’S FABLE Atlanta-based indie pop mixed with shoegaze. TELEPHONE POLE Indie rock band from Athens. 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. Ramsey Hall 7:30 p.m. $3 (w/ UGA ID), $15. music.uga.edu GEORGIA BRASS QUINTET Presenting an All-American program of classical-and jazz-inspired compositions comprised of original works and transcriptions.

Tuesday 15 Daily Groceries Co-op Tuesday Tunes. 6–7:30 p.m. www. instagram.com/dailycoop ARUGULA OGLETHORPE Experimental, avant-garde indie pop musician. Dead Beat Club 8 p.m. & 9 p.m. FREE! www.deadbeat athens.com KENOSHA KID The brainchild of guitarist Dan Nettles performs two sets of adventurous new music each week from his ever-expanding catalog that exists “somewhere in the Schrödinger’s nexus of jazz, post-rock and improvised music.” 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 GUEST ARTIST RECITAL Featuring pianist Oliver Jia. State Botanical Garden of Georgia Sunflower Concert Series. 7 p.m. $12 (ages 5–16), $24. botgarden. uga.edu CLASSIC CITY JUKEBOX Local rock and roll cover band.

Wednesday 16 Athentic Brewing Co. 6–8:30 p.m. www.athenticbrewing. com THE SCHISIMS Psyche goth rock. Creature Comforts Brewery Athens Farmers Market. 5–8 p.m. FREE! www.athensfarmersmarket.net 38 STRINGS Multi-generational acoustic folk music with 38 strings between them. (6 p.m.) Dead Beat Club 7 p.m. (two sets). FREE! www.dead beatathens.com KILLICK HINDS & JEFF REILLY Playing with texture, rhythm and space to create an immersive submersion of abstractions for the songs of their new album, The Sloppiest Lobbyist. 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. Georgia Theatre Rooftop 8 p.m. FREE! www.georgiatheatre.com MORRISSEY BLVD. Brother trio from New Bedford, MA playing high-energy rock and pop music. f

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Tuesday 8

event calendar

ART: Visiting Artist Lecture (Lamar Dodd School of Art) Ceramic artist Janina Myronova will discuss her work and technique. 5:30 p.m. FREE! art.uga.edu 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: Rock ’n Roll Trivia (Athentic Brewing Co.) Test your trivia knowledge with host The Music Man. Second Tuesdays, 6 p.m. FREE! www.athenticbrewing.com GAMES: Bad Dog BINGO (The Globe) Drop in to play and win prizes. 6:30–8:30 p.m. www.instagram.com/baddogathens GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (Amici at The Falls) Test your trivia knowledge with host Miles Bunch. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/ baddogathens GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (Paloma Park) Test your trivia knowledge with host TJ Wayt. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/baddog athens GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Winghouse Grill Hull) Test your general trivia knowledge. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Akademia Brewing Co.) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Garrett. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/classiccitytriviaco GAMES: UnPhiltered Trivia (Mellow Mushroom) Test your trivia knowledge with host Phil. 7 p.m. www. facebook.com/MellowMushroom Athens GAMES: Singo! (Beef O’Brady’s) Win gift certificates and prizes at this music bingo night. Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m. www.beefobradys.com/athens GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Magnolias of Athens) Test your general trivia knowledge with host

Benjamin. Tuesdays, 8 p.m. www. instagram.com/classiccitytriviaco LECTURES & LIT: Curiosity, Storytelling and the Human Side of Science (UGA Special Collections Library) Emmy Award-winning science communicator and podcast host Alie Ward will discuss asking unexpected questions, finding a good story and following your curiosity. 3 p.m. FREE! calendar. uga.edu MEETINGS: Memoir Writing Group (Bogart Library) During this monthly group, hear memoirs from others and learn tips on how to write your own. 5:30 p.m. FREE! www.athens library.org/bogart SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 10 a.m. info@athenspetanque.org, www.athenspetanque.org

knowledge with host Ian. Wednesdays, 6 p.m. www.instagram.com/ classiccitytriviaco GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Normal Bar) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia GAMES: Classic City Trivia (The Local 706) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Garrett. Wednesdays, 7:06 p.m. www.instagram.com/classiccitytriviaco GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (Cafe Racer Oak Street) Test your trivia knowl-

PERFORMANCE: AEW: Rebel Heart Dynamite (Akins Ford Arena) All Elite Wrestling hosts a televised evening packed with action in the ring. 6:30 p.m. (doors), 7:30 p.m. (show). $35.75–680.50. www. classiccenter.com

Thursday 10 ART: Artist Talk (UGA Special Collections Library) American portrait and special photographer Nancy

Wednesday 9 ART: Curator Talk (Georgia Museum of Art) Shawnya Harris will give a gallery talk about the exhibition “Edmonia Lews: Said in Stone.” 2 p.m. FREE! www.georgiamuseum. org CLASSES: French Class (Oconee County Library) Join instructor Emma Auer to learn the basics of the French language. Ages 18 & up. 6 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary. org/oconee 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: African Perspectives Live (40 Watt Club) This live taping will feature UGA professor Akinloye Ojo in conversation with award-winning musician and advocate Angelique Kidjo. 7 p.m. FREE! willson.uga.edu

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. 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. 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. ATHICA@CINÉ GALLERY (234 W. Hancock Ave.) “Coloring Book: It’s All Beautiful Now” features whimsical and surreal paintings and drawings by Joel Cothran derived from his sketchbooks. Through Nov. 25. 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. Through Nov. 20. • In the Lupin Foundation Gallery, “Cornucopia: Ties That Bind” is a curated collection of works by renowned artists of color. Through 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. Through Nov. 20. • In the Mills Family Gallery, “Through Service We Grow” is a new body of work by Dodd photography faculty Blake Jacobsen. Through Nov. 20. • In the Bridge Gallery, “I hope this finds you well” explores methods of communicating and working to-

FILM: History Film Series (221 Leconte Hall) Screening of the 1982 French film ’The Return of Martin Guerre. 4:30pm. FREE! history.uga.edu FILM: Blood Everywhere (Flicker Theatre & Bar) A tough-as-nails cop embarks on a violent odyssey through the mean streets of Montreal in Shadows in an Empty Room. 7 p.m. FREE! www.instagram.com/ bloodeverywhere.athens GAMES: Bingo (Oconee County Library) Play Bingo to win prizes

F L A GP OL E .C OM · S E P T E MB E R 9, 2026

“Roots, Rhythm, and Refuge” features works by the late Steffen Thomas at the Steffen Thomas Museum of Art through Sept. 21. and books. FREE! 2 p.m. www. athenslibrary.org/oconee GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (South Main Brewing) Test your trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 6 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Hotel Indigo) Test your general trivia

edge 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

gether. Through Nov. 20. FLICKER THEATRE & BAR (263 W. Washington St.) 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 (237 Prince Ave.) Vintage artworks are on display through September. HISTORIC ATHENS WELCOME CENTER (280 E. Dougherty St.) An “American Dance History” pop-up exhibit will be on display through Sept. 19. LYNDON HOUSE ARTS CENTER (211 Hoyt St.). “BEE CITY OF NOW” is a 24-foot model community for bees by Swannatopia and Experimental Art Club, installed on the Arts Center’s second-floor outdoor patio. Through May 1, 2027. • “It Came to Me in a Dream” features paintings by self- taught Georgia artist Valton Murray exploring dreamlike landscapes and abstract forms rooted in memory and personal history. Through Oct. 10. • “Interwoven” features paintings and ceramic sculptures by Athens-based artist Jennifer Heynen inspired by the coast, combining loose brushwork with free-form weaving in yarn, string, wire, beads and sequins. Through Oct. 10. • In the Lobby Case is “Critters,” which features colorful cut-tin figures by Steven Burnley that blend human and animal forms. Through Sept. 26. MADISON-MORGAN CULTURAL CENTER (434 South Main Street, 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) The Georgia Watercolor Society’s 2026 Annual Member Juried Exhibition will include a free public meet-and-greet

Ellison will discuss her works alongside the exhibition “Seeking Intrinsic Essence, Whatever Direction: The Photography of Nancy Ellison.” 6 p.m. FREE! meredith byoung@uga.edu CLASSES: Meditative Yoga (Georgia Museum of Art) Hannah Howard

leads a class of movement and reflection in the art gallery. 3 p.m. FREE! www.georgiamuseum.org COMEDY: Gorgeous George’s Improv League (Flying Squid Comedy) Bring a loose funny bone to some home-grown townie improv. 6:30 p.m. (doors), 7 p.m. (short-form), 8 p.m. (long-form). $5. www.flyingsquidcomedy.com EVENTS: Good Company, Good Citizen (Studio 225) Founders of Creature Comforts and Highland Park Brewing discuss the evolution of corporate citizenship. 5 p.m. FREE! www.creaturecomforts.co GAMES: Bad Dog BINGO (Amici at The Falls) Play BINGO with host TJ Wayt. Thursdays, 6 p.m. www. instagram.com/baddogathens GAMES: Adult TTRPG (Bogart Library) All skill levels can join for Dungeons & Dragons and other tabletop role playing games. Ages 18 & up. 6 p.m. FREE! www.athens library.org/bogart GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Terrapin Beer Co.) Test your general trivia knowledge. Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzu nottrivia GAMES: Happy Hour Trivia (The Rook and Pawn) Test your trivia knowledge with host Nikolai. Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. www.therookand pawn.com GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Butt Hutt) Test your general trivia knowledge. Thursdays, 7 p.m. www. instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia GAMES: Athens’ Hardest Trivia Night (Nighthawks Lounge) Test your trivia knowledge with host Phil. 7 p.m. www.nighthawkslounge.com MEETINGS: KnitLits Knitting Group (Bogart Library) Knitters of all levels are invited to have fun, share craft ideas and knit to their hearts’ content. Thursdays, 6 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/bogart MEETINGS: After Hours Cannabis Advocacy (Classic Citiva) Learn about cannabis policy, the legislative process and how to get

and live painting demonstration with watercolor artist Diana Toma on Sept. 26, 10 a.m. Opening reception Sept. 25, 5–7 p.m. Juried pieces as well as an exhibit featuring Toma’s works will be on display Sept. 25–Nov. 6. STEFFEN THOMAS MUSEUM OF ART (4200 Bethany Rd., Buckhead) “Roots, Rhythm, and Refuge” features pastoral works by the late Steffen Thomas including sketches, studies, paintings and mixed-media works. Through Sept. 21. • “Truth in Art” is a juried exhibition of pieces across a variety of mediums by MFA students. Sept. 26–Nov. 21. 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. Through late September. 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. Through Jan. 2027. UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP (780 Timothy Rd.) “Mystery Pet Portrait” features portraits of community members’ pets painted by artists from the congregation. Opening reception Sept. 11, 5–7 p.m. 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.

involved with advocacy efforts. 7 p.m. hello@classiccitiva.com SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 10 a.m. info@athenspetanque.org, www.athenspetanque.org

Friday 11 ART: Opening Reception (Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Athens) The reveal of the mystery pet portraits by UUFA artists followed by an exhibition party in the Claire and Robert Clements Gallery. 5–7 p.m. FREE! www.uuathensga.org ART: Gallery Talk (Madison Morgan Cultural Center) John Cleaveland will discuss his work in a Q&A-style gallery talk. 6 p.m. FREE! www. mmcc-arts.org CLASSES: Intro to Restorative Justice Practices (Room 241, School of Social Work) Learn more about restorative justice and how it can be implemented in a variety of settings. Course credits and scholarship opportunities available. 9 a.m. $100. www.gaconflict.org EVENTS: Beacon of Hope Gala (Athens Country Club) Athens- Oconee CASA’s fifth annual fundraising event with a silent auction, dessert dash and more benefitting children in the foster care system. 5:30–9 p.m. $125. www.athens oconeecasa.org EVENTS: Paws & Pinot (Athens Area Humane Society) This fundraiser for the Athens Area Humane Society features dinner, wine, live music, a silent auction and more. 6–8 p.m. $60. www.athenshumanesociety. org/paws-pinot EVENTS: Suicide Prevention Vigil (St. Gregory the Great Episcopal Church) Gather to support one another with music, art and poetry. 6 p.m. www.stgregoryathens.org EVENTS: Grown Up Spelling Bee (VFW Post 2872) Watch groups test their spelling skills in this competition that benefits Family Connection-Communities In Schools of Athens. 7 p.m. $30– 105. www.fc-cisofathens.org GAMES: Euchre Club (Athentic Brewing Co.) Join others to play Euchre. Every Friday, 2–4:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenticbrewing.com GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Oak House Distillery) Test your general trivia knowledge. Fridays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia LECTURES & LIT: Green Thumb Lecture (Clarke County Extension Office) Learn tips and tricks about how to plant native grasses to attract songbirds. 6 p.m. FREE! www.accgov.com/gardening PERFORMANCE: Athens Showgirl Cabaret Luv Shak (Dead Beat Club) An evening of all ages drag entertainment. 8 p.m.–12 a.m. $5. www.athensshowgirlcabaret.com

Saturday 12 EVENTS: The Athens Farmers Market (Bishop Park) Markets offer locally grown groceries and handmade goods with live music and children’s activities. AFM doubles SNAP dollars spent. Saturdays, 8 a.m.–12 p.m. www.athensfarmers market.net EVENTS: Comer Community Market (The Perch) Browse flower and vegetable plant starts, baked goods, vegetables, honey, pottery, eggs, mushrooms and handmade items. 9 a.m.–12 p.m. www.theperchcomer. com/farmers-market EVENTS: Marigold Farmers Market (Pittard Park) Vendors offer

organic produce, prepared foods, agricultural products and artisanal goods with live music, kids activities and more. Saturdays, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. www.marigoldcollectivewinterville.com EVENTS: Athens Water Festival (Sandy Creek Park) Enjoy music and magic, water trucks, swim in the lake and more. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. $2 (park entry). www.athenswater festival.com EVENTS: Really, Really Free Market (Reese and Pope Park) Just like a yard sale, but everything is free. Bring what you can, take what you need. Second Saturday of every month. 12–1:30 p.m. reallyreally freemarketathens@gmail.com, www.facebook.com/RRFMAthens EVENTS: Market Day (Historic Athens Welcome Center) Pop-up community market with local vendors, live music, family-friendly activities and themed cooking contests. 3–5 p.m. www.athenswelcomecenter. com GAMES: Magical Kingdom Trivia (Bogart Library) Test your knowledge on famous animated movies and enchanted stories. 3 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart MEETINGS: CD Swap (Hendershot’s) Swap for keeps or borrow CD albums, mixes and playlists. 2–4 p.m. www.hendershotsathens.com OUTDOORS: Bird Walk (Sandy Creek Nature Center) Join the Oconee Rivers Audubon Society for a guided bird walk. 8 a.m.–12 p.m. FREE! www.oconeeriversaudubon. org/upcoming-event OUTDOORS: ORLT Butterfly Walk (Tallassee Forest) Jim Porter will share his butterfly collection before leading a walk and discussing conservation efforts in Tallassee Forest. Registration required. 9 a.m. FREE! www.accgovga.myrec.com OUTDOORS: Girl Scouts Love State Parks Day (Watson Mill Bridge State Park) Join a ranger-led history hike and park cleanup. 2 p.m. $10 parking pass/vehicle. www.gastate parks.org/WatsonMillBridge PERFORMANCE: The Farewell Showcase (Canopy Studio) The studio prepares for its move with a night of dance trapeze, invented equipment, pole, spoken word and more. 4 p.m. & 8 p.m. $15. www. canopystudio.org PERFORMANCE: Athens Showgirl Cabaret Drag For All (Hendershots) Enjoy a fabulous night of open drag fun for all ages. 8–11 p.m. $5. www.athensshowgirl cabaret.com PERFORMANCE: The High Tea Drag Show (Athentic Brewing Co.) Mary Jane hosts a fabulous and hilarious night of drag entertainment. 9 p.m. $5. www.athentic brewing.com

Sunday 13 ART: Book Signing (Georgia Museum of Art) Celebrate the release of Harold Rittenberry: Love is All with Rittenberry on site for book signings. 1–3 p.m. www.georgiamuseum.org CLASSES: Paint & Sip (Boutier Winery) Artist Robin Moore will lead attendees in painting a sunflower starry night. Registration encouraged. 2 p.m. $40. www. boutierwinery.com CLASSES: FORGIVENESS: A Path to Peace (Unity Athens) Join Coach Greta Counts for a 90-minute workshop exploring forgiveness as a pathway to healing. 2 p.m. FREE! www.unityathens.com COMEDY: Comedy Showcase (The Globe) Athens Comedy hosts themed and general showcases

of local and regional comedians. Sundays, 9 p.m. www.athenscomedy.com EVENTS: Crow Market (The Rook and Pawn) Browse items from local artisans and vendors, enjoy a trinket trade and live music, and bring a canned good item for a local charity. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. www. therookandpawn.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: Book Launch and Author Talk (Canopy Studio) Celebrate Susan Murphy and Don Carson’s Spirit Chasers: A 30-Year Passion with the Human Form in Nature and Elizabeth Stich with Julianna Hane’s Aerial Arts and Dance Improvisation. 7:30 p.m. FREE! outreach@canopystudio.org MEETINGS: Nuçi’s Space Presentation (St. Gregory the Great Episcopal Church) Learn more about

trivia knowledge with host Garrett. Mondays, 7 p.m. www.instagram. com/classiccitytriviaco GAMES: General Trivia (Athentic Brewing Co.) Test your general trivia knowledge. Mondays, 7 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Grindhouse Killer Burgers) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Benjamin. Mondays, 7:30 p.m. www.instagram.com/classiccity triviaco MEETINGS: Writers of Oconee (Oconee County Library) Writing challenges and discussions in a group setting. Second Mondays, 6:30 p.m. FREE! www.instagram. com/writersofoconee

Tuesday 15 CLASSES: Google Drive and Docs (ACC Library) Learn how to upload, manage and share files in Google

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: A Disability Voting Rights Week Forum (ACC Library) Speakers will discuss why voting matters and disability rights with the opportunity to register and

All Elite Wrestling presents Rebel Heart Dynamite at the Akins Ford Arena on Wednesday, Sept. 9. the nonprofit from representative Abagail Finley. 9:15–10:15 a.m. www.stgregoryathens.org MEETINGS: Philosophy Cafe (Athentic Brewing Co.) Join members of the UGA Philosophy Department for discussions on various philosophical topics. 6:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenticbrewing.com SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 10 a.m. info@athenspetanque.org, www.athenspetanque.org

Monday 14 EVENTS: Vic Chesnutt Awards: The Story. The Music. The Future. (Epting Events) Learn more about the origin and vision of the Vic Chesnutt Awards with a performance by 2025 winner Freeman Leverett and opportunity to connect with the community. RSVP required. 12 p.m. $20. classiccity rotary@gmail.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

Drive. 10 a.m. FREE! www.athens library.org CLASSES: QPR Training Class (St. Gregory the Great Episcopal Church) Learn more about suicide prevention and become QPR certified. Registration required. 10:30 a.m. www.nuci.org COMEDY: Take This! Improv (Athentic Brewing Co.) The troupe will perform improv skits based on the movie Brokeback Mountain. 7:30 p.m. www.athenticbrewing. com COMEDY: Open Toad Comedy Night (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Comedy performed by a mix of newcomers and local favorites from Athens and Atlanta. 8:30 p.m. (doors). $7. www.flickertheatreand bar.com EVENTS: Tiki Taco Tuesday (Live Wire) Enjoy craft cocktails and a taco pop-up from Don Carne with themed weeks, live music and dancing. Tuesdays, 5–10 p.m. www.livewireathens.com GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (Amici at The Falls) Test your trivia knowledge with host Miles Bunch. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/ baddogathens GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (Paloma Park) Test your trivia knowledge with host TJ Wayt. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/baddogathens GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Winghouse Grill Hull) Test your general trivia knowledge. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Akademia Brewing Co.) Test your

receive other resources. 11 a.m.–2 p.m. www.athenslibrary.org LECTURES & LIT: Athentic Book Club (Athentic Brewing Co.) Discuss Final Girls by Riley Sager with the group. 6 p.m. FREE! www. athenticbrewing.com SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 10 a.m. info@athenspetanque.org, www.athenspetanque.org

Wednesday 16 ART: Faculty Perspectives (Georgia Museum of Art) Mario Erasmo will give a gallery talk on the exhibition “Edmonia Lewis: Said in Stone.” 2 p.m. FREE! www.georgiamuseum. org CLASSES: Archery Basics (Bogart Library) Learn about archery through the ages and in literature, and then practice with kid-safe arrows. All ages. 4:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart CLASSES: Researching Athens Newspapers (ACC Library) Join Heritage Room librarian Justin Kau for a review of newspaper sources available to Athens Regional Library System researchers. 6 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org EVENTS: Flavors of Fall Cocktail Competition (Oak House Distillery) Try four new fall cocktails and vote for your favorite that will make the fall menu. Sept. 16 & 23, 4–10 p.m. www.oakhousedistillery.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 FILM: Pachinko Pop Cinema (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Screening of the 2025 slacker comedy film Nemurubaka: Hypnotic Jerks. 7 p.m. FREE! www.flickertheatreand bar.com GAMES: Miss Thing’s Drag Bingo (40 Watt Club) Play bingo hosted by some of Athens’ most fabulous performers to win prizes. Ages 18 & up. 5 p.m. (doors), 7 p.m. (bingo). www.boybutante.org GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (South Main Brewing) Test your trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 6 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunot trivia GAMES: Magic The Gathering and Pokemon Meet-Up (Athentic Brewing Co.) Drop in to spend an evening playing games or matches. Third Wednesdays, 6–9 p.m. FREE! www.athenticbrewing.com GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Hotel Indigo) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Ian. Wednesdays, 6 p.m. www.instagram.com/ classiccitytriviaco GAMES: Love.Craft Bingo Night (Athentic Brewing Co.) A bingo event benefiting the nonprofit organization Love.Craft Athens. Third Wednesdays, 6:30–8 p.m. $3–5. www.lovecraftathens.org GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Normal Bar) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia GAMES: Classic City Trivia (The Local 706) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Garrett. Wednesdays, 7:06 p.m. www.instagram.com/classiccitytriviaco GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (Cafe Racer Oak Street) Test your trivia knowledge with host TJ Wayt. Wednesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/ baddogathens GAMES: Dungeons and Dragons and Drinks (Athentic Brewing Co.) Meetup for beginners and seasoned players to learn basics or play one- shot games. Third Wednesdays, 7 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Locos Grill and Pub Eastside) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 8 p.m. www.instagram.com/ shihtzunottrivia KIDSTUFF: Homeschool Day Open House (Historic Athens Welcome Center) Tour the oldest surviving house in Athens, learn about everyday life in the early 1800s and participate with hands-on learning stations. 10 a.m. FREE! www.athens welcomecenter.com LECTURES & LIT: Third Wednesday Book Club (Oconee County Library) Discuss books chosen by the group. New members welcome. 7 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary. org/oconee

Down the Line 9/17 Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) 9/17 Read to Rover (Bogart Library) 9/17 Bingo (VFW Post 2872) 9/17 Teen Dungeons & Dragons (Bogart Library) 9/17 Bad Dog BINGO (Amici at The Falls) 9/17 KnitLits Knitting Group (Bogart Library) 9/17 Mahjong Night Out (Creature Comforts Brewery) 9/17 Happy Hour Trivia (The Rook and Pawn) f

S E P T E MB E R 9, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

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 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. HELP WANTED (Full-time) Athens digital marketing agency seeks articulate, energetic, professional Private Equity Sales Associates. More info at: lightmarkmedia. com/job HELP WANTED (Part-time) Daily Groceries Co-Op is now accepting applications for cashiers, deli, stockers, shift leader. Applications available in store from 8 a.m.–8 p.m. 1190 Prince Ave. 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 (Events) FORGIVENESS: A Path to Peace. Join Coach Greta for a 90-minute workshop to help you understand forgiveness and release what no longer serves you. Unity Athens, 100 Janice Dr. Sunday, Sept. 13, 2:00 p.m. unityathens@ gmail.com NOTICES (Missed Connections) Went to CFA Alps Rd. 1/14/26 gave you all pies. 1/21/26 pastries. 1/28/26 macaroons. Gave Pollyana mac-

aroons that afternoon. What went wrong. SERVICES (Home & Garden) Scratching your head with all this poison ivy? We can help! Woman- Run Gardening Services: We offer garden maintenance, invasive plant removal, personalized edible and native gardens for your school, home or business! 706-395-5321 SERVICES (Home & Garden) Hi! I’m Pablo, an expert gardener offering personalized care for your landscape. I specialize in low- maintenance, native gardens that support pollinators and biodiversity. Find me @pablofromseed, email pkozatch@gmail.com or call 631- 903-4365.

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

artists for festival. Handcrafted items and art with natural themes, earth-inspired elements or representations of the environment, wildlife, and botanical subjects preferred. Event held Oct. 12. Contact Carsen Dean, Oconee County ANR agent at crd72388@uga.edu or 706-542-7078. 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

ADOPT ME!

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

Rue (61470218)

Rue’s friends at the shelter say that she is wonderful in so many ways. She’s beautiful, calm, smart and plays well with others. She can also impress you with a wide array of tricks!

Aardwolf (61595346)

Meet Aardwolf! This handsome boy loves playing fetch or just hanging out and soaking up love from a buddy. Consider adopting or fostering Aardwolf or another lucky dog today.

Paisley (61492414)

All three of these pups are dressed up for Saturday in Athens, but Paisley’s got her own football and wants to play! This sweet girl loves being with people and will make the best companion.

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

F L A GP OL E .C OM · S E P T E MB E R 9, 2026

photos taken in Athens-Clarke County to be considered in the Stormwater Management Program’s annual calendar. www.instagram. com/accstormwater COMMUNITY TOURS (Georgia Museum of Art) A variety of tours open to the public including “Student Perspectives” which runs Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays throughout the month. www.georgia museum.org LIFE DRAWING (Winterville Cultural Center, Winterville) Monthly afternoon life drawing sessions, every fourth Tuesday. Models scheduled represent the full spectrum of age, color, race and genders. Artists 18 & up only. Registration and prepayment required. $20. www.draw athens.org. SEEKING PERFORMANCE SUBMISSIONS (The Cottage Sexual Assault Center & Children’s Advocacy Center) Seeking original written works for new theatrical production “Our Bodies, Our Voices, Our Choices.” Open to all ages and backgrounds who identify as women. Monologues, short scenes, poetry, spoken word, songs, musical sketches, personal essays, testimonials and more. Deadline Sept. 15. www.thecottagega.org/ SEEKING ZINE ART & IDEAS (Suburban Vermin) Accepting submissions for art, craft ideas, poetry and more for free local publication.

Message @suburban.vermin.zine on Instagram.

Auditions 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. www.meridianwomens chorus.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

Classes A COURSE IN MIRACLES (580 Tallassee Rd.) Heal your psychology and your life using simple instruction of high vibrational thought. Sundays, 10–11:30 a.m. 770-237- 2354, www.unityathens.com ACCENT REDUCTION CLASS (Covenant Presbyterian Church) Improve your American English pronunciation skills. For ages 18 & up. Tuesdays, 12 p.m. marjoriemiller@ gmail.com CLASSES, HIKES & PADDLES (Watson Mill State Park, Comer) The park offers a variety of events including firebuilding classes, various educational hikes including “Bridge History,” “Tree ID,” “Historic Mills” and more. Parking fee/ pass required for all events. www. gastateparks.org/WatsonMillBridge CLASSES & PROGRAMS (ACCA) Various weekly and monthly events including Center for Active Living Happy Hour (various locations, every first Thursday), Normaltown Poker with Pals (Mondays), Mat

Pilates (Mondays) and more. Registration may be required. www. accaging.org CLASSES & PROGRAMS (Athens Land Trust) Various virtual and in-person classes with topics that include Affordable Housing Info and Homebuyer Education Course. www. athenslandtrust.org/classes-events CLASSES & PROGRAMS (Bogart Library) Various ongoing weekly events including ESL (Tuesdays and Thursdays), Knit Lits Knitting (Thursdays) and more. www.athens library.org/bogart CLASSES & PROGRAMS (Canopy Studio) Canopy offers a variety of trapeze and aerial arts classes for children and adults. Scholarships and financial aid are available. outreach@canopystudio.org, www.canopystudio.org/outreach/ scholarships CLASSES & PROGRAMS (Oconee Library) Various ongoing weekly events including Drop-In Painting (Tuesdays), Open Chess Play (Saturdays), Mixed Media Meetup (Mondays) and more. www.athens library.org/oconee CLASSES & PROGRAMS (Winterville Cultural Center, Winterville) Flow Yoga & Pilates (Monday), Yoga in the Gallery (Wednesdays), Chair Yoga & Creative Cafe (Thursdays) and more. www.winterville center.com CLASSES, PROGRAMS & TOURS (State Botanical Garden of Georgia) Various ongoing weekly events including Guided Plant Walk (Tuesdays–Fridays), Porcelain and Decorative Arts Tour (Tuesdays & Sundays), Free Sketch (Fridays) and more. botgarden.uga.edu CLASSES, PROGRAMS & WORKSHOPS (OCAF, Watkinsville) Registration now open for extended session pottery classes, art instruction and more. www.ocaf.com/ courses CUBAN MUSIC & MOVEMENT (The Studio Athens) TIMBAthens offers Cuban-style salsa classes on Sundays. 3 p.m. for Level 1 Foundations and 4 p.m. for Level 2 & 3 Partner Work and Rueda de Casino. Through Dec. 13 with exception of Oct. 18. Drop-in $10 for first four classes only. Class passes available. www.timbathens.com CUBAN SALSA LESSONS (El Carretonero) SALSAthens offers multiple classes for different skill levels.

Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. (advanced) and 7:30 p.m. (beginner/intermediate). $10 drop in. www.SALS AthensDancing@gmail.com DANCE CLASSES (East Athens Educational Dance Center) The center offers classes in ballet, hip hop, jazz, modern and more for all ages and skills. www.accgov.com/myrec DRAWING OTHER HUMANS (UGA Community Art School) An introduction to figure drawing for adult students of all levels. Materials provided. Mondays, 6–8:30 p.m. Sept. 14–Nov.16. $450. Proceeds from the UGA Community Art School support the studio art program at the Lamar Dodd School of Art. art. uga.edu/programs/community- programs

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 COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS TREE NEEDED (ACCGov) The Landscape Management Division is seeking a privately-owned cedar tree for donation as a public Christmas tree display in front of City Hall. Deadline Nov. 27. Interested donors call 706-613-3561. 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.acc gov.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 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 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 SEEKING DONATIONS (Athens, GA) Local book club RIP Books seeking donations of any genre of books to stock Little Libraries around town. Email ripbookclubathens@gmail. com for updated drop off location or to arrange pick up. SEEKING DONATIONS & VOLUNTEERS (Animal Services Adoption Center) Animal service sessions run Monday through Friday; training session required. Seeking donations of gently used bath towels and rags. Donations can be dropped off at the door after hours. www.acc gov.com/animalservices SEEKING TREE DONATION (Athens, GA) The ACCGov Landscape Management Division is currently seeking a privately-owned tree for donation to the Athens-Clarke County community as a public Christmas tree display during December. SEEKING VARIOUS VOLUNTEERS (AthHalf 5K & Half Marathon) AthFest Educates volunteer signup now open. 2026 half marathon and 5K events 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 (Athens, GA) Various ongoing weekly and monthly events including Little Makers, Jumping Gym, Babies and Beasties, 123 Toddler & Me!, Fantastic Friday, Inventors Club, Tiny Trek, Storytime and more. www.acc gov.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

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 (Athens, GA) 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.marigoldcollective winterville.com/connect/vend- with-us CALL FOR VENDORS (OCAF, Watkinsville) Applications now open for the OCAF Annual Holiday Market. Artists and makers are encouraged to apply. The deadline for submission is Oct. 15 and the juried event is held Nov. 20–22. www.ocaf.com/ holiday-market 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 (Athens, GA) Indivisible GA District 10 has an “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 (ACCGov) 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 SEEKING SEASONAL EMPLOYEES (Athens, GA) AthFest now hiring for two part-time, seasonal positions: Event Coordinator and Musical Talent Booking Agent. Deadline Oct. 15, but applications are subject to closing sooner. More info and submission details at www.athfest.com/ job-opportunities 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. 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/ athensvfwpost2872

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

arts & culture

calendar picks

ART | THU, SEPT. 10

A Conversation with Nancy Ellison

Special Collections Libraries • 6 p.m. • FREE!

With subjects ranging from Jack Nicholson to Mick Jagger to Hillary Clinton, Nancy Ellison is an acclaimed photographer in the documentation of contemporary culture. Growing up, Ellison was exposed to old Hollywood and all its eccentricities, and she developed a skill for capturing it. Aside from film, music and politics, she has also been an important figure in photographing the performing arts, including the American Ballet Theatre and the Metropolitan Opera. “Seeking Intrinsic Essence, Whatever Direction: The Photography of Nancy Ellison” will be on display through Dec. 23 in the Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, tracing her creative path from visual art and poetry to photography through her documents, ephemera and photos. Accompanying the Nancy Ellison exhibition, Ellison will hold a discussion about her career and works in Room 285 of the Special Collections Libraries. [Mary Beth Bryan] MUSIC | SAT, SEPT. 12

Newtown Music Festival Atlas Complex • 4 p.m.–12 a.m. • FREE!

Eight musical acts will provide entertainment all afternoon and evening this Saturday across four businesses located in the Atlas Complex. Treehouse Kid & Craft will host alt-country/psychedelic garage rock band Golden Bowl at 4 p.m., then the hypnotic music of singer-songwriter Freeman Leverett at 6 p.m. Three bands will take over the Dead Beat Club stage, starting with rock music from Cree Mo at 5 p.m. Punk- and garage rock-influenced band Boulevard Saints will go on at 9 p.m., and synth-pop act Nicholas Mallis and the Borealis will close out the night at 11 p.m. Musician Ted Montesanto will perform at Hidden Gem at 7 p.m. The final venue, Nové Mesto, will host Western band Athens Cowboy Choir at 8 p.m. and musical duo Luxury Vehicle at 10 p.m. All of the sets for Newtown Music Festival are spaced out so that attendees don’t have to miss anyone, and the location makes it easy to do a little shopping and dining on the side. [MB] LITERATURE | SUN, SEPT. 13

Book Launch and Author Talk Canopy Studio • 7:30 p.m. • FREE!

Susan Murphy and Don Carson’s Spirit Chasers: A 30-Year Passion with the Human Form in Nature and Elizabeth Stich and Julianna Hane’s Aerial Arts and Dance Improvisation: A Practical Guide to Creativity for Aerialists are joined by the same question: What does it mean to be creative in the aerial arts? The former book is a documentation of three decades of collaboration between Murphy, an aerial

dance pioneer and the founder of Canopy Studio, and Carson, a photographer. The two have been exploring the relationship between the human body and the natural world since 1992, capturing Murphy’s movements as she becomes a part of the landscapes around her, be it rock, water, trees or light. The latter book is a practical guide to developing creativity in aerial arts, developed from years of Stitch and Hane’s embodied research on dance and aerial arts. It includes 40 creative activities that act as a resource for students and professionals alike in aerial arts, dance, theatre, circus and fitness. This launch event will begin with a mingling portion, followed by remarks from the authors at 8 p.m. Wine and hors d’oeuvres will be provided, and both books will be available for purchase. [MB] MUSIC | SUN, SEPT. 13

Regulator

The World Famous • 9 p.m. • $10 suggested donation

Local hardcore punk band Regulator has teamed up with local booker Anna Lopez to host a show with three other heavy bands from the Southeast. Well-established in Athens’ underground scene, Regulator is a frequent collaborator of local tape label HARD TACK, having released a set of six songs entitled DEMO via the label in 2024. The first of the bands joining Regulator is Vision of Ruin. This quartet emerged in the Atlanta metal scene earlier this year with its debut EP, Demo ’26, which combines post-rock and death metal sounds. Next is Memphis, TN hardcore outfit A Kiss Before Dying, whose most recent release is the unrelenting A Shifting Sense of Stillness. Finishing the bill is Hematoma. Relatively new to the Gainesville scene, Hematoma is a metal band self-described as “CHICKEN CITY BEATDOWN.” [MB] MUSIC | MON, SEPT. 14

Vic Chesnutt Awards: The Story. The Music. The Future. Epting Events • 12 p.m. • $20

Two members of the Classic City Rotary Club, Ellen Bryson and Blair Dorminey, founded the Vic Chesnutt Songwriter of the Year Award in 2016, naming it after the late Athenian musician. A new local artist receives the award each April, as decided by a panel of judges. During this year’s Vic Chesnutt offseason, there will be a special event honoring the history of the award and how it continues to support the next generation of musicians. During the event, Bryson and Dorminey will be sharing stories about its origins and its impact over the years, as well as where it’s headed in the future. There will also be a performance from the 2025 Vic Chesnutt Award winner Freeman Leverett. Everyone is welcome to attend to learn more about the award and connect with fellow community members. Lunch will also be included in the event. RSVP to classiccity rotary@gmail.com. [MB] f

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feature

music

Flowers and Ash

BLOODKIN’S ERIC CARTER TACKLES LOSS, HOPE AND RENEWAL ON LATEST RECORD

By Patrick Barry music@flagpole.com

contrast to the art-pop movement developing in parallel in the town, and they quickly gained a following. In the following 35 years, Bloodkin toured the world, amassed a sizable number of followers and musical collaborators, and served as an inspiration to contemporaries

WEST DESTINY DRIVE

Sept. 11, Athens mainstays Bloodkin will release Flowers and Ash, a beautiful 10-song album, the band’s first following the unexpected death of co-founder and songwriter Danny Hutchens in 2021. When Eric Carter and Hutchens first met, they were just two West Virginia kids, listening to Beatles 45s on a green plastic record player, strumming beginner chords on dad’s guitar, and making revelatory discoveries of the looming titans of rock music: Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones and Elton John. They had no idea at the time that they were stoking the embers of a creative and personal partnership that would last decades, bring together some of the biggest names in music and form one of the most enduring and beloved groups in Americana. One would be remiss to tell the story of Bloodkin and not include the town that birthed it, a place which, in the summer of 1986, seemed rippling with endless possibility. Drive-By Truckers’ Patterson Hood, a longtime friend of Carter and Hutchens, said living in Athens then felt like “Paris in the 1920s,” and it’s an apt comparison. Athens throughout the 80s was gaining notoriety as a cultural hub, with an extraordinarily low cost of living (even by the standards of the day), a developing club circuit for young songwriters making original music, and acts like The B-52s and R.E.M. that brought the eyes of the world to the unexpectedly artsy college down in the Deep South. That notoriety drew Carter and Hutchens in, and before long Bloodkin was working its way through house shows and drawing crowds at clubs like the Uptown Lounge. Its raucous, soulful music and rock star attitude stood in stark

such as Phil Walden, Bobby Keys, Colonel Bruce Hampton, Chuck Leavell, Jerry Joseph, David Barbe and most of all Widespread Panic, which frequently covers many of Bloodkin’s songs live. The early 2020s brought a unique set of challenges to the music industry at large, and 2021 saw both the release of Black Market Tango, a 15-song double album, and the loss of Hutchens due to a stroke. Hutchens’ death rippled through the Athens community, and many wondered whether Bloodkin could survive without one of its core members. But, if there’s one thing

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · S E P T E MB E R 9, 2026

Bloodkin does, it’s make friends. With the help of longtime Bloodkin manager Carison Stokes, local collaborators came forward to help put together what would eventually become Flowers and Ash. “It’s sort of finding a different groove,” Carter said of the record. “Anytime you replace a band member or whatever, any little link in the chain, it’s going to make it sound a little different. It’s going to change the vibe. So it took us a little while to get our own legs under us.” Carter said that when the idea first came up for a new record, his brother asked him what the theme would be. To Carter, the answer was obvious. “Well,” he said, “the theme is Danny. He sort of runs all through it.” Instead of trying to recapture Hutchens’ sound, Carter brought in musicians who transformed the record with their own unique voice. “We tried to fill that sonic space,” Carter said. “But it’s a big absence.” Betsy Franck and Tori Pater, two longtime collaborators who frequently played live with Carter, back up Carter’s vocals throughout the record. John Neff provides pedal steel wizardry, and Aaron Phillips holds it down on drums. David Barbe plays bass and records. To longtime Bloodkin fans, this list may seem familiar. Over the years, Bloodkin has brought in a rotating cast of local talent to play at the yearly “Bloodkin and Friends” holiday show at the Georgia Theatre. Carter used this same “friends” philosophy to build out Flowers and Ash, which serves as both a musical and personal reminder of the importance of support networks, and that even though chapters may close, the story is far from over. Bloodkin will celebrate the release of the record with a show Sept. 11 at the 40 Watt Club, with support from Georgia bluesman Scott Low. f

WHO: Bloodkin, Scott Low WHEN: Friday, Sept. 11, 8 p.m. (doors), 9 p.m. (show) WHERE: 40 Watt Club HOW MUCH: $25 (adv.), $30

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SUDOKU

Edited by Margie E. Burke

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The Weekly Crossword 3

by Margie E. Burke

14 17

7Solution 529 1 3 to2Sudoku: 9 4 30 6 8 28 65913 31 28 94 47 6 2 5 7 8 34 3 1 6 49832 15 87 46 79 2 5 37 38 39 3 2 7 6 4 1 8 5 9 4 8 2 5 7 6 9 3 1 43 41 42 1 6 3 52478 69 43 17 82 5 9 45 1 6 9 2 5 468 47 3 7 4 5 4 8 9 3 7 2 1 6 9 748 5 4 491 2 6 8 350 1 6 9 2 5 8 3 7 4 4 2 51 8 52 1 6 7 9 3 5 53 3 9 27354 48 16 25 61 8 9 760 59 58

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Solution to 24 Sudoku: 23 25 26

36 40 44

64 67

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S E P T E MB E R 9, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

Family Day Monday, October 20

10 a.m. to noon____Free

MUSIC 26 | 27

FEATURED PERFORMANCES

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

Homegrown September 19

The Science of Art November 7

Mix It Up October 10

Merry and Bright December 12

Sponsored by Heyward Allen Cadillac-GMC-Toyota.

PAUL HINDEMITH

with

MAGGIE SNYDER

The Swan Turner

viola

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 at 7:30 p.m. $15 - Adults $3 UGA students Hodgson 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.

PIANO EXTRAVAGANZA with Five Pianos

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 at 7:30 p.m. $20 - Adults $3 UGA students Hodgson Concert Hall plus $3 transaction fee

music.uga.edu 706-542-4400 Monday, October 20

Hear pianistic fireworks featuring our piano area faculty and students. With five pianos on stage as well as multiple performers sharing the same piano, you are in for a treat!

FREE PERFORMANCES GUEST ARTIST

OLIVER JIA, piano TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 at 7:30 p.m. Ramsey Concert Hall Described as an artist with “incomparable color and beauty of sound” (Jan Popis, Chopin Gazeta: 2005)

FACULTY RECITAL

GEORGIA WIND QUINTET MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 at 7:30 p.m. Ramsey Concert Hall Works by Claude Arrieu, Ferenc Farkas, Paul Hindemith, and Theodor Blumer. All Hugh Hodgson School of Music events take place at the UGA Performing Arts Center, 230 River Road in Athens unless indicated.