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SEPTEMBER 23, 2026 · VOL. 40 · NO. 38 · FREE

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · S E P T E MB E R 23, 2026

this week’s issue

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ALEC STANLEY

The Love.Craft Band shared the music video for its second single, “Crush,” ahead of the release of its debut album, We Are The LCB, on Oct. 9 via Strolling Bones Records. For more info, see “Flagpole Premieres” online at flagpole.com.

This Modern World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 NEWS: City Dope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

New Courthouse Opposition NEWS: Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Reflection on School Integration MUSIC: Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

The Dream Syndicate

Street Scribe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Flag Football . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 9/11 Surveillance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Threats & Promises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Calendar Picks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Live Music Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Penny Loafer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Curb Your Appetite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Event Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

ARTS & CULTURE: Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Diana Toma Exhibition

Art Around Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Bulletin Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Adopt Me . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

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 McClain Baxley, Chris Dowd, Amanda Johnson, Gordon Lamb, Chad Radford, Amanda Watford CARTOONISTS Missy Kulik, David Mack, Klon Waldrip, Joey Weiser CIRCULATION Gerald Burris, Charles Greenleaf, Joe Rowe EDITORIAL & OFFICE ASSISTANT Mary Beth Bryan EDITORIAL INTERNS Lily Thomas PHOTOGRAPHERS CJ Bartunek, Kat Wood, Jake Zerkel SPECIAL AGENT Pete McCommons

Local Comics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Grub Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Crossword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Sudoku . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

COVER PHOTOGRAPH of Penny Loafer by Mary Beth Bryan (see story on p. 15) STREET ADDRESS: 220 Prince Ave., Athens, GA 30601 MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. Box 1027, Athens, GA 30603 EDITORIAL: 706-549-9523 · ADVERTISING: 706-549-0301 CLASSIFIED ADS: class@flagpole.com ADVERTISING: ads@flagpole.com CALENDAR: calendar@flagpole.com EDITORIAL: editorial@flagpole.com

ARTS & CULTURE: arts@flagpole.com LETTERS: letters@flagpole.com MUSIC: music@flagpole.com NEWS: news@flagpole.com

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

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online exclusive Singer-songwriter Don Chambers released a music video for the single “All the Water on Mars” that will be on his forthcoming album, O Courage Heart. Chambers says that this first single encapsulates the minimalist and urgent feel of the record. See “Flagpole Premieres: Don Chambers, ‘All the Water on Mars’” at flagpole.com.

S E P T E MB E R 23, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

Congratulations to

Athens Community Council on Aging September Beautiful Business of the Month!

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October 2__________10 a.m. – noon Explore the Georgia Museum of Art with a customized, drop-in program designed for homeschool students and parents. Individuals and groups welcome. For more information email gmoa-tours@uga.edu. NOMINATE A BUSINESS

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Events and Exhibits at UGA Special Collections Libraries

“Athens, GA: Lillian Smith Book Award Ceremony Inside/Out” 11:15 PM, Saturday, Oct. 3, Decatur Library The Decatur Book Festival is proud to Screening “Athens, GA: Inside/Out” Screening

5:15 & 7 PM, Thursday, Sept. 24, Ciné Reserve free tickets for the newly restored documentary

celebrate the 2026 winners of the Lillian Smith Book Award, Derek W. Black and Keisha N. Blain. Book talk and ceremony

Disability History Symposium 9 AM - 3 PM, Thursday, Oct. 8, Athens First United Methodist Church Keynote Speakers Tim Vogt and Jan Goings - Starfire Council, Cincinnati.

KEEP MAKING MEMORIES Vaccines help protect children and adults from serious and often preventable diseases, so you can enjoy the moments that matter most.

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · S E P T E MB E R 23, 2026

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Judging the Judicial Center

COST, PARKING, ARCHITECTURE AND TREES REMAIN ISSUES FOR COMMISSIONERS

By Blake Aued news@flagpole.com Commissioner Dexter Fisher threatened to pull the plug on a costly new courthouse when he becomes mayor in January. The long-planned $240 million judicial center is now moving ahead quickly, with the Athens-Clarke County Commission scheduled to approve a nearly-final schematic design next month, and to issue bonds for the project in November. “The elephant in the room is the price tag and how we’re going to pay for it. Then we still have to consider parking,” Fisher said at the commission’s Sept. 15 agenda- setting meeting. “That’s going to be a hard sell for me. And it’s going to come on my watch. We’ve got to really think about the price tag, and the parking piece… I don’t want us to get so far ahead, we spent so much money on design and stuff, that we can’t pivot.” Mayor Kelly Girtz said that it’s too late to reconsider—”We’re really at the not- pivot point in the process.” “Well, we’ve got to figure out how we’re going to pay for it, mayor, and if we can’t pay for it, we ain’t gonna build it. I’m not gonna build it,” Fisher said. “Just for public education, we have two routes to pay for it,” according to Girtz. $78 million has been set aside in SPLOST 2020. The rest will be covered by bonds paid back with sales tax revenue from a future SPLOST, a millage rate hike or both. That vote will be taken in November. Manager Bob Cowell said the November vote will also include a contract to design a parking deck a block away from the site for the new judicial center on Dougherty Street. The deck would be located at a city- owned parking lot beyond the Uncommon apartment building. Fisher was elected mayor to replace the term-limited Girtz in a June runoff, defeat-

ing school board member and former commissioner Tim Denson. Commissioners also debated whether to approve a site plan that includes 27 parking spaces, or one that sacrifices parking in an attempt to save the “Moon Tree,” a pine tree grown from a seed that flew to the moon on an Apollo mission. “There will be impacts on the root system even if it’s saved, but personally, I would rather see that tree fight it out then have us come and chop it down,” Commissioner Melissa Link said.

a building that needs to function for this community for the next 250 years around a tree that’s probably going to die as the building’s being built, or over the next 10–20 years, or when I go get my saw out of my truck and take care of it tonight.” Deputy manager Andrew Saunders, a former forester, said the stress of construction could kill the Moon Tree even if space is set aside to preserve it. “What has been presented to you as an alternative is the best effort to preserve that tree while

watch factory off Newton Bridge Road, where the previous owner built apartments, offices and a warehouse on the property, but abandoned plans to restore the industrial building and to build a hotel and music venue, deeming it financially infeasible. Historic preservation expert Chris Jackson and fellow investors Gray Reilly, Russell Edwards and Airee Edwards pitched their vision of the development as a family- friendly environment that would also offer affordable rents to entrepreneurs in the repurposed industrial space. COLLEGE SQUARE VENDORS: The Athens Downtown Development Authority is requesting to ban street vendors who serve food on College Square, citing concerns about grease spilling or being dumped on the newly built brick pedestrian plaza. ADDA co-director David Lynn also mentioned unfair competition with brick- and-mortar restaurants that have higher overhead and pay higher taxes. Some commissioners agreed, while others said that such vendors add to the vibrancy of downtown.

New USG Chancellor Named

A view of the judicial center from First AME Church.

Commissioner Mike Hamby took issue with the emphasis on the Moon Tree. “We’ve been wanting this courthouse for over 10 years now. We know the current courthouse is not safe. We know it doesn’t function well for how the courts of today need to function,” he said. “I’m sorry, but y’all, this is absurd,” Hamby continued. “It’s irresponsible, and it borders on malfeasance that we’re actually heading in this direction about building

accomplishing the other goals of the project.,” he said. “No guarantees.” Another issue is the presence of a building topping 100 feet looming over First AME, a historic Black church next door. “We’re debating the Moon Tree and not mentioning anything about First AME church,” Commissioner Ovita Thornton said. “Commissioner Hamby said malfeasance, and I won’t go that far, but how do we put more emphasis on a tree than a church?” Link agreed that the design is “disrespectful to the church” and said that public input had been “completely discarded.” Architects explained at a previous work session how public input influenced the design, Cowell said, but contradictory comments couldn’t always be incorporated. “There are people who are going to like the design. There are people who are not going to like the design. That’s just a given,” he said. Other issues the commission considered included: EAST ATHENS BRIDGE: There are two competing petitions to rename the bridge, one from Dexter Weaver and another from descendants of the late civil rights activist Jessie Barnett. Both have strong claims for such an honor: Barnett was instrumental in rebuilding the bridge that connected Inner East Athens to downtown in the 1960s, while Weaver ran the iconic Weaver D’s restaurant at the foot of the bridge for almost 40 years. However, commissioners may not have to choose—they also discussed potential ways to recognize both. NEWTOWN BRIDGE ‘FUNTOWN’: A group of local residents is seeking to wipe out a previous plan for the former General Time/Westclox

The University System of Georgia Board of Regents named a former power company CEO and Georgia Tech graduate as the sole finalist to lead Georgia’s 25 public colleges and universities, including UGA. Thomas Fanning served as chairman, president and CEO of Southern Co., which owns Georgia Power and other utilities in the region, for 13 years until retiring in 2023. Fanning holds a bachelor’s degree, a master’s in industrial management and an honorary doctorate from Georgia Tech. The Board of Regents said that Fanning has the experience to “lead USG through an evolving landscape of workforce demands, research initiatives and technological innovation,” according to a news release. “Our university system’s strong reputation brought us exceptional candidates from across the country, but Tom Fanning stood out immediately,” chair David B. Dove said. “With four decades of experience running one of the largest energy companies in the nation, Tom knows how to manage complex operations, solve big problems and lead people. He cares deeply about Georgia, understands the power of higher education and has the proven leadership to guide USG forward.” Fanning will replace the retiring Sonny Perdue and continues the board’s trend of selecting chancellors with little to no academic experience. Perdue was a former governor who also served as secretary of agriculture in the first Trump administration. His predecessor, Hank Huckaby, had a long career as a financial administrator at UGA. Like Fanning, the chancellor before Huckaby, Errol Davis, came from the energy industry. Fanning’s selection puts to rest rumors that Gov. Brian Kemp would have himself appointed chancellor after leaving office at the end of this year. “This is a great choice by the Board of Regents,” Kemp posted on the social media site X. “Tom’s unique background and proven track record of success in leading and innovating across large organizations will serve both the University System’s students and our state as well. I look forward to his final approval by the Board as we work to keep Georgia the best place for opportunity.” f

S E P T E MB E R 23, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

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Black and White and Crimson and Gold MEMBERS OF CLARKE CENTRAL’S FIRST CLASSES DESCRIBE INTEGRATION

By Blake Aued news@flagpole,com

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istory usually records the civil Athens High, but with new colors and a new rights era as a time when Black mascot. (Cedar Shoals did not yet exist.) Americans celebrated the end “Nobody was really happy,” Thurmond of legal segregation. In Athens, at least, said. “But that’s what makes a great comthat’s not quite the whole picture. Many promise, isn’t it?” Black Athenians didn’t want to be sent to The compromise came about partially white schools. In fact, Michael Thurmond because of the Burney-Harris team’s describes it as the most traumatic experiprowess in football, according to Clegg, ence in his life. who went to high school in Atlanta but Thurmond spoke on a panel at Clarke spent part of his childhood in the 1960s Central High School last week featuring in Athens, where his father refereed high five men who were part of the first classes school football games. “I think the [white] at the newly created high school in 1970, community gained some respect for when white Athens High and Black Burney- Burney-Harris,” Clegg said. “They lost both Harris combined. “I did not want to come to games they played against Athens High, but Athens High. I loved Burney Harris,” Thurthey were very competitive,” despite having mond said. an enrollment one-third the size, as well as Thurmond, after recently losing the fewer resources. Democratic primary for governor, joked But resources aren’t everything. Clegg, that he “hoped he’d be too busy to be here.” Pope and Thurmond spoke about the perClassmate Doc Eldridge served as mayor of ception that the Black community had Athens-Clarke County from 1999–2002. lost part of its culture when it lost its high “I’m sure Doc and Mac [Coile, another white school. “It had a very deep meaning beyond classmate] didn’t want to give up being Tro- being a brick-and-mortar school,” Clegg jans, truth be told,” Thurmond said. said. “No,” replied Eldridge. “And we didn’t want to give up being Yellowjackets,” said Thurmond. Eldridge, Thurmond, Coile, Clarence Pope and Robert Hawkins spoke on a panel at Clarke Central Sept. 16 with Mark Clegg, author of Crimson and Gold: Football and Integration in Athens, Georgia, which examines the civil rights movement through the lens of the inaugural Clarke Central Gladiators football team. From left, Clarence Pope and Doc Eldridge. Integration was a long time coming. As Thurmond noted, he was only a year Athens High had more resources. But old when the Supreme Court outlawed Burney-Harris had intangibles, like teachers segregated schools in 1954’s landmark case who were a part of the fabric of the Black Brown v. Board of Education. Yet it wasn’t community. Thurmond took issue with until he was 17 that Athens schools were the Brown lawyers’ argument that “underfully integrated, despite the order to profunded meant inferior.” The love among ceed “with all deliberate haste.” Black residents of a certain age for Burney- For years prior to 1970, local schools Harris persists, which is why the Clarke had a policy of “freedom of choice,” when County School District renovated its buildintegration was not enforced, but Black stu- ings off Hancock Avenue between Broad dents were allowed to attend white schools and Baxter streets. They now serve as the if they wanted. “When I heard we had freesite of an early learning center, the Athens dom of choice, I said, ‘This is my choice.’ Community Career Academy and a Boys & Athens High was closer to me than Burney- Girls Club outpost. Harris,” Hawkins said. But many of the “We had great teachers,” Hawkins said. “trailblazers” who came with him wound up “We didn’t have the best books. We never quickly transferring back to Burney-Harris, had new books. We had the books you all he said. [white people] didn’t want anymore.” Athens was unique among other SouthAs the fall of 1970 approached, Pope ern towns in that the local authorities described the mood as “anger more than didn’t just close the Black high school and anything else… The idea was that you [the send everyone to the white high school, Black community] would be consumed.” He according to Clegg. Instead, it started a new said that students marched from Burney- high school—Clarke Central—at the site of Harris to try to prevent their school from

F L A GP OL E .C OM · S E P T E MB E R 23, 2026

being folded into Athens High. “It was absolute chaos,” he said. “It could’ve gone a really bad way.” When administrators failed them, the students, according to the panelists, finally decided to make peace among themselves. “It was the kids leading the adults,” Eldridge said. He described two pivotal, separate meetings between the two races on the football team after a tough loss that finally settled any issues. Hawkins, who didn’t play football but was into music, described a different turning point: The Swingin’ Medallions—a white band best known for “Double Shot (Of My Baby’s Love)”—played a Motown song at a school dance. “It was a big thing at that time, because it was something everybody could relate to,” he said. There were smaller gestures, too, like a white classmate offering to share a locker with Hawkins at the overcrowded school. “It took things like that, one iceberg after another, until people realized we were just like them,” he said. Tensions were high during Vietnam, in the wake of the Kent State massacre, not long after the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, Robert Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. “It was an interesting time, but probably not much different than what students think they’re going through today,” Coile said. Painful though it may have been, the panelists were all clearly changed for the better by the experience, and by recollecting events for Clegg. “All of a sudden, it becomes so vivid. It was eye- opening again. Sometimes after 50 years, you see things absolutely differently than you did when you were a kid,” Pope said of being interviewed by Clegg. “It was years later that I really got a handle on what these kids did, and the bravery it took,” Eldridge said. “It helped me grow,” he added later. “This great social experiment, if you will, has been a big success in this community,” Eldridge said. Obviously, not everything was solved by a group of teenagers in the late 1960s and early 1970s. “It was all new, and we had to figure it out,” Thurmond said. “… We’re still figuring it out. Four hundred years of history can’t be changed in 50 years.” Complicating matters, issues of race and ethnicity are no longer binary, with large numbers of Hispanic and Asian students in the mix as well. “The whole world attends Clarke Central High School,” Thurmond said, “and that’s something to be proud of.” f

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Overlooked Assassinations

Kir-Behind You

By Ed Tant news@flagpole.com

By McClain Baxley news@flagpole.com

THE SHOOTINGS OF PRESIDENTS JAMES GARFIELD AND WILLIAM MCKINLEY THE BULLDOGS’ CALL IS COMING FROM INSIDE THE HOUSE

“April is the cruellest month,” wrote poet T.S. Eliot. September is a cruel month for American presidents. Two U.S. chief executives died in September after being shot by assassins. President James Garfield was shot in 1881 and President William McKinley was targeted in 1901. The two died sad and lingering deaths that plunged Americans into grief and anger all across a growing country. Many citizens during that Gilded Age time could still recall the 1865 murder of Abraham Lincoln. The assassinations of Garfield and McKinley brought more horror to a young nation.

stalked Garfield for weeks after purchasing a pistol at a gun shop near the White House. Seeing Guiteau’s shabby clothes, the shop owner steered him to a cheaper gun. Guiteau would have none of it, picking a fancy model instead. “It’ll look better in a museum,” he said. After being shot on July 2, Garfield died on Sept. 19. Primitive probings by his doctors only added to his agony. Charles Guiteau called himself a godly man. Americans called him a crazed killer. Guiteau chanted, “I’m going to the Lordy. I’m so glad,” just before he dangled from the

You know when you’re watching a horror movie, and you just KNOW the killer is behind that door, but the protagonist doesn’t know they’re there, and so you sit on your couch and scream as the killer pops out to kill the protagonist? If you were in the movie, you’d try to stop them. Watching Georgia beat down Arkansas Saturday had a similar feeling. Arkansas, still licking its wounds from a bludgeoning at Utah the week before, had to sit there and take the Bulldogs running all over them for 60 minutes Saturday afternoon. Heading into the game, there was turmoil in Fayetteville, with boosters and the fanbase already fighting and displeased with the first two games of the Ryan Silverfield era. Enter Kirby Smart’s Bulldogs, coming off two dominant performances in non-conference play and ready to pick up their third win of the season by any means necessary. And they did, improving to 3-0 for a sixth-straight season after a 45-17 win against the Hogs.

extra pushes all afternoon. The head coach wasn’t fully satisfied. “Gotta keep getting better,” Smart said. “Had a stupid penalty, and just gotta keep getting better is what they gotta do. But they’re certainly talented young men that have to keep improving. We’re gonna need them to improve in areas if we’re gonna beat really good teams.” Defensively, Georgia was strong again. Demello Jones and Joseph Jonah-Ajonye each had six tackles. The whole defense basically lived in Arkansas’ backfield with six tackles for loss, three sacks and a forced fumble from defensive lineman Jordan Hall. It’s the third game in a row that Georgia has been able to play their backups, which haven’t performed up to Smart’s standard. Arkansas finished with 300 yards and scored 14 of their 17 points in the fourth quarter. “We’ve had them for three straight games, and it hasn’t helped,” Smart said of

An engraving depicting William McKinley’s assassination with a gun hidden underneath a napkin.

Today the assassinations of Lincoln and John F. Kennedy are tragedies taught in schools all over America. The other two presidential murders are usually glossed over in history classes. President Garfield died 145 years ago. President McKinley succumbed 125 years ago. Their deaths came almost exactly 20 years apart. Garfield was the 20th U.S. president, McKinley was the 25th. Both were Republicans from Ohio. Garfield went from poverty to the presidency during his life. His father died 18 months after Garfield was born, and the future president’s early life was marked by privation on the Ohio frontier. Garfield’s humble beginnings turned into a Horatio Alger story as the dirt-poor kid went on to excel in academia, on Civil War battlefields, in a preacher’s pulpit and in the rough-and- tumble world of 19th century politics. A precocious child, Garfield was immersed in learning from an early age. As a college professor, Garfield amused his students by writing Greek with one hand and Latin with the other. As a presidential candidate, Garfield spoke to an assembly of German immigrant workers in their native language. In his 1881 inaugural address, Garfield was far ahead of his time when he called for “the full rights of citizenship” for Black Americans more than 80 years before U.S. civil rights laws were finally passed in the 1960s. Garfield’s presidency seemed to be a time of promise until he was shot in the back in a Washington, D.C. railroad station. The assassin, Charles Guiteau, had

gallows less than a year after he shot President Garfield. Twenty years later, a president was again stalked by an assassin. William McKinley was shaking hands at the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, NY, when he was shot at point-blank range by Leon Czolgosz, an unemployed mill worker who had become enthralled by the fiery speeches of anarchist Emma Goldman, a woman whom police dubbed “the red queen” and “the most dangerous woman in America.” Cops, soldiers and Secret Service men who had been guarding McKinley pounced on Czolgosz, as did a burly African American man named James Parker, who had been in the receiving line behind the assassin and aided in the capture. Secret Service officials later downplayed Parker’s role. No photos of the shooting exist, but newspaper illustrations from the time show a Black man grabbing the assassin. Czolgosz said, “I done my duty,” after he was subdued. McKinley died on Sept. 14, 1901. On Oct. 29 Czolgosz was strapped into the electric chair. In his last words, the assassin said, “I killed the president because he was the enemy of the good working people. I am not sorry for my crime.” Czolgosz was buried in an unmarked grave after sulfuric acid was poured into his coffin. September was a cruel month for Garfield and McKinley. Their White House prize became their doom. President Garfield was prescient when he asked, “What is there in this place that a man should ever want to get into it?” f

Arkansas tried to run, but couldn’t hide.

Georgia used a heavy rushing attack early and often, going for 254 yards and four touchdowns on the ground. Quarterback Gunner Stockton led the team in rushing yards with 97, and Nate Frazier had 75 yards before leaving the game early with an injury. It was clear from the first drive that Georgia knew they could run on an undersized Arkansas front, and they took advantage. “I think Gunner does a good job making us right,” Smart said. “Several of those were pass plays that became run plays. So it’s all relative to what they’re doing and what they’re giving us. There’s certain looks we don’t wanna throw into. There’s certain looks we wanna run into. So again, the defense dictates some of that. We’re gonna take what they give us.” Smart, now 11-0 in SEC openers, can say they’ll take what the defense gives them, but he also knows that the offensive line, though young, is bigger and better than just about every defensive front in the country. The Georgia offensive line allowed just three sacks as they helped the running game get

the reserves. “So, I mean, we did it in the last game, and they didn’t play good. We did it the game before that, and they didn’t play good. We did it this game, and they didn’t play good. So, it tells me we can’t play them. That’s the only bottom line. I mean, I’m not going to let it ruin my day like I did last time. I’m happy for the rest of the guys. But piss-poor performance by the guys that went in.” For the Georgia starters, though, the defensive coaches are having their players run drills during timeouts and in between sets. It’s a damning realization for Arkansas that Georgia doesn’t feel like they’re getting enough good reps in games. Georgia, again, played the part of Michael Myers, hiding behind the bush to slay their victim. It’s a part that Smart loves to play, and will continue to do so for at least another week with Oklahoma coming to town next week. The Sooners have struggled on offense this season, with a near escape against New Mexico this week. Who knows when, or if, the Bulldogs will run into their Laurie Strode this season. f

S E P T E MB E R 23, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

news

feature

How 9/11 Changed Surveillance TWENTY-FIVE YEARS LATER, THE POLICE STATE IS PART OF EVERYDAY LIFE

By Amanda Watford awatford@stateline.org

From Intelligence Silos to Everyday Policing In the months after 9/11, officials sought to fix a critical weakness exposed by the attacks: Intelligence that could have helped uncover the plot was held across government agencies that failed to connect or share it effectively. The

F L A GP OL E .C OM · S E P T E MB E R 23, 2026

response was a sweeping effort to tear down those silos and build a more integrated intelligence network. Federal, state and local agencies quickly expanded intelligence-sharing, and the government established and expanded networks designed to move information across traditional institutional boundaries. The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Forces brought together federal, state and local law enforcement and intelligence personnel. U.S. NATIONAL ARCHIVES

wenty-five years after 9/11, the surveillance infrastructure built and expanded in its aftermath has become part of a far larger digital ecosystem—producing tools that can collect and analyze information on a scale unimaginable in 2001. The terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, did more than reshape the nation’s approach to terrorism. They changed the architecture of American intelligence and policing. They expanded how government agencies collect, share and analyze information, and brought national security tools deeper into ordinary law enforcement. The infrastructure built in the attacks’ aftermath has proved remarkably durable. Joint terrorism task forces and fusion centers brought federal, state and local agencies into closer intelligence-sharing networks. New laws expanded the government’s ability to obtain information. And police departments acquired technologies that once belonged largely to the realm of national security. But the expansion of surveillance did not go uncontested. Civil liberties groups warned that the new powers could erode Americans’ privacy and constitutional protections, while many Americans accepted expanded government surveillance as a necessary tradeoff for safety in the aftermath of the attacks. The country also entered a period of heightened scrutiny for people perceived as foreign or potentially threatening— with American Muslims and immigrant communities bearing a particularly heavy burden. Then came the digital revolution. Americans began carrying smartphones, broadcasting their lives on social media and generating enormous amounts of commercially collected data. Police gained access to license plate readers, networks of cameras, cellphone location information and other technologies capable of tracking people and mapping their movements. Now, artificial intelligence is adding another layer: systems that can sift through those vast stores of information, connect previously separate databases and generate analyses in seconds. Some surveillance and privacy experts say that the amount of information available to the government—and its ability to make sense of it—has fundamentally changed since 9/11. That has taken on new urgency as surveillance systems have moved further into everyday life. Automated license plate readers can track where people drive. Facial recognition can help identify people in crowds. Commercial data can reveal where and how people live and travel. And increasingly, artificial intelligence can analyze and connect these streams of information at a speed no human investigator could match. Those capabilities have raised concerns among some experts and advocates about how surveillance could be used to monitor protests, track immigrants and identify people seeking reproductive health care. Gregory Nojeim, senior counsel and director of the security and surveillance project at the Center for Democracy & Technology, described the post-9/11 era as a “perfect storm.” “That storm is both the expansion of the legal powers that have been conferred on the government to collect and share information, combined with the advance of technology, which has given the government more tools to collect information from more people in more contexts,” Nojeim said.

President George W. Bush signs the PATRIOT Act.

Fusion centers, generally run by state and local governments with federal support, became another part of the post-9/11 intelligence architecture, with at least one operating in every state. The centers serve as intelligence hubs where law enforcement agencies can share information, analyze data and flag potential threats across jurisdictions. Katie Kinsey, chief of staff and tech policy counsel at the Policing Project at the NYU School of Law, said the original goal was straightforward—prevent another terrorist attack. Over time, some fusion centers began supporting investigations and enforcement involving lower-level crimes, Kinsey said. Local police departments also developed their own versions of centralized intelligence hubs, often called real- time crime centers, that can integrate information from cameras, automated license plate readers and other surveillance systems. David Viola, an adjunct professor at the Center on Terrorism at John Jay College of Criminal Justice and author of You Have Unleashed a Storm: New York City’s Descent into Chaos During America’s Most Explosive Era of Radical Violence, said the post-9/11 period also marked a major shift in the kind of information available to investigators. Before the attacks, he said, intelligence work relied heavily on traditional investigative techniques. Today, digital records can provide information about where people go, with whom they communicate, what they purchase and what they post online. But technology is only part of the transformation. Viola said the institutional relationships forged among local, state and federal authorities after 9/11 are among the period’s most lasting legacies. “These are institutions that have cemented the close coordination between state, local, federal, tribal authorities in the past 25 years, and they’re going nowhere, for better or worse,” he said. Nojeim, of the Center for Democracy & Technology, was directing lobbyists in Washington, D.C., on 9/11. His office was evacuated as officials tried to determine whether the U.S. Capitol was the target of another hijacked plane. In the aftermath, he said, civil liberties advocates understood that decisions made in response to the attacks could extend far beyond the immediate crisis. About a month after the attacks, President George W. Bush signed the USA PATRIOT Act into law, dramatically

expanding the federal government’s ability to collect information and conduct surveillance in terrorism investigations. Some of its most sweeping surveillance authorities were later curtailed or allowed to expire, but the law helped establish a new framework for national security surveillance that continues to shape how Americans’ data is collected and monitored. “In the days after 9/11, we all realized that what the government did in the next few days to respond could have lasting implications for the civil liberties of Americans,” Nojeim said.

The Data Economy The growth of surveillance after 9/11 also coincided with a separate transformation that would make those systems far more powerful. Americans were beginning to carry smartphones, use social media and spend more of their lives online, generating enormous amounts of digital information that did not exist before. Kinsey, of the Policing Project, said that created a new dynamic for law enforcement. Agencies had expanded their ability to collect and share intelligence after 9/11, while technology was producing more information about people than ever before. Much of that information was collected by private companies for commercial purposes, but it could also become available to law enforcement, either through data purchases or when companies turned information over to authorities. At the same time, Kinsey said, Americans have become accustomed to giving up personal information without necessarily understanding how it is collected or what can ultimately be done with it. “There’s still a lack of awareness because there’s a lack of transparency on the part of law enforcement, but also on the part of these private tech companies about what they are actually collecting on us, and then what they’re doing with that information,” Kinsey said. That lack of visibility extends beyond the cameras and other surveillance tools people can see. Personal data can be combined and shared behind the scenes, allowing the government to draw conclusions from pieces of information that may seem insignificant on their own. “Never in human history has the government had more information about what we are doing, who we are doing it with, what we like to buy, and indeed what we are thinking about, than ever before,” said Nojeim, of the Center for Democracy & Technology. Jessica Katzenstein, a cultural anthropologist and assistant professor at Arizona State University, said technological advances have also changed what Americans consider normal, making forms of live, mass surveillance that once seemed dystopian increasingly commonplace. “The things that we would have taken for granted as forms of privacy we can all expect have just completely vanished,” she said. That normalization can make surveillance difficult to roll back once law enforcement agencies have invested in the technology and incorporated it into their work, she said. “Once you have a sense of both a need and access to tools, it will be very, very difficult to get you to give that up,” said Katzenstein, who also studies police in the U.S. as an ethnographer.

Living With the Consequences The expansion of surveillance after 9/11 also had consequences that were not felt equally. American Muslims faced heightened scrutiny in the name of national security, and advocates say the surveillance practices and assumptions that emerged in that period have since affected other communities of color. Haris Tarin, vice president of policy and programming for the Muslim Public Affairs Council, who also spent more

than a decade working in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, said many American Muslims experienced the aftermath of 9/11 as a “dual attack.” “We were attacked twice. First by the terrorists, we were attacked for being Americans, and then we were attacked by our own government and people within our own country, where we were cast under suspicion, and that has continued for the last 25 years,” Tarin said. Tarin said that suspicion soon extended beyond American Muslims to other communities. “After 9/11, American Muslims were easy to go after because there was not much political consequence,” he said. “But it just didn’t stop with American Muslims. We’ve seen that now extend to immigrants. We’ve seen that now extend to anti-Semitism. We’ve seen that now extend to anti-Black hate.” Lia Nitake, senior director of technology, telecommunications and media policy at Asian Americans Advancing Justice, said the consequences have been particularly pronounced for communities of color. She said the heightened surveillance of people based on their race, religion or other aspects of their identity has created a climate of fear. “In a lot of ways, these surveillance measures have also eroded this idea that everyone should have an equal right to privacy,” Nitake said. Both Tarin and Nitake said the growing use of artificial intelligence raises new concerns about how those disparities could be reproduced or amplified. Police agencies could increasingly rely on technology to monitor communities rather than invest in relationships with them, Tarin said. “In the AI age, it will be easy for government agencies and law enforcement agencies to use technology to surveil, and not do the hard work of community policing and engaging communities,” he said.

Stronger Surveillance Systems Police departments nationwide are already using AI- assisted tools to analyze evidence, search databases, draft reports and translate conversations in real time. North Carolina Central University Police Chief Robert Gaddy, who previously served as a Durham police officer for more than 25 years, sees the technology as a practical response to the growing demands on modern policing. Information that once had to be gathered and shared manually can now flow through centralized digital systems, while AI-assisted cameras and license plate readers help officers identify suspects, gather evidence and solve crimes. “If I can take this technology and at least give that [victim’s] security back to them by solving this crime, it’s worth every every bit of it,” Gaddy said. Gaddy said technology can also help departments facing staffing shortages. But he said its use requires clear limits and oversight, including rules governing how officers access and share information, and audits to identify potential misuse. Still, some experts and advocates worry that newer AI-assisted systems could make existing surveillance infrastructure significantly more powerful by connecting databases that previously operated separately. Some tools allow officers to search multiple databases using natural-language prompts and generate summaries, raising questions about accuracy, missing information and how much officers may rely on the results. Nojeim, of the Center on Democracy & Technology, said those concerns become especially serious when AI is used in decisions that can affect someone’s liberty. “We all know from our work or our play with AI that it can make mistakes and that it hallucinates,” he said. “Now we’re in a world where an AI hallucination can be the thing that set off an investigation that landed you in jail inappropriately.” Modern law enforcement agencies have access to more information than any human could reasonably process, said Viola, the adjunct professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. AI could help investigators identify connections that might otherwise be missed. But Viola said those capabilities also come with risks. “These are very capable tools that can be used to great effect for the betterment of American society and safety,” Viola said. “They can also be used for ill effect if there is an administration who wants to use them for such activity.” f

S E P T E MB E R 23, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

music

threats & promises

MonstroCity Support Shansylvania’s PLUS, MORE MUSIC NEWS AND GOSSIP Local Journalism By Gordon Lamb threatsandpromises@flagpole.com

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · S E P T E MB E R 23, 2026

HOLLER BACK: I was introduced to Hole Dweller, the recording project of composer Tim Rowland, just over three years ago. Since that time he’s been pretty quiet, but there’s a brand new album out as we speak named Long Road Home. His central aesthetic is still woodland magic with a healthy dose of Tolkien, but it feels like the latter is starting to retreat somewhat. This is what we call pleasant music. It’s not aggressively new age, but it slides up against it. Mostly, these are short compositions influenced by prog, folk and video games. Put it on, but be prepared for your mind to wander. These aren’t dreamscapes, per se, but they are dream inducing, and there are some nice surprises like the cinematic “ghostlights” and the mournfully reverent “painted in memory.” Find this at holedweller.bandcamp. com.

TUESDAY’S GONE: Ya got one more chance to catch Kenosha Kid’s latest residency. All month long it’s been taking Tuesdays at Dead Beat Club, and it’ll capture it again Tuesday, Sept. 29. The show is free, and the band is playing two sets, one at 8 p.m. and one at 9 p.m. That’s pretty much the entire scoop, but for more information, you can try deadbeatathens.com and kenoshakid.com. THE PERFECT STORM: Tickets are on sale now for this year’s instance of A Southern Gothic, the goth, darkwave, deathrock, et al festival. It’ll happen at the 40 Watt Club Friday and Saturday, Oct. 30 and 31. Friday night features Secret Shame (Asheville), Tears For The Dying, Now After Nothing (Atlanta) and Mostly Mesh (Greensboro, NC). Saturday will have The Agonal Gasps (Dusty Gannon’s new post- Vision Video band), Feyleux (NC) and Vincas. Each night will have a dance party hosted by Gannon’s alter-ego Goth Dad and DJ Twin Powers. Single night tickets are $15 and two- day passes are $22. For more information and tickets, please see agonalgasps.com/pages/ southerngothic.

ECM-style jazz and ethereal indie.” Believe me, this record proves it. Even as opening track “Market Loop” starts strong with an insistent, throbby bass, it retreats into the wall before it’s over. That’s not a flaw, though, it’s a feature. The natural state one assumes listening though is one of deep thinking where everything around the subject becomes part of the fabric of the situation and, as such, retains some structural responsibility. This record takes that seriously with the jazz of centerpiece “Thereza,” the repetition of “Walk In Tide” and the Herbie Hancock-ism of “Sensible Tribes.” The recordings here are so tight you’d never know they were the result of two years of file sharing. Find this at primordialvoid.bandcamp.com. GROOVES-N-MOODS: Atlanta-Athens hybrid post-punk supergroup Go Public deserves congratulations for its newly released full-length album, You Are Traffic. The band celebrated locally with a release show last week, but will play Atlanta’s The Earl on Friday, Oct. 2. In the middle of the month, the band has a short East Coast run that’ll take it through Durham, Philadelphia, New York City and Brooklyn. The album is released courtesy of HHBTM Records and can be streamed wherever you stream music. You can bug your local shops for a copy or buy directly from the label at hhbtm.com. For more information, please see instagram.com/gopublicband.

FROM THE CAULDRON: Shansylvania, the new band formed by songwriter and performer Shannon Provost, will release its album MonstroCity this Friday, Sept. 25. The album was recorded, mixed and mastered by Andy LeMaster (Now

SOUND SYSTEM: Straight off the heels of his compelling July album, Abnormal, Athens hip-hop artist Messiah Cartiye has released a new seven-track record, Off Center. It starts gently with the instrumental “Birds And Bees,” then rushes out of the gate with the extra funky and NSFW “Jelly.” He keeps this same vibe on “Not Real,” which also features a few falsettos from Cartiye. “Imitation” leaves the funk behind in favor of futuristic R&B, Shansylvania and “Rosie” brings a Spanish cantina flavor to the mix. He ends everything with another It’s Overhead). This is a concept album described as “a instrumental, this one seemingly containing most of the Halloween folk rock opera for listeners who appreciate blueelements already presented, in a cleverly named track “Bird grass instrumentation, chamber pop, dance grooves, clever And Stones.” Y’all, I’m telling you, this is an exciting young lyrics and haunting vocal harmonies.” And that’s really the local artist who shouldn’t be slept on. Find the new record long and short of it. This is very well performed, especially and previous work at mcartiye23.bandcamp.com. whimsical tracks like “Supernatural Saloon” and the downUP ALL NIGHT: Pre-orders are open now for New West beat “Witches Waltz.” Of course you still have to deal with Records’ release of Widespread Panic’s live show from this being a Halloween album, but if you can get over that, Halloween night 2000 at Austin City Limits in Austin, TX. there’s some solid tunes here worth hearing. Find this at This show features the group’s classic lineup and is a double shansylvania.bandcamp.com. LP. Orders won’t ship until Oct. 30, but the vinyl is limited ESTAR EN TALLA: The UGA Performing Arts Center and UGA edition, so if you’re wanting that, then jump on it. And for Presents will host the Buena Vista Orchestra, which is your efforts you can choose “Rainbow Splatter” color vinyl “carrying forward the musical legacy of Cuba’s legendary or “Halloween exclusive Glow-in-the-Dark” color vinyl. Buena Vista Social Club.” As such, it’ll bring a variety of Rainbow costs $38, and Halloween costs $50. To order or Cuban styles to the Hodgson Concert Hall at 7:30 p.m. explore further, please see newwestrecords.com. Friday, Oct. 2. There is a free pre-performance talk hosted CONTEMPORARY MUSIC REPORT: The debut collaborative album by senior lecturer of jazz David D’Angelo from 6:45–7:15 between Athens’ Nick Glade and Quebec’s Nicolas Chabot- p.m. Tickets are available now via pac.uga.edu and by Leclerc, recording as Glade Leclerc, is named Tour and calling the box office at 706-542-4400 Monday–Friday, is out now. The pair, according to a press release, possess 10 a.m.–5 p.m., or by visiting the box office during those an “esoteric obsession” over “obscure new age, yacht rock, times.

arts & culture

calendar picks

ART | THU, SEPT. 24

Rae Haight Artist Talk tiny ATH Gallery • 6 p.m. • FREE!

Visual artist Rae Haight began creating stained glass artworks as a hobby about five years ago. Their process begins with taking photos of reflections and shadows, and making tracings from these that act as patterns for their works. Haight then chooses pieces from their glass collection that they feel speak to each other or make satisfying color palettes, and finds natural ways for the pieces to fit together, filling in gaps with other glass pieces or leaving open spaces for light to pass through. Haight tries to source all of their glass secondhand through auctions and estate sales, and is drawn to pieces that others may discard because of their imperfections. The works for this exhibition, entitled “Voluptuous Panic,” also include other found objects like bottles and marbles, playing into the idea behind Haight’s work that “useless” or “broken” things can find new purpose if viewed from a new perspective. When displayed, light shines through the pieces to leave a colorful reflection on the wall behind them, and these reflections are just as important as the glassworks themselves. Following this artist talk and demo, there will be a closing reception for “Voluptuous Panic” on Sept. 27. [MB]

nominated albums of his own. O’Hara will also be holding a free master class for UGA students on Sept. 24 at 3 p.m. at Ramsey Concert Hall. [Mary Beth Bryan] MUSIC | FRI, SEPT. 25

Greenhouse

Foxglove Plantbar • 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show) • $10

Athens club music collective Sensorium is presenting a night of electronic music, visuals, cocktails and food among the greenery of Foxglove Plantbar for an event called Greenhouse. The first of the featured performers is Echo Constant, a hypnotic project inspired by ’90s deep house and techno. Next is the live electronics and modular synths of Hamaixa. Winston Parker’s solo experimental project Ohmu is third on the lineup. Finishing the bill is Smoggo, the minimal techno project of Jay Domingo. X-Phaze Optics will be running live synthesized and glitched analog video visuals to go along with the music. Red Eye Mile High Club food truck will provide eats for the event with a menu including onigiri, banh mi and beef skewers. [MB] THEATER | FRI, SEPT. 25

Catching the Moon Morton Theatre • 10 a.m. • $10

COURTESY OF UGA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

Based on the children’s book by Crystal Hubbard, Catching the Moon: The Story of a Young Girl’s Baseball Dream tells the true story of Marcenia Lyle, a young girl with a passion for baseball. Lyle, who changed her name to Toni Stone in her early 20s, went on to become the first woman to play professional baseball regularly in a men’s major league, joining the Indianapolis Clowns of the Negro American League in 1953. Adapted by Tyrone L. Robinson, this musical follows Stone as she pursues the sport and faces barriers due to racism and sexism. Catching the Moon is educational and engaging for audience members of all ages, and it has a blues-infused score to accompany the heart and determination of the story. [MB] EVENT | SAT, SEPT. 26 MUSIC | THU, SEPT. 24

Kelli O’Hara

Hodgson Concert Hall • 7:30 p.m. • $15 (w/ UGA ID), $65–119

Actress and singer Kelli O’Hara has a career that spans Broadway, television, the Metropolitan Opera and concert halls nationwide. She’s starred in 12 main Broadway shows in her career, including The Bridges of Madison County, The Light in the Piazza, Follies, Dracula and Jekyll & Hyde. Across her stage acting and opera career, she’s earned three Grammy Award nominations and eight Tony Award nominations, winning the 2015 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her performance in The King and I. She has also starred in several television shows, mostly notably “The Gilded Age,” with additional appearances in “Masters of Sex,” “13 Reasons Why,” “Blue Bloods” and more. For this performance of works from Broadway shows and the Great American Songbook, O’Hara will be joined by music director Dan Lipton, who is a Broadway conductor, arranger, orchestrator and pianist with three Grammy Award-

Our Casa Es Tu Casa

Athentic Brewing Co. • 1–10 p.m. • FREE!

Casa de Amistad is a nonprofit that was founded in 2000 in response to the housing crisis affecting Latino families in Athens. The organization’s focus has since shifted toward adult education, literacy and community empowerment, reaching communities across the broader Northeast Georgia region. Our Casa Es Tu Casa is an event created to celebrate Casa de Amistad and the Athens’ Latino community, as well as the neighbors, families, volunteers and partners who contribute to the nonprofit’s work. The event will begin with a market from 1–6 p.m. featuring local vendors and makers and a children’s activity table. Kendra Scott will also be hosting a pop-up shopping event. At 7 p.m., the event will shift into Latin Dance Night. Salsa Pasión will lead a beginner-friendly lesson followed by open dancing. There will also be a raffle and silent auction to raise funds for Casa de Amistad. Throughout the event, there will be many opportunities to learn more about Casa de Amistad’s programs and the people who are behind the organization. [MB] f

S E P T E MB E R 23, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

live music calendar Tuesday 22

Wednesday 23 40 Watt Club 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $35 (adv.), $40. www.40watt.com THE DEVIL MAKES THREE Band from Santa Cruz, CA whose music combines a wide array of influences including Americana, folk, bluegrass, old time, country, blues, jazz, punk and ragtime music. TIM BARRY Lead singer of the Richmond, VA punk rock band Avail who makes folk music in his own time. ATHICA 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (music). $10 suggested donation. www.athica.org GLISTENING MINERALS Local psych outfit of Emmie Pierce, Shannon Perry, Kyle MacKinnel and Jon Vogt. COMMON EARTH MINERAL Heavy minimalist noise rock from Philadelphia. JACKSON MCLENDON Experimental indie folk from Athens. Amici at The Falls 6 p.m. www.facebook.com/amiciat thefalls AUSTIN SISK & ALLIE BRYAN Singer-songwriter duo playing alt- pop and country. Athentic Brewing Co. 7–10 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com KARAOKE WITH DJ GREGORY Second and fourth Wednesdays. Creature Comforts Brewery Athens Farmers Market. 5–8 p.m. FREE! www.athensfarmersmarket. net RED OAK STRING BAND Local band playing a feel-good blend of bluegrass, blues, folk, rock and classic country. (6 p.m.)

Thursday 24 Athentic Brewing Co. Blues on Tap. 7–9 p.m. www.athentic brewing.com THE ORIGINAL SCREW TOPS Blues jam for musicians, dancers and music lovers every fourth Thursday. Dead Beat Club 8 p.m. $7. www.deadbeatathens.com SEEKING APPROVAL Athens- based psych-funk band performing a mix of originals and covers. GREYLOW Genre-blending garage rock built on syncopated rhythms, fuzzy riffs and bursts of atmospheric guitar. CHRIS MOOR Musician who is a former member of SLC punk bands The Potato Heads and Boxcar Kids. Flicker Theatre & Bar 8 p.m. $10. www.flickertheatreandbar. com ORGANICALLY PROGRAMMED Oliver Domingo’s electronic space- themed act, which utilizes primitive drum machines and synthesizers to create disco-pop, jazz and easy listening inspired compositions. SAMURAI TEST DRIVE Five- piece jazz fusion band based out of

F L A GP OL E .C OM · S E P T E MB E R 23, 2026

Athens that takes inspiration from artists like Casiopea, Return to Forever, Lettuce and Jaco Pastorius. BEN HACKETT Athens-based producer and songwriter. Georgia Theatre 6:30 p.m. (doors), 7:30 p.m. (show). $32.95. www.georgiatheatre.com LILY ROSE Atlanta native who went from local favorite to national name after her breakout country, pop, hip- hop influenced hit “Villain.” The Globe 7:30–10 p.m. www.facebook.com/ globe.athens MARY & THE HOT HOTTY-HOTS Hot jazz and swing band offering music from the 1910s, ’20s and ’30s. Hendershot’s 8 p.m. $10. www.hendershotsathens. com BIG BAND ATHENS 18-member Athens band whose swinging tunes consist of cover music from the ’40s to the ’70s.

FLATLAND CAVALRY Lubbock, TX roots-country outfit that straddles the line between the Panhandle and the badlands of West Texas. COREY SMITH Jefferson-born country singer-songwriter and guitarist. WIM TAPLEY & THE CANNONS Local alternative, folk-pop songwriter and his band rooted in Americana and neo soul sounds. Amici at The Falls 6 p.m. www.facebook.com/amiciat thefalls MATT GIUDICE Country singer- songwriter. Ciné 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $10. www.athenscine.com INTERNET ISLANDS Atlanta indie rock band. MANIC WAVE Emotionally charged alternative rock band from Atlanta with haunting soundscapes, introspective lyrics and a fearless approach.

ECHO CONSTANT Dreamy and hypnotic dance music inspired by ’90s deep house and techno. HAMAIXA Live solo electronics and modular synth project, playing a set inspired by house, dub and collage. OHMU Experimental solo project of Athens-based designer and musician Winston Parker. Ruptured beds of sound grounded by heavy, slow undulating bass lines. SMOGGO Droning modulated oscillators, minimal techno and harsh electronic rhythms by Jay Domingo. Georgia Theatre 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $33.99. www.georgiatheatre.com MORGAN WADE Virginia-born singer-songwriter known for honest storytelling and a voice with equal parts grit, vulnerability and strength. SUSTO STRINGBAND A compelling blend of rock, folk and psy-

FRANCES CARTER

Daily Groceries Co-op 6–7:30 p.m. www.instagram.com/ dailycoop TUESDAY TUNES Rotating local musicians play stripped down sets. 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 OUTER WORLD Richmond, VA project inspired by retro-future, crate digger delights, French freakbeats, Bond spy themes, space-age post-punk and more. FORCEGHOST Ambient house with arps and heart in the sleepy South. STRANGE TEMPLES Experimental gloom-psych. Hendershot’s 5–7 p.m. www.hendershotsathens. com PIANO BAR HAPPY HOUR Enjoy drink specials and live piano music. WUOG Live in the Lobby. 8 p.m. FREE! www. wuog.org THE WRAPS Alternative rock band based in Athens with a sleek, sparky sound that some might call vintage.

Dancz Center for New Music 6 p.m. FREE! music.uga.edu NEW WORKS RECITAL Performances of new compositions. 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). $26.44. www.georgiatheatre.com HARVEY STREET Indie and alternative rock tinged with Southern influences from Raleigh, NC. THE BACK ALLEY High-powered Chicago indie-rock quintet created to make you jam out. Hendershot’s Aubrey Entertainment Presents. 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $10. www. hendershotsathens.com STEVIE TOMBSTONE A quintessential troubadour, a veteran musician who crafts powerful folk songs tinged with classic country and vintage blues influences. MATT WILLIAMS Guitarist, singer, songwriter and producer of Pickled Holler, Brother Fat, Granfalloons and more. Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall 7:30 p.m. FREE! music.uga.edu WIND SYMPHONY Performing the finest standard and new repertoire for wind band. SYMPHONIC BAND Experienced undergraduate music majors, minors and non-majors from across campus play classic band repertoire and new music. Nowhere Bar 7 p.m. (doors), 9:30 p.m. (show). www.instagram.com/nowherebar athensga CYNTRYST Hard rock featuring fast, aggressive riffs contrasted with softer notes. Ramsey Hall 3:30 p.m. FREE! music.uga.edu UGA REPERTORY SINGERS A mixed chamber choir directed by graduate student conductors.

The Beths will play at the Georgia Theatre on Monday, Sept. 28. Hotel Indigo Live After Five. 5:30–8 p.m. www. indigoathens.com MICHAEL WEGNER & FRIENDS Local guitarist and member of Abbey Road Live performs a solo set of originals and covers. Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall 7:30 p.m. $15 (w/ UGA ID), $65–119. pac.uga.edu KELLI O’HARA Tony Award- winning and Emmy-and Grammy- nominated singer performs a concert of Great American Songbook classics and Broadway favorites. The World Famous 10 p.m. $10. www.facebook.com/ theworldfamousathens MAUPAS Local three-piece psychedelic soul-rock band drawing from the city’s rich musical roots while carving out a sound uniquely their own.

Friday 25 40 Watt Club Classic City Wrestling. 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $20–30. www.40watt.com SHEHEHE Local band that draws from old-school punk and arena rock to create a fist-pumping atmosphere. Akins Ford Arena 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $42.75–95.25. www.classiccenter. com

VILLAREAL Four-piece psychedelic blues rock band from Atlanta. STARLUVR Electronic pop rock project. Dead Beat Club 8 p.m. $7. www.deadbeatathens.com TOMMY HEDGEHOG Local indie- rock band playing music that ranges from high-energy rock blues to soft ballads and soothing lounge-style jazz. Album release show! KIT Athens-based kaleidoscopic rock band expanded from the eponymous solo project Catt Malonius. FREEMAN LEVERETT Dreamy, hypnotic and danceable songs with thoughtful lyrics and cosmopolitan influences. Flicker Theatre & Bar 8 p.m. $10. www.flickertheatreandbar. com KID FEARS Garden goth songs that approach the elusive human truths that lie just outside the scope of understanding. ASHLEY WINGO Visual and sound artist from Birmingham, AL who released a record called Weedeater in 2022. EQUAL CREATURES Vulnerable, melodic indie-rock band whose debut record examines grief, love, lust, heartache and heartbreak, mania and depression. Solo show. ANNIE LEETH Local producer and violinist loops drums, synths and strings. Foxglove Plantbar Sensorium Presents: Greenhouse. 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $10. www.foxgloveplantbar.com

chedelia with vivid country-esque storytelling. Georgia Theatre Rooftop 7 p.m. FREE! www.georgiatheatre.com PASADENA Slow-cooked Americana band from Atlanta. Live Wire Aubrey Entertainment Presents. 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $30 (adv.), $35. www.livewireathens.com DRIVIN N CRYIN Legendary Atlanta band playing hard-charging, Southern-inspired rock. KIMBERLY MORGAN YORK A vibrant blend of classic country and camp with a dash of ’70s pop. Madison Morgan Cultural Center 6:30 p.m. (doors), 7:30 p.m. (show). SOLD OUT! www.mmcc-arts.org MOTHER’S FINEST Atlanta-based band performing a fusion of rock, funk, soul and R&B. Paloma Park Aubrey Entertainment Presents. 6 p.m. (doors), 7 p.m. (show). $10 (w/ student ID), $20 (adv.), $25. www. palomapark.com KINCHAFOONEE COWBOYS Long-running country band from South Georgia that was established in 1991. BTBTE Local five-piece ’90s tribute band covering Matchbox Twenty, Oasis, Hootie & the Blowfish, Gin Blossoms, Goo Goo Dolls and more. Southern Drawl Bar & Grille 5–10 p.m. www.southerndrawlbarand grille.com KARAOKE Every Friday night.

Saturday 26

40 Watt Club 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $10 (adv.), $13. www.40watt.com LOS CANTARES Stoner desert rock and roll band from Athens. DEVILS OF THE NEW FRONTIER Steven Chambliss’ fist pumpin’ power pop trio with Andy Pope and Brandon McDearis. Dead Beat Club 8 p.m. $10. www.deadbeatathens.com HAWT SODA Atlanta rock and roll trio. GEORGE BRETT No info available. FORCEGHOST Ambient house with arps and heart in the sleepy South. Flicker Theatre & Bar 8 p.m. $20. www.flickertheatreandbar. com OVVEN The indie-rock/alt-country project of Owen Burton, combining the self-deprecating wit of slacker rock with the sad specificity of country. BLAND HALEN Atlanta-based musician who recently released an album called Diamonds in My Mind. TELEPHONE POLE Athens hard- pop band. Flying Squid Comedy 7:30 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $10. www.flyingsquidcomedy.com CRYBABY Athens rock band led by Assata. Single release show! NOISE BENEATH THE FLOOR Local queer indie lake rock band originally from Columbus, OH. REBEKAH JANE Athens-based collaborative project. Front Porch Bookstore 6 p.m. FREE! Find Front Porch Bookstore on Facebook REPENT AT LEISURE Celtic pub band playing “Irish rock,” including traditional, punk, modern and original Celtic music. Georgia Theatre 6:30 p.m. (doors), 7:30 p.m. (show). $50.63. www.georgiatheatre.com OF MONSTERS AND MEN Icelandic indie-folk/rock band that found fame with its 2011 hit “Little Talks” and has since released three more studio albums. AUGUST PONTHIER Texas- raised musician who creates soul-searching songs with all the intimacy of a journal entry and unbridled imagination of a movie. Hendershot’s 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $10 (adv.), $12. www.hendershots athens.com GIRL SAINT Electronic dream pop from Atlanta. OCIFFER New-wave-inspired band based in Carrollton. NATURAL PALACE Underground post-punk and lo-fi for dancing.

Sunday 27 Amici at The Falls 12–3 p.m. www.facebook.com/amici atthefalls AUSTIN SISK Covers and originals in the vein of alt-rock, indie and Americana. Athentic Brewing Co. 5–8 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com VINYL NIGHT Every fourth Sunday bring your favorite records for the DJ to spin. Clocked Diner HARD TACK Presents. 9 p.m. athensdiy.net

PETAL Punk band from Murfreesboro, TN. MORTUARY RITUAL Blackened hardcore punk rock. SPOIL Hardcore band. GRINDCORE SHIT PATROL Math- grind/hardcore band. Dead Beat Club 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $10. www.deadbeatathens.com CODY LANDRESS-GIBSON Chattanooga, TN-based singer- songwriter whose music lives at the intersection of Appalachian roots music and punk-rock DIY ethos. CURTIS CALLIS Musician known for playing country cover tunes with The Cottonmouths. The Globe 4–7 p.m. www.facebook.com/globe. athens TRADITIONAL IRISH SESSION Easy listening traditional Irish music. No. 3 Railroad Street 6 p.m. $20. www.3railroad.org MATT AXTON & THE BLUE MOONS Son of Hoyt Axton playing many of his father’s songs. Oak House Distillery 4–6:30 p.m. www.oakhousedistillery. com FOLIE À CINQ Playing a mix of French chansons, jazzy tunes, and originals by Lavon Smith, accompanied on guitars, accordion, and double bass. Ramsey Hall 3 p.m. $69 (discount w/ UGA ID). pac. uga.edu BRENTANO STRING QUARTET Internationally acclaimed quartet known for its probing interpretations and warm, lyrical sound performs a program of works rooted in classical tragic drama and lamentation.

Monday 28 40 Watt Club 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $17 (adv.), $20. www.40watt.com FAI LACI Alternative rock band rising out of the Boston, MA scene, led by Luke Faillaci. SUPERSTAR Local rock duo made up of lifelong collaborators Aaron White and Bennett Evans. Flicker Theatre & Bar 8 p.m. $10. www.flickertheatreandbar. com MISSING Gothic band from New Orleans. TEARS FOR THE DYING Long- running local deathrock and goth group fronted by songwriter Adria Stembridge. Solo show. ENTERTAINMENT Deathrock/ post-punk/gothic band from Athens and Atlanta. Georgia Theatre 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $35.54. www.georgiatheatre.com THE BETHS Indie-rock band from Auckland, New Zealand on its “By Request” tour, playing fan favorites by spontaneous request. CHELSEA JADE New Zealand- raised, now LA-based singer- songwriter and producer. Normaltown Brewing Co. 6:30 p.m. (sign-ups), 7–9 p.m. (show). FREE! www.normaltown brewingco.com MONDAY FUNDAY FUNK JAM Will Shine hosts this open jam with a house band made up of rotating local musicians.

Tuesday 29 40 Watt Club Aubrey Entertainment Presents. 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $10 (w/ student ID), $15 (adv.), $20. www.40watt.com THE DREAM SYNDICATE The alternative rock band formed in

the early ’80s in LA performs a revolving set of newer material and its classic and mercurial second album Medicine Show. ELF POWER Longtime fixture on the Athens scene playing crisp, melodic psych-pop. Daily Groceries Co-op Tuesday Tunes. 6–7:30 p.m. www. instagram.com/dailycoop MATT KOVACEVICH Ambient electronic music with prepared guitar. 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 Attaboy Presents. 8 p.m. $12. www. flickertheatreandbar.com HÉLÈNE BARBIER Montreal- based musician pairing hummable lines with alien tunes conjured in someone else’s psyche across time and space. ARUGULA OGLETHORPE Experimental, avant-garde indie pop musician. EVEY MAY Athens based indie alternative songwriter with post- punk and shoegaze influences. Hendershot’s 5–7 p.m. www.hendershotsathens. com PIANO BAR HAPPY HOUR Enjoy drink specials and live piano music. Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall 7:30 p.m. $3 (w/ UGA ID), $20. pac. uga.edu PIANO EXTRAVAGANZA Pianistic fireworks featuring UGA’s piano area faculty and students. Five pianos will be on stage and multiple performers will share the same piano. WUOG Live in the Lobby. 8 p.m. FREE! www. wuog.org OKEY Athens transcendent indie folk rock.

Wednesday 30 40 Watt Club 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $35. www.40watt.com LUCERO Memphis-based alternative country rock band. JOELTON MAYFIELD Hard-hitting alt-country based in Nashville. Amici at The Falls 6 p.m. www.facebook.com/amiciat thefalls CAM NORTON Covers and originals in the vein of rock, folk, bluegrass and country. Ciné 7 p.m. $10. www.athenscine.com CAROLINE AIKEN Heartfelt folk singer-songwriter who has played Athens since 1978. CAROLINE MILBY Indie art-pop singer-songwriter and producer with avant-garde elements. PONDGORL Athens-based artist Laila Li McCleery joins genre- bending friends in a band of beautiful, harmonious DIY glory. 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 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $20.40. www.georgiatheatre.com JAMMY BUFFET Colorado/Tennessee outfit that breathes new life into Jimmy Buffett’s timeless “Gulf & Western” sound. f

Pink Party Pink Party with a Purpose Pink Party with a Purpose with a Purpose

Join us as we turn Piedmont Athens Regional’s Community Garden Pink! Come raise awareness, celebrate courage, and show support for those Join us as we turnby Piedmont AthensWe Regional’s Garden Pink! impacted breast cancer. will have Community light refreshments, stations, and vendor tables forshow you tosupport enjoy. for those Come raiseactivity awareness, celebrate courage, and

impacted by breast cancer. We will have light refreshments, activity stations, and vendor tables for you to enjoy. Dress comfortably andand wear pink Come raise awareness, celebrate courage, show support for those impacted byOctober breast cancer. We will have light Sunday, 4,Garden 2026 from 2 refreshments, to 4 p.m. Piedmont Athensactivity Regional Community | 285 Talmadge stations, and vendor tables for you to Drive enjoy.• Athens, Georgia Join us as we turn Piedmont Athens Regional’s Community Garden Pink! Sunday, October 4, 2026 from 2 to 4 p.m.

Dress comfortably and wear pink

Free parking available at the Medical Services Building, 242 King Avenue. Garden is adjacent lot. Piedmont Athens Regional Community Gardento|parking 285 Talmadge Drive • Athens, Georgia

Sunday, October 4, 2026 from 2 to 4 p.m. Dress comfortably and wear pink

Free parking available at the Medical Services Building, 242 King Avenue. The afternoon will also include: Garden is adjacent to parking lot. Piedmont Athens Regional Community Garden | 285 Talmadge Drive • Athens, Georgia 2:30 to 3 p.m. Wellness stroll with Fiona Denham and Katie Free parking available at theDrs. Medical Services Building, 242 Moore King Avenue. The afternoon will also include: Garden is adjacent to parking lot. 3 to 3:30 p.m.

2:30 p.m. Tai Chito in3the Park Wellness stroll with Drs. Fiona and Katie Moore The afternoon willDenham also include: 3 to 4 p.m. 32:30 to 3:30 p.m. Tours of the Loran Smith Center for Cancer Griffin-DuBose Healing Lodge, to 3Support, p.m. Tai Chi in the Park Piedmont AthensWellness Regionalstroll Breast Health Center, and shop the Beautiful with Drs. Fiona Denham andinKatie Moore You Boutique

to3:30 4 p.m. 33to p.m. TaiCancer Chi in the Park Griffin-DuBose Healing Lodge, Tours of the Loran Smith Center for Support, Please email parcommunityrelations@piedmont.org Piedmont Athens Regional Breast Health Center, and or shop in the Beautiful You Boutique to 4 p.m. 25. call 706.475,7025 to R.S.V.P. by Friday, 3September Tours of the Loran Smith Center for Cancer Support, Griffin-DuBose Healing Lodge, Piedmont Athens Regional Breast Health Center, and shop in the Beautiful You Boutique Please email parcommunityrelations@piedmont.org or call 706.475,7025 to R.S.V.P. by Friday, September 25. Please email parcommunityrelations@piedmont.org or call 706.475,7025 to R.S.V.P. by Friday, September 25.

S E P T E MB E R 23, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

MUSIC 26 | 27

Monday, October 20

FEATURED PERFORMANCES

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

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!

SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

AARON COPLAND

Lincoln Portrait

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1 at 7:30 p.m. $15 - Adults $3 UGA students Hodgson Concert Hall plus $3 transaction fee

music.uga.edu 706-542-4400

Celebrating America250, this evening includes Copland’s Lincoln Portrait, which is based on the always timely words of Abraham Lincoln and features Mark Mobley as narrator.

HODGSON SINGERS FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9 at 7:30 p.m. $15 - Adults $3 UGA students Hodgson Concert Hall plus $3 transaction fee

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

The international award-winning Hodgson Singers is UGA’s premiere choral ensemble made up of many of the university’s most talented and dedicated singers.

FREE PERFORMANCES TREBLE CHOIR AND GLEE CLUB TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6 at 7:30 p.m. HODGSON CONCERT HALL

FACULTYARTIST series

An EvEning of PoEtry with tyEhimbA JEss October 1__________5:30 p.m.

JOSHUA BYNUM trombone ANATOLY SHELUDYAKOV piano

Inspired by the exhibition “Edmonia Lewis: Said in Stone,” this panel considers various connections to poetry during Lewis’ lifetime and today. Panelists include Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Tyehimba Jess and UGA professor Barbara McCaskill. This is a University of Georgia Fall 2026 Signature Lecture.

Free Admission

WED. OCT. 7 at 7:30 p.m. Ramsey Concert Hall This event is free. Meet-and-greet reception to follow. RSVPs encouraged. All Hugh Hodgson School of Music events take place at the UGA Performing Arts Center, 230 River Road in Athens unless indicated. 09_23_HHSOM.indd 1

F L A GP OL E .C OM · S E P T E MB E R 23, 2026

9/17/26 3:35 PM

feature

MARY BETH BRYAN

music

Penny Loafer FIXER DEBUT ALBUM RELEASE

By Mary Beth Bryan music@flagpole.com

lternative rock outfit Penny Loafer has been around for a couple of years now, but if it’s been a while since you’ve last seen the band, it may look a bit different than you remember. There are new members and a new sound, and it’s much, much louder. These changes have been committed to recordings on Penny Loafer’s debut record, Fixer, set to release on Oct. 2. Penny Loafer found its humble beginnings within the walls of a grocery store where vocalist and guitarist Emma Barnes and drummer Seth Parker first met as coworkers. The two bonded over their love for music and began writing together in the summer of 2024 in Parker’s parents’ garage. They originally played live as a duo before adding on guitarist and background vocalist Iain Cooke and bassist Matt Knox to complete the first full-band iteration of Penny Loafer. It was with this lineup that the group released its debut EP, Daily Deal (presumably named in homage to its founders’ retail origins), and completed its first tour. After the release of Daily Deal and its accompanying tour, Parker and Barnes got the itch to pivot. Barnes explains, “Seth and I were wanting to go in a new direction sonically, and also just wanted to try experimenting with other musicians to see what they might bring to the table as we figured out what felt the most authentically ‘Penny Loafer.’” They reached out to fellow local musician Charlie Enter (Chairs, Racecar 44) to collaborate on a few demos, and his influence ended up taking the band’s sound in the new direction that Barnes and Parker had been hoping for. Barnes continues, “Charlie joining the band felt very natural at the same time, and we have really found our rhythm writing and playing together. Every song we write is more exciting than the

one before.” Jess Ngo (Bayou Princess) also joined on bass to round out the recording band. Penny Loafer began tracking Fixer last November at Tweed Recording with audio engineer Nate Nelson. However, after wearing in the new material on tour that winter and becoming more attuned to each other as musicians, they decided to recut everything. Parker says, “We really wanted this album to not be rushed and be a good representation of us going forward so we put a lot of time into it.” According to Barnes, that dedication to truly capturing the spirit of Penny Loafer and its members is what defines the record. They say that when recording, the focus was “on learning how to write and play together, and learning what is important to each of us when it comes to songwriting… The album is sort of a record of that. It feels like a timestamp, like us at a really important and exciting turning point.” The only remnants of Penny Loafer’s previous discography on Fixer are found in the tracks “Fridge” and “Orange Peel,” which were originally released on Daily Deal. They have been significantly altered for the album, though, acting as embodiments of the band’s transition to a heavier alternative rock sound. Whereas the EP version is playfully grungy, the Fixer re-recording of “Fridge” has an almost disorienting choppiness to it, like the original if viewed through a kaleidoscope. As for “Orange Peel,” the whole thing feels like it’s buried under a new layer of grime, in the best sense. The bouts of heavy and loud guitar

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feel much more harmonious within the environment of the rest of the song compared to the original version. “Rock 2” represents the pinnacle of Penny Loafer’s transformation. It’s a heady, long-drawn post-rocker that’s easy to get lost in. “Sunbeam” opens the blinds afterward with some bedroom indie-pop levity before the next few songs dive back into the abyss. The softness of Barnes’ vocals throughout these songs is the perfect foil for the intensity of the instrumentation. It’s often mixed in like it’s another instrument rather than a focal point, making the songs feel a lot like the cohesive washes of color that fill its cover art. Despite the evolution of Penny Loafer’s sound, tried-and-true fans will still find familiarity in the album’s first and only single, “Minolta.” Barnes says that they chose this song to introduce Fixer because it “captures the essence of the rest of the record, while at the same time being comparatively on the shorter side and pretty

catchy.” While it definitely leans more shoegazey than the band’s previous work, its catchiness and existential, yet droll lyricism feel very aligned to what made Penny Loafer so striking to begin with. It’s the perfect exit and entry point between eras. Penny Loafer kicked off a tour in support of Fixer on Sept. 14 with a show at Flicker Theatre and Bar. The route will head north along the East Coast and back down through several more cities before culminating in an album release show in Atlanta on Oct. 2 at The Drunken Unicorn. With touring having had such a big hand in forming and re-forming Penny Loafer’s debut material, perhaps when the band returns to Athens it’ll look different all over again. When asked what their aspirations for Penny Loafer are, Parker’s words reinforce this: “[We’re] hoping to continue to be able to tour and write new music as long as we possibly have it in us” and “excited to see how our sound continues to develop into what it’s meant to be.” f

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S C A RY STO RY C O NTE ST Length: 750 words • Topic: Athens-based Deadline: 2 p.m., Fri. Oct. 9th Prizes: $50 First, $25 Second, $15 Third Must Be At Least 16 Years Old To Enter Winners published in the Oct. 28th issue of Flagpole Email stories to: editorial@flagpole.com

S E P T E MB E R 23, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

High-quality sushi, sake, and more at

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · S E P T E MB E R 23, 2026

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feature

CHRIS SIKICH

music

The Dream Syndicate FINDING ITS WAY THROUGH THE MEDICINE SHOW

By Chad Radford music@flagpole.com

January of 1984, the Dream Syndicate released its second album, Medicine Show. It was divisive upon arrival. The jangling and cerebral art rock inflections of 1982’s The Days of Wine and Roses had given way to a broader rock-and-roll sound. Songs like “Burn,” “John Coltrane Stereo Blues” and the album’s title track were bursting with images of dusty roads, long shadows, bad decisions and the strange, unsettled mythology of America. “Everything in our lives had changed in the two years between those records,” singer, guitarist and principal songwriter Steve Wynn says. The Dream Syndicate’s debut had placed the group on the front lines of Los Angeles’ paisley underground scene alongside bands like Three O’Clock, Rain Parade and the Bangles. With Medicine Show, it moved from Ruby Records to major label A&M. Co- founding bass player Kendra Smith had left to form Opal (an early incarnation of Mazzy Star), and the Dream Syndicate was touring constantly. Wynn was looking beyond the urbane atmosphere The Days of Wine and Roses captured, spending time in the deep South, absorbing the haunted sense of place he found in the writings of William Faulkner and Flannery O’Connor. “I got into the Southern Gothic frame of mind,” Wynn says. “With the songs, I was writing short stories about these heavy, horrific, grizzly tales. With a lot of them, I was writing about someone facing a situation that is alien and disturbing, and they don’t know how to get out of it, or where to go with it. I was writing about me.” Wynn’s experiences on the road crept into how the songs were taking shape on stage every night, channeling darker feelings of tension and unease. Songs like “Merrittville” and the nine-minute “John Coltrane Stereo Blues” moved with bold

rock-and-roll motions while remaining steeped in the contradictions of American life. It was enough to alienate some of the band’s early devotees while drawing in all new listeners who heard the expansive new sound emanating from this collision of art rock, improvisation and the open road. Medicine Show peaked at only #171 on the U.S. Billboard 200. But time has been kind to the record. The Guardian has since hailed it “one of the 40 best albums of the first 40 years of rock and roll.” Peter Buck of R.E.M., who toured with the Dream Syndicate at the time, has called Medicine Show “the Exile On Main Street of the ’80s.” More than 40 years after its release, and a long legal battle to reclaim the album, a four-disc deluxe edition via the band’s Down There imprint offers an exploded view of the creative transformation taking place during this essential step in the Dream Syndicate’s evolution. “One thing I wanted to show with the bonus tracks and live material is how we got from point A to point B,” Wynn says. Now dubbed Medicine Show: I Know What You Like, the four-disc set pairs original analog tapes with a WXRT radio broadcast and early rehearsal tapes. Incendiary live performances at CBGB’s, Aragon Ballroom and Soap Creek Saloon find the songs stretching outward through Karl Precoda’s increasingly cosmic guitar. New rhythm sections and the brief, strange presence of Tommy Zvoncheck’s keyboards point toward new horizons. Mangled covers of Bob Dylan’s “Knocking on Heaven’s Door” and the anti-war folk standard “Morning Dew” sound like a band trying on new shapes and discovering its identity along the way. These recordings capture in real time the Dream Syndicate becoming some-

Submit free community listings to flagpole by emailing calendar@flagpole.com Have an event? Send your description with date, time, location, and price. Have a band? Update your description or tell us exactly what you sound like. Have art displayed? Let us know what, where and for how long. Deadline is the Thursday before the print issue.

thing larger, riskier and harder to define. “In a year, I had gone from being a guy working behind the counter at a record store to being in a band that was pretty popular,” he says. “It was everything I had dreamed of, but it also meant a lot of things that I didn’t understand. I was also dealing with that feeling that everybody has when they’re starting out—imposter syndrome— when you’re wondering, ‘Can I back this up?’” In the album’s title track, Wynn delivers the lyrics: “If I’ve got to choose between doing penance and doing time / I’m going down to the medicine show.” Discussing the song, Wynn elaborates, “Am I going to pay up for my sins? Am I going to frame my way out of it? I’m not doing penance, and I sure as hell am not doing time.” He says, “The third option: I’m going to escape into some other reality.” The Dream Syndicate’s current lineup— featuring Wynn, longstanding drummer Dennis Duck, bass player Mark Walton and guitar player Jason Victor—has been on the road playing Medicine Show in its entirety. For their Athens stop, things may go differently. The show at The 40 Watt Club on Sept. 29 marks the first time the Dream Syndicate has played a proper show in Athens.

“That statement comes with an asterisk,” Wynn says. Wynn has played in Athens several times over the years, performing solo or alongside Peter Buck, Mike Mills, Linda Pitmon and Scott McCaughey in the Baseball Project. He’s even currently working on a new solo album at Chase Park Transduction. In 1984, after playing an Atlanta gig, the Dream Syndicate was hanging around Athens. One night, Buck lined up an impromptu show at the Uptown Lounge. The members of the Dream Syndicate, with Buck on guitar, performed under the name Adolf and the Casuals featuring Raul. It was a drunken set in which they riffed on the Ghostbusters theme song, “Gloria” and several other numbers. “So we want to cover a lot of ground when we play The 40 Watt to show what we’ve done,” Wynn says. “Yes, Dream Syndicate has been on stage in Athens, but I’ll be damned if I can remember it.” f

WHO: The Dream Syndicate, Elf Power WHEN: Tuesday, Sept. 29, 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show) WHERE: 40 Watt Club HOW MUCH: $20 (adv.), $25

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S E P T E MB E R 23, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

Tuesday 22

event calendar

ART: Creative Aging Art Workshop (Georgia Museum of Art) Join teaching artist Toni Carlucci to discuss art in the galleries and to make art in the studio classroom. All skill levels welcome. Ages 55 & up. Registration required. 10 a.m. FREE! gmoa-tours@uga.edu CLASSES: Google Photos (ACC Library) Learn how to find your photos, make simple edits, and share them with friends and family. 10 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org CLASSES: Learn Google Photos (ACC Library) Learn how to edit photos, create short videos and share images. 10 a.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org CLASSES: Line Dance at Howard Park (Howard Park & Community Center) Learn a variety of line dances for all skill levels. 6:30 p.m. $4. accgov.com/myrec CLASSES: Boots & Brews Line Dancing (Athentic Brewing Co.) Learn the line dancing basics from host Lindsay before the floor opens for social dancing. Fourth Tuesdays, 7–9 p.m. www.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/baddogathens GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Winghouse Grill Hull) Test your general trivia knowledge. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Akademia Brewing Co.) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Garrett. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/classiccitytriviaco GAMES: 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: Mystery Book Club (Bogart Library) Discuss Shutter Islantd by Dennis Lehane with the group. 5:30p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/bogart PERFORMANCE: Rabbit Box Storytelling (VFW Post 2872) This month’s storytelling theme is “Growing Older” with local people sharing real life stories. 6 p.m. (doors), 7 p.m. (show). $10. www. rabbitbox.org SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 10 a.m. info@athenspetanque.org, www.athenspetanque.org

Wednesday 23 EVENTS: Scam Jam 2026 (Athens Community Council on Aging) Learn about the latest scams targeting older adults, how to recognize signs of fraudulent activity, and steps to safeguard personal information and finances. 9 a.m.–3:15 p.m. $15. www.accaging.org EVENTS: ACC Library Friends Fall Book Sale (ACC Library) Browse books, children’s books, CDs, DVDs and audiobooks. Wednesday is Preview Night (for members only; $25/membership), Saturday is $10/Bag Day. Sept. 23–26. 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 Brew-

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. 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 together. Through Nov. 20. FLICKER THEATRE & BAR (263 W. Washington St.) David Wilson will have

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ery) Markets offer fresh produce, flowers, eggs, meats, prepared foods, arts and crafts. Live music at 6 p.m. AFM double SNAP dollars spent. Wednesdays, 5–8 p.m. www. athensfarmersmarket.net FILM: Three Star Cinema (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Screening of the 1986 dramatic comedy film A Traffic Controller on Crossroads. 7 p.m. FREE! www.flickertheatreandbar. com FILM: Survivor Watch Party (Athentic Brewing Co.) Chaotic Good Podcast hosts a weekly watch party for season 51. Wednesdays, 8 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (South Main Brewing) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 6 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzu nottrivia GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Hotel Indigo) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Ian. Wednesdays, 6 p.m. www.instagram.com/ classiccitytriviaco GAMES: Trivia Night (Hotel Indigo) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 6 p.m. www.indigo athens.com 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: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Dos Palmas) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Locos Grill and Pub Eastside) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 8 p.m. www.instagram.com/ shihtzunottrivia KIDSTUFF: Sewing at Howard Park (Howard Park & Community Center) Learning the basics of sew-

ing and take home a finished item. Ages 8–15. 5:30 p.m. $5. accgov. com/myrec

Thursday 24 ART: Open Studio (159 Oneta St., Unit 1A) Explore the working studio of Jennifer Heynen and learn more about her artistic process. 5:30–7:30 p.m. FREE! www.accgov. com/lyndonhouse ART: Artist Talk (tiny ATH gallery) Rae Haight will discuss their exhibition “Voluptuous Panic” featuring abstract stained glass and found object pieces placed together. 6–9 p.m. FREE! www.tinyathgallery.com CLASSES: Step Aerobics (Howard Park & Community Center) Get moving with this step aerobic class. Ages 18 & up. 6 p.m. $5. accgov. com/myrec CLASSES: Crafts + Cocktails (Fever Dream) Learn how to make charm bandanas with embellishments and enjoy refreshments. Supplies provided. 6:30 p.m. $20. www.shopfever-dream.com CLASSES: Sound Healing (Healing Arts Centre) Kennedy Oneself leads participants through a voyage with vibration as they lay down and relax. 7:30 p.m. $35–50. www.healingarts centre.net 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: ACC Library Friends Fall Book Sale (ACC Library) Browse books, children’s books, CDs, DVDs and audiobooks. Wednesday is Preview Night (for members only; $25/membership), Saturday is $10/Bag Day. Sept. 23–26. www. athenslibrary.org EVENTS: Oconee County Library Friends Fall Book Sale (Oconee County Civic Center) Browse books, children’s books, CDs, DVDs and audiobooks. Thursday is Preview Night (for members only; $10/

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.) Works by Susan Pelham featuring surreal landscapes, cats and characters are on display through October. 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. MORTON THEATRE (195 W Washington St.) A new mural by Alex Maksiov is now on view in the lobby of the Morton Theatre. The mural highlights the history of the theater with notable performers and its founder Monroe Bowers Morton.

individual, $25/family), Saturday is 50% Off Day and Sunday is $10/Bag Day. Sept. 24–27. www. oconeelibraryfriends.org EVENTS: Child Health & Literacy Festival (CCSD Early Learning Center West) There will be mini educational safety sessions for parents, door prizes, refreshments and creative activities for children. 4:30–6:30 p.m. FREE! families. decal.ga.gov FILM: Athens, GA: Inside/Out (Ciné) Screening of the newly restored documentary about the Athens music scene. 5:30 p.m. & 7 p.m. SOLD OUT! www.athenscine. com GAMES: Bad Dog BINGO (Amici at The Falls) Play BINGO with host TJ Wayt. Thursdays, 6 p.m. www. instagram.com/baddogathens GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Terrapin Beer Co.) Test your general trivia knowledge. Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzu nottrivia GAMES: Happy Hour Trivia (The Rook and Pawn) Test your trivia knowledge with host Nikolai. Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. www.therookand pawn.com GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Butt Hutt) Test your general trivia knowledge. Thursdays, 7 p.m. www. instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia GAMES: Athens’ Hardest Trivia Night (Nighthawks Lounge) Test your trivia knowledge with host Phil. 7 p.m. www.nighthawkslounge.com KIDSTUFF: LEGO Builder’s Challenge (Oconee County Library) Drop in to complete challenges and earn prizes. Ages 5–12. Fourth Thursdays, 3:30 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/oconee KIDSTUFF: Chapter Chat (Bogart Library) This month’s chat will feature The Spiderwick Chronicles: The Field Guide by Tony DiTerlizzi with quizzes, trivia, snacks and more. Ages 8–12. 4:30p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/bogart LECTURES & LIT: Across The Board Book Club (Oconee County Library) Discuss books chosen by the group. New members welcome.

Fourth Thursdays, 11 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/oconee LECTURES & LIT: Athens Science Café (Foxglove Plantbar) Join the Coalition of Athens Scientists for a discussion and Q&A with Dr. Emma Goodwin from the Department of Microbiology. 7 p.m. FREE! www. instagram.com/athenssciencecafe MEETINGS: KnitLits Knitting Group (Bogart Library) Knitters of all levels are invited to have fun, share craft ideas and knit to their hearts’ content. Thursdays, 6 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/bogart SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 10 a.m. info@athenspetanque.org, www.athenspetanque.org

Friday 25 ART: Opening Reception (OCAF) The Georgia Watercolor Society juried member show will be on view. 5–7 p.m. FREE! www.ocaf.com COMEDY: Improv Athens (UGA Miller Learning Center) UGA’s improv troupe performs a show. Room 248. Fridays, 7:30 p.m. FREE! www.instagram.com/improvathens COMEDY: ATL in ATH! (Flying Squid Comedy) An evening of improv and puppetry with visiting Atlanta troupes Until the Heat Death of the Universe, Referential Presents: Improv! and Edgewood Avenue. 8 p.m. $10. www.flyingsquidcomedy. com EVENTS: Oconee County Library Friends Fall Book Sale (Oconee County Civic Center) Browse books, children’s books, CDs, DVDs and audiobooks. Thursday is Preview Night (for members only; $10/ individual, $25/family), Saturday is 50% Off Day and Sunday is $10/Bag Day. Sept. 24–27. www. oconeelibraryfriends.org EVENTS: ACC Library Friends Fall Book Sale (ACC Library) Browse books, children’s books, CDs, DVDs and audiobooks. Wednesday is Preview Night (for members only;

OCAF (34 School St., Watkinsville) The Georgia Watercolor Society’s 2026 Annual Member Juried Exhibition is on view. Opening reception Sept. 25, 5–7 p.m. A free public meet-and-greet and live painting demonstration with watercolor artist Diana Toma will be held on Sept. 26, 10 a.m. On view Sept. 25–Nov. 6. STEFFEN THOMAS MUSEUM OF ART (4200 Bethany Rd., Buckhead) “Truth in Art” is a juried exhibition of pieces across a variety of mediums by MFA students. On view 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 September. TINY ATH GALLERY (174 Cleveland Ave.) “Voluptuous Panic” features abstract stained glass and found object works by Rae Haight. Artist talk Sept. 24, 6–9 p.m. Through Sept. 27. 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. 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. Through Nov. 6. WINTERVILLE CULTURAL ARTS CENTER (371 N. Church St., Winterville) In honor of the United States’ 250th anniversary, “Rebellious Art, Treasonous Artists” is on view in Room 103. Through December.

Saturday 26 ART: Artist Talk & Demo (OCAF) Watercolor artist Diana Toma will discuss her works and give a live demo. 10 a.m. www.ocaf.com ART: Opening Reception (Steffen Thomas Museum of Art) The exhibition “Truth in Art: A Juried MFA Exhibit” will be on view. 4–6 p.m. FREE! www.steffenthomas.org COMEDY: Rapture Comedy Show (Sister Louisa’s Church Bar) Lineup of Southern-based comedians. Last Saturdays, 9 p.m. FREE! www.instagram.com/rapturecomedy_ EVENTS: The Athens Farmers Market (Bishop Park) Markets offer locally grown groceries and handmade goods with live music and children’s activities. AFM doubles SNAP dollars spent. Saturdays, 8 a.m.–12 p.m. www.athensfarmers market.net EVENTS: Comer Community Market (The Perch) Browse flower and vegetable plant starts, baked goods, vegetables, honey, pottery, eggs, mushrooms and handmade items. 9 a.m.–12 p.m. www.theperchcomer. com/farmers-market EVENTS: Marigold Farmers Market (Pittard Park) Vendors offer organic produce, prepared foods, agricultural products and artisanal goods

with live music, kids activities and more. Saturdays, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. www.marigoldcollectivewinterville. com EVENTS: Oconee County Library Friends Fall Book Sale (Oconee County Civic Center) Browse books, children’s books, CDs, DVDs and audiobooks. Thursday is Preview Night (for members only; $10/ individual, $25/family), Saturday is 50% Off Day and Sunday is $10/ Bag Day. Sept. 24–27. www.oconee libraryfriends.org EVENTS: ACC Library Friends Fall Book Sale (ACC Library) Browse books, children’s books, CDs, DVDs and audiobooks. Wednesday is Preview Night (for members only; $25/membership), Saturday is $10/ Bag Day. Sept. 23–26. www.athens library.org

SPORTS: UGA vs Oklahoma (Sanford Stadium) Cheer on the Georgia Bulldogs football team as they face the Oklahoma Sooners. 3:30 p.m. www.georgiadogs.com THEATER: Wrong Window! (The Elbert Theatre) Encore Productions presents a comedic spoof of Alfred Hitchcock’s acclaimed Rear Window. Sept. 25–26, 7 p.m. Sept. 27, 2 p.m. $9–17. www.elberttheatre. org

Sunday 27 ART: Closing Reception (tiny ATH gallery) “Voluptuous Panic” by Rae Haight features abstract stained glass and found object pieces placed together. 2–5 p.m. FREE! www.tinyathgallery.com

EVENTS: Hispanic Heritage Celebration (Hendershot’s) Members of the community sharing music, art and poetry. 2–5 p.m. $10. www. hendershotsathens.com EVENTS: Uncommon Valor: A Founder’s Day Event (Clarke County School District) The program will honor local educators whose service helped break racial barriers and reshape public education during the era of school desegregation. 5–7 p.m. FREE! www. facebook.com/athensasalh 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 SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at

SAM LIPKIN

$25/membership), Saturday is $10/Bag Day. Sept. 23–26. www. athenslibrary.org EVENTS: Oktoberfest (Athentic Brewing Co.) Celebrate with traditional German vibes, German fares, a beer release, stein holding competition and live music. 5–11 p.m. FREE! www.athenticbrewing.com EVENTS: Bat Festival (Sandy Creek Nature Center) Join Sandy Creek Nature Center and Georgia DNR to learn all about about bats and enjoy a variety of games and activities. 7 p.m. $3. www.accgov.com/ halloween FILM: Outdoor Movie Night (State Botanical Garden of Georgia) Explore the garden then enjoy a screening of the documentary The Extraordinary Caterpillar. Registration required. 7 p.m. FREE! botgarden.uga.edu FILM: 9 to 5 (Marigold Auditorium for Arts and Culture) Screening of the classic Dolly Parton film. 7 p.m. FREE! www.wintervillecenter.com GAMES: Euchre Club (Athentic Brewing Co.) Join others to play Euchre. Fridays, 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 PERFORMANCE: Classic City Wrestling (40 Watt Club) A night of high flying, power slamming independent wrestling, with a side of rock and roll by Shehehe. 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $20–30. www.40watt.com PERFORMANCE: Athens Showgirl Cabaret Fabulous Fridays (Hendershots) A fabulous night of drag entertainment. Ages 18 & up. 9 p.m. $5. www.athensshowgirl cabaret.com THEATER: Catching the Moon: The Story of a Young Girl’s Baseball Dream (Morton Theatre) A spirited family musical based on the popular children’s book about the true story of Marcenia Lyle. 10 a.m & 12 p.m. $10. www.mortontheatre.com THEATER: Wrong Window! (The Elbert Theatre) Encore Productions presents a comedic spoof of Alfred Hitchcock’s acclaimed Rear Window. Sept. 25–26, 7 p.m. Sept. 27, 2 p.m. $9–17. www.elberttheatre. org

knowledge. Mondays, 7 p.m. www. instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Dooley’s Bar and Grill) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Garrett. Mondays, 7 p.m. www.instagram. com/classiccitytriviaco GAMES: General Trivia (Athentic Brewing Co.) Test your general trivia knowledge. Mondays, 7 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com GAMES: Sports Movie Trivia (Athentic Brewing Co.) Test your knowledge of sports themed movies. 7 p.m. www.athenticbrewing. com GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Brett’s Backyard) Test your general trivia knowledge. Mondays, 7 p.m. www. instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia 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 LECTURES & LIT: Last Monday Book Group (Contact for Location or Zoom Link) Discuss literary fiction and nonfiction online. Registration required. 7 p.m. FREE! lstiles@athenslibrary.org MEETINGS: Writers of Oconee (Jittery Joe’s Watkinsville) Writing challenges and discussions, with this meeting serving as critique day for two submissions from the group. Fourth Mondays, 6:30 p.m. FREE! www.instagram.com/writers ofoconee

Tuesday 29

Beto Cacao will perform during the Hispanic Heritage Celebration at Hendershot’s on Sunday, Sept. 27. EVENTS: Tailgates & Trailheads (Terrapin Beer Co.) A celebration of public lands hosted by Backcountry Hunters & Anglers with live music, raffles, vendors, storytellers, merch and more. 12–6 p.m. www.terrapin beer.com EVENTS: Our Casa Es Tu Casa (Athentic Brewing Co.) Casa de Amistad’s third annual fundraiser will feature a community market, food, music, dance lessons and a silent auction. 1–10 p.m. www. athenticbrewing.com EVENTS: Good Trouble (Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Athens) A non-partisan gathering focused on civic engagement with a potluck, music, voter registration resources and more. 4–7 p.m. FREE! www. uuathensga.org FILM: Saturday Cinema (Bogart Library) Screening of a children’s film featuring a story of family and fairies. 3 p.m. FREE! www.athens library.org/bogart OUTDOORS: Bird Walk (State Botanical Garden of Georgia) Join the Oconee Rivers Audubon Society for a guided bird walk. 8 a.m.–12 p.m. FREE! www.oconeerivers audubon.org/upcoming-event OUTDOORS: Bring Your Backyard (Ben Burton Park) Learn about invasive plant species and techniques on how to remove them. Wear closed toed shoes and clothes for yard work. 9 a.m. FREE! www. accgov.com/myrec

CLASSES: Herbal Study Group (Revolution Therapy and Yoga) Learn about specific herbs including their properties and uses, affect on different body systems, how to identify and prepare them and more. 4:30 p.m. Donation suggested. www.revolutiontherapyand yoga.com COMEDY: Funny Femmes (The Globe) An all-femme showcase featuring comedians from Athens and Atlanta. Fourth Sundays, 9 p.m. $10. www.globetavern.com EVENTS: 36th Annual Insectival (State Botanical Garden of Georgia) Meet and interact with a variety of entomological experts and their buggy friends, with presenter booths, a puppet show and a butterfly release. 11:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. $5. botgarden.uga.edu EVENTS: Oconee County Library Friends Fall Book Sale (Oconee County Civic Center) Browse books, children’s books, CDs, DVDs and audiobooks. Thursday is Preview Night (for members only; $10/ individual, $25/family), Saturday is 50% Off Day and Sunday is $10/Bag Day. Sept. 24–27. www. oconeelibraryfriends.org EVENTS: Sonny Angel and Friends Trinket Trading (Treehouse Kid & Craft) This carnival-themed trade will have freebies, giveaways, photo-ops and more. 1–3 p.m. FREE! www.treehousekidandcraft. com

10 a.m. info@athenspetanque.org, www.athenspetanque.org SPORTS: UGA Ice Dawgs vs University of Minnesota (Akins Ford Arena) Cheer on the home team in this hockey match. 11:30 a.m. $10.25–34. www.classiccenter.com THEATER: Wrong Window! (The Elbert Theatre) Encore Productions presents a comedic spoof of Alfred Hitchcock’s acclaimed Rear Window. Sept. 25–26, 7 p.m. Sept. 27, 2 p.m. $9–17. www.elberttheatre. org

Monday 28 CLASSES: Vietnamese Class (Oconee County Library) Instructor Martine Thy Nguyen will lead a class on the basics of Vietnamese. 6–7 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary. org/oconee EVENTS: Ice Skating (Akins Ford Arena) Open ice time for all skating levels. Bring skates or contact for rental options. RSVP required. 5:30 p.m. $15–20. athensgafigureskating @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

CLASSES: Google Maps (ACC Library) Learn how to search for locations; get driving, walking, or transit directions; and explore areas using features like Street View. 10 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org CLASSES: Meet Me at the Garden (State Botanical Garden of Georgia) A therapeutic horticulture program for individuals with early to mid- stage dementia and their care partners. Registration required. 10 a.m. FREE! botgarden.uga.edu CLASSES: Autumn Wreath Craft (Bogart Library) Craft a wreath inspired by the fall season. Registration required. 4:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart EVENTS: Ice Skating (Akins Ford Arena) Open ice time for all skating levels. Bring skates or contact for rental options. RSVP required. 5:30 p.m. $15–20. athensgafigureskating @gmail.com GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (Amici at The Falls) Test your trivia knowledge with host Miles Bunch. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/ baddogathens GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (Paloma Park) Test your trivia knowledge with host TJ Wayt. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/baddogathens GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Winghouse Grill Hull) Test your general trivia knowledge. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Akademia Brewing Co.) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Garrett. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/classiccitytriviaco GAMES: Bingo & Sip (MaiKai Kava Lounge) Play BINGO with a chance to win prizes. Every other Tuesday, 7 p.m. FREE! www.athenskava.com GAMES: UnPhiltered Trivia (Mellow Mushroom) Test your trivia knowledge with host Phil. 7 p.m. www. facebook.com/MellowMushroom Athens GAMES: Singo! (Beef O’Brady’s) Win gift certificates and prizes at this music bingo night. Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m. www.beefobradys.com/athens

GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Magnolias of Athens) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Benjamin. Tuesdays, 8 p.m. www. instagram.com/classiccitytriviaco 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 30 ART: Tour at Two (Georgia Museum of Art) These drop-in public tours feature highlights of the permanent collection. 2 p.m. FREE! www.georgiamuseum.org EVENTS: Mobile Food Pantry (Piedmont Oconee Health Campus) No registration required drive-thru giveaway of grocery boxes. 10 a.m.–12 p.m. FREE! 706-475-7025 EVENTS: Understanding Dementia (Jackson EMC) Learn about dementia and its signs, symptoms, impact on individuals and families, and how to find support networks. Registration required. 11 a.m. FREE! www.jcdrc.eventbrite.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: Ghastly Horror Society Cinema (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Screening of the 2022 film Night of the Zodiac. 7 p.m. FREE! www. flickertheatreandbar.com FILM: Survivor Watch Party (Athentic Brewing Co.) Chaotic Good Podcast hosts a weekly watch party for season 51. Wednesdays, 8 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (South Main Brewing) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 6 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzu nottrivia GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Hotel Indigo) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Ian. Wednesdays, 6 p.m. www.instagram.com/ classiccitytriviaco GAMES: Trivia Night (Hotel Indigo) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 6 p.m. www.indigo athens.com 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: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Dos Palmas) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Locos Grill and Pub Eastside) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 8 p.m. www.instagram.com/ shihtzunottrivia LECTURES & LIT: RIP Book Club (Hendershot’s) Casual discussions about horror-themed books, comics and graphic novels with rotating monthly picks. 5:30p.m. FREE! www.ripbookclub.com MEETINGS: Film Athens (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Meet and network with others in the filmmaking community (actors, directors, etc.) during happy hour. 5 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/FilmAthens f

S E P T E MB E R 23, 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 (Full-time) Athens digital marketing agency seeks articulate, energetic, professional Private Equity Sales Associates. More info at: lightmarkmedia. com/job HELP WANTED (Part-Time) Part- Time Tour Guide wanted at Historic Athens Welcome Center. $16.75– $18/hour plus tips. Weekend and Tuesday morning availability required. Apply: athenswelcome center.com/jobs 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. NOTICES (Missed Connections) Myself approached Braden at CFA Alps Road and you said where do you bank? What are you doing? Where do you go? Another day told Braden not trying to put thoughts in your head. Braden replies I know you’re not. Where have you gone? MUSIC (Services) Instant cash is now being paid for good vinyl records & CDs in fine condition. Wuxtry Records at corner of Clayton and College Dwntn. 706-612-4926 REAL ESTATE (House for Rent) 2BD/2BA house for rent during home game weekends. Located in

Watkinsville. $500. 2 night minimum. Call 706-286-0138 for more information. 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 CALL FOR ART (OCAF, Watkinsville) Now accepting submissions for the annual Members Exhibition. Open to current, valid members. Deadline Nov. 1. Exhibition Dec. 4–18. www. ocaf.com/exhibitions for rules, regulations and other information. 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 pre-

ferred. Event held Oct. 12. Contact Carsen Dean, Oconee County ANR agent at crd72388@uga.edu or 706-542-7078. CALL FOR ARTISTS (Ciné) ATHICA seeking visual artists to submit proposals for exhibitions in the ATHICA at Ciné gallery space for the 2027-28 exhibition season. Single, duo or group exhibits, and 2D art. Deadline Nov. 1. $10 entry fee. www.athica.org CALL FOR ARTISTS (Winterville Marigold Festival) Submit artwork to be featured on the 2027 Marigold Festival posters, T-shirts and more. Deadline Jan. 1. www.marigold festival.com 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

ADOPT ME!

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

Terra (61636331)

Meet Terra! This beauty with a big smile is well-behaved and easygoing. The folks at the shelter say she does great on a leash, knows how to sit for treats and loves being with a friend.

Prince (59728088)

Prince is a sweet and smart oneyear-old boy. He’s a huge fan of fetch and is looking for a family that enjoys playing as much as he does! Consider adopting or fostering Prince today.

Slushie (61484616)

Look at those eyes! Slushie is a handsome pup who is full of energy. His favorite things are chasing after toys (though he doesn’t always bring them back) and sitting and lying for treats.

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 23, 2026

CALL FOR PHOTOS (Athens, GA) Submit water or nature-themed photos taken in Athens-Clarke County to be considered in the Stormwater Management Program’s annual calendar. www.instagram. com/accstormwater CALL FOR STORYTELLERS (Rabbit Box) Rabbit Box seeks story ideas for upcoming shows. www.rabbit box.org/tell CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS (Athens Homeless Coalition) Seeking submissions for street newspaper. Submission categories include poetry, short stories, visual art, song lyrics. enagementcoordinator@athenshc. org COMMUNITY TOURS (Georgia Museum of Art) A variety of tours open to the public including “Student Perspectives” which runs Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays throughout the month. www.georgia museum.org LIFE DRAWING (Winterville Cultural Center, 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. drawathens.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 BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTRY (Town & Gown) Open auditions for the musical adaptation of the popular romance book and movie of the same name. Oct. 4–5. Performances held Dec. 4–13. www. townandgownplayers.org 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 (Various Locations) Visit www.flagpole.com/ bulletinboard for ongoing events. 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 FALL PROGRAM REGISTRATION (Athens, GA) The Leisure Services Department offers a diverse selection of classes and activities highlighting the arts, environmental science, recreation, sports and holiday events for both adults and children. Registration now open. www.accgov.com/myrec FREE CLASSES (Various Locations) Learning network for community centered around compassion, autonomy and playfulness. Visit @ athensfreeschool on Instagram. IMPROV CLASSES (Grady College) Free improv classes every Wednesday in Room 509. 5:30 p.m. More information @ImprovAthens

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. accgov.com/couchcrashers DIAPER DONATIONS (Athens Area Diaper Bank) Diaper donations needed for local infants. All sizes and open packs/boxes are accepted. www.athensareadiaperbank.com FIRE PIT RAFFLE (Friends of the Madison County Library) Madison County Library hosts a raffle for an outdoor gas fire pit to benefit various programs. $1 per ticket, unlimited entries. The winning ticket will be drawn in November after the Madison County Harvest Festival. www.athenslibrary.org/madison 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 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 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. Interested donors call 706-613-3561. SEEKING DONATIONS (The Cottage) Seeking donations of single-serving, non-perishable snacks to help children and adults navigating interviews, therapy sessions and court hearings. To arrange a drop-off please call 706-546-1133, ext 223. SEEKING DONATIONS (Athens, GA) Local homeless ministry Hands of Hope accepting donations of clothing for their free distribution program and fundraising yard sale with proceeds benefiting the program. 706-207-5172 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. accgov.com/animalservices 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. athhalfvolunteers@athfesteducates. org SEEKING VOLUNTEERS (Various Locations) Visit www.flagpole. com/bulletinboard for ongoing opportunities with nonprofits and community organizations. SEEKING VOLUNTEERS (ACC Solid Waste Vulture Festival) Seeking volunteers for the 13th annual festival. Set-up, break-down, children’s activities and more. Free t-shirt and meal provided. Oct. 13, 8 a.m.–12 p.m. recycle.intern@accgov.com TEACHER SUPPLIES (Teacher Reuse Store) Educators can access free creative supplies at the store. Please bring credentials. www. accgov.com/trs VOLUNTEER NETWORK (Community Works, Watkinsville) A nonprofit organization that connects volunteers of all ages to events, resources and training opportunities. CWorksOC@gmail.com

Kidstuff CLASSES & PROGRAMS (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. accgov.com/myrec CLASSES & PROGRAMS (ACC Library) Various ongoing weekly events including various storytimes (Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays) Tween/Teen Club Creative (biweekly Tuesdays), Teen Writing Club (biweekly Mondays) and more. www.athenslibrary.org CLASSES & PROGRAMS (Bogart Library) Various ongoing weekly events including LEGO Mania (Wednesdays), Storytime with Miss Harli (Mondays), Sensory Open Play (Tuesdays) and more. www. athenslibrary.org/bogart CLASSES & PROGRAMS (Oconee Library) Various ongoing weekly events including Kids Yoga and Open Play (Tuesdays), Story Time and Cocoa Club (Wednesdays), and more. www.athenslibrary.org/ oconee FARMPLAY (Foxfire Woods & Farm) Monthly nature-based, creativity-filled playgroup for kids ages 11–15. Registration required. $5 suggested donation. www.foxfire woodsandfarm.com

Word on the Street BOOK SALE (Oglethorpe County Public Library, Lexington) Pop-up books sale benefitting the Oglethorpe Friends of the Library. Sept. 30–Oct. 13 during business hours. $5 bag sale every Saturday. www. athenslibrary.org/oglethorpe CALL FOR VENDORS (Athens Library Store) Applications now open for Holiday Market. Crafters, makers, authors and more are encouraged to apply. Table fee options $15 & up. Deadline Oct. 9, acceptance notification Oct. 15, and event held Dec. 5. All proceeds

benefit the Athens Library. www. friendsofacclibrary.org/market CALL FOR VENDORS (Athens Farmer’s Market) Applications now open for Holiday Market. Seeking artists, farmers and prepared food vendors. $20 application fee. Deadline Oct. 9, acceptance notification Oct. 16, and event held Nov. 28. www. athensfarmersmarket.net/holiday artistmarket 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 (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.marigold collectivewinterville.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 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

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

feature

Watercolors at OCAF

GEORGIA WATERCOLOR SOCIETY PRESENTS JURIED EXHIBITION WITH DIANA TOMA

By Libba Beaucham arts@flagpole.com

he Georgia Watercolor Society (GWS) will present its 2026 Annual Member Juried Exhibition at the Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation (OCAF) featuring over 70 works by selected GWS members judged by artist Diana Toma. An opening reception will be held Sept. 25 from 5–7 p.m. and both the juried exhibition as well as an exhibition of Toma’s work will be on display through Nov. 6. Toma is an internationally recognized Romanian artist now based in Atlanta who is known for her watercolor, acrylic and mural paintings that utilize both traditional and contemporary techniques to create vivid landscapes, portraits, floral still life and scenes of both natural and urban environments. Her works have been exhibited in over 100 international group exhibitions and 12 solo shows, and published in Artist’s Magazine, American Artist and The Art of Watercolor.

mental health and just feel good.” Van Giesen is also a longtime admirer of Diana Toma’s work, which makes the exhibition even more exciting for Van Giesen. “I love her freedom with the pigment… I think the strength of watercolor is when you learn how to let go and let the paint in the water work by itself and not be afraid to welcome unexpected mixes of water and pigment and just let it flow. [Toma] does that masterfully,” says Van Giesen. Referring to the watercolor workshop to be led by Toma, Van Giesen says, “She’s one of the few artists that I have seen that can paint and talk the whole time, making it very entertaining. These classes are really good for beginners, too. Of course, you might get there and see artists that have been painting for a while, but that’s not the point, to compare yourself to others… [Toma] is a very welcoming and a very sought after instructor.”

Outside of creating personal and commissioned works, Toma teaches workshops and classes at museums and galleries across the country. Toma will host a three-day watercolor intensive workshop ($400) Sept. 23–25 at OCAF that is open to all levels from beginners to experienced artists. Toma will also hold a free artist demonstration and talk Sept. 26 at 10 a.m. at OCAF, followed by an artist meet and greet at 11 a.m., before the exhibition’s awards ceremony at 12 p.m. GWS President Viviane Van Giesen feels that this exhibition speaks to her own passions for art and what art can provide to a community. Van Giesen is originally from Brazil, where she studied fine art and later received a scholarship to study art at UGA. She fell in love with Athens and its art scene and raised her family here. She became the president of the Georgia Watercolor Society to help other artists, saying, “It fulfills me to help people… I think art is one of the great activities that humans can do. It’s the manifestation of our humanity starting with drawings in caves… I think it’s a great thing for people to do to maintain

In an interview provided by the Georgia Watercolor Society for publication, Toma shares that her creative process “usually begins with an emotional response to observing something delightful. I’m drawn to everyday moments that create a sense of wonder, nostalgia, or peace.” When considering how she approaches various subjects, Toma says, “Architecture requires more precision. Portraits require accurate feature placement. Florals often need very little drawing because I want them to feel fresh and spontaneous. I think of drawing as scaffolding rather than a prison. Once the painting begins, I want room for intuition and discovery.” As Toma assesses the works accepted in the juried exhibition, she says she will be looking for “Strong design, confident value structure, and emotional presence,” and that she can “often sense authenticity very quickly. There’s usually an honesty in strong work that immediately pulls you in.” For more information about the juried exhibition and related events, visit ocaf. com. Details about GWS are available online at georgiawatercolorsociety.com. f

S E P T E MB E R 23, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

food & drink

grub notes

Shop and Dine at Dovetail Market PLUS, THE FARM CART’S HEARTY BREAKFAST

By Amanda Johnson food@flagpole.com case of great local products mixed with culinary curiosities from afar. Amen. Dovetail Market is open Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m.–9 p.m. THE FARM CART (1074 Baxter St., thefarmcart. com): I pulled up to find the unmistakable architecture of a former Pizza Hut made over into something more homey. The last time I had The Farm Cart was at the Bishop Park farmer’s market ages ago. I am pleased to find this little local biscuitery thriving some seven years later. You enter through the well appointed patio complete with pergola and hanging pots overflowing with impatiens. Inside you’ll find a clean and casual dining room with a warm vibe. Local AMANDA JOHNSON

DOVETAIL MARKET (497 Prince Ave., instagram. com/dovetailathens): To dovetail means to fit or join two things together tightly, neatly and harmoniously—a clever name that totally fits the dual concept market on Prince Avenue. Dovetail Market has defined a lovely area for dining as well as a drool-inducing gourmet market. The tall ceilings, navy blue trim and a charming gallery wall really make the place feel grand. A paned glass door offers a peek into the neighboring Lark Winespace where you can enjoy a glass of wine or three with your charcuterie. The use of the space is a marked improvement over former tenant Birdies Market, a very similar business concept that in retrospect felt a little narrow.

If you are in crisis due to domestic violence, Alpha Chi Omega wants you to ﬁnd help.

Dovetail Market

The first time I visited, I ordered grilled cheese and tomato soup, a classic pairing. Food is served in eco-friendly disposables on charming pink cafeteria trays lined with deli paper. The tomato sherry soup was velvety smooth with richness and dimension from the fortified wine; a subtle spicy note made this a perfect flavor jacuzzi to dip sandwich into. I chose to get my grilled If your partner objects when you use themy phone, Old World style with gouda, alpine limits your everyday contact with familycheese and friends, brie cheeses, and was not disappointed. and you restrict yourself to avoid angry,and aggressive Ifconfrontations, your partner objects you The pastaphone, salad was quite tasty, comyou need to when step back anduse takethe limits your everyday contact with family and friends, posed of fresh gemelli pasta with sundried another look. How can you cope once you are involved tomatoes, red onion, kalamata olives and with you a controlling Callto Project Safe for help. and restrictpartner? yourself avoid angry, aggressive herbs tossed in a simple vinaigrette. My Our hotline is confidential, and counseling is free. confrontations, you need to step back and take only complaint is that a side comes in a Get your life back. Get help. another look. How can you copefour- once you are involved ounce portion cup; I could have easily with a controlling partner? Call eaten Project Safequart for help. an entire container of the stuff, but I guess thatisis free. really a me problem. Our hotline24 is hours/day confidential, and counseling Hotline, If you are in a hurry, there is a nice If your partner objects when youGet useyour the phone, back. help. del dia Linea de life crisis, las Get 24 horas variety of quick but quality premade sandlimits your everyday contact with family and friends, wiches, individual serving charcuterie and you restrict yourself to avoid angry, aggressive plates and other various garde manger essentials on the market side. I tried the confrontations, you need to step back and take Bocadillo which consisted of Serrano ham, another look. How can you cope once you are involved manchego Linea de crisis, las 24 horas del cheese dia and romesco sauce on an with a controlling partner? Call Project Safe for help. Independent Bread Co. baguette. I don’t know what I enjoyed more, the convenience Our hotline is confidential, and counseling is free. or the quality of the ingredients. Get your life back. Get help. Time spent at the grocery store might as well be my church, and Dovetail Market was a really exciting place to worship. A well curated collection of unique vittles, cheeses and gabagool. If you appreciate the novelty of trying new things and exploring unique flavors, you will be in heaven. The shelves are really just dry storage turned trophy

706-543-3331

Hotline, 24 hours/day

706-543-3331

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · S E P T E MB E R 23, 2026

art adorns the walls, and there is a clear path to the counter for friendly and genuine service. Though I was extremely tempted to order a mimosa, the coffee special sounded too good to pass up. The tiramisu cold brew ended up being one of the best lil’ special treats I’ve had in recent memory; 1000 Faces cold brew served over ice in a pint glass with caramel, sweetened condensed milk, a healthy head of brown sugar and cinnamon cold foam sprinkled generously with cocoa powder. For breakfast the biscuits are the main attraction. With a menu full of charmingly named combinations, I chose the Staple; thick cut bacon, over hard egg, cheddar cheese and homemade strawberry jam served on the side. The biscuits? Square—a controversial albeit sensible shape. As a baker I can appreciate the 100% recipe yield. As a Southerner, I feel pangs… biscuits should be round, right? Regardless, this ain’t no Golden Pantry puck. The Farm Cart biscuit is fluffy, substantial and delicious. If there is a spectrum of bacon ranging from insipid, institutional slivers to bougie bespoke Benton’s, we’re at last in the top 25%, with thick slices of bacon cooked just enough to be both crispy and bendy. The sidecar of housemade jam seems to be a signature touch, and I always love a good sweet-meets-savory flavor marriage. The Farm Cart is open from 8 a.m.–2 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, serving a lunch menu after 11 a.m. on Tuesday through Friday. f

SUDOKU

Edited by Margie E. Burke

Difficulty: Easy

HOW TO SOLVE:

Each row must contain the numbers 1 to 9; each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9; and each set of 39/21/26 by 3 boxes must contain Week - 9/27/26 the numbers 1 to 9.

The Weekly Crossword 1

by Margie E. Burke 9

26 30

39 43 45

53 58

ACROSS 1 Male deer 5 Hose shade 10 Czech or Serb 14 Entice 15 "Li'l" comics guy 16 "La Boheme" heroine 17 Tues., for Tuesday 18 Accounts 20 “Missing You” singer John 22 It may follow a dot 23 Colleague of Ketanji 24 Slow flow 26 Imparts 27 David of "CSI: Miami" 29 Twelfth Hebrew letter 31 Dump-truck filler 32 Dance move 33 Resort 36 Rabbit ears 38 Addict's accomplice 40 Wallace of "E.T." 41 Barnyard cacklers 43 Unbending 44 Raccoon's kin 45 Stew pieces

29 7 284 8 3 1 2 6 5 9 31 32 3 2 1 9 8 5 6 4 7 36 37 1 8 38 3 6 5 4 9 7 2 42 7 40 9 8 6 5 414 3 1 2 4 3 7 442 6 1 8 9 5 49 6 4 50 46 5 472 481 9 7 8 3 8 7 3 1 2 9 5 51 52 4 6 1 9 4 6 3 5 7 8 2 56 57 6 5 2 7 8 614 9 3 1 60 63

24 25 Solution to Sudoku: 27

59 62 65

46 Drink accessory 49 Eager, so to speak 51 Chicago airport 52 Batman and Robin, e.g. 53 Labor leader Chavez 56 MDF, for one 59 Drive-___ 60 Bulb flower 61 Aquatic mammal 62 Burial chamber 63 Tallies 64 Michelob and Molson, e.g. 65 Online crafts shop DOWN 1 Cole ___ 2 Orchestral heavyweight 3 Act as a go-between 4 Writer Stein 5 Go for the bronze? 6 Taken ____ 7 Opens, as a sleeping bag 8 Spread throughout 9 Memorable time

10 Lit up the room, maybe 11 Add pep to, with "up" 12 Change, as a bill 13 Some charge cards 19 Blessed with ESP 21 1950s president 25 Eye part 27 Iron follower 28 Top-notch 30 Upstanding guy 33 Goliath's undoing 34 Film legend Gregory 35 Word after martial or performing 37 Poison remedy 39 Clairol choice 42 Put into place 44 Affectionate touch 46 Vergara of "Modern Family" 47 Bronze finish? 48 Fanatical 50 Kitchen gadget 54 Battle needs 55 Like Dorothy's slippers 57 Go up and down 58 E.R. workers

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

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4100 Lexington Road S E P T E MB E R 23, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM