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OCTOBER 14, 2026 · VOL. 40 · NO. 41 · FREE

Eighth Annual Community Celebration of Music pp. 12-14

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · OC T OB E R 14, 2026

this week’s issue

contents

MILES KALCHIK

285 W. Washington St Athens, GA 30601 706-549-7871 Ticket info at 40watt.com facebook.com/40wattclub @40WattAthens All Shows 18 and up • +$2 for Under 21

@40WattAthens

FRI. OCT. 16 • DOORS 7PM

AX AND THE HATCHETMEN THE HAILS

TUE. OCT. 20 • DOORS 7PM

RATBOYS SMIDLEY

SAT. OCT. 24

THE JABOUKIE YOUNG-WHITE SHOW ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED FOR OCTOBER 24 HAS BEEN POSTPONED TO APRIL 24. ALL TICKETS WILL BE HONORED FOR THE NEW DATE!

THUR. OCT. 29 • DOORS 7PM

TYLER NANCE

HUDSON MACREADY A SOUTHERN GOTHIC WEEKEND

FRI. OCT. 30 • DOORS 7PM

Chicago-based indie rock band Ratboys will perform at the 40 Watt Club with support from Smidley on Tuesday, Oct. 20. For more shows, see the “Live Music Calendar” on p. 10.

SECRET SHAME • TEARS FOR DYING

This Modern World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

DANCE PARTY WITH GOTH DAD & DJ TWIN POWERS

Letters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

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

Live Music Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Moon Tree Saved

Porchfest Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Porchfest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

NEWS: Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Calendar Picks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Candidate Environmental Forum

Curb Your Appetite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

CALENDAR: Calendar Picks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Threats & Promises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

LaMP at Live Wire

Event Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

ARTS & CULTURE: Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Bulletin Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Halloween Festivities

Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

NOW AFTER NOTHING • MOSTLY MESH

SAT. OCT. 31 • DOORS 8PM

AGONAL GASPS FEYLEUX • VINCAS

DANCE PARTY WITH GOTH DAD & DJ TWIN POWERS

... COMING SOON ...

11/5-7 - JULIEN BAKER 11/10 - THE FAINT • COMA THERAPY 11/12 – DEERHOOF • 11/13 – J RODDY WALSTON

Art Around Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Adopt Me . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Local Comics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Flag Football . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Good Growing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Crossword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Sudoku . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 CHRIS DOWD

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, Erin France, Gordon Lamb, Rebecca McCarthy CARTOONISTS Missy Kulik, David Mack, Klon Waldrip, Joey Weiser CIRCULATION Gerald Burris, Charles Greenleaf, Joe Rowe EDITORIAL & OFFICE ASSISTANT Mary Beth Bryan EDITORIAL INTERNS Lily Thomas PHOTOGRAPHERS CJ Bartunek, Kat Wood, Jake Zerkel SPECIAL AGENT Pete McCommons COVER ART by Eli Saragoussi (see stories on pp. 12-14) STREET ADDRESS: 220 Prince Ave., Athens, GA 30601 MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. Box 1027, Athens, GA 30603 EDITORIAL: 706-­549-­9523 · ADVERTISING: 706-­549-­0301 CLASSIFIED ADS: class@flagpole.com ADVERTISING: ads@flagpole.com CALENDAR: calendar@flagpole.com EDITORIAL: editorial@flagpole.com

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

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

VOLUME 40 ISSUE NUMBER 41

Association of Alternative Newsmedia

PLEASE SUPPORT FREE LOCAL NEWS SUPPORT FLAGPOLE

online exclusive According to ACCPD, another officer tipped off higher-ups to a coworker using the system to track his ex-girlfriend “numerous times over one week” in 2025. In addition, the University of Georgia suspended a civilian IT employee last month for misusing Flock in 2025. See “Athens Police Fire Officer Who Used Flock to Track Ex-Girlfriend” at flagpole.com.

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LIVE SCORE BY MICHAEL SHAPIRO

FRANKENSTEIN WITH THE ATHENS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

OCTOBER 25 | 6:30 P.M. THE CLASSIC CENTER THEATRE

PRESENTED BY FRIENDS OF THE ATHENS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA AND CLASSIC ENTERTAINMENT

On Saturday, we say:

We’ll be all over Athens. Downtown, Eastside, Alps & Baxter, Prince Ave. Sign waving, banner brigade, car parade …

Join us! IndivisibleGA10.org/no-kings-ve or Scan 4

F L A GP OL E .C OM · OC T OB E R 14, 2026

city dope

BLAKE AUED / FILE

news

The Moon Tree Lives

LANDMARK LOBLOLLY SURVIVES CLOSE JUDICIAL CENTER VOTE, AND MORE NEWS

By Blake Aued and Rebecca McCarthy news@flagpole.com A narrow majority on the Athens-­Clarke County Commission voted last week to move forward with a plan for a new judicial center on Dougherty Street potentially preserving a tree that’s become a cause célèbre in recent months. The vote was also a rebuke to Commissioner Dexter Fisher, who asked for more time to talk to his “federal friends” about acquiring the Robert G. Stephens Federal Building, widely viewed as a better site for the judicial center, but one that could take years to obtain, if the ACC government can even secure it all. Commissioner Mike Hamby—who last month had objected to the idea of a tree getting in the way of a $220 million project that will likely be a community landmark for a century or more—made a motion to accept a version of the plan that includes a pocket park for the “Moon Tree,” a loblolly pine grown from a seed that traveled aboard Apollo XIV. “The important thing is, we need to move quick so we can address the safety issues that are in the courthouse now,” Hamby said. He added later that he was only joking when he threatened to cut down the Moon Tree himself at the commission’s September agenda-­setting meeting. The other option presented by county staff would have involved cutting down the Moon Tree and replacing it with more parking. ACC officials have said that the Moon Tree may not survive construction, and is only expected to live another 50 years if it does, although those assertions have been disputed. Commissioner Melissa Link, however, said that Fisher deserves more time to negotiate with federal officials, and moved to give him until January to cut a deal. Fisher said he had a call scheduled for this week about the federal building. The mayor-­ elect also questioned how the judicial center would be paid for if SPLOST is not renewed (only $78 million was included for the project in the current SPLOST). “If the SPLOST doesn’t pass, are we going to raise the millage rate to pay for this? As the mayor, I’m not,” he said. The best-­case scenario would be taking ownership of the federal building in three to three-­and-­a-­half years, according to

Commissioner John Culpepper. With construction costs rising 5–6% a year, the price tag will grow by $1 million each month it is delayed, Manager Bob Cowell said. “I don’t think it’s a big deal to hold it until [November],” Fisher said. Hamby advised him to make a motion to reconsider next month if he does cut a deal with the feds. “I don’t want us to spend money and then change our minds,” Fisher said. “Well, we’d be doing that anyway,” Hamby replied. Changing course would waste the money the county has spent on the schematic design since affirming the Dougherty Street site in July, Culpepper added. Mayor Kelly Girtz told commissioners he has spent “a great number of hours” trying to procure the federal building through both the Biden and Trump administrations, first seeking part of its parking lot for a public park, then the entire property for the judicial center. “At this point, what I would suggest is that this body does not want to be Charlie Brown to Lucy holding the football,” Girtz said. While not taking a side on the Moon Tree issue, a number of courthouse officials—including Superior Court Chief Judge Lisa Lott, State Court Judge Charles Auslander, District 10 Court Administrator T.J. BeMent and Sheriff John Q. Williams— urged the commission to approve a schematic design for the Dougherty Street site. “We want a building that’s safe, secure, efficient and that treats our citizens with dignity,” said BeMent, who noted that discussions about the need for a new, more spacious courthouse with modern security features date back nearly 20 years. “It would be a travesty of justice to wait five more years even before we get started on plans for a new courthouse, if we start to consider alternative sites after you have already voted on one,” Lott said. The commission voted 6–4 against Link’s motion to delay a vote, with Fisher and commissioners Tiffany Taylor and Ovita Thornton also in favor of a delay. Taylor then changed her vote on Hamby’s motion to approve the option with a pocket park, which passed 7–3. The commission also passed a revised version of the “urban camping” ordinance

Early Voting Is Underway Early voting for the Nov. 3 election started Oct. 13 and runs through Friday, Oct. 30. Here are the hours and locations. WEEK ONE: The Athens-­Clarke County Elections Office (155 E. Washington St.) will be open from 8 a.m.–6 p.m. Oct. 13–17 and from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18 WEEK TWO: Early voting will expand to the ACC Library (2025 Baxter St.), the Miriam Moore Community Center (410 McKinley Drive) and the ACC Tennis Center at Southeast Clarke Park (4460 Lexington Road) from 8 a.m.–6 p.m. Oct. 19–23. WEEK THREE: A fifth location at the ACC Cooperative Extension (275 Cleveland Road) will open. Hours for all five are 8 a.m.–6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24 and Oct. 26–30. In addition, voting will be available at the Tate Student Center from 8 a.m.–6 p.m. Oct. 27–29.

commissioners voted down in August. The ordinance—passed by an 8–2 vote, with Link and Taylor voting no—prohibits sleeping, camping or lying down on public sidewalks and streets in commercial zones, as well as storing items like tents or bedding. Initially, the ordinance would have taken effect downtown immediately, and in April in other commercial zones, but commissioners amended it to take effect in 90 days (Jan. 6) in all commercial areas. The legislation also includes $1 million from the county’s housing trust fund to provide housing for the homeless. In addition, the commission passed a compromise version of a downtown food cart ordinance that will continue to allow street vendors to sell prepackaged food on College Square, but prohibit them from cooking food. The ordinance rose out of concerns about grease leaking onto the newly installed brick pavers at the pedestrian plaza. And commissioners approved another compromise naming the East Broad Street bridge over the North Oconee River after the famed restaurant Weaver D’s Fine Foods, while also installing a plaque honoring Jessie Barnett, the late civil rights leader who was instrumental in building the bridge. They also signed off on a rezoning to turn the former Westclox/General Times plant off Newton Bridge Road into a family-­ friendly entertainment area with low-­cost commercial space for local business startups. [Blake Aued]

CCSD Reapplies for Charter Status The Clarke County School District will continue to operate as a charter system for five more years, if state education officials give the district a go-­ahead. The school district cleared the first hurdle Oct. 8, when the Clarke County Board of Education voted unanimously to approve a resolution allow-

ing the school district to submit its charter renewal application. The submission deadline is Nov. 2. Once the application is in hand, the Georgia Department of Education will interview CCSD officials and possibly tinker with the contract, setting expectations for performance. The Georgia DOE will work with Clarke County officials to help improve the district’s chances of having its application approved. If the State Board of Education gives the application a thumbs up, the contract will begin on July 1, 2027. It will be the second renewal since CCSD became a charter district in 2016. CCSD’s point of contact is James Barlament, who presented a brief version of the application to the board last Thursday evening. Members had received a more detailed application package earlier in the week. The charter system has provided the district with extra state funding and greater flexibility, promoted innovation and given individual schools agency. In addition, under the charter system, community health centers have opened at Hilsman and Clarke middle schools. High school students at the Athens Community Career Academy are learning from industry professionals in such high-­demand fields as health care, welding and hospitality. The plan is to include industry partners to teach in the new carpentry pathway, which will be housed in the former West Broad School. The career academy will be able to offer a work-­based learning diploma, letting students earn valuable credentials and salaries while finishing high school. CCSD is promoting several “essential and innovative features” that will shape education for the next five years. Under literacy, there will be a focus on preparing children to develop functional literacy skills, beginning at birth and continuing to age five, so they are ready for kindergarten. That could involve partnering with pediatricians, Bar➤ continued on next page

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City Dope TRICK OR... TREATS!!!

continued from p. 5

lament said. Creating a “culture of literacy” will take efforts from the entire Athens community, including families, professionals and new parents, as well as teachers and school staff. The charter application includes “flexible and innovative” instruction models, such as microschools, Montessori models, a STEAM/STEM magnet school, and expanded year-­round and summer programming to give families more options. It focuses on adding individualized planning with middle school exploratory courses, high school pathways and employability skills. Community-­wide career fairs could be expanded to focus on eighth-­graders. For students with disabilities and at-­ risk populations, the plan is to provide pre-­employment and work-­based learning preparation, including workplace readiness skills and academic pathway completion. [Rebecca McCarthy]

Council on Aging Rebrands Athens has changed in the past 60 years, with more older adults—many of them affluent—moving into the county. The Athens Community Council on Aging has also changed, working to keep many of its original programs while expanding into new areas to meet the needs of active, aging adults. The ACCA serves active adults like Valerie Porter, who retired as a coordinator three years ago from Georgia Legal Services. Vigorous and upbeat, she is a dues-­paying member of the ACCA who takes a weekly fitness class that uses weights and medicine balls, supplementing her time in the weight room at the YMCA. Recently, she went to a candle-­making class in the studio of Beth Hughes, owner of Little Light Company. Porter said she enjoyed the class and other ACCA programming. “Aging is changing, and ACCA needed to change also,” President and CEO Eve Anthony said. “We’re re-­imaging what it means to age well. Aging isn’t a decline or a disappearance.”

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · OC T OB E R 14, 2026

Officials with the ACCA spent the past three years in a strategic process to answer the question of what it means to age well. They held focus groups, talked to their supporters, distributed surveys—900 were returned—and did one-­on-­one interviews with members. They also visited similar agencies in Charleston, WV, Princeton, NJ and Greenville, SC, learning if their programs could be a fit for Athens. With all of that information, the ACCA has rebranded itself as The Center at ACCA. It’s to be a “vibrant community hub for a new generation of older adults.” Its many services are organized under five headings: learn, connect, travel, thrive and create. There are still supportive services, but the goal is to bring in new groups of people. Volunteers continue to deliver Meals on Wheels, a program the ACCA launched in 1972. Then, as well as now, people realized that food insecurity and social isolation were problems that plagued many older people in the Athens area. One change is a community dining program. Instead of members eating together on site, groups meet at different restaurants in town. Those 60 and older register for the program and pay only $2 to eat lunch at participating establishments. There’s even a friends table where newcomers can meet. The center also offers travel opportunities. There are day trips and hikes, including to DeSoto Falls, the King Center and Atlanta’s historic Sweet Auburn neighborhood. Next year’s trips include one to Hawaii and another to Italy, plus shorter jaunts to Harrah’s Cherokee Casino and the Ark Museum in Kentucky. The center continues to offer classes in recognizing and dealing with dementia, for those caring for someone with dementia. There are services for people with dementia and support for those caring for people with dementia. And classes are offered in bridge, mahjong and poker, plus line dancing and even pole dancing. As well as in yoga, tai chi and balance and all forms of art. “We think the center can help people find community, find purpose,” Anthony said. “We want to be the essential resource for people to age and live well.” [RM] f

news

letters

SEND YOUR LETTERS TO P.O. BOX 1027, ATHENS, GA 30603 OR EMAIL US AT LETTERS@FLAGPOLE.COM Vote Pam Delancy for Congress Now that early voting has begun in Georgia, it is critical for voters to consider the qualifications of the candidates running for federal and state offices. Near the top of the ballot, I’m addressing candidates running to be our next member of Congress in District 10. The Republican candidate, state Rep. Houston Gaines, is 31 years old, and before being elected to the Georgia House, his only experience was being student government president at UGA. Since his election, he has performed exactly as Gov. Brian Kemp directed him, including a yes vote for the unpopular 6-­week abortion ban law, which has proven to be medically dangerous, even fatal to Georgia women, and caused maternity units around the state to shutter their doors. Gaines has well represented the Republicans in his state House district, but has been openly hostile to constituents who dare to disagree with his Trump-­aligned policies. I would urge you to research and support the Democratic candidate for CD10, Pam Delancy. Delancy is a 39-­year veteran, retired Army colonel and registered nurse who served her last six active-­duty years at the Pentagon analyzing and developing medical readiness policies affecting service members. In the Army she pledged loyalty

to the U.S. Constitution. We need Delancy in congress to help restore the rule of law and unite Americans around our shared values of freedom, justice and opportunity for all. DeLancy is a mother, cancer survivor and a community leader who wants to bring compassionate, experienced leadership to Congress, and advance policies that improve the lives of all people. District 10 spans more than 13 counties and partial counties, and Delancy has reached out to citizens who are suffering the high cost of groceries, gas and housing under the Trump regime. DeLancy is an extraordinary leader and obviously the most experienced and qualified candidate for the 10th Congressional District. I heartily endorse Pam DeLancy for Congress. Jane Kidd Crawford

ESP Explains Bus Policy As executive director of Extra Special People, located in Watkinsville, I am writing to clarify that a recent letter (Aug. 19) referencing ESP’s use of the UGA Ramsey Student Recreation Center pool was submitted without our knowledge, and does not speak for our organization. It also does not reflect the partnership we have valued with UGA for decades.

At ESP, we believe everyone deserves opportunities to experience joy, build friendships, and feel a true sense of belonging. This summer, the Ramsey team and the UGA Police Department helped make that possible for our campers. As we navigated a new pool environment, our teams worked together with care and flexibility to find solutions that supported our campers’ safety and enjoyment. We are grateful for the people who listened, collaborated and welcomed those we serve. Throughout ESP’s 40-­year history, UGA’s leadership, faculty, staff and students have been an important part of our story. Their partnership helps us create transformative experiences for people with disabilities and their families—and build a community where everyone has something meaningful to contribute. On behalf of ESP, thank you to our UGA partners for continuing to show up for our mission and our families. We are proud of what we make possible together. Craig Portwood Watkinsville

Save the Savannah River Basin An open letter to congressman Mike Collins, chairman of the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee, and the residents of Georgia’s 10th Congressional District:

As a steward, resident and member of one of the communities surrounding the Upper Savannah River Basin, I write to urgently address a pivotal infrastructure need that directly impacts the safety, economic vitality and environmental health of our region: updating the bathymetric map-

ping for Lake Hartwell, Richard B. Russell Lake and J. Strom Thurmond Lake. As the House and Senate conference committee convenes to reconcile the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026, I strongly urge you to advocate for the inclusion of authorization and funding for comprehensive, updated bathymetric studies of these critical reservoirs. The current underwater mapping data for these reservoirs relies heavily on historic, decades-­old surveys that no longer accurately reflect bottom contours, sedimentation accumulation or available water storage capacities. Updated bathymetric data provides essential clarity across several key areas: water security and resource management, navigation and public safety, and environmental remediation and basin health. The Water Resources Development Act of 2026 provides the exact statutory vehicle needed to direct the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to conduct these necessary surveys. Ensuring these studies are authorized in the final reconciled conference report will secure vital federal investment in our regional water infrastructure. I ask my fellow neighbors across the 10th District to join me in making this priority clear, and I respectfully request that you, Rep. Collins, champion this crucial inclusion in the final WRDA legislation to protect the future of our water supply. Please make this happen, and know that it will be one of your greatest achievements in the United States House of Representatives for our congressional district. Karen Osborne Irwin Hartwell

MEDICARE COUNSELING This project is supported by a grant from the U.S. Administration for Community Living.

The Georgia State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) is available M – F to assist with any Medicare related concerns. Get free, local, and unbiased assistance with plan selection, savings programs, preventive services, and more.

Call 706.549.4850 or visit accaging.org for assistance.

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news

feature

Environmental Forum

CANDIDATES ANSWER QUESTIONS ABOUT ENERGY, CLIMATE AND CHEMICALS

By Lily Thomas news@flagpole.com

R

lish their results on a state website, requiring them to notify all customers in writing if they cross certain thresholds. However, the bill died in committee. He pointed to corporate interests preventing such legislation from getting through and perpetuating policy that exonerates the companies at fault. Karatassos added that Medicaid and health-­care expansion is necessary to treat the effects of PFAS, and that fixing these water issues upfront will be cheaper than the lifelong medical issues resulting from them. On environmental justice, all candidates acknowledged the uneven distribution of environmental harm on communities of color and low-­income neighborhoods. Gisler proposed passing legislation that reduces water consumption from data centers and monitors for PFAS in these communities.

epublican candidates for the Georgia suggested legislation for emergency centers General Assembly skipped out on a statewide to provide vulnerable individuals forum in Athens focused on energy with air conditioning during the summer, and the environment, with only Democrats while Smith proposed passing a uniform attending. heat standard in Georgia to decide when The Oct. 6 forum at the Athens-­Clarke it is too hot to work. Gisler focused on the County Library was held as part of Stance potential for a state program establishing on Science, a nonpartisan effort to share cooling centers, and the importance of candidate stances on scientific issues. Canmoving towards solar power and away from didates in attendance included Ray Smith, fossil fuels. running in Senate District 46; Suzanna Karatassos, running in House District 120; and District 121 Rep. Eric Gisler. Moderators said Republican Sen. Frank Ginn and District 121 candidate Dutch Guess responded to questions via email, and they would be posted on the Stance on Science website, snapcoalition.org. Moderators asked candidates about data centers, extreme heat, PFAS or forever chemicals, environmental justice and energy affordability, followed by questions from audience members. “If our counterparts had shown up here, they would have given opposite answers to most everything we said,” (l to r) Eric Gisler, Suzanna Karatassos and Ray Smith according to Karatassos. All three candidates were opposed to data centers, but while Smith and KaraRegarding PFAS and “forever chemicals” Karatassos also supported legislation to tassos supported a moratorium on new like those discovered in the wellwater at an regulate these systems, requiring organiconstruction, Gisler was more focused on Athens community near a former DuPont zations causing such harm to pay to fix it. repealing tax breaks for them. They agreed plant, candidates were asked what policies Smith again backed community benefit on incentivizing renewable energy, creating or investments they support to improve plans, and mentioned that while water community benefit agreements, banning the safety of drinking water in Georgia. access is mostly a local issue, he is in favor nondisclosure agreements and ensurAll focused on the importance of the state of the state doing whatever it can to expand ing centers pay their fair share of rates government playing a larger role in testing water testing and clean water availability. for water, electricity and infrastructure and regulation if the federal government Energy affordability was the next topic, upgrades. They encouraged the audience to continues to back down or lose funding. with candidates asked what policies they vote out elected officials who are not adeSmith committed to data-­driven action by support to expand consumer energy choice quately representing them. preventing current harm and helping treat and renewable energy. Karatossos said that Addressing extreme heat, all candipeople in need. Gisler said that he introsolar panels are 70% cheaper now than a dates supported prioritizing use of water duced a bill last session that required water decade ago, and that there are a million by humans over data centers. Karatassos systems to test for specific PFAS and pubplaces for them in the state. Smith sup-

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ported restoring the Consumer Utilities Council in the Public Service Commission to advocate for consumers. Gisler said that he co-­sponsored a bill last year for plug-­in solar, but “Georgia Power and the EMCs came in and just jumped all over it and killed it. So if you want to ask why we are where we are, it’s Georgia Power. It’s the power companies. They stand to lose money if we grow solar energy in the state,” he said. Audience inquiries focused on municipal power utilities, incentivizing conservation for privately owned land, and if local governments should have the final say on data centers. While many municipal power utilities were consolidated by larger providers— and candidates were unsure if they could feasibly return to Athens—candidates supported ending Georgia Power’s monopoly and regulating the industry to make power cheaper for people. They opposed rate hikes and supported clean energy transitions. Gisler urged attendees to do their research on which candidates are funded by Georgia Power before casting their ballot. Tax incentives for land usage were proposed to increase conservation of privately owned land, with Smith and Gisler pointing to Conservation Use Value Assessment (CUVA), which assesses agricultural land based on its working productivity rather than its market value, and the Forest Land Protection Act (FLPA), which provides tax exemptions for large working forests in exchange for long-­term conservation commitments, as current programs doing so. Lastly, with data centers having impacts beyond the borders of the communities where they were built, candidates were asked if local governments should have final say about their approval. While all candidates agreed that local governments should have authority, Smith and Gisler supported facilities with certain impacts triggering a higher approval process, possibly from the Public Service Commission. Karatassos prioritized people living near data centers having a say, including potentially putting it to a county level vote. Early voting for the Nov. 3 election began Oct. 13 and runs through Oct. 30. f

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MUSIC 26 | 27

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WIND ENSEMBLE Celebrate American Composers

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22 at 7:30 p.m. $20 - Adults $3 UGA students Hodgson Concert Hall plus $3 transaction fee

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This concert joins the celebrations of America 250 with works from composers including: John Williams, John Philip Sousa, William Grant Still, Michele Fernández, and Adam Schoenberg.

SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Schubert - Symphony No. 3 Tchaikovsky - Symphony No. 5 PART OF THE SPOTLIGHT SAMPLER: Save 25% on this performance, the Student Choreography Concert, and “Guys & Dolls” with the Spotlight Sampler package.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28 at 7:30 p.m. $15 - Adults $3 UGA students Hodgson Concert Hall plus $3 transaction fee

music.uga.edu 706-542-4400

A night of symphonic contrasts. Both Schubert and Tchaikovsky have their own unique expressive voice. Both works have memorable melodies and exciting virtuosity.

FREE PERFORMANCES JAZZ ENSEMBLES I & II

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14 at 5:30 p.m. RAMSEY CONCERT HALL

PHILHARMONIA

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15 at 7:30 p.m. HODGSON CONCERT HALL

GUEST ARTIST AND FACULTY ARTIST GWEN KROSNICK, cello; EMELY PHELPS, piano

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16 at 7:30 p.m. RAMSEY CONCERT HALL

GEORGIA CHORAL UNION

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18 at 4 p.m. FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH ATHENS 355 PULASKI ST., ATHENS, GA

GUEST ARTIST AND FACULTY ARTIST ROSE WOLLMAN, viola; ANNE SLOVIN, soprano

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20 at 7:30 p.m. RAMSEY CONCERT HALL All Hugh Hodgson School of Music events take place at the UGA Performing Arts Center, 230 River Road in Athens unless indicated. 10_14_HHSOM.indd 1

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live music calendar Tuesday 13

Wednesday 14 Amici at The Falls 6 p.m. www.facebook.com/amiciat​ thefalls CAM NORTON Covers and originals in the vein of rock, folk, bluegrass and country. Athentic Brewing Co. 7–10 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com KARAOKE WITH DJ GREGORY Second and fourth Wednesdays. Ciné 5:30 p.m. (doors), 6:30 p.m. (screening), 8 p.m. (show). $25 (screening), $35 (screening & show). www.lovecraftathens.org THE LOVE.CRAFT BAND Following a documentary screening about the band, members will perform

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Thursday 15 Dead Beat Club 8 p.m. $5. www.deadbeatathens.com DEADBEAT POET’S SOCIETY A monthly singer-​songwriter series featuring local artists, hosted by Austin Sisk. Featuring Kristina Benoit, Russ Ashe and Aaron Campbell in the round this month. Flicker Theatre & Bar 8 p.m. $10. www.flickertheatreandbar. com EVAN MCMILLIAN Singer-​songwriter from California, KY touring his new record, Dark & Light. TYLER KEY Multi-​instrumentalist

F L A GP OL E .C OM · OC T OB E R 14, 2026

who plays with T. Hardy Morris, The Howdies and others performs his own set of folk rock, backed by The Strangers. GEORGIE BETTE Rabun Gap-​ based musician whose work fuses folk, blues, garage, bluegrass and classical touch points into dark, evocative resonance. Georgia Theatre 6:30 p.m. (doors), 7:30 p.m. (show). SOLD OUT! www.georgiatheatre. com CONGRESS THE BAND Quintet from Charleston, SC that has become a rising star in indie rock. The Globe 7:30–10 p.m. www.facebook.com/ globe.athens MARY & THE HOT HOTTY-​HOTS Hot jazz and swing band offering music from the 1910s, ’20s and ’30s.

Nowhere Bar 7 p.m. (doors), 9:30 p.m. (show). www.instagram.com/nowherebar​ athensga FO DANIELS Combines the raw intensity of a rock and roll band with a singer-​songwriter’s attention to lyrical detail. DOG IN A HUMAN COSTUME Alternative rock band based out of Alpharetta and influenced by acts like The Pixies, Radiohead and Queens Of The Stone Age.

Friday 16 40 Watt Club 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $25 (adv.), $30, $75 (VIP). www.40watt. com AX AND THE HATCHETMEN Chicago-​based rock and roll band with

his improvisational magic on the clarinet and loop pedal. Flicker Theatre & Bar Aubrey Entertainment Presents. 8 p.m. (doors), 9 p.m. (show). $18 (adv.) $20. www.flickertheatreandbar.com CARDINAL BLOOM Indie-​rock band from Salt Lake City, UT pairing introspective lyrics with energetic, hook-​driven arrangements. LITTLE MAE Trio blending indie, pop and shoegaze, drawing from influences such as Samia, Mercury and Alice Phoebe Lou. Georgia Theatre 6:30 p.m. (doors), 7:30 p.m. (show). SOLD OUT! www.georgiatheatre.com CONGRESS THE BAND Quintet from Charleston, SC that has become a rising star in indie rock. Hendershot’s Aubrey Entertainment Presents. 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $12 (adv.),

VANESSA HOLT

ATHICA 7 p.m. $10 suggested donation. www. athica.org MAJID & CHRIS ALFORD Atlanta-​ based multi-​instrumentalist improvisor on tour with guitarist from New Orleans. KHD TRIO Athens improvisation trio featuring Eric Kinlaw of forceghost, guitarist Patrick Hargon and tenor saxophonist George Davidson. CALL Local duo Emmie Pierce and Jon Vogt improvising with objects and instruments processed through chaotic synthesizers. Daily Groceries Co-​op Tuesday Tunes. 6–7:30 p.m. www. instagram.com/dailycoop THE FLYING V Jam-​oriented project blending improvisational energy with a playful DIY ethos. Flicker Theatre & Bar 8 p.m. $15. www.flickertheatreandbar. com WES PARKER Uneasy, fuzzed-​out indie musician from Richmond, VA with a polished and lyrical flair. TERMINALLY PHIL Athens-​based singer-​songwriter and meme lord Phillip Brantley (Modern Skirts, Palace Doctor) creates indie rock with a sense of humor. Hendershot’s 6 p.m. (doors), 7 p.m. (show). $12. www.hendershotsathens.com COUSIN CLEM Rockin’ and rollin’ Americana. HARLOW Band from Minneapolis, MN touring for the release of its sophomore album, Dumb Luck. THE UNBELIEVING DOG Power pop alt-​country songs from Iain Cooke and friends. ORION DEREVERE Local guitarist and singer-​songwriter who’s been playing music since childhood. Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall 7:30 p.m. $35–75 (discount w/ UGA ID). pac.uga.edu CANTRIP Scottish band with swirling border pipes, fiery fiddle, thunderous guitar and rich vocal harmonies. Normal Bar 8–11 p.m. www.instagram.com/ normal_bar_athens OPEN MIC Live music from talented local musicians, hosted on Tuesdays by Rudy Montayre. WUOG Live in the Lobby. 8 p.m. FREE! www. wuog.org MEDIEVIL ARCHITECTURE Medieval punk rock band.

upbeat and danceable songs. Album release show! Creature Comforts Brewery Athens Farmers Market. 5–8 p.m. FREE! www.athensfarmersmarket. net HIBBS FAMILY BAND Quartet of family members combining the textures and rhythms of bluegrass and folk music with alt-​rock melodic sensibilities and lyricism. (6 p.m.) Dead Beat Club 8 p.m. $12. www.deadbeatathens.com YOUR EX’S PETS Haunting, groovy, soft-​loud songs with rich vocal harmonies and layered arrangements. PTEROCAT Project that started as a collaboration between Brazilian artist Thaïs Dahas and Atlanta artist Colby Granger, fusing Brazilian influences, dreampop, indie, art pop and shoegaze. 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. Flicker Theatre & Bar 9 p.m. FREE! www.flickertheatreand​ bar.com DR. FRED’S KARAOKE Featuring a large assortment of pop, rock, indie and more. Hendershot’s 7 p.m. (sign-​ups). FREE! www.hendershotsathens.com BEATS, RHYMES AND LIFE OPEN MIC Emcees, poets, rappers and freestylers of all styles are invited to perform with the backing band playing the tempo of their choice. Nowhere Bar 8 p.m. $10 (adv.), $15. www.instagram.com/nowherebarathensga BEGGAR WEEDS Three energetic punk country-​blues bumpkins from Jacksonville, FL. THE CADETS Conjuring the early days of rock and roll, sci-​fi adventures, and diary entries never intended for the light of day. Ramsey Hall 5:30 p.m. FREE! music.uga.edu JAZZ ENSEMBLE I Hugh Hodgson’s advanced-​level big band performing a variety of styles, including swing, be-​bop, latin and contemporary jazz. JAZZ ENSEMBLE II Ensemble that introduces students to the experience of performing a variety of styles in a traditional big band. 7:30 p.m. FREE! music.uga.edu UGA HORN CHOIR An ensemble of both horn majors and non-​ majors attending the Hugh Hodgson School of Music.

Cardinal Bloom will play at Flicker Theatre & Bar on Friday, Oct. 16. Hotel Indigo Live After Five. 5:30–8 p.m. www. indigoathens.com TRACY & JEFF Jazz, blues and new and old classics from the voice of Tracy Brown and the guitar and harmonica of Jeff Lustig. Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall 7:30 p.m. FREE! music.uga.edu UGA PHILHARMONIA As one of the Hugh Hodgson School of Music’s large orchestral ensembles, the Philharmonia is open to all student string players. Hugh Hodgson School of Music Edge Hall. 1:15 p.m. FREE! music. uga.edu UGA JAZZ COMBOS Music and non-​music majors performing American standards, jazz standards, Latin jazz and contemporary commercial compositions. Live Wire Aubrey Entertainment Presents. 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $30–40 (adv.), $35–45. bit.ly/LiveWireAthensOct15 CPK TRIO A virtuosic collaboration between saxophonist Jeff Coffin, drummer Jordan Perlson and bassist Viktor Krauss. BOB LANZETTI Brooklyn, NY based professional guitarist, composer, producer and educator who has performed and recorded with many artists throughout the NYC area including Snarky Puppy.

shimmering guitar attack, earthy rhythms and blistering horns. THE HAILS Indie-​rock band originally formed at the University of Florida that offers edgy vocals over smooth melodies. Athentic Brewing Co. Historic Athens Porchfest Kick-​off Party. 6 p.m. (event), 8:15–10 p.m. (karaoke). FREE! www.athentic​ brewing.com ATHENS MUSIC KARAOKE Kick-​ off the weekend of Historic Athens Porchfest with trivia and karaoke of songs by Athens artists. Ciné 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $10. www.athenscine.com MOONDIAL Metal band from Athens. THE DIRTNAPS Local and loud alt-​rock. GIANT DENIRO Absurdist punk band from Milledgeville. Creature Comforts Brewery 7–9 p.m. www.creaturecomforts.co THE HALEM ALBRIGHT BAND Atlanta-​based psychedelic rockers. Dead Beat Club 8 p.m. $10. www.deadbeatathens.com TELEPHONE POLE Athens hard-​ pop band. SALMON TUBES Experimental music by Jon Vogt and Kyle MacKinnel. JOHN KIRAN FERNANDES Local Elephant 6 stalwart and multi-​instrumentalist who works

$15. www.hendershotsathens.com ALL-​STAR ATHENS SONGWRITERS IN THE ROUND Featuring Eric Dodd, Fester Hagood, Todd Cowart, Steve Heath, Andrew Lane, Bo Hembree and Curt Spell. Nighthawks Lounge 7:30 p.m. FREE! www.instagram.com/ nighthawkslounge SHANSYLVANIA Haunting vocal harmonies, graveyard twang, and bone-​rattling Halloween hoedowns. RADIO HAMAIXA Vinyl DJ set of ecstatic house and acid. Nowhere Bar 7 p.m. (doors), 9:30 p.m. (show). www.instagram.com/nowherebar​ athensga BLOODKIN Originally formed by Eric Carter and the late Daniel Hutchens in 1986, this gritty rock and roll group has accumulated a catalog of over 500 songs. Ramsey Hall 7:30 p.m. FREE! music.uga.edu GUEST ARTIST/FACULTY RECITAL Featuring cellist Gwen Krosnick and pianist Emely Phelps. Southern Drawl Bar & Grille 5–10 p.m. www.southerndrawlbarand​ grille.com KARAOKE Every Friday night. VFW Post 2872 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $10. www.facebook.com/vfw2872 CHRIS HAMPTON BAND Local band performing a variety of country, western and rock dance music with line dancing during the breaks.

Saturday 17

Athentic Brewing Co. 7–9 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com JOHN KINNISON Solo live-​looping acoustic artist originally from Pensacola, FL. Dead Beat Club 8 p.m. $10. www.deadbeatathens.com FUTON Post-​hardcore/grunge band from Monroe. Album release show! GREYWATER Elements of shoegaze, grunge and metal siphoned into a single alt-​rock act. UNLOVELY Atlanta three-​piece blending elements of grunge, alternative metal and punk. Flicker Theatre & Bar 8 p.m. $15. www.flickertheatreandbar. com BRODY PRICE Alt-​country musician from Texas whose new record, Leaf Miner’s Daughter, blends Americana into sluggish grooves, overdriven guitars and hook-​laden acoustic dissonance. HOWDY, FELLOW TRAVELER! A farmer and his best friends singing folk songs about love lost and gained, carrots plucked and un-​ plucked and how birds can make you cry. VIVIAN JOY Musician who recently release a dreamy folk album called Circle Line. JOSEY Athens-​based indie pop artist, incorporating audience participation and off-​kilter comedy into her sets. Flying Squid Comedy 7 p.m. (doors) 7:30 p.m. (show). $10. www.flyingsquidcomedy.com CRYPTORCHID Local blackened hardcore punk. WRITHE Extra filthy stoner grunge. RAZOR & THE BOOGIEMEN Florida doom metal stoner punks. BONE ZONE Atlanta underground punk rock band. REBEKAH JANE Athens-​based collaborative project. Front Porch Bookstore 6 p.m. FREE! Find Front Porch Bookstore on Facebook HAILEY RAE AND DAVY Country singer-​songwriter duo. Georgia Theatre 7 p.m. $33.99–151.43. www.georgia​ theatre.com THE LINDA LINDAS Punk band formed in LA in 2018 when its members were between seven and 13 years old. GRACE BOWERS Prodigious blues rock guitarist, songwriter and bandleader from Nashville, TN. Memorial Park Administration Building AFMDS Contra Dance. 6:30 p.m. (intro session), 7–10 p.m. (dance). FREE! (17 & under), $10–12. www. athensfolk.org SHAPESHIFTER Live music for a contra dance hosted by Athens Folk Music and Dance Society. Nowhere Bar 7 p.m. (doors), 9:30 p.m. (show). www.instagram.com/nowherebar​ athensga GRITS & GREENS Mississippi-​ based psychedelic y’allternative band.

Sunday 18 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. The Globe 4–7 p.m. www.facebook.com/globe. athens TRADITIONAL IRISH SESSION Easy listening traditional Irish music. Multiple Locations – Athens, GA 1–8 p.m. FREE! www.historicathens. com HISTORIC ATHENS PORCHFEST Over 200 local acts will perform across seven historic neighborhoods. Normaltown Brewing Co. 7–9 p.m. FREE! www.instagram.com/ normaltownbrewingco RHODES AND THE CLASSIC CITY ALLSTARS Funk band playing groove-​heavy arrangements. Oak House Distillery 4–6:30 p.m. www.oakhousedistillery. com STRATTON JAMES Rock, pop and more from the 1980s to now. RSVP for Location HARD TACK Presents. 9 p.m. www. instagram.com/h.a.r.d.t.a.c.k HAVANA SYNDROME Hardcore synth punk from Buffalo, NY. MR. [REDACTED] Local band with new brakes and tires. FOOT FETISH Mean girl hardcore punk from Buffalo, NY. BAYOU PRINCESS Weirdo hyper dance rock with moments of swampy sedation, equal parts silly and dark. THE SKIPPERS Secular psych rock from Athens. CRYING FORM Local hardcore punk trio.

Monday 19 Flicker Theatre & Bar 8 p.m. $12. www.flickertheatreandbar. com DOOM SCROLL Acoustic punk with complex instrumentation and layers of harmonies knitted from decades of music appreciation and performance. HELGA PATAKI Denver, CO D-​ beat/powerviolence/crust punk project. TURTLE GRENADE Musician and visual artist crafting intimately personal folk songs. Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall 7:30 p.m. SOLD OUT! pac.uga.edu BOSTON BRASS AND TURTLE ISLAND STRING QUARTET Performing a program featuring works by Kabalevsky, Prokofiev and Elvis Costello, culminating in a performance of Leonard Bernstein’s iconic West Side Story suite. 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. Nuçi’s Space 7–10 p.m. www.nuci.org MONDAY MIXTAPE OPEN MIC Take the stage, share your music and vibe out with the Nuçi’s community. The crowd favorite wins two free hours of Amplify Studio time. Every third Monday on the month.

Tuesday 20 40 Watt Club 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $20 (adv.), $23. www.40watt.com RATBOYS Chicago-​based indie-​ rock and alt-​country band on tour in support of its sixth studio album, Singin’ to an Empty Chair.

SMIDLEY The project from Foxing singer Conor Murphy. Daily Groceries Co-​op Tuesday Tunes. 6–7:30 p.m. www. instagram.com/dailycoop JOHN BROCATO Eclectic alternative and indie influences, ambitious and unconventional structures with word-​heavy and narrative-​driven lyrics. Normal Bar 8–11 p.m. www.instagram.com/ normal_bar_athens OPEN MIC Live music from talented local musicians, hosted on Tuesdays by Rudy Montayre. Ramsey Hall 7:30 p.m. FREE! music.uga.edu GUEST ARTIST/FACULTY RECITAL Vocalist Anne Slovin and violist Rose Wollman perform “Her Secret Life.” WUOG Live in the Lobby. 8 p.m. FREE! www. wuog.org TRVY & THE ENEMY Live hip-​hop band that fearlessly breaks barriers in the realm of modern rap music, blending elements of trap with psychedelic rock.

Wednesday 21 Amici at The Falls 6 p.m. www.facebook.com/amiciat​ thefalls AUSTIN SISK & ALLIE BRYAN Singer-​songwriter duo playing alt-​ pop and country. Flicker Theatre & Bar 9 p.m. FREE! www.flickertheatreand​ bar.com DR. FRED’S KARAOKE Featuring pop, rock, indie and more. Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall 7:30 p.m. FREE! music.uga.edu UGA BRITISH BRASS BAND Brass band with a repertoire that encompasses a wide variety of styles including original works, transcriptions of orchestral works, marches and more, conducted by Gilbert Villagrana. Live Wire Aubrey Entertainment Presents. 6 p.m. (doors), 7 p.m. (show) (two sets). $20 (adv.), $25. bit.ly/LiveWireAthensOct21 LAMP Vermont-​based Russ Lawton (drums), RayPaczkowski (keys) and Brooklynite Scott Metzger (guitar) distill singular, road-​honed improv instincts into taut, instrumental epics. Nowhere Bar 7 p.m. (doors), 9:30 p.m. (show). www.instagram.com/nowherebar​ athensga TOMMY HEDGEHOG Athens-​ based indie-​rock band playing music that ranges from high-​energy rock blues to soft ballads and soothing lounge-​style jazz. WILTING PAGES Musical alias of multi-​instrumentalist singer-​songwriter Lander Combs. BAD FIRST DATE Julia Elmore’s resonant musical project. Ramsey Hall 3:30 p.m. FREE! music.uga.edu UGA REPERTORY SINGERS A mixed chamber choir directed by graduate student conductors.

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10/22 Trio Metro (Hotel Indigo) 10/22 Blues on Tap (Athentic Brewing Co.) 10/22 The Falling Spikes, Dog Person, Wagging (Little Kings Shuffle Club) 10/22 Mary & The Hot Hotty-​Hots (The Globe) 10/23 The Original Splitz Band (Athentic Brewing Co.) f

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music

feature

Historic Athens Porchfest Schedule • Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026 BOULEVARD 1:00 PM Cam Norton 1:00 PM Camp Amped After School 1:00 PM Carbon Harry 1:00 PM Comer String Collective 1:00 PM Ellie Jarrell and Band 1:00 PM Fleet Machine 1:00 PM No Yonder 1:00 PM The Rishis 1:00 PM Whisper Kiss

145 Grady Ave., Apt. A 550 Nantahala Ave. 258 Lyndon Ave. 394 Dubose Ave. 285 Barber St. 270 Nacoochee Ave. 425 Barber St. 564 Boulevard 179 Virginia Ave.

2:00 PM Cousin Clem 375 Dubose Ave. 2:00 PM Heidi Hensley and Laura Valentine 357 Dubose Ave. 2:00 PM It’s a Massacre! 163 Nantahala Ave. 2:00 PM Larry’s Homework 115 Grady Ave. 2:00 PM Leeroy Voodoo 801 N. Pope St. 2:00 PM MK Barnes 123 ½ Chattooga Ave. 2:00 PM News+Paper Music / Mac 590 Nantahala Ave. 2:00 PM Nicholas Mallis and the Borealis 244 Nacoochee Ave. 2:00 PM SOVP 1022 Prince Ave. 2:00 PM Sutherland 863 N. Chase St. 2:00 PM The Vintage People 357 Lyndon Ave. 2:00 PM Women in STEM 150 Virginia Ave. 3:00 PM 38 Strings 628 Boulevard 3:00 PM CGI Joe and The Really Romantic Bad Boys 480 Nacoochee Ave. 3:00 PM Em & the Apostles 125 Nantahala Ave. 3:00 PM Gift Economy & Alys Wilman 585 Nantahala Ave. 3:00 PM July Woman 147 Bryan St. 3:00 PM Mary & the HOT Hotty-Hots 169 Grady Ave. 3:00 PM Polar Waves 156 Boulevard 3:00 PM Quintet Athens 634 Prince Ave. 3:00 PM Skirr 123 Cain St. 3:00 PM Soul Rizing 685 N. Pope St. 3:00 PM Willow Run 169 Virginia Ave. 4:00 PM BlackNerdNinja 4:00 PM Boulevard Saints 4:00 PM Broken Down Boxes 4:00 PM Dames 4:00 PM Donovan Ram Band 4:00 PM Golden Bowl 4:00 PM Greater Tri County Area 4:00 PM Klezmer Local 42 4:00 PM Logan & the Misadventure 4:00 PM Pilgrim 4:00 PM Shauna and the Jaywalkers 4:00 PM Tommygun

240 Dubose Ave. 494 Boulevard 149 Virginia Ave. 329 Lyndon Ave. 550 Nantahala Ave. 175 Grady Ave. 754 N. Chase St. 186 Boulevard 801 N. Pope St. 357 Dubose Ave. 163 Nantahala Ave. 860 N. Chase St.

5:00 PM Classic City Jukebox 5:00 PM Emileigh Ireland 5:00 PM Hunger Anthem 5:00 PM Motorhead2x 5:00 PM New Orleans Jazz Stompers 5:00 PM Robe 5:00 PM Seventh Son 5:00 PM Shehehe 5:00 PM The New Pizzazz 5:00 PM Trycoh

425 Barber St. 123 ½ Chattooga Ave. 145 Grady Ave., Apt. A 258 Lyndon Ave. 360 Dubose Ave. 143 Bryan St. 1022 Prince Ave. 229 Barber St. 919 N. Chase St. 149 Virginia Ave.

6:00 PM DJ Charlieflower 6:00 PM Dragana 6:00 PM Dyer 6:00 PM Flora’s Embrace 6:00 PM Killick 6:00 PM Senseless 6:00 PM The Grawks

163 Nantahala Ave. 554 Boulevard 125 Boulevard 350 Dubose Ave. 270 Nacoochee Ave. 329 Lyndon Ave. 341 Boulevard, Apt. A

BUENA VISTA HEIGHTS 1:00 PM Aermotor 1:00 PM Frisson 1:00 PM KoTToN 1:00 PM Rusted Radio 1:00 PM Sensai Shifty

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120 Lenoir Ave. 170 Lakeview St. 153 Boulevard Heights 399 Buena Vista Ave. 160 Park Ave.

F L A GP OL E .C OM · OC T OB E R 14, 2026

2:00 PM Futon 2:00 PM Maupas 2:00 PM Peggy Dahl-Bartunek 2:00 PM Rebecca Sunshine Band 2:00 PM Rodent for the Moment 2:00 PM Tanner Fallin 2:00 PM The Draft Dodgers 3:00 PM Cactus Jackson 3:00 PM Enginehouse 3:00 PM Space Brother 3:00 PM TH3R4 3:00 PM Thingamajig 3:00 PM Wet Meadows 3:00 PM YumboTron

179 Hiawassee Ave. 1280 Prince Ave. 140 Lakeview St. 149 Tibbets Ave. 405 Buena Vista Ave. 255 Boulevard Heights 150 Easy St. 1130 Boulevard 270 Yonah Ave. 737 Nantahala Ave. 108 Park Ave. 148 Sylvia Circle 110 Easy St. 890 Boulevard Ave.

4:00 PM Howdy, Fellow Traveler! 160 Park Ave. 4:00 PM Living Still 355 Oneta St., Ste. 100 4:00 PM Merit Music Academy 890 Boulevard Ave. 4:00 PM Oldies But Goodies Ukulele Band 1160 Boulevard 4:00 PM Quig & the Boys 1190 Prince Ave. 4:00 PM Ryne Meadow 140 Lakeview St. 4:00 PM StageHand 1368 Prince Ave. 5:00 PM A.M. Rodriguez 5:00 PM HUSTLERS BY NATURE 5:00 PM Noise Mountain 5:00 PM Noteworthy 5:00 PM The Norman Baldwin Band 5:00 PM The Young Frankensteins

850 Boulevard 493 Yonah Ave. 108 Park Ave. 179 Hiawassee Ave. 295 Hiawassee Ave. 338 Satula Ave.

6:00 PM Eliza Sage 6:00 PM Karma Kat 6:00 PM Matt Howels

163 Park Ave. 1190 Prince Ave. 737 Nantahala Ave.

COBBHAM 1:00 PM Air and or Fire 1:00 PM Backroad Riot 1:00 PM Backyard Loveseat 1:00 PM CHAP 1:00 PM Fawney Rig 1:00 PM Shaw Coggin 1:00 PM The Original Screw Tops

327 Prince Ave. 834 Hill St. 445 N. Milledge Ave. 553 N. Chase St. 589 Meigs St. 380 Meigs St. 575 N. Harris St.

2:00 PM Beto Cacao 2:00 PM Check The Signs 2:00 PM Stephanie Herty Hughes 2:00 PM The Soundhaus Band 2:00 PM War on Sleep

649 Cobb St. 735 Prince Ave. 620 Meigs St. 535 Prince Ave. 175 Hillcrest Ave.

3:00 PM Libbaloops 3:00 PM Ol’ Fader 3:00 PM The Discipline 3:00 PM The Milledgemen 3:00 PM The Minor 4th 4:00 PM Georgia Children’s Chorus 4:00 PM Mountain of Youth 4:00 PM Pastelo 4:00 PM Spring Lizards 4:00 PM Strange Temples 4:00 PM The Getters 4:00 PM The Speax 4:00 PM Vira Mar Brazilian Music

234 Hill St. 297 Prince Ave., Ste. 19 626 Cobb St. 650 Meigs St. 824 Hill St. 594 Hill St. 360 N. Church St. 386 N. Milledge Ave. 490 Cobb St. 327 Prince Ave. 295 Hill St. 889 Hill St. 695 Prince Ave.

5:00 PM Julie Powell Caldwell & Mark Maxwell 712 Cobb St. 5:00 PM KIAH & the Tygar 445 N. Milledge Ave. 5:00 PM Luxury Vehicle 247 Prince Ave. 5:00 PM Past Our Prime 277 Hill St. 5:00 PM Telephone Pole 355 N. Pope St. 5:00 PM Total DivERson 609 Cobb St. 5:00 PM Trio Metro 735 Prince Ave. 6:00 PM Ansley McAllister Band 6:00 PM Bichos Vivos 6:00 PM Little Mae 6:00 PM The Wounded Katz 6:00 PM Vansplainer

626 Cobb St. 489 Prince Ave. 825 Hill St. 445 N. Milledge Ave. 253 Cobb St.

NEWTOWN 1:00 PM blanks and postage 1:00 PM Hawkproof Nowhere 1:00 PM Sarah & Friends 1:00 PM Sewercat

175 Tracy St. 180 Cleveland Ave. 762 Barber St. 230 Augusta Ave.

2:00 PM Bill DeMarco 2:00 PM Crybaby 2:00 PM Emma LaPrade 2:00 PM Kennedy 2:00 PM Trevon 2:00 PM Two Star Hotel

473 Atlanta Ave. 160 Tracy St., Unit 10 320 Augusta Ave. 770 Barber St. 625 Barber St., Ste. 120 425 Cleveland Ave.

3:00 PM Carlton Kell 3:00 PM Garden Variety 3:00 PM Normalgrass 3:00 PM Retreat 3:00 PM The Flying V

193 Cleveland Ave. 175 Tracy St. 230 Augusta Ave. 776 Barber St. 585 Barber St., Studio G

4:00 PM 10-Footer 4:00 PM Full On Monet 4:00 PM Lea Lea 4:00 PM Petal Death 4:00 PM Thanatopsis

175 Tracy St., A101 248 Augusta Ave. 174 Cleveland Ave. 174 Cleveland Ave. 744 Barber St.

5:00 PM Florence Cardigan 5:00 PM Saturn Thee DJ & Astro 5:00 PM The Asymptomatics

555 Willow St. 440 Athens Ave. 173 Augusta Ave.

6:00 PM Deweomer 6:00 PM Dogfight 6:00 PM Grant Evans 6:00 PM raven 6:00 PM The Agonal Gasps

174 Cleveland Ave. 320 Augusta Ave. 174 Cleveland Ave. 473 Atlanta Ave. 146 Savannah Ave.

NORMALTOWN 1:00 PM Embr 695 King Ave. 1:00 PM Folie à Cinq 137 Oglethorpe Ave. 1:00 PM John Huckabee’s Country Pickin’ Shuckin Band 130 Willow Run 1:00 PM Mayberry Wine 310 Clover St. 1:00 PM NMC 412 Holman Ave. 1:00 PM Parking Garage 670 Holman Ave. 1:00 PM Ryan Beresch 255 Holman Ave. 2:00 PM Bomb! 2:00 PM Kicking Assets 2:00 PM McKenna Reckless 2:00 PM Mr.WhiteDarealist 2:00 PM Neal Canup 2:00 PM Planet Keatonia 2:00 PM Scarlet Stitch 2:00 PM T.Y. And the Outsiders 3:00 PM Bad Guru 3:00 PM Bank On Famous 3:00 PM Jack & Jealous 3:00 PM Lluvia 3:00 PM MC Horne 3:00 PM Raging Dave 3:00 PM Tommy Hedgehog

120 Westover Dr. 500 Hillcrest Ave. 396 Holman Ave. 549 Sunset Dr. 340 Willow Run 120 Holman Ave. 370 Talmage Dr. 147 Oglethorpe Ave. 270 Normal Ave. 140 Westover Dr. 215 Sunset Dr. 670 Holman Ave. 166 Hart Ave. 460 Sunset Dr. 341 Holman Ave.

4:00 PM Around the Fern 537 Oglethorpe Ave., Apt. 6 4:00 PM Blackwater Still 220 Normal Ave. 4:00 PM Botjam-Electric and Ukes 150 Hart Ave. 4:00 PM December Unloved 520 Pineneedle Road 4:00 PM Jobremash 328 Sunset Dr. 4:00 PM ozello 530 King Ave. 4:00 PM Schmooze 225 King Ave. 4:00 PM The Lanes 596 Holman Ave. 4:00 PM Willy Houston and the Ghost Town Revival 690 Edwards Dr. 5:00 PM Bad First Date 5:00 PM don chambers 5:00 PM Headlocked 5:00 PM Norma Rae 5:00 PM Taylor Griffith 5:00 PM The Lenders

341 Holman Ave. 115 Willow Run 170 Windsor Court 596 Holman Ave. 220 Normal Ave. 235 Hodgson Dr.

ELI SARAGOUSSI

6:00 PM Great Value Clothes 6:00 PM Hazy The Ginger & Lil Vro 6:00 PM Kate Bowen 6:00 PM The Taj Motel Trio 6:00 PM ugly pete 6:00 PM Wyld Staleyz

406 Sunset Dr. 150 Hart Ave. 530 Hillcrest Ave. 630 Talmadge Dr. 180 Westover Dr. 235 Normal Ave.

PULASKI HEIGHTS 1:00 PM Andy Browne Official 1:00 PM Crown’s Court 1:00 PM French Exit 1:00 PM Great Dane Band 2:00 PM Exchange Blvd 2:00 PM Jazmin Janay 2:00 PM K9 2:00 PM Katie Collins 2:00 PM La Suegra 2:00 PM Orcus

268 W. Dougherty St. 635 Pulaski St. 731 Pulaski St. 197 Childs St. 152 Hendrix Ave. 100 Prince Ave., Ste. 102 143 Barrow St. 334 Prince Ave. 762 Pulaski st. 675 Pulaski St., Ste. 1200

3:00 PM Organically Programmed 3:00 PM Predawn Pours

AT YOUR HEALTH DEPARTMENT

190 Stevens St. 100 Prince Ave., Ste. 102 140 Pulaski Heights 562 Pulaski St.

5:00 PM Chairs 5:00 PM Gimme Hendrix 5:00 PM Greylow 5:00 PM Swing Theory

530 Pulaski St. 165 Hendrix Ave. 635 Pulaski St. 194 Childs St.

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1:00 PM Beau Anderson 1:00 PM Los Cantares

SAVE A LIFE

165 The Plaza 239 N. Finley St.

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feature

JAKE ZERKEL

music

Historic Athens Porchfest ORGANIZING MORE THAN 200 MUSICAL ACTS FOR ONE DAY

By Jake Hall music@flagpole.com

T

hough Historic Athens Porchfest will only be on its 8th annual run Sunday, Oct. 18, it’s hard to imagine an Athens autumn without the festival. The event, now encompassing seven neighborhoods, has only grown since its establishment in 2019. Last year the festival featured more than 250 performances, and its attendance was estimated to be over 35,000 for only one day of music. Considering that the entire event is run by a nonprofit, on the porches of people freely giving their homes to the causes of live music and historic preservation, the operation requires more behind-­the-­scenes work than one might realize. To better understand what goes into this one-­day event, Historic Athens Vice President of Operations Denise Sunta, who is in charge of coordinating Porchfest, shared the process. With October being such a busy month in Athens, “the first 2026 action that we take is actually determining what day it’s going to be on,” Sunta said. “Last year was our first year doing it on a game weekend. In fact, we had way more visitors attend Porchfest because of the home game.” Having set the date, which will foreseeably be the third Sunday of October, a committee composed of other members of Historic Athens, local leaders and even Porchfest performers convened to set what will guide the next 12 months of planning: the porch goal. “It determines what our capacity is going to be… It dictates the number of porch sponsorships we’re able to do,” Sunta said. “My first year organizing it, my goal was 200. We had like 204. The next year my goal was 250; we had like 263, I think. This year I was like, ‘Let’s bring it back down to 200,’ and we have 240-­something.” Even though 240 is far over the minimum goal of 200, that doesn’t mean porch

recruitment is easy. “There is at least a two-­ month period where we are working really hard over here to get that minimum goal.” The recruitment drive draws some parallels to voter canvassing: knocking on doors, distributing doorknob hangers and reaching back out to previous participants. “We’ll put out the early bird recruitment. We’ll put out the public registration in May. We look at our numbers that are coming in after that in May, June, and that’s when we start to do our in-­the-­field recruitment, and oftentimes it happens in some of the hottest months,” Sunta said. These porch numbers aren’t set in stone either. Oftentimes more porches are added closer to the festival date, as people who were late to sign up still want to participate. Sometimes a homeowner’s participation depends on whether or not a certain favorite band will play. All this means the porch number is fluctuating up until October. After having hit at least the minimum of porches, Sunta’s attention turns towards the bands, reaching out to previous Porchfest acts before public applications are released. “Once we hit our goal, I sit down by myself and stare at spreadsheets and move performers around. I’m listening to a lot of the music… getting to know the artists so that I can match them with appropriate porches,” Sunta said. Despite this sounding like a dream job, the work requires a lot of time and dedication. The crowdpleasing acts have to be spread out over the seven neighborhoods and over the course of the afternoon. Genres can’t be bunched up together, and a major goal of the Porchfest organizers is exposing different types of music to the community. “One of the values in Porchfest for us is this idea of accessibility and inclusivity, and so we’re always looking for

different ways to bring more people to the event,” Sunta said. Part of the organizing involves respect “that everyone in Athens is in like five bands, because that’s how it feels.” Even though the lineup and map were released back on Sept. 11, late entries and allowing performers to make it from one band and porch to a different band and porch means the truly finalized lineup is only made the day of. “It truly is a labor of love,” Sunta said, “because I’m getting to learn and work with all these other people and getting to hear about their lives.” Isn’t this what makes Athens’ Porchfest unique when compared to other porchfests like Virginia-­Highlands? The focus isn’t on a certain headliner, nor Instagram highlights, but instead Athens and its neighborhoods, its love of art and local music, and the community itself. “I think, especially people who may not feel connected to Athens, can come to this

event and feel like they’re part of something,” Sunta said, before relating a story from a past year. “One of the porches was [selling] pulled pork sandwiches, and he donated the proceeds to us from that. Or there was one guy out in Buena Vista who has a studio in his backyard, and he was giving people tours of his studio before he had his performers go on. A lot of people understand that Porchfest is a music event, but it’s so much bigger and so much more than that.” Historic Athens will host an official Porchfest Kick-­Off Party at Athentic Brewing Co. on Friday, Oct. 16 from 6–10 p.m. On Sunday, musical performances begin at 1 p.m. with the final close-­out mayor’s show at 7 p.m. During the festival there will be a free trolley transport, a food truck park set up at Athentic, an Indie South vendor market at Normaltown Brewing Co., a kids zone at Good Shepherd and the annual Boo-­ le-­Bark dog parade. For more information, visit historicathens.com. f

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · OC T OB E R 14, 2026

calendar picks

ART | FRI, OCT. 16

One-​Day Pressed Yarn Art Lyndon House Arts Center • 1–4 p.m.• FREE!

Francisco Loza is a fiber artist originally from Mexico and currently based in Baltimore, MD, whose art is made from colorful strands of yarn that are cut, shaped and pressed onto wax-​covered wooden surfaces one piece at a time. His works explore nature, the climate, Mexican traditions and immigration, but also more abstract ideas like spirituality and dreams. Loza is visiting Athens with professor Joe Norman at UGA and is involved in the Dodd Galleries’ current “Cornucopia: Ties that Bind” exhibition. For this interactive workshop, Loza will help attendees create their own pressed yarn artworks while also learning about Mexican culture. All materials will be provided. The workshop is intended for ages 15 and up, and online registration is required. [Mary Beth Bryan] MUSIC | FRI, OCT. 16

Ax and the Hatchetmen

40 Watt Club • 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show) • $25 (adv.), $30, $75 (VIP)

The members of Ax and the Hatchetmen first met while they were studying jazz at a HARRY BEAROWS

Ax and the Hatchetmen

music school in Chicago, officially forming the band in 2018. Though they’ve been around for several years now—and in that time have headlined tours, scored a record deal and released a live album—it wasn’t until last year that they released their debut studio album, So Much to Tell You. The album, produced by Jake Sinclair (Panic! At The Disco, Weezer, Avril Lavigne), consolidates years of memories and collaboration, and even features The Strokes’ Albert Hammond Jr. on lead single “Blurry Lights.” The band’s most recent release is September’s Stick & Poke EP. VIP tickets for the show include a meet-​and-​greet and photo opportunity with the band, a signed VIP laminate, priority merch shopping and early entry to the show. [MB] MUSIC | SAT, OCT. 17

The Linda Lindas

Georgia Theatre • 7 p.m. • $33.99–151.43

The members of Los Angeles-​based band The Linda Lindas were only aged 7–14 when they first formed to play at LA music festival GIRLSCHOOL in 2018 as part of a pickup band. Fortunately for the group, Bikini Kill lead singer Kathleen Hanna saw the set, during which the girls cov-

ered “Rebel Girl.” Hanna invited The Linda Lindas to open Bikini Kill’s show at the Hollywood Palladium the following April. The band found even wider success in 2021 when it participated in the Los Angeles Public Library’s TEENtastic Tuesdays series, with its performance of “Racist, Sexist Boy” going viral online. The song was later included on The Linda Lindas’ debut record, Growing Up. The band is now three records in, with GOTTA GET OUT being the most recent addition. It’s an ambitious album intended to push the limits of the group’s sound, running the gamut of danceable synth-​pop, heavy punk, pop-​punk and indie rock. Blues rock guitarist Grace Bowers, who has also been performing since a very young age, will open the show. [MB] THEATER | OCT. 20–21

The Music Man

The Classic Center • 6:30 p.m. (doors), 7:30 p.m. (show) • $34–125.50

Written by Meredith Willson, The Music Man is a production that follows conman Harold Hill as he tricks the residents of River City, IA into buying instruments and uniforms for a nonexistent boys’ band. He promises to train members of the new band, but really has no musical knowledge and plans to skip town after he completes his sales. However, this plan is foiled when librarian and piano teacher Marian sees through him, and the two bond as he helps her younger brother become more socially confident and she transforms him into a better man. The Music Man became a hit on Broadway when it premiered in 1957, winning several Tony Awards and running for over 1,300 performances. It also won the award for Best Musical Theatre Album at the first ever Grammy Awards in 1959 and spent 245 weeks on the Billboard charts. [MB] MUSIC | WED, OCT. 21

LaMP

Live Wire Athens • 7 p.m. • $20 (adv.), $25

Supergroup LaMP is composed of Vermont-​based musicians Russ Lawton and Ray Paczkowski and New Yorker Scott Metzger. Lawton and Paczkowski are known for their work in groups like the Trey Anastasio Band and Soule Monde, while Metzger has played with Joe Russo’s Almost Dead and Medeski, Martin, Metzger & Cline. The three came together as a new band in 2018 when they played a show together in Burlington, VT, later officially naming themselves by combining the first letters of their surnames. Together, they create sprawling instrumental works driven by improv. The band is currently touring the eastern U.S. for its second record, 2025’s One of Us, which is a showcase of its members’ collective improvisational and compositional capabilities. Across its 10 tracks, it displays a sonic flexibility that is stretched even further in a live setting. This performance will feature two sets of music from LaMP. [MB] f

arts & culture

feature

Halloween Festivities FILL YOUR SPIRIT WITH ART, FILM, TOURS AND MORE

By Sam Lipkin editorial@flagpole.com

In

with the fall breezes flutters a packed schedule of fall festivities and Halloween activities for all ages. One of Athens’ landmark events and its largest Halloween celebration is the Wild Rumpus Parade & Spectacle, which will take place downtown on Saturday, Oct. 31 with a parade, four-​block festival zone and pre-​ and post-​parties. Four-​legged friends have their own special parade, complete with a costume contest, at Boo-​le-​Bark during Porchfest this Sunday, Oct. 18. Below are some curated highlights for the rest of the month, but be sure to visit Flagpole’s calendar for a variety of other themed things to do and see.

ART: For the month of October, Flicker Theatre and Bar’s gallery wall is haunted by a spectacularly spooky annual Halloween art show, organized by Dan Smith, aka See Dan Paint. A menagerie of artists create scares and frights in different mediums that are sure to delight. On view at the Historic Athens Welcome Center is a photography exhibition of local and regional funerary art by Jennifer Keene and Caitlin Short. The exhibition is an extension of the center’s annual candlelight Death & Mourning tour. A guide leads visitors through spaces draped in authentic Regency Era mourning decor at the Church-​Waddel-​Brumby House on Fridays from 5:30–6:30 p.m. Tickets are $20, and space is limited.

popular Halloween attraction. Tickets are $33–$35, and Zombie Farms will be open on Fridays and Saturdays through Nov. 7. FILMS: Flicker Theatre and Bar is a destination for off-​the-​beaten-​path horror fans. Three Star Cinema will screen the 1995 cult horror film Children of the Corn 3 on Oct. 21. Vintage movie lovers should catch the 16 mm screening of Psycho on Oct. 26. Then on Oct. 28, the Flicker Film Society will screen the 1945 horror film Dead of Night. The beloved art house cinema Ciné is screening a mix of new releases and classic favorites that suit the season. Wes Craven’s 1991 film The People Under the Stairs will be screened Friday, Oct. 16. “Behind the Slate” podcast is hosting a screening of the 1974 The Texas Chain Saw Massacre with historical commentary before and after the film on Friday, Oct. 30. JENNIFER KEENE

arts & culture

EVENTS: Just outside of Athens are a few events happening worth a fall drive. The Watson Mill Bridge State Park is hosting its 13th annual haunted hayride on Friday, Oct. 16 Oconee Hill Cemetery and Saturday, Oct. 17 from 6–10:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 per person, but sales stop at 9 p.m., so plan accordingly. Athentic Brewing Co. is hosting a Brews Downtown Jefferson is hosting its Porch & Boos movie series for the month. There Tales tour of the historic district on Friday, will be a screening of Practical Magic on Oct. Oct. 23 and Saturday, Oct. 24. The walking 20, Scream on Oct. 27 and Rocky Horror Pictour will visit spots with lore of ghosts, ture Show on Oct. 30. For those who want to unexplained mysteries and murder. Tickets flex their spooky knowledge, Love at First are $15, and tours begin at 6:30 p.m., 7:15 Fright Podcast is hosting a scary movie p.m. and 8 p.m. each night. trivia night on Monday, Oct. 19 at 7 p.m. The Oconee Hill Cemetery is hosting its The UGA Special Collections Library will third annual Beyond the Gates twilight tour present an outdoor film screening of House of the grounds on Sunday, Oct. 25 at 6 p.m. on Haunted Hill on Oct. 22 at 7 p.m. Picnic Learn about the cemetery’s history, with blankets and lawn chairs are encouraged, new family-​friendly activities this year. and free popcorn will be provided. Take a tour of the even more vast beyond For a more peculiar and enchanting with Sandy Creek Nature Center’s October movie watching experience, The Classic “Journey Through the Stars” planetarium Center Theatre is screening the 1931 verevent on Saturday, Oct. 31 at 3 p.m. The sion of Frankenstein with a live musical program is suitable for ages 6 years and up, score performed by members of the Athens and tickets are $5 for ACC residents or $8 Symphony Orchestra on Sunday, Oct. 25. for non-​residents. Tickets range in price from $29.75–$55.50. There are also tours and attractions THEATER: The Wrong Station and Town & you can drop in throughout the month. Gown Players will present a production of The haunted trail and “zombie preserve” the play Eloise Kestrel: Artist, Oracle, Mystic, at Zombie Farms is in full swing, celebrattelling the tragic story of an artist who ing its 14th season with the story theme meets an untimely death. Performances run Masquerade of Crows. Featuring intricate Oct. 23–24 at 8 p.m. and Oct. 25 at 2 p.m. horror sets and a huge cast dedicated to Tickets are $10 for the all ages show. f terrifying and entertaining guests, it’s a

OC T OB E R 14, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

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music

threats & promises

Me’an Mills Releases 33 PLUS, MORE MUSIC NEWS AND GOSSIP

By Gordon Lamb threatsandpromises@flagpole.com THAT’S ALL FOLKS!: Hardcore heroes Big Trouble released its final collection of tunes back in August, but it just landed as a cassette release by scene agitators and enthusiasts Hard Tack. Y’all, this is five songs in under five minutes. It’s straight-­up, chunky hardcore punk that at times feels like it’s going to slide into crossover or thrash territory, but pretty much stays in its lane. The vocals are completely inscrutable, so the lyrics are meaningless, but that shouldn’t take away any enjoyment you’ll get from this. Find it at hardtackk. bandcamp.com. WE WERE HAPPY THERE: There’s a stacked night of legendary talent happening next month. To wit, it’s an all-­seated show (a thoughtful idea, by the way) on Wednesday, Nov. 11 at the 40 Watt Club. The night, presented

Me’an Mills

by Aubrey Entertainment, features Peter Holsapple (the dBs); producer, musician and songwriter Don Dixon; and songwriter and singer Murray Attaway (Guadalcanal Diary). This is one of those shows where if you know, you know. But if you don’t, then I encourage you to do some quick research on these three. Each, in his own way, is responsible for the indelible fingerprint Athens has left on the global indie scene. That’s not hyperbole, either. Also, word on the street (well, the email street) is that there’s going to be a special appearance by Atlanta restaurateur and musician Clay Harper. Doors open at 7 p.m., and music starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance ($26.74 inclusive of fees) or $25 at the door. To purchase, head to 40watt.com. I BEFORE E: Athens-­based songwriter John Swilley has just released an album recorded with engineer Mark Maxwell at Maxwell Sound Recording Studio named Raised by an English Major. It’s streamable only on YouTube, so settle in for 36 minutes and check it out. It is released by Swilley’s imprint Swilluminati Records. The songs were all tracked live, and both their sonic quality and delivery have a rawness to them appropriate for a solo acoustic record. The first song in particular is earnest and urgent, and Swilley sounds a decent bit like John Bell (Widespread Panic). That’s actually a quality present through the whole record. I’m partial to the sweet melody of “Let Me Know” as well as that of “Strike Twice,” and the way it kind of skips along.

The jazz that characterizes “I Could Wait” is a nice touch. Find this at youtube.com/@ driverishigh/videos, and if you’d like more information, please see instagram.com/ john​swilley and sites.google.com/view/ rbaem. JUST THESE DUDES: Decades-­long friends and musical compatriots Dodd Ferrelle and John Mills have reunited as Me’an Mills, their original band together and the one with which they moved to Athens in 1992. They went down to Muscle Shoals, AL and recorded the newly released 12-­track album 33. It begins with the majestic “Far Off,” which is just a human shaker of a tune with a soaring guitar solo full of reserved triumph but in ecstatic catharsis. Springsteen will turn his head when he hears this one. If that song is what they blow the doors off with, they then turn around with the equally emotionally poignant “Phoenix,” which is a decently tempoed song that is mostly strummed but has this recurring two-­second passage that sounds like Paul McCartney’s “Junk.” This whole record is just so meaty, it’s hard to focus on mere aspects and not the whole. But it’s the whole that holds songs like the worksong “Punches,” the sad and whimsical “Tennessee Line,” the positively dreamy and soulful (and slightly jammy) “Pilgrim Days,” and the deeply vulnerable and sweet “Please Don’t Go To Sleep.” Back when jangle pop was all the rage on college radio, there was another musical movement known loosely as Heartland Rock which, even while occupying a big part of the mainstream, maintained an underground, indie presence. Think of this as one of those records. The band will celebrate the album’s release when it performs at the Mayor’s Show during this year’s Historic Athens Porchfest on Sunday, Oct. 18. Find this on major streaming services as we speak, and check local stores for CDs and vinyl. For more information, please see facebook.com/ doddferrellemusic.

Fall Fundraiser for the Fleur + Forage Free Clinic October 17th • 12-3pm at Sunrise Nursery

Come hang out, eat, get ear seeds, reiki, a health consult, and herbal remedies!

Sliding scale donation for services: $25-$100 Caitlin of Moon Medicine Collective will be offering food for purchase, 10% of proceeds will go to the clinic. https://fleurandforagefreeclinic.org/event/fall-fundraiser/

THIS IS THEIR MUSIC: You know, local rockers KIT are never short of ideas or riffs. And while they’re always a rock band, they’re relatively genre-­free, albeit within some parameters. Too often, groups that actively span tastes and styles can wind up being cheeky little turds who smirk at their audience and write songs as if everything is one big inside joke. KIT, however, delivers a double-­dose of sincerity that is truly welcoming. The band’s newest single, “Lessons,” came out a couple of weeks ago. It’s a smoothly delivered tune that has its basis in both Duran Duran (that bass!) and composers like Alan Parsons. KIT brings this all to the listener via a modern lens and, in doing so, they mostly honor the past instead of mimicking it. Find this on streaming services, and for more information, please see kitmusic​athens.com. f

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Tuesday 13

event calendar

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: Appreciating Bats (Clarke County Extension Office) Learn about the importance of bats and how to support them in our community. 6 p.m. FREE! www. accgov.com/gardening EVENTS: White Cane Awareness Day Celebration (ACC Library) An annual community event recognizing and honoring the many achievements of blind and visually impaired Americans, followed by a group walk. 11 a.m.–1 p.m. FREE! www.multiplechoices.us EVENTS: Evening with a Ghost Hunter (Bogart Library) Join Paul Johns from Northeast Georgia Paranormal Investigations to learn about ghost hunting. 5 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/bogart EVENTS: Family Craft Night: Pumpkin Painting Party (Lay Park Community Center) Bring the family to paint a pumpkin. 6 p.m. $15 (ACC resident), $22.50 (non-​resident). www.accgov.com/myrec EVENTS: Garden Nights (State Botanical Garden of Georgia) Enjoy an after hours tour of the garden plus beverages and a painting lesson by Jason Young, director of Horticulture and Grounds. Ages 18 & up. 6:30 p.m. $10 (members), $25 (non-​members). botgarden. uga.edu FILM: Ocean with David Attenborough (UGA Tate Student Center) Screening of the documentary that explores the beauty of our oceans, the challenges they face and the solutions already within reach. 6:30 p.m. FREE! www.classiccityrotary. org

FILM: Brews & Boos Movie Series (Athentic Brewing Co.) Screening of the family-​friendly Casper. 7 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com GAMES: Lunch & Learn (Tyche’s Games) Bring your lunch and learn new games. 11:30 a.m. FREE! www. tychesgames.com GAMES: Rock ’n Roll Trivia (Athentic Brewing Co.) Test your trivia knowledge with host The Music Man. Second Tuesdays, 6 p.m. FREE! www.athenticbrewing.com GAMES: Bad Dog 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 MEETINGS: Memoir Writing Group (Bogart Library) During this monthly group, hear memoirs from others and learn tips on how to write your

art around town ACC LIBRARY (2025 Baxter St.) In the Bogue Gallery, the exhibition “Hers and His” features paintings and drawings by Cynzia Sanchez and works created with found objects by Edward Toledano. Through Nov. 1. AMICI AT THE FALLS (8851 Macon Hwy.) “Bulldawg Season” features UGA football themed works by Camille Hayes. Through October. ATHENAEUM (287 W. Broad St.) “Megan Ledbetter: The Field (2022–2026)” features photographs of a historic municipal cemetery in Red Bank, TN that was in operation from 1890–1912. A Curator Tour will be held Oct. 16, 12–2 p.m. Through Nov. 21. • “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. A Curator Tour will be held Oct. 16, 12–2 p.m. Through Mar. 20, 2027. ATHENTIC BREWING CO. (108 Park Ave.) Impressionist paintings inspired by nature by Rachel Ankirskiy are on view through November. 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. AURUM STUDIOS (125 E. Clayton St.) “Botanicals and Animals” features paintings by Judy Hammond. Through December. BMA STUDIO (1354 S. Milledge Ave.) Floral paintings by Caroline Stroud are on display and available for purchase. Through November. CIRCLE GALLERY (285 South Jackson St.) The exhibition “An Unflinching Look: Elegy for the Wetlands” featuring photography by Benjamin Dimmitt is on view. Through Oct. 17. 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.

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own. 5:30 p.m. FREE! www.athens​ library.org/bogart SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. www.athenspetanque.org

Wednesday 14 ART: Tour at Two (Georgia Museum of Art) These drop-​in public tours feature highlights of the permanent collection. 2 p.m. FREE! www.georgia​museum.org CLASSES: French Class (Oconee County Library) Join instructor Emma Auer to learn the basics of the French language. Ages 18 & up. 6 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary. org/oconee EVENTS: Info Sessions (Athens Community Council on Aging) Meet the program manager and learn more about the offerings at the center. 10 a.m. FREE! www. accaging.org EVENTS: The Athens Farmers Market (Creature Comforts Brewery) Markets offer fresh produce, flowers, eggs, meats, prepared foods, arts and crafts. Live music at 6 p.m. AFM double SNAP dollars spent. Wednesdays, 5–8 p.m. www. athensfarmersmarket.net FILM: So Good: The Love.Craft Band Documentary (Ciné) Happy hour and small bites followed by the premiere screening of the documentary, then a live album release performance. 5:30 p.m. (doors), 6:30 p.m. (screening), 8 p.m. (show). $25 (screening), $35 (screening & show). www.lovecraft​ athens.org 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: Shadowfist Power Lunch (Tyche’s Games) Drop in and play

Shadowfist. All skill levels. 11:30 a.m. FREE! www.tychesgames.com GAMES: Bingo (Oconee County Library) Play Bingo to win prizes and books. FREE! 2 p.m. www. athens​library.org/oconee 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: Homeschool: Creepy Critter Habitats (Howard Park & Community Center) Design your own spooky critter and build a habitat for it to call home. 1:30 p.m. $5 (resident), $7.50 (non-​resident). www.accgovga.myrec.com KIDSTUFF: Teen Art Club (OCAF) Club leaders will provide ideas or teens can work on their own project.

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.) Annual Halloween art show featuring various local artists. Through October. 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.) “Transitions & Constructs” features works by Susan Pelham, Ella & Belle, Juancho Cano, and Marisa Leilani Mustard of surreal landscapes and whimsical animal characters. Opening reception Oct. 19, 5–8 p.m. Through October. HISTORIC ATHENS WELCOME CENTER (280 E. Dougherty St.) Photography of Southern cemeteries and funerary art by Jennifer Keane and Caitlin Short are on display. Through October. LYNDON HOUSE ARTS CENTER (211 Hoyt St.). In the Lobby Case, “Lotus” features ceramics by Isabell Daniel incorporating the Buddhist mandala and the symbolic lotus flower. Through Dec. 5. • “Rooted” features works by Clarke County School District students inspired by the theme of community. Through Jan. 23, 2027. • “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. MADISON-­MORGAN CULTURAL CENTER (434 South Main Street, Madison) In celebration of the center’s 50th anniversary, the exhibition “experience and intersection” features works by John Cleaveland and the late Richard Olsen. Through October. OCAF (34 School St., Watkinsville) The Georgia Watercolor Society’s 2026 Annual Member Juried Exhibition is on view alongside watercolor pieces by Diana Toma. Through Nov. 6.

Ages 13–18. Registration required. Second Wednesdays, 4–6 p.m. $5. www.ocaf.com KIDSTUFF: Book Launch (Rec Room Books) Celebrate the publication of Audrey Meeker’s kids graphic novel Last One Picked. 6:30 p.m. FREE! www.instagram.com/recroombooks LECTURES & LIT: Book Discussion (Bogart Library) Join others to discuss the book The Anxious Generation along with other publications, podcasts and more. 5 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart LECTURES & LIT: Georgia Native Plant Society (Sandy Creek Nature Center) This month’s presentation features Dr. Rebecca Abney and a discussion on biochar and soil health. 6 p.m. FREE! www.gnps.org

Thursday 15 ART: Wine Tasting Takeover (Georgia Museum of Art) The Lark Winespace presents a wine tasting experience in conjunction with the exhibition “Edmonia Lewis: Said in Stone.” Registration required. 5–7 p.m. $35. www.georgiamuseum.org CLASSES: Yoga in the Galleries (Georgia Museum of Art) Enjoy a yoga class in the art galleries led by instructors from Yoga and Pilates for the People. Open to all skill levels. First come, first served. 6 p.m. FREE! www.georgiamuseum.org CLASSES: Step It UP, Areobics (Howard Park & Community Center) Get your heart pumping and work up a sweat. All fitness levels. 6 p.m. $5 (ACC resident), $7.50 (non-​resident). www.accgov.com/myrec COMEDY: Gorgeous George’s Improv League (Flying Squid Comedy) Bring a loose funny bone to some home-​grown townie improv. 6:30 p.m. (doors), 7 p.m. (short-​form), 8 p.m. (long-​form). $5. www.flyingsquidcomedy.com FILM: Groundswell (UGA Special Collections Library) Screening of a

documentary about the regenerative agriculture movement, followed by a panel discussion on agriculture and conservation. 5:30 p.m. (doors), 6 p.m. (screening). $10. www.tinyurl.com/groundswelluga GAMES: Bingo (VFW Post 2872) Support local veterans at this game night with prizes. Thursdays, 5 p.m. (doors), 7 p.m. (game). www.facebook.com/AthensVFWPost2872 GAMES: Bad Dog BINGO (Amici at The Falls) Play BINGO with host TJ Wayt. Thursdays, 6 p.m. www. instagram.com/baddogathens GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Terrapin Beer Co.) Test your general trivia knowledge. Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzu​ nottrivia GAMES: Happy Hour Trivia (The Rook and Pawn) Test your trivia knowledge with host Nikolai. Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. www.therookand​ pawn.com GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Butt Hutt) Test your general trivia knowledge. Thursdays, 7 p.m. www. instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia GAMES: Athens’ Hardest Trivia Night (Nighthawks Lounge) Test your trivia knowledge with host Phil. 7 p.m. www.nighthawks​lounge.com KIDSTUFF: Teen Dungeons & Dragons (Bogart Library) Join a volunteer-​run gaming session open to all skill levels. Grades 6–12. 6 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/ bogart 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 1:30 p.m. www.athenspetanque.org SPORTS: UGA Ice Dawgs vs. Auburn University (Akins Ford Arena) Cheer on the home team in

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. Through Nov. 21. THE OLD PAL (1320 Prince Ave.) “The Cocktail Series” features photography by Christina Howells. Meet the artist Nov. 4, 5–8 p.m. Through Nov. 7. 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. • “Game. Set. Match: The History of UGA Women’s Tennis” shares the 100-­year history of women’s tennis at UGA. Through April 2027. 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 January 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 the Foyer Gallery, “Detention Of Empathy” will feature portrait paintings by Laura Floyd depicting people who have faced detention by ICE agents. Through October. • In Gallery 1, “UGA MFA Invitational 2026” exhibits works curated by Yu-­Kai Lin with selected works by current MFA students. Through Dec. 15. • In Gallery 2, “Small Works: 2026 National Juried Competition” returns with small scale contemporary works selected by juror Yu-­Kai Lin. Through Dec. 15. • In the Garden Gallery Case, ceramic pieces by Lindsay Swan are on display. Through Dec. 15. • In the Long Gallery, “In a Moon Age Daydream” features paintings by Katie Brick • In the Music Room Gallery, “Through An Open Window” exhibits works in collaboration with Project Safe. Through October. • In honor of the United States’ 250th anniversary, “Rebellious Art, Treasonous Artists” is on view in Room 103. Through December.

this hockey match. 6 p.m. (doors), 7 p.m. (game). $10.25–34. www. classiccenter.com

Friday 16 ART: Lunch & Learn Curator Tour (Atheneum) Join Gallery Director Rachel Waldrop for a tour of exhibitions. 12 p.m. athenaeum.uga.edu ART: One-​Day Pressed Yarn Art Workshop (Lyndon House Arts Center) Join visiting fiber artist Francisco Loza to learn about traditional and intricate techniques of pressed yarn art. Ages 15 & up. 1 p.m. FREE! www.accgov.com/ lyndonhouse CLASSES: Athens Movement Collective (Athens Community Council on Aging) Improve strength, flexibility, balance and sleep with a mind-​ body practice designed for seniors. 11 a.m. FREE! www.accaging.org 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/improv​ athens COMEDY: Open Improv Jam (Flying Squid Comedy) Improvisors of all skill levels are invited to practice and play together. 8 p.m. $5 suggested donation. www.flyingsquid​ comedy.com EVENTS: Crafts and Drafts Farmers Market (Athentic Brewing Co.) Browse more than 30 vendors selling produce and locally made products. 5–9 p.m. www.athentic​ brewing.com EVENTS: Death & Mourning Tour (Historic Athens Welcome Center) Visit the oldest surviving house in Athens and learn about traditional mourning customs of the early 1800s during a guided tour. Oct. 16, 23 & 30, 5:30–6:30 p.m. $20. www.athenswelcomecenter.com EVENTS: Historic Athens Porchfest Kick-​off Party (Athentic Brewing Co.) Pick up your pre-​ordered Porchfest merch, play Athens history trivia, sing karaoke and try the new festival beer. 6–10 p.m. FREE! www.athenticbrewing.com EVENTS: 13th Annual Haunted Hayride (Watson Mill Bridge State Park) Enjoy a spooky ride through the covered bridge and around the park as well as children’s activities, vendors and more. 6–10:30 p.m. $5. www.gastateparks.org/Watson​ MillBridge 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 MEETINGS: Creative Athenians (Hendershot’s) Connect with fellow creatives during this relaxed and informal monthly gathering. Third Fridays, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. FREE! www.hendershotsathens.com SPORTS: UGA Ice Dawgs vs. Auburn University (Akins Ford Arena) Cheer on the home team in this hockey match. 1 p.m. (doors), 2 p.m. (game). $10.25–34. www. classiccenter.com SPORTS: Athens Rock Lobsters vs. Macon Mayhem (Akins Ford Arena) Cheer on the home team in this hockey match. 7:05 p.m. $31– 52.75. www.classiccenter.com

Saturday 17 CLASSES: Community Class Day (DanceFX Athens) Try out different dance classes for all different skill levels. Registration required.

12:30–6:30 p.m. FREE! www.dance​ fx.org CLASSES: Pastel Workshop (Steffen Thomas Museum of Art) Ann Dodys will lead a workshop on creating a seascape with oil pastels. Registration required. 1 p.m. $100. www.steffenthomas.org COMEDY: Standup Comedy Show (Oak House Distillery) Encore Comedy hosts a lineup of touring comedians. 8 p.m. $10. www.oakhouse​ distillery.com EVENTS: The Athens Farmers Market (Bishop Park) Markets offer locally grown groceries and handmade goods with live music and children’s activities. AFM doubles SNAP dollars spent. Saturdays, 8 a.m.–12 p.m. www.athensfarmers​ market.net EVENTS: Comer Community Market (The Perch) Browse flower and vegetable plant starts, baked goods, vegetables, honey, pottery, eggs, mushrooms and handmade items. 9 a.m.–12 p.m. www.theperchcomer. com/farmers-​market EVENTS: Marigold Farmers Market (Pittard Park) Vendors offer organic produce, prepared foods, agricultural products and artisanal goods with live music, kids activities and more. Saturdays, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. www.marigoldcollective​ winterville.com EVENTS: Secret Record Swap (Athentic Brewing Co.) Vendors from around the Southeast will be buying, trading and selling records, CDs, tapes, books, posters, DVDs and more. 11 a.m. (early admission). $5. 12–5 p.m. FREE! www. athenticbrewing.com EVENTS: Fleur + Forage Clinic Fundraiser Kick Back (Sunrise Nursery) An annual fundraiser featuring food, tarot readings, massage, energy work and more. 12–3 p.m. $25–100 sliding scale donation. www.fleurandforagefree​ clinic.org EVENTS: 13th Annual Haunted Hayride (Watson Mill Bridge State Park) Enjoy a spooky ride through the covered bridge and around the park as well as children’s activities, vendors and more. 6–10:30 p.m. $5. www.gastateparks.org/Watson​ MillBridge EVENTS: AFMDS Contra Dance (Memorial Park Administration Building) This community dance features caller Harrison Keely and live music by Shapeshifter. No partner required. 6:30 p.m. (intro session), 7–10 p.m. (dance). $12 (adults), $10 (students w/ ID), 17 & under FREE! www.athensfolk.org FILM: Spooky Sunnydale (Bogart Library) Drop in to view episodes from the demon slaying classic television show and enjoy Halloween treats. 3 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/bogart GAMES: Chess & Rubik Club (Oconee County Library) Drop-​in to play chess or with a variety of Rubix Cubes. 2 p.m. FREE! www.athens​ library.org/oconee MEETINGS: Atheist Society of Athens (Jittery Joe’s Alps Village) A reality-​based, non-​prophet organization. 4 p.m. FREE! www. atheistsocietyathens.org

Sunday 18 COMEDY: Drunk High Sober Comedy (The Globe) Six comedians will perform, and the audience will decide who is drunk, high or sober. 9 p.m. $10 (adv.), $15. www.instagram.com/grouponetwonine EVENTS: Books for Keeps Book Fair (420 Athena Drive) Every day visitors can take 100 children’s books for free. Oct. 22–23, 2–6

p.m. Oct. 18 & 24, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. www.booksforkeeps.org EVENTS: Cocktail Tasting (Tonique Bottle Co.) Drop in to try locally made canned cocktails from Savannah Distributing. 12–4 p.m. FREE! www.shoptonique.com EVENTS: Historic Athens Porchfest 2026 (Various Locations) This annual event features a revolving roster of musicians performing on various porches across seven different neighborhoods. 1–7 p.m. FREE! porchfest-​ruby.vercel.app EVENTS: Hope in Pink 5k (Sandy Creek Nature Center) Wear pink for a walk and 5K in benefit the American Cancer Society through UGA’s Relay For Life campaign. 1:30 p.m. (check-​in), 2 p.m. (5K). $25. www. runsignup.com/races

by Susan Pelham, Ella & Belle, Juancho Cano and Marisa Leilani Mustard will be on view. 5–8 p.m. FREE! www.hendershotsathens.com EVENTS: Historic Landmark Designation Open House (Lay Park Community Center) Learn about the history of Lay Park and the process for its designation as a historic landmark. 2–3:30 p.m. FREE! www. accgov.com/planning FILM: Bad Movie Night (Ciné) After a family adopts a lovable but demonic puppy, they must seek the help of a shaman to defeat the beast in Devil Dog: The Hound of Hell. 8 p.m. FREE! www.instagram.com/ BadMovieNight GAMES: Chess and Community (ACC Library) Drop in for open chess play to learn the game, chal-

The exhibition “Transitions & Constructs” featuring works by Susan Pelham and other local artists is on view at Hendershot’s. An opening reception will be held on Monday, Oct. 19 from 5–8 p.m. EVENTS: Boo-le-Bark (Boulevard Woods Park) The theme of this year’s annual benefit for Athenspets is “Boogie On The Boulevard,” featuring a dog costume contest and furry parade around the neighborhood. 3 p.m. (costume contest), 4:30 p.m. (parade). FREE! www. athenspets.net/boo-le-bark 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 GAMES: General Knowledge Trivia (Normaltown Brewing Co.) Test your general trivia knowledge. Sundays, 4–6 p.m. www.normaltown​ brewingco.com KIDSTUFF: Sit Happens Kids Club (Pet Supplies Plus) Learn how to foster better relationships with dogs through games, activities and play with stuffed dogs. Registration required. 2 p.m. FREE! calendly. com/sithappens/kids-​club SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. www.athenspetanque.org

Monday 19 ART: Opening Reception (Hendershot’s) The exhibition “Transitions & Constructs” featuring works

lenge skills and engage with other enthusiasts. Mondays, 3:30–5:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org GAMES: Magic the Gathering (The Rook and Pawn) Meet up to play in Commander format. Every other Monday, 6 p.m. FREE! www. therookandpawn.com GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Fully Loaded Pizza Kitchen (Normaltown)) Test your general trivia knowledge. Mondays, 7 p.m. www. instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Dooley’s Bar and Grill) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Garrett. Mondays, 7 p.m. www.instagram. com/classiccitytriviaco GAMES: General Trivia (Athentic Brewing Co.) Test your general trivia knowledge. Mondays, 7 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Brett’s Backyard) Test your general trivia knowledge. Mondays, 7 p.m. www. instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia GAMES: Scary Movie Trivia (Athentic Brewing Co.) Test your scary movie knowledge with Love at First Fright Podcast. 7–9 p.m. www. athenticbrewing.com GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Grindhouse Killer Burgers) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Benjamin. Mondays, 7:30 p.m. www.instagram.com/classiccity​ triviaco

Tuesday 20 CLASSES: AI Chatbots: Uses and Limits (ACC Library) A beginner-​ friendly that discusses AI programs, the ethics behind their use and how to use them. 10 a.m. FREE! www. athens​library.org COMEDY: Take This! Improv (Athentic Brewing Co.) The troupe will perform improv skits based on “Scooby-​Doo.” 7:30 p.m. www. athentic​brewing.com COMEDY: Open Toad Comedy Night (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Comedy performed by a mix of newcomers and local favorites from Athens and Atlanta. 8:30 p.m. (doors). $7. www.flickertheatreandbar.com EVENTS: Mokah Speaks Live (Hendershot’s) Live podcast discussion about politics and mental health with special guest Pamela Delancy, running for Georgia’s 10th Congressional district. 6 p.m. FREE! www.hendershotsathens.com FILM: Brews & Boos Movie Series (Athentic Brewing Co.) Screening of Practical Magic. 7 p.m. www. athenticbrewing.com GAMES: Lunch & Learn (Tyche’s Games) Bring your lunch and learn new games. 11:30 a.m. FREE! www. tychesgames.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/shihtzunot​ trivia GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Akademia Brewing Co.) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Garrett. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/classiccitytriviaco GAMES: 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 KIDSTUFF: Cryptid Terrarium (Oconee County Library) Create your own spooky terrarium with all materials provided. Ages 12 & up. Registration required. 4:00 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart LECTURES & LIT: Athentic Book Club (Athentic Brewing Co.) Discuss Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo with the group. 6 p.m. FREE! www. athenticbrewing.com SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. info@athenspetanque. org, www.athenspetanque.org THEATER: The Music Man (The Classic Center) The Tony Award-​ winning musical comedy about a fast-​talking traveling salesman who becomes an upright citizen of a charming small town. Oct. 20–21, 7:30 p.m. $34–125. www.classic​ center.com

Wednesday 21 ART: Tour at Two (Georgia Museum of Art) These drop-​in public tours

feature highlights of the permanent collection. 2 p.m. FREE! www.georgia​museum.org EVENTS: The Athens Farmers Market (Creature Comforts Brewery) Markets offer fresh produce, flowers, eggs, meats, prepared foods, arts and crafts. Live music at 6 p.m. AFM double SNAP dollars spent. Wednesdays, 5–8 p.m. www. athensfarmersmarket.net FILM: History Film Series (221 Leconte Hall) Screening of the 1973 horror classic The Exorcist. 5pm. FREE! history.uga.edu FILM: Three Star Cinema (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Screening of the 1995 horror film Children of the Corn 3. 7 p.m. FREE! www.flicker​ theatreandbar.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: Shadowfist Power Lunch (Tyche’s Games) Drop in and play Shadowfist. All skill levels. 11:30 a.m. FREE! www.tychesgames.com GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (South Main Brewing) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 6 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzu​ nottrivia GAMES: Magic The Gathering and Pokemon Meet-​Up (Athentic Brewing Co.) Drop in to spend an evening playing games or matches. Third Wednesdays, 6–9 p.m. FREE! www.athenticbrewing.com GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Hotel Indigo) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Ian. Wednesdays, 6 p.m. www.instagram.com/ classiccitytriviaco GAMES: Trivia Night (Hotel Indigo) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 6 p.m. www.indigo​ athens.com GAMES: Love.Craft Bingo Night (Athentic Brewing Co.) A bingo event benefiting the nonprofit organization Love.Craft Athens. Third Wednesdays, 6:30–8 p.m. $3–5. www.lovecraftathens.org GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Dos Palmas) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Normal Bar) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunot​ trivia GAMES: Classic City Trivia (The Local 706) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Garrett. Wednesdays, 7:06 p.m. www.instagram.com/classiccitytriviaco GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (Cafe Racer Oak Street) Test your trivia knowledge with host TJ Wayt. Wednesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/ baddogathens GAMES: Dungeons and Dragons and Drinks (Athentic Brewing Co.) Meetup for beginners and seasoned players to learn basics or play one-​ shot games. Third Wednesdays, 7 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Locos Grill and Pub Eastside) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 8 p.m. www.instagram.com/ shihtzunottrivia LECTURES & LIT: Third Wednesday Book Club (Oconee County Library) Discuss books chosen by the group. New members welcome. 7 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary. org/oconee THEATER: The Music Man (The Classic Center) The Tony Award-​ winning musical comedy about a fast-​talking traveling salesman who becomes an upright citizen of a charming small town. Oct. 20–21, 7:30 p.m. $34–125. www.classic​ center.com f

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bulletin board & classifieds BULLETIN BOARD: Listings from nonprofits, community resources and free opportunities. Print deadline is THURSDAY at 5 p.m. for the following Wednesday issue. Email calendar@flagpole.com. CLASSIFIEDS: Rates are $10/individual * $14/real estate * $16/business. Deadline to place ads is FRIDAY at 10 a.m. for the following Wednesday issue. Email class@flagpole.com or call 706-549-0301.

Classifieds HELP WANTED (Full-​time) Athens digital marketing agency seeks articulate, energetic, professional Private Equity Sales Associates. More info at: lightmarkmedia.com/​ job HELP WANTED (Part-​time) Daily Groceries Co-​Op is now accepting applications for cashiers, deli, stockers, shift leader. Applications available in store from 8 a.m.–8 p.m. 1190 Prince Ave. NOTICES (Missed Connections) When myself first approached you at Chick-​Fil-​A my thought was you said will be here. What has happened? Are you alright? Myself confused. 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 (Duplex for Rent) Lease take over for 2BD/1BA duplex near Normaltown/Boulevard area. 442 Yonah Ave. W/D, garden, parking, fireplace. $1500 month and option to renew at current rate. Available Nov.1. Text 404-​938-​ 9778. REAL ESTATE (Room for Rent) Room for rent in Watkinsville. Professional preferred. $800 a month. All inclusive. 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 ATHENS CREATIVE DIRECTORY (Athens, GA) The ACD is a free platform to connect creatives with patrons. www.athenscreatives. directory BEGINNING FIGURE DRAWING (OCAF) All-​day workshop Jan. 16, 2027 for artists of all levels to learn nude figure drawing. Experienced UGA instructor and female professional art model teach small class. Registration is $99 with additional $15 model fee. www.drawathens. org CALL FOR ART (Various Locations) Visit www.flagpole.com/bulletin​ board for ongoing open art calls.

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 (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 COMMUNITY TOURS (Georgia Museum of Art) A variety of tours including “Student Perspectives” which runs Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays throughout the month. www.georgiamuseum.org LIFE DRAWING (Winterville Cultural Center, Winterville) Monthly afternoon life drawing sessions, every fourth Tuesday. Models scheduled represent the full spectrum of age, color, race and genders. Artists 18 & up only. Registration and prepayment required. $20. www.draw​ athens.org. SEEKING FLOATS & PERFORMERS (ACC Leisure Services) Applica-

ADOPT ME!

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

Cali (61399553)

Cali is an affectionate and smart girl who loves to give kisses! She’s currently undergoing heartworm treatment, but she’s available to rescue, foster or foster-to-adopt in the meantime.

Forester (61084050)

Meet Forester! This adorable sixyear-old boy has a sweet, curious temperament. He’s looking for a place to call his furever home, so please consider adopting or fostering him today.

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Lil Bit has the cutest smile! This sweetie is house trained, crate trained and good with kids and other animals. Her favorite things are being loved on and going for walks with a friend.

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

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

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · OC T OB E R 14, 2026

tions are now open for the annual Downtown Parade of Lights on Dec. 3. Deadline 5 p.m., Nov. 3. $40 application fee. www.accgov.com/ parade 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 ATHENS CRUSH DANCE TEAM (Dancefx Dance Studio) The new Indoor Football League franchise has announced auditions for the team’s inaugural Athens Crush Dance Team. Performances at 8 games March–July, 2027. Auditions held Nov. 14, 1–4 p.m. $35 with pre-​registration, $50 for same-​ day registration. www.athenscrush. com/dance-​team BEGINNER PERFORMANCE COMPANY (DanceFx Dance Studio) Open audition for adult beginning dancers held Oct. 17, 1 p.m. No experience necessary. Email allison@dancefx.org for more information. OPEN AUDITIONS (Georgia Children’s Choir) GCC serves singers in grades 2–12. Auditions for placement across five ensembles currently available for all skill lev-

els. 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 CLASSES & PROGRAMS (ACC Library) Various ongoing weekly events including ESL (Wednesdays) and more. www.athenslibrary.org CLASSES & PROGRAMS (ACCA) Various weekly and monthly events including Center for Active Living Happy Hour (various locations, every first Thursday), Normaltown Poker with Pals (Mondays), Mat Pilates (Mondays) and more. Registration may be required. www. accaging.org CLASSES & PROGRAMS (Athens Land Trust) Various virtual and in-​person classes with topics that include Affordable Housing Info and Homebuyer Education Course. www.athenslandtrust.org/classes-​ events CLASSES & PROGRAMS (Bogart Library) Various ongoing weekly events including ESL (Tuesdays and Thursdays) and more. www. athenslibrary.org/bogart CLASSES & PROGRAMS (Canopy Studio) Canopy offers a variety of trapeze and aerial arts classes for children and adults. Scholarships and financial aid are available. outreach@canopystudio.org, www.canopystudio.org/outreach/ scholarships CLASSES & PROGRAMS (DanceFx Dance Studio) DanceFx offers a variety of dance classes for all skill levels. Work for Class, Scholarships and other financial aid programs are available. www.dancefx.org/ athens-​tuition CLASSES & PROGRAMS (Oconee Library) Various ongoing weekly events including Drop-​In Painting (2nd & 4th Tuesdays), Writers of Oconee (2nd & 4th Mondays), Bingo (2nd Wednesdays), Open

Chess Play (Saturdays), Mixed Media Meetup (Mondays) and more. www.athenslibrary.org/ oconee CLASSES & PROGRAMS (Winterville Cultural Center, Winterville) Flow Yoga & Pilates (Monday), Yoga in the Gallery (Wednesdays), Chair Yoga & Creative Cafe (Thursdays) and more. www.winterville​ center.com CLASSES, PROGRAMS & 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 IMPROV CLASSES (Grady College) Free improv classes every Wednesday in Room 509. 5:30 p.m. More information @ImprovAthens OPEN ICE SKATING (Akins Ford Arena) Athens GA Figure Skating Club offers open ice skating for all skill levels every Monday through Thursday, 4–5 p.m. $10 students, $15 general admission. RSVP required. Athensgafigureskating@ gmail.com

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. 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 EVERY KID GETS A COSTUME (Various Locations) Now accepting new or used children’s and adult costumes. Deadline Oct. 16. Locations can be found at www. instagram.wildrumpusathens and include Athens, Winterville and Bogart locations. FEMINIST BIRD CLUB BIRDATHON (Athens, GA) Fundraiser benefiting Mutual Aid Disaster Relief with various activities including counting bird species, submitting checklists, community engagement and more. Oct. 16–19. www.instagram.com/ fbc.athens/ 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 PET FOOD PANTRY (Animal Services Adoption Center) The Animal Services community pet food pantry provides pet food support to ACC residents at no cost. Donations always welcome. Monday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Sundays, 12–3 p.m. www.accgov.com/ adoption​center SEEKING BOARD MEMBERS (Bigger Vision of Athens) The nonprofit homeless shelter Bigger Vision of Athens, Inc. is seeking new members for its board of directors. the​ biggervisionshelter@gmail.com, www.bvoa.org/boardmember SEEKING BOARD MEMBERS (Books For Keeps) Seeking new members for its board of directors. Preferred experience includes marketing and financial management. www.instagram.com/bfk_athens, www.booksforkeeps.org SEEKING BOARD MEMBERS (Moms Adopting Moms) Local nonprofit seeks board members, including a chair and treasurer, to support foster children and families through mentorship and reunification. momsadoptingmoms@ gmail.com SEEKING BOARD MEMBERS (Town & Gown) The Nominating Committee is now accepting nominations (including self-​nominations) for President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary for the 2027 calendar year. Descriptions of these roles can be found in the bylaws. www.townandgownplayers.org/ governance 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. www.accgov.com/animal​ services 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. 10, 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.acc​ gov.com/trs VOLUNTEER NETWORK (Community Works, Watkinsville) A nonprofit organization that connects volunteers of all ages to events, resources and training opportunities. CWorksOC@gmail.com

Kidstuff CLASSES & PROGRAMS (Athens, GA) Various ongoing weekly and monthly events including Little Makers, Jumping Gym, Babies and Beasties, 123 Toddler & Me!, Fantastic Friday, Inventors Club, Tiny Trek, Storytime and more. www.acc​ gov.com/myrec CLASSES & PROGRAMS (ACC Library) Various ongoing weekly events including various storytimes, Tween/Teen Club Creative, Teen Writing Club and more. www.athens​ library.org CLASSES & PROGRAMS (Bogart Library) Various ongoing weekly events including LEGO Mania, Storytime with Miss Harli, Sensory Open Play and more. www.athens​ library.org/bogart CLASSES & PROGRAMS (Oconee Library) Various ongoing weekly events including Children’s Lego Builder’s Challenge, Children’s Crafternoon, Story Time and more. www.athenslibrary.org/oconee HALLOWEEN COSTUME WEEK (Oconee County Library, Watkinsville) Ghouls and goblins of all ages are invited to visit the library in costume and receive fun surprises. Oct. 26–31 during business hours. www.athenslibrary.org/oconee

Word on the Street BOOK SALE (Front Porch Bookstore) $10 bag sale every Saturday benefitting the Winterville Friends of the Library. Cash, check or Venmo only. www.cityofwinterville.com/ front-​porch-​bookstore CALL FOR VENDORS (Asian Lunar Festival) Now accepting applications for local artists, performers, food vendors, community organizations and more for the second annual Athens Asian Lunar Festival. Event held Feb. 13. www.instagram. com/taste_asia_st CALL FOR VENDORS (Athens Farmer’s Market) Applications 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 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.athenswelcome​ center.com CALL FOR VENDORS (Treehouse Kid & Craft) Applications open for the 2nd annual Little Joy Fest featuring art, trinkets, vintage, food and more. Event help Nov. 1. www.instagram.com/treehousekidandcraft 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 FRIDAY EVENTS (Multiplechoices Center for Independent Living) The organization hosts ongoing Friday gatherings. Tech discussions, support groups and more. www. multiplechoices.us/youre-​invited MEDICAL ASSISTANCE (Nuçi’s Space) Direct connections to mental healthcare like counseling and psychiatry, medical care for physical concerns and more. www. nuci.org, 706-​227-​1515 MINDFUL BREATH SANGHA MEETING (Healing Lodge) In the Zen tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh. Sundays, 1–2:30 p.m. Newcomers welcome. FREE! www.mindfulbreath​ sangha.org PEACEFUL PROTEST (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 RELIGIOUS EXPLORATION FIELD TRIP WORKSHOP (Athens, GA) A 6-​week cohort for folks seeking LGBT-​affirming church, who want a reparative church experience, or are curious about the denominations. Includes 4 advance-​scouted Sunday church visits and lunch debriefs, opening/closing circles and a 1-​ on-​1 spiritual direction session. $108–126. Registration closes Oct. 30. www.reclaim​spirituality.com/ fieldtrips 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. Monthly drum circle before service every 3rd Sunday of the month. Go to www.unityathens.com for our weekly classes. 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

OC T OB E R 14, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

21

flag football

food & drink

good growing

Bulldogs Beat Bama

Please, Not the Trees!

By McClain Baxley news@flagpole.com

By Erin France editorial@flagpole.com

KIRBY SMART SAVORS A WIN IN TUSCALOOSA

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart likes to say that every opponent is the same. Each week, whether it’s the national championship or some small school from the middle of nowhere, Smart gives the same motif, talking about focusing on his team and making sure his players are doing what they need to. Saturday night though told a different story. As the 50-­year-­old walked off the field in Tuscaloosa, he slung his visor around and had his tongue wagging in celebration. He looked to his family, kissed his wife Mary Beth, celebrated with his kids, and tilted his head to the Georgia fans in Bryant-­Denny Stadium to thank them for being there. He continued his walk to the locker room after a 20-­17 win against No. 6 Alabama and muttered, “How bout them fuckin’ Dawgs?” a couple of times before disappearing into the tunnel. UGA ATHLETICS

Saturday wasn’t the first time Georgia has beaten the 21st century standard of excellence in college football. I was in Indianapolis less than five years ago to cover Smart and the Bulldogs besting Alabama to win their first national title in 40 years. That was a true exorcism of the demon that was on Smart and the program’s back for so long. Just last December, the Bulldogs were dominant in Atlanta to beat the Crimson Tide for Smart’s fourth SEC championship. But beating Alabama in the regular season was something that hadn’t happened since Matthew Stafford threw a touchdown pass in overtime in 2007. Georgia had lost five straight regular season meetings heading into Saturday night. 2007 was also the last time in the storied series Georgia won back-­to-­back meetings with Alabama. “It wasn’t about Alabama,” Smart said. “It was about an SEC road win, Top 10 team. And that, to me, is what we work for. I mean, our guys grind. Our guys work hard. We practiced hard last week. We didn’t take the pads off Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday

22

or Thursday. And they bought into that. They wanted to do that. They felt it was important to do that. So I like to celebrate that, celebrate it with Mary Beth because she sacrifices a ton for our family and deals with my frustrated [self] all the time. And she deserves a kiss every now and then.” Saturday was the type of game that was destined to leave the loser pissed. There were questionable calls and no-­calls on both sides. Alabama fans will be sure to remember the defensive pass interference on KJ Bolden in the end zone that wasn’t called. Had Georgia lost, there were at least three obvious holding calls that went without whistle. The interception that wasn’t in the third quarter could have gone either way. For Georgia fans though, they won’t care about the missed calls against their team. They’ll care about the final result, which is one that they haven’t seen since before the current freshmen in Athens were born. “The win means a lot,” said quarterback Gunner Stockton, who was 18-­for-­22 passing for 249 yards with a touchdown and an interception. “It’s been many years since we’ve won here, and we did what it took, and kept responding and attacking the moments.” Georgia responded after Alabama took the lead heading into halftime. The defense allowed just three points in the second half and held the Crimson Tide, who entered Saturday averaging 49.6 points per game, to just 17. Stockton did what he needed to do, scoring through the air and with his legs. In the absence of veteran backs Nate Frazier and Chauncey Bowens, backups Dwight Phillips Jr. and Bo Walker combined for 192 yards on 27 carries. With the win and Texas’ loss to Oklahoma, Georgia is now officially the No. 1 team in the country. They’ll host Auburn this week before getting a bye. Smart reiterated after the game that his team could lose at any moment, and said it’s more than just about the wins and losses that come on Saturday nights. “It [is] about the young men that you’re affecting and growing and raising,” Smart said. “Do I wanna win championships? Hell yeah, I wanna win championships, but I’m not—I have perspective now to know that there’s a lot more important things in life than just that. That they’re important, but there’s a lot more important things.” Regardless, after Saturday in Tuscaloosa, it feels clear that Georgia will be able to mold young men and put themselves in a championship situation this year. f

F L A GP OL E .C OM · OC T OB E R 14, 2026

FOOTBALL’S DESTRUCTIVE HISTORY WITH LOCAL GREENERY

Dear Dawg Nation, season. When Georgia beat Tennessee in Could we take it easy on the plants this 2000, students rushed the field with so football season? much determination (they were lined up Athens downtown plants tend to get a whole minute before the game was over, broken, busted and abused when it comes and other fans as well as players pleaded to the visitor-​heavy crowds happening this with them not to crowd the field) they time of year. It’s true, big crowds for Athdestroyed the hedges. Several students were Fest, Jam for Cam and the Wild Rumpus injured—at least one went to the hospital, can include should-​know-​better-​by-​now according to the Athens Banner-​Herald. adults clambering up skinny, stressed-​out urban trees, too— but those events are spaced further apart than the eight football-​focused weekends where the city swells with football fans. It’s a lot for the plants to take. It’s a lot for anyone to take, but at least those of us who work on Saturdays get paid. Plants generally do not get paid to be abused by ecstatic fans excited by wins or devastated by losses. When I first moved here 16 years ago, new Football fans wave a broken sapling above their heads during a celebration of winning the national championship on Jan. 9, 2023. tailgating rules for North Campus were introduced. You could set up no earlier than “Between the crisis with the student 7 a.m., no driving on the grass, no generin critical condition and the very visible ator; the list of new regulations was long. damage to the hedges and the stadium for This pissed off a lot of people. It also meant the next couple of games—at least half of the lovely North Campus oaks, magnolias, the hedges were just sticks out there… They maples and elms would get a reprieve from were ugly-​lookin’ things—that sent a mesfolks running over their roots in Ford F-​ sage to the students and the nation,” said 150s and absorbing gallons of questionable former football coach and athletic director football-​fan runoff. Vince Dooley in a Bleacher Report article I am not a football person. Can you tell? from 2016. It might be an anchor bias. I met Carolina The hedges get it from both sides. In basketball first. 2016, Georgia Tech ripped up the shrubI moved here, and a new friend said, bery and stomped on the midfield “G” after “Georgia football games are amazing! We a win. Again in 2019, the South Carolina have such a great time! When we win, we go Gamecocks tore up parts of the hedges after crazy!” a 20–17 win. From surfing around online, it I said, “So there’s like a street party when seems yanking off pieces of the hedge after you beat your rival? People throw buckets a win on Georgia’s home turf is common for of paint in the school colors from roofs and several Dawg rivals. have impromptu drum circles? Folks burn Athens trees had it the worst during the couches and their clothes and jump over the 2023 Jan. 9 celebration of the Bulldog’s smoldering remains of their sobriety?” second-​in-​a-​row championship. According “Umm, no,” said the friend. “Bonfires? to local reports, the county had just planted Drums? We have an all-​day drinking party.” new trees in the downtown area. While I’m not against an all-​dayer. But there’s there was a bonfire in the middle of the something magical about celebrating a win road, it was made with abandoned Christby the firelight of a burning pull-​out couch mas trees and—here I’m guessing—a few of while idiots in their underwear singe their the new saplings. Just tree and landscaping hinnies trying to clear the flames. Wearing damage that night came out to $31,000, splatters of Tar Heel blue the next day is a according to The Athens Banner Herald. point of pride, a type of warrior paint disThe year before, the damage was mainly tinguishing a wearer as someone close to relegated to folks stealing traffic cones the eye of the festivities. and safety barricades. Still a headache for That’s not to say that Carolina basketball responsible people, but, you know, not killfans don’t kill plants. Most famously, Tar ing trees. Heels killed a large ash tree in Chapel Hill’s So look, football fans—I’m not saying downtown after the 2009 basketball chamdon’t have a good ol’ dose of fun and excitepionship victory celebration. ment. Just stay away from the plants. You’ll Even the famous and well-​loved hedges thank yourself in the long run when you’re can sustain heavy damage during football not doused with liquor and dopamine. f

SUZANNAH EVANS / FILE

arts & culture

SUDOKU

LET PEIKEN HELP!

Edited by Margie E. Burke

Difficulty: Medium

PRONOUNCED I CAN HELP

7 3 5 2 1

7

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2 9 1 8

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Copyright 2026 by The Puzzle Syndicate

HOW TO SOLVE:

Each row must contain the numbers 1 to 9; each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9; and each set of 3 by 3 boxes must contain Week of 10/12/26 - 10/18/26 the numbers 1 to 9.

The Weekly Crossword 2

3

4

5

20

7

8

10

11

12

13

31

32

57

58

16 19

18 21

22

Solution to Sudoku: 23 24 25

8 271 287 3 5 6 9 4 29 2 5 4 6 9 8 2 1 3 734 33 3 2 9 1 4 377 5 8 6 36 7 3 5 416 422 8 4 9 1 43 40 2 8 4 7 9 1 3 6 5 48 46 47 2 851 6 9 491 4 3 5 7 50 3 4 536 8 5 7 9 2 1 52 54 9 5 2 8 1 3 6 7 461 60 59 1 7 3 2 6 634 8 5 9 62 26

65

by Margie E. Burke 9

15

14 17

6

30 35 38

39 44

45

55

66

56

64 67

Copyright 2026 by The Puzzle Syndicate

ACROSS 1 Whitman of 49 Sheik's bevy verse 51 2023 flick, 5 Big to-do "Asteroid ___" 10 Santa ___, Calif. 52 Like a baboon's 14 Petri dish filler eyes 15 Use, as dinner 55 Rope for animals plates 59 Trail activity 16 Sweeping 60 Covertly 17 Last book of the 62 Computer brand Bible 63 Use a soapbox 19 Polite fellow 64 Staph bacteria, 20 Future doc's briefly major 65 Famed loch 21 Breaks between 66 Moved words, on a cautiously page 67 Spotted 23 Cameo shape 25 Bad-mouths DOWN 26 Communion cups 1 Lumber defect 30 Colin Firth film, 2 Ripening agent "The King's ____" 3 Take a bath 33 1945 bombing 4 Vocalist's target vibration 35 Follow 5 Pain in the brain 36 Put on a show 6 Stable staple 37 Excite joy 7 Elevator man 39 Homer 8 Court sport Simpson's dad 9 Historical 40 Passes over records 43 "Be cool" 10 Course of 46 Shun treatment 48 Many have 11 Ali Baba's cry islands 12 Spill the beans

13 "Cast" anagram 18 Wrangler rivals 22 Superhero garb 24 Girl rescued by Don Juan 26 Action film staple 27 Some country folk 28 Edible thistlelike plants 29 Kissing sound 31 High-quality cigar 32 Fancy footwear 34 Storage spot 38 Deserving 41 "Star Trek" weapons 42 Dried up 44 Chamber group 45 Percussion patterns 47 Mazola rival 50 Subway system 52 "Rush Hour" actor 53 Scalp misery 54 Herbal brews 56 Employ 57 Otherwise 58 Tatum's father 61 Polished off

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

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OC T OB E R 14, 2026 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

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