http://flagpole.com/images/jpgs/2009/12/02/FP091202 by Flagpole Magazine

COLORBEARER OF ATHENS PLAYING FAVORITES

LOCALLY OWNED SINCE 1987

Holiday Crafts The Xmas Season Cranks up with Local Shows & Sales p. 12

DECEMBER 2, 2009 · VOL. 23 · NO. 48 · FREE

Jay Reatard Rude, Indifferent and Yet So Delightful p. 22

Climate Justice in GA p. 8 · Gay in Athens p. 9 · Ralph Stanley p. 27 · “Underneath the Covers” p. 28

ENCOURAGES YOU TO

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FLAGPOLE.COM ∙ DECEMBER 2, 2009

pub notes

THIS WEEK’S ISSUE:

A Fine and Private Place

City Dope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

This is not a book review: this is a cry of astonishment. I will never read Oconee Hill Cemetery of Athens, Georgia, Volume 1 by Charlotte Thomas Marshall all the way through, but I will never stop consulting and dipping into it from time to time— frequently, no doubt. I cannot comprehend the mind that could accomplish this book. Charlotte Marshall had a lot of help and built on previous work, as she details in the seven pages of acknowledgments and thanks with which she begins the book. With all that assistance and inspiration from precursors, mentors, friends and husband, Charlotte has produced a prodigious tome, a veritable “who’s who” of the cemetery, published by the Athens Historical Society in time for its 50th anniversary. The book begins invitingly enough with photographs by Kenneth I. Storey, depicting stones, monuments and mausoleums, and then plunges into the deeps with a plot-by-plot census on the town side of the Oconee River, including the Colored Burying Ground, the burial ground set aside for employees and families of Athens Manufacturing Company, the Congregation Children of Israel Cemetery and the Pauper Burying Ground. Volumes two and three will catalogue the transriparian cemetery environs. What could be duller and denser than a recitation of Stygian statistics? Why, all the living—marrying, birthing, working, moving, entrepreneuring, fighting, preaching, teaching—that all those people now sleeping on the hill accomplished while they …a history not were awake. The stats alone—the just of a cemetery wife of, daughter of, grandson of with dates of birth, marriage and but of a town. death—provide the record, but Charlotte and her enablers have enriched us far beyond the bare bones of the story. This book is fleshed out wherever possible with obituary references that bring the dead to life and make this a history not just of a cemetery but of a town. Because there is no way to review this book, allow me just to indicate to you what it is and how it works. Let’s just open it at random to, say, page 205 and let our finger fall upon Moss, Julia Pope 22 Mar. 1842–11 May 1931 [called “Jule”; never married; traveled around the world several times. The Banner-Herald, 11 May 1931: “died this morning; principal of famous old Grove school here, taught many of the leading citizens of Athens years ago; became acutely ill a week ago; b. Cherokee Corner, Oglethorpe Co.—famous meeting place of the Indians which figured in the boundary line in a treaty between Indians and State; d/o (daughter of) John Dortch Moss, Sr. and Martha Strong Moss whose families have figured prominently in history of this section for a century; came to Athens as young girl and entered Lucy Cobb Institute; after graduation she became principal of Grove school; associated with her were Miss Susie Newton, a sister of Charles H. Newton of Athens, followed by Miss Mary A. Bacon, a well known Athens writer; funeral tomorrow at 5 p.m. by Dr. Lester Rumble from First Methodist Church of which she was a member for many years…”] So much of our history there. There are thousands of such entries, and it is a giant doorstop of a book, 620 pages with a price to match—$55. It’s not a purchase to be made lightly, more like an investment in history, and for the history of our town, it is simply indispensable. Anybody interested in Athens will want to keep this book nearby or hang out near the library. And indeed, pound for pound it costs less than a comic book, really. To complete this sales pitch, I might point out that this big compendium is available just in time for Christmas at ADD Drug Store in Five Points, the Athens Welcome Center on Thomas Street, Aurum Studios downtown and Borders in Beechwood. Pictures, in addition to those at the beginning, are scattered throughout, and at the back are a chronology of the cemetery, a collection of newspaper stories about the cemetery, an extensive bibliography and a comprehensive index of names. (My heart skipped when I found my own there, but it turned out to reference a review I wrote in Flagpole of Susan Frances Barrow Tate’s book Remembering Athens.) Oconee Hill Cemetery of Athens, Georgia, Volume 1 is much more than a catalogue and more than a history: this book is a family bible for the city, whose past citizens are hereby rescued from anonymity and restored to permanence through these annals. Pete McCommons editor@flagpole.com

News & Features Athens News and Views

ACC commissioners deliberate on a diversion center, and Paul Broun, Jr. is held up for more ridicule.

Getting Fired Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Considering Climate Justice in Georgia

A growing movement fights environmental injustice with civil disobedience.

Arts & Events Art Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Endangered Species

Dreamy flora and fauna comprise Michael Murrell’s show at the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center.

Get Crafty and Buy Locally . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Holiday Craft Sales in Athens and Nearby

Get a jump on your X-mas shopping and stimulate the local economy!

COVER DESIGN by Kelly Ruberto featuring artwork by Mary Elizabeth Gaby on display at Fine Arts Gallery at Elements Art Supply

Music

Allison Weiss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 …Was Right All Along

A confident new album about life’s insecurities.

Jay Reatard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 You Ain’t Gonna Save Him

Indifferent, offensive and oh-so danceable.

LETTERS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 CITY DOPE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 CITY PAGES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 CAPITOL IMPACT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 GETTING FIRED UP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 GAY IN ATHENS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 MISCELLANY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 ART NOTES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 THEATRE NOTES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 POTTERY SALES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 MOVIE DOPE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 MOVIE PICK. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 FILM NOTEBOOK. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

THREATS & PROMISES. . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 ATHENS (THE BAND). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 ALLISON WEISS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 JAY REATARD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 RECORD REVIEWS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 THE CALENDAR!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 BULLETIN BOARD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 ART AROUND TOWN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 COMICS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 REALITY CHECK. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 CLASSIFIEDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 EVERYDAY PEOPLE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

This week at Flagpole.COM

 Ort wraps up his Winston-Salem trip.  Miscellany: Meet the Studio Group at their annual  

holiday sale and browse the shelves of Jackson Street Books More Live Music Reviews Online Music Features: A new take on Christmas tunes with Béla Fleck and the Flecktones and Flagpole talks with Camera Obscura

EDITOR & PUBLISHER Pete McCommons ADVERTISING DIRECTOR & PUBLISHER Alicia Nickles PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Larry Tenner MANAGING EDITOR Christina Cotter ADVERTISING SALES Anita Aubrey, Melinda Edwards, Jessica Pritchard MUSIC EDITOR Michelle Gilzenrat CITY EDITOR Dave Marr CLASSIFIEDS, DISTRIBUTION & OFFICE MANAGER Paul Karjian AD DESIGNERS Ian Rickert, Kelly Ruberto CARTOONISTS James Allen, Cameron Bogue, Joe Havasy, Missy Kulik, Jeremy Long, Clint McElroy, Matthew Ziemer ADOPT ME Special Agent Cindy Jerrell CONTRIBUTORS Michael Andrews, Hillary Brown, Tom Crawford, Gwynne Dyer, Elaine Ely, Michael Gerber, Jennifer Gibson, Jeff Gore, Jeremy Henderson, Coy King, Gordon Lamb, Bao Le-Huu, John G. Nettles, Sam Prestridge, Jeff Tobias, Drew Wheeler, Kevan Williams CIRCULATION Charles Greenleaf, Harper Bridgers, Jimmy Courson, Swen Froemke, Anthony Gentilles WEB DESIGNER Ian Rickert ADVERTISING ASSISTANT Maggie Summers EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Erin Cork MUSIC INTERN Charlie Stafford ADVERTISING INTERNS Melanie Foster, Teresa Tamburello

VOLUME 23 ISSUE NUMBER 48

Flagpole, Inc. publishes Flagpole Magazine weekly and distributes 17,000 copies free at over 275 locations around Athens, Georgia. Subscriptions cost $55 a year, $35 for six months. © 2009 Flagpole, Inc. All rights reserved.

CONTACT US: STREET ADDRESS: 112 S. Foundry St., Athens, GA 30601 MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. Box 1027, Athens, GA 30603 EDITORIAL: (706) 549-9523 ADVERTISING: (706) 549-0301 FAX: (706) 548-8981 ADVERTISING: ads@flagpole.com CALENDAR: calendar@flagpole.com COMICS: comics@flagpole.com EDITORIAL: editor@flagpole.com LETTERS: letters@flagpole.com MUSIC: music@flagpole.com NEWS: news@flagpole.com WEB SITE: web@flagpole.com

Association of Alternative Newsweeklies

DECEMBER 2, 2009 · FLAGPOLE.COM

letters

CHURCH OF NUÇI? Why is it that Nuçi’s Space, a nonprofit, has to pay property taxes for the practice space they rent out at a huge discount to the community? They are a major asset to our community that reaches out in a very approachable way to anyone who needs a hand. The churches in our community can rent out parking spaces through Prestige Parking and not have to pay taxes when they are receiving revenue on property they are not taxed on. Why is there a double standard between secular organizations and churches? Would Nuçi’s Space be exempt if they changed their name to The Church of Nuçi? Claudia Bechet Athens

DARK MEAT REDUX “While no former members of Dark Meat wanted to comment…” I don’t know about anyone else but I wasn’t contacted to comment. I am one of Dark Meat’s founding members and the original drummer. I would like to respond to Chris Hassiotis’ article [“Out of Turmoil Comes Truce Opium” 10/28] on Dark Meat’s album, Truce Opium. Four years ago, while working together at Five Star Day Café, Jim, Ben, Kris and I cooked up this idea of getting together and making music. Our other bands were falling apart, and we all wanted to keep making music. As people know, we grew to ridiculous proportions. Aside from

about it and, in the end, there was bad blood. drumming, my involvement was very nuts and We took a small break, but unbeknownst to me bolts. I was always very into the production and several others, there was no break. Only side of things. I had access to my brother’s when I called to get the exact tour schedule recording studio and brought in this project. was I informed that it had been decided that We bought his van and I maintained it. I hapI would “sit this one out.” Others were ousted pily made sure everyone’s equipment worked. without even being informed. I am very sad Later, I bought a bus so that we could travel about the way this all ended. I lost friends more comfortably, an expensive mistake we and a band I once believed in. Currently, I all made together. I loved what we stood for am blissfully happy in my life. I have several in the beginning as a motley family made up musical projects on my own and am engaged of all kinds of people, female and male. We to the woman I love. So now, I am glad to started out as a group art project that was have moved on and just wanted to speak in it together. Then, somehow along the way, for the underdogs common courtesy involved. I wish the led to “fend for band well, but it yourself.” All the BUMPERSTICKER OF THE WEEK: would be nice to at women eventually Protect Your Right to Arm Bears least have been given left. No more group; a damn copy of the we ended up as Jim’s Send your sticker sightings to record! show. He did write letters@flagpole.com. Forrest Leffer most of the songs, Athens but all of us made them happen and got the band mobilized. I was most upset to hear him mock everyone during recording: “You can’t hear me; that’s not fair.” While a lot of the band slept in tents at I am perplexed and somewhat offended “home” and worked our asses off until mental in response to Janet Geddis’ comments in breakdown, it seemed to a lot of us that Jim “Athens Impressions, Pt. 2” by Elaine Ely and Ben got most of the credit. I can only in the Nov. 4 issue pertaining to downtown speak for myself, but I know everyone worked Athens’ lack of a local bookstore. Having met very hard on these songs. Everyone put all the proprietors of Jackson Street Books on they had into touring. All of us played on more than one occasion, and knowing that this album, yet while recording, the creative the couple just celebrated the bookstore’s license we had while writing and touring was 25th year of business in its downtown locasuddenly taken away. You can imagine that tion, I am surprised that the business received that pissed a lot of us off. There was fighting no mention in Geddis’ complaint or in Ely’s

PERPLEXED & DISAPPOINTED

commentary. The store is blatantly left out in the confusingly untrue statement that our “creative town” does not boast its “own neighborhood bookstore.” This comment inspires empathetic feelings of neglect for the owners of Jackson Street Books in being completely overlooked or forgotten in a printed conversation relating to the type of business the couple has successfully sustained for eight of the store’s 25 years. That this business was thus made nonexistent to the readers of Ely’s article is disappointing, especially when the store should be congratulated on surviving as it has for a quarter of a century. Jessica Athens (Ed.’s note: Jackson Street Books was mentioned in Pt. 1 of the “Athens Impressions” series [10/28] and a letter from its owner, Tony Arnold, was also published in the 11/11 issue.)

No Butts [Re: “Thank Cue,” Grub Notes, Nov. 25] The best BBQ in town is and has been White Tiger on Boulevard. As much as I want it to stay Athens’ best kept secret, it makes me sick to see the Butt Hutt get such credibility, without even being compared to a well established local favorite. And not only is it pulled BBQ, there’s no toothless mascots or cheesy gimmicks needed. Michael from flagpole.com

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FLAGPOLE.COM ∙ DECEMBER 2, 2009

city dope Athens News and Views Commission Weighs Priorities: “I don’t know if Solomon could make everyone happy with the small amount of money we have to allocate,” Commissioner Kathy Hoard said at the commission’s Nov. 19 agenda-setting meeting. SPLOST collections are running short, so commissioners are juggling funds among the last remaining projects to be built with salestax money. They appear committed to building a diversion/work-release center to try to break the cycle of jail recidivism—but that Bob Hay

like footpaths. The latest top candidates: sidewalks along Oglethorpe Avenue, Whit Davis Road, and Epps Bridge Road that are likely to be approved for construction next. But the first two (like some others already constructed) are along streets that already have sidewalks on one side. Is that really where they’re most needed? “Those streets with vehicle volumes over 5,000 vehicles a day score significantly higher (more than double) than those streets with less traffic,” county transportation director David Clark told Flagpole, “regardless of the availability of sidewalks on either side of the street.” That rule was added to trim the list—but we wish commissioners would forget about adjusting and readjusting such lists to suit their preferences, and just vote for their preferences. Surely they can decide where we need sidewalks without forever asking staffers to come back with revised lists for them to hide behind. Maybe some decisions need such objectivity, but others just need perspective and good sense. [JH] Beverly Babb with the replica of an antique fire engine she built for the Cumberland Insurance Group in Bridgeton, NJ: she made Here I Am!: The Dope didn’t want it herself—the whole thing—from scratch. The sculpture will to go an entire column without a soon be shipped to its permanent home, so Babb will host a token appearance, so he’ll briefly ask “going-away party” for it at 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, at Little you to consider this: our irrepressKings. Consider that an invitation. ible Representative Paul Broun, Jr. recently used taxpayer money to prolikely means cutting funds that might have duce and send out a out a four-page, full-color gone to a new Boys & Girls Club building in mailer that includes a hilariously nonsensical the Hispanic Garnett Ridge neighborhood off flow chart purporting to illustrate the orgaJefferson Road (although there was no official nizational structure of the House health care commitment to that particular project). plan, as well as an even more hilarious phoCommissioner Kelly Girtz said the diversion tograph of the congressman with his mouth center meets a “completely unserved need in open. It also prominently features a list of our community.” Both Girtz and Alice Kinman health care plans Broun will “fight to stop,” said sidewalk projects could be a high priority including those that “Give Taxpayer Subsidized for remaining sales-tax funds. “We hear time Health Care to ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS” and and time again,” Girtz said, “that [among] “Federally Mandate Coverage of Abortion.” those activities that folks like to participate Broun won’t be asked to fight any such plans, in the most are walking our neighborhoods.” since Democrats have specifically excluded [John Huie] those provisions from the House bill, but why bicker about intellectual dishonesty with Speaking of Which: Citizens and county staff someone who… oh, you get it. [Dave Marr] have requested hundreds of new sidewalks (and ACC has added 16 miles of them since John Huie and Dave Marr 1996). The requests are ranked in priority by a formula that includes traffic count and “eviThis seems like an ideal place to introduce Flagpole dence of pedestrian usage,” contributor Matthew Pulver’s new occasional feature:

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Paul Broun, Jr.’s Krazy Korner Happy days are here again! Congressman Broun has issued his health care bill! Prepare to get well! I can’t wait to learn how American health care will be saved by Broun’s meticulous attention to detail and… uh-oh, we already have a problem. Page two: “This Act may be cited as the ‘Offering Patients True Individualized Options Act of 2009’ or the ‘OPTION Act of 2009’.” Did you notice anything weird or missing, like the acronym “OPTION” not having a word corresponding to the “N”? If anything, it should actually be called the “OPTIO Act of 2009,” but “optio” isn’t a word in the English language. Maybe I’m being too nit-picky, and Broun’s clumsy oversight is limited to only the title of what is otherwise a towering legislative achievement. I continue reading. I hope the near heart attack I got while reading the OPTIO Act won’t be considered a pre-existing condition. Get this: Broun suggests we dismantle Medicare and sell it off to insurance corporations. Throw the baby out with the bathwater much, Broun? While the rest of the country has been coming to the collective realization that Wall Streetstyle profiteering is injurious to health care, Broun has been busy crafting a bill that seeks to multiply the ills which plague our system. [Matthew Pulver]

DECEMBER 2, 2009 · FLAGPOLE.COM

Voted Athens' Best Sushi 2 Years in a Row

city pages

ABH Readers' Choice

University’s Red Barn Appears to Be Safe for the Short Term

are threatened with being moved or torn down. The demolition delay process developed by the LRC consists of a series of reviews of applications for demolition or relocation by the building inspector, planning department, mayor and commission, and citizens. It is designed to keep buildings valued by the community from being moved or torn down “for a period of time sufficient to allow for public consideration of and comments on such proposed action,” according to the LRC’s report to the commission.

Flagpole has heard from a number of people who are concerned that the University of Georgia’s red barn on South Milledge Avenue could soon be demolished after the university architects’ office filed a request for its “disposal” with the Board of Regents. But Associate Vice President for Facilities Planning Dave Marr news@flagpole.com Danny Sniff says his office is pursuing alternatives to the barn’s destruction. Specifically, the university would like to give it to someone who would then move it to a new site. The 1930s barn has been unused since long before it was moved by the university in the late 1990s from its former location near the intramural fields to its present home across Milledge from the State Botanical Garden, where it was to be used by the agriculture ACC commissioners appear ready to delay school. But that plan never materialized, decisions about streetscape improvements and the barn is now in an advanced state of that will eventually edge the block surroundneglect. The agriculture school is in the proing City Hall. That will allow them to hear cess of moving its South Milledge facilities to from the public on the project, as well as a new location at Double Bridges Farm on the resolve their own concerns about how public Clarke and Oglethorpe County line. The school art should be chosen, and whether to add considered moving the barn yet again and angle parking or instead to widen the sidewalk restoring it to be used at the new property, along Washington Street. according to Sniff, but that option proved too The $1.3 million sales tax-funded project expensive in comparison with building a new, would remove about a dozen street parklarger barn on the site. ing spaces and widen most sidewalks in the block—now entirely county-owned—that Since the barn is not accompanying the surrounds City Hall. It would add trees and agriculture school on its move, the university is trying to find something to do with it. The benches, and pave the sidewalks with bricks, application for it to be designated for disposal giving the block a look similar to College Square. Curving steps would have to be filed would lead up to the whether the barn is “It just looks like City Hall “Spirit of Athens” to be demolished or statue, and the stone given away, says Sniff; is open for business when wall surrounding it is simply a request there’s cars parked out front.” City Hall would be that the university reworked. There would be allowed to divest be spots for plaques, and eight “art niches” itself of the property. “Our intent is to give provided for outdoor displays. Commissioners it away,” Sniff says, but while Sniff’s office haven’t decided whether the plan should would very much prefer that a party be found include “event spaces” other than the widened to take it, the decision of what to do with the sidewalk areas. barn, should that party fail to come forward, That issue was raised by Commissioner will not ultimately be made by them. That Mike Hamby at this month’s agenda-setting would be decided by a number of universitymeeting: might part of the surface parking and Regents-affiliated entities outside Sniff’s’ lot behind the future water office (the former office, and he has no inkling of any current Athens First Bank and Trust building) become plans. a larger event space? As for the question of Since the barn is more than 50 years old, whether Washington Street’s angle parking Sniff says a demolition order would trigger an spaces should be eliminated, Commissioner evaluation by the state office of historic presDavid Lynn certainly didn’t think so: “It just ervation to determine whether the building should be designated a state historic resource. looks like City Hall is open for business when there’s cars parked out front,” he said. But as But the fact that the barn has already been Commissioner George Maxwell pointed out, moved once could lessen the likelihood of the new parking deck will be built almost such a designation. “The location change complicates the issue of historic significance,” across the street, and the streetscape plan is intended “to bring cultural events and art to according to Sniff, although that would be far downtown Athens,” not to retain parking. from the only determining factor. And who will choose the art pieces to grace The issue of the barn’s possible demolition the area? “I think citizens are energized to is raised at an interesting time, as Athenshelp us out on this issue,” Commissioner Alice Clarke County commissioners consider the Kinman said. She thinks a citizens commitcommission’s Legislative Review Committee’s proposal for an ordinance that would establish tee should vet public art for this project and others. Commissioners decide Dec. 1 (after a new process for delaying demolition and/ Flagpole press time) whether to approve the or relocation of historic or potentially historic plans or delay them; the plans are available structures. Although the ordinance would not online at the county website as a link from affect decisions regarding university properties like the red barn, it could have a dramatic the meeting agenda. impact on the outcomes of similar situations John Huie where buildings under the county’s purview

Commish Reconsiders Plans for City Hall Block Improvements

FLAGPOLE.COM ∙ DECEMBER 2, 2009

capitol impact Ready to Gamble? Horse racing? Casino gambling? Until recently, those were two topics you didn’t discuss at the state Capitol. Bills would occasionally be introduced by liberal lawmakers from Atlanta to legalize pari-mutuel wagering or allow casinos to operate at Underground Atlanta, but the measures typically would be assigned to committees that wouldn’t bother to give them a hearing. These types of issues were not politically feasible in a state as conservative as Georgia, where influential religious organizations are opposed to gambling and related activities. Given that background, it was a little strange to attend a recent legislative committee meeting. The panel was chaired by Rep. Harry Geisinger, a Republican from Roswell, and included two conservative Republicans, Jon Burns and Tom McCall, from rural districts. Geisinger is proposing, and his GOP colleagues on the committee were seriously discussing, a constitutional amendment to allow horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering in Georgia. That’s correct: lawmakers from the party that previously showed no interest in the legalization of gambling are drafting legislation that would do just that. A crippling recession that cuts state tax collections by $3 billion or $4 billion a year, coupled with an unemployment rate above 10 percent, will do that to you. Geisinger contends that the economic development generated by horse racing and the resulting tax revenues are an idea worth considering. “This industry creates many, many, many jobs,” Geisinger said. “Any time you have all those people working, they pay taxes. It’s good for everybody.” A significant hurdle for any legislator, Democrat or Republican, who wants to sponsor a gambling bill is Gov. Sonny Perdue. Perdue strongly supports the position of religious organizations that oppose gambling and has already used his clout to kill legislation

related to a social issue: last year’s attempt to legalize Sunday package sales of alcoholic beverages. If Geisinger moves ahead with his proposal, it will be a challenge to get it through the General Assembly because of the opposition argument that the gambling industry should not be given the opportunity to establish itself in Georgia. That argument falls apart for the simple reason that we have had legalized gambling for nearly two decades in the form of the Georgia Lottery. Millions of people have paid billions of dollars for the chance to win one of the elusive jackpots. Without gambling dollars financing HOPE scholarships, our university system would be in much worse shape than it already is. As distasteful as they are to many people, “sin taxes” may be about the only realistic options left for raising revenues to keep our state government in operation. Georgians demand basic services like roads, schools and clean water from their government, but they will also throw out any elected official who votes for a general tax increase. Where can you raise the money to pay for these services but from voluntary pastimes like gambling? Our political leadership is starting to understand this, which is why you see horse racing being seriously discussed and why you have GOP lawmakers like Rep. Ron Stephens proposing higher excise taxes on cigarettes to raise money for health care programs. Perdue will continue to oppose these “sinful” revenue proposals, but the governor is approaching the end of his term, and something needs to be done soon to keep the state from falling apart. Legislators from Perdue’s own party may have to bypass him and start doing things they never would have considered before to rescue the budget. It could be the ultimate political gamble. Tom Crawford

DECEMBER 2, 2009 · FLAGPOLE.COM

Getting Fired Up Considering Climate Justice in Georgia

Antrim Caskey, courtesy Rainforest Action Network

ot too long ago, this part of the country was an epiflooding that has often occurred in places where mountaintops center for non-violent civil disobedience, thanks to have been removed, the destructive impact of constant blastthe efforts of those who engaged in the Civil Rights ing of the mountains that violently shakes the land, and the Movement. In Montgomery, Rosa Parks defied Jim Crow and sat over stressing of coal sludge dams which threaten to contamiwhere she liked on bus #2857 before being taken to jail. Up nate water supplies and poison families. With regard to the north in Greensboro, the Woolworth’s lunch counter sit-ins led question of why there is so little participation in the climate to waves of arrests. And of course, who could forget Dr. King’s justice movement in Georgia, we might conclude that the Letter from Birmingham Jail, in which he famously wrote, “I answer is related to the fact that mountains here are not being submit that an individual who breaks a law that conscience blown up for coal. However, Georgia is the nation’s largest user tells him is unjust, and willingly accepts the penalty by stayof mountaintop removal-mined coal, which makes most energy ing in jail in order to arouse the conscience of the community consumers in the state complicit in the destruction of the over its injustice, is in reality expressing the very highest Appalachian mountains. respect for the law.” Today, when we reflect on the societal In 2005, Georgia had 46 coal-fired generating stations, institutions, laws and norms that were defied and the prices which made Georgia the eighth-largest coal energy-producing paid throughout the South, in prison time and blood, some state in the nation. Of these 46 plants, two are massive. feel confused about the injustices within history, some feel a Georgia Power’s Plant Scherer, just 75 miles south of Athens in sincere debt of gratitude, and Juliette, was the nation’s bigothers take on the determinagest point-source for carbon tion of the past to see that dioxide emissions as of 2006. justice is served. Plant Scherer emits 25.3 milThese historic displays of lion tons of carbon dioxide conscience are starting to be annually. That is 25 percent echoed in the South today more than the second highestthrough the emerging climate emitting plant, Miller Plant in justice movement, and direct Quinton, AL. Plant Scherer is action in the form of “climate also ranked the 20th largest disobedience” is picking up all in the world in terms of CO2 over the South. Interestingly, emissions. Plant Bowen, 115 Georgia has not yet seen much miles to our west in Euharlee activity within the climate and also owned by Georgia justice movement. While the Power, is the third highest Environmental Justice and emitter of CO2 in the country. Climate Change Initiative In its most simple form, (EJCC) defines climate justice the climate disobedience as “a vision to dissolve and movement takes its tactical alleviate the unequal burdens cues from the many important created by climate change,” episodes of civil disobedience more deliberate tactics of nonthat have shaped transforviolent climate disobedience mative politics for over 150 include occupying existing years. Around the globe, coal-fired generating stations ordinary people have realand sites where companies ized that the ramifications are trying to build new ones, of climate change unacceptblockading banks that finance ably threaten all forms of life coal mining, and protesting on the planet, particularly the extraction of coal at minthose with the least ability to ing sites, among many other respond. In light of this, many creative strategies. What is have decided to risk arrest especially telling about these and imprisonment for the NASA climate scientist James Hansen and actress Daryl Hannah at the forms of protest is the degree sake of raising awareness of June 2009 Massey Energy protest, moments before both were arrested to which some of the most the destructive extraction and respected political leaders and by West Virginia State Troopers. transportation of coal, and acclaimed scientific experts the threat from greenhouse within the United States are advocating—and leading through gases that are produced through the burning of fossil fuels. demonstration—the use of direct action climate disobedience The regional ramifications of coal extraction and use also profor the sake of realizing climate justice. vide concrete issues for consideration for us in Georgia. Many Take, for instance, former Vice President Al Gore’s September in the South have willingly been arrested for their efforts to 2008 pronouncement that “If you’re a young person looking raise consciousness of the injustice of the unchecked energy at the future of this planet and looking at what is being done consumption—much of it ours—that continues to destroy right now, and not done, I believe we have reached the stage communities and environments in West Virginia, Kentucky and, where it is time for civil disobedience to prevent the construcincreasingly, Tennessee and Virginia. tion of new coal plants that do not have carbon capture and There is certainly more to consider about the connection sequestration.” Or the fact that in June 2009, James Hansen, between the Civil Rights and climate justice movements than one of the world’s most prominent climate change scientists tactical similarities. In 40 years, when we reflect on the state and director of NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies, was of the Appalachian mountains and the global environment, are arrested along with 30 other activists in Raleigh County, WV we likely to feel confused about the injustices within history, for impeding the flow of traffic and hindering police officers’ feel a sincere debt of gratitude, or take on the determination efforts to disband protesters who converged on Massey Energy of the past to see that justice is served? Company. Gore and Hansen have helped bring attention and authority to the climate justice movement—and to the legitiNik Heynen macy of climate disobedience—in ways that earlier political and intellectual leaders did during the Civil Rights Movement. If you are interested in learning more about how climate change issues Much of the climate disobedience that has taken place in might impact your life, the links between coffee growing and climate the South relates to mountaintop removal, the technique for change will be discussed at the commencement of a new collaborative mining coal that consists of blowing off the tops of mountains effort between 1000 Faces Coffee, The Southern Energy Network and to extract minerals more cheaply than through other methods. UGA’s Center for Integrative Conservation Research (CICR). The event Some of the local action mountaintop removal has generated takes place at 6 p.m. Dec. 4 at 1000 Faces, 585 Barber St., as part of the throughout Southern communities relates to the increased Railroad Arts District First Friday festivities.

FLAGPOLE.COM ∙ DECEMBER 2, 2009

Losing a Local Voice The Gay In Athens Website Goes Dark

ay In Athens, an online publication which became a hub for social, cause-driven and political interactions in the area’s widespread LGBT community, went offline Nov. 5. A visit to the domain yields only a screen message saying that the site was taken down “due to personal reasons between the co-founders.” The site, run by co-founders Joshua Trey Barnett and Carey Drake, had posted news, opinion, stories, event listings and discussions steadily from early February 2009 until its demise. Drake handled the production side of Gay In Athens, including the domain hosting. His professional site design and graphics ensured that the publication was well-perceived, and his technical work enabled the site to run with low overhead costs, which were covered largely by modest support from advertisers. Gay In Athens was never a for-profit undertaking; both partners are UGA undergraduates. Once Drake took the site offline, the expense of obtaining similar services to those Drake provided for free rendered Barnett unable to continue his responsibilities as editor, which included writing most of the content, selling advertising, recruiting other writers and creating working relationships with local and area organizations and social groups. Jeffrey Totty is an attorney who is an

Mary Lynn Miller

aren’t ready to come out, or choose not to be out in public. It was accessible to people in their own homes and really created a sense of community on the page.” Miracle also appreciated how the site fostered “discussions that really needed to happen where we educated each other.” The board chair of Athens Boybutante AIDS Foundation, Yancey Gulley, is grateful that Gay In Athens exposed more people to Boybutante’s philanthropy and fundraisers and recalls his excitement at how shooting an email to the site enabled Boybutante to reach so many people who became supporters. He observes that what made the publication special was that it focused on community endeavors in fleshed-out stories, rather than merely listing events. Gulley is philosophical about the difficulties inherent in grassroots work of any kind, including maintaining an outreach publication: “Grassroots work is unpredictable, and things shift, as do the people involved. Gay In Athens brought together the community; now maybe something else will arise.” Not only did Gay In Athens help mobilize participation in events sponsored by others, but it rallied supporters of civil rights to its own co-sponsored gatherings. In August, Gay In Athens helped stage the Athens portion of the Great Nationwide Kiss-In, held in conjunction with 52 cities in the United States and Canada. This friendly demonstration brought friends, families and partners out to the UGA arch for a public kiss to illustrate the universal right to share love. In September, 200 people gathered at the College Square Ben & Jerry’s to show appreciation for that company’s renaming a popular flavor “Hubby Hubby” during the month of September in support of equal marriage rights. A diverse crowd enjoyed this “Big Gay Ice Cream Social,” promoted by Gay In Athens in tandem with the Georgia Liberal, a local political blog, The end of Gay In Athens comes within four months of the closing of Athens’ only gay bar, Blur, a place for sharing information face to face and posting notices. The loss of that key meeting spot arguably made the online publication’s role Athens joined the Great Nationwide Kiss-In demonstration for relationship equality on Aug. 15, 2009. in raising awareness about issues and events more vital ally and an advocate for LGBT causes and chose to advertise on to local LGBT residents. When Gay In Athens shut down, comthe site. Of the partnership’s success, Totty says, “I met them, munity members could still consult Atlanta’s weekly newspaper and I was impressed. Then I saw the site, and I was even more Southern Voice for information pertaining to the greater metro impressed.” area and the Southeast. Less than two weeks later, Southern Within its nine months of existence, Gay In Athens filled Voice was shuttered by its parent media company. Now, with roles that reflected the diversity of both LGBT locals and visithe loss of so many avenues for communication within such tors. Mario Castro, co-owner of Ashford Manor in Watkinsville, a short time, a vacuum exists for means to spread the word deems the site’s demise “a tremendous loss to the community. about causes, events, political actions and opportunities—and [The site fulfilled] a great need in letting people know what for ways to ensure that a lone person can feel connected and was going on socially, politically and economically. There accepted. are small social groups out there, different niches, but there While it is decidedly unlikely that Gay In Athens will return, wasn’t one direct website to find out what was happening, or Barnett says that the nearly 500 articles on the site may to meet people.” A gay-owned business, Ashford Manor was a become accessible online at some point. Now, though, he core advertiser on the site and the relationship worked well. muses about the future: “I’m thinking about beneficial ideas “We wanted to support the community, and the site was a and plan still to be active. If I decide to do something differgood vehicle to inform travelers and event planners about non- ent, it won’t be Gay In Athens 2.0—not with certainty. It was judgmental accommodations.“ such a huge endeavor.” He continues, “This was a unifying part Many Athens and campus organizations laud Gay In Athens’ of Athens’ community. If someone gets excited and is ready achievements, even as they express regret at the loss of what to provide something like it before I am able, I’ll support that had been an effective resource for outreach and involvement. and hope that I can be involved.” Many agree that a local web Jennifer Miracle serves as both the director of UGA’s LGBT presence like that provided by Gay In Athens is important. Resource Center and as advisor to the student-led campus Jeffrey Totty may speak for them all: “I hope that some phoeLambda Alliance. She regrets the loss of Gay In Athens as a nix can rise out of the ashes.” vehicle for publicizing meetings and programs, and notes a less public need met by the site: “It was a safe place for those who Deb Chasteen

DECEMBER 2, 2009 · FLAGPOLE.COM

miscellany

Books? Clothes? Dinner? Music? Jewelry? Shoes?

THE G

You really CAN have it all.

LERY

GOOD

DIRT 10

FLAGPOLE.COM ∙ DECEMBER 2, 2009

Out of the Big Box: On Friday, American shopthe Athens art community and an emotional pers lugged their heavy bellies, full carts and gift to yourself while you talk through perquickly emptying wallets through a consumpsonalized presents. At the Studio Group’s tion ritual more ravenous than the preceding “28th Annual Show and Sale” last weekend, day’s. At malls and on Main Street, battles for I spoke with artists as varied and lovely as must-have gifts and for our depleted funds their works. I could describe at length Barbara have entered atavism mode. Every magazine Allen’s etched necklaces, Annette Hatton’s and newspaper, it seems, has compiled the bold jewelry, Anna Eidsvik’s porcelain dishes definitive guide for struggling gift-givers. But and Margaret Agner’s silk scarves, had I not in Athens, we should feel lucky—and oblispent my entire afternoon captivated by their gated—to support independent stores that makers. Hatton spoke about her time at The rely on holiday spending, provide conscienGeorgia Review, Eidsvik recalled the group’s tious service and selective products, and may formation, and Caroline Montague, the colsend us home wishing more for mankind and lective’s newest member, described her move the nation than homicide. to Athens, I decided I would have to look at What would downtown employees give their collections later: online, at their studios from their shops? Handmade belts and Ugg or in shops around town. And so can you. slippers from Masada; Tolani scarves, motorcycle jackets and Foley + Corinna bags from Take a Bow: See some dance with the UGA Heery’s; Navajo hand-etched pottery from dance department’s Young Choreographer’s Native America Gallery; denim leggings Series concert (12/3-12/4); or, at the Fox from Encore; Necklush scarves from Helix; Theater, the Rockettes’ “Radio City Christmas handcrafted German pyramids, magic lamps Spectacular” (through 12/6) or the Atlanta and other “experience” gifts from Frontier; Ballet’s annual production of The Nutcracker wooden-handled wine stoppers, Brenning jew(opens 12/11). elry, fossilized ceramics and glass fingernail For more alternative entertainment, head files from Aurum. to Floorspace’s “Variety Night” (12/4) or At Schoolkids Records, Jeremy Harbin ATHICA’s “Prepared and Improvised,” featurthought of new Christmas albums from Bob ing experimental music from local and visiting Dylan and Aqua Teen Hunger Force and, for artists (12/8). older recipients, new live albums by Jack Getting into the Christmas spirit, catch Johnson and John Mayer. (As for Jeremy? He the debut of Classic City Arts’ “Classic City would like an iPhone, a new drum set—a vinChristmas” (12/4-12/6); the second annual tage Ludwig—and a video camera, but expects Athens Historic House Museum Association’s a bag of socks and some white t-shirts.) Mike “Christmas Spirits Holiday Tour,” with perTurner at Wuxtry recommended reissues of the Jesus Lizard and Pylon’s Chomp More. On my list? Gift wrap from Frontier, grey hats and my favorite Papaya stationary from Helix, thigh-high boots from Heery’s—and anything from Athens! At each of these shops, and at many others, locally made gifts are comparably priced but incomparable in originality and benefit to the Athens The vintage boutique Ohh, Boy! celebrates its grand opening Saturday, Dec. 5. economy. Make a point of asking which goods are by local artisans. Find handmade pillows at formances by Rose of Athens Theatre (12/5Helix, honey pots at Frontier and, at Aurum, 12/6); and the Botanical Garden Holiday beautiful little safes made of wood rescued Open House, a free day of family entertainfrom the Winterville Post Office 20 years ago. ment, with puppets, crafts, musical performances and Santa and Mrs. Claus (12/6). May We Present: For the friend who has it all, Read up on all the art sales in and around give the only thing better than cash: money Athens in this issue’s feature and drop by the that someone else has spent. Offer guilt-free Railroad Arts District Holiday Market, which luxury and pre-paid culture: a restaurant gift promises to be a festive neighborhood colcertificate, a Ciné membership, an Espresso laboration. Find art for sale on campus, at the Royale gift card or theatre tickets. Or share Ceramic Student Organization’s pre-holiday your favorite Athens experiences with a holpottery sale (12/2) and in Oconee at the iday visitor: treat them to a Four Coursemen OCAF Holiday Market (12/5 & 12/6). dinner, a local beer bar hop or a music history pub crawl. Miscellany Online: Meet the Studio Group at For more creative, unique and meaningtheir annual holiday sale, browse the shelves ful gifts, check out Athens sellers on Etsy of Jackson Street Books and of my all-time (an online community of independent artists favorite bookstore, and face the dropping temand designers), at the revamped Hawthorne perature with the season’s hottest styles. House on Milledge, at new stores like Ohh, Boy!, in the D.O.C. building, and at funky On the Horizon: Deep thinking gets social, festivities like the “Holiday Artist Market” resolutions get heavy, and exercise skips the at 283 Bar (12/5) and the “Athens Indie gym. Craftstravaganzaa” (12/5 & 12/6). Or get in touch with local creators, giving support to Elaine Ely misc@flagpole.com

Rachel Bailey

Out and About Around Athens

art notes

theatre notes

Endangered Species

Museums and Mousetraps

Trouble in Paradise: Dreaming deer, snakes, colorful birds, oversize flowers, Krishna-blue lovers locked in a permanent embrace—it sounds like a list of qualifiers for a prelapsarian paradise or, on the other end of things, Disney World. Nature is the inspiration, if not the final product, of Michael Murrell’s “From the Forest to the Shore,” up at the MadisonMorgan Cultural Center through Jan. 15. Along with an impressive output of work on the part of the artist, the show is nicely curated. The three galleries of the Cultural Center are organized so that each room has a subtle, underlying motif: the first is filled with circular forms such as coiled snakes, the second consists

made from less eco-friendly materials, such as his oversize floral cones shaped from epoxy and resin. Overall, there is a sense of idealized nature that is summarized by his simple “Dreaming Deer.” Recalling the majestic fauna of Modernist painter Franz Marc, the fawn is curled into a sleeping crescent belonging to both art and nature. Garden of Eatin’: Similar in spirit to Murrell’s manmade homage to nature is Leonard Piha’s installation at White Tiger Gourmet. Sculptor, painter and everything in between, his congregation of rusted metal silhouettes and painted assemblage currently fills every nook and cranny the space has to offer. Recalling the now-familiar trappings of Southern folk art, his work is also shaped by the dreamy mysticism of Marc Chagall, the assemblages of Jasper Johns and Robert Rauschenberg and Piha’s own Jewish heritage. The resulting idiosyncratic vocabulary of symbols is at once familiar and enigmatic: for example, a Jacob’s ladder leads from a rickety barn or a man sits underneath a tree flowering almond-shaped eyes. It’s overwhelming—but in a good way—to see so much of the artist’s work at once and inside a relatively small venue.

Cute Cubists: If an artist like Murrell turns to nature as an antidote to humanity, an antidote to the antidote can be found at the Lyndon House’s “Through Our Eyes: Portraits by the Clarke County School District.” As interesting and entertaining as any show up right now, the variety of children’s self-portraits are drawn Detail of the sculpture “Blue-Bird Orb” by Michael Murrell, on display in every mode—there are the at the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center through Jan. 15. jigsaw fragments of Cubism, the cleanly rendered lights and largely of goddess-like female forms often shadows of photo-realism, and a natural tenencased in a stylized nest of wires and birds, dency toward the scribbled colors of Abstract and the third is filled with the largest, most Expressionism. Accompanying most of the abstract sculptures. With the exhibition orgadrawings are statements from the young artist nized this way, it feels like there is a natural and his or her teacher that make looking at progression, and I found the third room the the already telling self-portraits even more fun most interesting and commanding. and insightful. The show is both a testament In the last gallery are works like the to what a good arts education program can “Requiem,” a larger-than-life cluster of Art produce and how creative we are at an early Nouveau trumpet-shaped forms, and “Bone age. The show will be up until Jan. 20. Towers,” ancient-looking, skeletally thin pyramids made from the remains of over 20 aniThis week only: “Six Hundred Seventy-Three mals. Murrell’s most minimalist and abstract Thousand, Nine Hundred Twenty Minutes” is work, “Wooden Cones,” consists of three towup at 160 Tracy Street; the ATHICA-for-Lease ering cones stacked into a corner. The work is show features new artwork from UGA MFA larger at the base and tapering upward and is sculpture candidates Doug Barton and Steven colored with a weathered but multi-hued palAbadie. The closing of the short-lived show ette. The forms project into the viewer’s space will be on Friday, Dec. 4. Opening the same and work against the corner’s natural archinight is “Exit Strategies,” the 2009 clostecture. Also significant is Murrell’s chosen ing for BFA candidates in several disciplines. material for this piece: recycled wood from a Work from jewelry to metalworking, fabric late-19th century train station and general design, ceramics and sculpture will be feastore. To his credit, Murrell deftly utilizes a tured, though photographs like Jaclyn Enck’s profusion of materials from steel to ash to wry hipster-chic interior scene or Kellett resin. With his interest in endangered species Junker’s glamorous, Hitchcock-by-way-ofand the veneration of nature, Murrell’s use of Cindy-Sherman portraits dominate the show in found materials like a simple, looping wisteria numbers. vine or recycled wood seems to make the most sense despite the dramatic effect of works Rebecca Brantley

Culture Clash: George C. Wolfe was born in 1954 to a segregated community in Kentucky, and while his may not be a household name, he’s a major figure in modern theatre. From his start directing plays in high school, he ascended to artistic director and producer of New York’s Public Theater, writing plays and musicals, and teaching at schools and cultural centers in L.A. and New York along the way, while focusing his work on the interpersonal politics of race and sexuality.

the most depth, and for the grads, offers an opportunity to select material that focuses heavily on characters, relationships and language. To this production’s advantage, the set’s minimalism creates a microscope for the characters’ vulnerability and self-absorption. It feels like a blank slate upon which miniscule tragedies can be appreciated the way they should: an empty home, the pain of heartbreak and secrets, the degradation of a love affair seen through a superficial conversation. Graduates Matthew Bowdren, F. Tyler Burnet and Libby Ricardo work the text so well you’ll rethink the meaning of “playing squash.” Don’t miss Betrayal, playing at the Arena Theatre of the UGA Fine Arts Building on Dec. 4 & 5 at 8 p.m. Visit www.drama.uga.edu.

The Play’s the Thing: Athens’ community theatre, the Town & Gown Players, presents Agatha Christie’s famous murder mystery The Mousetrap. Well known for having the longest initial run of any play in the The Town & Gown Players present Agatha Christie’s famous murder world, The Mousetrap has had mystery The Mousetrap. over 23,000 performances since beginning its run in the West End of London Among Wolfe’s first pieces was The Colored in 1952. Catch the show at Town & Gown Museum, a play comprised of eight vignettes Theatre, Dec. 4 & 5 and 10–12 at 8 p.m. and satirizing the black experience in the ‘80s. It Dec. 6 & 13 at 2 p.m. Call the theatre box premiered in 1986, receiving mixed reviews office at 706-208-8696 for details. due to material that some considered “controversial.” But since examining race, in any era, Family Holiday Fun: The rambunctious enthusimakes people uncomfortable, it’s likely this asts over at Rose of Athens Theatre are proud controversy was a red herring for the difficult to announce their participation in the Athens subjects the play presents, which hopefully Historic House Museum Association’s second today more people want to hear. annual Christmas Spirits Holiday Tour, which From the opening scene aboard the sounds to me like riding in a time machine “Celebrity Slave Ship,” The Colored Museum plus food, performance and beautiful holiday travels through countless cultural locations: decorations. Guests will visit four different borrowing conventions from August Wilson house museums: the Church-Waddel-Brumby to instructing the audience to replace the House, the T.R.R. Cobb House, where Rose of “T-H” sound with the “De” sound. Exploring Athens will present the first of their theatrical this clash of cultures within a culture is what vignettes, the Taylor-Grady House, and finally makes the play so poignant and a worthwhile the Ware-Lyndon house for an original perforexperience no matter your background as it mance depicting Christmas in 1858. Catch the asks the question: What is it like to be in a constant state of assimilation, especially when tour, leaving from the Ware-Lyndon House, Dec. 5 at 6 & 7 p.m. and Dec. 6 at 2 & 3 p.m. that culture continues to change at a rapid Visit www.visitathensga.com to learn more. pace? Returning to one’s roots and personal origin, maybe that’s where pride lives. Holiday Drama: Cornerstone Productions The University of Georgia’s Black Theatrical of Bishop, GA presents Finding Home: A Ensemble, founded in 1976, aims to promote Christmas Musical. In a small Minnesota train diversity in Athens theatre and expose the town, Christmas 1905, everyone zealously precommunity to works of African-American culpares for the holidays. But with an ominous ture. Catch BTE’s production of The Colored storm looming, it may take more than original Museum at the Morton Theatre, a historic ballads and dance numbers to save the town, monument of Athens black history, Dec. 4 & but it certainly helps. Take the kids to Finding 5 at 7:30 p.m. & Dec. 6 at 2:30 p.m. Call the Home, playing Dec. 10–12 at 7:30 p.m. and Morton Theatre Box Office at 706-613-3771 Dec. 12 & 13 at 2:30 p.m. Call the Morton for more information. Theatre Box Office at 706-613-3771 for info. Silence Speaks Louder: The Graduate Acting Scrooged: Victorian devotee John Vance of Company of UGA’s Theatre and Film Studies JV Productions presents his one-man Dickens Department presents its first production of Christmas show, A Victorian Christmas with the year, Harold Pinter’s Betrayal, about the seven-year affair between two married friends. Charles Dickens, combining storytelling, Utilizing anachronology and the infamous love excerpts from Dickens’ texts, as well as a sweeping retelling of the classic, A Christmas triangle, Pinter, as always, exposes the brutalCarol. Dickens “himself” mixes a little history ity of a person’s deepest feelings and secrets with some theatre to create quite the unique with tense silence and only a few words. experience. Appropriate for ages 12 and up. The Graduate Acting Company produces Seney-Stovall Chapel, Dec. 5 at 8 p.m. Call shows throughout the year, independent of 706-543-2012 for ticket information. the department’s mainstage season, to fund its end-of-program showcase. Still, time and Amy Whisenhunt again, the budget-less play proves to carry l

DECEMBER 2, 2009 · FLAGPOLE.COM

Get Crafty and Buy Locally Holiday Craft Sales in Athens and Nearby

thens is a town rife with opportunities for people to get creative, especially for artists, which means it’s a true paradise during the holidays for those seeking out unique gifts for friends and family. What could easily be a frustrating task becomes an adventure when the numerous local galleries, artists, craftsmen and the like begin holding their holiday open houses and sales, offering shoppers a chance to sample the home-grown arts of the Classic City. To make things even easier, Flagpole presents its annual list of arts and crafts events occurring over the next few weeks. Since bargain hunting can tire even the most seasoned veteran, shoppers may find a welcome break in a special Athens tradition: the annual downtown Parade of Lights on Thursday, Dec. 3. Local businesses and organizations will showcase their creativity with floats centered around this year’s theme: “A Gift from the Heart.” The parade begins at 7 p.m. at the corner of Dougherty and Pulaski streets and will wind its way down Clayton and Washington streets before ending beside City Hall on College Avenue. The fun will continue after the parade with the lighting of the community Christmas tree. Call 706-613-3589 or visit www.accleisureservices.com for more information.

Open Houses and Art Markets in Athens Georgia red clay may seem more a destroyer of clothing than anything else, but Rebecca Wood and her 12 artists at R. Wood Studio make it safe for the home. Their simple, handmade dinnerware pieces and one-of-a-kind collectibles will be featured in the Studio Sale, Saturday, Dec. 5, 9 a.m.–4 p.m, at 450 Georgia Dr. Call 706-613-8527 or visit www. rwoodgallery.com for details. The 12th annual Holiday Pottery Sale is currently underway at The Gallery @ Good Dirt, and will run through Dec. 23. The sale will feature work from local potters such as Rob Sutherland, David Morgan, Ron Meyers and Ted Saupe, as well as glass and sculpture work from Kim Sutherland and Ben Jordan. A

holiday party and potluck will also be held Friday, Dec. 11, 5–9 p.m., followed by a studio sale Dec. 12 & 13. Doors are open from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. both days. See www.gooddirt.net for more information.

year. Come out Sunday, Dec. 6, noon–3 p.m., to enjoy holiday music performed by Athensarea ensembles while shopping for small gifts and snacking on chili and garlic toast provided by the youth congregation. Representatives from local non-profits will also be on hand, and there will be chances to make charitable donations in a loved one’s name. The church is at 268 W. Dougherty St. See www.fccathens. org or call 706-549-1915 for details.

The Farmington show (see below) apparently won’t be enough for Jeff Bishoff and friends— a week later they’re returning to the circuit to participate in the third annual Absolute Crockery! holiday sale at the Carter Farmington Pottery Gillies Pottery Studio on Dec. 12 & 13. Aside from Bishoff, participating artists include Geoff and Lisa Pickett, Jim Peckham, Julie Greene and Juana Gnecco. The studio, at 572 Nantahala Ave., will be open from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. for the weekend. Call 706-546-7235 to learn more. Maria Dondero’s Marmalade Pottery will hold its holiday sale Friday, Dec. 4, 5 p.m.–9 p.m., and Saturday, Dec. 5, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Pieces for sale by Dondero and Tiffany Whitfield include salt-fired and electric-fired mugs, plates and bowls. The studio is located at 585 Barber St. Call 706-2486899 or visit www.mariadondero.com. The folk art pottery of Flinn Family Pottery will be on display at the Studio Open House on Saturday, Dec. 5, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., at 1276 Hull Rd. The public is invited to watch demonstrations on how the clay goes from shapeless forms into one of the studio’s many pieces, such as face jugs, roosters, churns, storage jars, bottles, mugs and salt pigs. Call 706-2075923 for more information. The First Christian Church of Athens will host the Holiday Benevolence Market this

Affordable artwork produced by locals is the game at Blue Tin Art Gallery’s upcoming art sale. Work by Erin McIntosh, Sarah Seabolt, Denton Crawford, Craig Hawkins, Marie Porterfield and David Savino will be on sale at this small-scale show. A reception will be held Thursday, Dec. 10, 5 p.m.–10 p.m., with work being on display that Dec. 10, noon–7 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 11, 10 a.m.–8 p.m.; and Saturday, Dec. 12, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. The studio, at 393 N. Finley St. Studio C, will also be open at these times. See www.bluetinstudio.com to learn more. The Native America Gallery at 195 E. Clayton St. is once again hosting its annual Snowsational Celebration Saturday, Dec. 5, complete with horse-drawn carriage rides, free tours of downtown Athens, Christmas caroling and door prizes. Shoppers can also take a moment to view the gallery’s diverse collection of art and jewelry, and all purchases will come with a complimentary sterling silver dreamcatcher necklace while supplies last. Call 706-543-8425 for more information. The Sixth Annual Holiday Market at 283 Bar, 283 E. Broad St., will be Saturday, Dec. 5, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.. The market will feature handmade original prints, Polaroid prints, sterling and gold jewelry, vintage-inspired jewelry, felt birds, mixed-media jewelry, pottery, handmade greeting cards, screenprinted t-shirts, bookbinding, knitted scarves, hats and headbands, designer wrapping paper, origami lampshades, yoga mat bags, handbags and prints and pet portraits from several local artists. While perusing the goods, stop by the actual bar portion of the venue for a holiday drink. Call 706-208-1283 for details. The Athens Indie Craftstravaganzaa will also be held this Saturday, Dec. 5, 11 a.m.–7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 6, noon–5 p.m. in the parking lot that adjoins Agora at the corner of Clayton and Pulaski streets. Stop by for quirky, raw and innovative arts from an array of local and regional artists and craftspeople. Go to www.athensindiecraftstravaganzaa.com for more info.

Marmalade Pottery

FLAGPOLE.COM ∙ DECEMBER 2, 2009

The various shops and studios of the new Railroad Arts District will hold a holiday

market Friday, Dec. 4, 2–9 p.m. at the outdoor Chase Park Warehouses, 160 Tracy St. View local arts and crafts while listening to live music and sipping hot coffee and cider under the stars. See http://railroadartsdistrict. blogspot.com to learn more. Near the Chase Park area, Honeypot is also having an overstock tent sale of its all-natural “Bee Natural” candles on Friday Dec. 4, 4–7 p.m. and Saturday Dec. 5, 9 a.m.–6 p.m at 160 Winston Dr. off Chase Street. Go to www. beenatural.com for more info. Unique pieces created by Phi Beata Heata, AKA jewelry and metals students from the Lamar Dodd School of Art, will be on sale during the annual Holiday Student Jewelry Sale. A portion of the proceeds will go toward purchasing equipment and studio maintenance. Sale dates and times are Tuesday & Wednesday, Dec. 1 & 2, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., on the first floor of the Lamar Dodd building, and Thursday, Dec. 3, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., on the second floor of the Student Learning Center. See www.art.uga.edu. Soup Studios Pottery will be featuring some new handmade goodies, including a new line of clay and sterling pendants and earrings at their Annual Holiday Sale. They will also have a colorful array of handmade hats with funky ear flaps and pull through, no-slip scarves for kids and grown-ups, a full line of functional pottery plus some one-of-a-kind carved and holiday items. Drop by Saturday, Dec. 12, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. at 2140 S. Lumpkin St. See www. soupstudios.com for more info.

In Watkinsville, Farmington and Madison The Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation will hold its 15th Annual Holiday Market Dec. 5 & 6, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., in OCAF’s historical educational facilities at 34 School St. in Watkinsville. Original works from 70 of the region’s top artists and craftsmen will be on sale including pottery, paintings, fiber art, stained and fused glass, jewelry, sculpture, photography and woodwork. Work from 35 regional artists and craftsmen will also be available in the OCAF Shop, open Dec. 5–23, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Call 706-769-4565 or visit www.myocaf.com to learn more. Much of DeWitt Smith’s pottery isn’t available to the public, but during the Year End Sale his handmade, culturally-inspired pieces will be up for grabs at the DeWitt Pottery Studio. The available pieces will include his noted functional stoneware and porcelain pottery. The sale will be Dec. 4–6, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. at 71 Jackson St. in Watkinsville. Call 706-769-5351 or visit www.dewittpottery.com for more info. J.B. & Friends are once again throwing their annual Pottery and Art Show and Sale featuring pottery, sculptures, jewelry and other hand-crafted pieces by J.B. (Jeff Bishoff) and his friends (Brooks Burgess, Caryn Curry, Craig Ellefson, Carter Gillies, Julie Greene, Jim Peckham, Michael Pierce, Todd Runkle and Keen Zero). Visit the pals and their wares on Dec. 5 & 6, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., at 1760 Salem Rd. in Farmington. Call 706-769-8401 for details.

Absolute Crockery!

Wolf Creek Pottery is home to more than just “13 potters, five dogs and two gates”; it’s also home to a holiday sale featuring the unique handiwork of several local potters including Lynne Burke, Triny Cline, Isabell Daniel, Michael Deberry, Maria Dondero, Juana Gnecco, Jen Graff, Nancy Green, Joe Singlewald and Minsoo Yuh. The sale will be held Dec. 5 & 6, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., at 1500 Tappan Spur Rd. in Watkinsville. Call 706-7695659 for more information. Farmington Pottery’s annual December Open House Pottery Sale will be Dec. 5 & 6, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Items for sale include stoneware and porcelain pottery, dinnerware, kitchen and tableware, garden pots and individual pieces, as well handmade herbal bath products and lotions. The sale is located at 1171 Freeman Creek Rd. in Farmington. Call 706-769-8100 or visit www.pickettpottery.com for more info on the artists involved. The Southeastern Native American-themed work of Winterhawk Pottery will once again be on display at its annual Open House at the Depot, 1101 Salem Rd. in Farmington, Dec. 5 & 6, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Call 706-310-1893 or visit www.winterhawkpottery.com for more information.

Over in Comer and Danielsville After a Thanksgiving celebration, the Bendzunas Studio and Gallery continues to celebrate the holidays with its Fall Open House on Friday, Dec. 4, 6 p.m.–10 p.m., and Saturday & Sunday, Dec. 5 & 6, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Stop by for glass-blowing demonstrations at the studio as well. Visit www.bendzunasglass.com or call 706-783-5869 to learn more. The Holiday Open House at Blue Bell Gallery will be Dec. 5 & 6, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., and will feature clay, glass, stone and steel work from local artists including Tina McCullough, Barbara Bendzunas, Tammy Nance, Duane Paxson, Michael Shetterly and Beverly Babb. The gallery will also host a reception Saturday, Dec. 5, 7 p.m., at 89 East North Ave. in Comer. See www.bluebellgallery.blogspot.com or call 706-783-4665 for more info. The salt-glazed and gas-fired pieces of David Morgan will be available at his annual holiday sale at the Morgan Pottery Studio, 3747 Old Wildcat Bridge Rd. in Danielsville. Visit him Saturday, Dec. 5, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., and Sunday Dec. 6, noon–5 p.m. Call 706-795-3418. Jennifer Gibson

Winterhawk Pottery

DECEMBER 2, 2009 · FLAGPOLE.COM

movie dope Some releases may not be showing locally this week. 2012 (PG-13) German disaster taskmaster Roland Emmerich (Independence Day and The Day After Tomorrow) destroys the entire world in his newest lowest-commondenominator blockbuster. 2012 uses the conspiracy-theorist wet-dream of the Mayan calendar’s predicted Earth expiration date—Dec. 21, 2012—as the springboard for the biggest disaster picture ever. This audacious, awful flick makes Emmerich’s last cinematic sermon, The Day After Tomorrow, look downright documentarian and artful. ARMORED (PG-13) A group of armored truck drivers played by Matt Dillon, Laurence Fishburne, Skeet Ulrich (remember him?), Jean Reno, Amaury Nolasco (“Prison Break”) convince the new guy (Stomp the Yard’s Columbus Short) to help them steal $42 million. Guess what? Their foolproof plan goes awry. The trailers for this thriller wore out the movie’s welcome months ago. Director Nimrod Antal (Kontroll) made a decent American debut with 2007’s Vacancy. With Milo Ventimiglia and Fred Ward. BAD SANTA (R) Billy Bob Thornton and Tony Cox play crooks Willie and Marcus who work one month out of the year fronting a Santa and elf routine for department stores. While they smile for the camera and find out what kids want for Christmas, they secretly plot their annual heist. BLACK DYNAMITE (R) Another homage to blaxploitation, Black Dynamite stars co-writer Michael Jai White (Spawn) as the titular hero who must avenge his brother’s murder and right neighborhood wrongs all the way to the White House (James McManus plays Richard Nixon himself). THE BLIND SIDE (PG-13) A rich white couple, Leigh Anne and Sean Touhy (Sandra Bullock and likable, easygoing Tim McGraw), take in Big Mike, an African-American giant given up on by most of Memphis. They turn his life around; he eventually earns a

scholarship to Ole Miss. He doesn’t really do anything to change their lives, although the movie insists that he does. The Touhys seemed like the same good Christian couple at the end of the movie that they were when first we laid eyes on them. A “who’s who” of SEC coaches, past—Fulmer, Tuberville, Holtz—and present—Saban, Nutt— brightens up the just-over-two-hour movie’s saggy middle for football fans. THE BOONDOCK SAINTS II: ALL SAINTS DAY (R) Writer-director Troy Duffy mines his only successful film, a box office bust turned cult fave, for its inevitable sequel. The Brothers MacManus, Connor (former “Young Indiana Jones” Sean Patrick Flanery) and Murphy (Norman Reedus), leave their idyllic life on the family farm in Ireland and return to Boston to take revenge on the mob that killed their favorite priest. BROTHERS (R) The trailer for the new film from Oscar-nominated filmmaker James Sheridan (My Left Foot, In the Name of the Father and In America) looks like two or three different movies before it is over. A soldier believed to be dead (Tobey Maguire) returns home to find his ex-con brother (Jake Gyllenhaal) wooing his wife (Natalie Portman) and raising his kids. Written by David Benioff (The Kite Runner). With Sam Shepard as the brothers’ father. A CHRISTMAS CAROL (PG) Oscarwinning filmmaker Robert Zemeckis’ third foray into motion-capture animation is his most successful. ‘Oliday Spirit is piled in waist-high drifts, and the animation is absolutely gorgeous, if still perched on the edge of the “uncanny valley.” Carrey voices multiple roles as Ebenezer Scrooge, young Scrooge and the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come. His old Scrooge is the most successful. Gary Oldman makes an oddly appropriate Bob Cratchit and Marley. The problem with this newest version of Charles

Dickens’ holiday classic is its familiarity, which has grown a tad musty. A CHRISTMAS CAROL (PG) 1984. This made-for-TV classic revives Dickens’ beloved holiday ghost story and stars George C. Scott as the miserly Ebenezer. Bring the whole family to enjoy this Emmy-nominated film. COCO BEFORE CHANEL (PG-13) Before Coco Chanel was Coco Chanel, she was Gabrielle Chanel. Amelie star Audrey Tautou is drawing raves and Oscar buzz for this biopic of the famous

Limousine service for the illiterate. French designer, who started out in an orphanage. Coco Before Chanel is writer-director Anne Fontaine’s second buzzy release of the year. (The Girl from Monaco garnered some nice pub back in July.) With Benoit Poelvoorde (Man Bites Dog), Alessandro Nivola (Junebug), Marie Gillain, and Emmanuelle Devos (A Christmas Tale). THE DAMNED UNITED (R) See Movie Pick. DARE (R) Three high school seniors—aspiring actress and good girl Alexa Walker (Emmy Rossum, The Phantom of the Opera), her best friend Ben Berger (Ashley Springer, Teeth) and bad boy Johnny Drake (Zach Gilford of “Friday Night Lights”)—become embroiled in an intimate, complicated relationship.

M OVIE L ISTI NG S

Theater schedules often change after our deadline. Please call ahead. ACC LIBRARY (706-613-3650)

A Christmas Carol (PG) 3:00 (Tu. 12/8) Young@Heart (PG) 7:00 (Th. 12/3)

Planet 51 (PG) 1:45, 4:35, 7:05, 9:30 The Twilight Saga: New Moon (PG-13) 1:00, 2:00, 4:00, 5:00, 7:00, 8:00, 9:50

BEECHWOOD (706-546-1011)

CINÉ (706-353-3343)

Beechwood movie times are only accurate through Dec. 3. Visit www.flagpole.com for updated times. 2012 (PG-13) 4:30, 8:15 Blind Side (PG-13) 4:10, 5:00, 7:00, 8:00, 9:45 A Christmas Carol 3D (PG) 5:10, 7:30, 9:55 Fantastic Mr. Fox (PG) 5:10, 7:20, 9:30 The Men Who Stare at Goats (R) 4:30, 7:05, 9:45 Ninja Assassin (R) 5:10, 7:30, 9:50 Old Dogs (PG) 5:20, 7:35, 9:45 Planet 51 (PG) 5:05, 7:25, 9:35 The Twilight Saga: New Moon (PG-13) 4:15, 6:30, 7:15, 9:15, 10:00

Coco Before Chanel (PG-13) 5:00 (ends Th. 12/3) The Damned United (R) 7:15, 9:30 (ends Th. 12/3) New York, I Love You (R) 7:30, 9:45 (new times F. 12/4: 9:45) (add’l times Sa. 12/5–Su. 12/6: 2:45) (no 9:45 show Su. 12/6) Paris (R) 7:00 (starts F. 12/14) The Room (R) midnight (F. 12/4 only) A Serious Man (R) 5:00, 7:15, 9:30 (no 9:30 show Su. 12/6) (starts F. 12/4) Where the Wild Things Are (PG) 4:45 (new time starts F. 12/4) 5:15 (Tu. 12/1–Th. 12/3) (add’l time F. 12/4 only: midnight)

CARMIKE 12 (706-354-0016)

GEORGIA SQUARE 5 (706-548-3426)

Carmike 12 movie times are only accurate through Dec. 3. Visit www.flagpole.com for updated times. 2012 (PG-13) 12:20, 1:20, 3:40, 4:40, 7:00, 8:00, Blind Side (PG-13) 1:25, 4:20, 7:10, 10:00 A Christmas Carol 3D (PG) 12:30, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:50 Fantastic Mr. Fox (PG) 1:05, 3:10, 5:15, 7:20, 9:30 Law Abiding Citizen (R) 1:20, 4:35, 7:20, 10:00 Ninja Assassin (R) 1:25, 3:50, 7:15, 9:45 Old Dogs (PG) 1:00, 3:10, 5:20, 7:30, 9:40 Paranormal Activity (PG-13) 1:10, 3:20, 5:30, 7:40, 9:50

FLAGPOLE.COM ∙ DECEMBER 2, 2009

The trailer looks kind of CW-y. With Ana Gasteyer, Rooney Mara, Sandra Bernhard and Alan Cumming. Directed by Adam Salky. Nominated for the coveted Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival. AN EDUCATION (PG-13) Teenaged Jenny (Carey Mulligan) comes of age in the 1960s suburban London upon the arrival of David (Peter Sarsgaard), a playboy nearly twice her age. Mulligan is winning raves and positioning herself on the shortlist of potential Oscar

Georgia Square Five movie times are only accurate through Dec. 3. Visit www.flagpole.com for updated times. Fame (PG) 4:15, 7:40, 10:15 I Can Do Bad All By Myself (PG-13) 4:25, 7:30, 10:05 Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs (PG 7:45 Julie and Julia (PG-13) 4:20, 7:25, 10:10 Surrogates (PG-13) 5:20, 7:35, 10:00 Zombieland (R) 5:25, 10:00

TATE CENTER THEATER (706-542-6396)

Bad Santa (R) 8:00 (Tu. 12/3) Elf (PG) 3:00, 5:15, 7:30, 9:45 (F. 12/4–Su. 12/6)

dark horses. Director Lone Scherfig also helmed Italian for Beginners and bestselling novelist Nick Hornby (High Fidelity and About a Boy) adapted the memoir by Lynn Barber. Winner of the Dramatic World Cinema Audience Award, Cinematography Award, as well as a Grand Jury Prize nomination from the Sundance Film Festival. ELF (PG) A human raised by elves at the North Pole is shocked to discover that he is adopted. The over-sized elf, Buddy (Will Ferrell), decides to venture to the Big Apple. Buddy’s adventure in New York is a wide-eyed child-like spectacle, and Will Ferrell further demonstrates that he has a gift for comedic timing. EVERYBODY’S FINE (PG-13) When his kids cannot come to him for the holidays, retired widower Frank (Robert De Niro) heads across the country to see them. Kate Beckinsale, Sam Rockwell and Drew Barrymore star as Amy, Robert and Rosie, Frank’s three imperfect offspring. De Niro’s two Hollywood Film Award’s are probably the only bits of hardware this dramedy will see. Written and directed by Kirk Jones (Waking Ned Devine and Nanny McPhee), Everybody’s Fine is a remake of Guiseppe Tornatore’s 1990 Palme d’Or nominee. FAME (PG) Fame really does live forever. This remake of the popular 1980s musical centers on a new batch of talented students going broke for their dream at the New York City High School of Performing Arts. A bunch of neophytes (including “So You Think You Can Dance” finalist Kherington Payne) are joined by “real” actors (almost all of whom have TV background), Kelsey Grammer, Bebe Neuwirth, Megan Mullally, Charles S. Dutton and Debbie Allen, of course. FANTASTIC MR. FOX (PG) See Movie Pick. GENTLEMEN BRONCOS (PG13) Science-fiction author Ronald Chevalier (the excellent, Emmynominated Jemaine Clement from Flight of the Conchords, the band and the TV program) battles plagiarism

charges leveled by a teenage writer, Benjamin Purvis (The Forbidden Kingdom’s Michael Angarano), homeschooled by his eccentric mother (Jennifer Coolidge). Napoleon Dynamite director Jared Hess tries to recover from his poorly received sophomore effort, Nacho Libre. Cowritten by Hess’ wife, Jerusha. With Sam Rockwell and producer Mike White. I CAN DO BAD ALL BY MYSELF (PG-13) The logline for Tyler Perry’s newest film featuring the writerdirector-producer-actor’s popular alter ego, Madea, reads exactly as his fans expect. Madea hands three young thieves over to their hard-living, blues-singing Aunt April who does not want to deal with them. But will these kids and a sexy new tenant (Adam Rodriguez) help April get her life on track? With Mary J. Blige and Gladys Knight. ICE AGE: DAWN OF THE DINOSAURS (PG) Don’t expect any surprises in the third installment of the mammoth animated franchise that isn’t Shrek or produced by Pixar. Ice Age: DotD is just for the kiddies. JULIE & JULIA (PG-13) Julie & Julia is the twin culinary tales of Julia Child and Julie Powell (the delightful, cute Amy Adams), a lowly government employee who finds meaning—and a book deal—in cooking all 524 of the recipes in Child’s Mastering the Art of French Cooking in 365 days and blogging about it. Julie & Julia isn’t a fancy French delicacy; it’s Hollywood comfort food prepared with love and laughter. LAW ABIDING CITIZEN (R) Law Abiding Citizen should please those moviegoers looking for the latest generic thriller that puts a couple of big name stars (Jamie Foxx and Gerard Butler) through the predictable paces. Butler works too hard as Clyde Shelton, a mild-mannered guy who goes all Death Wish meets Jigsaw after the justice system fails to adequately punish the guys who killed his wife and daughter. Clyde’s elaborate revenge scheme, which crosses from movie farfetched to patently unbelievable by the big reveal, targets the entire municipal government of Philadelphia. ME AND ORSON WELLES (PG13) Director Richard Linklater’s latest stars Zac Efron and Claire Danes as two actors cast opposite one another in Orson Welles’ 1937 staging of Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. Efron plays aspiring actor Richard Samuels who falls for his older costar, Sonja Jones (Danes). The Oscar-nominated Linklater (Slacker, Dazed and Confused, School of Rock) loves to keep audiences guessing, but will anyone outside of his true fanatics want to see his first period piece since the 1998 Western, The Newton Boys? THE MEN WHO STARE AT GOATS (R) George Clooney and his Oscarnominated producing partner Grant Heslov aim for a modern absurdist war satire like Dr. Strangelove, M*A*S*H or Catch-22. Anyone entertained by the Boston-scored trailer for The Men Who Stare at Goats will leave with a smile but have little reason to stare when a single viewing will satisfy. These Men definitely will never achieve the timeless ranks of General “Buck” Turgidson or Captains Yossarian, “Hawkeye” Pierce or “Trapper” McIntyre. THE MESSENGER (R) Films about the Iraq War still have not proved

popular with audiences, but I’m Not There screenwriter Oren Moverman is testing the waters with his directorial debut. A soldier (the buzzy Ben Foster) struggles with his conscience after falling for the widow of a fallen officer. Woody Harrelson has been getting some positive pub. NEW YORK, I LOVE YOU (R) Shia LeBeouf, Natalie Portman, The Hangover’s breakout star Bradley Cooper, Blake Lively, Orlando Bloom, Robin Wright Penn, Hayden Christensen, Drea de Matteo, Christina Ricci, John Hurt, Ethan Hawke, James Caan, Justin Bartha, Chris Cooper, Andy Garcia, Julie Christie, Eli Wallach, Cloris Leachman, Irrfan Khan and many, many more star in an anthology of love stories set in New York City. NINJA ASSASSIN (R) This flick looks totally badass. It also just looks bad. A rogue ninja, Raizo (Rain, Speed Racer), teams up with an Interpol agent (Naomie Harris) to take down a shadowy secret society of assassins, the Ozunu clan. Director James McTeigue last helmed V for Vendetta for the Wachowski brothers. Against my better judgment, I really am looking forward to this bloody martial arts pic. OLD DOGS (PG) A spiritual followup to Wild Hogs, Old Dogs shares star John Travolta, director Walt Becker (Van Wilder), and old-man hijinks. Ben (Robin Williams) is a successful businessman who discovers he fathered twins. Naturally, he enlists his bachelor pal (Travolta) when asked to care for the kids for an extended period of time. Costar Seth Green looks to be funny. With Kelly Preston, Lori Loughlin, Matt Dillon and the late Bernie Mac in his final role. ONG BAK 2 (R) I don’t really remember the first Ong Bak, though I know I saw it. (Rereading my own review of 2005’s The Protector reminded me that I preferred its 2003 predecessor, if that means anything to you.) Tien (Tony Jaa) must use his fighting skills to get revenge on the man who killed his parents. Director and star Jaa reportedly took a two month sabbatical before returning to finish shooting the movie with the help of writer Panna Rittikrai. PARANORMAL ACTIVITY (R) Micah and Katie (Micah Sloat and Katie Featherston) think their new house is haunted. Micah buys a fancy new camera to record the unusual things that go bump in the night. After a tedious 10 minutes or so, the movie reels you in like a marathon of “Ghost Hunters.” PARIS (R) 2008. In his most recent film since 2004’s The Russian Dolls, director Cédric Klapisch presents the intersecting stories of various characters living, loving and dying in Paris. With an all-star cast featuring Juliette Binoche, Paris was nominated for three César awards. PIRATE RADIO (R) Richard Curtis’ heavily fictionalized account of the radio battles waged during the British culture wars of the 1960s entertains from the mosaic montage of the opening credits to the album cover slideshow that accompanies the end credits. In between is a two-hour-and-fifteenminute party. With its “rockin’ ‘60s” backdrop of the Rolling Stones, The Who and The Kinks, Pirate Radio could almost be considered a spiritual, tonal, nostalgic sibling to Songbird, Nick Hornby’s terrific collection of musical essays, and it’s the best time I’ve had in a theater in weeks. PLANET 51 (PG) Astronaut Chuck Baker (v. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson) lands on Planet 51 and finds an alien race paranoid of an alien invasion. He must recover his spaceship with the help of his new alien friend. Three firsttime directors—Jorge Blanco, Javier Abad and Marcos Martinez—bring Shrek Oscar nominee Joe Stillman’s script to animated life. This family flick

does not look terrible, but it does not much resemble a holiday blockbuster either. Featuring the voices of Jessica Biel, Justin Long, Gary Oldman, Sean William Scott and John Cleese. PRECIOUS (R) Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire tells the story of an overweight, illiterate teen mother (Gabourey “Gabby” Sidibe), who is pregnant with her second child when she gets a chance to turn her life around at an alternative school. I never thought I would write that Mo’Nique is generating serious Oscar buzz with her portrayal of Precious’ abusive mother. Can the Sundance favorite score with the larger moviegoing audience? Public plugs from mega-producers and tastemakers Oprah and Tyler Perry should help. Written and directed by Lee Daniels. With Mariah Carey. THE PRIVATE LIVES OF PIPPA LEE (R) Fifty-year-old Pippa Lee (Robin Wright) begins to quietly have a nervous breakdown after her much older husband (Academy Award winner Alan Arkin) moves them from New York City to a retirement home and has an affair with a younger woman. Filmmaker Rebecca Miller (The Ballad of Jack and Rose) adapts her own book for her fourth feature. With Mike Binder, Winona Ryder, Maria Bello, Keanu Reeves, Blake Lively, Robin Weigert (“Deadwood”’s Calamity Jane), Julianne Moore and Monica Belluci. THE ROAD (R) Man, I want this film to be good. The adaptation of Cormac McCarthy’s highly acclaimed Pulitzer Prize winner has a lot of hype and expectation to live up to. Viggo Mortensen stars as the nameless, dying father, scouring the post-apocalypse for a future for his young son (Kodi SmitMcPhee). Aussie writer-director John Hillcoat has little to his name save a connection to Nick Cave. THE ROOM (R) 2003. I’ve wanted to see writer-director-star Tommy

Wiseau’s personal cinematic atom bomb since reading an article in Entertainment Weekly about the prominent billboard for the would-be auteur’s debut, an awful picture beloved by two of my favorite ensembles, “The State” and “Arrested Development.” Wiseau’s film is supposedly THE new cult phenomenon. A SERIOUS MAN (R) The Oscarwinning Coen Brothers, Joel and Ethan, return with a black comedy set in the late 1960s. Midwestern prof Larry Gopnik’s (Michael Stuhlbarg) life starts to fall apart after his brother (Richard Kind) takes up semi-permanent residence in his home. His wife, Judith (Sari Lennick), is preparing to leave him; his son is stealing his money for pot; and his daughter is stealing to finance a nose job. SURROGATES (PG-13) A revolutionary, anti-robot underclass, called Dreads, has amassed in sovereign reservation under the leadership of a man called the Prophet (Ving Rhames). A fake future in which people don’t just log on, they jack in, holds a bevy of Big Brother-ish opportunities for the government. For what amounts to the fall version of a blockbuster, Surrogates will not disappoint anyone whose expectations have been lowered. TRANSYLMANIA (R) A leading candidate for the year’s worst film based solely on its title and trailer, horror comedy (loose use of the term) Transylmania concerns the antics of an oversexed group of dumbass American college students studying abroad at Razvan University. THE TWILIGHT SAGA: NEW MOON (PG-13) All Twilight hating aside, the second cinematic installment of the four-part series bests the first film, even with less of Robert Pattinson’s Edward—a loss tempered by the promotion of the mostly shirtless Taylor Lautner. Twilight true

believers will have no trouble loving the follow-up as much, if not more than, its predecessor. Those not inducted into the ever-expanding cult will wonder what all the fuss is about. l UP IN THE AIR (R) Oscarnominated director Jason Reitman’s follow-up to Juno stars George Clooney as Ryan Bingham, who lives out of a suitcase as he travels crosscountry to fire people. Newly tasked with mentoring a young employee, Natalie (The Twilight Saga’s Jessica, Anna Kendrick), Ryan begins to see the emptiness of his traveling lifestyle once his company forcibly grounds him. Adapted from Walter Kirn’s novel by Reitman and Sheldon Turner, who has nothing impressive on his filmography. WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE (PG) It is quite impressive what director Spike Jonze and cowriter Dave Eggers do with Maurice Sendak’s beloved 339 words. They expand upon his wild world, populated by giant-headed monsters and a boy in a wolfsuit named Max, with the same imaginative recklessness as Sendak. YOUNG@HEART (PG) This summer’s tender documentary splash, Young@Heart, has a lot to recommend it. A delightful look at aging and what the aged can do, Stephen Walker’s doc reminds us all that life doesn’t end at 40 or 50, or even at the entrance to the assisted living facility. ZOMBIELAND (R) Zombieland is funny, violent, gross; if horror-comedy fans can name it, Zombieland’s got it. Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg), Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson), Wichita (Emma Stone) and her sister, Little Rock (Abigail Breslin) trek across the a zombie-ravaged country in search of a safe place. The living dead-cluttered road leading there is as entertaining as any since Shaun of the Dead. Drew Wheeler

Student Jewelry Sale December 1st-3rd

December 1st & 2nd 10am-6pm First Floor, Lamar Dodd School of Art

December 3rd 10am-5pm 2nd Floor Miller Learning Center (next to Jittery Joe’s)

CASH, CHECK, OR CREDIT CARD ACCEPTED Sponsored by PHI BEATA HEATA Student Jewelry Organization FunDED By THE STuDEnT ACTIvITIES FEES

DECEMBER 2, 2009 · FLAGPOLE.COM

movie pick

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Wes Anderson Gets Animated FANTASTIC MR. FOX (PG) A lock for a Best Animated Feature nomination come February, the first family film by Wes Anderson is also the most genuinely appealing and possibly most human feature the Oscar-nominated auteur has ever dreamed up (with the help of Roald Dahl, of course). Mr. Fox (v. George Clooney) used to raid henhouses until his wife, Mrs. Fox (v. Meryl Streep), asked him to find a safer line of work immediately after announcing that she is preggers. Cut to two years later. Mr. Fox works for a local newspaper he refers to as a rag and is not happy. His son, Ash (v. Jason Schwartzman) is “different.” Mr. Fox feels poor living underground, so he buys a house in a tree that happens to be located in a bad neighborhood for foxes, according to his financial advisor, Badger (v. Bill Murray). Like a hirsute Danny Ocean, Mr. Fox schemes one grand, final heist, and soon his overzealous plotting has uprooted the entire adjacent animal kingdom. Anderson has crafted—quite literally as the animation is primarily accomplished via stop

motion—a glorious storybook world. Most of his previous films have all given off a sort of adult fairy-tale vibe, as if his stories all originated in some giant book of Fables for Ironic, Quirky Grown-Ups. In style, tone, music, voice and verbiage, Fantastic Mr. Fox broadcasts on the same frequency as Rushmore and The Royal Tenenbaums. If one did not like Anderson’s other quirky films, one has just cause to dislike his animated one. However, Fox’s world is much more modly fun than the sad real one inhabited by the Tenenbaums or Max Fischer. A lot of commotion will be made over hipster directors like Anderson and Spike Jonze making family films. I adored both attempts to provide a family-film product that lacked the homogeneity of Disneyfication. Both films retain the eccentricities of their creators, literary and cinematic. Personally, I would love to see more filmmakers tackle their favorite children’s books. Idiosyncratic parents need something to take their children to besides Ice Age X: Kill the Cavemen! Drew Wheeler

movie pick A Championship Sheen

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FLAGPOLE.COM ∙ DECEMBER 2, 2009

THE DAMNED UNITED (R) The Damned United: the outside of the clubhouse looking in at 1; Clichéd Sports Movies: 0. Emmy-winning his new team. The new coach is also missing director Tom Hooper (HBO’s “John Adams”) his right-hand man, Assistant Manager Peter and Oscar-nominated screenwriter Peter Taylor (Tim Spall). Without Taylor, Clough has Morgan (The Queen) tackle the fascinating, no one to temper his arrogant, mouthy flash. Shakespearean tale of football manager Brian Director Hooper conjures up a charming Clough (Michael Sheen), who spent 44 days in replica of English football mania circa the late 1974 as the leader of the English first division ‘60s/early ‘70s. The filmmaker knows footie giant, Leeds United. is life, but he keeps The Damned United, the life-or-death probased on the book by ceedings silly enough. David Peace, posits that Morgan proves yet again Clough’s ambition to that he is among the be the best manager top five scripters workin English soccer is fed ing today and perhaps by his intense hatred the best when it comes of Don Revie (Colm to fictionally recreating Meaney), the ultra-suchistorical events. cessful leader of Leeds The casting is also United. Clough believes picture perfect, as the he was snubbed by footage of the real Revie while the former Clough and Revie that was a nobody coaching precedes the end credits Timothy Spall and Michael Sheen Derby County, languishproves. The always tering at the bottom of the rific Meaney especially second division. Powered by angry jealousy, resembles his real-life counterpart, and it is Clough tears through the teams above Derby, only a matter of time before the Academy receventually coaching them into the first diviognizes Sheen for the stellar work he does. sion, where he wrests the championship troQuirky sports movies are always a welcome phy from his bitter rival. respite from the changeless stream of inspiraAfter a stunning turn of events, Clough tional sports movies. The underdog does not is fired and hired to replace Revie, who has always need to win the big game; sometimes, taken on the task of rebuilding England’s the underdog does not deserve it. The Damned national team. A staunch critic of the aggresUnited is a champion whether or not its selfsive, dirty style of Revie and his Leeds playdestructive, hubristic protagonist is. ers, particularly team captain Billy Bremner (Stephen Graham), Clough finds himself on Drew Wheeler

film notebook News of Athens’ Cinema Scene Man Refuses Food: Don’t mistake this for an and the EcoFocus and Wendekino film festiappreciative nod to Charter Communications, vals. The end of the year can be a dangerous but I have to say I was excited when my On time for devoted Ciné customers, when eagerly Demand service abruptly started to work awaited films can come and go (or seem to) after—literally—years of pestering the folks in quick succession due to our erratic filmgoat the local cable-monopolizing behemoth ing habits over the hectic holiday season, so on the phone, and at least two highly inconit behooves us to pay close attention to the venient but fruitless service calls. In the schedule. There’s some really good stuff on weeks since that happened, I’ve yet to take the way. advantage of the tantalizing IFC pay-per-view Cédric Klapisch’s Paris, which was panned options—those floodgates will have to remain in Film Comment, lightly praised in The New closed until after the holiday cash crush—but York Times, and glowingly adored by Roger I have availed myself of a few of Sundance Ebert, opens Dec. 4. That seems like a much Channel’s free HD offerings. I ruined a recent better risk than almost anything at the mulMonday by opting into a Sunday night viewtiplex (OK, I’m overly optimistic about Wes ing of Whit Stillman’s still-obnoxious but Anderson’s Fantastic Mr. Fox, which hasn’t yet oddly compelling Metropolitan… at 1:45 in opened at press time). On a far less fanciful the morning. And last night I finally deemed note, Lars von Trier’s sensational, Cannesmyself ready to watch Hunger, the harrowing, shredding Antichrist is expected to arrive much-praised 2008 feature film debut by British visual artist/experimental filmmaker Steve McQueen. The film stars Michael Fassbender as the Irish Republican Bobby Sands, before and during his famous and fatal 1981 prison hunger strike. Fassbender’s performance is taut, physical and mesmerizing, as is the film, which insistently focuses on the interior boundaries of Her Cédric Klapisch’s Paris opens Friday, Dec. 4 at Ciné. Majesty’s Prison Maze and, even more, the ravaged bodies of the men within soon, perhaps by Dec. 11. It won’t be pretty, it, including the guards’—not to mention the but it seems as mandatory as anything von various fluids that are constantly, painfully Trier has done since his 1996 Breaking the forced from those bodies. McQueen tells this Waves (though I confess I’m far more a fan of his 2006 “comedy” The Boss of it All). Von awful story with often ethereal yet very precise images, and very little talking—except for Trier’s fellow Dane Lone Scherfig’s very promising An Education, Joel and Ethan Coen’s A the film’s centerpiece: an appropriately gruelSerious Man and erstwhile Hong Kong action ing, single-take, nearly 20-minute dialogue auteur John Woo’s massive new period epic (!) between Sands and a tough Republican priest, Red Cliff are all supposed to be in the offing, marvelously played by Liam Cunningham, as well. Don’t lose track of time. during which Sands confesses and defends his suicidal plan. The scene is capped with And on a Not at All Fanciful Note: At 7:30 a contiguous, five-minute monologue by p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 8, Ciné will host a free Fassbender that is also filmed in a single, screening of At the End of Slavery, a much closer shot; the sequence, as a whole, 30-minute documentary produced by the divides the film almost perfectly in two. The International Justice Mission, whose UGA formal rigor of that construction is in weird, chapter co-hosts the screening with One Hope poignant harmony with Sands’ morally intracAthens. The film, narrated by Danny Glover, table dedication to his cause, which says a lot exposes the brutality of modern slavery with about McQueen’s intuition as a filmmaker. In shocking interviews and undercover footage. that (and that only), Hunger reminds me of nothing so much as another recent “biographi- The screening will be followed by a webcast featuring IJM personnel, as well as food and cal” film by an acclaimed, untamed art world musical entertainment. For more information, figure—Julian Schnabel’s 2007 The Diving Bell visit www.attheEndofSlavery.com and www. and the Butterfly—and I mean that in a very athenscine.com. good way. But Movies Are Still Better in Nice, Big Theaters: Now that I’ve spent half of this column fixating on a film that you can only see on cable television (the Criterion DVD won’t even come out until February), let me remind you that we have a very good art house in this town called Ciné. This is the place that’s recently brought us Bright Star, Lorna’s Silence, Sin Nombre (but only for one night!),

Quickly: The ACC Library iFilms series will feature Young@Heart Dec. 3 and Taxi to the Dark Side Dec. 10. Great stuff—go to www. clarke.public.lib.ga.us to learn more… The only remaining ICE-vision screening before the new year is Robinson Crusoe on Mars Dec. 3. Check www.ice.uga.edu for details. Dave Marr film@flagpole.com

DECEMBER 2, 2009 · FLAGPOLE.COM

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threats & promises Music News And Gossip Well, now we’re into the last month of the year. People always think Athens comes to a grinding halt this time of year, but it’s just not true. To wit, dig all the stuff below. No, seriously, dig it… Three Nights Only: Drive-By Truckers are undertaking their annual “Three-Night Stand” at the 40 Watt Jan. 14–16, 2010. The first night is a benefit for Nuçi’s Space, and opening acts are Bloodkin and the Camp Amped All-Stars. The next two nights will feature David Hood (Patterson Hood’s dad) and his band The Decoys as the opening act. Tickets to each show are $22.50 in advance or $25 at the door. HA! There won’t be any at the door. These shows will sell out faster than it took Ice Cube to go from gangsta to that cute, chubby guy in the movies. OK, that took a few years, but my point is still valid! To make it easier, a three-day pass is $60 at www.40watt. com plus a $7 surcharge. (Individual tickets for each night are assessed a $4 surcharge). For those traveling, the Truckers and the Watt have secured special rates at Hotel Indigo and the Marriott Courtyard, but you have to book by Dec. 23 and mention DBT when reserving your room. All additional information is available at www.40watt.com. Steve Jobs Gotta Get Paid, You Know: Happy Happy Birthday to Me Records and local band Tunabunny really wanted to make the track “Outer Space Is the Center of the Julian Koster Earth” available on iTunes for $.99. iTunes had other ideas. I’m pretty sure the digital retailer’s insistence on charging a minimum of $3.99 is due to the fact that the track is 19 minutes long. By way of comparison, R.E.M.’s five-song debut Chronic Town was 20 minutes long. So, yeah, I can see Apple pricing it like an EP. The enormo-track is full of sound effects, big beats and a whole lotta vocals, and kinda goes on and on, and I had to listen to it twice before I could really piece it together as a coherent idea. Refreshingly ambitious without being ridiculously selfindulgent, I endorse this thing. You can hear it over at www.myspace.com/tunabunnybunny. Listen Quickly: Previously announced local online radio station Classic City Radio has pushed its launch date back from January 2010 to summer 2010. However, Dec. 7–11 the station will do a series of broadcasts to benefit charities in Athens, including the Athens Banner-Herald’s Empty Stocking Fund. Handling the details is director of operations Brian Smith, and you can tune in at www.classiccityradio.webs.com. Dem Demos: Reformed Athens band The Agenda! has posted five new demo tracks over at www.myspace.com/theagendanorthamerica. Although the band has no current dates scheduled for Athens, you can catch two of the

FLAGPOLE.COM ∙ DECEMBER 2, 2009

bandmembers, Ryan and Mat Lewis, with their totally-sounds-nothing-like-The-Agenda! band Grape Soda when the keyboard and drums duo opens for Allison Weiss on Wednesday, Dec. 2 at Caledonia Lounge. Sample their wares at www.myspace.com/grapesodaforlife. You Be Me for a While; I’ll Be You: The fourth Annual “Underneath the Covers” benefit for AIDS Athens and the Mac AIDS Fund is happening Saturday, Dec. 5 at the 40 Watt. All the featured acts will play as tributes to some greats. Specifically, Don Chamber + GOAT will be The Pogues, Memory Gospel Dancers will be Devo, Mark Wenthe & the Cleaners will be The Kinks, Five Eight will be Television and, heroically, The Matt Kurz One will be The Who! This should be killer and completely so. Tickets are a mere $6 in advance and $8 at the door for the 21+ set and $10 for those aged 18+. A limited number of advance tickets are available now at the MAC Cosmetics counter inside Belk at Georgia Square Mall and at Schoolkids Records downtown. You Could Try at Least: Julian Koster (Music Tapes) is undertaking his Second Annual Christmas Caroling Tour, and he’ll be coming through Georgia this week. If you’d like your house to be included on the tour, please drop an email to musictapescaroling@gmail.com. This is really short notice, to be sure; so don’t get your hopes too high up there. But it’s totally worth a shot. It’s also worth dropping a line to the email above to make sure you’re notified once the shows are confirmed—of course, only the addresses of homes welcoming guests will be publicized (via email only, private addresses will not be posted online). For all those in Internetland, here’s the general tour itinerary: Dec. 7–9 he’ll visit Georgia, Tennessee, Indiana and the lower part of Illinois; Dec. 10–12 will be Chicago and Michigan; Dec. 13–15 is Ohio, Pittsburgh and Western NY; Dec. 16–18 is Upstate New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Vermont; and Dec. 19–21 will be Philadelphia, New York City, Baltimore, Washington, D.C. and Chapel Hill, NC. Like everything else he does, this is an ambitious and grand plan. I’m also confident he’ll make it intimate and special just like everything else, too. l

End of an Era: The aughts are coming to a close at the end of this month, and you know what that means: time to make your best-of lists and check ‘em twice. Flagpole wants to hear from you. What bands, albums and concerts defined this decade in Athens music for you? Submit your two cents at www.flagpole. com. The results will be published in our double issue at the end of the year. [Michelle Gilzenrat] Gordon Lamb threatsandpromises@flagpole.com

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isten: No one likes to be talked down to. And on top of that, the ageism that is endemic to the way the Athens music scene is structured, for better or for worse, makes it hard to be a young band. So, with a minimal amount of gimmicky lead-in, let’s get this out of the way: the band known as Athens is made up of some young dudes. The group— vocalist/guitarist Chase Brown (age 14), lead guitarist Beau Anderson (age 11), bassist Walt Sorrow (age 14), and drummer Zak Smith (age 15)—formed in October 2008. Since then, they’ve put in a staggering number of hours laying the groundwork for their future as a band. They’ve recorded their first CD. They’ve played AthFest and the Human Rights Festival. And hey, check it out: they can actually play their instruments. It’s all pretty impressive when you also consider the fact that none of the members are old enough to be eligible for a driver’s license. A few of them are still a few years off from the learner’s permit. Flagpole recently had a chance to sit down with Athens for an interview. In a time in a kid’s life when each year is a giant step in a new direction, the quartet were affably goofy among one other, showing no signs of ranking between each other due to age differences. One would not be surprised to learn that two of the guys, Beau and Walt, are cousins. All four seem completely comfortable and confident, and genuinely have a blast just hanging out and talking. Prior to starting the group, Chase found inspiration in an unlikely place: Disney World. “I had a guitar for a while before I started playing, but it was just sitting it my room gathering dust. And I was actually in Disney World riding the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, starring Aerosmith. Hearing Joe Perry play made me want to go home and actually put some effort into playing the guitar,” he says. After lessons with local legend Mike Guthrie, Chase set out to get his garage band going. Longtime friend Beau was enlisted on bass

but soon moved to guitar, and Zak was discovered at a Guitar Center in Duluth. “We were up in the guitar area and we heard somebody playin’ the drums, and I thought, ‘Probably some older guy,’” recalls Beau. “Chase was like, ‘Dude, you’ve gotta see who’s playing!’” Walt was the final piece of the puzzle. Named in tribute to one of their favorite acts, Boston (seriously!), Athens astutely sidesteps the emo-centric trends of its generation and is refreshingly highlights-and-eyelinerfree. The band is actually informed entirely by acts quadruple their age: when I quiz them on how they would curate a hypothetical dream festival, they rattled off the classics. “Ted Nugent!” suggests Walt, prompting a round of fist-bumps. Chase continues: “AC/ DC, Aerosmith, Poison, Van Halen…” David Lee Roth or Sammy Hagar era? “Lee Roth, of course,” is the resounding response. “Even though he’s a legend in his own mind,” adds Beau. Looking towards a future of figuring out their way into the local club scene, including upcoming shows at the Melting Point and the 40 Watt, we left Athens with one final question: What’s the hardest thing about being in a band? The answers are as true for them as they might be for a musician of any age. Walt: Getting people to believe that we could play at this age as good as we do. Zak: Getting the timing right. Chase: Not having my own car. Beau: Making your dreams come true. Jeff Tobias

WHO: Athens WHERE: Melting Point (all ages welcome!) WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 6, 7 p.m. HOW MUCH: $5 (adv.), $7 (door)

Shervin Lainez

FLAGPOLE .COM

Allison Weiss

…Was Right All Along

lthough she’s titled her newest album Was Right All Along, and she is known at least as much for her online ubiquity as she is for her music, Allison Weiss isn’t always so self-assured. Lyrically straightforward and autobiographical, her singing and songwriting weave tales of uncertainty and broken hearts. It’s a form she’s practiced through multiple tours and short over-theroad jaunts, two proper albums, a live EP and two CDRs. If she hasn’t perfected it on Was Right All Along, she’s come damn close. Recording in an apartment in downtown Athens this year, Weiss assembled the album with engineer Nate Nelson. A couple of items were tracked at Chase Park Transduction, but the majority were done in one room above Doc Chey’s restaurant. “We had to wait until 6 p.m. to start recording every day, so that we wouldn’t disturb people working and vice versa,” says Weiss. “Everything was tracked separately, starting with drums and building off of that. All the guitars and vocals were done in the hallways. The best part of this whole situation was the fact that it felt so relaxed and intimate.” The most immediate difference between the new album and her other releases is the comfort with which Weiss leads her band. The band seems to care about the songs in the same way she does. That is, when she presents her writing to guitarist A.J. Weiss, drummer Donovan Babb and bassist Alec Wooden, the result is not simply a fleshed-out version of an acoustic ditty, but a full-fledged realization of her intention. “Ultimately,” says Weiss, “I have the final say ‘cause I’m pretty set on the feelings I want the songs to convey and usually have a clear idea of what I want the parts to sound like.” “That said, Donovan and Alec are incredible musicians, and a lot of their ideas really take the songs to the next level. I love them ‘cause they don’t ever just take the easy route, and they both have a really solid sense of what’s best for the song. As far as lead guitar goes, I write a lot of that, but so does A.J. It’s definitely collaborative.” The track “Fingers Crossed” exemplifies these tactics. It’s not immediately recognizable as a Weiss tune until the chorus, which is eminently memorable and tuneful. The secondbest track on the record, “Try to Understand,” is nearly perfect. On both tracks, and much of

the rest of the record, Weiss sounds more confident than before. Her voice is firm and even accusatory, whereas it used to be pleading. “My songs are all written from personal experience. I basically write songs to try and say things that I am otherwise too nervous or cowardly to address in person,” Weiss explains. “I don’t write a lot of metaphorical stuff, mostly because I have a tendency to stick to what comes most naturally, which are songs about myself and all of my emotions. Ha! My favorite kind of music is full of hooks and melodies and makes you feel good. So, a lot of my songs end up sounding really happy and are actually kind of sad. I mean that in the least emo way possible!” Not every song on the record is a winner. The opening track, “I Was an Island” is pretty unnecessary, and “July 25, 2007” doesn’t have the heft of the rest of the album and seems uncomfortably torn from a diary page—which, imaginably, may have been the point. Even so, Weiss has shown enough vulnerability in her previous work, and Was Right All Along is much better when she’s defensive and selfadvocating. Scribbled notes and an idea for a riff are the seeds for most of her compositions. “I recently found out I can record audio on my phone, so I’ve been doing a lot of that when I get an idea for a melody and can’t work on it right away,” says Weiss, who is also a senior at UGA. “Also, I really like sitting down at a computer with a microphone and working on songs while recording them. I don’t get a lot of time to do that right now but, hopefully, I will in the future.” Her full band will be present at her Athens release show and a copy of Was Right All Along is included in the price of admission. If they can knock it out live the way they’ve done on the record, you won’t see any attendees forgetting to take their copy home. Gordon Lamb

WHO: Allison Weiss, Grape Soda, Dylan Gilbert WHERE: Caledonia Lounge WHEN: Wednesday, Dec. 2 HOW MUCH: $5 (21+), $7 (18+)

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DECEMBER 2, 2009 · FLAGPOLE.COM

Jay Reatard

You Ain't Gonna Save Him J

ay Reatard curses a lot. More so, than, say, you would expect from someone you just met for the first time. And it’s usually of the nihilistic variety, too. Here’s what Reatard, né James Lindsey, had to say during a recent phone interview from his home in Memphis: “Fuck school. Fuck society. Fuck everything else.” This would be standard-issue trash talking from any street punk or wannabe gangbanger from the suburbs. But consider this: Reatard, at 29, has amassed more critical accolades than a good many veteran musicians. He has toured or will soon be touring alongside Beck, the Pixies and Spoon—A-list rock bands who can command high ticket prices and packed-out shows—and he recently finished recording a track for a tribute album to his musical hero, New Zealand punk guru Chris Knox. So, why all the negativity? Reatard clarifies: It’s not negativity, he says, but rather, just a bit of indifference to what everyone else thinks. A bit of background: Reatard’s musical career started at the ripe old age of 11, when he began teaching guitar to and producing records for Memphis metal group Evil Army. That band went on to bigger things, touring with the Melvins, while Reatard continued honing his own skills. By the time he was 15, Reatard had dropped out of school and began playing in a series of local groups that shared a penchant for an aggressive, DIY aesthetic. “When people started listening to my songs, I just kept doing it because I was getting more positive reinforcement from that than I was anything else,” he says. “It’s the only thing anyone’s ever told me I’m doing good and that I should keep on doing.” It’s ironic that while so many groups toil in obscurity waiting for some big chance, Reatard’s popularity increases with his own avoidance of the mechanisms of fame. It’s reflected in his music. “It Ain’t Gonna Save Me,” the leadoff track on his critically praised 2009 release Watch Me Fall, is a bratty, thrusting, garage-punk anthem about the uselessness of trying to change for others’ benefits. The hallmarks of Reatard-ism abound in this song—sloppy, skronky guitars, relentless drums and a sense of lyricism that is as melodic as anything Nirvana

ever did, while also playing to the strengths of Reatard’s highrange, throaty vocals. “That song is about cultural vampires,” he explains, referring to “It Ain’t Gonna Save Me” (though he may as well be

referring to his attitude towards stardom). “What I’m telling people is, you can participate as much as you like—come to the concert—but if you think my lifestyle or psyche is gonna be affected by that, then you can go the fuck home.” Sounds like Reatard would be just as happy if he’s not playing to massive audiences (which he is), and that there is no difference whether anyone’s listening to anything he does. He won’t go that far, though. He has to put food on the proverbial table somehow, he says, and he’s not completely immune to capitalism.

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“I play music because I’m saving myself,” he says. “I’m just scared. That’s essentially the fuel for all good art: fear. The fear of not having the opportunity to have the opportunity. I know that sounds cheesy.” Asked if he ever thinks about doing something other than playing rock music, Reatard gives a typically inappropriate answer (apologies to those of you readers with mental disabilities): “Well, you know that Jamie Foxx movie The Soloist, where Foxx plays a retarded schizophrenic black guy who lives on the streets of L.A. and went to Juilliard school of classical music? I’m essentially that guy. I could be that guy, I mean.” Reatard is disarmingly frank, explaining that without music, he would not be anything. He has no other marketable skills, he says, and that’s why he works so hard to keep opportunities coming. There are no fallback options, he says. “Fuck,” Reatard says, “if I had that all planned out, that’d sound pretty fucking pretentious, wouldn’t it?” Which brings us back to the whole cursing thing. Along with the recklessness and sincerity in Reatard’s music comes a grocery cart-load of adolescent humor. In the background of our phone conversation, Reatard is listening to a punk band whose lyrics, he says, “goes something like, ‘I got tastebuds on my nut so I can taste the side of your butt’… it’s completely gross, hilarious, putrid, offensive and danceable.” “It’s great,” he concludes. The same could be said for Reatard’s own music and attitude. So, consider yourselves warned, folks. Take it from a man whose own stage name makes fun of those with disabilities, and who drops the “F” bomb in nearly every sentence he utters.

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record reviews EFREN Thunder and Moan Independent Release Ten songs shouldn’t be too much to absorb. But in the case of Efren and his achingly heavy album Thunder and Moan, I can’t listen for more than 10 minutes at a time. The record holds a mirror to the worst and best of life and concentrates on the details. Efren’s acoustic guitar and occasionally despairingly dark lyricism deliver the opposite of so much tacky “Americana” and “New Roots” music. Rather than reinforce a feeling of place and pointof-view, they amplify the supreme disconnectedness that overwhelms everyone intermittently and a few of us permanently. In it, even things held in hand seem just out of reach. Efren makes good use of the empty space in his arrangements. Outside of sparse percussion, the only instrumentation really noticeable is a guitar that sounds occasionally multi-tracked, but I can’t really be sure. The first track, “Father’s Proof” waltzes though lyrical phrases like “little pills of peace” and “don’t hold me too close to leave” as if they weren’t pregnant with pain but, rather, just the way things are. “Montana Scare” declares “…never been rich much in my life, and it hasn’t really been a sacrifice.” Efren inverts the American Dream not by back-turning, but through puzzled indifference. In existential terms, Efren displays sadness-in-beauty/beauty-in-sadness not as brief flashes of melancholy or rapture, but as man’s permanent condition. The sole, tenuous hold on the world displayed on Thunder and Moan is Efren’s knowing that the situations we’re delivered into deserve as much consideration as those from which we try to escape. Gordon Lamb Efren is playing its CD release show on Friday, Dec. 4 at Flicker Theatre & Bar.

THE HUSHPUPPIES BAND Sweet Magnolia Independent Release You wouldn’t think that an indierock haven like Athens would be capable of producing a decent pop country band, but somehow The Hushpuppies Band exists. The group is not too far from what you would hear

on mainstream country stations today. Each member even has a nickname like “Stubby” or “Tex.” You know right away what you’re in for when you pick up the record. The album kicks off with the by-the-numbers title track “Sweet Magnolia.” The song mentions Birmingham, “Sweet Home Alabama,” and “Georgia on My Mind,” all in the first line. It’s even got the slick production, half-drawled half-sung vocals and the countrified electric guitar. “Train Song” is the lover’s lament ballad. The steel guitar is used sparingly to bring out the gospel feel of the track. Singer Todd Cowart’s voice keeps soft as a backing choir adds atmosphere to the song. “I pack up all my memories and put ‘em on the train,” he wails. The highlight of Sweet Magnolia is a little song called “Athens.” The Hushpuppies pay tribute to the town by name checking almost every recognizable band, location and action. They’re “jamming on College Avenue,” listening to DBT and Widespread, and so on. It’s a straightforward and simple song about Athens and well worth a listen. If you love country music and everything it is right now, you’ll love The Hushpuppies Band. There’s nothing here that you haven’t heard in some form before. But the record is an easy listen, nothing is jarringly out of place, but there’s nothing that stands out either. It’s a great record to drive out to the middle of nowhere to. Jordan Stepp

SON 1 Swaggeriffic (The Mixtape) Independent Release Either I’m out of practice when it comes to listening to mixtapes or my standards have gotten higher of late. Son 1, one of the more talented rappers in Athens, as he proved to me a couple of years ago with a hilarious dis track aimed at JDown Valmont (I disagreed with the opinions expressed but couldn’t help but admire the craft and the intelligent putdowns), is back with a new one, and, you know what? He can do better. Swaggeriffic is at least brief (14 tracks, 45 minutes), and it doesn’t commit the sin of taking itself too seriously, as is evident from the cover image. Its backing tracks are relatively well-chosen, if not exactly curated from a collection of oddities, and while the three and a half skits/ ads for the next real record are draggy and full of funny voices, at least they average out at less than a minute each. Some of what I’m not a fan of is merely the current trend in hip-hop, i.e., an over-reliance on irritatingly messy rock riffs, but some of it is a failure to aim high enough. This is not to say that the rapper should be addressing something like the health care debate in his songs—Son 1’s generally avoided both the navel gazing of consciousness rap and the extreme posturing of the other end of things, which is exactly the right ground to cover—but he’s got more

creativity than is on display here. You can make dick jokes, but can you make better ones? Here’s hoping this really is more of an ad for an upcoming, more effortful release than a harbinger of things to come. Hillary Brown

THE MOUNTAIN GOATS The Life of the World to Come 4AD Every song on The Mountain Goats’ The Life of the World to Come takes its title from a bible verse. However, this isn’t music for Sunday school or lame proselytizing like the verses Tim Tebow advertises under his eyes on game day. This is an uncertain and vulnerable album that uses these passages to contextualize an overwhelming melancholy. The Mountain Goats play nofrills folk music with the prevailing sound of John Darneille’s uninhibited nasal singing. On The Life…, serious themes of mourning lead to an emphasis on understatement rather than emotional outbursts. On most songs the mood becomes so quiet the music all but disappears. The highlight of this somber exercise is the exception, “Psalms 40:2,” when vulnerability becomes desperate urgency. Darneille, singing through gritted teeth, sounds maniacal, which is more entertaining than the poetic numbness featured on most tracks. Separating this album from previous Goats efforts, along with more piano, is a sprinkling of Christian poprock sensibility. Darneille wrote this album during two years surrounded by death, finding comfort in an Amy Grant box set. This surprising ingredient makes The Life…’s sadness easier to digest. Michael Gerber

THE DEACON BRANDON REEVES Emilia Independent Release Far too often it seems that the heyday of blues in the early-20th century and its big revival in the ‘60s and ‘70s is long gone, and all that remains are a few living relics like B.B. King. A few crusaders are still fighting for it, though, and The Deacon Brandon Reeves numbers among their ranks.

Reeves, a 28-year-old Gainesville native, knows his way around the blues. Songs like “Workin’ for Blues” and “The Snowman” are virtuosic explorations of that classic sound that has fallen by the wayside. Twangy guitar, 12-bar structure and lots of bent notes: it’s all here in spades. However, it’s the less overtly bluesy songs on the album that end up being the most pleasing. Just like Jimmy Page and Eric Clapton once did, Reeves takes elements of the genre and builds songs around them—although to a much different effect than those two. The end result is undeniably more exciting than hearing a Robert Johnson tune rehashed by a modern blues musician for the hundredth time. Instead, Reeves arrives at a fusion of country, Western and alt-rock with the underlying blues influence perforating every note. Lyrically, Emilia offers a gratifying return to blues basics. Songs about love and loss, God and whiskey… subjects any self-respecting bluesman is well versed in. Emilia shows that the blues can still be the blues while evolving, and that it’s hopefully not as endangered an art form as I thought. Charlie Stafford

JAMIE T Kings & Queens Astralwerks A wandering, can-kicking multiinstrumentalist has not sounded this expressive since Beck on Mellow Gold, and Kings & Queens is certainly more exuberant. The first four tracks warrant a purchase of the whole album, a notebook full of quotations and more attention stateside. This sophomore release begins with a kick drum and what sounds like a pipe beating on another pipe in “368,” in which the 23-year-old from Wimbledon, South London, shares that he is a lightweight when it comes to getting pissed. He sings and raps about getting by and getting the fuck out, and “runnin’ with believers” through the city after joining Jamie T drunk in the gutter is exhilarating. The rhythm section drops out at one point in “Hocus Pocus,” for example, and the alleyway disciple raps a “Subterranean Homesick Blues”-sprawl over chiming bells: “As I came to, I looked for you in the carpets, in the drawers, in the toilet queue/ I asked the medicine man if he had heard the news/ told me I’d thrown you out last June.” The triumphant chorus in “Sticks and Stones” puts Ted Leo to shame, and “The Man’s Machine” blends a subtle, heartbreaking mix of samples from songs by the Angelic Upstarts, Nine Below Zero, Trouble Funk (“Pump Me Up”) and more. Kings & Queens is top-heavy, but it is life-affirming stuff that will burrow into your brain, humble you for not having made it, and make you thankful that someone over four thousand miles away did. Alex Dimitropoulos

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DECEMBER 2, 2009 · FLAGPOLE.COM

the calendar! WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEK

Deadline for getting listed in the calendar is every FRIDAY at 5 p.m. for the issue that comes out the following Wednesday. Email calendar@flagpole.com.

Tuesday 1 EVENTS: Holiday Market (Lyndon House Arts Center) Peruse fine arts and crafts from more than 80 artists! Choose unique gifts from the selection of cards, folk art, jewelry, pottery, knitted wear and more. Nov. 27–Jan. 2, Tuesday–Saturday, noon–5 p.m. 706-613-3623 EVENTS: Holiday Pottery Sale (Lamar Dodd School of Art) This two-day sale, hosted by the Ceramic Student Organization, features small sculpture, flower pots, jewelry, housewares and more. 10 a.m to 6 p.m. Tsaupe@uga.edu EVENTS: Student Jewelry Sale (Various Locations) Sponsored by Phi Beata Heata, the UGA jewelry and metals student organization. In the first floor foyer of Lamar Dodd Dec. 1 and 2, 10 a.m–6 p.m. and on the second floor of the Student Learning Center Dec. 3. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. www.uga.edu/news EVENTS: Surrealist Costume Party (Ciné Barcafé) Café Apollinaire returns, transforming the Ciné Lab into early 20th-century Paris! Dress as your favorite surrealist artist for this night of film, art, poetry and so many moustaches. 7:30 p.m. FREE! www.georgiafinearts.org, www.athenscine.com EVENTS: World AIDS Day Dance Benefit (Seney-Stovall Chapel) Terpiscore & Studio Dance Academy hosts this benefit for AIDS Athens. Information about HIV/AIDS prevention and free condoms will be available. 7 p.m. $15 (adults), $10 (students). 706-542-2437, www. aidsathens.org KIDSTUFF: “Epossumondas Saves the Day” (ACC Library) Puppets delight in this engaging puppet show performance adapted from the 2006 book by Coleen Salley. Dec. 1–Dec. 3, 9:30 & 10:30 a.m., Dec. 4, 9:30 a.m. & 2:30 p.m. MEETINGS: French Group (1000faces Coffee, 585 Barber Street) All-level French conversation group. Informal, welcoming and très bon! Every Tuesday. 7–8:30 p.m. FREE! 706-534-8860, www.1000facescoffee.com GAMES: Locos Trivia (Locos Grill & Pub) All three Athens locations of Locos Grill and Pub (Westside, Eastside and Harris St.) feature trivia night every Tuesday. 8:30 p.m. FREE! www.locosgrill.com

Wednesday 2 EVENTS: Holiday Market (Lyndon House Arts Center) Peruse fine arts and crafts from more than 80 artists! Nov. 27–Jan. 2, Tuesday–Saturday, noon–5 p.m. 706-613-3623 EVENTS: Holiday Pottery Sale (Lamar Dodd School of Art) Hosted by the Ceramic Student

Organization. See Dec. 1 Art. 10 a.m to 6 p.m. Tsaupe@uga.edu EVENTS: Student Jewelry Sale (Various Locations) Sponsored by Phi Beata Heata, the jewelry and metals student organization at the Lamar Dodd School of Art. In the first floor foyer of Lamar Dodd Dec. 1 and 2, 10 a.m–6 p.m. and on the second floor of the SLC Dec. 3. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. www.uga.edu/news EVENTS: Yappy Hour (Jot ‘Em Down Country Store & BBQ) Bring your dogs out for happy hour! Drink specials for humans. 6:30–8:30, 706-549-2110 OUTDOORS: Full Moon Hike (Greenway) Experience nature in a different light. Call to register. 6:30–9 p.m. $2. 706-613-3631 KIDSTUFF: Eatin’ with the Critters (Sandy Creek Nature Center, ENSAT) Bring a sack lunch for an hour of learning about our world and the animals that inhabit it. For ages 3–5 with an adult. Call to register. 11 a.m.–noon, $0–$13 (scholarships available). 706-613-3615 KIDSTUFF: “Epossumondas Saves the Day” (ACC Library) Puppets! See Kidstuff Dec. 1. Dec. 1–Dec. 3, 9:30 & 10:30 a.m., Dec. 4, 9:30 a.m. & 2:30 p.m. KIDSTUFF: Teen Writers Club (Oconee County Library) Share your work, get ideas from other young writers and receive support in your writing endeavors. 6–7 p.m. FREE! 706-769-3950 KIDSTUFF: Wildcard Wednesday for Teens (ACC Library) Up next: Learn how to make polymer clay beads and string them into jewelry. For ages 11–18. 4:00 p.m. FREE! 706-613-3650 LECTURES & LIT.: Book Discussion (Oconee County Library) This month’s featured author is Linda Howard. 7 p.m. FREE! 706769-3950 LECTURES & LIT.: Word of Mouth (The Globe) Monthly open poetry readings begin! Every first Wednesday. 8 p.m. FREE! 706-3534721 MEETINGS: American Sign Language Study Group (Cups Coffee Café) All skill levels welcome. Come once or come weekly. 7–8 p.m. FREE! www.myspace.com/ aslstudygroup MEETINGS: Library Sewing Group (Madison County Library) Currently crocheting with double-ended crochet needles. Newcomers welcome. 1–3 p.m. FREE! 706-795-5597 MEETINGS: Sitting Meditation Group (Mind Body Institute) Silent meditation every Wednesday. Noon. FREE! 706-475-7329 GAMES: Dart League (Alibi) Every Wednesday! Bikers welcome. 8 p.m. FREE! 706-549-1010 GAMES: Darts (Broad Street Bar and Grill) Blind draw darts tournament. Every Wednesday. 7 p.m. 706-5485187

FLAGPOLE.COM ∙ DECEMBER 2, 2009

GAMES: Movie Trivia Night (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Where movie trivia meets performance art. Hosted by “It Boy” Jeff Tobias and sponsored by Vision Video. Prizes! Sign up at 8 p.m. Trivia starts at 8:30 p.m. FREE! www.myspace.com/flickerbar GAMES: Trivia (Willy’s Mexicana Grill) Every Wednesday. 8–10 p.m. FREE! 706-548-1920 GAMES: Trivia (Blind Pig Tavern) Think you know it all? 9:30 p.m. 706-548-3442 GAMES: Trivia Wars (283 Bar) Chris Creech hosts general knowledge trivia with different themes each week. Check the Facebook group “Trivia Wars!” for weekly updates and online question of the week. 8:30 p.m. (sign up) 9 p.m. (game starts). FREE! 706-208-1283

Thursday 3 EVENTS: Carols for Cucuyo (The Globe) Come out for a night of poetry and music from local artists and help raise money for Cucuyo, Athens’ bi-cultural teen arts program in the Dominican Republic. The featured poet tonight is William Walsh. 8 p.m. $3. 706-353-4721 EVENTS: Fire Engine Party (Little Kings) Beverly Babb hosts a goingaway party for her antique fire engine sculpture. 8 p.m. FREE! EVENTS: Downtown Parade of Lights (Downtown Athens) Parade begins on the corner of Dougherty and Pulaski streets, ending in front of City Hall for the tree-lighting ceremony, hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Over 60 entries compete for prizes. 7 p.m. FREE! 706-613-3589, www.accleisureservices.com EVENTS: Live After Five (Hotel Indigo, Phi Bar and Bistro) Get a headstart on your weekend with live music from jazz pianist Gwen Hughes and wine tastings. This week: South African Wines by United Wines. Thursdays, 6–8 p.m. $12 (wine tastings). 706-546-0430, www.athensdowntownhotel.com EVENTS: Soup and Salad Before the Symphony (Madison-Morgan Cultural Center) Warm up with some delicious soup and other goodies before attending the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Holiday Concert. 6–7:30 p.m. $25. 706-3424743, www.mmcc-arts.org EVENTS: Student Jewelry Sale (Various Locations) Sponsored by Phi Beata Heata, the jewelry and metals student organization at the Lamar Dodd School of Art. In the first floor foyer of Lamar Dodd Dec. 1 and 2, 10 a.m–6 p.m. and on the second floor of the SLC Dec. 3. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. www.uga.edu/news PERFORMANCE: UGA Symphony Orchestra (UGA Hodgson Hall) Featuring an inspired selection of holiday favorites! Dec. 3 and Dec. 4, 8 p.m. FREE! www.uga.edu/news

The Waverly Consort will perform “The Christmas Story” at the UGA Performing Arts Center on Sunday, Dec. 6. THEATRE: The Canterbury Tales (Clarke Central High School) The Clarke Central High School drama department presents Chaucer’s celebrated tales of the good, the bad and the ugly. Dec. 3–5, 7:30 p.m. $7 (adults), $5 (students). 706357-5200 KIDSTUFF: “Epossumondas Saves the Day” (ACC Library) Puppets! See Kidstuff Dec. 1. Dec. 1–Dec. 3, 9:30 & 10:30 a.m., Dec. 4, 9:30 a.m. & 2:30 p.m. KIDSTUFF: Merry Christmas Origami (Madison County Library) Use festive paper to make ornaments, boxes and more! For ages 9 and up. Dec. 3, Dec. 17, 6:30 p.m. FREE! 706-795-5597 MEETINGS: Oconee Rivers Audubon Society (Sandy Creek Nature Center, ENSAT) Charlie Muise, Georgia’s Important Bird Area Coordinator, speaks on “Bird Conservation and You.” Learn what you can do to protect your feathered friends from harm. 7 p.m. FREE! 706-613-9875

Friday 4 EVENTS: Bendzunas Open House (Bendzunas Studio and Gallery) Glass-blowing demonstrations and holiday open house. Dec. 4, 6–10 p.m. Dec 5 & 6, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. 706-783-5869, www.bendzunasglass.com. EVENTS: DeWitt Smith Pottery Sale (DeWitt Pottery Studio, Watkinsville) Sale includes functional stoneware and porcelain pottery.

Dec. 4–6, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. 706-7695361, www.dewittpottery.com EVENTS: FDSA Fall Fashion Show (UGA Tate Center, Grand Hall) The Fashion Design Student Association presents its new line of fall fashions. 8:30, $8 (door), $5 (adv.). fdsa. uga@gmail.com EVENTS: First Friday Celebration and Holiday Market (Chase Street Warehouses) Various shops and studios in the newly coined Railroad Arts District open their doors for a holiday market. Expect unique handmade works, live music, hot coffee and cider and a wealth of holiday cheer. Check out the surrounding hubbub as well as nearby businesses including 1000 Faces and Canopy join the festivities. 2–9 p.m. www.railroadartsdistrict. blogspot.com EVENTS: Floorspace Variety Night (Floorspace) An evening of live music, contemporary dance and poetry including performances by Maryn Mills and Volta Dance Theatre, Laura Glenn, Jennifer Morlock and the Aux Youth Performance Group. Don’t miss a live musical performance by Megan Baer and poetry by Jeff Fallis. 7:30 p.m. (donations welcome) www.floorspaceathens.com EVENTS: Holiday Tour of Homes for Seniors (Council on Aging) Senior adults are invited on a trip to tour six beautifully decorated antebellum homes and enjoy some holiday shopping in Madison, GA. 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. $27. 706-613-3580 EVENTS: Honeypot Overstock Tent Sale (Bee Natural, 160 Winston Drive) Oodles of all-natural

honeypot candles to choose from. Dec. 4, 4–7 p.m. Dec. 5, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. 706-354-0645, www.beenatural.com EVENTS: Marmalade Pottery Sale (Marmalade Pottery, 585 Barber Street) Work by Maria Dondero and Tiffany Whitfield at Athens’ newest pottery studio. Dec. 4, 5–9 p.m. Dec. 5, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. 706-248-6899 EVENTS: Trace Studio Holiday Show and Sale (Chase Street Warehouses, Railroad Arts District) Affordable, usable ceramic art by the Trace Studio Collective. Find work by Annette Gates, Lauren Gallaspy, Jorie Berman, Rob Jackson, Mark Jordan and Andy Nasisse. Dec. 4–6, 2–7 p.m. 706-549-6877 ART: Closing Reception (160 Tracy Street, Athica 4 Lease) For “Six Hundred Seventy-Three Thousand, Nine Hundred Twenty Minutes,” an exhibit featuring new work from UGA MFA sculpture candidates Doug Barton and Steven Abadie. 7–9 p.m. FREE! www.abadieart.com ART: Opening Reception (Flicker Theatre & Bar) For an exhibit featuring shadowbox photographic collages by Alexei Gural. 6:30 p.m. FREE! www.myspace.com/flickerbar ART: Opening Reception (Lamar Dodd School of Art) For “Exit Strategies,” an exhibit featuring the thesis work of BFA candidates in jewelry and metalworking, fabric design, ceramics, photography and sculpture. 7–9 p.m. FREE! www.art. uga.edu ART: Reception (White Tiger Gourmet Food & Chocolates) For an exhibit featuring paintings and

Saturday 5 EVENTS: The Christmas Spirits Holiday Tour (Various Locations) Rose of Athens Theatre presents live vignettes on this two-hour bus tour of four of Athens’ loveliest historic homes. Space is limited; call to reserve your spot. Dec. 5, 6 p.m. and 7 p.m., Dec. 6, 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. $25 (adults), $15 (kids 12 and under). 706-353-1820. EVENTS: Adoption Day (Pet Supplies Plus) Local animal rescue organizations bring their pups out for a chance at finding a forever home. Love connections made every Saturday! 11 a.m.–3 p.m. 706-3530650 EVENTS: Annual Christmas Tour of Homes (Monroe) Tour an eclectic mix of homes throughout Monroe. Proceeds benefit the Monroe Art Guild. 12–6 p.m. $10 (advance), $15 (day of). 770-2078937, www.monroeartguild.org* EVENTS: Athens Indie Craftstravaganzaa (Downtown Athens) Pledge to stay out of the malls this holiday season and support your local businesses and artists! Quirky, raw and innovative arts from local and regional artists and crafters. In the parking lot that adjoins Agora at the corner of Clayton and Pulaski streets. Dec. 5, 11 a.m.–7 p.m & Dec. 6, noon – 5 p.m. www.athensindiecraftstravaganzaa.com

EVENTS: Bendzunas Open House (Bendzunas Studio and Gallery) Glass-blowing demonstrations and holiday open house. Dec. 4, 6–10 p.m. Dec 5 & 6, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. 706-783-5869, www.bendzunasglass.com. EVENTS: Blue Bell Open House (Blue Bell Gallery) Holiday celebration featuring over 40 local artists’ work. Clay, glass, stone and steel from Tina McCullough, Barbara Bendzunas, Tammy Nance, Duane Paxson, Michael Shetterly, Beverly Babb and more. Dec. 5 & 6, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. FREE! 706-783-4665, www.bluebellgallery.net. EVENTS: December Open House Pottery Sale (1171 Freeman Creek Road, Farmington) Stoneware and porcelain pottery, dinnerware, kitchen and tableware, garden pots and handmade herbal bath products by local artists. Dec, 5 & 6, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. 706-769-8100, www.pickettpottery.com EVENTS: DeWitt Smith Pottery Sale (DeWitt Pottery Studio, Watkinsville) Sale includes functional and decorative stoneware. Dec. 4–6, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. 706-769-5361, www.dewittpottery.com EVENTS: Holiday Artist Market (283 Bar) The bar hosts an assemblage of handmade works by local artists alongside your favorite holiday cocktails. Jewelry, paintings, ceramics, papercraft, wooden toys, ornaments and handmade bags for sale. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. 706-208-1283 EVENTS: Holiday Studio Sale (R. Wood Studio) Annual holiday sale featuring ceramic dinnerware and unique collectables. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. 706-613-8525, www.rwoodstudio. com EVENTS: Honeypot Overstock Tent Sale (Bee Natural) Oodles of all-natural honeypot candles to choose from. Dec. 4, 4–7 p.m. Dec. 5, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. 706-354-0645, www.beenatural.com EVENTS: Marmalade Pottery Sale (Marmalade Pottery, 585 Barber Street) Work by Maria Dondero and Tiffany Whitfield at Athens’ newest pottery studio. Dec. 4, 5–9 p.m. Dec. 5, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. 706-248-6899 EVENTS: OCAF 15th Annual Holiday Market (Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation) Featuring 70 of the region’s top artists. Market includes pottery, paintings, fiber art, stained and fused glass, jewelry, sculpture, photography, woodwork and more. Dec. 5–6, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $3 donation. www.ocaf.com EVENTS: Ohh, Boy! Grand Opening (Ohh, Boy!, 585 Barber Street) Come celebrate the opening of a new vintage boutique in the D.O.C. building with live performances by This Piano Plays Itself, Spring Tigers and Werewolves! 7–10 p.m. FREE! www.youngathenians.com EVENTS: Paws and Claus (Mary’s Feed, 4860 Atlanta Highway) Get your pet’s picture taken with Santa! Pictures printed while you wait. Hosted by Athens Canine Rescue. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. www.athenscaninerescue.com EVENTS: Pottery and Art Show and Sale (Farmington Pottery, 1790 Salem Road) Beautiful and unique work by potter Jeff Bishoff and various local artists. Dec. 5–6, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. FREE! EVENTS: Pottery Sale (Morgan Pottery, Danielsville) Salt-glazed and gas-fired pottery by David Morgan. Dec. 5, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Dec. 6, noon–5 p.m. 706-540-3295 EVENTS: Pottery Sale (Wolf Creek Pottery, Watkinsville) Featuring new work by Lynne Burke, Triny Cline, Isabell Daniel, Joe Singlewald, Juana Gnecco, Minsoo Yuh and

more! Dec. 5 & 6, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. 706-410-5200 EVENTS: Sleighbell 5K Run/Walk (Pittard Park, Winterville) Benefits the American Red Cross. Awards by Happy Valley Pottery. 8:30 a.m. Registration: 7:30 a.m. $20 ($15 no t-shirt option). 706-353-1645, www. sleighbell.org EVENTS: Snowsational Holiday Celebration (Native America Gallery) Tantalizing treats, Christmas caroling and door prizes! Register yourself or your loved ones for a chance to win a horse-drawn carriage ride through beautiful downtown Athens. Snowsational in spirit; snow not guaranteed. 706-543-8425 EVENTS: Toys for Tots Drive (Alibi) With live music from Kindred Bluez Spirit. Get your picture taken with Santa and make sure to bring toys to donate! 3:30–6 p.m. FREE! 706-549-1010 EVENTS: Trace Studio Holiday Show and Sale (Chase Street Warehouses) Work by the Trace Studio Collective. See Dec. 4 Art. Dec. 4–6, 2–7 p.m. 706-549-6877 EVENTS: Winterhawk Pottery (1101 Salem Road) Southeastern Native American art. Dec. 5–6, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. 706-310-1893, www. winterhawkpottery.com. EVENTS: Yoga Studio Grand Opening (Vastu School of Yoga, Railroad Art District) Free yoga classes throughout the day! Later, join Vastu’s instructors for a kirtan and vegetarian potluck. 10 a.m. (opening) 7 p.m. (potluck). 561723-6172, vastuyoga@hotmail.com ART: Reception (Blue Bell Gallery) For a collection of work in clay, glass, stone and steel by various local artists including Tina McCullough, Barbara Bendzunas, Tammy Nance, Duane Paxson, Michael Shetterly and Beverly Babb. 7 p.m. FREE! 706-783-4665, www. bluebellgallery.blogspot.com ART: Studio Open House (Flinn Family Pottery, 1276 Hull Road) Award-winning, original ceramics and folk art. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. FREE! 706-207-5923 PERFORMANCE: Classic City Christmas (Seney-Stovall Chapel) Classic City Arts Christmas concert. See Dec. 4 Performance. Dec. 4–5, 8 p.m. Dec. 6, 2 p.m. $6. 706-8501755, www.classiccityarts.com THEATRE: The Canterbury Tales (Clarke Central High School) A Clarke Central High School drama department production. See Theatre Dec. 3. Dec. 3–5, 7:30 p.m. $7 (adults), $5 (students). 706-3575200 THEATRE: The Mousetrap (Athens Community Theatre) A Town and Gown production. See Dec. 4 Theatre. Dec. 4–5 & Dec. 10–12, 8 p.m. Dec. 6 & Dec. 13, 2 p.m. $12–$15. 706-208-8696, www. townandgownplayers.org KIDSTUFF: If You Give a Kid a Cookie Holiday Program (Oconee County Library) Listen to holiday stories, help decorate the library’s tree and decorate and eat cookies! 11 a.m. FREE! 706-7693950 KIDSTUFF: Christmas Bird Count for Kids (Sandy Creek Nature Center) Junior birders are invited to the Winter Avian Home Tour! Bring your binoculars and field guides and search for the birds that choose to winter at the Sandy Creek Nature Center. For ages 7–16. Call to register! 9 a.m. $6. 706-613-3615, www. accleisureservices.com KIDSTUFF: Family Day: Natural Ornaments (State Botanical Garden of Georgia) Make your own holiday ornaments from objects found in nature and lend your voice to caroling with the Meridian Women’s Choir!

10 a.m.–noon, FREE! www.uga.edu/ botgarden KIDSTUFF: Geocaching Adventures (Call for location) Learn the basics of geocaching and use your skills to find a hidden cache. Under 16 accompanied by an adult. Space is limited; call to register. 1–3 p.m. $2, 706-613-3615 LECTURES & LIT.: We Don’t Wear Pajamas at My House! (Borders Books & Music) Local educators Cindy Boerma and Deena Eberhardt share the wisdom of four-year-olds in their new book, a compilation of innocent, honest and insightful quotes by junior social critics. 3 p.m. FREE! 706-583-8647 MEETINGS: Athens Area Democrats Breakfast (Trumps on Milledge) The featured speakers are state representatives Keith Heard and Doug McKillip. Reservations must be made by Nov. 30. A few extra chairs will be available for those who would like to hear the program but do not have breakfast reservations. 9 a.m. $12. 706-543-1480, 706247-3558*

Sunday 6 EVENTS: The Christmas Spirits Holiday Tour (Various Locations) A Rose of Athens Theatre presentation. See Dec. 5 Events. Dec. 5, 6 p.m. and 7 p.m., Dec. 6, 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. $25 (adults), $15 (kids 12 and under). 706-353-1820. EVENTS: Athens Indie Craftstravaganzaa (Downtown Athens) Quirky, raw and innovative arts from local and regional artists and crafters. See Dec. 5 Events. Dec. 5, 11 a.m.–7 p.m & Dec. 6, noon – 5 p.m. www.athensindiecraftstravaganzaa.com EVENTS: Aveda Holiday Open House (Emporium) Snag some skincare, hair and makeup tips to look your best this season. Noon–3 p.m. FREE! 706-546-7598 EVENTS: Bendzunas Open House (Bendzunas Studio and Gallery) Glass-blowing demonstrations and holiday open house. Dec. 4, 6–10 p.m. Dec 5 & 6, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. 706-783-5869, www.bendzunasglass.com. EVENTS: Blue Bell Open House (Blue Bell Gallery) Blue Bell Gallery’s holiday celebration continues. See Dec. 5 Art. Dec. 5 & 6, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. FREE! 706-783-4665, www. bluebellgallery.net. EVENTS: Buena Vista Neighborhood Porch Tour (Various Locations) Take a selfguided tour of historic homes in the Buena Vista section of Boulevard and enjoy live music and food from local restaurants! Call to save your spot. 2–5 p.m. $15, $10 (adv). 706206-3055, kbergman@mindspring. com EVENTS: December Open House Pottery Sale (1171 Freeman Creek Road, Farmington) Stoneware and porcelain pottery and more. See Dec. 5 Arts. Dec, 5 & 6, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. 706-769-8100, www.pickettpottery. com EVENTS: DeWitt Smith Pottery Sale (DeWitt Pottery Studio, Watkinsville) Sale includes functional and decorative stoneware. Dec. 4–6, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. 706-769-5361, www.dewittpottery.com EVENTS: Holiday Benevolence Market (First Christian Church) Local ensembles perform holiday music while you search for the perfect gift. Noon–3 p.m. 706-5491915, www.fccathens.org EVENTS: OCAF 15th Annual Holiday Market (Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation) Featuring 70 of k continued on p. 27

Convenient Westside Location on Hawthorne

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sculpture by local artist and art educator Leonard Piha. 6 p.m. FREE! 706-353-6847 PERFORMANCE: Classic City Christmas (Seney-Stovall Chapel) Classic City Arts’ debut Christmas concert features a seven-member cast performing holiday favorites for all ages. Dec. 4–5, 8 p.m. Dec. 6, 2 p.m. $6. 706-850-1755, www.classiccityarts.com PERFORMANCE: UGA Symphony Orchestra (UGA Hodgson Hall) Featuring an inspired selection of holiday favorites! Dec. 3 and Dec. 4, 8 p.m. FREE! www.uga.edu/news THEATRE: The Canterbury Tales (Clarke Central High School) A Clarke Central High School drama department production. See Theatre Dec. 3. Dec. 3–5, 7:30 p.m. $7 (adults), $5 (students). 706-3575200 THEATRE: The Mousetrap (Athens Community Theatre) Get snowed in with a group of travelers and try to figure out who among you is the killer! Shane Clayton directs this Agatha Christie classic presented by the Town and Gown Theatre. Dec. 4–5 & Dec. 10–12, 8 p.m. Dec. 6 & Dec. 13, 2 p.m. $12–$15. 706-208-8696, www.townandgownplayers.org KIDSTUFF: “Epossumondas Saves the Day” (ACC Library) Puppets! See Kidstuff Dec. 1. Dec. 1–Dec. 3, 9:30 & 10:30 a.m., Dec. 4, 9:30 a.m. & 2:30 p.m. KIDSTUFF: “Epossumondas Saves the Day” (ACC Library) Puppets! See Kidstuff Dec. 1. Dec. 1–Dec. 3, 9:30 & 10:30 a.m., Dec. 4, 9:30 a.m. & 2:30 p.m. KIDSTUFF: Preschool & Toddler Storytime (Madison County Library) This month’s themes are the letter C, author and illustrator Jean deBrunhoff and Christmas! For kids ages 2 to 5. 10:30 a.m. FREE! 706795-5597 MEETINGS: Drinking Liberally (Little Kings Shuffle Club) Informal, inclusive and progressive social group that gives left-leaning individuals a chance to talk politics. First and third Fridays of every month. 6:30 p.m. athens@drinkingliberally.org

Cooked Fresh Daily

ns, by Fake Imitatio Don’t Be Fooled a of Athens! est Fi La l na Origi Come Back to the

Mondays

Weekly Specials

Hardshell Tacos $1.00

Pitchers of Miller $5.25 Pitchers of Dos Equis $6.25

Tuesdays

Pitchers of House Margaritas Frozen or On The Rocks $10.95

Wednesdays

Regular House Margaritas $3.95 ALL DAY LONG

Thursdays

Pitchers of Miller $5.25 Pitchers of Dos Equis $6.25 Glass of Sangria $2.99

Saturdays

ALL Pitchers of Beer $ 6.25 each

The Westside is the BEST Side!

995 Hawthorne Ave.

Down the road from the YMCA in the Bell’s Shopping Center

706.548.4261 • Open Mon-Sat DECEMBER 2, 2009 · FLAGPOLE.COM

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6

MONDAY, DECEMBER 7

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19

COMING SOON

FLAGPOLE.COM ∙ DECEMBER 2, 2009

THE CALENDAR! the region’s top artists. See Dec. 5 Events. Dec. 5–6, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $3 donation. www.ocaf.com EVENTS: Pottery and Art Show and Sale (Farmington Pottery, 1790 Salem Road) Beautiful and unique work by potter Jeff Bishoff and various local artists. Dec. 5–6, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. FREE! EVENTS: Pottery Sale (Morgan Pottery, Danielsville) Salt-glazed and gas-fired pottery by David Morgan. Dec. 5, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Dec. 6, noon–5 p.m. 706-540-3295 EVENTS: Pottery Sale (Wolf Creek Pottery, Watkinsville) New work by local artists. See Dec. 5 Art. Dec. 5 & 6, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. 706-410-5200 EVENTS: State Botanical Garden Holiday Open House (State Botanical Garden of Georgia) Featuring live music from the Georgia Children’s Chorus, the Solstice Sisters and the Classic City Band, puppet shows and festive holiday decorations. Rumor has it that Mr. and Mrs. Claus, as well as a professional photographer, will be in attendance. 2–5 p.m. FREE! 706542-1244, www.uga.edu/botgarden EVENTS: Trace Studio Holiday Show and Sale (Chase Street Warehouses) Work by the Trace Studio Collective. See Dec. 4 Art. Dec. 4–6, 2–7 p.m. 706-549-6877 EVENTS: Winterhawk Pottery (1101 Salem Road) Southeastern Native American art. Dec. 5–6, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. 706-310-1893, www. winterhawkpottery.com. ART: Opening Reception (Aurum Studio) For exhibit featuring paintings by Christine Shockley-Gholson and John Gholson. 2–5 p.m. FREE! 706-546-8826 ART: Reception (Visionary Growth Gallery, Danielsville) For “Our Way or No Way,” an exhibit featuring new works by UGA Sculpture Professor Jim Buonaccorsi and painter David Barron. 2–5 p.m. FREE! 706-3630393, www.visgrow.com PERFORMANCE: The Christmas Story (UGA Hodgson Hall) The UGA Performing Arts Center presents The Waverly Consort’s dramatic musical retelling of the Christmas narrative. Founded in 1964, The Consort has toured the world, performing on reproductions of medieval instruments to capture the sounds which warmed Europe’s cathedrals in the Middle Ages. 3 p.m. $12–$28. 706-5424400, www.uga.edu PERFORMANCE: Classic City Christmas (Seney-Stovall Chapel) Classic City Arts Christmas concert. See Dec. 4 Performance. Dec. 4–5, 8 p.m. Dec. 6, 2 p.m. $6. 706-8501755, www.classiccityarts.com THEATRE: The Mousetrap (Athens Community Theatre) A Town and Gown production. See Dec. 4 Theatre. Dec. 4–5 & Dec. 10–12, 8 p.m. Dec. 6 & Dec. 13, 2 p.m. $12–$15. 706-208-8696, www. townandgownplayers.org LECTURES & LIT.: Landscape Lessons (Borders Books & Music) Local nursery co-owner Pat Dunleavy talks about Landscape Lessons, an informative guide to the use of ornamental plant material in the South. 1 p.m. FREE! 706583-8647 GAMES: Full-Contact Trivia (Allen’s Bar & Grill) Sports-themed rules with diverse categories. 9 p.m. FREE! www.allensbarandgrill.com

Monday 7 KIDSTUFF: Bedtime Stories (ACC Library) Every Monday. 7 p.m. FREE! 706-613-3650

Sunday, Dec. 6 continued from p. 25

MEETINGS: Federation of Neighborhood Associations (Fire Hall No. 2, 489 Prince Avenue) This month’s meeting will feature beverages, appetizers, festive music and holiday cheer. Come on out. It’s a party. 7:30 p.m. FREE! cja@ perigen.com GAMES: “20 Questions at Transmet” (Transmetropolitan, Downtown) General trivia. Topics include sex, music, movies, science, history and much more. Check the Facebook Group “20 questions at Transmet” for weekly themes and the online question of the week. Every Monday. 8:30–10 p.m. FREE! 706613-8773 GAMES: Ping Pong (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Get your paddle ready for a riveting round of table tennis. 8:30 p.m. FREE! www.myspace.com/ flickerbar GAMES: Pool Tournament (Alibi) Win prizes every Monday! 8 p.m. FREE! 706-549-1010

Tuesday 8 EVENTS: Rally Against ModernDay Slavery (Ciné Barcafé) Join forces with the International Justice Mission in the campaign to end human trafficking across the globe. The event features live music, food, speakers and a screening of the documentary film At the End of Slavery. 7:30 p.m. www.onehopeathens.com, www.ijm.org KIDSTUFF: Children’s Storytime (ACC Library) For children ages 18 months to 5 years. Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m., Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. FREE! 706-613-3650 KIDSTUFF: Read to Rover (ACC Library) Beginning readers in grades 1–4 read aloud to an aid dog. Trainer always present. 3:30–4:30 p.m. FREE! 706-613-3650 MEETINGS: French Group (1000faces Coffee, 585 Barber Street) All-level French conversation group. Informal, welcoming and tres bon! Every Tuesday. 7–8:30 p.m. FREE! 706-534-8860, www.1000facescoffee.com MEETINGS: Saving Sailing (ACC Library) Ahoy, sailors! Come talk about sailing with Captain Bob and enjoy a film about a ship that became a legend in The Christmas Tree Ship. 6:30–8:30 p.m. FREE! www. savingsailing.com GAMES: Locos Trivia (Locos Grill & Pub) All three Athens locations of Locos Grill and Pub (Westside, Eastside and Harris St.) feature trivia night every Tuesday. 8:30 p.m. FREE! www.locosgrill.com

Wednesday 9 EVENTS: Bellydance Show (40 Watt Club) Bellydancers promise to “Rak” the 40 Watt. 7 p.m. $5 (adv.) $10 (door). www.40watt.com ART: Opening Reception (Speakeasy) For an exhibit featuring new paintings by Will Eskridge. Complimentary appetizers! 5:30– 7:30 p.m. FREE! 706-546-5556, www.willeskridge.com KIDSTUFF: Anti-bullying Seminar (Rocksprings Neighborhood Center) Playground politics with Ms. Carter from the Athens Tae Kwon Do Center. For children ages 6–12. 4 p.m. FREE! www.accleisureservices. com KIDSTUFF: Children’s Storytime (ACC Library) For children ages 18 months to 5 years. Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m., Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. FREE! 706-613-3650

KIDSTUFF: Wildcard Wednesday for Teens (ACC Library) Up next: Jewelry Stringing. Now you’re the designer! For tween and teens ages 11–18. Space is limited. 4 p.m. FREE! 706-613-3650 MEETINGS: American Sign Language Study Group (Cups Coffee Café) All skill levels welcome. Come once or come weekly. 7–8 p.m. FREE! www.myspace.com/ aslstudygroup MEETINGS: Library Sewing Group (Madison County Library) Currently crocheting with double-ended crochet needles. Newcomers are always welcome. 1–3 p.m. FREE! 706-795-5597 MEETINGS: Sitting Meditation Group (Mind Body Institute) Silent meditation every Wednesday. Noon. FREE! 706-475-7329 GAMES: Dart League (Alibi) Every Wednesday! Bikers welcome. 8 p.m. FREE! 706-549-1010 GAMES: Darts (Broad Street Bar and Grill) Blind draw darts tournament. Every Wednesday. 7 p.m. 706-5485187 GAMES: Movie Trivia Night (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Where movie trivia meets performance art. Hosted by “It Boy” Jeff Tobias and sponsored by Vision Video. Prizes! Sign up at 8 p.m. Trivia starts at 8:30 p.m. FREE! www.myspace.com/flickerbar GAMES: Trivia (Willy’s Mexicana Grill) Every Wednesday. 8–10 p.m. FREE! 706-548-1920 GAMES: Trivia (Blind Pig Tavern) Think you know it all? 9:30 p.m. 706-548-3442 GAMES: Trivia Wars (283 Bar) Chris Creech hosts general knowledge trivia with different themes each week. Check the Facebook group “Trivia Wars!” for weekly updates and online question of the week. 8:30 p.m. (sign up) 9 p.m. (game starts). FREE! 706-208-1283 * Advance Tickets Available

Live Music Tuesday 1 Alibi 9 p.m. FREE! 706-549-1010 KARAOKE Every Tuesday with the singing cowboy. Buffalo’s Southwest Café Dance from 8–10 p.m. $5. www.athensswingnight.com ATHENS SWING NIGHT No partner or experience necessary! Lesson at 7 p.m. Caledonia Lounge 10 p.m. $5 (21+), $7 (18+). www.caledonialounge.com A TALE OF TWO CALEYS Dusty Lightswitch collaborators Caley Smith and Caley Ross sound “like a science-fiction folk musical.” The quirky lyrics address meta- and astrophysical concerns, and feature a heavy amount of French and Greek wordplay. THE BORDER LIONS Rock and roll trio that plays ‘70s-inspired songs, with styles ranging from beachy to bluesy. CORTEZ GARZA Local singer/songwriter Cortez Garza used to front NC emo band Mason Curse, but has relocated to Athens and turned more acoustic. The result is a truly contemporary take on Americana. Go Bar 10 p.m. www.myspace.com/gobar MY EMPTY PHANTOM Austin, TX musician Jesse Beaman creates

Saturday, December 5

Ralph Stanley & the Clinch Mountain Boys Melting Point “I’m just an old hillbilly and proud of it, too—plain as an old shoe.” So says Ralph Stanley in his plainspoken and engaging new autobiography. Stanley’s on constant tour to promote his music, sure, but this time around he’s spreading the written word. Man of Constant Sorrow: My Life and Times, his new memoir, was published just a month and a half ago. Co-written with music journalist Eddie Dean, the book covers a musical career that’s spanned more than 60 years. It’s as much the story of bluegrass as a form as it is the story of one man and his brother, Carter Stanley, who passed away in 1966; the two were musical partners, and helped shape what would become one of the hardier strains of American music. Stanley, now 82 years old, didn’t really gain prominence until he was featured on the soundtrack to the Coen brothers film O Brother, Where Art Thou? But that he could so vividly export mountain music to a broader culture speaks to the impact of his high, lonesome and unmistakable voice. He’s even tamed an otherwise rowdy Georgia Theatre crowd on his recent tours through Athens over the years. Anyone interested in a full portion of old-time Americana should set aside some time this weekend. In addition to the Saturday night Stanley show, the Melting Point is featuring local bluegrass favorites Packway Handle Band the night before, with a listening party for the band’s new album What Are We Gonna Do Now?, which hits early next year. Little Country Giants open that Friday night show, and the Melting Point’s offering a two-night ticket pass for $28. Otherwise, the Ralph Stanley show on Saturday costs $25 in advance or $30 on the day of the show: you do the math. Stanley and his Clinch Mountain Boys start promptly at 9:30 p.m. with a special opening act (hint: they’ve got an album out next year) starting at 8:30 p.m. [Chris Hassiotis]

Brian Eno-esque ambient soundscapes. The Melting Point 7 p.m. $3. www.meltingpointathens. com MAYHEM STRING BAND Veteran instrumental bluegrass quintet from Mississippi performs for the Terrapin Bluegrass Series on the patio. Tasty World Uptown 9 p.m. $4. www.myspace.com/tastyworlduptown INTERNATIONAL REFUGEE COMMITTEE BENEFIT SHOW The International Refugee Committee needs your help, and what better way to help than going to see some fine local music? Featuring performances by Coco Rico, Bigfoot, The Ha’s and Leading Edge.

Wednesday 2 40 Watt Club 9 p.m. $12 (adv). www.40watt.com PRIDE PARADE Local hard rockers play tracks from their new album, Dose. Expect a blistering mix of punk, grunge, stoner metal and blues. JAY REATARD Garage punk from one of the craziest members of the indie scene. See feature on p. 22. Caledonia Lounge 10 p.m. $5 (21+), $7 (18+). www.caledonialounge.com GRAPE SODA Local band featuring the brothers Lewis (Mat and Ryan), formerly of The Buddy System, on vocals, organ and drums, playing reverb-heavy garage psych-rock. ALLISON WEISS Heartfelt singer/ songwriter with quirky charm, sharp pop sensibilities and an avid online following. The brand new album, Allison Weiss Was Right All Along is out now! See feature on p. 21.

The Classic Center 8 p.m. $25–$40. www.classiccenter. com BÈLA FLECK & THE FLECKTONES We could just waste space telling you about Bèla Fleck’s virtuosic banjo playing, Victor Wooten’s ability to get varieties of sound you wouldn’t have thought possible out of a bass, and Jeff Coffin’s over-thetop saxophone shenanigans, but really all you need to know is that they have a pirate drummer named Futureman. Go Bar 10 p.m. www.myspace.com/gobar ADRON The music of Adrienne McCann is influenced by late-’60s Brazilian Tropicalia. THAYER SARRANO Local singersongwriter and multi-instrumentalist with lovely, airy vocals singing dark, gentle melodies over guitar while backed by lap steel, bass and drums. King is the latest new album. T’BROKEN LETTERS A haunting, spiritual take on Americana that incorporates some avant-garde. The Melting Point 9 p.m. $6 (adv), $8 (door). www.meltingpointathens.com* THE LEGENDARY JC’S Floridians who deliver soulful rockin’ blues. New Earth Music Hall 9 p.m. $5 www.newearthmusichall.com LAISSEZ FUNK Local up-and-comers play funk-jam fusion plus a variety of covers. LEFTY HATHAWAY Local singersongwriter Lefty Hathaway plays rock and roll soul with turbulent piano jams reminiscent of the late, great Lowell George and fellow Tulsan JJ Cale. The Office Lounge 9:30 p.m. FREE! 706-549-0840 KARAOKE Wednesdays with Lynn!

Tasty World Uptown 10 p.m. $3 (21+), $5 (18+). www.myspace.com/tastyworlduptown DREW BESKIN District Attorneys founding member performs his popleaning Americana solo. SMOKE AND FEATHERS Featuring members of Futurebirds and other local bands covering Rolling Stones and more. WOODFANGS Americana project fronted by John “Woodfin” Harry.

Thursday 3 40 Watt Club 9 p.m. $12 (adv). www.40watt.com* CAMERA OBSCURA Acclaimed indie pop band from Glasgow that draws from the dreamy ‘60s: girl groups and Beach Boys alike. PAPERCUTS Velvet Underground meets The Byrds with this dreamy pop rock band from San Francisco. VENICE IS SINKING With boy/girl vocals, a cinematic jangle and a sweeping, emotional punch courtesy of a viola, Venice Is Sinking’s pianobased torch songs burn bright. Alibi Thursdays, FREE! 706-549-1010 OPEN MIC/JAM Hosted by members of The Rattlers. Open to all musicians. Caledonia Lounge 10 p.m. $5 (21+), $7 (18+). www.caledonialounge.com HAM1 A breezy take on straight-ahead ‘60s garage rock, brightened by swoon-worthy harmonies and keen pop sensibilities. MADELINE Bell-voiced local songwriter Madeline Adams plays endearing songs of smalltown loves, hopes and other torments and joys. NANA GRIZOL Local punk band that plays songs about shooting stars, k continued on next page

DECEMBER 2, 2009 · FLAGPOLE.COM

fancy cars and red guitars. Tonight you’ll get a preview of the band’s upcoming album Ruth (due out in January). GEOFF REACHER One time Athenian Geoff Reacher has moved out to Austin but continues to release music on local label Orange Twin. Reacher combines heart-warming acoustic folk with inventive electronic accompaniment. Farm 255 11 p.m. FREE! www.farm255.com GEMINI CRICKET The current threepiece lineup of this local band has ditched its cutesy kazoo pop in favor of sleazy garage stomps that swagger through the reverb and jangle with ‘60s abandon. LITTLE FRANCIS Steven Grubbs plays songs backed by Jesse Thompson, Jordan Noel and Brian Connell, sounding like rowdy, anthemic folk music mixed with early’50s rock and roll. SUGAR D Formerly known as The Sugar Dicks, this local rock band features Gabe Vodicka, Roy Coughlin, Corey Loomis (Brer Paladin) and Adam Bewley (Paper Tanks). Go Bar 9 p.m. www.myspace.com/gobar SURSIE Emotive vocals, atmospheric keys, funky bass, tribal drumming and a tight horn section all compliment each other in this dynamic live experience. Sursie is genre-bending and combines funk, soul and electronica with hints of reggae and Latin styles. SWEET LOU AND A PACK OF SMOKES Andrew Michael, from Statesboro, GA, plays a rich blend of Americana on guitar and harmonica. YO SOYBEAN Nicholas Mallis and Ryan Sedwick sing melodic, emotional acoustic numbers influenced by acts like Bright Eyes. 11 p.m. www.myspace.com/gobar DR. FRED’S KARAOKE Hosted by karaoke fanatic John “Dr. Fred” Bowers. Hotel Indigo “Live After Five.” 6–8 p.m. FREE! www. athensdowntownhotel.com GWEN HUGHES Jazz pianist performs in the Phi Bar and Bistro of

Thursday, Dec. 3 continued from p. 27

Hotel Indigo. Part of a weekly series featuring wine tastings and live music. Little Kings Shuffle Club 10 p.m. www.myspace.com/littlekingsshuffleclub CANDY MALDONADO New local band whose debut EP, Me to Your Right, Like Meteorite, features airy, mostly instrumental numbers punctuated by unpredictable rhythms and jangly guitars. JEWS/CATHOLICS Hailing from North Carolina, this post-punk duo features a winning yet little-used combination of upright bass and electronica. THE SHRINKS Drawing from divergent, unpredictable influences, this local indie band has a psychedelic tinge in its haunting, intricate rock. Madison-Morgan Cultural Center 8 p.m. $35 (members), $50 (nonmembers), $25 (students). www.mmccarts.org* ATLANTA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA HOLIDAY CONCERT See one of the world’s finest orchestras in the intimacy of the MMCC’s 395-seat historic auditorium. The Melting Point 8:30 p.m. $17 (adv), $20 (door). www. meltingpointathens.com BILLY JOE SHAVER The American Music Convention awarded Shaver the Lifetime Achievement Award for songwriting last year, and the honor is well deserved. He is a living country music legend, famed in particular for his outlaw classics like the 1973 record Old Five and Dimers Like Me. New Earth Music Hall 9 p.m. $10 (adv), $12 (door). www. newearthmusichall.com TOUBAB KREWE Wielding its unique, Malian-influenced “Afrocowboy-ninja-surf” music, the Asheville-based instrumental quintet also borrows Brazilian, Jamaican and American sounds. No Where Bar 9:30 p.m. $3. 706-546-4742 ADAM PAYNE BAND Payne’s impressively versatile tenor is some-

what reminiscent of Neil Young’s nasal delivery. Payne writes songs with a lot of heart–the kind of tunes that can either make you tear up or laugh out loud. BRAD DOWNS & THE POOR BASTARD SOULS Local singersongwriter performs roots rock with his all-star band. His debut release features guest performances by members of R.E.M., Widespead Panic, Drive-By Truckers, and other renowned Athens acts. The Office Lounge 8 p.m. FREE! 706-546-0840 KARAOKE CONTEST Every Thursday with Ken! The Rialto Room “Harvest for the Homeless.” 7–11 p.m. www.athensareahomelessshelter.org MODERN SKIRTS This piano-driven foursome has become one of Athens’ most treasured and acclaimed local pop acts. There will also be a silent auction and cash and gift drawings including a chance to win 52 gift certificates so you can eat out once a week for a year! THIEVES MARKET Alternative rock band based here in town. Roadhouse 11 p.m. 706-613-2324 CARLA LE FEVER AND THE RAYS LeFever and her band play groovable dance tunes, sweet pop, classic rock and originals. Tasty World Uptown 10 p.m. $5. www.myspace.com/tastyworlduptown THE BLEKERS Young Andrew Bleke’s band plays piano-driven jazz and woeful blues. He lists Ben Folds as a major influence. WELCOME TO BUCKHEAD Local “schizophrenic power rock” with an affinity for ‘90s alternative and classic rock alike.

Friday 4 40 Watt Club 8 p.m. $15 (adv). www.40watt.com* BRANTLEY GILBERT This Jefferson country-rock songwriter plays the kind of rags-to-riches, small-towndreamin’ songs that aggressively go for the heartstrings. OTHER SIDE OF HOMER Acoustic Southern rock from Homer, GA.

FLAGPOLE.COM

FLAGPOLE.COM ∙ DECEMBER 2, 2009

Saturday, December 5

“Underneath the Covers” 40 Watt Club While Halloween offers up a surfeit of local bands assuming alternate identities and playing covers all night long, that’s often as much for the bands’ own benefit as it is for the crowd’s drunken revelry. So what sets apart the “Underneath the Covers” show, an annual event that’s been going on for the past several Decembers, is that it’s all of the above but with the added bonus of socially responsible action. A fundraiser to benefit AIDS Athens and the MAC AIDS Fund, “Underneath the Covers” began with the support of the national cosmetic chain MAC. Past installments have seen local luminaries like Madeline, Dark Meat and the Elephant 6 friends take The Matt Kurz One on acts like Lucinda Williams, The Stooges and Wings, for instance. This year’s installment is a doozy, too, with well respected Athens acts taking on the tunes of some serious heavyweights. Five Eight will light up the marquee as Television, while the effortlessly creative local conglomerate Memory Gospel Dancers will whip up the crowd as Devo. No stranger to songs of love, sorrow and the drink behind them both, Don Chambers and his band GOAT will tackle the Celt-punk catalog of The Pogues. The Kinks get shakin’ via Mark Wenthe & the Cleaners. The night’s most curious attraction, though, could prove to be The Matt Kurz One, the local one-man act with plans to channel The Who. Can he handle the windmilling while balancing the rest of it? Want to get in on the action to find out? Advance tickets cost $6 and are available at Schoolkids Records downtown or at the MAC counter at the Belk department store at Georgia Square Mall. At the door you’ll pay $8 (or $10 if you’re under 21). Le shindig gets going at 9 p.m. [Chris Hassiotis]

Alibi 10 p.m. FREE! 706-549-1010 THE RATTLERS Athens’ own energetic Southern rockers with a guitardriven sound and an exciting show that often features surprise special guests. Caledonia Lounge 10 p.m. $5 (21+), $7 (18+). www.caledonialounge.com A POSTWAR DRAMA Local act plays folk-rock with an occasional Eastern European bent. Dramatic tales of loss and hardship are mixed with driving, upbeat stomps.

NUCLEAR SPRING Increasingly cohesive local rock band that has found a happy medium between folk and glam with occasional Kinks-like tendencies. TWIN TIGERS Loud and lush at the same time, this local rock band combines jarring guitar riffs with sweeping melodies and heavy percussion. Debut full-length coming in January. Farm 255 11 p.m. FREE! www.farm255.com RUSSELL COOK Guitarist and mandolin player from vibrant Americana

Mike White · deadlydesigns.com

THE CALENDAR!

duo Little Country Giants, Cook performs poetic Appalachian tunes steeped in bittersweet emotion. Flicker Theatre & Bar 9 p.m. $5. www.myspace.com/flickerbar EFREN Local indie swamp-folk band celebreates the release of Thunder and Moan tonight! The Globe 10:30 p.m. $5. 706-353-4721 MELVIN MATHURIN JAZZ QUARTET Essential and original jazz compositions.

Go Bar 10 p.m. www.myspace.com/gobar IMMUZIKATION Celebrated local DJ Alfredo Lapuz Jr.—also known for his over-the-top Daft Punk tribute act—mashes up high-energy electro and rock. Dance party begins after the bands. NICK OGAWA Atlanta-based singersongwriter who plays rootsy rock layered with cellos and more. Little Kings Shuffle Club 9 p.m. www.myspace.com/littlekingsshuffleclub DR. FRED’S KARAOKE Hosted by karaoke fanatic John “Dr. Fred” Bowers. The Melting Point 7 p.m. $10 (adv), $13 (door). www. meltingpointathens.com LITTLE COUNTRY GIANTS Stellar old-time folk, country and blues from Rome, GA. PACKWAY HANDLE BAND Beloved local bluegrass bands celebrates the completion of its new record What Are We Gonna Do Now? (due out in 2010) with a special listening party! The Office Lounge 8:30 p.m. FREE! 706-546-0840 KARAOKE Hosted by Lynn. WUGA 91.7 FM 4 p.m. FREE! www.uga.edu/wuga “IT’S FRIDAY!” The Orkids and The Goodfight will perform on the local radio station’s weekly program. University Cable Channel 15 will also broadcast the show.

Saturday 5 40 Watt Club 9 p.m. $6 (adv). www.40watt.com* UNDERNEATH THE COVERS BENEFIT FOR AIDS ATHENS A cover-tastc benefit featuring Don Chambers + GOAT as The Pogues, Memory Gospel Dancers (ex-We Versus the Shark) as Devo, Five Eight as Television, Mark Wenthe & the Cleaners as The Kinks, and Matt Kurz as The Who. See Calendar Pick on p. 28. Alibi 3:30–6 p.m. FREE! 706-549-1010 KINDRED BLUEZ SPIRIT A special Toys for Tots Drive! Kindred Bluez Spirit features Avery Dylan and Amy Pritchett. Santa will also be on hand taking photos! Borders Books & Music 4 p.m. FREE! 706-583-8647 THE WOOD ‘N’ NICKEL QUINTET Local woodwind quintet features classical music, light jazz and popular standards. This afternoon’s performance features seasonal music. Caledonia Lounge 10 p.m. $5 (21+), $7 (18+). www.caledonialounge.com ABANDON THE EARTH MISSION Josh McKay (ex-Macha) taking over lead vocals backed by Winston Parker and Lawson Grice (Iron Hero). The band has gone in a more ambient and lush direction, driven by vibrapone, hammered dulcimer and heavier beats. CREEPY These five local ladies weave haunting harmonies and vitriolic cries over lush psychedelic sounds. DJ OTHER VOICES, OTHER ROOMS Spinning rock, soul, rap, punk, ‘60s girl groups and dubstep. The Classic Center 8 p.m. $10–$55. 706-357-4444, www. classiccenter.com NNENNA FREELON Enjoy an evening of holiday jazz! World-class jazz trumpeter Jon Faddis accompa-

nies Grammy jazz vocalist nominee Nnenna Freelon. Farm 255 11 p.m. FREE! www.farm255.com BAMBARA Local power trio has a sound that draws from both the atmospherics of bands like Slowdive and the ferocity of bands like Fugazi. LAKE INFERIOR Chapel Hill’s Lake Inferior offers an eclectic, meticulously crafted indie-pop sound for fans of bands like The National. Fat Daddy’s 10 p.m. FREE! 706-353-0241 SHOWTIME Elite tha Showstoppa’s new band plays eclectic hip-hop mixed with rockin’ funky soul! Go Bar 8 p.m.–midnight. FREE! www.myspace. com/gobar KARAOKE Hosted by Jon Lester. Midnight. FREE! www.myspace.com/ gobar LATE NIGHT DISCO Twin Powers spin goth, ‘80s new wave and Britpop for tonight’s “Fetish Ball”themed party! Little Kings Shuffle Club 10 p.m. www.myspace.com/littlekingsshuffleclub BOO RAY & THE BAD BEAT KINGS Soulful singer-songwriter who takes inspiration from Glen Campbell and Exile on Mainstreet-era Rolling Stones. His new band features Daniel Marler, Steve Abercrombie, Nate Hale, Anna Innecken and special guest William Tonks on dobro. WILLIAM TONKS Local folk rocker William Tonks (Workhorses, Barbara Cue, etc.) performs a solo set of his songs on guitar and dobro. His earnest delivery and palpable sincerity recall the tender vocals of James Taylor and the subtle Southern tones of Gram Parsons. Locos Grill & Pub Athens Area Boys & Girls Club Benefit. 8 p.m $5 (suggested donation). www.locosgril.com (Harris St. location) REDNECK GREECE DELUXE Swing and hillbilly honky-tonk music from here in town. Redneck GReece is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, and promises lots of special surprises at this benefit show. THE THRILLHAMMERS This hard rocking hillbilly band will play a set backing Redneck GReece and an opening set on its own. The Melting Point 8:30 p.m. $25 (adv), $30 (door). www. meltingpointathens.com* RALPH STANLEY & THE CLINCH MOUNTAIN BOYS Legendary bluegrass musician Ralph Stanley has been performing for over 50 years. Two-day passes for this show and the Friday Packway Handle show are available for $28. See Calendar Pick on p. 27. New Earth Music Hall 9 p.m. $15 (adv). www.newearthmusichall.com GLITCH MOB West Coast crunk. GRAMATIK In-demand MC who has done electro/hip-hop remixes for acts as diverse as Muse and DJ Vitamin D, among others. He is also known as one third of hip-hop group 5th Element. No Where Bar 9:30 p.m. $3. 706-546-4742 STRAWBERRY FLATS Southern rock from local music vets John Keane, Scott Sanders, Tim White and Deane Quinter. Impressive playing to support their especially impressive musical resumes. k continued on next page

ti the season for

Catering Catering turn your party into a

Eastside . Epps Bridge . Downtown . Five Points DECEMBER 2, 2009 · FLAGPOLE.COM

THE CALENDAR!

Saturday, Dec. 5 continued from p. 29

The Office Lounge 9:30 p.m. FREE! 706-546-0840 THE TANGENTS This country-fried rock group from Watkinsville carries both Lynyrd Skynyrd-style licks and John Cougar Mellencamp-style melodies. Ohh, Boy! Ohh, Boy! Grand Opening. 7–10 p.m. FREE! www.ohhboy.us SPRING TIGERS Taking cues from bands like XTC and Blur, local band Spring Tigers offers up angular pop rock. Their self-titled debut EP is out now! THIS PIANO PLAYS ITSELF Spacey rock from Atlanta backed by a wall of reverb. The eponymous EP is out now. WEREWOLVES Quirky and minimalist rock from Wyatt Strother. Tasty World Uptown 10 p.m. $5. www.myspace.com/tastyworlduptown THE HORIZONTAL ENSEMBLE New act with jam band tendencies. MAMA’S LOVE Young, funky jam band from right here in Athens. The band’s slogan says it all: “bringin’ it back to the roots while goin’ beyond the bounds.”

Sunday 6 ACC Library 3 p.m. FREE! 706-613-3650 LIVE! AT THE LIBRARY This month: Curley Maple plays old-time and Celtic fiddle ballads! Borders Books & Music 4 p.m. FREE! 706-583-8647 THE ATHENS WOMEN’S SINGING CIRCLE Founded in 1998, this allfemale singing collective performs traditional folk songs, gospel and spiritual hymns, children’s songs and rounds.

An Evening of Holiday Jazz with Nnenna Freelon and Jon Faddis

Farm 255 10 p.m. FREE! www.farm255.com MEAN CREEK Critically acclaimed indie-rock quintet from Boston who are getting geared up to tour with The Whigs. Recommended for fans of The Shins. UNION OF CONCERNED SCIENTISTS New project featuring Nate Nelson and Hunter Morris (Gift Horse)! Kingpins Bowl & Brew “Headbanger’s Bowl.” 8 p.m. $3 (21+), $5 (under 21). www.kingpins.us DEQUELO Metal-fueled hard rock from Gainesville, GA. PELICAN Eclecitc four-piece instrumental metal band from Chicago that draws from stoner rock, doom and post-rock. See Calendar Pick on this page. POLEMIC Local band Polemic blasts out tough-to-pin-down, hard-edged alt-metal given a softer touch. The Melting Point 7 p.m. $5 (adv), $7 (door). www.meltingpointathens.com* ATHENS Young local rockers ranging in age from 11-15! See story on p. 20. Square One Fish Co. 1-4 p.m. FREE! www.squareonefishco. com SUNDAY JAZZ BRUNCH Rotating local jazz artists play Sunday afternoons on the patio.

Monday 7 40 Watt Club 9 p.m. Proceeds benefit Nuçi’s Space. All ages show. www.40watt.com BATTLE OF THE BANDS: NIGHT ONE Tonight features bands from the following local businesses: 40 Watt Club, Espresso Royale Caffe, The Globe,

The Grit, Jimmy Johns, Transmetropolitan. The top three bands will advance to the finals! The Melting Point 9 p.m. $5 (adv), $7 (door). www.meltingpointathens.com RICHARD SHERFEY & ALL GOD’S CHILDREN Fronted by local singer Richard Sherfey, All God’s Children includes members of the bands Hey, Revolution! and Modern Skirts. Sherfey trucks in some impassioned pop-rock songs. DAMION SUOMI This singersongwriter’s heartfelt ballads provide a warm soundrack for drowning your sorrows down at the pub. Recommended for fans of R.E.M. and Pete Yorn. LAURIS VIDAL Innovative folk artist who breathes new life into a rustic sound, switching between banjo, ukulele, lap steel and guitar. ANDY ZIPF Mostly acoustic pop rock that speaks from the heart to the American Heartland—melodic, moving and memorable. New Earth Music Hall 9 p.m. www.newearthmusichall.com OPEN DJ FINALS Winner gets to open for Rusko on Dec. 17. Tasty World Uptown 10 p.m. $5. www.myspace.com/tastyworlduptown COME WHAT MAY Indie rock that often takes a swing to the hardcore side. OCEAN IS THEORY Atlantans who combine post-rock melodies with hardcore-lite vocals. THE ORKIDS Local electropop group guaranteed to get you dancing.

Tuesday 8 40 Watt Club Tidings for Tikes II. 9 p.m. $6 (21+), $8 (18+). www.40watt.com BLACK BELT PATRIOTS Athens rock trio that plays original music

Sunday, December 6

Headbanger’s Bowl: Pelican, Polemic, Dequelo Kingpins Bowl and Brew

Come swing into the holidays with Jon Faddis’s tribute to Louis, Dizzy and Miles as well as 6-time Grammy nominee, vocalist Nnenna Freelon and her quartet. Classic Jazz and holiday favorites all on the same stage!

Saturday, December 5 at 8 p.m. Call, click or stop by the Box Ofﬁce 706.357.4444 • www.ClassicCenter.com 300 N. Thomas St. • Downtown Athens Productions in the Broadway Entertainment Series are made possible by our sponsors: ®

FLAGPOLE.COM ∙ DECEMBER 2, 2009

The metal community no longer measures success in negative reactions from Pelican the Tipper Gore-founded Parents Music Resource Center to their heavy, fast and loud brand of rock. No, it’s the menu at Chicago’s Kuma’s Corner that provides the ultimate expression of approval. Chicago and Los Angeles-based experimental (and instrumental) metal ministers Pelican have a hamburger with their name on it, alongside hard-rock luminaries like Iron Maiden, Clutch and Goblin Cock. The “10-ounce Kobe beef patty with pan-seared scallops and lardons in a garlic white wine sauce on top of a parmesan crisp and served with a white wine/garlic aioli” sounds like culinary nirvana! “It was a flattering thing—and some of us [in Pelican] are vegetarians and some of us aren’t, but it’s about the community over there, and we like those people a lot. And, obviously, they always play good music,” shares guitarist Laurent Schroeder-Lebec. The October 2009 release What We All Come to Need (Southern Lord) features the band’s signature tension—like a soundtrack to plate tectonics, avalanches or tidal waves experienced with bone-crushing intimacy. Perhaps it’s the lack of guttural howls and tortured vocals and an abundance of stoner riffs and atmospheric melodies that make this album a fine example of (dare we say) accessible metal. The bevy of special guests, including Allen Epley of Shiner, Greg Anderson of Sunn O))) and Aaron Turner of Isis, suggests an admiration for Pelican among peers in the world of metal. As for inviting folks into the creative fold, Lebec admits, “It’s pretty easy. All the people that we ended up working with are friends.” This week’s show marks the inaugural Headbanger’s Bowl event at Kingpins Bowl and Brew. Gainesville, GA-based psychotic screamcore outfit Dequelo and local metal-vets Polemic open the all-ages, early affair. Music at 8 p.m.! [David Eduardo]

and covers ranging from the Rolling Stones to Band of Horses. FUTUREBIRDS Local folk-rock collective with a tattered, raspy edge. THE INTERNS Local band that shares several members with Futurebirds. Instead of Americana, this configuration plays dreamy, guitar-driven indie rock with just a hint of altcountry. Alibi 9 p.m. FREE! 706-549-1010 KARAOKE Every Tuesday with the singing cowboy. ATHICA 8 – 9:30 p.m. $6 (suggested donation). www.athica.org “PREPARED AND IMPROVISED” An evening of experimental music featuring Layne Garrett (Washington, DC), Cursillistas and Ochre Aunt (formerly known as David Kirby). Dancefx Dancing from 8–10 p.m. $3–$5. www. athensswingnight.com ATHENS SWING NIGHT No partner or experience necessary! Lesson at 9 p.m. Go Bar 10 p.m. www.myspace.com/gobar ABBANNA LEBON Hilariously bratty and overtly perverted lo-fi swingpunk, like Yeah Yeah Yeahs meets the Cramps. Featuring members of Fashion Knee High and Daffodil. BANGUTOT Featuring a fresh lineup and a sound that has only been described as “styrofoam music” as opposed to “paper cup music,” which is apparently what the band used to be. THE GREAT AMERICAN COUNTRY DRIFTERS Expect slide guitar and blue-collar lyrics from this Atlanta band. SHITHEAD This band wants you to pronounce its name “shy-theed…” The tunes are laid back with a jam band sort of vibe. The Melting Point 7 p.m. $3. www.meltingpointathens. com THE GEORGIA FLATPICKERS Bluegrass act featuring acclaimed “Flatpicking Professor” David Leinweber. No Where Bar 10 p.m. $2. 706-546-4742 NATHAN SHEPPARD AND JOHN KEANE Two great local guitarists/ singer-songwriters play some tunes together. Tasty World Uptown Holiday Celebration! Festive dress code enforced. 10 p.m. $5. www.myspace. com/tastyworlduptown DR. SQUID Jangly, frenetic rock and roll at its best when emphasizing its British Invasion sounds. THE JONES PLAN Alternative poprock out of Marietta, GA. LEAVING ARABY Pop-rock quartet with a style akin to yesteryear radio sweethearts Goo Goo Dolls, Gin Blossoms and the like. ROMANENKO Local trio draws from ‘70s pop and folk with a modern rock edge, like Mary Timony fronting the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.

Wednesday 9 Caledonia Lounge 9:30 p.m. $5 (21+), $7 (18+). www. caledonialounge.com EAT LIGHTNING DIY garage rock trio from Augusta, featuring dreamy arrangements and layered vocals. GEMINI CRICKET The current threepiece lineup of this local band has

ditched its cutesy kazoo pop in favor of sleazy garage stomps that swagger through the reverb and jangle with ‘60s abandon. SMOKEDOG Local guys Thom Strickland (vocals, guitar) and Jason Jones (drums) play a noisy motorik pulse with treated guitar. Says Jones, “noisy lo-fi boogie smeared over mechanical back-pocket beats.” SOAPBAR Local group plays shaggy, diverse alt-rock informed by its lo-fi and folk peers. Flicker Theatre & Bar 11 p.m. $3. www.myspace.com/ flickerbar TIMBER Frontman Daniel Aaron serves up his brand of hangoverfriendly country rock. His lyricfocused arrangements are often nestled within minimalist instrumentation, incorporating fiddle, piano, pedal steel and xylophone. Go Bar “Happy Birthday Lindsay!” 10 p.m. www.myspace.com/gobar TWIN POWERS Britpop, ‘80s new wave and danceable favorites. New Earth Music Hall 9 p.m. $10 (adv), $15 (door). www. newearthmusichall.com BLUE TECH The psy-club specialist plays his second ever show in Athens. EOTO The String Cheese Incident’s percussionist Jason Hann and drummer Michael Travis explore looping waters, live breakbeat, triphop, house and drum ‘n’ bass tunes. ESKIMO Live electronic dance music based around trance beats. The Office Lounge 9:30 p.m. FREE! 706-549-0840 KARAOKE Wednesdays with Lynn! Rye Bar 10 p.m. www.myspace.com/ryebarathens ACHACHAY! Funk rock band out of Austin. Expect a high-energy performance and unique merch for sale with proceeds going toward the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. * Advance Tickets Available

Down the Line 12/10 Christmas with the King (Buffalo’s Southwest Café) 12/10 Harrison Hudson / Native Lights / Thieves & Pastors / Unwed Sailor (Caledonia Lounge) 12/11 Athens Face/Off #6–Garage a Trois, Part 2 (40 Watt Club) 12/11 The Arcs / The Late BP Helium (Caledonia Lounge) 12/12 Gift Horse / Hammer No More The Fingers / Today the Moon, Tomorrow the Sun (Caledonia Lounge) 12/15 North Georgia Bluegrass Band (The Melting Point) 12/17 Rusko (New Earth Music Hall) 12/18 97 Sheeki / American Cheeseburger / Canadian Rifle / Hot Breath (Go Bar) 12/19 Excalibrah / Swamp Thang / Triple Velcro (Caledonia Lounge) 12/19 The Hypsys (Rye Bar) 12/19 Rack of Spam (The Melting Point)* 12/26 Randall Bramblett Band (The Melting Point)* 12/31 Deaf Judges / Pride Parade (Caledonia Lounge) 12/31 Bonerama / Lil’ Brian and the Zydeco Travelers (The Melting Point) 1/8 The Agenda / Gemini Cricket / Satan’s Youth Ministers / Sugar D (Caledonia Lounge)

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5

UNDERNEATH THE COVERS

BENEFIT FOR AIDS ATHENS

DON CHAMBERS + GOAT AS THE POGUES

MEMORY GOSPEL DANCERS (EX-WE VS. THE SHARK) AS DEVO

FIVE EIGHT AS TELEVISION MARK WENTHE & THE CLEANERS AS THE KINKS

285 W. Washington St. Athens, GA • Call 706-549-7871 for Show Updates

MATT KURZ ONE AS THE WHO

CHEAP DRINK SPECIALS EVERY NIGHT BEFORE 11PM • 18 + UP

doors open at 9pm • six dollars adv.*

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2

MONDAY, DECEMBER 7

BATTLE OF THE BANDS

BENEFIT FOR NUÇI’S SPACE BANDS: 40 WATT

JAY REATARD PRIDE PARADE

doors open at 9pm • twelve dollars adv.**

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3

ESPRESSO ROYALE CAFFE THE GLOBE THE GRIT JIMMY JOHNS TRANSMETROPOLITAN

NIGHT ONE

PRESENTED BY

TOP 3 BANDS ADVANCE TO THE FINALS!

doors open at 8pm • five dollars 2nd ANNUAL TIDINGS FOR TIKES

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8

FUTUREBIRDS CAMERA OBSCURA

PAPERCUTS • VENICE IS SINKING doors open at 9pm • twelve dollars adv.*

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4

BRANTLEY GILBERT

INTERNS • BLACK BELT PATRIOT doors open at 9pm • six dollars

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9

Bellydance Show

“RAK” THE 40 WATT

doors open at 7pm • five dollars adv.* eight dollars at the door All Shows 18 and up • + $2 for Under 21 * Advance Tix Available at Schoolkids Records ** Advance Tix Sold at http://www.40watt.com

OTHER SIDE OF HOMER

doors open at 8pm • fifteen dollars adv.*

EXCLUSIVE HOME OF THE

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macs • ipods • software • service

1850 Epps Bridge Pkwy • 706-208-9990 • peachmac.com • Athens • Augusta • Now in Macon!

* Advance Tickets Available

DECEMBER 2, 2009 · FLAGPOLE.COM

bulletin board DO SOMETHING; GET INVOLVED! Deadline for getting listed in Bulletin Board and Art Around Town is every THURSDAY at 12 p.m. Email calendar@flagpole.com. Listings are printed based on available space, more listings are online.

AUDITIONS Mame (Athens Community Theatre) Town and Gown Theatre is holding auditions for its February production of the award-winning musical Mame. Dec. 7 and Dec. 8. www. townandgown.org

CLASSES Active Climbing Family Climbers (Active Climbing) Family bonding time, where kids get to climb with their parents. Please call ahead! Fridays, 4–6 p.m. $10/ person. 706-354-0038, adrian@ activeclimbing.com Art Classes (Lyndon House Arts Center) Now registering for instruction in drawing, painting, jewelry, clay and printmaking. For adults, teens and children. Go online for full list of programs. 706-613-3623, www.accleisureservices.com Beekeeping for Beginners (State Botanical Garden of Georgia) Three-part series on beekeeping basics. Sponsored by the State Botanical Garden. First session Dec. 11 or 12. 9 a.m.–12 p.m. $45. 706542-6156 Beginner Trapeze Workshops (Canopy Studio) Learn the basics of trapeze technique, work with a partner and swiiiiiiing! Dec. 5, 3–4:30 p.m. $25. info@canopystudio.com Beginning to Intermediate Pottery (Lyndon House) Develop wheelthrowing, glazing and decorating techniques while you make your own unique stoneware! Jan. 14–Feb. 18, 706-613-3623, www.accleisureservices.com Bouldering (Active Climbing) Come and learn to climb without

ropes at Athens’ new climbing center! Wednesdays, 5:30–6:30 p.m. $15. 706-354-0038, adrian@activeclimbing.com Chen Style Taijiquan (Floorspace) Effortless power. Authentic Chinese martial lineage. Register for ongoing instruction. Sundays and Mondays, 706-6143342, telihu@gmail.com Classical Pilates (StudiO) Private instruction and group classes offered daily! Schedule online. 678-596-2956, www.studioinathens.com Clay Classes (Good Dirt) Weekly “Try Clay” class every Friday from 7–9 p.m. and “Family Try Clay” every Sunday from 2–4 p.m. ($20/ person). 706-355-3161, www.gooddirt.net Climbing for Beginners (Active Climbing) Learn the ropes and develop climbing technique at Athens’ new climbing center. Mondays, 5:30–7 p.m. 706-3540038, adrian@activeclimbing.com Computer Classes (Madison County Library) Make holiday cards! Registration required. Dec. 8, 2–3 p.m. and 7–8 p.m. Dec. 9, 11 a.m. to noon. FREE! 706-795-5597 Dance Center Winter Classes (East Athens Educational Dance Center) Registering for adult and children’s classes including Beginning Jazz, Ballet, Tap, HipHop, Praise Dancing and more. $18–$25. www.accleisureservices. com/dance.shtml Enamel Bead Making and Beading Basics (Lyndon House Arts Center) Learn a unique enameling technique to make your own spectacular jewelry! 706-613-3623, www.accleisureservices.com Encaustic Painting with Beeswax (Blue Tin Art Studio) Learn how to melt and mix colors,

FLAGPOLE.COM ∙ DECEMBER 2, 2009

create a variety of surface techniques and incorporate collage and more. Dec. 5, 9:30 a.m.–3 p.m. $65. 404556-6884, www.bluetinstudio.com Etching for Beginners and Intermediates (Lyndon House) An introduction to intaglio/etching processes using printmaking methods to inscribe images onto metal plates. Learn Xerox transfer, soft ground and aquatint techniques! Call for more info. 706-613-3623, www. accleisureservices.com Genealogy 101: The Basics (Oconee County Library) Learn how to begin your family history research! Registration required. Dec. 9, 7–8:30 p.m. FREE! Genealogy 102: Census Records Online (Oconee County Library) Research family history online using Ancestry Library Edition and HeritageQuest Online. Genealogy 101 is a prerequisite for this class. Call to register. Dec. 15, 3–4 p.m. FREE! 706-613-3650 Georgia Spiders Free Workshop (Active Climbing) A two-week workshop for kids who are ready to take climbing to the next level. Call for more information. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5–6:30 p.m. 706-354-0038, adrian@activeclimbing.com Holiday Glass Brick Luminaries Workshop (Sandy Creek Park) Light up the holidays for someone special when you give them your beautiful decorative gift. Dec. 5, 10 a.m.–noon. $18/ brick. 706-613-3650 Hoop Class (Canopy Studio) This guided hoop dance class helps develop fitness, balance, strength and flow. All skill levels welcome, but completion of basic hooping workshop encouraged. Fridays, 6:30–7:30 p.m. $15. www.canopystudio.com

Summer Crawford’s portrait is part of “Through Our Eyes: Portraits by the Clarke County School District” on display at the Lyndon House Arts Center until Jan. 20. Intro to Word (Oconee County Library) Learn the basics of word processing. Register. Dec. 16, 3–4:30 p.m. FREE! 706-769-3950 Introduction to Computers (Oconee County Library) Call to register for this two-part class covering the basics of hardware, software, storage disks and Windows XP. Dec. 17 & 18, 4–5:30 p.m. FREE! 706769-3950 Japanese Calligraphy and Stab Binding (ACC Library) Try your hand at Shodo, an elaborate form of calligraphy from Japan, or Watoji, the Japanese process of sewing papers together in bookmaking. Call to reserve your spot. Dec. 5, 2–4 p.m. FREE! 706-613-3650 Jewelry and Metalsmithing (Lyndon House Arts Center) Learn how to create unique pieces of

jewelry while learning about various metalsmithing techniques, including piercing, soldering, stone setting, appliqué and inlay. Call for more information! 706-613-3623, www. accleisureservices.com Line Dancing for Seniors (Council on Aging, Harris Room) Keep your health in line and have fun at the same time! Tuesdays, 4–5 p.m. $5/class. 706-549-4850 Making Greenery Wreaths (State Botanical Garden of Georgia) Make a live wreath to bring home for the holidays. Dec. 10, 6:30–8:30 p.m. $27. 706-542-6156 Mama-Baby Yoga (Mind Body Institute) For mamas and their babies. Six weeks old to crawlers. Every Wednesday. 10:30 a.m. $60/6 classes. 706-475-7329, mbiprograms@armc.org

ART AROUND TOWN 160 Tracy Street (Athica 4 Lease) “Six Hundred Seventy-Three Thousand, Nine Hundred Twenty Minutes,” an exhibit featuring new work from UGA MFA sculpture candidates Doug Barton and Steven Abadie. Dec. 2–4. Reception Dec. 4. ACC Library (Top of the Stairs Gallery) Paintings by Preston Snyder. Through December. Athens Academy (Myers Gallery) Paintings by Erin McIntosh and Jennifer Hartley. (Bertelsmann Gallery) Work by Didi Dunphy, Lou Kregel and Carol John. Through Dec. 14. Athens Technical College “85 Degrees” features panoramics from photographer McGinnis Leathers’ international jaunts. Through Dec. 15. Aurum Studio Paintings by Christine ShockleyGholson and John Gholson. Through February. Reception Dec. 6. Chase Street Warehouses (Railroad Arts Distric) An exhibit and sale featuring ceramic works by The Trace Studio Collective. Dec. 4–6 or by appointment. Circle Gallery, UGA College of Environmental Design “Forming Content,” a collection of graphic media works by Cecile L. K. Martin. Through Dec. 11. Farmington Pottery (1790 Salem Road) “J.B. & Friends,” a pottery and art show and sale featuring work by Jeff Bishoff and various local artists. Dec. 5&6 Flicker Theatre & Bar Photographs of China by Justin Evans. Through Dec. 3. Shadowbox collages by Alexei Gural. Through December. Opening Dec. 4. Georgia Piedmont Arts Center “Harvest of Art” features works by a wide variety of local talent. Through Dec. 19. Good Dirt Functional pottery, sculpture and jewelry by over 30 local artists. Through December. Hawthorne House Antiques and Interiors Photographs and various artistic explorations by Field Trip duo Rinne Allen and Lucy Allen Gillis.

Mama-Baby Yoga Bonding (Full Bloom Center) Fussy babies and tired mamas welcome! For babies 1 to 10 months old. Fridays, 10:30 a.m. $14/class, $60/6-weeks. 706-353-3373 Mind Your Muscles (Athens Community Council on Aging) Bring your muscles into focus with a combination of tai chi, yoga and Pilates! Fridays, 3–4 p.m. $5/class. 706-4850 Mouse and Keyboard Skills (Oconee County Library) Covering the basics of using the keyboard and mouse. Space is limited; call to register. Dec. 3, 4–5:30 p.m. FREE! 706-769-3950 Nonfiction Writing Class (Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation) Journalist and retired professor Dr. Wally Eberhard teaches a six-week

Healing Arts Centre “Balancing Polarity: A Sacred Union,” featuring “original art for the free at heart” by Lara. Through Dec. 12. Just Pho…and More Work by William C. Pierson. Through Dec. 15. Krimson Kafe Mosaic artwork by J. Elizabeth Wright. Through December. Lamar Dodd School of Art “Exit Strategies,” an exhibit featuring work by BFA candidates in jewelry and metalworking, fabric design, ceramics, photography and sculpture. Through Dec. 14. Reception Dec. 4. Lyndon House Arts Center “Through Our Eyes: Portraits and Self-Portraits by the Students of Clarke County” highlights the work of local young artists in clay, pencil, paint and fabric. Through Jan. 20. Madison-Morgan Cultural Center In his exhibit “From the Forest to the Shore,” Michael Murrell’s works in wood, metal and mixed media reflect on ecological issues, endangered species and man’s relationship with nature. Through Jan. 15. Mercury Art Works “Terre Verte,” the debut exhibition for Mercury Art Works at Hotel Indigo, features photographs by Rinne Allen and work by various local artists, including Art Rosenbaum, Chris Bilheimer, Mary Engel, Scott Belville and Michael Stipe. Through Feb. 15. Monroe Art Guild “Wood and Stone” by Dan Thoman. Through December. Oconee County Library Photography by Kathy Berry. Through December. Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation Artists of OCAF Shop features original works by 35 regional artists and craftspeople. Through Dec. 23, Tuesday– Saturday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. www.ocaf.com Visionary Growth Gallery (Danielsville) “Our Way The Only Way,” an exhibit featuring new works by UGA Sculpture Professor Jim Buonaccorsi and painter David Barron. Dec. 6–Jan. 15. Reception Dec. 6. White Tiger Gourmet Food & Chocolates An exhibit featuring paintings and sculpture by local artist and art educator Leonard Piha. Through December.

class on “Writing for Money: The Art of Freelance Nonfiction Journalism.” Begins Jan. 19, $100. 706-7694565, www.ocaf.com Oil and Acrylic Basics (Lyndon House) Apply the basic techniques of drawing, image composition, painting styles and color theory to your still-lifes and landscapes. Jan. 14–March 4, Thursdays, 6:30–8:30 p.m. 706-613-3623, www.accleisureservices.com “Pay Yourself First” (ACC Library) Learn strategies for saving and planning for retirement. Handouts and take-home materials provided in this free workshop. Dec. 7, 7–8:30 p.m. FREE! 706-613-3650 Pilates Classes (Balance Pilates and Wellness Studio) Schedule and details online. Private lessons also available. 706-546-1061, www. balancepilatesathens.com Prenatal Yoga (Five Points Yoga) Get ready for birth and beyond with Jenni Derryberry Mann, RYT-200. Every Sunday. 10:30 a.m. $10. 706355-3114, www.athensfivepointsyoga.com Prenatal Yoga (Full Bloom Center) Every Thursday. 5:30 p.m. $14/class or $60/6 classes. 706353-3373, www.fullbloomparent. com Scottish Country Dancing (Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Athens) Introductory classes. No partner necessary! Thursdays, 7–9 p.m. $25/12 weeks, $3/class. 706255-1010, info@thistleandkudzu.net Tae Kwon Do & Jodo Classes (Live Oak Martial Arts, Chase Street Warehouses) For kids and adults, beginner through advanced. Mondays–Thursdays, 3:30-8:30 p.m. 706-548-0077, www.liveoakmartialarts.com Tai Chi for Seniors (Council on Aging) Increase strength and balance at your own pace! Every Tuesday. 2–3 p.m. $15/semester. 706-549-4850 Tech Tips (Oconee County Library) Still IDigBison@hotmail.com? Learn how Gmail will improve your life! Dec. 21, 7–7:45 p.m. Teen Painting Class (Lyndon House) Students will focus on painting and its materials and methods, as well as its history. Supplies provided. Call for more information! Jan. 12–Feb. 16. 706-613-3623, www.accleisureservices.com The Artist Within (Lyndon House Arts Center) Students learn to give visual expression to their emotions through drawing and painting activities in a supportive and relaxing environment. Jan. 13–Feb. 17, Wednesdays, 10–11 a.m. 706-6133623, www.accleisureservices.com Yoga Classes (Om Town Yoga, 190 Park Avenue) Iyengar certified Yoga instruction for balance, strength, flexibility and stamina. Mondays, 6:15 p.m. Wednesdays, 5:45 p.m. $10/drop-in. www.athensomtownyoga.com

HELP OUT! Athens Indie Craftstravaganzaa (Downtown Athens) Seeking volunteers for Dec. 5 & 6 holiday market. www.athensindiecraftstravaganzaa@ gmail.com GMOA Book Drive (UGA Visual Arts Building) The Georgia Museum of Art is preparing for its annual holiday book sale. Please drop off books between the following hours: Weekdays, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. or call or email for other arrangements: 706542-1817, hazbrown@uga.edu Holiday Bikes for Kids (BikeAthens) Help provide quality, fully refurbished bicycles to under-

privileged youth. Seeking volunteers to help clean and polish bikes. BikeAthens provides all the tools and supplies. Bike donations can also be made during these times. Sundays, 2–4 p.m. Mondays & Wednesdays, 6–8 p.m. www.bikeathens.com

KIDSTUFF Family Yoga Sprouts (Full Bloom Center) Third Sunday of every month. 1:30–2:30 p.m. Call for fees. 706-353-3373, www.yogasprouts.com Gymnastics (Bishop Park) Registering for winter/spring gymnastics programs! Non-ACC residents may register on Dec. 10. Dec. 7–9, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (ACC residents). www.accleisureservices. com/gymnastics.shtml Kids Trapeze Open Studio (Canopy Studio) Bring a parent to assist you as you learn the art of trapeze. Sundays, noon–1 p.m. info@ canopystudio.com Mommy/Daddy and Me Trapeze (Canopy Studio) Parents will guide their children in a range of exercises on the floor and low trapezes. Sundays, 10–11 a.m. (ages 2–3) 11 a.m.–noon (ages 1–2) $10/ class. 706-549-8501, info@canopystudio.com Santa’s Mail Bag (Various Locations) Santa has an overstock of coal this year, so if your child has been more nice than naughty, please be sure to register them for Santa’s “nice list” before Dec. 17. Call or go online for more information. 706613-3603, www.accleisureservices. com/holidayevents.shtml

SUPPORT Emotional Abuse Support Group (Call for location) Demeaning behavior and hateful words can be just as harmful as punches and kicks. Childcare is provided. Call Project Safe hotline at 706-543-3331 for location. Wednesdays, 6:30–8 p.m. Emotions Anonymous (Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Athens) Informal and supportive 12step program open to anyone with a desire to become well emotionally. Sundays, 4–5 p.m. 706-202-7463, www.emotionsanonymous.org Mental Health Support Group (St. Mary’s Hospital) Meets in the lobby conference room. Thursdays, 6:30–8 p.m. 706-7835706, www.athensmentalhealth.org

ON THE STREET Band Together: Help Rebuild the Georgia Theatre (Georgia Theatre) The Georgia Theatre and the GA Trust for Historic Preservation have banded together to help fund the rebuilding of the Theatre. To make a donation or learn more, visit their website. www.georgiatrust.org/ preservation/georgiatheatre.php Chili Cook-off (Email for Location) Effie’s Club Follies is now accepting entries in the beef, veggie and mysterious “other” categories for their annual cook-off. Deadline Dec. 18. www.effiesclubfollies.com Free Hearing Screening (Call for location) Call to schedule your complimentary hearing screening from audiologist Dr. Robin Hardin. Dec. 1–3. FREE! 706-310-7115 Gift Wrapping (Barnes and Noble) Presentation counts! The Oconee County Library Friends want to help you wrap your presents. Make your family proud. Dec. 17. Donations accepted. 706-769-3950 f

UGA Online Courses MORE THAN 75 COURSES ONLINE For more information or to register:

www.georgiacenter.uga.edu/flagpole 706-542-3243 1-800-877-3243 See your academic advisor about applying specific IDL courses to your program of study.

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DECEMBER 2, 2009 · FLAGPOLE.COM

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reality check Matters Of The Heart And Loins I usually agree with your advice, but I have to respond to your response to Anonymous as I think you’re not looking at this situation like a guy would (and honestly your “if he asks you out he’s not your friend” comment pissed me off, too). Consider this: 1) She’s single and hanging out with a guy. This doesn’t necessarily mean he’s going to ask her out, but it does increase the chances rather dramatically; 2) She’s by her own admission a flirt. So, now we have a single, flirty woman hanging out with a guy; 3) Keep in mind that guys tend to read much more in to what women consider simple friendliness than women do—it’s the way we’re wired (i.e., in the monkey part of our brain, if a woman looks like she’s interested, you should go for it because who knows when you’ll get another chance). Now I ask, why wouldn’t he ask her out? She’s apparently interested in him; he’s interested in her, so why not?; 4) It really, REALLY sucks to get turned down. It hits a person on multiple levels when you get that dreaded “no,” so it takes a lot of guts to even ask and even more for us to get over the sting of rejection (if you ever do). Honestly, it’s even hard to keep hanging out with someone who’s shot you down, at least until you’ve had some time to adjust. The whole “game” she’s playing is pretty much guaranteeing that she’ll lose a good chunk of her guy friends if she keeps it up. She’d be much better off being polite but distant until she finds someone she’s interested in and THEN flirting. She’ll keep her friends that way and stop sending what we consider mixed signals. Anonymous Guy Hey, Anonymous, before you get your panties in a wad you might want to consider what I actually said, which was that she’s flirty and single, and that I respect those guys for putting themselves out there, and that she should, too. I followed that up by saying that she should be honest about her feelings and that hopefully her friendships wouldn’t suffer, but if they did that the guys probably weren’t her friends anyway. See? Your letter was basically just reiterating what I had already said. P.S. Please don’t speak for all men and say things like “it’s the way we’re wired.” It sounds ridiculous and it’s insulting to guys who aren’t “wired” that way. I am about to my wit’s end with my 12-year marriage. About six years ago my husband decided it would be a good idea to start smoking pot. He took up this habit pretty much out of the blue, and it is a major source of stress between us because I don’t smoke and don’t want it in our lives. We have a nine-year-old daughter that doesn’t need that in her life, and even though hubby is very discreet, it still isn’t something I want around at all. He thinks I am uptight, and he should be able to toke

occasionally without me getting on his case. When I have a big enough fit, he will promise to stop. This cycle has been going on for six years. I didn’t marry a dope head; he is the one who changed the rules. My questions: Am I being uptight? Should I “chill” like he thinks? Or am I right to think he should throw away the bong for good? Choking on the Cloud Define “occasionally.” Are we talking once a month? Once a week? In the house? Anywhere near your kid? And how does it affect you when it happens? Are you actually choking on a cloud? Is there a risk that he might get drug tested and lose his job? I can’t tell if you’re being uptight or not, because I don’t understand the circumstances. However, your reference to him as a “pothead” who “changed the rules” is a bit dramatic. Yes, it is illegal, but it certainly isn’t uncommon. In all honesty, from your letter it sounds to me like maybe you are overreacting. The “when I have a big enough fit” part of your letter is also a bit disturbing, as is the part about him promising repeatedly to stop. This isn’t healthy. You need to come to an understanding, and I am simply not in a position to referee here. You should really try professional counseling.

Seriously

Junkman's Daughter's Brother 458 e. clayton st. 706.543.4454 M-Sat: 11-7 Sun: 12-6

I have been in love with a guy for a few years, kind of from afar. My circumstances have kept me from being able to do anything about it. Now he is getting married in a few weeks to a girl who got pregnant because she “forgot” to take her birth-control pills. He says he loves her, and of course he is trying to do the right thing by marrying her, but he has only known her for about a year. I want to tell him he is a sucker and got tricked by this psycho chick. I know, “too late now,” but seriously, is he really naïve enough to think this pregnancy was an accident? Now she conveniently gets the child and marriage her biological clock wanted. Boys Are Dumb You can’t just say your “circumstances” and not tell me what they are. What am I supposed to do with that? You’re talking about this guy “from afar,” but somehow you know the circumstances of his girlfriend’s pregnancy? Come on, honey. You aren’t giving me much to work with. He says he loves her, and she is having his baby, so whatever you are thinking probably doesn’t matter that much to him, does it? I mean, are you his friend? And if he were a friend of yours that you weren’t in love with, would you tell him that you think his girlfriend is a psycho and that she got knocked up on purpose? If the answer to both of those questions is a definitive “yes,” then go ahead and tell him. But don’t expect him to believe you, and don’t hold your breath for happily ever after. Jyl Inov Got a question for Jyl? Submit your anonymous inquiry via the Reality Check button at www.flagpole.com.

DECEMBER 2, 2009 · FLAGPOLE.COM

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Buy It, Sell It, Rent It, Use It! Place an ad anytime at flagpole.com  Indicates images available at flagpole.com

Real Estate Apartments for Rent $450/mo. Alexi Apartments. 1 lg. BR/1BA w/ lg. lv. rm & walk–in closet. Laundry facilities, picnic tables, grill. 1 block off Milledge w/ bus stop. (706) 207-9902, (706) 835-8401. $475–525/mo. 1BR/1BA, 2 Blocks to town & campus. Lg. BR, CHVAC, great view of city, ceiling fans, some screen porches. Owner pays water & garbage. Avail. for January 1st move–in. Go to boulevardproperty management.com, (706) 548-9797. 1BR apt. for $475/mo. 2BR apt. starting at $700/ mo. 3BR apt starting at $1000/mo. All close to campus! Howard Properties (706) 546-0300.

1BR apt. w/ full kit. & BA. W/D. incl. $400/mo. + $400/ sec dep. Avail. now. Won’t last! (706) 254-2936. 1BR/1BA. All electric, water, furnished, nice! On busline. Single pref. Avail. now! (706) 543-4271. 145 Mell St. 5 Pts. 2–room garage apt. Avail. Jan. 1. $400/mo. Incl. utils. 1 block to Milledge/UGA. HWflrs., W/D. Call/text (706) 714-4486, email hathawayproperties@ gmail.com. 2BR/1BA Five Points Duplex on Mell St., total electric, DW, W/D hookups. $625/mo. (706) 546-6900, ValerioProperties.com. 2BR/1BA, Deville 136 Grady Ave. $695/mo. Great place to live, upstairs, HWflrs, pool, courtyard. Call for showing (706) 548-9797, w w w. b o u l e v a rd p ro p e r t y management.com.

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2BR basement apt. 180 Moss Side Dr. Great rm. w/ FP. Private entrance. $520/mo + utils. Washer & DW provided. Call (706) 254-2526 or (706) 227-9312.

Boulevard apt. for rent. Great location near Dwntn/campus. 2BR/1BA. W/D in unit. $650– $ 6 9 5 re n t . D e c e m b e r free! (770) 354-1989 OR princeynez@yahoo.com.

2BR/2BA apt in East Athens. Partially furnished. Big kitchen, deck. $750/mo. (706) 433-2712.

Dwntn 2nd floor apt. on Clayton St. Walk to UGA. Great location! $675/mo. Available now! Parker & Associates (706) 546-0600 or visit parkerandassociates.com.

3BR/2.5BA Eastside townhome. Spacious & convenient, on bus route. Pets allowed. Incl. W/D. Only $700/mo. Call Aaron (706) 207-2957. Artist studio/garden cottage. Very private, quiet, lovely setting. Dwntn Watkinsville, walk 1 block to Jittery Joe’s. Great restaurants, music on the lawn, lg. open main rm. w/ great windows. 2BR/1BA, screen porch, 1200 sq. ft. Professional/grad student. N/S, no candles, pets neg. $740/mo. incl. water & all appl. Avail Dec. 15! Pls. call (706) 769-0205 evening, (706) 207-5175. Lv. msg. Available January. Spacious 2BR Dwntn apts. 3 blocks from N. campus. Out of bar scene. Close to everything. Call George (706) 340-0987. Best proper ty in town! Woodlands of Athens. 3BR/3BA full of amenities. Gated community, great specials. Reduced to only $1050/mo. Call Pete (706) 372-3319. Best deal in town! El Dorado 2BR/1BA & studio apts. in Normaltown. Free water, gas, basic cable & wireless Internet. W/D in 2BR units. Dog runs. $420–$675/mo. Joiner & Associates (706) 549-7371.

FTX Apartments. Campus & busline within half a block. Near Milledge Ave. 2BR units. Pre–lease for Fall 2010. These units are always 100% leased so act now for low rental rates. Call Stacy at (706) 4254048 or (706) 296-1863. In 5 Pts. 815 S. Milledge. Stained glass windows, beautiful stained wood floors/walls/ceilings. Gas heat/electric air, FPs, heavy insulation, skylights, electric security, storage rm., W/D conn. No pets. Non–smoking. Studio $523/mo, 1BR $523/ mo., 2BR $682–$792/mo., Stone cottage efficiency $482/mo. (706) 546-1716. West Athens, just off Prince. $595/mo. 2BR/2BA apt. Living r m w/ FP, eat–in kitchen, deck. High speed internet avail. Avail. now. (706) 433-2712. Westside condos. 2BR/2BA,$600/mo.Hospital Area, garage apt., totally updated, 2BR/1BA, $525/ mo. & $550/mo. Eastside quadraplex 2BR/2BA, $525/mo. 2BR/1BA, $490/mo. Eastside duplex 2BR/1BA, FP, $490/mo.3BR/2BA, FP, $650/mo., corner lot. Call McWaters Realty, (706) 549-3222, (706) 353-2700 or cell (706) 540-1529. White Columns Hall. 1BR/1BA, 1 block from Dwntn. Water, gas incl., laundry onsite. $465/mo. Call Joiner Management (706) 353-6868.

DON’T BE LEFT THE FRED BUILDING HOMELESS! Office Space Downtown Lofts Available Available For Lease Hurry, Only a Few Left! 220 COLLEGE

AVENUE Call

(706) 613-2742

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Apartments for Sale Downtown Condo. 1BR/1BA in University Tower. Approx 720 sq. ft. Across Broad St. from north campus, great view. $94K. Call (706) 255-3743.

Commercial Property $100-$150 Studio spaces. Great location, cool spaces. 1 block from town. (706) 5489797, boulevardproperty management.com. 195 Park Ave. $750/mo.3 lg. offices, common area w/ kitchen. Currently used as wellness center. Great location, great n’hood. Contact or call today (706) 5489797, boulevardproperty management.com.

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5K sq. ft. Building/ Warehouse for sale or lease in Crawford, GA. $1650/mo. or $150K. 187 Bunker Hill Rd. On 1.5 acres in Oglethorpe Co. Call Diego (706) 6211035 or Ken (706) 6148295. More info:http:// w w w. k p s u r p l u s . c o m / products/view/26553.

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5K sq. ft. Building/ Warehouse for sale or lease in Lexington, GA. $1K/ mo. or $120K. 111, 113 & 115 E. Main St. Call Diego (706) 621-1035 or Ken (706) 614-8295. More info: www. kpsurplus.com/products/ view/26554.

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7500 sq. ft. Building/ Warehouse for sale or lease in Winterville, GA. $3500/mo. or $420K. 1459 Hargrove Lake Rd. On 6 acres zoned B1 in Oglethorpe Co. Call Diego (706) 621-1035 or Ken (706) 614-8295. More info:http://www.kpsurplus. com/products/view/25214.

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Amazing Office S p a c e s for lease above Dwntn Five Guys restaurant. Sign a 1 Year Lease and Receive the 1st Month Free or 12% off!! Call Reign at Coldwell Banker Upchurch Realty (706) 372-4166, or (706) 543-4000. Athens Executive Suites. Offices avail. in historic Dwntn bldg. w/ on–site parking. All utils., Internet, & janitorial incl. Single or multiple offices avail. Call Stacy (706) 4254048 or (706) 296-1863. Commercial or Residential. 10 rooms, 2 kitchens, 2BAs. 1 mi. to Arch. Huge porch, large yard. $1300/mo. Call David (706) 247-1398. Eastside offices 1060 Gaines School Rd. Rent: 1200 sqft-1200/mo. 450 sq. ft. $600/mo., 170 sq. ft. $375/mo., 450 sq. ft. $600/ mo. (706) 546-1615 or www. athenstownproperties.com. Paint Artist Studio Historic Blvd Area. Artist C o m m u n i t y. 1 6 0 Tr a c y St. Rent: 400 sq. ft. $200/ mo. 300 sq. ft. $150/mo. (706) 546-1615 or www. athenstownproperties.com. Retail Suites for lease at Homewood Village. 1K–12,500 sq. ft. avail. For more info call Bryan Austin at (706) 353-1039 or visit www. sumnerproperties.net.

Condos for Rent 2BR/2.5 Bath condo on Epps Bridge. Avail. immediately. December rent f re e w/ signed lease!Newly renovated. New carpets, cabinets, & appls. W/D connection. Backyard. Garbage incl. in rent. $725/ mo. (706) 255-7039. 2BR/1.5BA condo at Eaglewood, off Lumpkin. Pool, on lake, completely remodeled. $675/mo. Call (706) 353-7826 anytime. 2BR/1BA condo. Campus close. Security gate, pool, fitness center. Located at Stadium Village. Excellent condition. $600/mo. or $200/ wk. (706) 206-2347. 3BR/2BA condo, newly remodeled, incl. paint & flooring. Spacious rooms, central location. $750/mo. Avail. now! Call Geoff for more info (706) 206-3560.

Houses for Rent $700/mo. 3BR/1BA. 515 Reese St. Avail. Jan 1. CHAC, W/D, DW, sec. sys., deck. 4 blocks to UGA. Call/text (706) 7144486, hathawayproperties@ gmail.com. $750/mo. Blocks from c a m p u s . 4 B R / 2 B A . Ta l l ceilings, CHAC, DW, W/D c o n n . , s u n ro o m , d e c k . Avail. now. 231 Elizabeth St. Owner/Agent. Call Mike (706) 207-7400. $875/mo. 4BR/1.5BA. Eastside. Lg. kitchen, W/D, workshop, 1–car garage, fenced yard, safe & n’hood. Avail. now. 117 Crossbow Circle. Owner/Agent. Call Mike (706) 207-7400. $875/mo. Blocks from campus. 3 extra lg. BRs, 1.5BA. 12’ ceilings, HWflrs., W/D, CHAC. Avail. now. 127 Elizabeth St. Owner/Agent. Call Mike (706) 207-7400. 1080 Oglethorpe Ave. City busline. 2BR/1BA + bonus rm., laundry rm., patio. Neat condition, great location. Lawn maintenance possible. Perfect for 2 grad students/ professionals. Short lease avail. $750–$850/mo. (706) 338-7990, (706) 353-0708. 1BR/1BA. Small house in Blvd area. $500/mo. CHAC, W/D. Wood flrs., fenced yd. Close to Dwntn. Call/ text (706) 714-4486, email hathawayproperties@ gmail.com. 1434 E. Broad St. 1BR/1BA duplex. $475/mo. Walk to UGA. Renovated bungalow. W/D & yd. maint. incl. Pets OK. Flexible lease. (770) 841-7090. 1695 W. Hancock. 3BR/2BA. CHAC, W/D, DW, fenced, pets OK, bands OK, HWflrs. Close to Dwntn. Sec. sys. $650/mo. Avail. Jan 1st. Call/text (706) 714-4486, email hathawayproperties@ gmail.com. 1BR/1BA. $495-525/mo. overlooking Dwntn & campus. All electric, lg. BRs, some w/ screened porches, laundry on site. Freshly renovated & priced right. Avail. 1/01/09. Call (706) 548-9797 or boulevardp roper ty management.com. 2BR/1BA. Avail. Jan. 1. 1.5 mi. north of Dwntn, HWflrs., lg. fenced yd., W/D, CHAC, all electric, lawncare incl. $535/mo. w/ dep. (706) 5465390 evenings.

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2BR/2BA beautifully restored historic home, Lexington, courthouse square, 1.5 acre. 16 mi. to UGA. Lg. rms, high ceilings, HWflrs, CHAC. Home or business. $800/mo. (706) 338-7695.

238 1/2 Cleveland Ave. Off Pulaski. 2BR/1BA. $400/ mo. Heat, AC, W/D, porch. Pets OK. Walk to Dwntn. Call/text (706) 714-4486, email hathawayproperties@ gmail.com.

2BR/1BA cute cottage w/ front porch. CHAC, near UGA. $800/mo. Avail. 12/15. Also, ask about 2 other houses avail. now. Call (706) 354-1276 or (706) 540-7812.

Convenient Eastside location. 2BR/1BA. Convenient to schools & shopping. All appls. incl. W/D. Avail. Dec. 1st. $525/mo. Carole Moon Owner/Agent (706) 540-0472.

2BR duplexes starting at $450/mo. 159 Gran Ellen, 3BR/3BA $1300/mo. 1BR/1BA $600/mo. 167 Tibbets, Normaltown house $650/mo. Pls. call (706) 549-6070.

Call about our exciting January special! Huge floorplan. Tons of space. HWflrs, ceiling fans, W/D, DW, micro, bonus rm. & back deck! 1 mi. to Dwntn. (706) 543-1910 or becky@ landmarkathens.com.

2BR/2BA townhouse. 1st 3 months $100 off! $250 sec. dep. Pls. call (706) 549-6070. 235 Plaza. 3BR/1BA. Avail. Jan 1st. CHAC, W/D, DW, HWflrs., fenced yd. Close to Dwntn. $600/mo. Call/ text (706) 714-4486, email hathawayproperties@ gmail.com. 3BR/2BA house Eastside. Quiet n’hood. $900/mo. All appls. 213 Springtree St. Avail. now! (706) 713-0626. 3BR/2.5BA houses w/ HWflrs, granite tops & all appls! Avail. now for $1200/mo! 1/2 mi. to Dwntn. 105 Trail Creek Dr.! (706) 713-0626. 3BR/2.5BA. 1 mi. to UGA. $1200/mo. 1 yr. old house. Open floor plan, microwave, DW, W/D conn. Avail. now. (706) 410-6122. 3BR/2BA historic farmhouse in Lexington, GA. Pls. call (706) 549-6070. 3BR/2BA house in Crawford. Living room, dining, den/ office, carport, porch. 15 min. from Athens. Newly renovated. Garden spot avail. $800/mo. (706) 743-5212. 3BR/2BA renovated Victorian. Price reduced. 1/2 mi. to UGA. Lg. rms., high ceilings, HWflrs, front porch, back deck, nice yd. lots of parking. W/D, DW, CHAC. Pets OK. $1000/mo. (706) 369-2908. 5BR/3BA Eastside home for rent. 50% off 1st mo. rent if lease signed by 12/1. Approx $300/mo. per room. 1 mi from campus, 2nd kitchen, deck, fenced yard. Will consider some pets. W/D incl! Move–in today & save, or prelease while avail! (770) 374-0123. Available now! 3BR/1BA. Blvd. HWflrs., W/D. Pets OK. CHVAC. $900/mo. Call Tom (706) 540-2432. Avail. Dec. 1st. 3BR/2BA. Off Milledge. CHAC, W/D, HWflrs. $750/mo. + dep. Pets OK. Call Mark (706) 202-5110. Best rentals in Athens! 1–5BR houses, apts., condos. In the heart of UGA/Dwntn/5 Pts. Avail. Aug. Going fast, call today! (706) 3692908 for more info.

Cute house on Hollie St. 1BR/1BA for $550/mo. Great yard, quiet location. Available now! Convenient location. Parker & Associates (706) 546-0600 Website: parkerandassociates.com.

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I’ll miss my bachelor pad. I’m moving to Atlanta for work. I’ve loved living here; close to Dwntn, 2 4 h r. K r o g e r, l i b r a r y, Beechwood, nice backyard, sunny living room. 2BR/1BA. 1.5 mi from UGA. $680/mo. Call (678) 481-7533. Normaltown/ARMC. 180 Willow Run. Very nice 3BR/1BA. HWflrs, DW, W/D, CHAC. Lg. fenced backyd. Pets OK w/ dep. $800/mo. (404) 210-7145. Northside 2BR/1BA, lg. lot, $600/mo. Hospital area 2BR/1BA, carport, fenced–in yard, $750/mo. Eastside 3BR/2BA. Lg. yd., on dead–end street. $950/mo. 4BR/2BA w/ lg. yd. $1200/mo. 2 or 3BR/1BA w/ screened front porch, $700/mo. Cedar Creek 4BR/2BA $950/mo. Oconee County 3BR/2BA. Lv. rm. w/ FP, din. rm., double garage, $1000/mo. Call McWaters Realty, (706) 549-3222, (706) 353-2700, (706) 540-1529. Newly renovated 4BR/3BA for rent in ARMC area. W/D, DW, CHAC, screen porch, game room, off–street parking. $1200/mo. Call Vicki at (706) 540-7113 to set up a tour. Normaltown cottage. Avail. 1/1/10. 2BR/1BA. HWflrs, CHAC, DW, W/D hookups, fenced–in backyd, covered patio, FP. Perfect for grad students or professionals. On busline. Pets OK w/ dep.! $800/ mo.+ dep. (706) 372-3383. Yo u r o w n 2 B R / 1 B A house for $575/mo. Quiet location convenient to everything Available now. Parker & Associate (706) 546-0600 or visit www. parkerandassociates.com.

Houses for Sale $77,700. Cute 2BR/1BA house w/ bonus rm. HWflrs, CHAC, fenced yd, butterfly garden. Bus, walk, or bike to Dwntn, campus & Alps. 405 Benning St. Michael ( 7 0 6 ) 2 5 5 - 8 6 0 0 , w w w. fullcircleathens.com. 1695 W. Hancock. 3BR/2BA lg house. Double lot. CHAC, W/D, DW, wood flrs, sec. sys., fenced, close to Dwntn. $135K. Call/ text (706) 714-4486, email hathawayproperties@ gmail.com. 2BR/2BA townhouse w/ pool & balcony. Fully furnished except for bed. Daytona Beach, FL. 1 mi. from ocean. 70 degrees in November! $100K. Call (386) 212-9340.

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2 3 5 B a i l e y. $ 5 0 K . Great Investment Property! Call Reign at Coldwell Banker Upchurch Realty (706) 372-4166, or (706) 543-4000. Owner financing. 3BR/2BA ranch. Basement, remodeled kitchen, HWflrs, c o v e re d p o rc h , f e n c e d yd., koi pond, vegetable garden. $135K. Call Martha (770) 540-9262. View at www.upchurchrealty.com/ MarthaCooper.

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Own your own rental property!139 & 1 4 3 S t r i c k l a n d Av e . 4BR/3BA on each side of duplex. Each side for rent at $1200/mo. Entire duplex for sale $359,800. Call Reign at Coldwell Banker Upchurch Realty (706) 372-4166, or (706) 543-4000.

Land for Sale

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0 Va l l e y w o o d . Awesome Homewood Hills Lot For Sale $44,900. Call Reign at Coldwell Banker Upchurch Realty (706) 3724166, or (706) 543-4000.

Roommates Share residence w/ another professional. $900/mo shared rent which incl. everything! Negotiable portion of rent. 20 min. 78–83 Hwy. from Athens/campus. Great deal for single graduate student, writer, or teacher. Furnished. Private BR, BA, backyd, sidewalks, streetlamps, nearby cheap gym & space for guest. Extras! Emailjudiethcarol@ rocketmail.com or (678) 938-1219.

WELCH PLACE

Roommate needed 12/1. Lg. rm., CHVAC, private entrance. W/D use, share kit/bath w/ 1 person, utils 5–way split. Walk to town. (706) 424-0901.

Rooms for Rent $500/mo. 3rd housemate needed for room in recently renovated 3BR/3.5BA house w/ 2 (M,F) PhD students. Terrific location! Pulaski, near Prince. Avail. Jan. Email gfelis@uga.edu. $450/mo. & $450/dep. All utils. incl. water, power, cable, trash. (706) 248-2615.

TV and Video Get Dish. Free Installation. $19.99/mo. HBO & Showtime Free. Over 50 HD channels Free. Lowest prices. No equipment to buy. Call now for full details (877) 238-8413 (AAN CAN).

Music Equipment Ampeg Bass cabinet. 4 10” & 1 15” speakers. Beat all to hell & sounds great! Considering partial trade for smaller cabinet. $500. Call (706) 296-4034.

4 blocks to town/UGA/on N. Oconee river. $75/wk. Long distance, Internet, cable, TV & refrigerator provided. Private entrance. No drugs. (706) 850-0491, 957 MLK.

Gibson Explorer, black w/ black pick guard. Like new, case included. $850. Call Scott at (706) 207-5117.

Spacious room for rent in Blvd area. Private entrance & porch, W/D. $375/mo. Avail. immediately. (606) 584-5231.

Athens School of Music. Instruction in Guitar, Bass, Drums, Piano, Voice, Brass, Woodwinds, Strings, Banjo, Mandolin, Fiddle, & more. From beginner to expert. Instrument repairs avail. (706) 543-5800.

For Sale Appliances 24 cubic ft. Hotpoint refrigerator for sale. White, side–by–side doors. Only 4 yrs. old! $375 OBO. Call (706) 338-1661.

Furniture Pillowtop Queen Mattress set. Never used. Still in factory plastic. $260. Full size mattress set. Never used. Still in factory plastic. $160. (706) 769-1959. Delivery avail. Tables, chairs, sofas, antiques, clothes, records & players, retro goods, & more! Cool, affordable furniture every day. Go to Agora! Your favorite everything store! 260 W. Clayton St., (706) 316-0130.

Miscellaneous

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2007 Bobcat T300 Compact Track Loader. Must Sell Now! Price $4700, trailer incl. Cab w/ Heat/AC. Contact frh57uj@msn.com. (404) 601-9843.

Instruction

Love Guitar Hero? Quit playing the game & learn the real thing. Teachers w/ decades of experience. 1–on–1 affordable, fun lessons. All styles & skill levels welcome. Music Exchange (706) 549-6199.

Music Services Fret Shop. Professional guitar repairs & modifications, setups, electronics, precision fretwork. Previous clients incl. R.E.M., Widespread Panic, Cracker, Bob Mould, John Berry, Abbey Road Live!, Squat. (706) 549-1567. Guitar Repair, setups, electronics & fretwork by 20 yr. pro. Thousands of previous clients. Proceeds help benefit Nuçi’s Space. Contact Jeff (404) 643-9772 or www.AthensGuitar.com for details. ➤ continued on next page

Come to Betty for vintage quilted Chanel bags, just in for Fall! On the corner of Pulaski & Clayton, next to Agora. Open 1pm–4pm daily. (706) 424-0566.

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Looking for a fun, classy alternative to the typical wedding band? If you are looking for “YMCA” then Squatis not your band. If you want Duke Ellington, Ray Charles, & salsa, then visitwww.squatme.com/ weddings. (706) 548-0457. Wedding Bands. Quality, professional bands. Weddings, parties. Rock, Jazz, etc. Call Classic City Entertainment. ( 7 0 6 ) 5 4 9 - 1 5 6 7 . w w w. classiccity entertainment.com. Featuring The Magictones— Athens’ premiere wedding & p a r t y b a n d . w w w. themagictones.com.

Studios Vega Recording Studio. $12/ hr. Come & track your music, then take it to your friends who use ProTools. Call (706) 207-7581 for more info.

Musicians Wanted

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Contemporary co–ed acappella group seeking tenors, basses & v o c a l p e rc u s s i o n i s t . Contact Blair at strider768@ yahoo.com.

Services Advertise in the Flagpole Classifieds! Only $15 for 1 week & $45 for 4 weeks! Call 706-549-0301.

Health Penis enlargement. Gain 1-3” permanently. FDA approved medical vacuum pumps, Testosterone, Viagra, Cialis. Free brochure. (619) 294-7777, http://www.drjoelkaplan.com. Discounts avail. (AAN CAN). Pregnant? Considering adoption? Talk w/ caring agency specializing in matching birthmothers w/ families nationwide. Living expenses paid. Abby’s One True Gift Adoptions. (866) 413-6293 (AAN CAN).

Tutors

Opportunities

One-on-one tutoring. Experienced in K–12 & home schooling. Certified English, Gifted, Reading, Exceptional Education. Implementing Princeton Review series working w/ students to prepare for the SAT/ACT tests. Essaywriting, end of course tests, C R C T, & s t a n d a r d i z e d test preparation. Call or email for info (678) 9381219, judiethcarol@ rocketmail.com.

Bodyguards wanted. Free training for members. No experience OK. Excellent $. FT & PT. Expenses paid when you travel. (615) 2281701, www.psubodyguards. com (AAN CAN).

Jobs Full-time Sexy Suz Adult Emporium now hiring 21+ yr. old for retail positions. Retail experience pref’d. Email resume/photo to sexysuz@ comcast.net. No calls. 50 Gaines School Rd. Sales Reps needed! Looking for confident, self motivated, well spoken people. Starting out at $8/hr. + commission. Experience necessary. Call Kris (770) 560-5653. Weak people need not apply!

Does your daughter have symptoms of bulimia nervosa? Has your daughter injured herself on purpose? Researchers at the University of Georgia Psychology Clinic are conducting a treatment study for teens w/ symptoms of bulimia nervosa & deliberate self harm. Open to teenage girls age 16–18. Receive $300 upon completion of study! For more info, please email the Eating, Drinking, & Personality Research lab at the University of Georgia at bnstudy@uga. edu, or call (706) 542-3827. NEED A JOB? Full-Time and Part-Time opportunities are listed weekly in the Flagpole Classifieds. Earn extra income assembling CD cases from home. No experience necessary. Call our live operators now. (800) 405-7619 ext. 2450. http:// www.easywork-greatpay.com (AAN CAN). Earn $40! UGA researchers looking for F age 18 & older who purge at least twice/ mo. to participate in a 1–visit research study. Contact bnstudy@uga.edu.

FLAGPOLE.COM ∙ DECEMBER 2, 2009

Earn $75-$200/hr. Media Makeup Artist Training for ads, TV, film, fashion. 1 wk. class. Stable job in weak economy. Details at http:// www.Awardmakeupschool. com, (310) 364-0665 (AAN CAN). High School diploma! Fast, affordable & accredited. Free brochure. Call now! (800) 532-6546 ext. 97. Go to http:// www.continentalacademy. com (AAN CAN). Women! Earn $18K–$30K for 6 egg donations w/ the largest, most experienced agency in the US. Call (800) 444-7119 or apply online at www.theworldeggbank.com (AAN CAN).

Part-time Dental assistant needed part-time for busy Athens p ra c ti c e . Mo n –F ri , fro m 8am–1pm. $15/hr. will be paid during training period, $ 2 0 / h r. o n c e t r a i n e d . Must be computer literate & available to work for minimum of 3 consecutive years due to cost of training. Bachelors degree and minimum 3.5 GPA preferred. Pls. reply w/ your educational & work histor y. Apply online at DentalAthens@gmail.com. Mystery shoppers earn up to $100/day. Undercover shoppers needed to judge retail & dining establishments. No exp. req’d. (800) 743-8535.

Vehicles Autos Chevy Astro Passanger Van 1996. Good condition, runs well. Seats 2–8. Removable seats. $3200. Call Tony (478) 397-4696.

Misc. Vehicles

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Tr a v e l Tr a i l e r 2 0 0 5 A i r s t re a m International. Price $4600, 28 ft. Sleeping capacity: 6. Details & 100 pictures: w1977wje@msn. com. (678) 559-0777.

Motorcycles For Sale. 2007 250 Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle. Black w/ red flames. Like new, only 14 mi. $2700 OBO. Call (706) 788-3160. Ya m a h a 6 5 0 V- S t a r Classic. 2001 cruiser. 8K miles, black, excellent condition. New windshield, luggage rack, & tires. Ridden daily. $2950 firm. (706) 254-6529.

Notices Messages Gain national exposure. Reach over 5 million young, active, educated readers for $995 by advertising in 110 weekly newspapers like this one. (202) 289-8484 (AAN CAN).

everyday people

CALLIE HEINTZMAN, STUDENT On Feb. 10 of last year, Callie Heintzman’s friend Ashley Bond-Peters died in a car accident. The next day, Callie was driving to Ashley’s visitation in Good Hope, GA when she arrived at a small intersection. As many others before her, Callie assumed there was a four-way stop at the cross-streets. Yet when she pulled into the intersection, a car barreled into the driver’s side of her vehicle, the force of which knocked her unconscious and sent her mangled van rolling over a hundred yards. Two different bystanders called 911 and, thus, two different ambulances arrived. One of the ambulance crews was prepared to take her to Monroe County Hospital to be pronounced dead on arrival; the other wanted to call in a helicopter from Atlanta and give her a fighting chance. Luckily, the latter crew’s judgment prevailed.

haven’t been at school all day since I was in seventh grade… so it was good to have a small school because my teachers worked with me and came to my house and tutored me.

FP: Could you elaborate on the part about your health? CH: I have chronic fatigue syndrome; I’ve had mono for four years. FP: You still have it at this moment? CH: Yes, it’s still active. But it’s basically turned into chronic fatigue, which most people get when they’re, like, in their 50s. I get it when I’m 17. [Laughs.] FP: Are you tired right now? CH: Yes, I’m exhausted. I’m caffeinated though, so it’s OK. [Laughs.] Which is pretty much always the case. But yeah, I

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FP: What’s that like compared to a regular high school? CH: It’s very different… It’s good, especially for my health and stuff like that, it’s good to have a smaller environment, and there are 22 people in my senior class.

Sunday, December 6

photo credit:

Charles-Ryan Barber

FP: So, I don’t want to make this interview all about your misfortunes, but I’d like to know more about the car accident. Do you have any theories as to why you survived? Was it faith, fate or just luck? CH: It’s definitely faith… cause at first, I went through the “Why?” You know, I’d been sick for the past three years and now I had a brain injury, which makes you really tired ‘cause your body’s focusing on healing your brain, not keeping up energy, so I was just ridiculously tired all time. But I just knew that there was a reason, and God obviously… is keeping me on the Earth for a reason.

FP: Right after the accident? CH: Well, it was a couple weeks, ‘cause I was incapable of talking. [Laughs.] But I think it was just that I realized that life is really short… I used to hate public speaking. And at my school, [now] I thrive on speaking in public. I really enjoy it… when we couldn’t sell enough formal tickets for our dance last year, I wrote a few poems about it and read it in front of the whole school. Someone came up to me and said “Callie, a year ago, you never would have done that.”

Flagpole: What’s the name of the high school you go to? Callie Heintzman: Westminster Christian Academy.

HEADBANGERS BOWL

FP: How many hours do you sleep per night? CH: It kinda depends, ‘cause sometimes, as cruel as this is, I have a lot of trouble sleeping. As exhausted as I am, I can’t sleep. But typically, I try and get at least 10 hours a night and then usually take a couple of hour naps in the day.

FP: Were there any ways in which the accident permanently changed you? CH: My personality… I used to be really shy. And I’m still shy by nature, but I just suddenly became a bubbling, very outgoing person.

Instead of taking Callie’s life, the accident gave it a forward push. Besides pointing her towards her future career, her neardeath experience inspired her to lead a successful campaign for new road signage at the infamously deceptive intersection in Good Hope. Nowadays, she spends a lot of time at the Two Story Coffeehouse, where this interview took place. If you’re at the café and need a boost, order a macchiato with a shot of Cubano—also known as the “Callie.”

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FP: Do you think that the accident was part of God’s plan for you, so that you could become a more outgoing and helpful person? CH: Yes, I’m 100 percent sure of that… because when I was in a hospital, I remember specifically I had a meeting with a child-life specialist. She was just really nice and hung out and talked with me like I was a normal teenager… so later, I looked into the child-life profession, and that’s what I’m going to do. I’m going to be a child-life specialist. If I wasn’t in my accident, I wouldn’t know anything about that. FP: What does a child-life specialist do? CH: They’re known as “play specialists” in other places. They work with the kids and they talk to them and help them understand why they’re in the hospital; they make it easier for them. It’s basically like a counselor. My child-life specialist— she and I made collages, she asked me about my friends, about school and just, again, made me feel like I was normal, which was huge. FP: What do you like to do when you have some free time? CH: Knit. I love to knit… I also make jewelry; I sell it here, actually. And I bake. I love baking. FP: What’s your pet peeve? CH: I hate it when people are not grateful. I don’t know if that counts as a normal pet peeve, but that just really bothers me because, you know, people will complain about just the stupidest things, and I just wanna say: “Listen. You have it awesome.” When I was in the hospital, I met so many people that were, like, so much worse off than I was, and there was one kid who was 13; he’d had a stroke, a brain tumor and an aneurism… then there was one kid that was shot in the head when he was standing in his front yard. There are just a lot of things that [made me realize] I was really, really blessed. Jeff Gore

DECEMBER 2, 2009 · FLAGPOLE.COM

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