http://flagpole.com/images/jpgs/2010/01/20/FP100120 by Flagpole Magazine

COLORBEARER OF ATHENS EXPOSING THE IMPOSTORS

LOCALLY OWNED SINCE 1987

Mental Health Benefit Kicks Off with Artists’ Reception at Ciné p. 11

JANUARY 20, 2010 · VOL. 24 · NO. 3 · FREE

Outlaw Country Mickey Raphael’s 37 Years with Willie Nelson p. 19

Artists’ Community in Comer? p. 10 · Folklore p. 17 · The Orkids p. 20 · Leo Kottke p. 26

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pub notes Bad News Bears Bankruptcy is no longer a dirty word, especially the Chapter 11 form. Giant corporations like Chrysler and GM routinely go into and out of bankruptcy, and, with the guidance of lawyers, accountants and other enablers who specialize in the process, find themselves much stronger from going through it—kind of like a detox for corporate addiction to debt. Now, Morris Communications and the Morris Publishing Group, DBA Athens Newspapers, Inc., that own the Athens Banner-Herald are heading into bankruptcy. In effect, they have been heading into bankruptcy ever since their borrowand-buy growth strategy, based on ever increasing profits, got upended by ever decreasing profits. It is not for me to fault the Morris crowd for their aggressive growth strategies or for their failure to read the future. They built a powerful publishing empire that stretched from Florida to the midwest all the way to Alaska and included newspapers, magazines, billboards, television stations and a lot of other stuff. To sustain it, they sold their soul to the devil—the Wall Street bankers and other financial institutions who have come for their pound of flesh. The Morris Corporation is trying to wiggle off the hook through the lawful processes which a company can use to save itself when its debts grow overwhelming. Basically, Morris has worked out a deal that, once it is approved by a bankruptcy judge, will allow the Morris companies to forgive themselves $178.5 million owed their creditors. They will also They couldn’t care less pay down more of their debt with the proceeds whether the local school gained from the sale of their billboard comsuperintendent’s name panies back in the fall. is spelled correctly. There’s also some hocuspocus in there about spreading the debt to some of their “affiliate” companies, but I can’t tell if that means anything in regard to the BannerHerald. When the dust has cleared and the i’s are dotted, the Morris companies that now owe around $400 million will come out owing only around $100 million, with their creditors basically thankful to still be owed something. To understand the magnitude of this corporate undertaking, here are the various Morris companies involved, as based on their Aug. 28, 2009 Securities and Exchange Commission filing (www.sec.gov): Morris Publishing Group, LLC [limited liability company]; Morris Communications Company, LLC; Morris Communications Holding Company, LLC; Shivers Trading and Operating Company; MPG Newspaper Holding, LLC. These companies, which used to be subsidiaries of Morris Communications, are now, for legal purposes, sort of partners. As of August 2009, they owned the following enterprises: Morris Publishing Finance Co.; Yankton Printing Company; Broadcaster Press, Inc.; The Sun Times, LLC; Homer News, LLC; Log Cabin Democrat, LLC; Athens Newspapers, LLC; Southeastern Newspapers Company, LLC; Stauffer Communications, Inc.; Florida Publishing Company; The Oak Ridger, LLC; MPG Allegan Property, LLC; MPG Holland Property, LLC; MCC Radio, LLC; MCC Outdoor, LLC; MCC Magazines, LLC; MCC Events, LLC; Hippodrome, LLC, Best Read Guides Franchise Company, LLC; Morris Visitor Publications, LLC; Morris Book Publishing, LLC; The Lyons Press, Inc.; Morris Air, LLC; MCC Harbour Condo, LLC; MCC Cutter Court, LLC; Morris Digital Works, LLC; MSTAR Solutions, LLC; MVP France, LLC; MVP Global, LLC; Southwestern Newspapers Company, L.P.; MCC Outdoor Holding, LLC; The Map Group, Inc. The creditors listed in that same report are: JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.; The Bank of New York Mellon; Suntrust Bank; Wachovia Bank, National Association; Allied Irish Banks, PLC; General Electric Capital Corp.; US Bank, National Association; Webster Bank, National Association; Bank of America, N.A.; Comerica Bank; AIB Debt Management, Limited. As you can see, all this has about as much to do with journalism as lightning has to do with the lightning bug. These are high stakes players in big-league financing. They couldn’t care less whether the local school superintendent’s name is spelled correctly. This is all about money, and a lot of it. These capitalists bet that Morris knew how to make money in the newspaper business, and they lost. By the time Morris gets through with them, these guys are going to need another bailout. Pete McCommons editor@flagpole.com

THIS WEEK’S ISSUE: News & Features City Dope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Athens News and Views

Jared Bailey wants David Lynn’s Commission seat, and Morris announces its bankruptcy filing.

Nowhere to Turn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 The Athens Area Has Serious Gaps in Mental Health Services

Vic Chesnutt’s death points out a tragic shortage of options in emergency mental health care.

Arts & Events Miscellany . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Out and About Around Athens

This week: the Mental Health Benefit, the premiere of That Evening Sun and a reading by Kevin Prufer.

Grub Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Shades of Reds

Reds Southern Tavern has a friendly bar and a tasty burger.

COVER DESIGN by Kelly Ruberto featuring a painting by Catherine Reese Johnson on display at Transmetropolitan (downtown).

Music

On the Road Again . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Mickey Raphael and Life in the Willie Nelson Family Band One-on-one with Willie’s harmonica player of over 30 years.

The Orkids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Paper Dolls Release Party!

This passionate young pop band says this group is a-once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

LETTERS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 CITY DOPE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 CITY PAGES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 CAPITOL IMPACT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 ATHENS RISING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 MENTAL HEALTH CARE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 COMER. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 MISCELLANY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 MOVIE DOPE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 MOVIE PICK. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 GRUB NOTES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

THREATS & PROMISES. . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 FOLKLORE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 WILLIE NELSON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 THE ORKIDS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 RECORD REVIEWS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 THE CALENDAR!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 BULLETIN BOARD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 ART AROUND TOWN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 COMICS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 REALITY CHECK. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 CLASSIFIEDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 EVERYDAY PEOPLE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

This week at Flagpole.COM

 Pet shop with Adopt Me  Film Notebook update  Grub Notes keeps you up-to-date on restaurant/bar    

openings and closings Miscellany blogs about local happenings Don’t Miss: Our music editor’s weekly concert picks Catch our online live Music Reviews Read Comments from those in the know and those who merely think they are. Can you spot the difference?

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, Aaron Fu, Ian King, Missy Kulik, Jeremy Long, David Mack, Clint McElroy, Matthew Ziemer ADOPT ME Special Agent Cindy Jerrell CONTRIBUTORS Michael Andrews, Hillary Brown, Tom Crawford, Austin Darnell, Elaine Ely, Tony Floyd, Jeff Gore, Chris Hassiotis, John Huie, Coy King, Gordon Lamb, Bao Le-Huu, Cathy Mong, Matthew Pulver, Jordan Stepp, Drew Wheeler, Kevan Williams CIRCULATION Charles Greenleaf, Harper Bridgers, Jimmy Courson, Swen Froemke, Anthony Gentile WEB DESIGNER Ian Rickert ADVERTISING ASSISTANT Maggie Summers EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Erin Cork MUSIC INTERN Nicole Edgeworth ADVERTISING INTERNS Karli Sanchez, Laura Smith

VOLUME 24 ISSUE NUMBER 3

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JANUARY 20, 2010 · FLAGPOLE.COM

letters ELBERT DUMP The commissioners of neighboring Elbert County are on the verge of bringing a solid waste incinerator to our area. If they do, Elbert County will become the garbage dump for waste in a 90-mile radius. All area counties will pay to maintain the roads for the 60 (25 ton) truck loads of garbage per day. The people living in all area counties may potentially get to breathe the toxic emissions, including sulfur dioxide, dioxins, lead, mercury and many others. The ground water of all area counties may be polluted by the toxic bottom ash that will be dumped into a landfill adjacent to the incinerator. However, none of us have any say in whether or not this potential environmental nightmare comes to this area. The decision to allow the incinerator will be made by the Elbert County commissioners. The incinerator is being promoted by GreenFirst LLC, a real estate investment company. The commissioners do not know who will own or operate the incinerator, their track record or where the money to build the facility is coming from. About all they know is what GreenFirst tells them—a company whose only role is to assemble the deal, collect a check and leave. The Elbert County commissioners will vote soon on this project but are required to allow the Northeast Georgia Regional Commission to review the project first. Otherwise, they probably would have already voted. Let the Northeast Georgia Regional Commission know what you think. Email them at negrdc@negrdc.org. You can also contact the Elbert County commissioners and let them know what you think. They are; Tommy Lyon (chairman) 706-283-5711, Bob Thomas (county administrator) 706-283-2000, Horace Harper 706-283-2412, W.D. Albertson 706283-2664, Frank Eaves 706-283-1284, John Hubbard 706-283-7986 and Jerry Hewell 706283-2631. Ed Gilmore Carlton

SECRET GARDEN In the 15 years I’ve lived in Athens, I’ve never before felt compelled to write a letter to the Flagpole. However, after reading the Miscellany column in this week’s paper [Dec. 16], I felt as though someone had to comment on the flippant way in which it was

FLAGPOLE.COM ∙ JANUARY 20, 2010

CONTACT US AT P.O. BOX 1027, ATHENS, GA 30603, LETTERS@FLAGPOLE.COM OR VIA THE “TALK BACK TO US” LINK AT FLAGPOLE.COM reported that the so-called “secret garden” at the Chase Street Warehouses is being turned into an upscale restaurant. The secret garden is a space that is near and dear to the hearts of a great many Athenians. While the details of the restructuring involved weren’t outlined, I’m saddened by the fact that the space will no longer exist in its previous, natural incarnation. It will be a small but lovely piece of Athens’ cultural life, lost. Nikki Smith Athens

use, for agricultural chemical cleanup and for collateral costs of pesticide use and erosion from agricultural practices—all totaled at an estimated $85 billion per year. The current food system in the U.S. accounts for around 18 percent of our annual fossil fuel consumption. Another critical point to consider regarding the cost of our current food system is the direct consequences to our health. The treatment of complications from diabetes, obesity, heart disease and cancer—all linked to our diets—has an estimated annual cost of $145 billion. The cost in suffering from these maladies can’t be estimated. Most folks don’t consider these “hidden” costs of the cheap food they buy in their local On behalf of the Board of Directors and all grocery stores. Ironically, the farmers in this of the vendors of the Athens Farmers Market, system receive only five to 10 cents on the I want to express our sincerest gratitude to dollar for the food they produce: the remaineveryone who joined us at Bishop Park on der goes to the food industry corporations Saturday mornings this past season. Also, a and to banks. In contrast, most of the money big “much apprecispent at the farmers ated” to our market market goes directly manager, Donn to the local farmers BUMPERSTICKER OF THE WEEK: Cooper, and to all and businesses and (On the same car) of the volunteers stays in the commuwho helped run nity economy. Unlike Follow Jesus He’s the Only Way such a great market. the conventional food and Nearly 34,000 adults system, the local and Do You Follow Jesus This Close? plus thousands of sustainable growuncounted youngsters ers of the market do Send sticker sightings to letters@flagpole.com attended this year— not receive direct an increase of over subsidizes and do 25 percent compared not create collateral to last year. Finally, I would like to thank Pete problems requiring government funds. Most McCommons for his column in the Nov. 11, importantly, the clean, fresh, unprocessed Flagpole. I guess I should thank him most for food is not linked to the health complications his admission to being wrong about the prosmentioned above. pects of a successful farmers market in Athens. As a farmer vendor at the market, I did We are looking forward to coming back bigger not see the patrons of the market as necesand better for the 2010 season. sarily “well-to-do” or, as I have heard in Now that the market is over for the seavarious discussions, “elite.” What I did see son and there has been time for reflection, every week were people who made the deciI want to comment on a number of issues sion to spend their money on food and goods that have been raised and, also, to tell folks produced locally, without synthetic chemicals a little more about who we are and what we and on land maintained under sustainable are doing. As pointed out in Pete’s article, the stewardship, rather than on other discretionfresh, local produce sold at the farmers market ary purchases they deemed less important. actually represents the true cost of food. This While none of the market farmers are making is a complex issue about which much has been more than poverty level incomes—even at the written; however, I would like to present a few higher than subsidized grocery store prices important points for consideration. we have to charge—we understand that there Most food purchased in the national chain are people that cannot buy the better food we grocery stores is significantly subsidized produce. The shameful fact is that many folks either directly or indirectly with tax dollars. in the U.S. can’t afford even the cheap food at Specifically, federal funds are used for direct the grocery stores. The Athens Farmers Market farm bill subsidies for corn, wheat, soy, rice Board of Directors and the market farmers are and cotton, to subsidize agricultural fuel committed to finding ways to provide produce

FARMERS MARKET

to those that cannot afford it. Recently, several of our market farmers participated in a focus panel organized by an agronomy professor from Clemson University, exploring the barriers to providing produce from small specialized farmers to institutions such as schools and hospitals. Another scenario being explored is for establishing a means to accept food stamps to be used at the market this coming season. Ironically, some of our market farmers are actually eligible for food stamps themselves—one of the reasons many grow their own food. The creation of the Athens Farmers Market was a combined effort of Craig Page of P.L.A.C.E.; Amanda Tedrow, Clarke County’s ag extension agent; Jerry NeSmith, a member of the A-CC Planning Commission; Christy Jenkins, an Athens Realtor from Chastain, Jenkins and Leathers, LLC, plus a core group of sustainable farmers from the area, all making critical contributions. One of the first major hurdles cleared was the approval by the Athens Leisure Services Department to allow the market to rent space at Bishop Park. Folks that have come to the market know first-hand why we selected the location over the old farmers market on Board Street that, also, was available. With a great location selected, the local farmers and a crafts person from the old neighborhood market at Big City Bread met with Craig, Jerry and Amanda to form a Board of Directors and chose the name, “Athens Farmers Market: Local and Sustainable.” The members of the board created a mission statement, by-laws and rules and regulations based on three fundamental principles: all goods sold at the market had to be locally grown or made, vendors would be allowed to sell only goods they had actually grown or made and all fresh vegetables, fruits, meats and eggs sold at the market had to be grown using sustainable agriculture. A vendor application process was created along with a website, and a market manager was hired. Finally, additional features such as live music and prepared foods including fresh brewed coffee and baked goods were added to the mix. All of these efforts made the new Athens Farmers Market distinctive, and we believe are key reasons why it has succeeded, why it is so much fun and, in my humble opinion, why it is an important contribution to the community. Thanks again, Athens, for your support. Jay Payne President, Board of Directors Athens Farmers Market

city dope Athens News and Views Word on the Street: ACC Commissioner Mike Hamby has been encouraging good progressives to run for mayor, and a lot of good progressives have been urging Mike to run for mayor. Now Mike says he has decided that he will consider running for mayor. If he does, his candidacy will considerably change the dynamic, or lack thereof, that characterized last Saturday’s candidate forum. [Pete McCommons] Vote for Darius: As of this publication, there remain about three days to log on to Facebook and cast a vote for the local foundation Darius Goes West in the Chase Community Giving Challenge. DGW is one of 100 finalists for a million-dollar award (with $100,000 each going to five runners-up) that

that would be designed by artists in a competition similar to the one that recently produced Athens’ cool Art Bus Stops. But the preliminary outline for the process by which designs will be chosen, laid out by SPLOST project manager Ken Crellen at the Mayor and Commission’s Jan. 12 work session, calls for only two distinct designs to be alternated on the eight banners. “I’d like to see eight designs,” Commissioner Ed Robinson told the Dope when pressed on the matter. So, it seems, would Commissioner Alice Kinman, who nonetheless points out that though the fabrication and installation of the banners are included in the deck’s existing budget, the county will have to come up with the money to pay artists for the designs on its own. Curious about what it would take to make

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Darius Weems and his “crew.” The Darius Goes West foundation needs Athens’ votes to win a $1,000,000 award. the nonprofit would use to fund research toward a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The winners will be decided based solely on Internet voting, so please take a moment to go to www.dariusgoeswest.org/athensvote. You have time. Vote for (?): In other election-related news, Common Ground Athens hosted a public forum with Athens mayoral candidates at Ciné Jan. 16 that was surprisingly and encouragingly well attended. The panel, moderated by the eminent Ben Emanuel, consisted of Glenn Stegall, Charlie Maddox, Nancy Denson, Brandon Shinholser and last-minute commitment Spencer Frye, who participated despite not yet having announced his candidacy (Frye says he’ll make a decision in the next week or two). Also on hand was Jared Bailey, AthFest Director and freshly declared aspirant to David Lynn’s up-for-grabs District Five Commission seat. All in all it was a pretty chummy affair with little disagreement (and few distinguishable positions) among the contestants. That should change (we hope) as platforms are released and positions staked out in the coming weeks and months. Pulling Teeth for Public Art: A quick refresher: when the plans for the new downtown parking deck were approved last year, one of the nice things about them was a provision for eight giant, durable fabric banners to be hung on the structure’s exterior

designing—not fabricating or installing—a giant, prominently displayed banner worthwhile to a working artist, the Dope called local painter Andy Cherewick, who threw out a figure of $1,000. Let’s allow for punk-ethic altruism on Cherewick’s part and double it: that means the project lacks $12,000 to make it a truly diverse and interesting display of public art. This is an opportunity for Athens to make a meaningful gesture of support to its highly prized, yet laughably underpaid artistic community. Yes, the county budget is tight, but is that really asking too much? Newsiness: There are many things that are disturbing about Morris Publishing Group’s announcement last week that it will file Chapter 11 bankruptcy to reduce its debt by some $178 million. Not the least was the manner in which the announcement was made in the group’s Athens Banner-Herald, which ran a piece credited to Morris News Service that repeatedly quoted “the company” and contained this unattributed statement: “The reorganization plan is not expected to have any noticeable impact on Morris’ ongoing operations.” The Dope is no scholar on journalistic ethics, but perhaps it would have been more, um… conventional for Morris to let its legitimate wire service quote freely from its press release than package the thing as if it were a news story. Dave Marr news@flagpole.com

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city pages there are none in Georgia (one is planned near Vidalia). GreenFirst LLC, the young Canton, Georgia environmental permitting and “real estate investment” company that is spearheading this project, has only one other to its name: a landfill and stream mitigation bank (combined with an industrial park) in A proposed waste-to-energy incinerator Meriwether County. “We manage environmenin Elbert County would make electricity by tal projects to gain the highest return on burning trash and wood chips, but oppoinvestment,” GreenFirst’s website says. “If we nents say their county commissioners are see a good opportunity around projects that pushing the project through with too many we’re doing, then we develop them,” explains unanswered questions. Elbert County comGreenFirst CEO Ernest Kaufmann. missioners have not voted on the proposal The company’s landfill/incinerator/genyet—or much discussed it at public meeterating plant would take in at least 1500 ings, although they have certainly been hear- tons of trash daily—just for comparison, ing from citizens about it. Opponents have that’s five times as much tonnage as the spoken at commission meetings where citiAthens-Clarke landfill handles. Opponents zens filled the halls, and the weekly Elberton have questioned whether that amount of Star is sending a reporter to Florida to check trash and wood chips is really available in out incinerator plants there. Commissioners the area, but “we’ve done extensive studies,” toured a similar plant in Alabama and have GreenFirst project manager Abbey Patterson “kicked it around” in work sessions, County says. The Elberton area was chosen, she says, Administrator Bob Thomas tells Flagpole, because “we looked at a map of Georgia, and but they’ve been waiting for a recommenthere are only a couple of areas where there dation about the proposal from the quasiaren’t already paper companies that need governmental Northeast Georgia Regional pulp… So, we’re not competing with a paper Commission. company” for wood chips, which will be Last week staffers at that regional purchased as a fuel source. The plant will be think-tank said they had “insufficient infornear a rail line, and opponents have specumation” to evaluate the plant’s regional lated that trash could eventually be brought impact (they suggested waiting for the in by rail. Kaufmann denies that, saying state Environmental it won’t be allowed Protection Division under the operator’s Opponents have spoken at to review it), and its contract. board voted to delay But GreenFirst commission meetings where any recommendation won’t operate the citizens filled the halls. for six months. That plant; another computs the ball back in pany, likely Covanta Elbert County’s court; commissioners could Energy Corporation, will do that, Kaufmann go ahead and decide in March, Thomas tells Flagpole. Covanta, of New Jersey, runs says, but opponents are asking for a cauover 40 similar plants in the U.S., and claims tious delay. “We are asking questions as a to turn 5 percent of America’s waste into public that the commissioners should know electricity. Covanta has also paid hundreds the answers to, or know how to find out,” of thousands of dollars in environmental says Kevin Lewis, who lives in a home he fines for past EPA violations, according to built about three miles from the proposed The Herald newspaper of Rock Hill, SC. But incinerator. The facility would be three miles according to the report, an EPA spokeswoman southwest of Elberton, off Georgia Highway says such violations are “not uncommon.” 72; it would burn trash (including tires, Such plants are required to self-monitor which have high heat content), wood waste and then report the results; often fines are and sewage sludge trucked in from a 90-mile assessed after corrections have been made. radius. It would generate electricity from When EPD sets pollution limits, complithe heat—enough at least to power 35,000 ance costs to a company are a factor, EPD homes—then landfill the resulting ash on officials have told Flagpole in the past. If the site. Strict EPD permitting standards for it costs a company more than $10,000 per landfills and air pollution sources would have ton to remove a pollutant, EPD will not to be met. usually require it, EPD Permitting Manager Whether this would be an environmentalHeather Abrams said at a 2005 hearing ist’s dream or nightmare depends on whom on Certainteed’s fiberglass plant expanyou ask (and perhaps how close to it you sion. Partly because of auto emissions from live). Space for trash is running out in many Atlanta, Athens is “up in the higher cancer area landfills; new landfills are expensive, risk level for northern Georgia,” EPD’s Randall given strict regulations; and neighbors’ Manning said then. objections make them hard to site. Many The Elberton waste-to-energy plant would waste-to-energy plants exist already, but create 50 full-time jobs (and even more

Elbert County Considers Controversial Waste-to-Energy Plant

support jobs), GreenFirst says, and require 400,000 gallons of water a day (to be supplied by the city of Elberton) for the incineration process. Stormwater runoff from the landfill would not normally be allowed to go into a nearby creek, but would be retained by a settlement pond on the property. The site is 1.3 miles from the Broad River, near the tiny Madison county town of Carlton. “This is really the first time in the history of Carlton that 100 percent of the population has been in agreement on anything,” city councilman Mike Jones says. “We’re just kind of now on the upswing, and this is kind of the last thing we need,” he says. “We’re real concerned about the idea that we could have 190 trucks a day coming through.” Without discussion, he says, the council voted unanimously to oppose the plant; but the city of Carlton’s resolution carries no legal weight. The plant is also opposed by the Broad River Watershed Association and the Sierra Club— and by a local company that wants to open a conventional landfill in Elbert County. That company has gone to court claiming that a November revision to Elbert County’s solid waste ordinance favored the waste-to-energy plant over its own proposal. Larry Winslett of the Georgia Sierra Club believes “incineration is an outdated and completely discredited industry” that effectively concentrates metals and other toxins in ash. Even operating within legal limits, “there is no such thing as an incinerator that doesn’t pollute,” he says. And “there’s not enough wood” in Georgia to feed all the waste-to-energy incinerators that companies

like GreenFirst want to build here, he tells Flagpole—20 plants throughout Georgia, according to materials filed with EPD and obtained by the Sierra Club through an open records request. “They’ve gotten it in their heads that they can throw some wood chips in with these things and call them ‘biomass,’ and claim that they’re green and renewable,” Winslett says. A better solution, he says, is to recycle more. “We need to move to some serious waste reduction. You can get down to a very low level of waste, if you work at it.” But with their voracious appetite for fuel, wasteto-energy plants only encourage cities to ignore recycling efforts in favor of burning more trash and selling electricity, he says. Athens might beat Elbert County to the draw in generating electricity from trash, ACC solid waste director Jim Corley tells Flagpole. Ten companies have responded to an ACC proposal to collect methane (a byproduct of rotting trash) from the Lexington Road landfill and burn it to generate electricity; commissioners could vote on the plan next month. As a contributor to global warming, unburned methane is worse than CO2; burning methane from the dump could pay the county $5 million over 10 years in carbon credits, renewable energy credits, and electricity sales, Corley says. “Green” electricity from the landfill could power 2000 homes, he estimates. At present, most of Georgia’s electricity is produced from nuclear and coal-burning plants. John Huie

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Kick the Can Gov. Sonny Perdue was a very talented athlete back in the day, whose favorite sport was football. He was good enough to be the starting quarterback on his high school team and was a walk-on freshman player at the University of Georgia. In the decades since he put on pads and helmet, Perdue appears to have become more interested in another game called “kick the can.” Throughout his two terms as governor, Perdue has consistently declined to take any real leadership role towards resolving Georgia’s most pressing problems. He has preferred instead to kick the can down the road so that whoever replaces him will have to deal with it. This aspect of Perdue’s personality was on full display last week as the General Assembly convened at the Capitol for the 2010 regular session. One of the most important things any governor does during the opening days of the legislature is deliver a “state of the state” address where he lays out his goals, releases his proposed budget and suggests specific actions the General Assembly might take to handle the problems facing our state. Not this year, however. Perdue treated his audience to the most boring, irrelevant speech ever given by any politician in Georgia’s esteemed history. He mentioned only two policy proposals: spending some extra money on mental health services and basing teacher salaries on classroom performance. When would this “pay for performance” plan actually be implemented? According to Perdue, that would happen in 2014—a full three years after he leaves office. Kick the can. The day after his speech, Perdue announced his proposal for addressing transportation problems. He wants to divide Georgia into 12 planning regions and allow the voters in each district to decide if they want to impose a local sales tax to pay for highway projects.

When would these tax referendums be held? In 2012—more than a year after Perdue has turned over the governor’s office to someone else. Kick the can. On Friday, Perdue finally released his budget proposal for the coming year. Hidden within those numbers is some very bad news for public school systems. While Perdue said the education part of the budget will be reduced by only 3 percent, that still means the formula funding the state sends to local systems will be cut by $936 million in the current fiscal year and an additional $527 million in the fiscal year starting July 1. That reduction in state funding for local systems has been the case during the entire Perdue administration, through good years and bad. When he leaves office next January, the combined total of those reductions in state education funding will be nearly $3 billion. In other words, Perdue is passing along to the next governor the job of doing something about a public education system where student performance still ranks Georgia among the bottom 10 percent of states. Kick the can. Perdue said in his state-of-the-state speech that “the only legacy I sought was the same one any parent or grandparent seeks—to hand off our state… our home… to the next generation in better shape than we found it.” I don’t think that is going to be his legacy. Eight years of doing almost nothing have resulted only in the state’s problems piling up and getting worse. If there is a defining legacy for the Perdue regime, it will be this: he saw the future of Georgia—and flinched.

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athens rising What’s Up in New Development map sites. Bing.com’s mapping site provides oblique “bird’s eye” aerials, which are much more informative than the standard plan view aerials and are worth checking out. Google counters the bird’s eye feature with its street and terrain views. One great element of Google’s service is that it affords users the ability to create maps which can be shared online, allowing them to author their own content and share it with their own communities. This goes even further with the programs Google Earth and Sketchup: users can create and share models of individual buildings or even entire towns. Ambitious communities have worked together to model their cities, making these tools even more impressive.

University Resources: One local asset for the bibliophiles out there is the Owens Library on the ground floor of Caldwell Hall, on UGA’s North Campus. This is the library of the College of Environment and Design, and has tons of great books and magazines for all things design, although it isn’t quite as comprehensive as the massive collection on architecture and urban planning at the UGA Main Library. Also of note is UGA’s map library. I haven’t made it there yet, though I’ve heard A 1918 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map shows downtown’s eastern edge. good things, and I am a huge fan of their website: www. libs.uga.edu/maproom. Of particular value on The Point: So, what do you do with these the website are collections of historic aerial copious amounts of data? My admittedly photos dating to the 1950s and Sanborn Fire naïve hope is that a greater knowledge of Insurance Maps. the basic principles of good urbanism and the workings of local government might Government Aid: The web is a powerful tool, ameliorate some of the complacency and and there is a surprising volume of detailed misdirected outrage in this community. One information out there. One incredibly useful common problem is the “too little, too late” and free interactive map is found through the approach. Take the downtown parking deck Clarke County Tax Assessors: www.qpublic.net/ as an example: there was little serious comclarke. This provides ownership and property munity engagement with that project until value information, along with layers for zonthe plans were about to be voted on by the ing and aerial photography. Although the Mayor and Commission. That approach is inefinterface is a little clunky, it’s got some of fective and frustrating for everyone involved, the most detailed aerials I’ve been able to and is unlikely to result in any changes. find for Athens online. With books, maps, and laptops in hand, Another valuable government site is that we can move to a more proactive approach of the county Planning Department, www. to community planning. Neighborhood assoaccplanning.com, which has an assortment ciations should be trading maps with each of documents, reports, planning maps and other about where they think pocket parks meeting information. You can also sign should go, or what they might want in a up for the Neighborhood Notification corner store. Citizens should be blogging Initiative, receiving information about prolike crazy, and posting their ideas on bulposed developments in the neighborhoods letin boards in restaurants and on telephone that interest you. Although it’s been a bit poles. When developers see what people slow lately, when proposals come before the want, it will be easier for them to react to Planning Commission, scans of the submitthat beforehand, and compromise, rather ted plans are typically posted. The Northeast than trying to interpret an inarticulate Georgia Regional Commission’s planning “that’s not what we want here” after bluedepartment also has a website worth check- prints have already been drawn. Idealistic, ing out at www.negplanning.org. maybe, but I can’t think of another way forward; so get to reading and planning, folks. Advanced Viewing: If you want a unique perspective, I recommend some of the online Kevan Williams athensrising@flagpole.com

FLAGPOLE.COM ∙ JANUARY 20, 2010

Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps, courtesy UGA Map Library

Slim Pickings: A recent trip to the bookstore got me thinking about the accessibility of information for local citizen architecture critics and urban planners. Consider this: there are two chain bookstores in town, and they’re the only folks with a particularly wide selection of new books in the entire county. Border’s has about three shelves of books devoted to architecture and urban planning; Barnes and Noble has about the same. Over half of those are devoted to either Frank Lloyd Wright, historic house styles, or treehouses. There are so many books about treehouses. This leaves somewhere under 100 browseable and purchasable books on contemporary projects and theory in our community, a per capita rate of less than one per thousand residents. Since we are so short on new books for the moment, I’d like to point y’all in the direction of some handy info, so that you would-be citizen planners and design critics will be well informed.

Nowhere to Turn The Athens Area Has Serious Gaps in Mental Health Services

Dec. 22, Athens songwriter Vic Chesnutt, who was suffering from deep depression, was to be admitted as an inpatient at a private psychiatric care center outside Clarke County. According to longtime friend Erica McCarthy, Chesnutt was about to leave his house for the facility when the center called to report their van’s handicapped lift was broken. Chesnutt’s wife Tina was told the driver had to be contacted to see if he was willing to physically lift Chesnutt—a quadriplegic confined to a wheelchair—in and out of the van. The 45-year-old was asked if he could give the facility three days to resolve the complication. As the world now knows, he could not—or would not. Not this time. Chesnutt’s packed bag contained a newly filled prescription of 100 muscle relaxants, medicine he took to keep his body from seizing. Around 11 p.m. that night, it is believed he swallowed the pills and, on Christmas Day, after being in a coma two days, Chesnutt consummated his on-and-off affair with death. “That’s the big tragedy of Vic’s death,” says McCarthy. “He was seeking help and he was rejected.” Chesnutt’s suicide is an opportunity to examine Georgia’s impaired mental health care system, area professionals say, and to highlight steps that can be taken locally to help people in mental health crisis find treatment.

that it is difficult to find a hospital, and we don’t have the outreach we had at one point in time. We used to have the personnel to check on someone (in crisis) and that’s what we are now lacking.”

Dec. 1, in an interview on NPR’s Fresh Air with Terry Gross, Chesnutt freely discussed his automobile accident in 1983 that left him paralyzed from the waist down and with limited use of his arms; his attempts at suicide before and after the accident; and the songs such as “Flirted With You All My Life,” in which he sang, “Oh, death, I’m not ready.” He told Gross it was “a break-up song with death.” He seemed to have put thoughts of suicide behind him, guitarist and friend Guy Piccioto told Gross on a January 7 Fresh

you thought he was gone, he’d show back up. It’s a constant battle with people with depression…” For Whitlock, there is no excuse to turn away a person needing mental health care. “Crisis mode in mental health is the same as for someone who goes to the emergency room for chest pains. You don’t tell them to wait three days. There should be a system capable of accepting an emergency case coming in; a threat of suicide should be the same red flag as chest pains in the ER.” Athens has several mental health organizations that work to fill the gap in public care. One of the most distinctive is Nuçi’s Space, a non-profit resource center aimed at preventing suicide by providing treatment for musicians. “We work as a conduit for those seeking professional therapy and getting them to the people who can provide that service,” says Director Bob Sleppy. “Sometimes it’s difficult for a person to even know who to call. There’s such a stigma attached, people don’t talk about it amongst their friends.” Nuçi’s, believed to be the only health and music resource center of its kind in the country, does not provide therapy, Sleppy says. “We’re very adamant about that and make sure that’s clear. We’re simply here to get [those seeking help] to the people they need to see.” If a person cannot afford treatment, we work out a system with those doctors and therapists and are able to bring down their fee” to as little as $10. Nuçi’s is billed the remainder. “We’ve helped more than 650 musicians since we opened in September 2000. We’ve spent over $100,000 in direct financial aid for that program… That’s what makes it difficult when we lose someone like Vic or anyone in town. There is a lot of good we’re doing but it’s heartbreaking when it doesn’t work. The sad thing about severe depression and other mental illness is that death is sometimes the result, and that’s what makes this disease so frustrating.”

he U.S. Department of Justice investigated state mental health practices after a 2007 series by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported a litany of ills that resulted in injury and death in the state’s seven mental hospitals. In a settlement reached between the state and the DOJ, Georgia promised to be in “substantial compliance” by Jan. 15, 2010 with 345 specific provisions, according to a Nov. 13 AJC editorial. “In a report filed in September, the state acknowledged meeting just 21 of them,” the editorial stated. On Jan. 13, Gov. Sonny Perdue announced an increase in state funding—the first in seven years— he Treatment Advocacy Center in Arlington, VA is for mental health care. He earmarked $20 million for a national nonprofit organization that works to 2010 and an additional $50 million in 2012. “Well, eliminate barriers to treatment for people with for the first time I heard a governor talk about mental severe mental illness. health in the State of the State address,” wrote Ellyn One of its major findings suggests that states should Jeager, director of public policy and advocacy, Mental provide a minimum of 50 psychiatric beds per 100,000 Health America of Georgia, Atlanta office, in an email to residents, but only Mississippi meets that goal. Georgia employees. falls in the “severe shortage” category, providing only Georgia received a “D” on the 2009 National Alliance 18.5 beds per 100,000 people. on Mental Illness report card. “Even a ‘D,’ however, “There should not be so few hospital beds that cannot fully convey the horrendous scandal that has when someone needs treatment they can’t get it,” says scarred the state,” the Alliance states on its website, in Rosanna Esposito, deputy executive director of the cenreference to the AJC investigations. ter. “The key is, there have to be enough hospital beds In the summer of 2008, Georgia, in response to the for those who want to get into the hospital, and also investigations, created the Department of Behavioral for those who aren’t aware they’re ill but desperately Health and Developmental Disabilities. The mental need hospitalization.” health budget previously was under the huge umbrella If the state fails to make hospital beds available, of Human Services. “We just got lost,” says Dr. Cindy Esposito says, “you need to look at options to make Darden, CEO of Advantage Behavioral Health Systems, a Nuci’s Space is an invaluable resource for those in need of mental health assistance, but sure services both voluntary and involuntary are availregional nonprofit and resource for mental health issues. Athens has few options for crisis care. able in the community. If someone was in any other “We are exceptionally happy” with the proposed type of medical crisis we would make sure he would get into Air program dedicated to Chesnutt. “He was in a good space,” influx of mental health dollars, she says. “Several things have the hospital immediately. Severe mental illness is no different.” Piccioto said. “That’s why it was so shocking.” happened in the last couple of years to raise our legislative Darden says anyone with mental health issues could first McCarthy agrees. “He was excited about his life, but felt body’s awareness, and the Department of Justice investigation call the state resource number, 1-800-715-4225, to find help this coming on. It took him a week to find a place that would was definitely one of them.” anywhere in the state. Advantage Behavioral Health Systems’ take him and he was out the door when they called.“ She says the funding most probably will be directed at the number is 706-542-8656. Its main campus is at 250 North Ave. Darden says someone contemplating suicide can present a state’s seven public mental hospitals. “But if they don’t cut For people in deep crisis, Darden says ABHS has a “walk-in” calmness and optimism that can be deceiving. “It isn’t unusual (our funding) that will be the first time in seven years. We’ll to see a lifting of spirits because they know there’s going to be clinic at 195 Miles St., 706-369-5745. Another option is to go take it,” she says. to the emergency rooms at either St. Mary’s or Athens Regional an ending. For the people who love them, they want to claim At present, however, Darden says “there is a big hole in hospitals. To reach Mental Health America of Northeast that as hope—oh, we’re on the road to recovery; but when the safety net in the state of Georgia.” Advantage Behavior Georgia, call 706-549-7888. Nuçi’s Space, 396 Oconee St., can you’re on the road to recovery it looks the same.” Health Systems offers the only residential mental health care be reached at 706-227-1515. Eddie Whitlock, executive director of Mental Health America in Athens-Clarke County, Darden says. “We have 14 beds and of Northeast Georgia, an Athens advocacy group, says mental we’re always full.” Athens Regional Medical Center’s sixth-floor Cathy Mong health should be as openly discussed as physical well-being. psychiatric ward closed down several years ago, leaving no “Winston Churchill referred to depression as his little black inpatient services in the area. “That’s the state of our state Mental Health America of Northeast Georgia brings its 20th Mental Health dog,” says Whitlock, who also suffers from depression. “The mental health system right now,” Darden says. “It’s excruciatBenefit to Athens Jan. 24–30. See www.fightthestigma.com for more info. black dog came around when you didn’t want him, and when ingly painful to all of us. Funding has been cut to such a level

JANUARY 20, 2010 · FLAGPOLE.COM

Making Comer Their Town

An Artistic Community’s Home Away from Athens

heated some water and showed me her most recent artwork: pottery prizes for the local “Reindeer Run.” She never questioned my interest in Comer, but rather, seemed to find my questions valid and validating. Comer is relevant, she assured me, as a quintessential small town facing modernity, a microcosm of an artists’ community and an extension of Athens, where she and her husband work during the week. Like many Comer residents, and many artists who live in the surrounding area, McCullough and her husband moved from Athens to Comer for the tranquil, cheaper, independent life it promised. Among Athens

me to Barbara Bendzunas, who lives down the street from the gallery and just across the railroad tracks from her ex-husband and the 35 acres they once shared. Now, that land and house are for sale, and Bendzunas and McCullough fantasize about an art school that could open there. ”Nancy Lukasiewicz could run it,“ McCullough mused, referring to the curator of exhibitions at Athens’ Lyndon House. ”My mother and aunt used to dance with soldiers there,“ Bendzunas told me. Barbara Bendzunas makes art, teaches adult horseback-riding lessons and cares for her granddaughter, whose mother, Elizabeth,

Christian Hampton

ifteen minutes from Athens, a sleepy, lovely village with one stoplight, a gas station, two restaurants and more vacant storefronts than businesses beckons, “Make our town your town.” Here, a soft-spoken mother of twins hopes to sell a $33,000 puzzle. The steel puzzle work of art is large, of course, but you could overlook it upon entering the labyrinthine, lightfilled, second-story room that adjoins Tina McCullough’s breathtaking teal apartment. For a bit more than the price of the puzzle, McCullough and her husband purchased 12,000 square feet of prime downtown Comer real estate, where they live and run Blue Bell Gallery, which currently displays abandoned student works, $20 ceramic pieces by McCullough, $95 insect sculptures by Doug Carmichael, paintings and sculptures by Alabaman Duane Paxson, and a giant bed sculpture called “The Next Morning” and the puzzle, both by Beverly Babb. In November, Comer elected a new mayor. The election divided the town and drew an unprecedented 30 percent voter turnout. During the election’s final heat, news of it reached Flagpole through an impassioned email by a local artist, which began, “What would you like to see Comer become? I have, or co-own nearly 40 acres inside the city limit, and have not been happy about a lot of things.” Comer has a rich and growing art community, I was told; now, it seemed, that previously isolated community was experiencing a somewhat rocky integration into the town’s mainstream.

first visited Comer on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. The downtown was ghostly; the newly erected Town Center, an elegant brick development, had barely more activity, and just as many unfilled retail spaces. Tina McCullough’s Blue Bell Gallery in downtown Comer. At the one open store I found, an antiques shop on the same row as Blue Bell, musicians, too, there has been recurring talk a group of older citizens played cards around of beginning a new music community here a large dining room table while one customer in Madison County, where they could buy old perused glass lamps. This was not a town of houses and live in autonomy, if not anarchy. violent culture clash. It was peaceful, lifeless Leaving Blue Bell, I drove across the raileven. road tracks to a pastoral complex and followed On my next trip, I visited McCullough, who a limping dog into a rustic wooden building, had welcomed my request for an interview where three glass blowers were working quiand even sent me thorough preparatory notes. etly. Paul Bendzunas was polite but reserved, “Comer has an abundance of talented artalmost disinterested in my presence, but his ists in and around the area,” she wrote. She son, also Paul, and Joshua Molliere, Paul, Sr.’s described the Madison County Artist Market, apprentice and the younger Paul’s childhood Blue Bell’s upcoming two-weekend holiday friend, seemed eager to show me the astoundopen house, the Comer Farmers’ Market and ing collection of Bendzunas’ work, which he the annual Christmas Parade. This year’s has sold around the globe for decades. parade’s theme would be “Making the Old New,” she wrote: “And that is exactly what is my third visit to Comer, I happening around town.” stood with McCullough in a “Our citizenry has also elected a new corner of her upstairs gallery mayor,” she continued: “Our leadership has looking at an ethereal painting of a female worked to maintain and upgrade our city in a figure on water (“I was going to put her on an low-key mode without much public input… If island,” McCullough was saying, “but I like her our cities do not allow themselves to develop on the water.”), which sat unfinished on an and grow with demand, the demand will sprawl easel before large windows that looked down into our pastoral countryside.” on Main Street. Beside the easel were a teleThe woman I met during that visit was scope and a child’s easel, both for McCullough’s 11-year-olds, Paxton and Sebastian. keen, art-minded and forward thinking. She A slightly older woman emerged from the was also timid—almost nervous—when I first staircase, gliding into the gallery with an arrived. She invited me into her apartment, intimate, habitual air. McCullough introduced pointed to her mother, asleep on the sofa,

FLAGPOLE.COM ∙ JANUARY 20, 2010

engage with their peers and their small community, even as they work in remote, reclusive independence. Though McCullough ”would love a little art village here,“ she sees the art communities of Athens and Comer as united and in need of productive alliance. Perhaps local artists find the village more affordable or more conducive to creative energies—or, as McCullough suggests, perhaps artists must move to a town with very few art buyers because Athens could not support them either. ”The Lyndon House is packed when they do things,“ but is ”underutilized,“ she says: ”They need to hear from us that we want more.“ Further, she says, ”We need agents; artists aren’t as responsible. They say, ’I just want to make it.’“ McCullough believes that with much local art, ”if agents were marketing it, it would sell—even a few key benefactors would do it… Art is a business, whether you like it or not,“ she insists. ”There has got to be somebody who could pull our community together.“

is also a working artist. The women settled at the kitchen table and discussed their families: Sebastian had killed his first deer; the granddaughter had wet the bed. ”I will locate you another set of sheets,“ McCullough promised. We moved back into the gallery, drinking coffee on worn, sunlit furniture. McCullough and Bendzunas talked about the supper club that used to meet in the space, growing up on farms (in Waynesville, GA and Ithica, NY, respectively) and the possibility of a spring Celtic festival. And they spoke about the mayoral election, in which the incumbent candidate was unseated by a man who promised more active leadership (”He’s ex-military; they know how to delegate“). It was Bendzunas’ email that first reached the Flagpole office, and McCullough had met with the new mayor and his wife at 7:30 a.m. on the preceding Tuesday to discuss ”things we’d like to see.“ Alongside infrastructure developments are plans for a travel museum, which will take donations from local collections and fill a space that once stored unreleased Model Ts, and a renovated community center, which will provide a site for town events and meetings that are currently standing-room-only. In Comer, artists rely on one another for financial and emotional support. They

omer’s new mayor, David McMickle, does seem to be uniting his new community. McMickle retired from the U.S. Army after 20 years of service and now leads the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps at Clarke Central High School. When moving to the area, McMickle found Madison County “the best place to live.” Within a year, McMickle married a neighbor, also new to town, and decided to run for mayor. “Because of its history, people and proximity to Athens,” he says, Comer “has unlimited potential with regard to downtown development and restoration.” The intersection of “life-long residents” and “newcomers who have relocated out of Athens and other larger towns, coupled with our arts community, certainly make Comer a small-town ‘melting pot.’” McMickle sees no tension between Comer’s progressive and rural populations: “I envision Comer with a thriving downtown district that will contain commercial and retail business, as well as restaurants and art venues,” he says. But at his “Meet the Mayor” banquet, a charming and impressively crowded function that McMickle and his wife hosted in the first week of his term, residents sounded less confident. They voiced concerns about proposed development, the real estate market, unemployment and local politics. Still, most residents agree that Comer is on the verge of large change. Several businesses, including a café, are scheduled to open soon. Daddi’s House, the vintage shop next door to Blue Bell, has begun weekly movie showings, and the owners hope to reawaken some of the alternative culture they feel has disappeared from Athens in recent years. The small town may be struggling like many across the country, but the full room of engaged citizens, speaking with one another and their new mayor, was a promising sign for a new era in a changing town. Elaine Ely

miscellany Out and About Around Athens On the Mind: Mental health across the globe is White and Sonya Huber (1/26), Gillian Conoley (2/16), G.C. Waldrep (3/16), Kristin becoming “Americanized,” or at least the disNaca (3/24), and Donald Ray Pollock and cussion is couched more and more within the parameters of our cultural norms, The New York Erica Dawson (4/21). And VOX will co-sponsor “Blood Lines: Stories and Poems of Love & Times reported last week. In Georgia’s case, Family” at ATHICA (2/13). unfortunately, mental health services face On Jan. 23, the premiere of That Evening continued budget cuts, according to Eddie Sun at Ciné will feature a question session Whitlock, Executive Director of Mental Health with writer-director and Georgia native America of Northeast Georgia, whose major Scott Teems and Athenian songwriter fundraiser takes place this week. The 20th annual Mental Health Benefit, Whitlock says, Patterson Hood, who may rope this year’s “Best Original Song” Oscar for his soundtrack hopes to raise $15,000 while reminding “the contributions. The film, as it happens, is an public that mental health is as important as adaptation of a short story by William Gay physical health” and “that mental health is that first appeared 12 years ago in an Athens not a yes-or-no question, it is a continuum.” publication: The Georgia Review. This Sunday, Jan. 24 the fundraiser kicks The Review continues to welcome talented off with a reception for a donated art exhibit, writers to town, of course, both in print and which will be on display at Ciné beginning in person. On Jan. 28 at Ciné, The Georgia Jan. 21. On Monday, Jewel A. Norman, Review will host a reading by Kevin Prufer Georgia’s Disability Services ombudsman, and local writer Michael Tod Edgerton as will speak at Athens Tech. On Tuesday and part of the Georgia Poetry Circuit, which has Thursday, Ciné will screen A Friend Indeed: brought three poets a year to nine member The Bill Sackter Story, a documentary about schools since 1985. Prufer’s poetry is “accesa mental health patient who recovers after sible,” “conversational” 44 years of hospitalizaand “somewhat politition. On Saturday Jan. cal,” according to David 30 the benefit will close Ingle, Assistant Editor with the highly anticiof the Review, whose pated art auction. winter issue will make a More than 70 artdebut the same evening. ists contributed work to last year’s show, Spacing Out: By neither Whitlock says, and coincidence nor allemany “donate because giance, Ciné recurs as they—or someone close a site of commendable to them—has had a lettered happenings. mental health issue… I Ingle deems the space often have people say “by far, in every respect, to me, ‘What if Vincent the best venue we’ve van Gogh had been found,” because of its given medication?’… setup, staff and vibe. “It I tell them that if van puts people in a sociable The Georgia Review will host a reading by Gogh had received the mood to be there,” Kevin Prufer as part of the Georgia Poetry appropriate treatment, he says, and offers a Circuit at Ciné on Thursday, Jan. 28. he could have produced favorable alternative to even more art and lived campus and bar options. Ciné is also the home a better quality of life while doing it… The for the new, monthly evening of story-telling, connection between art and mental health is “Plotluck Night,” where participants share a strong.” Whitlock knows the creative process true short story from their life and compete well: he is also a novelist, currently completfor a prize (1/17). ing an alternate history of the FDR era. In Watkinsville, OCAF offers another m Food for Thought: Lots of locals, it seems, prime arts space and, in addition to presenthave in mind a writing or reading project. ing art, fosters local artistic creation. At Man-of-the-streets “Cowboy Tom Walker” has OCAF’s Jan. 30 winter symposium, “A Winter plans for a YouTube television show about a Wake-Up for Writers,” panelists will discuss group of Athens scenesters. For script help, he self-publishing, writers’ groups, freelance has turned to writer David Commins, who is journalism and other topics (register by hoping to publish The Secret Admirer, a small Jan. 23). The OCAF Writers Group meets local news bulletin. The Daily Grocery’s newsevery Monday, and the center will offer sevletter, The Radish, needs contributors, the eral writing workshops in coming months: library is seeking volunteers, erudite friends “Writing for Money: The Art of Freelance are planning book clubs, Avid Bookshop is in Nonfiction Journalism,” “Fooling Around with business online, and twice recently, this writer Form” (a poetry workshop) and “The ABC’s was put on edge by The Atlantic-toting Jim of Writing for Young Readers” begin Jan. 29, McHugh, of Dark Meat infamy, who was leadFeb. 6 and Apr. 17, respectively. In town, ing not riotous music acts but intimidating the next installment of the monthly (every literary discussions (Sartre, imaginary crabs, first Wednesday) open poetry readings at The Daisy Buchanan, Chekhov, Cheever—we had Globe, Word of Mouth, convenes on Feb. 3 only just begun.) at 8 p.m. Even in more academic corners, literature Together, these bookish happenings promis being removed from library shelves and ise to feed cerebral cravings and, perhaps, celebrated in the flesh. The UGA Creative improve mental health around town. But if Writing Program sponsors the VOX reading you enjoy the winter blues, RSVP for the series, which presents exceptional writers at Robert Burns Dinner, Jan. 30 at The Classic Ciné on many Thursday nights. Next on the Center; reveling in disconsolation served that VOX lineup is poet, critic, and Art in America writer rather well. corresponding editor Bill Berkson (1/21); other spring readers will include Orlando Elaine Ely misc@flagpole.com

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movie dope Some releases may not be showing locally this week. 2012 (PG-13) German disaster taskmaster Roland Emmerich destroys the entire world in his newest lowest-common-denominator 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. ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: THE SQUEAKQUEL (PG) More Alvin, Simon and Theodore as the Chipmunks go back to school and face off against the lovely Chipettes—Brittany, Eleanor and Jeannette. The famous voices of Justin Long, Jesse McCartney, Anna Faris, Christina Applegate and Amy Poehler are sped up until they are indistinguishable, which is more than you can say for Jason Lee, Zachary Levi (“Chuck”) and David Cross. Director Betty Thomas has seen better days (The Brady Bunch Movie and Private Parts). ANTICHRIST (R) Love him or hate him, filmmaker Lars von Trier (Breaking the Waves, Dogville) likes to make a splash. His latest, a psychological horror torture porn drama, split Cannes but has failed to generate much buzz in the real world. A couple (Willem Dafoe and Charlotte Gainsbourg), grieving the loss of a child, head to a cabin in the woods to save their marriage. But what was bad soon becomes worse. I’m always excited about new output from von Trier, so you can imagine how intrigued I am by his version of a horror flick. AVATAR (PG-13) On a remote planet, a paraplegic marine, Jake Sully (Sam Worthington), is promised the use of his legs if he helps the Corporation relocate a race of blue warriors, the Na’vi, whose home is located atop the planet’s richest supply of unobtanium. Jake takes control of a Na’vi/ human

hybrid, infiltrating the aliens to learn their ways, but falls in love with them, particularly the chief’s daughter, Neytiri (Zoe Saldana), instead. Now Sully must lead the Na’vi against the space marines led by General Miles Quaritch (Stephen Lang), a scarred hulk of a military man. THE BAD LIEUTENANT: PORT OF CALL–NEW ORLEANS (R) Nicolas Cage has been garnering some of his brightest notices in years as Terence McDonagh, a drug-addicted New Orleans homicide detective. Eva Mendes stars as McDonagh’s prostitute girlfriend. Your guess is as good as mine as to why the legendary Werner Herzog (recently of Grizzly Man and Rescue Dawn) chose to remake Abel Ferrara’s controversial 1992 film that starred Harvey Keitel as the titular cop investigating the rape of a nun. Herzog won a Special Award from the Venice Film Festival, where he was also nominated for the prestigious Golden Lion. THE BLIND SIDE (PG-13) A rich white couple, Leigh Anne and Sean Touhy (Sandra Bullock and Tim McGraw), take in Big Mike, an AfricanAmerican 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 BOOK OF ELI (R) The Book of Eli made it onto my most wanted list for 2010 based solely on its resemblance to Fallout 3, the greatest videogame I have played in years. In a postapocalyptic wasteland, one man (Denzel Washington) must protect a sacred text with the secret to saving mankind while crossing the dangerous country. The Hughes Brothers (Menace II Society, From Hell) can be hit or miss. Hopefully, Eli is a home run. With Gary Oldman and Mila Kunis. BROKEN EMBRACES (R) See Movie Pick.

CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS (PG) When inventor Flint Lockwood (v. Bill Hader) devises a machine that delivers food, on order, from the heavens, the town of Chewandswallow rejoices. Kids will too, as Judi and Ron Barrett’s 1978 children’s classic comes to life on the screen. Parents, especially those who had to sit through July’s G-Force, won’t be disappointed either. The animation resembles every other high profile CG feature, but the 3D is top-notch. CRAZY HEART (R) Jeff Bridges is being positioned for his fifth Academy Award nomination for his portrayal of hard-living country music singer Bad Blake. After a string of bad marriages,

No wonder people were kicking me. alcoholic Bad gets one last shot, thanks to a younger woman, journalist Jean Craddock (Maggie Gyllenhaal). He also begins to mentor up-and-coming country music sensation, Tommy Sweet (Colin Farrell). Robert Duvall also stars in filmmaker Scott Cooper’s directorial debut, adapted from the novel by Thomas Cobb. CRAZY ON THE OUTSIDE (PG-13) Tim Allen’s directorial debut sounds like a comic remake of 2008’s wrenching I’ve Loved You So Long. Allen stars as Tommy, a recent parolee who moves

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Encounters at the End of the World (G) 7:00 (Th. 1/21)

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Beechwood movie times are only accurate through Jan. 21. Visit www.flagpole.com for updated times. Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel (PG) 5:10, 7:20, 9:30 Avatar 3D (PG-13) 4:30, 8:00 Blind Side (PG-13) 4:10, 6:55, 9:40 The Book of Eli (R) 4:05, 7:05, 9:45 Daybreakers (R) 4:20, 7:20, 9:45 The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (PG-13) 4:10, 7:40 It’s Complicated (R) 4:15, 7:15, 9:50 Leap Year (PG) 5:10, 7:30, 9:50 Lovely Bones (PG-13) 4:00, 7:00, 9:55 Sherlock Holmes (PG-13) 4:00, 7:00, 9:55 The Spy Next Door (PG) 5:25, 7:35, 9:45 Up in the Air (R) 7:10 Youth in Revolt (R) 4:10, 9:40

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Carmike 12 movie times are only accurate through Jan. 21. Visit www.flagpole.com for updated times. Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel (PG) 12:30, 2:40, 4:50, 7:00, 9:10 Avatar 3D (PG-13) 1:00, 4:30, 8:15 Avatar (PG-13) 12:00, 3:30, 7:00 The Blind Side (PG-13) 9:45 The Book of Eli (R) 1:30, 4:15, 7:00, 9:40

FLAGPOLE.COM ∙ JANUARY 20, 2010

in with his sister (Sigourney Weaver) and her family. How does the fam explain Tommy’s absence to grandma? They tell her that he’s been in France, naturally. The rest of the cast—Julie Bowen (“Modern Family”), Ray Liotta, J.K. Simmons, Jeanne Tripplehorn (“Big Love”), Kelsey Grammer and Jon Gries (Napoleon Dynamite’s Uncle Rico)—is funny, if a bit TV heavy. 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

Daybreakers (R) 1:45, 4:30, 7:15, 9:40 It’s Complicated (R) 7:00, 9:50 Leap Year (PG) 1:30, 4:15, 7:05, 9:30 The Lovely Bones (PG-13) 1:15, 4:10, 7:05, 10:00 The Princess and the Frog (G) 12:35, 2:50, 5:05, 7:20 Sherlock Holmes (PG-13) 1:00, 4:00, 7:00, 10:00 The Spy Next Door (PG) 1:00, 3:15, 5:30, 7:45, 9:55 Up in the Air (R) 1:00, 4:00 Youth in Revolt (R) 1:05, 3:15, 5:25, 7:35, 9:45

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The Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans (R) 9:30 (ends Th. 1/21) Broken Embraces (R) 4:15, 7:00, 9:45 (no 7:00 shows Tu. 1/26 or Th. 1/28) Fantastic Mr. Fox (PG) 2:00 (Sa. 1/23–Su. 1/24) The Messenger (R) 5:00, 7:15 (ends Th. 1/21) That Evening Sun (PG-13) 4:00, 7:15, 9:30 (add’l times Sa. 1/23–Su. 1/24: 1:30) (no 9:30 show Su. 1/24) (starts F. 1/22)

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Georgia Square Five movie times are only accurate through Jan. 21. Visit www.flagpole.com for updated times. 2012 (PG-13) 4:35, 8:00 Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (PG) 5:10 Fantastic Mr. Fox (PG) 5:15 Law Abiding Citizen (R) 7:35, 10:10 The Men Who Stare at Goats (R) 7:55, 10:15 Ninja Assassin (R) 5:20, 7:40, 10:00 Planet 51 (PG) 5:25, 7:45, 10:05

intimate, complicated relationship. The trailer looks kind of CW-y. With Ana Gasteyer, Rooney Mara, Sandra Bernhard and Alan Cumming. Directed by Adam Salky. DAYBREAKERS (R) The trailer for this techno-horror film intrigues. In the future, mankind is on the verge of extinction; vampires rule the day… er, night. Facing a dwindling supply of blood, vampires seek a solution. Meanwhile, a rogue researcher (Ethan Hawke) assists a covert band of vamps seeking to save humanity. Daybreakers is the second film from the German Spierig Brothers, whose Undead caused quite the genre stir way back in 2003. 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 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. ENCOUNTERS AT THE END OF THE WORLD (G) 2007. Legendary filmmaker Werner Herzog’s Academy Award-nominated documentary engulfs viewers in the beauty of Antarctica as only Herzog could. Rather than focusing on the penguins, The Bad Lieutenant filmmaker looks at the odd scientific souls surviving in some of the planet’s most extreme conditions. EXTRAORDINARY MEASURES (PG) The appeal of Extraordinary Measures depends upon your tolerance for inspirational movies about parents willing to sacrifice everything

to save their sick child (see Lorenzo’s Oil). Based on the true story of John and Aileen Crowley’s search for a cure for their two children’s rare genetic disorder, Extraordinary Measures stars Brendan Fraser and Keri Russell as the Crowleys and Harrison Ford as the eccentric scientist on the trail of a cure. With Dee Wallace and Jared Harris (“Mad Men”). 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 Mr. Roald Dahl, of course). Anderson has crafted—quite literally as the animation is primarily accomplished via stop motion—a glorious storybook world. THE IMAGINARIUM OF DOCTOR PARNASSUS (PG-13) Doctor Parnassus (Christopher Plummer) grants people entry into their own imaginations, where they are offered the choice of redemption or damnation, courtesy of Mr. Nick (Tom Waits), the devil. Apparently, the devil and Doctor Parnassus have been wagering with one another for centuries. The good doctor has won his immortality and his youth, but at the price of his daughter, come her 16th birthday, which just happens to be three days away. Parnassus has sought every means of freeing his daughter, and the sudden appearance of the charming Tony ( Heath Ledger), discovered hanging underneath a bridge, may be what the doctor ordered, as Mr. Nick just offered Doctor Parnassus one final wager. Let the games begin. IT’S COMPLICATED (R) Writerdirector Nancy Meyers (Something’s Gotta Give) returns from The Holiday for another age-appropriate romantic comedy. Divorced Jane (Meryl Streep) embarks on an affair with her ex-husband, Jake (Alec Baldwin), currently married to the younger woman for whom he left Jane. The titular complications arrive in Adam (Steve Martin), an appealing architect Jane is also wooing. The R rating signifies a decided maturity in Meyers’ latest. With Rita Wilson, John Krasinski (“The Office”), Hunter Parrish (“Weeds”) and Lake Bell. LAW ABIDING CITIZEN (R) Despite a couple of spurts of over-the-top violence, 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. LEAP YEAR (PG) Amy Adams jumpstarts 2010 as Anna, who has worked tirelessly for four years to get engaged to her boyfriend, Jeremy (Adam Scott). When he jets off to Dublin for business, Anna decides to join him and avail herself of an Irish Leap Day tradition, wherein women are encouraged to propose on Feb. 29. A teeny hiccup in her travel plans strands her in Wales,

where innkeeper Declan (Matthew Goode) offers her a ride and maybe so much more. THE LOVELY BONES (PG-13) See Movie Pick. l LEGION (R) Paul Bettany stars as a heavily armed archangel Michael protecting humanity’s last chance, a truckstop waitress (Adrianne Palicki, “Friday Night Lights”) pregnant with the messiah, after a biblical apocalypse. This flick sounds deceptively like Gregory Widen’s The Prophecy but should be a lot cooler. The cast—Dennis Quaid, Lucas Black, Doug Jones (Hellboy’s Abe Sapien), Tyrese Gibson, Charles S. Dutton and Kevin Durand (X-Men Origins: Wolverine’s Blob) as the archangel Gabriel—is pretty good at this sort of thing. 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) Staff Sergeant William Montgomery (Ben Foster) is a decorated war hero. Upon his return home, he is assigned to the Casualty Notification service. Along with his fellow officer, Captain Tony Stone (Woody Harrelson), Will is tasked with delivering the worst news a soldier’s N.O.K. (next of kin) could ever hear. Will has no desire to do this miserable job but follows his orders like a good soldier would. Eventually, he chafes at the stringent procedures in place and begins comforting the soldier’s families as best he can. However, one of the N.O.K.s, Olivia Pitterson (Samantha Morton), offers a unique challenge as Will finds himself drawn to this widowed mother. 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, 28 Days Later and the last two Pirates of the Caribbean) 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. 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. PRINCESS AND THE FROG (G) An updated retelling of The Frog Prince, The Princess and the Frog

boasts Disney’s newest addition to their Princess brand, the first AfricanAmerican Princess, Tiana. After years of pale Pixar imitations, animation needed a hand-drawn refresher, and who better to provide it than the studio that started the genre 72 years ago? THE ROOM (R) The Room might be the “Mona Lisa” of bad movies; its greatness lies in its mysterious smile, which a laughing Tommy Wiseau, the baffling “auteur,” trots out at the oddest moments. The Room will leave you with so many questions that don’t need answering. SHERLOCK HOLMES (PG-13) Holmes (the never disappointing Robert Downey Jr.) and Dr. Watson (a game Jude Law) must stop evil Lord Blackwood (Mark Strong) from taking over the world through some sinister, supernatural means. A criminal love interest (Rachel McAdams) exists for the great private dick, but the real affection is the bromantic bond between Holmes and Watson. A SINGLE MAN (PG-13) Strong word of mouth precedes Tom Ford’s drama of an English professor, George (Colin Firth), who tries to go about his normal life after the death of his partner. The cast includes Julianne Moore, Matthew Goode, Ginnifer Goodwin and Nicholas Hoult (About a Boy). Filmmaker Ford fascinates; as a fashion designer, he turned around Gucci. By next year, he could potentially be a multiple award winning writer-director. THE SPY NEXT DOOR (PG) Former CIA agent, Bob Ho (Jackie Chan), must look after his girlfriend’s three kids, a task complicated by the Russian nemesis who is on the trail of a top secret formula accidentally downloaded by the youngest kid. The Spy Next Door sounds like so many of the other uninspired, family-friendly action comedies that dominated the

1990s and in which director Brian Levant specializes (Are We There Yet?, Jingle All the Way). With Amber Valletta, Billy Ray Cyrus and George Lopez. THAT EVENING SUN (PG-13) An aging farmer (Hal Holbrook) escapes the nursing home only to find another family living in his old homestead. Holbrook may be from Ohio, but much of the cast—Ray McKinnon, Walton Goggins, Carrie Preston and Holbrook’s wife, Dixie Carter—are true Southerners. I’ve only read one novel, Twilight, by author William Gay, upon whose short story this film is based; it was a doozy. Winner of the Jury Award for Best Narrative at the Atlanta Film Festival as well as prizes across the Southeast (Birmingham, Memphis, Nashville, Sarasota) and at SXSW. TOOTH FAIRY (PG) Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson keeps to the safe, kid-friendly Game Plan that makes him (and the studios that hire him) so much money. In Tooth Fairy, Johnson plays Derek Thompson, a tough minor league hockey player sentenced to serve as a real-life collector of children’s teeth. As usual, the cast is littered with familiar faces like Ashley Judd, Julie Andrews, Billy Crystal and Ricky Gervais’ sidekick, Stephen Merchant. Director Michael Lembeck is the TV vet behind The Santa Clause 2 and 3. TO SAVE A LIFE (PG-13) A new faith-based movie, To Save a Life seeks the teenage audience that spends all their parents’ hard-earned money at the movies. Jake Taylor (Randy Wayne) has it all. He’s a high school hard-court superstar who has the girl and a college scholarship. But when he can’t save his childhood friend, Roger (Robert Bailey, Jr.), who commits suicide right in front of Jake, the big man on campus

risks everything to stop the next Roger from making a tragic decision. Director Brian Baugh was the DP on An American Carol. UP IN THE AIR (R) Graceful frequent flier Ryan Bingham (George Clooney) hops from destination to destination, firing employees for their cowardly employers, and he executes his job as nimbly as he flies. But then, Natalie Keener (Anna Kendrick), a young Cornell grad, revolutionizes firing with technology, threatening to permanently ground Ryan in Omaha. Up in the Air is one of those rarest of cinematic breeds; flawless is not a term I use frivolously. THE YOUNG VICTORIA (PG) Emily Blunt, who wowed in The Devil Wears Prada, stars as youthful monarch, Queen Victoria, in the turbulent early years of her reign. Rupert Friend stars as her enduring love, Prince Albert. Blunt has already been nominated for a British Independent Film Award for Best Actress, and the overly British cast (Paul Bettany, Miranda Richardson, Jim Broadbent and Mark Strong) is particularly well-built. Jean-Marc Vallée directs a script from Oscar winner Julian Fellowes (Gosford Park). YOUTH IN REVOLT (R) Teenage trailer park resident Nick Twisp (current indie icon Michael Cera) really wants to lose his virginity to his dream girl, Sheeni Saunders (Portia Doubleday). As one of his multiple plans, Nick invents a badboy persona, Francois Dillinger, with a sweet ‘stache. In the past, director Miguel Arteta has teamed with Mike White (Chuck & Buck and The Good Girl)—although he was not with this project. With Steve Buscemi, Jean Smart, Zach Galifianakis, Justin Long and the great M. Emmet Walsh. Drew Wheeler

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BROKEN EMBRACES (R) Pedro Almodóvar’s act, we, the collective viewers, have little latest film, starring his muse, Penélope Cruz, understanding of what might be going on. unfolds like a Hitchcockian telenovela. A After time-hopping between 1994 and 2008, deceptively mysterious film—a synopsis canthe melodramatic picture comes into focus. not quite do it justice—Broken Embraces Cruz again delivers an astoundingly already nabbed the popular Spanish filmmaker secure performance in her native language, his third Palme d’Or nomination from the radiating an old-fashioned beauty like one Cannes Film Festival. of Hitchcock’s blondes. Blind screenwriter Almodóvar and Cruz Harry Caine (Lluís may presently have the Homar) used to be most creatively symacclaimed filmmaker biotic relationship in Mateo Blanco. In 2008 cinema. Second might be a young man calling Almodóvar’s cinematic himself Ray X (Rubén kinship with composer Ochandiano) inquires Alberto Iglesias, whose into hiring Mateo to help score is beautiful. him write a script about Broken Embraces has a a son getting revenge subtlety of image and a on his overbearing, whodunit structure that homophobic father. From propels the film like a this encounter, Mateo rocket, and it is the first recalls shooting his last of Almodóvar’s films that film in 1994. On that Penélope Cruz and José Luis Gómez has personally appealed shoot, the director met to me beyond a critical Lena (Cruz), the mistress of financier Ernesto appreciation for its beautiful artfulness—a Martel (José Luis Gómez), who happens to long-overdue reason to delve deeper into this be Ray X’s father. Soon, Mateo must confront acclaimed auteur’s back catalog. If, like me, the disappointments and devastation of his you are behind on your Almodóvar, you will past with his assistant, Judit Garcia (Blanca not find any better place to start than here. Portillo) and her son, Diego (Tamar Novas). In Broken Embraces, Almodóvar quietly Drew Wheeler sucks you in. Throughout most of the first

movie pick Heaven Is Not a Place on Earth

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THE LOVELY BONES (PG-13) Pinpointing the exact reason for the failures of the filmed adaptation of Alice Sebold’s 2002 bestseller is difficult. On paper, multiple Academy Award winner Peter Jackson seems a perfect match for this material. Anyone familiar with his acclaimed 1994 feature, Heavenly Creatures, would drool at the creative avenues Jackson might take in envisioning the beautiful purgatory fueled by the mind of a deceased teenage girl. Susie Salmon (Saoirse Ronan) was only 14 when she was brutally raped and murdered on Dec. 6, 1973. She had never even been kissed when her skeevy neighbor, George Harvey (Stanley Tucci), lured her into Mark Wahlberg an underground den he had built under a cornfield and took her innocence and her life. Rather than going on to heaven, Susie remains to watch as her family— father Jack (Mark Wahlberg), mother Abigail (Rachel Weisz), younger sister Lindsay (Rose McIver), younger brother Buckley (Christian Thomas Ashdale) and Grandma Lynn (Susan Sarandon)—struggles through the lack of closure left by Susie’s disappearance and presumed murder.

Readers of the book might be disappointed by everything Jackson and his award-winning co-writers, Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens, leave out. Gone are large chunks of unwieldy plot that flesh out a novel but fatten up a film. Unfortunately, the metaphysical mumbo-jumbo concocted by Sebold does not fly on the big screen. Or at least, Jackson does not supply the proper connections between Susie’s spirit and her family and gets too caught up in creating the subjective reality of Susie’s other world, overindulging in computer-generated effects. Still, the film is lovely, and several of the performances— Ronan’s and Tucci’s, especially—are topnotch. The soundtrack is tremendously appropriate as well. The Lovely Bones is far from a cinematic-literary travesty on par with Brian De Palma’s Bonfire of the Vanities. It reminded me of how good the book was, a memory diluted by seven years. Even the greatest filmmakers have some duds. If The Lovely Bones proves to be Jackson’s worst, he’ll have had a hell of a consistent career. Drew Wheeler

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Bar Food: It’s a good thing I went to Reds Southern Tavern (104 E. Washington St.) more than once, and it was a good lesson for me that experiences can be completely different on different days. The first time I stepped through the door of what was previously The Basil Press, on a day that left my face frozen from the walk downtown, I was thoroughly frustrated, left waiting for the food and then for the check until lunch totaled nearly two hours. Nor did the cuisine soothe my annoyance. An oyster po’boy was unimpressive, and while fried oysters hardly show off the shellfish’s charms to the highest degree, these were slightly sour, soggy and bland, and the accompaniment of hoppin’ John prompted a shrug of indifference. The kiddie plate of chicken fingers and fruit was enormous, true, but should our children who choose to eat something as unadventurous as fried white-meat chicken be shortchanged in the taste department? The shininess of the batter suggested what you might find on a Chinese buffet. The shrimp and grits, one of the most popular entrées, according to staff, was likewise heavy, and while the shrimp were on the large side, they also didn’t have a lot of flavor. The maque choux was a minor bright spot but hardly enough to bring someone back to the restaurant, and the workers seemed frazzled, despite the hardly overwhelming crowd. The following week, however, I sat at the bar and had a burger, an appetizer plate of pimento cheese and a thoroughly opposite time. Some of it was due to the bartender, who was conversational and attentive, if emphatically still a bartender rather than someone trained in the finer points of service, and some of it, no doubt, was due to my choice of less ambitious items from the menu. The burger wasn’t stellar, but it was juicy and hot, and the kitchen appears to grasp that medium is a separate thing from well-done. The pimento cheese, too, wasn’t …the burger was the best in town, but it was cheesy rather than too heavy on juicy and hot… the mayo and nicely presented. I suggest you stay away from the macaroni and cheese as a side, though, if you prefer the baked kind to the Kraft-style goop. Despite a couple of months in business, Reds is still finding its feet, and its bar side (I counted at least four different varieties of Firefly flavored vodkas) should probably be emphasized over its fancier leanings, at least if you want to be satisfied. The restaurant no longer does Sunday brunch but is open for lunch and dinner every day, runs the bar until late-night Thursday through Saturday, has flat-screen TVs and takes credit cards. Health: I may be a little suspicious of just how many health benefits the brand-new Yoguri (198 College Ave.) ascribes to its product, emblazoned in a long list on the wall, but man is it nice to have a dessert option downtown that makes you feel, if anything, virtuous for consuming it. If you don’t like the tang of yogurt, you probably won’t be big on the product— currently served in pomegranate, mango (the winner!), dark chocolate and original, and able to be topped with a variety of fresh fruit and nuts—but I couldn’t be happier to have this fat-free Korean frozen treat available. The store, which is currently an isolated independent business with aspirations to franchise, is clean, bright and cute, with a simple, modern feel, and the staff, while mistakenly describing the product as “tartier” than regular frozen yogurt, is sweet and helpful. Owner Vena Kim hopes to open up a different business in the lower area, which gives me great hope that, while Korean food has lagged in coming to Athens the same way it’s taken over large areas of Atlanta, we may finally be on the horizon of a miniboom in a fascinatingly varied cuisine. Yoguri is open until 11 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday, midnight Thursday through Saturday, and takes credit cards. What Up?: If you missed it in the Grub Notes blog, the downtown Harry Bissett’s swears it’s reopening with some changes, hopefully by the end of the month, despite rumors to the contrary. They are in a tough place, though; it may require a new owner for the business to get out of debt and keep going. It appears that Sons of Italy, on Milledge near the bypass, has closed. The move to a shiny new shopping center from the old seedy digs doesn’t seem to have helped. Hillary Brown food@flagpole.com

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JANUARY 20, 2010 · FLAGPOLE.COM

threats & promises Music News And Gossip All right now, let’s get on with this week’s news because my fingers are too cold to sit here and explain why news is important. So, just try to keep up. Start sprinting below… Mean Poetry: Montu Miller will host the “Poetic Tuesdays” portion of Mean Mic Entertainment’s “Mean Mic Tuesdays” which moved its weekly event to Flanagan’s (301 E. Clayton St.) last week. After the poetry, the nights consist of a rap battle, an open mic section, featured performers and then dancing. DJ Killacut and Elite tha Showstoppa host these latter portions. Mean Mic Tuesdays are also always free of charge and 21 and over. For more info, please see www.myspace.com/djkillacutmusic or www.myspace.com/elitethashowstoppa. Miller is also organizing “Southern Gumbo” at New Earth Music Hall this week. Check out the Calendar pick on p. 27.

NEXT FRIDAY! JANUARY 29 TABERNACLE • ATLANTA

That’s Bill in the Front Room: Athens treasure Bill Mallonee is seeking out more house shows this year. Mallonee followed the lead of former Smithereens frontman Pat Dinizio several years ago and started playing shows in fans’ living rooms. Now, house shows have

all of this the band is also recording its debut album and figured playing a few live shows would break the monotony. There are a few tunes worth listening to over at www.myspace. com/thefuturebirds, so why not go do that? Dustin Hoffman Says Avoid the Crush: Of Montreal will play the 40 Watt on Wednesday and Thursday, Feb. 3 and 4, and tickets are on sale now. They’re $17 each in advance (including the $2 online surcharge) via www.40watt. com. James Husband (James Huggins) will open the shows before taking his place onstage with the band. Let me just say this: his album A Parallax I was recorded over the span of five years and is, hands down, one of the best released from any Athens band last year. He’s the best reason to show up early. Also, you realize both these shows will sell out, right? Don’t do that Athens townie space cadet act of showing up and being all like, “Wha? I need a ticket?” Geldof to Bono to Klein: Local troubadour Adam Klein (Cowboy Angel Music) will travel back to Mali, West Africa this month to record his long-planned Mande album with Mali

Tickets also available at select Blockbuster locations. Charge By Phone: 877-598-8698. All dates, acts and ticket prices subject to change without notice. Ticket prices subject to applicable fees.

Futurebirds been a staple of the indie-pop and punk community for over two decades, but they’re still relatively novel in other genres. If you want to have Mallonee play a show in your living room (or church, café, whatever) get in touch via HighHorseBooking@hotmail.com and (828) 817-6318. Bill has been up to quite a bit release-wise over the past couple of years, so go check him out and get caught up at www. billmallonee.net.

with special guest w t specia guest

DubConscious D bC i

Get It In: The deadline for bands to submit their work to be considered for inclusion on the 2010 AthFest CD is Jan. 29. Only bands that are actually from Athens will be considered, and submissions must be on CD. Full details and forms are available at www.athfest.com and from the AthFest office at 220 College Ave. (the Fred Building), third floor.

SATURDAY SATURDAY FEBRUARY 6 • 8PM FEBRUAR 6 •8PM TABERNACLE ATLANTA T BERN LE TL NT Tickets also available at select Blockbuster locations. Charge By Phone: 877-598-8698. All dates, acts and prices subjectB ockbuster to changelocations without Tick ts alsoticket ava able at select notice prices subject applicable Charge Ticket By Phone 877 598to8698 All fees. ates b

FLAGPOLE.COM ∙ JANUARY 20, 2010

Good for a Three-Night Stand: Starting this week, which means you’ve already missed the first one, Futurebirds will play every other Tuesday at Tasty World Uptown. The shows are $3 each and someone different will open each time. On Feb. 2 it’ll be Gift Horse playing all My Bloody Valentine covers—even the thought of it seems blasphemous, but there ya go. Feb. 16 is the date Futurebirds will celebrate Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras) with Holy Liars. During

musician Baru Diallo, who has played with Ali Farka Toure. A documentary film of the recording is also in the works and the hope is that it will give a “picture of West Africa told through an intimate understanding of Mande life and culture.” Obviously, the costs of this are significant and Klein, along with filmmaker Jason Miller (Eikon Productions), is seeking donations for funding. All donations are tax deductible and can be made though www.fracturedatlas.org/site/contribute/donate/3044. You might also choose to donate through the African Sky organization that works to build sustainable development in rural Mali. Please visit them at www.africansky.org. In-kind donations such as Skymiles and airline buddy passes are welcome, too. All donors will receive a credit at the end of the film. Klein is sensitive to how many artists are now using this method of fundraising and to this end he says, “I do not intend… to initiate further public fundraising campaigns in the near future for my musical and artistic endeavors.” That he is doing so for this project is heavily reflective of how important the project is, not only to him, but to the aid of the people and nation of Mali. For all other information, please see www.adam-klein.com. Gordon Lamb threatsandpromises@flagpole.com

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harles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities deals in doubles: most characters come in opposing and complementary pairs, and even the book’s famous opening line acknowledges the duality of life and its contradictions. Jimmy Hughes, the bandleader of Folklore, has his own dual-city tale: he started his band Folklore in Athens and still maintains a lineup here, but he also has a version in Philadelphia, where he moved about a year ago. But while Dickens trucked in themes of redemption and self-reinvention, Hughes and his gang(s) emphasize continuity through flexibility, with the end goal of translating live his folk-pop storytelling. “It has actually happened pretty painlessly,” Hughes says of the transition to two separate lineups. The band’s on tour now, focusing on songs from the new album Home Church Road. “I recorded the new album with all the Athens folks before I moved away. I had considered the album to be finished, and kind of figured that was that for Folklore for a while. The band never broke up or stopped, but everybody in the band was living in Athens except for me, so the band just couldn’t play. Then, among the very few people I knew in Philadelphia, I found several who were excited to play these new songs with me, so we practiced a lot and started playing shows almost immediately.” Folklore formed in Athens in 2005 and released two discs, The Ghost of H.W. Beaverman (2007) and Carpenter’s Falls (2008) and a few EPs. Hughes, who used to perform as one half of the local rap duo Fairmount Fair and also served as guitarist in Elf Power for years, tends towards narrative arcs in his stories, creating mythologies, folklore and mini-epics in concept albums that give equal weight to descriptive lyrics and tunefully shaggy pop. As to why Hughes has put his stories to music rather than into prose, short stories or novels, he says, “Mainly it’s because music is what I do. I like playing live music and I love seeing live music. It’s how I have spent the last 17 years of my life. In college I studied fiction and creative writing, but since college I have spent more time focusing on music, and I pretty much never sit down to write prose anymore. But I still get ideas for longer stories, and while trying to snap out of a long stint of writer’s block, I combined

the two to form Folklore. I’ve been happy with the results ever since. At some point in my life, I would like to compose these stories as a novel or a series of short stories, but I need way more free time than I currently have to even think about that.” Folklore has two shows planned this weekend: a Friday show at the Caledonia Lounge with Summer Hymns and Quiet Hooves on the bill, and a free Sunday show at DIY space Ben’s Bikes, accompanying bands to be determined as of press time. For those wondering why it’d be worth shelling out cash on Friday when the penniless option exists a few days later, Hughes offers this: “Because the Caledonia rules and is one of the best places to hang out in town! I wish there was a Caledonia down the street from my house in Philly. [And] because we will be playing some different songs at both shows. Don’t worry, we will mix it up a bit.” These shows in Georgia find Hughes backed by four of his Philly bandmates as well as the Athens lineup of Folklore: Jon Croxton (drums, guitar), Aaron Jollay (bass, trombone), Ian Rickert (bass, clarinet, harmonica), Che-Na Stephens (clarinet), Raoul De La Cruz (trumpet) and David Specht (oscillator, violin, bells). Dickens famously was paid by installment, with many suggesting that’s the reason for his wordiness. Hughes, however, is an efficiency pro. His songs are brief and to the point, and Home Church Road features 16 songs telling the story of the Earth after humans have become extinct, incorporating the fate of animals who discover a shapeshifting human priest buried in the ground. Two cities, maybe, but many more stories.

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WHO: Quiet Hooves, Folklore, Summer Hymns WHERE: Caledonia Lounge WHEN: Friday, Jan. 22 HOW MUCH: $6 (21+), $7 (18+) WHO: Folklore, Titans of Filth, Werewolves, Sugar D WHERE: Ben’s Bikes WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 24 HOW MUCH: FREE!

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JANUARY 20, 2010 · FLAGPOLE.COM

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Danny Clinch

On the Road Again Mickey Raphael and Life in the Willie Nelson Family Band

1973 former University of Texas football coach and music lover Darrell Royal invited a few Austin musician friends over to entertain at a post-game BBQ. Among the guests were a relatively obscure songwriter known mostly for songs that brought fame to others—most notably “Crazy” sung by Patsy Cline—and a fresh-faced, unknown harmonica player from Dallas. That was the day Mickey Raphael met the man who became his boss for the next 37 years, Willie Nelson.

Mickey Raphael “There were bunch of guys passing a guitar around, and Willie was one of them,” he recalls. “I had one Willie Nelson record but wasn’t that familiar with him. I was just astonished with his musical style, hearing these songs he was playing; it was like, ‘Oh, he wrote that?,’ so it was an education from the beginning.” Nelson was in semi-retirement, laying low in the Texas hill country after a decade of slugging it out in the Nashville grinder; he was two years away from recording the album that would compel longhairs and rednecks to peacefully coexist, 1975’s iconic and conceptual Red Headed Stranger. After Nelson accepted an invitation to play a few dates at Max’s Kansas City in New York a few months later, Raphael was on the bus and in on the ground floor of Outlaw Country. As for the early years in Dallas, Raphael quips, “What got me into playing harmonica was that I was a terrible guitar player. I heard a guy when I was about 15 or 16 living in Dallas. I had always loved the instrument and was a big fan of Bob Dylan and Neil Young; the late-’60s folk scene was always on my radar, but I went to this little club and I saw this guy Donny Brooks play, was in the room with him live, and it totally blew me away. He sort of became my mentor. He’s actually the guy that ended up playing with Waylon 10 years later,

which is ironic because of the relationship between Waylon and Willie.” Raphael’s massive supporting discography goes back four decades and reads like a mythic cultural passport, progressing from Texas troubadours such as Townes Van Zandt, Jerry Jeff Walker and Alejandro Escovedo, then winding its way to international stars U2 and Ringo Starr. He may be best known for his job in the Willie Nelson Family Band, but his recorded output away from the group qualifies his instantly recognizable, folk-blues style as a genuine cultural document. He is a musician who has been as generous with his talent as it has been with him, continuing his work with an ever-widening palette. “I’ve been working with these guys in a band called Calexico, Joey Burns and John Convertino (Raphael appears on Calexico’s 2008 album Carried to Dust). John and I have been writing and working together, I just started a little instrumental project with him. I’m in New Orleans tonight and a great local songwriter, Bobby Charles, just passed away this morning. He wrote ‘Walking to New Orleans.’ Dr. John came to our show last night and had been working with Bobby recently; we were both pretty close to Bobby. I will probably end up recording one of Bobby’s songs.” The mention of a recently departed friend leads Raphael to share a personal connection to Athens. “I was with Joey (Burns) in Tuscon when we were recording and we’re eating breakfast in this restaurant and we run into Vic (Chesnutt). He’s just the sweetest guy in the world and asks for my number. I told him I’d call him when we come to Athens and invite him to the show. He said he’d love to have a text from me. I thought that was just so sweet, so I texted him the next day saying nice to meet you and look forward to seeing you, and then Joey calls with the news…” Having lived out the heyday of country music’s wildest decade, Raphael has seen quite a bit, but hasn’t let that life take its cruel toll. Of the changes seen since those party-fueled nights, he offers, “We all just lost our death wish. I get up in the morning and work out or go for a bike ride.” Then jokingly, “You have to, in order to keep up with Willie.” Coy King

WHO: Willie Nelson, Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real WHERE: Classic Center WHEN: Thursday, Jan. 21, 7:30 p.m. HOW MUCH: $45

JANUARY 20, 2010 · FLAGPOLE.COM

The Orkids

Paper Dolls Release Party!

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FLAGPOLE.COM ∙ JANUARY 20, 2010

ery few musicians can fall in love with their bands as quickly and intensely as The Orkids have. It only takes a short conversation with them to understand how excited they are about this project. The Orkids only have a handful of shows and a few songs under their belt, but none of that really matters to them. The members all agree: this is the best band they’ve ever been in. “I could probably get a tattoo right now and not regret it,” says singer Sandra Gallardo. Her bandmates readily nod in agreement. It’s a bold statement for such a young Athens band, but if The Orkids’ new EP Paper Dolls is any indication, they have good reason to be excited. The poppy record has already found fans around town with its infectious dance-rock feel, lyrical edge and vibrant harmonies. Paper Dolls revels in the details of busted relationships, manipulations and all the things people use to cope. It dances around electronica, flirts with some vocal effects, and leaves a major melodic imprint on your brain. In short, it’s almost ridiculously radio-friendly. Not that The Orkids mind that at all. “Yeah, it’s pop,” says bassist Sheldon Wolfe, “but we like playing it and we’re not apologizing.” Paper Dolls is also largely responsible for getting the current Orkids line-up together. Gallardo and guitarist Adam Monica began the group as a duo, posting their unpolished songs to MySpace. Monica knew Wolfe, keyboardist Joshua Schwarber, and drummer Brad Lee Zimmerman from playing in other bands around Athens and Atlanta. They had worked together before, so when they heard Monica’s recordings with Gallardo, the trio wanted in on the project. Though most of the band had already experienced the less-than-great aspects of the music biz in previous groups, they were all excited by The Orkids’ sound. Even more impressive was the talent that Gallardo brought to the band despite having very little experience performing at all. “Sandra is just really great at owning these songs, making them hers,” says Schwarber. “She’s still pretty new at this, but she’s autodidactic when it comes to performing. It’s just there.” On the record, Gallardo is a one-woman vocal force of nature, making you believe with every yelp and purr that she lived through all of this relationship drama herself, especially on the title track. It is an indication of Monica’s songwriting chops that he actually wrote “Paper Dolls” from a female perspective that was easy enough for Gallardo to step into without falling into a cliché. The band itself is a tightly knit machine, courtesy of intense marathon rehearsals. With

both Zimmerman and Wolfe living in Decatur, practice time is precious. Sessions can take up the better part of the day when the band does get together. Such a situation has the potential for a lot of conflict, but The Orkids claim a connection that allows all ideas to be heard and accepted without much problem at all. They try to keep their egos in check in order for the band to sound its best. “Sure, there could be 10 minutes when I’m just standing up onstage not playing anything,” says Schwarber. “I at least know that there is a good reason why the song doesn’t need me.” The Orkids won’t be content with a lessthan-excellent show. Every ounce of effort and gallon of gas is worth it when a concert rolls around, says the band. The concerts are a fullon musical onslaught, bolstered by the passion of a group that honestly believes in its product. The members feel that playing in a band like The Orkids is a once-in-a-lifetime deal. “It’s great to be able to look over and see the band and just share a look or string of notes and know exactly where everyone’s at,” says Schwarber. “After all, why not give it everything you’ve got?” Gallardo agrees: “I’m not getting up there to sing karaoke!” she says. The Paper Dolls EP release show at the 40 Watt will also mark one of the longest gigs the young band has played. Until recently, The Orkids had a pretty small set list, consisting mainly of the tracks from the EP. Hours of practice and some songwriting sessions have yielded plenty of new material, though. With such a fast ride towards being a fully functional band, it would be easy for The Orkids to show off a bit, but they’d rather just offer an honest “thank you,” instead, by giving away copies of the EP at the show to anyone who buys a ticket. “We know that we are extremely lucky,” says Zimmerman. “We’ve gotten a lot of support from our friends and a lot of people around Athens, which is always cool.” The Orkids are hoping their passion for the music connects them to the crowd as much as it has connected the bandmembers to each other. “We’re like a family,” says Zimmerman. “It can sound cliché, but we really are.” Jordan Stepp

WHO: The Orkids, Trances Arc, Crane WHERE: 40 Watt Club WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 23 HOW MUCH: $5

record reviews BEACH HOUSE Dream Sub Pop If they mean the cold, lonely offseason, this Baltimore duo’s name is descriptively perfect. It’s not that the songs on their third full-length are dreary. It’s that they’re like the thoughts of summer that play in the mind during the deep freeze of winter, twinkling in ways that only fond memories can. It’s an incredibly nuanced and specific place to exist, one that’s open to a world of romantic nostalgia. With a soulfully narcotic drift and a deliberate sense of unfolding, Teen Dream coasts on huge, gentle billows. Despite its suspended dream-state, the music is grounded by masterful architecture and enormity of presence. Like a seashell, you can practically hear the carnival echoes of the boardwalk when you listen to songs like “Walk in the Park” and “Lover of Mine.” Other highlights include the under-the-covers enchantment of “Better Times” and the wonderfully warped notes of “Norway.” But Beach House gets absolutely transcendental with the epic, sky-parting symphony of “10 Mile Stereo” and the oceanic swoon of “Silver Soul,” which achieves a heavy-lidded majesty that would stun even Mazzy Star. Sighing heavily with a bottomless sense of wonder, Teen Dream attains the kind of impossible beauty that only exists in the flattering soft-focus of memory. It’s an extraordinary work that creates warmth even if the surrounding reality is anything but. Bao Le-Huu Beach House is playing the EARL in Atlanta on Apr. 29.

AMERICAN CHEESEBURGER/ RELIGIOUS AS FUCK Split LP No Idea Gainesville, FL band Religious as Fuck takes over side one of this split LP and solidifies its place as one of the handful of bands in the nation that is making American hardcore exciting and vital again. The band contributes 11 songs to this split, and most of them are at breakneck speed. But the band has a handle on nuance and melody that comes through in tracks like “Stay Tuned,” with its perfect single-chord,

rhythmic guitar intro or in “Napalm Meth,” with its slow, grinding halt of an ending, and “Seven Churches,” which punches its beginning melody through in a mere seven seconds. American Cheeseburger gets 10 tracks on side two, and I’m pretty sure this is the last recording that features original vocalist James Greer. The band’s more thrash-oriented hardcore, which thankfully never descends into metal territory, tends to have more instantly recognizable rock and roll elements than Religious as Fuck’s general eschewing of classic, fourchord hardcore pummeling. The band infuses slight amounts of humor, mainly through song titles, but none of this really translates into the band’s lyrics, and that is more than welcome. Highlights of American Cheeseburger’s side include “Southern Snow,” “Grandma’s Nazi Plate” and “I.V.O.W.” Unfortunately, the split LP has become a medium for bands that don’t have enough fans or enough quality material on their own to join forces with other bands in the same boat. But this release takes the notion of the split LP back to what it should be and originally was: two bands with more than enough quality material coming together through musical kinship and each giving it their best go. Gordon Lamb

EUREKA CALIFORNIA Eureka California Is Dead Independent Release This album is clearly homemade, giving it endearing charm and dirty cymbals, which sometimes blend perfectly with crunchy guitar and bass, and sometimes not. This is basically a rock endurance record, and you are not meant to sit idly by while such outragings as these unfold; you are not meant to contemplate subtleties of syncopation or obscure tonal quotations. Suggestions point toward neck flailing. Though the band obviously has a vision and enough talent to further it, these recordings don’t exactly flatter their compositions. There are some intriguing and well-executed pop-punk songs here, and the drumming is bestial, but the cymbals are a little too dirty in the mix to really allow full access to the music’s nuances. It’s annoying to focus on the mediocre parts of the product rather than the graciousness with which I aim to receive artistic gifts (as this album is available for free online now!), but an earnest critique is the offering of thanks. The album’s standout moments, such as the guitar vamp “Cat Got Yr Tongue,” provide a pleasant break from the frenetic pace of the album’s overall grunge/punk assault and challenge the band melodically and temporally. “Milwaukee” is probably the best candidate for a radio hit with its tuned percussion, deep pockets and focused arrangement. Album-closer “Perfect Grammar” starts cleanly enough to reveal some pleasant Lou Reed-ish character in the vocals, which is a bit

harder to detect in earlier tracks. The band sort of sounds like a mixture of Hum and Queens of the Stone Age, and I’ll certainly be checking them out live when I get a chance—for a drumming clinic at the very least. Tony Floyd

NOOGEEZ Galaxy Day Independent Release When did children’s music get so cool? Today, kids get rock groups like They Might Be Giants and the Imagination Movers that will teach them their ABCs and 123s with a backbeat and power chords. And now Athens boasts another rock-bandturned-kid-act: Noogeez. Members of ‘80s band the Squalls have created their own kid-rock album, Galaxy Day. The group bounces and smiles through the entire record, joined by an apparently very merry group of musicians. Fans of the Squalls might remember “Elephant Radio,” “Kathy,” “Crickets,” “Snowman” and “Strollin’ Bones,” but I doubt the songs have ever sounded quite like this. Gone are the rock and roll guitar sounds and any real grit, not that the Squalls were ever that gritty. Instead, any rock harshness is replaced by a much more soothing mandolin and banjo combination, clear vocal harmonies, and lots of pennywhistle. The only new song is “Galaxy Day,” a track that closely follows the formula of the rest of the record. It’s upbeat and repetitive but in a way that won’t drive anyone over the age of eight crazy. Get ready for an astronomy lesson and a warning about not staring into the sun. I’m only really surprised that the incredibly catchy Squalls song “Na Nanana” isn’t part of this release. It could easily fit in with the other Squalls standards on the record. Galaxy Day is something the whole family can enjoy together. Do the little ones a favor and play them some Noogeez. The band is proof that you’re never too young to enjoy great music. Jordan Stepp

BASIA BULAT Heart of My Own Rough Trade Though she gained buzz immediately upon her 2007 debut, the promising young Canadian chanteuse hadn’t fully blossomed until now. Her

distinctive voice is rich and mature in tone, but made infinitely more interesting and human by its vulnerable vibrato and gospel-like conviction. The difference here is that the music and melodies are finally equal to her vocal radiance, making for a truly whole album. The sonic palette complements with warmth and elegance. And whether they’re cutting deep on sparse numbers or flying high on soaring swells, the melodic turns are more poignant, honing her voice to its finest point yet. The music is built on folk and orchestral instrumentation but guided with a lush, sophisticated pop sensibility. The atmospheric grandeur of “Run” waltzes somewhere between the hilltop and heaven; “Gold Rush” breathlessly sweeps over the prairie in pursuit of the sun; “Walk You Down” rolls with a Kathleen Edwards-like determination; “If Only You” strokes the velvet of Southern soul; and the title track smolders like a mountain hymn. Though the record takes a definitive stylistic stance, there’s just enough classic polish to elevate Bulat above a genre niche and positions this powerfully feminine work as a gold-standard of graceful romanticism and noble folk-soul. Bao Le-Huu

Athens Reg ona Commun ty Programs

SURFER BLOOD Astro Coast Kanine Believe the hype. If the whitehot buzz from their CMJ splash last October was any indication, these critics’ darlings will eclipse the swine flu this year in contagiousness with the release of this much-anticipated, virtually perfect debut LP. Though they pack beach bliss in spades, the Florida freshmen are decidedly not a surf band. They’re a supernova of ‘90s indierock muscularity, power pop hooks and thrillingly modern sonic washes. Swimming amid the nouveau-psych vibes and throbbing towers of echo and reverb are strikingly immaculate pop melodies that are buoyant, charged and jacked up to massive scale. Like the perfect wave, the songs form, build and break in all the right ways. Astro Coast is overrun with winners like the compelling introspection of “Harmonix,” the carefree sweep of “Twin Peaks” and the bleached drama of “Slow Jabroni.” But the best moments are the biggest, like the noble, mighty fuzz-bounce of “Floating Vibes,” the lovely soaring drive of “Fast Jabroni” and particularly the monolithic joy of “Swim,” which burst from the chest in oversized beams of echoing incandescence. With an exhilarating radiance that borders on blinding, Surfer Blood has focused all the rays of the Sunshine State into one undeniably brilliant disc. A marvel of effortless aptitude, Astro Coast will grab you immediately and completely. Crank it up and soak in the shine of the year’s first serious indie contender. Bao Le-Huu

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JANUARY 20, 2010 · 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 19 EVENTS: Georgia GOP Gubernatorial Debate (UGA Journalism Building) The Clarke County GOP sponsors a debate between the Republican candidates for governor of Georgia. Radio and TV broadcasts will cover the state, but if you would like to attend, direct your request to athensgopchairman@ yahoo.com. 7 p.m. EVENTS: Movie Night (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Tonight’s double feature begins with She (1985) and is followed by The New Barbarians (1990) at 10 p.m. 8:30 p.m. FREE! www.myspace.com/flickerbar EVENTS: Sustainability Film Series (UGA East Campus Village, Rooker Hall) UGA’s Department of University Housing hosts a spring film series focusing on environmental awareness and sustainability. This week: 11th Hour: Turning Mankind’s Darkest Hour Into Its Finest. 7 p.m. FREE! dberland@uga.edu PERFORMANCE: Poetic Tuesdays (Half Moon Pub) Weekly poetry open mic hosted by the “godfather of Athens hip-hop” Montu Miller. 7–9 p.m. FREE! 706-208-9712 MEETINGS: Athens Rock and Gem Club (Friendship Christian Church) Show-and-tell for rock enthusiasts. Bring your unknown rocks to be identified! All interested parties are welcome to attend. 7:30 p.m. FREE! 706-549-8082 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 GAMES: Trivia (Doc Chey’s Noodle House) Every Tuesday with drink and food specials! 8:30–10:30 p.m. FREE! 678-779-2211

Wednesday 20 PERFORMANCE: LowDown (New Earth Music Hall) Local comedian Chris Patton hosts this stand-up open mic night the third Wednesday of every month. Only 12 slots are available so sign up in advance at www.thelowdown.tk. Open mic will run from 10–11 p.m. followed by a set from Athens’ Last Comic Standing winner Marc Lamotte. 9:30 p.m. $5. www.newearthmusichall.com See Calendar Pick on p. 24. 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: Cupcake Club (Rocksprings Neighborhood Center) Meet with your fellow cupcake compatriots and collaborate on the design for a different themed cupcake

every Wednesday! 10–11:30 a.m. $1. 706-613-3603, www.accleisureservices.com 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: Wildcard Wednesday for Teens (ACC Library) Up next: Book Safes. Learn how to fashion a secret hiding place out of an old book! Ages 11–18. Space is limited. 4 p.m. FREE! 706-613-3650 LECTURES & LIT.: Talking about Books (ACC Library, Small Conference Room) This month, members will read and discuss E.L. Doctorow’s The March. Newcomers welcome. 10:30 a.m. FREE! 706613-3650 MEETINGS: American Sign Language Study Group (Cups Coffee Café) All skill levels welcome. Come once or come weekly. Newcomers welcome! 7–8 p.m. FREE! www.myspace.com/aslstudygroup GAMES: Game Night (Alibi) Develop coordination, tolerance and grace through beer pong and blind draw darts. Every Wednesday with Corey. FREE! 706-549-1010 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: Poker Tour (Buffalo’s Southwest Café) Texas Hold ‘Em every Wednesday. 18 and up. Sign in at 6:30 p.m. Dealing begins at 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. FREE! www. interstatepokerclub.com GAMES: Sports Trivia (Beef ‘O’ Brady’s) Every Wednesday. 8:30 p.m. FREE! 706-850-1916 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 21 EVENTS: Owner’s Oyster Roast (Gnat’s Landing) Come out for FREE roasted oysters! 6–7 p.m. FREE! 706-850-5858 ART: Art Reception (486 Barber Street) For a one-day-only exhibit of the work of traveling Haitian artist

FLAGPOLE.COM ∙ JANUARY 20, 2010

Guyodo. Guyodo’s work incorporates broken computer parts and discarded hair weaves into sculpture, elevating trash to art. 7:30–9:30 p.m. Contact Rob Peterson: 318230-2988 KIDSTUFF: Homeschoolers Chapter Book Review (Madison Baptist Church) Elementary schoolage homeschoolers gather at the library to read a book together and talk about it. Every Thursday. 1 p.m. FREE! 706-795-5597 KIDSTUFF: Open Playtime (ACC Library) For children ages 1–3 with their caregivers. 10 a.m. FREE! 706613-3650 LECTURES & LIT.: Bill Berkson (Ciné Barcafé) The Creative Writing Program sponsors this visit from poet and critic Bill Berkson. Berkson’s most recent collection, Portrait and Dream: New and Selected Poems, was published in the spring of last year. 7:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenscine.com LECTURES & LIT.: “One Health Strategy for Global Health Security” (UGA Dean Rusk Center) Dr. Ali S. Khan from the National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases at the CDC speaks about the intersection between global public health and international law. 12:30 p.m. FREE! www.uga.edu MEETINGS: Athens Homebrewers Club (Terrapin Beer Co.) Club dedicated to the enjoyment of beers, meads and ciders as well as the advancement of brewing knowledge through education. New and experienced brewers welcome. Don’t forget to bring a glass! 6:30 p.m. www. athenshomebrewers.com MEETINGS: Spanish Group (1000faces Coffee, 588 Barber Street) All-level Spanish conversation group. Informal, welcoming and fun! Every Thursday. 7–8:30 p.m. FREE! 706-534-8860, www.1000facescoffee.com

Friday 22 EVENTS: Measuring Deliberate Speed Brown Bag Film & Discussion Series (UGA Main Library) To complement the ongoing exhibition, Measuring Deliberate Speed: Georgians Face School Desegregation, the UGA Russell Library hosts Friday film screenings. This week’s film: School: The Story of American Public Education (2001). Noon–1 p.m. FREE! 706542-5788 EVENTS: Farmers’ Market (Flora Hydroponics, 195 Paradise Blvd.) The Sacred Earth Growers Co-Op sets up a newly established yearround farmers’ market. Organic meat and dairy vendors, produce venders, local artisans and more help to make this an exciting new addition to your weekend. 2–7 p.m. FREE! 706-353-2223

Jessica Caldas’ prints and drawings are on display at Walker’s Coffee and Pub through January. ART: Opening Reception (Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation) For “Heart & Soul: A Celebration of Black History Month,” an exhibit showcasing the work of eight black artists sharing their history and experiences. 6–9 p.m. FREE! 706-769-4565 ART: Reception (Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation) For “Tutorial: Artworks by OCAF Art Instructors,” an exhibit showcasing the diversity of the Oconee Cultural Art Foundation’s instructors and their unique visions of art. 6–9 p.m. FREE! 706-769-4565, www.ocaf.com THEATRE: Dracula Comes to Atlanta (Seney-Stovall Chapel) Dracula and his two daughters, the unconventional and impressionable Nosferata and the elder, more traditional Bluta, move to the ATL! In an era swamped with Twilight-crazed tweens John Vance’s new comedy lends a voice to the seven-centuryold vampire, allowing him to correct misconceptions about the famous 1897 novel and respond to vampire legends and popular culture. Jan. 22 & 23, 8 p.m. $10 (adults), $8 (seniors and students). 706-543-2012

Saturday 23 EVENTS: Adoption Day (Pet Supplies Plus) Local animal rescue organizations bring their pups out for a chance at finding a home. Love connections made every Saturday! 11 a.m.–3 p.m. 706-353-0650 EVENTS: Farmers’ Market (Flora Hydroponics, 195 Paradise Blvd.) The Sacred Earth Growers Co-Op sets up a newly established yearround farmers’ market. See Jan. 22 Events. 2–7 p.m. FREE! 706-3532223

EVENTS: Filmmaker Reception: That Evening Sun (Ciné Barcafé) Join Georgian filmmaker and writerdirector of That Evening Sun, Scott Teems, for the premier of his awardwinning film. Admission includes a Q&A discussion with the filmmaker, a catered reception and an introduction and musical performance by Patterson Hood. 6 p.m. $20. www. athenscine.com* THEATRE: Dracula Comes to Atlanta (Seney-Stovall Chapel) A JV Productions performance. See Jan. 22 Theatre. Jan. 22 & 23, 8 p.m. $10 (adults), $8 (seniors and students). 706-543-2012 KIDSTUFF: Log House: Tales from the Past (Sandy Creek Nature Center) Families are invited to learn about life in 19th century Georgia through stories, games, food, crafts and more. 2–4 p.m. $6. 706-6133615 LECTURES & LIT.: Book Signing (Borders Books & Music) Atlanta native Stacey Covington-Lee signs copies of her novel The Knife in My Back, a story of friendship and trust. 1 p.m. FREE! 706-583-8647 LECTURES & LIT.: “The Shape of Words” (Oconee County Library) Award-winning international author Brian Jay Corrigan leads a day-long seminar on the art and process of fiction writing. Registration is required. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. FREE! 706769-3950, www.clarke.public.lib. ga.us/oconee.html MEETINGS: African-American Family History Research Group (ACC Library) Group for those who would like to research their AfricanAmerican roots. Co-sponsored by the Clarke-Oconee Genealogical Society. 1 p.m. FREE! 706-6133650, maeeloutome@aol.com

Sunday 24 EVENTS: Meditation and Kirtan (Vastu School of Yoga, Chase Park Warehouse) Lend your voice to devotional chanting performed in the traditional “call and response” form with live drumming and harmonium. 7–9 p.m. FREE! 561-723-6172, vastuyoga@hotmail.com EVENTS: Milky-Milk Day (ATHICA) An afternoon of pro-breastfeeding events, art, children’s activities, presentations, a nurse-in, live musical performances from local songstresses Charlotte Lee and Mandy Jane and more. Childcare provided! 3–6 p.m. $5 (suggested donation). www.athica.org EVENTS: Psychic Fair (Body, Mind & Spirit Ministries) Readings, treatment demos and more! We know you want to come. We just know it. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. 706-351-6024 ART: Mental Health Benefit Artist Reception (Ciné Barcafé) Reception for artists participating in the 20th Annual Art Auction to benefit Mental Health America of NE Georgia. 2–4 p.m. FREE! www. athenscine.com, www.fightthestigma.com PERFORMANCE: Moscow State Radio Symphony Orchestra (UGA Hodgson Hall) A program of majestic Russian musical works. 7:30 p.m. $25–$30. 706-542-4400, www.uga.edu/pac GAMES: Full-Contact Trivia (Allen’s Bar & Grill) Sports-themed rules with diverse categories. 9 p.m. FREE! www.allensbarandgrill.com GAMES: Trippin’ Through the 2000s Pop Culture Trivia (Buffalo’s Southwest Café) The name says it all! Test your knowledge of

pop culture in the ‘00s every Sunday. 7 p.m. (sign in), 7:30 p.m. (start). 706-354-6655

Monday 25 KIDSTUFF: Bedtime Stories (ACC Library) Every Monday. 7 p.m. FREE! 706-613-3650 KIDSTUFF: Infant Storytime (ACC Library) Nurture language skills. 10:30 a.m. FREE! 706-613-3650 LECTURES & LIT.: Last Monday Book Group (ACC Library, Small Conference Room) Call for this month’s title. Newcomers welcome. 7 p.m. FREE! 706-613-3650 LECTURES & LIT.: Mental Health Benefit Lecture (Athens Technical College, Auditorium) Jewel A. Norman, the Governor’s Disability Services Ombudsman, presents at the 20th Annual Mental Health America of NE Georgia Benefit. Noon. FREE! www.fightthestigma. 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. 4–8 p.m. FREE! www.myspace.com/ flickerbar GAMES: Pool Tournament (Alibi) Win prizes every Monday! 8 p.m. FREE! 706-549-1010 GAMES: Team Trivia (Beef ‘O’ Brady’s) Get a team together and test your knowledge. Every Monday! 8:30 p.m. FREE! 706-850-1916 GAMES: Texas Hold ‘Em (Fat Daddy’s) Bring your poker face for a game of Hold ‘Em. Turbo game at 9 p.m. 6 p.m. 706-353-0241 GAMES: Trivia (Alibi) Every Monday! 9 p.m. FREE! 706-549-1010 GAMES: Trivia (Buffalo’s Southwest Café) Every Monday with prizes! Sign up at 7:30. Start preparing for the Grand Showdown on March 1 for the chance to win a $200 price. 8 p.m. 706-354-6655

Tuesday 26 EVENTS: Athens Swing Night (Dancefx) No partner or experience necessary! Advanced lesson at 8 p.m. Beginners’ lesson at 8:30 p.m. Dancing from 9–11 p.m. www.athensswingnight.com EVENTS: Mental Health Benefit Movie (Ciné Barcafé) Mental Health America of NE Georgia presents a screening of the film A Friend Indeed: The Bill Sackter Story. 7 p.m. www.athenscine.com, www. fightthestigma.com EVENTS: UGA Winter Activities Fair (UGA Tate Center) Over 150 student organizations will be represented at the Department of Campus Life’s annual event. Open to students, faculty and staff and members of the Athens community. 11 a.m.–3 p.m. FREE! 706-542-8584, www. uga.edu/stuorgs/ THEATRE: The Shape of Things (UGA Fine Arts Building, Cellar Theatre) The UGA Drama Department performs Neil LaBute’s smart and engaging play about love and art and art school love. Jan. 26–30, 8 p.m. Jan. 31, 2:30 p.m. & 8 p.m. $10 (adults). $7 (seniors and students). 706-542-2838 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: Tikes, Trikes and Strollers: Chinese New Year (Greenway) Bundle up your toddlers for a brief nature walk! Reward yourselves for braving the cold with hot chocolate, refreshments, crafts and games. Call to register. 1–2:30 p.m. $2. 706-613-3615, www.athensgreenway.com LECTURES & LIT.: Book Signing (Borders Books & Music) Local author Sham Gad discusses his business-oriented investment philosophy and his new book, The Business of Value Investing: Six Essential Steps to Buying Companies Like Warren Buffett. 7 p.m. FREE! 706-583-8647 LECTURES & LIT.: Brown Bag Lunch (ACC Library) Delene Porter from the Athens Area Community Foundation, Red Petrovs from the One Athens Initiative and Joe Whorton, Director of UGA’s Fanning Institute, meet to discuss the issues surrounding poverty in Athens. Feel free to bring a lunch to this 45-minute program. 12:15 p.m. FREE! 706-613-3650 LECTURES & LIT.: Global Diseases: Voices from the Vanguard (UGA Chapel) Public health practitioner Stanley Foster kicks off the fifth annual lecture series with “Our Global Village: Inequitites, Social Justice and Empowerment of Communities.” 5:30 p.m. FREE! 706-542-5038 LECTURES & LIT.: VOX Reading Series (Ciné Barcafé) The UGA Creative Writing Program presents works by poet Orlando White and essayist Sonya Huber. 8 p.m. FREE! www.athenscine.com MEETINGS: Pub Theology (Trappeze Pub) Open conversations revolving around theology. Currently reading Bonhoeffer’s Temptation. 8 p.m. FREE! 706-549-1915, cmccreight@fccathens.org GAMES: Flicker Poker Night (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Last Tuesday of every month! 8:30 p.m. www. myspace.com/flickerbar 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 GAMES: Trivia (Doc Chey’s Noodle House) Every Tuesday with drink and food specials! 8:30–10:30 p.m. FREE! 678-779-2211

ALIBI FORMERLY SPIRITS PUB

FRIENDLIEST BAR IN ATHENS! 3 Pool Tables, Darts, PINBALL

PLAY KENO!

LIVE MUSIC EVERY WEEKEND!

500 College Ave. • 706-546-0430 Follow us on Twitter to stay informed about upcoming events:

SPECIAL OF THE WEEK:

Indigo_Athens

MICHELOB LIGHT BUCKETS 10 7oz. bottles for $10!

Phi Nite

FRI. JAN 22nd

THE CHARLIE GARRETT BAND

Fridays, 5-7pm Martinis and Specialty Drinks $5

SAT. JAN. 23rd

rambling steel JOIN US MONDAY-SATURDAY! MON. TUES.

POOL TOURNAMENT & TRIVIA with KEN KARAOKE with the singing cowboy

BEER PONG with corey BLIND DRAW DARTS

WED.

Menu Selction of Specialty Drinks Winter Manhattan

Woodford Reserve, Noilly Pratt Sweet Vermouth, Blood Orange Bitters, a cinnamon infused simple syrup

Spiced Cherry

Disarronno Amaretto, Horne’s Spiced Rum, Ginger Ale, a dash of Angostura Aromatic Bitters

Cocoa Espresso Martini

a ½ shot of Starbucks® Espresso, Absolut Vanilla, Godiva Dark Chocolate Liqueur, Bailey’s Irish Cream

Ginger / Pear Infused Tea

Absolut Pear, ginger infused simple syrup, Starbucks® Awake Iced Tea

SEASON BEGINS JAN 20 - HIP HOP DJ thurs.

OPen MIC/JAM

with members of the rattlers

BATTLE OF THE BANDS

COMING SOON! JAN 21 - HAPPY BIRTHDAY DIANE!

MON-sat 2PM-2am • FREE WI-FI

50 Gaines school rd. • 706-549-1010

S A L A D S

Wednesday 27 EVENTS: Canine Cocktail Hour (Hotel Indigo, Phi Bar & Bistro Courtyard) Drink and food specials for you and your (well-behaved, non-aggressive, vaccinated) dog! Every Wednesday. 5–7 p.m. www. athensdowntownhotel.com EVENTS: Plotluck Night (Ciné Barcafé) Come with a true short story from your life to share at this new monthly event. Ten names will be drawn from a hat and those chosen get five minutes and a microphone. The audience votes for the best story and prize recipient. 7–9 p.m. FREE! (donations welcome), www. athenscine.com PERFORMANCE: Andrea Gibson (Little Kings Shuffle Club) Slam champion Gibson delivers highenergy, endearing and often humorous spoken word poetry focused on gender issues. 9 p.m. www.myspace. com/littlekingsshuffleclub THEATRE: The Shape of Things (UGA Fine Arts Building) A performance by the UGA Drama Department. See Jan. 26 Theatre.

NEVER A COVER!

Wednesday Night Canine Cocktail Hour & Thursday Night Live at Five Night CANCELLED this week due to lobby floor resurfacing. Will resume next week. Check out our new floor on Friday for Phi Nite!

Saturday, Jan. 30 • 9pm Live in the Round Songwriters:

RICHARD LEIGH

“Don’t It Make Your Brown Eyes Blue”

ROB CROSBY

“She’s A Natural” & “Concrete Angel”

JAMES DEAN HICKS “Somewhere In America”

Showtime 9pm• Tickets $15 Hotel Package Available $

99 for Room and 2 Tickets

www.indigoathens.com

Purchase tickets online or call the box office 706.286.1700

Wi-Fi Available

k continued on next page

JANUARY 20, 2010 · FLAGPOLE.COM

THE CALENDAR! Eat. Drink. Listen Closely. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20

LEO KOTTKE

Tickets $35 adv. • $40 at the door

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21

TROMBONE SHORTY

AND ORLEANS AVENUE Tickets $12 adv. • $15 at the door

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22

MOUNTAIN HEART TOWN MOUNTAIN

Tickets $15 adv. • $18 at the door

SATURDAY, JANUARY 23

THE HUSHPUPPIES Tickets $8 adv. • $10 at the door

MONDAY, JANUARY 25 A Celebration of Robert Burns featuring

BOB HAY AND THE JOLLY BEGGARS Tickets $5 adv.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 26 Terrapin Bluegrass featuring

THE BUTTERMILK REVIVAL Tickets $3 admission $2 Terrapin Pint Selections All Night

THURSDAY, JANUARY 28

MOTHER’S FINEST

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!

Tickets $25

FRIDAY, JANUARY 29

SUPERCLUSTER

MAGNAPOP, FLASH TO BANG TIME Tickets $5 adv. • $8 at the door

SATURDAY, JANUARY 30

THE SWINGIN’ MEDALLIONS Tickets $15 adv. • $20 at the door

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3

FRONTIERS

TRIBUTE TO JOURNEY

Tickets $8 adv. • $10 at the door

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13 A Very Special Valentine’s Eve featuring

FRANCINE REED AND JAVA MONKEY

Packages include overnight stay, show tickets and dinner. Available by calling 706-549-7020

COMING SOON 2/4 - TAB BENOIT 2/5 - STRAWBERRY FLATS 2/6 - OWL CITY with LIGHTS & DEAS VAIL (SOLD OUT) 2/16 - THE MUDFLAPJACKS 2/17 - BRANDI CARLILE, AMY RAY’S ROCK SHOW 2/19 - ABBEY ROAD LIVE! 2/27 - DIRK HOWELL BAND LOCATED ON 3/6 - PRICHETT BROTHERS , MIKE DEKLE THE GROUNDS OF 3/13 - ANDY McKEE 295 E. DOUGHERTY ST., ATHENS, GA

706.254.6909

WWW.MELTINGPOINTATHENS.COM

FOR TICKETS & SHOWTIMES OR CALL THE BOX OFFICE 706.254.6909

FLAGPOLE.COM ∙ JANUARY 20, 2010

Wednesday, Jan. 27 continued from p. 23

Jan. 26–30, 8 p.m. Jan. 31, 2:30 p.m. & 8 p.m. $10 (adults). $7 (seniors and students). 706-542-2838 THEATRE: The Wedding Singer (The Classic Center) Your favorite Adam Sandler film has finally been adapted for musical theatre! This Broadway production of The Wedding Singer, directed by Athens’ own M. Seth Reines, is sure to put the “classic” in The Classic Center. 7:30 p.m. $11–$66. 706-357-4444, www.classiccenter.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: Cupcake Club (Rocksprings Neighborhood Center) Meet with your fellow cupcake compatriots and collaborate on the design for a different themed cupcake every Wednesday! 10–11:30 a.m. $1. 706-613-3603, www.accleisureservices.com KIDSTUFF: Early Release Day: National Geographic (Memorial Park) When school lets out early, hurry over to Memorial Park and get involved in a variety of games, international crafts and a pizza party. 12:30–5 p.m. $10. 706-613-3580, www.accleisureservices.com KIDSTUFF: Kids’ Treasure Hunt (Sandy Creek Park) Enjoy a two-mile hiking trip and unlock a treasure box with a prize! For ages 4 and up. Call to register! 2–4 p.m. $4. 706513-3631 LECTURES & LIT.: Oconee Dems Book Group (Five Points Deli & More, Epps Bridge) Communitywide book group hosted by the Oconee County Democrats. This month: Hot, Flat and Crowded: Why We Need a Green Revolution–and How It Can Renew America, by bestselling author Thomas Friedman. Newcomers from any county and of any political affiliation are welcome. 6 p.m. FREE! ppriest@charter.net, www.oconeedemocrats.org 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 GAMES: Game Night (Alibi) Develop coordination, tolerance and grace through beer pong and blind draw darts. Every Wednesday with Corey. FREE! 706-549-1010 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: Poker Tour (Buffalo’s Southwest Café) Texas Hold ‘Em every Wednesday. 18 and up. Sign in at 6:30 p.m. Dealing begins at 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. FREE! www. interstatepokerclub.com GAMES: Sports Trivia (Beef ‘O’ Brady’s) Every Wednesday. 8:30 p.m. FREE! 706-850-1916 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 19 Alibi 9 p.m. FREE! 706-549-1010 KARAOKE With the singing cowboy. Buffalo’s Southwest Café 6–10 p.m. $5 (includes lessons). 706354-6655 DINE & DANCE NIGHT Beginners’ and advanced dance lessons every Tuesday from 6–7 p.m. followed by open dance until 10 p.m. Caledonia Lounge 10 p.m. $5 (21+), $7 (18+). www.caledonialounge.com L BROWN ODYSSEY Adeventurous rock band from Charleston that bounces all over the place—from Tom Waits-inspired ballads to bounding, alternative rock and roll anthems. ROMANENKO Local trio draws from ‘70s pop and folk with a modern rock edge, like Mary Timony fronting the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. STILL SMALL VOICE AND THE JOYFUL NOISE A revolving lineup of family and friends pounding out garage-rock spirituals. Fat Daddy’s 10 p.m. FREE! 706-353-0241 KARAOKE Huge karaoke dance party hosted by Lynn every Tuesday. Flanagan’s 7 p.m.–Midnight. FREE! www.meanmic.com MEAN MIC TUESDAYS Weekly hip-hop concert series featuring competitions and showcases hosted by Tommy Valentine and Bobby Stamps.

Half Moon Pub 7–9 p.m. FREE! 706-208-9712 POETIC TUESDAYS Weekly poetry open mic night hosted by the “godfather of Athens hip-hop” Montu Miller. The Melting Point 7 p.m. $3. www.meltingpointathens. com STRING THEORY CD release show! Amazing bluegrass act influenced by such diverse artists as Bill Monroe, Del McCoury Band, Townes VanZandt, Thom Hervey, Steve Earle, Talking Heads, Emmylou Harris, Old Crow Medicine Show and more. Tasty World Uptown 10 p.m. $3. www.myspace.com/tastyworlduptown FUTUREBIRDS Local folk-rock collective with a tattered, raspy edge. This is first show of the band’s residency at Tasty World—Futurebirds will be playing every other Tuesday until Mardi Gras. JONNY CORNDAWG Off-kilter country flavored tongue-in-cheek ballads. You might have caught Jonny last time he was in town, opening for Deer Tick.

Wednesday 20 40 Watt Club 9 p.m. $6. www.40watt.com 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. MOONLIGHT BRIDE Danceable electro indie rock from Chattanooga that’s a little Stellstarr* and a little Arcade Fire–dark, atmosphic and well-crafted. Alibi 9 p.m. FREE! 706-549-1010 HIP-HOP DJ Spinning all your favorite hip-hop jams.

Casa Mia 7 p.m. FREE! 706-227-4444 LUDWIG PORRAS Latin and Flamenco guitar. El Centro 9 p.m. $1. 706-548-5700 “2010 SNEAK PREVIEW!” El Centro spotlights new local acts with performances by Juliette Whisky, Blues Riff, Aftershock and Treedom. This is day one of the two-day showcase! Fat Daddy’s 10 p.m.–1 a.m. FREE! 706-353-0241 OPEN MIC Featuring Avery Dylan. Flicker Theatre & Bar 11:30 p.m. FREE! www.myspace.com/ flickerbar JESS MARSTON Singer/guitarist from local rock band Romanenko. The Globe 10 p.m. FREE! 706-353-4721 GEORGE W. BUSH COVER BAND Reunion show! Honoring the anniversary of W’s final momnts in office. Do not ‘misunderestimate’ this band featuring Dave Spivey, Brent Hedrick, Matt Giordano and lyrics penned by our former president. Go Bar 10 p.m. www.myspace.com/gobar DANCE PARTY A mix of house, ItaloDisco, indie, psychedelic rock and funk with DJs Black Dominoes (Kellen), Fancy Feast (Jason Miller) and LSDD (Dan Donahue) at the helm. Locos Grill & Pub 6:30–9 p.m. FREE! www.locosgrill.com (Harris St.) JAY RING AND KIP JONES Americana-infused acoustic duo. The Melting Point 9 p.m. $35 (adv), $40 (door). www. meltingpointathens.com LEO KOTTKE Athens-born guitar virtuoso known for his innovative

Wednesday, January 20

LowDown Comedy Open Mic New Earth Music Hall “You are so funny! You should be a comedian!” Do you get told that a lot by friends? Is it said without sarcasm? Then maybe it’s time to give comedy a shot. Athenian Chris Patton says that’s how he started about a year ago, just on a whim more or less, and he’s since carved out his own niche in town. He hosted the Athens Last Comic Standing series in ‘09 with great success, whittling down the best local talent until winner Marc Lamotte was crowned. Now Patton is opening the floor to comedy novices with the LowDown Comedy Open Mic on the third Wednesday of every month at New Earth Music Hall. Chris Patton Jan. 20 will be the very first LowDown, and all 12 open mic slots have already been filled. Patton says about half the comedians are from Athens and the other half are driving up from Atlanta to participate. Every LowDown event will start with the open mic around 10 p.m. followed by a headliner. This week, ALCS winner Marc Lamotte will take the stage, and JazzChronic will perform afterwards. Patton says he has some really big names booked for future LowDowns which should be confirmed soon. So, aspiring comics, you have a solid four weeks to prep material for the next LowDown, but make sure to sign up early at www.lowdown.tk. This is a great time to get in on the ground floor on what Patton believes could be a thriving scene. “I feel like there are a lot of good local comedians and a lot of comedians want to come here to do shows… There is a potential for a good scene, but it just needs a place.” With this new event combined with Mundanish over at Tasty World Uptown, maybe comedy has finally found its home in Athens. [Michelle Gilzenrat]

fingerpicking and syncopated, polphonic melodies. Kottke draws on influences from blues, jazz and folk. See Calendar Pick on p. 26. New Earth Music Hall Midnight. $5. www.newearthmusichall. com JAZZCHRONIC Local five-piece band that explores freaky, funky, psychedelic fusion jazz while incorporating rock, R&B, heavy beats and more. Jazzchronic performs following the LowDown Comedy Show. The Office Lounge 9:30 p.m. FREE! 706-549-0840 KARAOKE Every Wednesday with Lynn! Tasty World Uptown 9 p.m. www.myspace.com/tastyworlduptown B-SIDE REVOLUTION Local piano pop-rock fronted by Kyle Rogers. DREW DIXON TRIO Classic blues riffs with a lot of soul. THE MOVEMENT These guys from Philly mix up rock with reggae.

Thursday 21 40 Watt Club 2nd Annual Redcoat Benefit. 8 p.m. $7 (all ages welcome). www.40wattclub. com COME WHAT MAY Local posthardcore band based in Athens. THE DESARIOS Local upbeat rock band with a singer who sounds a bit like Elvis Costello. For fans of Phantom Planet, Rooney or The Cars. DR. SQUID Jangly, frenetic rock and roll at its best when emphasizing its British Invasion sounds. LEADING EDGE The local band formerly known as Mudra has gotten a bit more upbeat since the name change, channeling alternative rock and pop sounds from across the decades. Alibi Thursdays, FREE! 706-549-1010 OPEN MIC/JAM Hosted by members of The Rattlers. Open to all musicians. Battle of the Bands coming soon! The Classic Center 7:30 p.m. $45. www.classiccenter.com LUKAS NELSON AND PROMISE OF THE REAL Featuring Willie Nelson’s son Lukas, this group is a crossover blues rock band based in Southern California. WILLIE NELSON Outlaw country legend and American icon, Nelson is a country singer-songwriter who has released 78 studio albums in his decades-long career, with dozens of number-one hits including “Mamas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys,” “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain,” “On the Road Again” and many more. See story on p. 19. Club Chrome 9 p.m. $5 (to compete), FREE! (admission). 706-543-9009 KARAOKE CONTEST This is week three of this eight-week competition! El Centro 9 p.m. $1. 706-548-5700 “2010 SNEAK PREVIEW!” El Centro spotlights new local acts with performances by Repeat Offenders, Joker, Scarry Garcia and John Sosebee Band. This is day two of the two-day El Centro showcase! El Paisano 8 p.m. 706-353-0346 KARAOKE Every Thursday with margarita specials.

Farm 255 11 p.m. FREE! www.farm255.com MAPS AND TRANSIT Featuring Kyle Dawkins of Georgia Guitar Quartet, this local instrumental duo creates diverse soundscapes using a wide range of instrumentation–from the more traditional guitar and mandolin to experimental sounds made by radios or kitchen implements. ODD TRIO Jazz ensemble featuring Marc Gilley (One Ton Tomato). Flicker Theatre & Bar 8:30 p.m. FREE! www.myspace.com/ flickerbar JULIAN BOZEMAN Quiet Hooves frontman has put together an interactive VHS video installation with TVs, projectors, piano and pop songs. PATRICK BOZEMAN Musician from Quiet Hooves performs a solo set. AARON GENTRY Multiinstrumentalist from Quiet Hooves! Go Bar 11:30 p.m. FREE! www.myspace.com/ gobar “DR. FRED’S KARAOKE” Hosted by karaoke fanatic John “Dr. Fred” Bowers, every Thursday. The Melting Point 8:30 p.m. $12 (adv), $15 (door). www. meltingpointathens.com TROMBONE SHORTY AND ORLEANS AVENUE Awardwinning, high-energy, all-brass R&B funk group fronted by the phenomenal, charismatic Trombone Shorty, a young musician who counts U2, Norah Jones, Diana Krall and other high-profile celebs as fans and collaborators. New Earth Music Hall 9 p.m. www.newearthmusichall.com DIRK QUINN BAND Philadelphia jazz-funk sextet. Also playing at Square One Fish Company on Saturday, Jan. 23. FREE LUNCH Dynamic jazz-oriented jam band with lots of funky slap bass, saxophone and fun sing-along melodies. 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.” No Where Bar 10:30 p.m. $2. 706-546-4742 ANOTHER FIASCO The reconvened Fiasco comprises members of the Charlie Mars Band, Lionz and WiLX coming together to explore more contemporary rock territory and resurrect the Fiasco name, claiming Ween, TV on the Radio, Radiohead and Phish as influences.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 28

MONOTONIX BAMBARA

doors open at 9pm • ten dollars adv.** GEORGIA THEATRE PRESENTS

FRIDAY, JANUARY 29

A DAFT PUNK TRIBUTE

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

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

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20

MOONLIGHT BRIDE THE INTERNS

doors open at 9pm • six dollars

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21 2nd ANNUAL REDCOAT BENEFIT FOR CHILDREN’S MIRACLE NETWORK PRESENTED BY PHI KAPPA THETA

LEADING EDGE COME WHAT MAY • DR. SQUID THE DESARIOS doors open at 8pm • seven dollars

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22

doors open at 10pm • ten dollars adv.* NOMAD ARTISTS PRESENTS

SATURDAY, JANUARY 30

MODERN SKIRTS REPTAR • THAYER SARRANO

doors open at 9:30pm • eight dollars adv. *

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2

DRUG RUG VENICE IS SINKING doors open at 9pm • eleven dollars adv. **

THE

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3 & THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4

RATTLERS

OF MONTReAL

RADIOLUCENT

doors open at 8pm • seven dollars adv. NOMAD ARTISTS PRESENTS

SATURDAY, JANUARY 23

THE

ORKIDS CD RELEASE PARTY FREE EP WITH TICKET

JAMES HUSBAND

doors open at 8pm • fifteen dollars adv. * All Shows 18 and up • + $2 for Under 21 * Advance Tix Available at Schoolkids Records ** Advance Tix Sold at http://www.40watt.com

TRANCES ARC CRANE

EXCLUSIVE HOME OF THE

PBR 24oz CAN

doors open at 9:30pm • five dollars adv.

The Office Lounge 8 p.m. FREE! 706-546-0840 KARAOKE CONTEST Every Thursday with The Singing Cowboy!

Friday 22 283 Bar 10 p.m. FREE! 706-208-1283 TGIF DANCE PARTY Featuring sets by Danceformers and Immuzikation. 40 Watt Club 8 p.m. $7 (adv.). www.40watt.com RADIOLUCENT Local band Radiolucent falls somewhere between bluesy Southern rock and the poppier side of alt-country. THE RATTLERS Athens’ own energetic Southern rockers with a guitardriven sound and an exciting show that often features surprise special guests.

Great values. Cool products. Amazing service. Come by and test out the newest Apple products and learn why everyone loves shopping at PeachMac. The blazing fast new iMacs will blow your mind! macs • ipods • software • service • business solutions 1850 Epps Bridge Pkwy • 706-208-9990 • peachmac.com • Athens • Augusta • Now in Macon!

k continued on next page

JANUARY 20, 2010 · FLAGPOLE.COM

THE CALENDAR!

Friday, Jan. 22 continued from p. 25

Alibi 9 p.m. FREE! 706-549-1010 CHARLIE GARRETT BAND Local guys Charlie Garrett (vocals, guitar), Jay Rodgers (bass), Andrew Hammer (drums) and Matt “Pistol” Stoessel (pedal steel) play countrytinged Southern rock.

that’s somewhere between Mazzy Star and Rilo Kiley. JEREMY WHEATLEY You may have seen Jeremy Wheatley perform as a member of Tin Cup Prophette, The Low Lows and Je Suis France. His solo shows feature warm, endearing ballads accompanied by guitar.

Caledonia Lounge 10 p.m. $5 (21+), $7 (18+). www.caledonialounge.com FOLKLORE Elf Power guitarist Jimmy Hughes is back in town from Philly to deliver fuzzy pop songs that break from the mold by taking a pseudomythical storytelling route. See story p. 17. QUIET HOOVES Pop-oriented experimental psych-folk from here in town featuring creative arrangements. SUMMER HYMNS Local indie rockers swing between a power-pop sound and lighter Flaming Lips-style fun.

Gnat’s Landing 7–10 p.m. FREE! 706-850-5858 TJ MIMBS This local acoustic singersongwriter plays melodramatic pop in the vein of singer-songwriter Dave Matthews.

Club Chrome 9 p.m. $5. 706-543-90009 THE BOBBY COMPTON BAND Country and Southern rock the way it’s meant to be played. Farm 255 11 p.m. FREE! www.farm255.com TIMI CONLEY The current Kite to the Moon frontman and ex-Fuzzy Sprout will play new tunes off his new solo record Nerd Sexy. Flicker Theatre & Bar 8:30 p.m. $5. www.myspace.com/ flickerbar THE GOOD GRACES The Good Graces is independent folk artist Kim Ware of Atlanta. She is occasionally joined live by guitarist John McNicholas. DANIEL LAWSON The singer and guitarist from Venice Is Sinking plays a solo set. NIGHT DRIVING IN SMALL TOWNS Atlanta band featuring sweet, breathy, lead female vocals backed by jangly guitars for a mix

Go Bar 10 p.m. www.myspace.com/gobar COCO RICO This local post-rock trio performs over experimental samples and beats. DJ HEARTBEATS Patrick Oldweiler spins fresh and hot 125 bpm jams for the young kids. Joined by special guests Sara Crawford and William Kennedy (Reptar). SHATHOUSE RATS Raw, dirty, jangly garage-rock soul from Atlanta. Little Kings Shuffle Club 10 p.m. www.myspace.com/littlekingsshuffleclub THE KNOCKOUTS Launched by Steve Casadont, this local group of all-star musicians plays original tunes that pack all the punch of punk rock with diverse, worldly melodies that draw on polka, bluegrass, Cajun and Irish folk music. VINYL STRANGERS Celebrating the release of their new album, So Long, Heartache. Vinyl Strangers play catchy ‘60s-style pop that’s filled with soaring harmonies and bright guitars. Mama’s Boy 7:30 p.m. FREE! www.eatatmamasboy. com JUSTIN BROGDON Rock vet Justin Brogdon puts a lot of Southern soul into his epic songs, drawing from artists like The Black Crowes and Tom Petty.

The Melting Point 8 p.m. $15 (adv.), $18 (door). www. meltingpointathens.com MOUNTAIN HEART Nashvillebased sextet Mountain Heart has positioned itself at the forefront of modern bluegrass. TOWN MOUNTAIN Drawing heavily from two classic American styles, this Asheville band packs its original repertoire with tunes touching on classic country and first-generation traditional bluegrass. Mikes Down Under 8:30 p.m. $5. www.myspace.com/ mikesdownunder (Jefferson, GA) JOHN WAYNE Lo-fi, somewhat ambient rock in the vein of Twittering Machine and The Cranes. VOODOO STAR MACHINE Originals and classic rock covers, led by Michael Clark. YEPO This four-piece alt-country group, led by Andy Price, plays Heartland rock for fans of acts like Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Cracker or Bottle Rockets. New Earth Music Hall 10 p.m. $8 (adv), $10 (door) Proceeds benefit Doctors Without Borders. www.newearthmusichall.com GROGUS The local and long-running ensemble plays jazz and salsa accentuated with reggae, hip-hop and Afro-Cuban styles. ONE L Afro-Cuban-inspired music that blends rock, funk and soul with clave patterns and electric guitar. Featuring Afro-Cuban percussion, a searing horn section and authentic Cuban instruments. The Office Lounge 9:30 p.m. FREE! 706-546-0840 FORWARD MOTION Rock covers and originals. Tasty World Uptown 9 p.m. www.myspace.com/tastyworlduptown LAISSEZ-FUNK Local up-andcomers play funk-jam fusion plus a variety of covers. SUMILAN Local progressive jam rockers.

Wednesday, January 20

Leo Kottke Melting Point Throughout his over 40 years as a recording artist and performer, finger-picking guitarist extraordinaire Leo Kottke has proven that he doesn’t necessarily need lyrics to get his point across or to connect with an audience. It’s not that Kottke—who was born here in Athens—can’t sing. In fact, he can, and very well when the mood strikes, despite his tendency to argue the fact. But when you’re capable of coaxing such animated and, often, poignant pings, tones, melodies and textures out of your instrument, why bother adding on? Kottke began his career in the late ‘60s on the tiny Takoma record label, run by finger-picking folklorist John Fahey, whose deep blues, improvisational and country-folk picking style Kottke took to new heights of invention during the years that followed. Some of his song and album titles—”Vaseline Machine Gun,” “I Yell at Traffic,” “Taking a Sandwich to a Feast” and My Feet Are Smiling among them—could just as well be the names of museum-worthy abstract paintings. In some ways, they are. After all, it’s Kottke’s wholesome and never off-putting weirdness that makes his catalog so interesting and so timeless. Able to draw emotion from both the bizarre and the ordinary, a live Kottke set can start off with any number of rowdy, slide-driven instrumentals, segue into a warm album cut like the jaunty, lovesick “Rings” or “Julie’s House” and follow it all up with an obscure ditty by Bob “Frizz” Fuller, Kris Kristofferson, Buddy Holly or Tom T. Hall without missing a step. Though not as well known as some of the artists he interprets, Kottke has become as much an American institution as any of them. And, he certainly gives the most entertaining onstage before-song prologues of anyone who’s ever strapped on a six-string. [Michael Andrews]

FLAGPOLE.COM ∙ JANUARY 20, 2010

WUGA 91.7 FM 4 p.m. FREE! www.wuga.org “IT’S FRIDAY!” Boo Ray and Bob Hay and the Jolly Beggars will perform on the local radio station’s weekly program. University Cable Channel 15 will also broadcast the show.

Saturday 23 40 Watt Club 9:30 p.m. $5 (adv.). www.40watt.com CRANE After a three-year hiatus, Anthony Crane (Wrong Way) is back with a all-star local lineup behind him: Daniel Collins, Patrick Ferguson and Caus Morman. Crane still thrives on a mixture of rock, hip-hop, soul and blues. THE ORKIDS Local electropop group guaranteed to get you dancing. Celebrating their new CD, Paper Dolls. See story on p. 20. TRANCES ARC Highly polished, tight alternative rock quartet currently based in Atlanta, but featuring several UGA alums. Alibi 9 p.m. FREE! 706-549-1010 RAMBLING STEEL Country and rock originals. Allen’s Bar & Grill 9 p.m. FREE! www.allensbarandgrill. com THE JOHN SOSEBEE BAND These Georgia natives play hill country and Mississippi blues music. Caledonia Lounge 10 p.m. $6 (21+), $8 (18+). www.caledonialounge.com A.ARMADA Athens’ A. Armada plays energetic, epic, instumental indie rock. The band’s Anam Cara EP takes things in a cinematic post-rock direction, with touches of Godspeed and such. ABANDON THE EARTH MISSION Recently expanded into a five-piece featuring Josh McKay (ex-Macha) on lead vocals backed by Winston Parker, Lawson Grice (Iron Hero), Mason Brown (Jet By Day) and drummer Sam Fogarino (Interpol). The band has gone in a more ambient and lush direction, driven by vibraphone, hammered dulcimer and heavier beats. NATE NELSON Local singersongwriter whose songs offer both mainstream accessibility and more indie-oriented idiosyncrasy. Club Chrome 9 p.m. $5. 706-543-90009 GRYPHON Alternative and classic rock covers. Farm 255 10 p.m. FREE! www.farm255.com INCATEPEC A combination of traditional tunes from South America and Cuba with a unique jazz twist. Flicker Theatre & Bar 8:30 p.m. $5. www.myspace.com/ flickerbar BRER PALADIN Melodic stories from Corey Loomis are accompanied by Roy Coughlin on guitar, bass and more. ROY COUGHLIN Local musician plays heartfelt, upbeat melodic numbers over acoustic guitar. GABE VODICKA Says Expat Recordings: “Subtly Southern, darkly melodic and effortlessly intuitive, Vodicka sings his way around death like a dance prizefighter.” Gnat’s Landing 6:30–9:30 p.m. FREE! 706-850-5858 RACHEL O’NEAL Local singer/ songwriter formerly of Truth in Advertising and Moonlight Sol. In

addition to emotional acoustic originals, O’Neal will perform a range of indie, classic rock and roll and folk covers. Go Bar Happy 30th Shane! 10 p.m. www.myspace.com/gobar GOLD PARTY A special covers set tonight featuring Britpop, new wave and glam hits in honor of a very special birthday boy. “LATE NIGHT DISCO” The house deejay and occasional special guests spin a cool mix of disco, new wave and modern dance tunes for a sweaty and energetic closing-time crowd. Dance party begins after the live music every Saturday. Little Kings Shuffle Club 10:30 p.m. FREE! www.myspace.com/ littlekingsshuffleclub DJ MAHOGANY Spinning a special set of country and western music from the ‘50–’90s! You’ll hear artists like Loretta Lynn, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, Jimmy Buffet and more! Plus, country covers and country-themed tracks. Come dressed in your best country/ western outfits! The Melting Point 9 p.m. $8 (adv.), $10 (door). www. meltingpointathens.com THE HUSHPUPPIES The regional Hushpuppies–bassist Mitch Barefield, drummer Cary Cooper, guitarist-lead vocalist Todd “Tex” Cowart and lead guitarist Matt Thomas–play good ol’ “wild country,” drawing on the Bottle Rockets, Lynyrd Skynyrd and NRBQ. New Earth Music Hall Southern Gumbo! 9 p.m. $5. www. newearthmusichall.com ANDY’S BAND Local indie rock group. ATTRAKTION Hip-hop ensemble. FILTHY MCNASTY Local hip-hop act featuring members of eLeMeN.O.P. HOLA HALO “’70s keys, dripping guitars and marching band drums” are the specialties of this local band. MUSIC HATES YOU High-energy and higher volume, Music Hates You plays a dirty kind of punk metal. REDKLAY Southern rap in the vein of Scarface meets WuTang Clan. See Calendar Pick on p. 27. SHOWTIME Elite tha Showstoppa’s new band plays eclectic hip-hop mixed with rockin’ funky soul! The Office Lounge 9:30 p.m. FREE! 706-546-0840 BURNING ANGELS Local act that plays Americana soul. Featuring Natalie Garcia on vocals and guitar Mark Cunningham on vocals, guitar and dobro, Josh Westbrook on drums and appearances by Adam Poulin on fiddle and Matt Dyson dobro and banjo. Square One Fish Co. 8 p.m. FREE! www.squareonefishco. com DIRK QUINN BAND Philadelphia jazz-funk sextet. TENT CITY This local four-piece fuses elements of jazz, funk, blues and world music. Tasty World Uptown 9 p.m. www.myspace.com/tastyworlduptown CAPSULE CORP Electronic dance music. FUTURE Five-piece band from D.C. that combines bluesy rock and hiphop with socially conscious lyrics and a deep groove. THE MANTRAS Part jam band with Phish-style guitar licks and part funk band with a raging rapid-fire slap bass.

Sunday 24 ATHICA “Milky-Milk Day.” 3–6 p.m. $5 (suggested donation). www.athica.org “TUNES FOR KIDDIEWINKLES” Local musicians Charlotte Lee and Mandy Jane perform a set of children’s music that draws from country music influences. Ben’s Bikes 9 p.m. FREE! www.bensbikesathens. com FOLKLORE Elf Power guitarist Jimmy Hughes is back in town from Philly to deliver fuzzy pop songs that break from the mold by taking a pseudomythical storytelling route. Also playing Caledonia Lounge on Friday, Jan. 22. 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). TITANS OF FILTH This local band combines droll Southern voices with easy-rolling, efficient and uncomplicated indie-pop rock about the ups and downs of young love. WEREWOLVES Quirky and minimalist rock from Wyatt Strother. Sky City Lounge & Bulldog Cafe 706-380-7699 KARAOKE (468 North Ave.) Old School Social Sundays begin! Square One Fish Co. Noon-3 p.m. FREE! www.squareonefishco.com SUNDAY JAZZ BRUNCH Rotating local jazz artists play Sunday afternoons on the patio.

Monday 25 Caledonia Lounge 9:30 p.m. $5 (21+), $7 (18+). www. caledonialounge.com LIGHTS Bass-driven, sexy, danceable rock with dual female vocals and a cool retro vibe. Not to be confused with the Canadian electro-pop singer “Lights” opening for Owl City next week… THE ENTRANCE BAND Groovy mix of ‘60s psych and ‘70s classic rock that fans of Black Angels or Yeasayer will totally dig. Ciné Barcafé 6–8 p.m. FREE! www.athenscine.com OPEN JAZZ JAM Calling all jazz musicians. Now you can join local jazz group Sonny Got Blue every Monday for an open mic jam. Flicker Theatre & Bar 9 p.m.–midnight. FREE! www.myspace. com/flickerbar KENOSHA KID One of Athens’ most inventive jazz ensembles continues its month-long residency. Expect visual treats on the projection screen and inspiring work from guitarist Dan Nettles, bassist Neal Fountain and drummer Marlon Patton. Go Bar 10 p.m. FREE! www.myspace.com/ gobar BUBBLY MOMMY GUN Raucous psychedelic explorations led by members of Sleeping Friends, The Lickity-Splits and Ice Cream Socialists. GEISTERKATZEN New noise rock band featuring members of Reptar. LITURGY Avant-garde, transcendental black metal that is relentlessly aggressive and yet, with all its drone and atmospheric washes, surprisingly euphoric.

Saturday, January 23

FRI. FEB. 5

“Southern Gumbo”

featuring members of Venice is Sinking

New Earth Music Hall

SAT. FEB. 6

RedKlay Entertainment is entering 2010 focused on networking and promoting the RedKlay name. With that goal in mind, they’ve cooked up “Southern Gumbo”—a savory stew of rock, rap and everything in between. The idea is to RedKlay give fans of all genres a chance to mingle, connect and enjoy some of the fine fare our little music town has to offer. The evening will be hosted by local hip-hop head Montu Miller and features ATHfactor’s DJ Chief Rocka on the ones and twos. There will also be an industry mixer before the performances begin. Hip-hop groups RedKlay and Attraktion will perform, as will Elite tha Showstoppa’s new eight-piece band Showtime and up-and-coming rap rockers Filthy McNasty (members of eLeMeN.O.P). Metal vets Music Hates You will close out the night with rock and rollers Andy’s Band and Hola Halo thrown in for good measure. That’s a total of seven acts for your entertainment buck. The rappers in RedKlay are even planning on taking the stage with a live band in order to keep with the spirit of the occasion. Best of all, a portion of the night’s proceeds will go to support Athens’ local AYA Youth Sports Organization, so fans are helping local kids just by showing up. “‘Southern Gumbo’ was inspired by RedKlay’s love for the Athens music community, with a mission to build solid bridges among all artists and genres,” says host Miller. “We have plans to do ‘Southern Gumbo’ quarterly. Like with most gumbo, you never know what you are going to get, but as long as the ingredients are good nothing else matters.” [Austin Darnell]

The Melting Point 8:30 p.m. $5. www.meltingpointathens. com BOB HAY AND THE JOLLY BEGGARS This local batch of talent lays down old-time folk inspired by poet and bard Robert Burns. Tasty World Uptown 9 p.m. www.myspace.com/tastyworlduptown BRANT PARKER No info available. PAUL SMITH Easy listening acoustic tunes.

Tuesday 26 Alibi 9 p.m. FREE! 706-549-1010 KARAOKE With the singing cowboy. Buffalo’s Southwest Café 6–10 p.m. $5 (includes lessons). 706354-6655 DINE & DANCE NIGHT Beginners’ and advanced dance lessons every Tuesday from 6–7 p.m. followed by open dance until 10 p.m. Tonight features tango music! Fat Daddy’s 10 p.m. FREE! 706-353-0241 KARAOKE Huge karaoke dance party hosted by Lynn every Tuesday. Flanagan’s 7 p.m.–Midnight. FREE! www.meanmic.com MEAN MIC TUESDAYS Hip-hop concert series featuring competitions and showcases hosted by Tommy Valentine and Bobby Stamps. Go Bar 10 p.m. FREE! 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. JACK TOPHT W/THE VEGETABLES Buffalo, NY’s Jack Topht is an offbeat emcee in the style of Kool Keith’s Dr. Octagon, and he is accompanied by the innovative drummer/pianist/one-

Packway Handle Band

CD Release Party with Lera Lynn

woman-band Lindsey Grate, known as “The Vegetables.” AJ WEISS Brother AJ gets the chance to step outside the shadow of sister Allison and perform solo. His tunes feature sincere songwriting and memorable rock melodies. YE OLDE SUBB SHOPPE Local “mountain twee project” led by Christopher Ingham (Christopher’s Liver) and Emily Armond. Half Moon Pub 7–9 p.m. FREE! 706-208-9712 POETIC TUESDAYS Weekly poetry open mic night hosted by Montu Miller. Little Kings Shuffle Club 10 p.m. www.myspace.com/littlekingsshuffleclub JIMMY KIND BUD Christopher Ingham’s new band, formerly Liverty, featuring Kate R. on bass and Sarah T. on drums. PUNK ROCK DANCE PARTY Hosted by Randy and Lozo. SHITTY DARKNESS Local highenergy, quirky punk pop band. THE UNWELCOME GUESTS Poppy, angular rock that takes cues from acts like The Replacements, Old 97s and the Pixies. The Melting Point 7 p.m. $3. www.meltingpointathens. com THE BUTTERMILK REVIVAL Traditional bluegrass from Athens, GA. New Earth Music Hall 9 p.m. www.newearthmusichall.com RICH ROCK Spinning a mix of reggae, dub and hip-hop. Tasty World Uptown 9 p.m. www.myspace.com/tastyworlduptown DREW DIXON This UGA student plays classic blues licks with a lot of soul. MIKE KINNEBREW Fans of artists like John Mayer will cling to Mike’s romantic whisper as he shares his poetic tales of faith, love and loss over acoustic guitar with great passion and conviction.

Wednesday 27 Fat Daddy’s 10 p.m.–1 a.m. FREE! 706-353-0241 OPEN MIC Every Wednesday featuring Avery Dylan.

Bob Marley Birthday Bash featuring

Wrong Way

THU. FEB. 11

The Wailers

playing the music of Bob Marley! Family Man’s 40 Year Anniversary Tour Tickets available at Schoolkids Records

FRI. FEB. 12 SAT. FEB. 13

WED. JAN. 20 THU. JAN. 21

LowDown Comedy Show

SAT. JAN. 23

WED. JAN. 27 THU. JAN. 28 MON. FEB. 1 WED. FEB. 3

THU. FEB. 4

San Valentine’s Salsa Night! Telepath Side Project Archnemesis with Dubconscious Side Project

Flight Risk with AZ-IZ

Mama’s Love

Grogus with One L Southern Gumbo featuring performances by

Redklay, Showtime, Music Hates You, Filthy McNasty TUE. JAN. 26

Reggae/Dub/Hip Hop Night with

Rich Rock Truce

Treedom! • Athens Legends Love Tractor

Alex B. (of Pnuma Trio) (1320 Records)

“Waka Winter Classic” Battle of the Bands for Wakarusa Festival

FRI. FEB. 19 SAT. FEB. 27

WED. MAR. 3

Big Gigantic Two Fresh

Nosaj Thing

Daedelus • Gaslamp Killer The Jogger

Emancipator (1320 Records)

SAT. MAR. 27

Pnuma Trio

Break Science

THU. APR. 8 FRI. APR. 9 THU. APR. 14

Ana Sia

Female DubStep from SF SAT. APR. 10

H.E.R. Hip Hop Festival featuring

Dead Prez & Kidz in the Hall Shpongle (Twisted Records)

and Prometheus JUST ADDED 2/16 ZION I 2/8 GROUNDATION

Chicago Afrobeat Project

Zoogma EP3 • LSDJ

LAST SHOW EVER!!!

with Judi Chicago

Early LowDown Comedy Show 8pm

Free Lunch • Dirk Quinn Band FRI. JAN. 22

WED. FEB. 17

Dark Meat

3/25 EOTO DJ LOGIC DJ DRIZNO

706.543.8283

227 W Dougherty St. Downtown Athens Open Mon-Sat 5pm-2am • All Shows 18+ • $2 for under 21

Advance Tix available at Schoolkids Records 706-353-1666 and online at

www.newearthmusichall.com Check out our new blog!

Go Bar 10 p.m. FREE! www.myspace.com/ gobar HERMIT THRUSHES Outsider folk that ranges from sweetly straightforward to purposefully discordant. MOUSER Colby Carter (vocals, guitar) and his expanding gang of backing musicians play efficient and exuberant garage-pop songs that suggest a willingness to experiment, working through noise jams to find the aggressive pop hiding behind. SLEEPING FRIENDS First show in over a year! Garage pop featuring Joe Kubler and friends. Little Kings Shuffle Club 9 p.m. www.myspace.com/littlekingsshuffleclub ATHENS BOYS CHOIR Focusing on gender issues, spoken-word and openly transgendered artist/ musician Katz delivers rhymes with a musical underpinning. THE VGS Soulful spoken word and rap backed by bassist Coco B and drummer Drummy Spice for a mix of soulful eclectic music and hardhitting poetry. New Earth Music Hall 9 p.m. www.newearthmusichall.com LOVE TRACTOR Original Love Tractor member Mike Richmond recruited Bill Holmes, Ben Holst, Kevin Fleming, Tom Lewis and Darren Stanley (Squat) to round out his new lineup. The album Black Hole features spacey and compelling, prog-influenced guitar epics. TREEDOM Funky new local four-piece with some psychedelic tendencies. TRUCE No info available. The Office Lounge 9:30 p.m. FREE! 706-549-0840 KARAOKE Wednesdays with Lynn!

Wednesday January 27 at 7:30 p.m. Call, click or stop by the Box Ofﬁce e

706.357.4444 • www.ClassicCenter.com 300 N. Thomas St. • Downtown Athens

Productions in the Broadway Entertainment Series are made possible by our sponsors:

* Advance Tickets Available

JANUARY 20, 2010 · 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.

ART Call for Artists Mental Health America of Northeast Georgia is currently seeking donated art for the 20th Annual Mental Health Benefit which runs Jan. 24–30. 770-6333513, 706-549-7888, www.fight thestigma.com Call for Artists (Athens Area Habitat for Humanity) “Home Is Where the Heart Is,” an annual art auction benefitting the Women Build Program of Athens Area Habitat for Humanity, is seeking submissions for its Feb. 18 event. Deadline for submission is Feb. 10. 706-2081001, laura@athenshabitat.com Call for Submissions (Lyndon House Arts Center) Lyndon House Arts Center will accept entries for its 35th Juried Art Exhibition on Jan. 28 (12:30–8:30 p.m.) and Jan. 29 (10 a.m.–4 p.m.). The competition is open to Athens area artists working in all visual media. $20 submission fee (up to 3 works)706-613-3623, www.accleisureservices.com

AUDITIONS Children of Eden (Oconee Youth School of Performance, Watkinsville) The Oconee Youth Playhouse holds auditions for their upcoming production of this inspirational musical about parents, children and faith. Call for more information. Jan. 20–27, 706-769-2677, www. oypoysp.com/playhouse The Penny Stock Opera (Various Locations) The Young Actors Studio will be holding auditions for this original karaoke musical comedy parodying Broadway musicals and the stock market, which will be presented in April.

Open to ages 7 and up (or early readers). Feb. 8, 6:30–8:30 p.m. (ACC Library). Feb 9, 6:30–8:30 p.m. (UGA Park Hall). www.youngactorsstudio.googlepages.com

CLASSES 12 Weeks to Total Wellness (St. Mary’s Wellness Center) St. Mary’s registered dietitians offer a new health and wellness program with a focus on nutrition. Thursdays, 3–4 p.m. $100/program, $10/class. 706-389-3355 Abrakadoodle Art Classes (Rocksprings Neighborhood Center) With the holiday season at its close, it’s time for many households to redecorate their refrigerators. Junior artists are invited to create unique masterpieces in various media. Fee covers four sessions and all materials. For kids ages 3–5 years. Jan. 25 & Feb. 1, 9 & 16, 1–2 p.m. $20. 706-613-3603, www.accleisure services.com Acting for Film Workshop (106 West Performing Arts Venue, Winder) Open to ages 16 & up. No acting experience necessary. Tuesdays, 6:45 p.m. $95 (adults), $65 (students). 770-868-1977, beckytollerson@106west.com 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 Adult Martial Arts (American Black Belt Academy) New classes for a new you. Tuesdays & Thursdays, 11 a.m.–noon. 706-549-1671, www. athensjiujitsu.com Aikido Classes (Classic Martial Arts Club) Aikido is a Japanese

FLAGPOLE.COM ∙ JANUARY 20, 2010

martial art that uses throws and joint-locks to control an opponent. Trial classes are FREE! Mondays & Thursdays, 7 p.m. 706-353-3616, www.classic-mac.com Art Classes (Lyndon House Arts Center) Sign up for spring art classes! For adults, teens and children. Go online for full list of programs. Registration begins Jan. 23. 706613-3623, www.accleisureservices. com Back Care Yoga (Mind Body Institute) Fight chronic back pain with yoga! Thursdays, 6–8 p.m. 706-475-7329, www.armc.org/mbi Beginning Bellydance for Fitness (YWCO) Have fun and exercise at the same time with this incredible dance form. Tuesdays, noon–1 p.m. Wednesdays, 6–7 p.m. 706-354-7880, natakiya@gmail.com Body, Mind & Spirit (Body, Mind & Spirit Ministries) Offering a wide range of self-improvement and spiritual classes and workshops. Full schedule online. 706-351-6024, www.bodymindandspiritofathens. 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@active climbing.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 in Athens) 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”

Original works by Carter McCaffrey are on display at the Chappelle Gallery. every Sunday from 2–4 p.m. ($20/ person). 706-355-3161, www.good dirt.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 Class (Oconee County Library) Don’t get left behind in the Information Age! “Mouse and Keyboard Skills” for beginners. Feb. 2, 4 – 5:30 p.m. FREE! 706769-3950 Computer Class (ACC Library, Education Technology Center) Introduction to Power Point. Call to register. Jan. 28, 10–11:30 a.m. FREE! 706-613-3650 Computer Classes (ACC Library, Educational Technology Center) Introduction to Word. Call to register. Jan. 26, 10–11:30 a.m. FREE! 706-613-3650 Couples Trapeze Workshop (Canopy Studio) An intro to partner aerial dance on the trapeze. No experience necessary. Registration required. Feb. 14, 2–3:30 p.m. $40/ couple. 706-549-8501 Eastern Religions and Philosophy (Rubber Soul Yoga Revolution Studio) Learn the core values and historical markers of Eastern philosophies and religions in this meditative course with instructor Kai Riedl. Sundays, 5:30–6:45 p.m. $5 (suggested donation). www.rubbersoulyoga.com Ecstatic Dance (Vastu School of Yoga) The Athens Kirtan Collective hosts an evening of meditation

through dance and movement. Fridays, 7–9 p.m. 561-723-6172, vastuyoga@hotmail.com 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 Family Yoga (Mind Body Institute) Offering instruction for kids in grades K–5 when accompanied by an adult. Call ahead. Sundays, Jan. 24–Feb. 21, 3–4 p.m. $50/5 classes. 706-475-7329, www.armc. org/mbi Fitness Fusion (Healing Arts Centre) Belly dancing infused with yoga and Pilates wisdom. Mondays, 7:30. 706-613-1143 Genealogy 101: The Basics (Oconee County Library) Learn how to begin your family history research! Registration required. Feb. 6, 3–4:30 p.m. & Feb. 11, 4–5:30 p.m. FREE! 706-769-3950 Gentle Yoga (St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church) Bring your own mat or towel and wear loose clothing. Julie Horne, instructor. Tuesdays, 5:30 – 7 p.m. $9/class. 706-354-1996 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@active climbing.com Getting Started with Genealogy (ACC Library) Genealogy for beginners. In the

Heritage Room. Jan. 21, 2–4:30 p.m. FREE! 706-613-3650 Henna Workshop for Teens (Oconee County Library) Learn about the ancient Indian art of hand decoration, called mehndi, and experiment with an all-natural henna. Snacks and materials will be supplied. For ages 11–18. Jan. 26, 6–7 p.m. FREE! 706-769-3950 Homebuyer Education Workshop (Athens Land Trust) Athens Land Trust offers a two-day workshop to prepare prospective buyers for homeownership success. Space is limited; call to register. Jan. 23 & 30, 12:30–4:30 p.m. FREE! 706-613-0122 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.canopy studio.com “How to Properly Price Your Art” (ACC Library) Retired banker, finance and marketing man Lee Nelson wants to teach you how to price and market your work in any medium. Feb. 6, 10–11:30 a.m. $20. 706-486-6808, www.artbiz.biz Introduction to Life Drawing (Fringe Collective Artistic Studios) Instructed classes for artists 18 and up. Call to reserve a space. Sundays, 2–4 p.m. 706540-2727 “Kangeiko” (Classic Martial Arts Club) Kangeiko is the traditional Japanese winter training that is held during the coldest season of the

year. Open to everyone, no prior martial arts experience is necessary, only the commitment to come to all classes held during the week. Classes run for one-hour each and breakfast is served. Jan. 25–30, 6–7 a.m. 706-353-3616, www.classicmac.com. Kids Yoga (Vastu School of Yoga) Children derive enormous benefits from many easy and fun poses. Tuesdays, 5:30–6:15 p.m. 561-7236172, vastuyoga@hotmail.com Laugh-a-Yoga (Mind Body Institute) Laugh your stress away. Feb. 5, noon. $5. 706-475-7329, mbiprograms@armc.org Laugh-a-Yoga (Mind Body Institute) Laugh your stress away. Jan. 22, 5:30–6:30 p.m. $5. 706475-7329, mbiprograms@armc.org Life Drawing Open Studio (Fringe Collective Artistic Studios) Bring any supplies/equipment that you may require. Ages 18 and up. Call to reserve a space. Thursdays, 6–8:15 p.m. 706-540-2727 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 Mama-Baby Yoga (Five Points Yoga) For babies 1–8 months old and their grown-ups. Fussy babies and tired mamas welcome. Every Monday. 11 a.m. $10. 706-3553114, www.athensfivepointsyoga. com 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 Manuscript Swap Shop (Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation) Tuesday Writers and the Southern Breeze Region of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators will sponsor a workshop for writers of children’s fiction and nonfiction. Local young adult fiction writer Donny Seagraves will speak, and attendees will have the opportunity to get their manuscripts critiqued. Jan. 23, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. 706-546-0692 Meditation (Vastu School of Yoga, Chase Park Warehouse) Begin every day with relaxing meditation. 6–7 a.m. FREE! 561-723-6172, vastuyoga@hotmail.com Meditative Yoga (YWCO) Easy Meditative Yoga for Every Body. Drop-ins welcome. Mondays and Thursdays, noon; Wednesdays, 7 p.m. $7 (non-members). 706-3547880, www.iriseabove.com 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. 706-549-4850 Mindbody Bootcamp (Five Points Yoga) Chant, breathe, sweat and meditate in this two-week session of daily, early-morning yoga. Registration required. Through Jan. 22, weekdays, 5:45–6:45 a.m. $135/2 weeks, $96/any 6 classes. 706-355-3113, www.athensfive pointsyoga.com Native Plant Symposium 2010 (State Botanical Garden of Georgia) Day-long program that looks at native plants and related landscape issues. Includes box lunch. Registration required. Jan. 20, 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. $50. 706-542-6359, www.uga.edu/botgarden OCAF’s Art Classes (Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation) Now accepting registration for winter and spring classes. Sign up for kids’ pottery and poetry classes, adults’ classes in folk art, book-making, oil

painting, floral arranging and many more. Full schedule online. 706769-4565, www.ocaf.com Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Classes (Trumps on Milledge) OLLI, formerly Learning in Retirement, is now registering for the winter semester. 706-549-7350, www.olli.uga.edu Pilates Classes (Balance Pilates and Wellness Studio) Offering high-quality instruction in Pilates and overall health. Mat classes and apparatus classes available! Full schedule and information about private lessons online. 706-546-1061, www.balancepilatesathens.com Prenatal Yoga (Full Bloom Center) Get ready for birth and beyond. Every Thursday. 5:30 p.m. $14/class or $60/6 classes. 706353-3373, www.fullbloomparent. com Solar Water Heating Installer Certification (Power Partners, Newton Bridge Rd.) Full day of instruction on how to install the Power Partners Solar Water Heating System. Includes a handson mock system installation. Lunch provided. Jan. 21. $450. 706-3697938, www.completeresources.net Survival Spanish (ACC Library) Instruction in basic Spanish vocabulary and conversation. For ages 18 and up. Now registering! Sundays, 4–5 p.m. 706-613-3650 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.liveoak martialarts.com Target Training for Ladies (St. Mary’s Wellness Center) Intense exercise class for women who want maximum fitness results. Runs through Jan. 31. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6–7 a.m. $75. 706389-3355 Teen Yoga (Vastu School of Yoga) Aside from the physical benefits, yoga teaches teens techniques for coping with the unique challenges of adolescence. Thursdays, 6–7 p.m. 561-723-6172, vastuyoga@ hotmail.com Tennis Registration (Bishop Park) Currently registering for tennis classes! Youth and adult classes available. 706-613-3592, www.tennisforlife.net Tutoring Workshop (H.T. Edwards Building) Dr. Jackie Saindon and Dr. Michele Simpson lead a free workshop: Tutoring the Pre-GED Adult Learner: Reading Techniques. Register by Jan. 20. Jan. 23, 9 a.m–noon. 706-357-5239 Understanding Botanical Names (State Botanical Garden of Georgia, Callaway Building) Learn the basics of botanical nomenclature. Pre-registration is required. Jan. 23, 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. $45. 706-542-6156, www.uga.edu/ botgarden Winter Classes (Sangha Yoga Studio, Healing Arts Center) Now registering for Bootycamp, Egyptian Bellydancing, Pilates and various yoga methods to suit your lifestyle. See full schedule online! 706-6131143, www.healingartscenter.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.athens omtownyoga.com Yoga for Healthy Backs (Vastu School of Yoga) If you are one of the millions of people suffering from back pain, yoga may bring you some relief. Mondays, 4:30–5:30 p.m. 561-723-6172, vastuyoga@ hotmail.com

Yoga Teacher Training (Vastu School of Yoga, Chase Park Warehouse) Learn to teach yoga in this 10-week workshop beginning in February! Register by Jan. 15th for tuition discount. 561-723-6172, vastuyoga@hotmail.com Yoga XL for the Larger Body (Vastu School of Yoga) Plus-size yoga adapts the traditional postures, or asanas, to accomodate your curves. Thursdays, 4:30–5 p.m. 561-723-6172, vastuyoga@hotmail. com Yoga, Tai Chi and Mindfulness Classes (Mind Body Institute) Experienced and highly educated instructors offer a wide variety of basic and specialty classes throughout the day. 706475-7329, www.armc.org/mbi Yoshukai Karate (AKF Itto Martial Arts) Learn Yoshukai Karate, a traditional hard Okinawan style. www. athensyk.com Zumba at the Garden (State Botanical Garden of Georgia) Latin rhythms and easy-to-follow moves comprise this dynamic fitness program. Wednesdays, through Feb. 24. 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. $10/class, $60/ session. www.uga.edu/botgarden Searching After Sunset” (Oconee County Library) Junior genealogists are invited to learn the best methods to conduct family research at this four-hour workshop. Jan. 22, 5:45–10 p.m. FREE! 706769-3950

HELP OUT! Become a Mentor (Boys and Girls Clubs of Athens) Volunteer one hour per week to make a difference in the life of a child. Training provided. 706-546-4910, mentor@ athensbgca.com, www.fflife.net Call for Volunteers Athens Indie Craftstravaganzaa is seeking volunteers to assist with an upcoming community-oriented arts event. volunteerscraftstravaganzaa@gmail. com Donations Needed (Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation) OCAF seeks new or used items for its annual Thrift Sale Fundraiser. Drop off items from 2–7 p.m. Thursdays and 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Saturdays at Rocket Hall. Donations accepted through Mar. 7. 706-769-4565, info@ocaf. com Foster an Animal Victim of Domestic Violence (Various Locations) Ahimsa House needs foster homes to shelter pets from abusive situations. 404-496-4038 ext. 713, foster@ahimsahouse.org Give a Day. Get a Disney Day. Exchange a day of volunteer service for a free ticket to Disneyland or Disney World! Get involved with Athens Area Habitat for Humanity or other participating organizations. www.athenshabitat.com Seeking Local Recipes Contribute your locally inspired recipes to the Athens P.L.A.C.E. (Promoting Local Agriculture & Cultural Experience) cookbook coming out this spring. Send submissions to jessicaburch123@gmail. com by Jan. 30. Teach English as a Second Language Catholic Charities seeks volunteers to teach adult English classes in the evenings. Ongoing training available beginning Jan. 23. 404-516-7949, vpflug@archatl.com Volunteer Opportunities (ACC Library) Learn about the various ways you can give back to your community by volunteering your time at the ACC Library. 706-6133650, www.clarke.public.lib.ga.us/ arls/support/index.html

Vote for Change: Darius Goes West (Cast your vote for local documentary Darius Goes West and help win $1 million for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Cast your vote until Jan. 22.

KIDSTUFF Fantastic Fridays (Bishop Park) Obstacle courses and other activities in an unstructured environment. Drop in any time. Ages 10 months–4 years. Fridays, 9 a.m.–noon. $12/ day. 706-613-3589 GEN Homeschool Club (State Botanical Garden of Georgia) Garden Earth Naturalist Club for homeschoolers. Meet once a week to learn about pollination, air and water purification, pest control, soil production and recycling through discovery hunts, environmental games, nature hikes and crafts. Wednesdays, through Feb. 24, 9–11 a.m. $44. 706-542-6156 Hot Wheels Spring Break Camp (Bishop Park) Register your skateboarder or biker for this mini camp which provides a safe environment for active kids to have fun and learn new tricks. Registration takes place Jan. 25–27. Mar. 8–11, 9 a.m–noon. $42. 706-613-3871 Naturalist Assistant Program Training (Sandy Creek Nature Center) For teens interested in working at SCNC. Registration required by Jan. 23. Ages 13–18. Jan. 30, 1–5 p.m. 706613-3615 Red Cross Babysitting Course (Memorial Park) A Red Cross certified instructor will guide participants through the basic leadership, safety and supervisory skills needed to babysit. Register by Jan. 21. Ages 11–15. Jan. 30, 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m. $30. 706-613-3580 Spanish Mommy and Me Classes (Email for Location) Learn Spanish with your preschooler through songs, stories and games! New session starting soon. sehlers @uga.edu

Spring Break Art Break (Lyndon House Arts Center) Children ages 6-12 will enjoy art activities, including art exploration with a guest artist and the creation of their own artwork. Registration begins Jan. 23. Apr. 9 & 11. $50 (materials included), scholarships available. 706-613-3623, www.acc leisureservices.com. Story Tubes Contest (ACC Library) Kids, make a video about your favorite book and win great prizes! Talk to your librarian about submitting your video before Feb. 22 or go online for more information. 706-613-3650, http://storytubes. info/drupal/ UNschool Storytime, Crafts and Open House (Freedom to Grow Unschool, 135 N. Peter Street) Learn about this new and innovative “unschool” for preschool to upper elementary students forming in Eastside Athens. Be sure to wear your painting clothes! Jan. 30, 2–4:30 p.m. 478-718-1414, www. freedomtogrowunschool@yahoo. com Yoga Sprouts (Memorial Park) Fun, playful yoga for kids ages 2 and up. Now registering! Call for information on sessions, fees and scholarships. Tuesdays. 706-353-3373 Youth Soccer (Bishop Park) Now registering for ages 4 – 12. Season runs Mar. 27–May 15. All games played at Southeast Clarke Park. $42–$63 (scholarships available). Register: 706-613-3871, www.acc leisureservices.com

SUPPORT Domestic Violence Support Group Dinner begins at 6 p.m. and group at 6:30 p.m. Children are welcome for supper and childcare is provided during the group session. Call Project Safe hotline at 706-5433331 for location. Second and fourth Thursday of the month in Clarke County. First and third Thursday of the month in Madison County. 6–8 p.m.

ART AROUND TOWN ACC Library (Top of the Stairs Gallery) Paintings by Rebecca Brantley. Through January. Athens Academy (Myers Gallery) The Art Teachers Invitational Show features the work of over 20 local teachers. Through Feb. 12. ATHICA (160 Tracy Street) “Nurture,” an exhibit featuring video and photography by Amy Jenkins, explores the intimate, yet universal, issues of parenting and breast-feeding. Through February. Aurum Studio (125 East Clayton St.) Paintings by Christine Shockley-Gholson and John Gholson. Through February. Chappelle Gallery (25 S. Main St., Watkinsville) Original works on paper by Carter McCaffrey through February. Espresso Royale Caffe (297 E. Broad St.) New figurative drawings and landscapes by Rich Panico. Through Jan. 28. Five Star Day Café (229 E. Broad St.) Photographs by A.A. Hart. Through Feb. 14. Flicker Theatre & Bar (263 W. Washington St.) Paintings by Andrew Cayce. Through Feb. 1. Reception Jan. 28. Just Pho…and More (1063 Baxter St.) Orchids and wildlife paintings by Sutawee N. Thitaram. Through Jan. 30. Lamar Dodd School of Art (Gallery 101) Large-scale acrylic paintings from the New York studio of longtime Lamar Dodd School of Art faculty member Jim Herbert. Through Feb. 3. Last Resort Grill (184 W. Clayton St.) Paintings by Andy Cherewick. Through January. Lyndon House Arts Center (293 Hoyt St.) “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.

Emotional Abuse Support Group Demeaning behavior and hateful words can be just as harmful as punches and kicks. Childcare is provided. Call the Project Safe hotline at 706-543-3331 for the meeting location. Wednesdays, 6:30 – 8 p.m. Survivors of Suicide (Nuçi’s Space) Open to anyone who has lost a loved one to suicide. Meets the third Wednesday of every month. 5:30 p.m. 706-227-1515, linda@ nuci.org

ON THE STREET AthFest Compilation CD Accepting submissions for 2010 AthFest compilation CD. Open only to Athens-based bands. Must complete submission form available at www.athfest.com. Only one song is allowed per submission form. Music must be on standard audio CD or CD-R format and must be delivered in person to the AthFest office on the third floor of the Fred Building, located at 220 College Avenue. Deadline is Jan. 29, 2010. Baseball Registration The Athens Area Baseball League is signing up players and teams for spring. Register by Mar. 6. 706-2078939, www.aambl.com GED Scholarships The AthensClarke Literacy Council is now accepting applications for scholarships for financially needy students who are preparing to take the GED examination. 706-254-9877, www. athensliteracy.org Nutrition Consultations (St. Mary’s Wellness Center) Meet with a registered dietitian to find a diet that is right for you! One-hour individual consultations available by appoinment. 706-389-3355 Wake-n-Bake Off (Aromas) Register your dessert to win! Entries must contain beer and will be judged on creativity, taste and presentation on January 31. Must be 21 to enter. 706-208-0059, heather@aromas winebar.com f

Through Jan. 20. Madison-Morgan Cultural Center (434 S. Main Street, Madison) John Wayne, Teddy Roosevelt, Annie Oakley, the Wicked Witch of the West and Superman are among the 23 Warhol silkscreen portraits on display. Collector Wes Cochran will speak at the reception on Jan. 29. 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. Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation (34 School Street, Watkinsville) “Heart & Soul: A Celebration of Black History Month” showcases the work of eight black artists sharing their history and experiences. Through Feb. 20. Reception Jan. 22. “Tutorial: Artworks by OCAF Art Instructors,” an exhibit showcasing the diversity of the Oconee Cultural Art Foundation’s instructors and their unique visions of art. Through Jan. 28. Reception Jan. 22. State Botanical Garden of Georgia (2450 S. Milledge) Larger-than-life blooms emerge in Jamie Kirkell’s silk batik fabric art. Through February. Strand Hair Salon (1625 S. Lumpkin St.) An exhibit by photographer Beth Thompson features fractal and kaleidescopic photography of some familiar greenspaces around Athens and beyond. Through January. Transmetropolitan (145 E. Clayton St.) Wood prints, sculpture and paintings by Catherine Reese Johnson. Through January. Walker’s Coffee & Pub (128 College Ave.) Prints and drawings by Jessica Caldas. Through January. White Tiger Gourmet Food & Chocolates (217 Hiawassee Ave.) “Morning Gravy, 2010” an exhibit featuring photography by brothers Hudson and Rand Lines. Through January.

JANUARY 20, 2010 · FLAGPOLE.COM

comics

by Aaron Fu

FLAGPOLE.COM ∙ JANUARY 20, 2010

reality check

Matters Of The Heart And Loins

The only thing you can do is try to talk to him about it. I know you said you have, but try again. Maybe when you’re at his place cuddling. Tell him what you’re thinking and tell him that if it is the case, he should just be more open about what he wants because you are totally game, but that you can’t read his mind. If he still balks, then you probably need to walk away. The whole situation is confusing and unfair, and you don’t need to be toyed with—at least not mentally. I’ve been with my boyfriend for about two years now, and things are going great between us. There’s just one problem. I feel guilty admitting it, because I love him and I know this is shallow. When we first started going out, he was somewhat portly, but over the past two years he has somehow gained a lot of weight. He’s not obese, but fat enough that I really don’t find him physically attractive anymore. If he’s even aware of his weight gain, he doesn’t seem to be doing anything about it. I don’t want to tell him because I don’t want to hurt him. I love him and I want our relationship to last, but we are both fairly young, and I can’t ignore my sexual frustration caused by all of this fat. Feeling Guilty If you don’t feel comfortable talking to him about your lack of attraction, then maybe you can start with concerns about his health. Suggest exercise. Take walks. Maybe try changing both of your diets. See if things get better, and if they don’t, you’re going to have to fess up. It’s not easy, and it may potentially crush him, but if you don’t say anything you’re eventually going to snap, and that will be the end of it. At least being completely honest will give your relationship a chance. Good luck. I wrote to you awhile ago telling you how I wasn’t attracted to the person I was seeing (I think I was called Not Feeling It). You said to try and spend more time with this person, and see how things worked out. I think I found myself more attracted to them for awhile, but I am afraid it was just jitters of falling in love or something. I’ve tried making out with the person, but it was just a bad experience for me. I know I am not attracted to them and I have

been seeing this person pretty much for five months. Practically everything else is perfect (relations between this person and my friends are still weird, though, I guess, which bothers me, but might bother me less if they were hot and I were attracted to them.) But I am not attracted, at all. I have no desire to even be hugged or gently touched by this person. And I certainly don’t want to touch them. It kind of makes me uncomfortable thinking about it. But, literally, everything else is beyond great. I feel like I have to end it, but upon consideration, I feel like I will never find anyone to treat me this well or be so good for me. Still Not Feeling It

IKE& JANE norma town

My boyfriend and I recently broke up, but at this point, I’m not really sure why. He says he just needed a break, which I’m cool with, except that he’s always sending mixed signals. He kissed me the other day, and occasionally he’ll still invite me over and we’ll wind up cuddling on his couch or something. I think one of the big reasons he broke up with me is he’s bored with me in bed. I’m much younger/ less experienced then he is, and I can’t help but feeling like he’s bored with me, but when I tried to talk to him about it he just clams up like he’s embarrassed. I would really like to salvage our relationship, but I’m not sure how to go about doing it. Game

Do you even hear yourself? How is pretending to be attracted to somebody and having a totally sexless five-month relationship good for you? Think of it this way: What would you tell your best friend if they were in your situation? And how do you think the other person in this relationship feels? You are being totally unfair to yourself and to them. Make it stop. Seriously. I’ve been married to my first real boyfriend for five years. Now, my husband and I are getting a divorce. I recently started dating a friend I’ve known for a few years who is also female. At this point I’m unclear about my sexual orientation, but I like her a lot. Unfortunately, my husband and I have to live together until we can sell our house. My girlfriend offered to move in as my roommate so my husband could find his own place and try to start putting this all behind him. I still care greatly for my husband and think living together is causing him a lot of anguish, and he thinks this plan might help him. My girlfriend and I are a little nervous. We both know it’s a big step; I’m still struggling with telling friends and family about the divorce, let alone introducing them to my new lesbian girlfriend/roommate. It’s important to us, however, not to hide. Any suggestions? Do you even think we should live together at this point? Um… no. Living together is not a good idea. But it probably beats living with your husband. And under normal circumstances I would advocate total honesty, but as you said, you’re having enough trouble processing this stuff yourself, so maybe you don’t need to tell your friends and family everything straight away. I don’t think you’re necessarily hiding anything just because you’re not making a big announcement. So, move him out, and you can move her in. But make sure you have a big talk with your girlfriend and agree to communicate and keep communicating. There’s a lot of pressure here. If the living situation doesn’t work out, be prepared to get a roommate like everybody else does—through the grapevine or the Internet. Jyl Inov Got a question for Jyl? Submit your anonymous inquiry via the Reality Check button at www.flagpole.com.

ample parking available!

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1035A Baxter St. 706-543-7628 JANUARY 20, 2010 · FLAGPOLE.COM

classifieds

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

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.

1BR/1BA. All electric. Nice apt. Water provided. On busline. Single preferred. Avail. now! (706) 543-4271. 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.

1 & 2BR apts. All electric. W/D conn., lg. backyds., carports, close to campus & 5 Pts. Pet friendly. Rent ranging from $450–$575/ mo. (706) 424-0770. 1, 2 & 3BR apts! Move before January 15th & get Jan. rent free! Move after & get Feb. rent 1/2 off! N o w pre–leas ing for summer and fall 2010. Move in for $99.00! Huge apts, on busline, pet friendly, recycling on site! Call us (706) 549-6254. Restrictions apply.

2BR/1BA renovated apt. $625/mo. HWflrs., DW, on–site laundry. Walk to campus! Call C. Hamilton & Assoc., Inc. (706) 613-9001.



2BR/1BA newly renovated apt. in ARMC area. Close to Dwntn. Avail. now. Perfect for family & professionals. Central heat/AC, off–street parking. Safe quiet neighborhood. Total electric. $550/mo. (706) 543-4556.

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2BR/2BA. $700/mo. January rent free! Spacious apt. w/ W/D. Pet friendly, close to campus. Call C. Hamilton & Assoc., Inc. (706) 613-9001. 2BR/2BA on College Station. H u g e a p a r t m e n t , FP, deck, lots of closets, DW, W/D, CHAC. Avail. now. Pets OK. $575/mo. (706) 369-2908. 2BR/1BA. Apts avail. 125 Honeysuckle Lane off Broad St. across from King Ave. On busline. GRFA welcomed. Water & trash incl. Central location. Lease, deposit, references required. $450/ mo. (706) 227-6000 or (706) 461-2349. 2BR/2BA apt. in East Athens. Partially furnished. Big kitchen, deck. $600/mo. (706) 614-6947. 3BR/2.5BA townhome off Riverbend. Tons of space! Finished basement, front porch & back deck. Pool & tennis community. Only $900/ mo. Aaron (706) 207-2957. 4BR/3BA Townhouse. Lg. Family Rm., Great Condition, W/D Conn., Cable, Sec. Sys., 10 min. to UGA, Available Now. 273 Westchester Circle. $800/mo. Owner/Agent, Call Mike (706) 207-7400. Available January. Spacious 2BR Dwntn apts. 3 blocks from N. campus. Out of bar scene. Close to everything. Call George (706) 340-0987. Downtown Apartments. 4BR/2BA. Fully updated. New kitchen. W/D, Deck. Won’t last long, rents fast! Call Stacy at (706) 425-4048.

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2BR / 2.5BA Townhomes $650

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FLAGPOLE.COM ∙ JANUARY 20, 2010

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. College Station 2BR/2BA. All appls + W/D, FP, xtra closet space, water/garbage incl. $575/mo. Call & ask about rent discount! Owner/Agent (706) 340-2450. 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) 425-4048 or (706) 296-1863. 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. Great loft apt. in Bowman. 30 mi. from Athens. 1800 sq. ft. 1.5BA. W/D conn. CHAC, full kitchen, open space. Historic bldg. $550/mo./dep. (706) 498-4733. West Athens, just off Prince. $595/mo. 2BR/2BA apt. Living room w/ FP, eat–in kitchen, deck. High speed Internet avail. Avail. now. (706) 614-6947.

PLACE AN AD • At flagpole.com, pay with credit card or PayPal account • Call our Classifieds Dept. (706) 549-0301 • Email us at class@flagpole.com

ARMC/Normaltown Area. Only $450/mo! 1BR/1BA. Next door to ARMC & Navy School. 1 mi. to Dwntn. Avail. Immediately or prelease for Fall. (706) 788-2152 or email thomas2785@aol.com.

All Include Washer/Dryer & Fireplace Pool on-site!

Call Today for Move-In Specials

Hamilton & Associates

706-613-9001 www.athens-ga-rental.com

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. Walk to 5 Pts. On busline, next to Lake Herrick & dog park. 2BR/2.5BA, W/D, DW, FP, outside private terrace, pool. Lots of parking! Walk to campus, oversized BRs & closets. Quiet, convenient. Pets OK. $675/mo. Call (706) 338-9018. Westside condos. 2BR/2BA, $600/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.

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 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.

WELCH PLACE

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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) 621-1035 or Ken (706) 614-8295. More info: http://www.kpsurplus.com/ products/view/26553.

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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) 6211035 or Ken (706) 6148295. More info: http://www. kpsurplus.com/products/ view/25214. 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.

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Amazing Office Spaces 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.

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Dwntn Restaurant avail. now for lease. Kitchen equip w/ walk–in cooler & vent hood. Located at 275 E. Clayton St. For more info. or to schedule a showing pls call Mary at Parker & Associates (706) 546-0600 or email mary@parkerand associates.com. Eastside Offices. 1060 Gaines School Rd. Rent: 1200 sq. ft. $1200/mo., 450 sq. ft., $600/mo. 170 sq. ft., $375/ mo. (706) 546-1615 or www. athenstownproperties.com. Great business opportunity in Bowman. 1800 sq. ft. bldg. for $650/mo., 575 sq. ft. bldg. for $450/mo. Retail office, hair studio, etc. Great traffic. (706) 498-4733. Historic Downtown Building. 3200 sq. ft. Ample onsite parking. Office/Commercial. Contact Stacy (706) 425-4048. Leathers Building. Retail/ Office/Commercial. 1100 sq. ft. Front & rear entrance. $1400/mo. All inclusive. Call Stacy at (706) 425-4048.

Paint Artist Studio. Historic Blvd area. Artist Community. 160 Tracy 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/1BA condo. Campus close. Security gate, pool, fitness center. Located at Stadium Village. Excellent condition. $600/mo. or $200/ wk. (706) 206-2347. Deluxe condo at Berkshire Commons. Lg. split 2BR/2BA, HWflrs., gourmet kitchen, on the busline. Off S. Milledge Ave. $950/mo. Call Joiner & Associates (706) 549-7371. Rivers Edge. 2BR/2BA totally remodeled. On the busline. Pool, tennis courts,1200+ sq. ft., screened porch. $600/mo, $600/dep. Avail. now! Call (864) 617-3317.

Duplexes For Rent 2BR/1BA Duplex. 172 Laurie Dr. Eastside, off Cedar Shoals. CHAC, FP. $525/mo. Call Dave (706) 201-9222. 2 Duplex apts each suitable for 1 person or a couple. Av a i l . n o w o n O c o n e e Street near Dwntn. Both in converted 1890s house, big porch, & backyard, all appls, some furnishings, pet friendly. Each unit is 1BR/1BA & in excellent condition. $499/ mo. Call Drew at (706) 2022712 or email drewclimber@ yahoo.com. 2BR/1.5BA East Athens Duplex. Fresh paint, W/D, DW, range, fridge, trash & yard service incl. Pets OK. Avail. now! $550/mo. Call Mike toll free (877) 740-1514. 2BR/1BA Eastside duplex. W/D, FP. Convenient to shopping, busline, & campus. $475/mo. + dep. Pets welcome. Call Jeff (706) 3382985 or Shelly (706) 338-4948. 2BR/1.5BA. Jolly Lane in Sleepy Hollow Subdivision. Near UGA, Memorial Park & Birchmore Trail. W/D, DW, CHAC, FP. Avail now. $650/mo. Call April (706) 549-5006, go to www. athenscondosales.com.

Houses for Rent $950/mo. 3BR/2BA house in country. 9 mi. from Dwntn. W/D hookup, DW, FP. Call (706) 540-8461. $350–$2500/mo. 1BR, 2BR, 3BR, 4BR, & 5BR. Awesome walk & bike to campus & town! Pre–leasing for Fall! Many historical houses w/ lg. rms, high ceilings, big windows, HWflrs, old–world charm, modern amenities. Porches, & yds. Pet friendly. These go fast! Email for list: luckydawg96@yahoo.com.

$925/mo. 3BR/2BA, office, dining room, remodeled, excellent condition, masonry FP, W/D conn., 1700 sq. ft. Lg. wooded lot, new deck, close to the Mall. Avail. now. 420 Cavalier Dr. 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. $1250/mo. 3BR/2BA, Huge bonus rm., split floor plan, completely remodeled, vaulted ceiling, granite tops, HWflrs., stainless steel appls., oil–rubbed bronze fixtures, FP. 2200 sq. ft. Big flat yard, private deck. Avail. now. 110 Victory Estates Dr. 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 room, laundry room, 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. 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 hathawayproper ties@ 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 duplexes starting at $450/mo. Pls. call (706) 549-6070. 2 Duplex apts each suitable for 1 person or a couple. Av a i l . n o w o n O c o n e e St. near Dwntn. Both in converted 1890s house, big porch, & backyard, all appls, some furnishings, pet friendly. Each unit is 1BR/1BA & in excellent condition. $499/ mo. Call Drew at (706) 2022712 or email drewclimber@ yahoo.com. 2BR/2BA new house Dwntn. Spacious & less than 1 mi. from Arch. W/D incl. Upgrades galore. $1050/mo. Avail. August. Aaron (706) 207-2957. 2BR/1BA off Pulaski St. 238 1/2 Cleveland Ave. CHAC, W/D, screened porch. $450/ mo. Call/text (706) 714-4486, email richardhathaway@ gmail.com. 3BR/1BA. P r e l e a s i n g . Blvd area. CHAC, W/D, DW, HWflrs., porch. $750/mo. Call/ text (706) 714-4486, email hathawayproperties@gmail.com.

3BR/1BA in 5 Pts. 176 Habersham Dr. Avail. now! Pets OK. W/D & CHAC incl. $800/mo. Call Calvin (404) 597-6056. 3BR/2BA. Preleasing. 5Pts. CHAC, W/D, DW, fenced yd., deck. $450/BR. Call/text (706) 714-4486, email hathaway properties@gmail.com. 3BR/2BA. Preleasing. CHAC, W/D, DW, fenced yd., sec. sys., close to Dwntn & UGA. $825/mo. Call/text (706) 714-4486, email hathaway properties@gmail.com. 3BR/1BA. Preleasing. Next to Big City Bread. CHAC, W/D, DW, fenced yd., sec. sys. $750/mo. Call/text (706) 714-4486, email hathaway properties@gmail.com. 4BR/4BA new houses Dwntn. Less than 1 mi. from Arch. W/D incl. Upgrades galore. Only $1900/mo. Avail. August. Aaron (706) 207-2957. 4BR/2BA. CHAC, FP, HWflrs, DW, fridge w/ ice/water in–door, W/D. Lg. porch & yd. Must have ref’s. 116 Whitehead Rd. $998/mo. (706) 714-1100. 4BR/2BA quaint house in country. 9 mi. from Dwntn Athens. Avail. now! $1050/ mo. (706) 540-8461. 4BR/3BA cottage. Kitchen w/ island & all appls. incl. DW. Pets OK. Internet avail. $1150/mo. Approx. 1 mi. from campus/Eastside/Dwntn. Short-term lease avail. RE/ MAX realtor Michelle Watson (706) 614-6947. 4BR/2BA. Preleasing. Close to campus. CHAC, W/D, DW, fenced yd., sec. sys. $1400/ mo. Call/text (706) 714-4486, email hathawayproperties@ gmail.com. 576 Whitehead Rd. Small 2BR/1BA. Almost 2 acre lot. Fenced yard, pets OK. No pet fees! CHAC. A must see! $695/mo. (706) 254-2569. 5BR/2BA. Preleasing. 5Pts. $475/BR. CHAC, W/D, DW. 1 block to campus! Call/text (706) 714-4486, email hathaway properties@gmail.com. Available now! 2BR/1BA brick house w/ study rm. Great Westside location near Beechwood shopping. All new flooring, paint, roof & HVAC. All appls, DW, W/D, range, fridge. $750/mo. No pets. Pls. call Katy (706) 714-8466. 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.

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Cute cottage in the country. 15 min. to UGA & Athens. 1BR/1BR. All appls. Laundry hookups. $485/mo. Call (706) 788-2988 or (706) 540-8029. Now preleasing for Fall! 1–4BR houses. $350–$1500. Close to Dwntn & pet friendly. These lease up fast! Go to www.deklerealty.com, (706) 548-0580.

First month free! 2–3BRs in quiet setting, off the beaten path. Sec. sys. incl. W/D, DW, priv. deck. Mention this ad & pay no pet fee! ( 7 0 6 ) 5 4 8 - 2 5 2 2 , w w w. dovetailmanagement.com.

Downtown Condo. 1BR/1BA in University Tower. Approx 720 sq. ft. Across Broad St. from north campus, great view. $89K. Go to www. homesbyowner.com/58149. Call (706) 255-3743.

Gigantic 5BR/3BA condo. End of Lumpkin St. 2500 sq. ft. 2 lv. rms, huge laundry rm., din. rm., FP, big deck. DW, W/D, CHAC. Pets OK. Avail. 8/1. $1500/mo. (706) 369-2908.

Northside 2BR/1BA, lg. lot, $600/mo. H o s p i t a l a re a 2BR/1BA, carpor t, fenced–in yard, $700/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, $975/mo. Call McWaters Realty, (706) 549-3222, (706) 353-2700, (706) 540-1529.

Free Foreclosure Listings. Over 400K properties nationwide. Low down payment. Call now. (800) 8175290 (AAN CAN).

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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. Preleasing for fall. 1, 2 & 3BR houses. Close to campus & Dwntn. Call (706) 255-0066. Private 2BR/1BA cottage. Organic gardens, fenced, busline, bike to Dwntn. CHAC, HWflrs. Resident inside/outside cat. Dogs negotiable. Responsible single or couple only! $650/ mo. Discount for cat care/ gardening. Avail. Feb. (706) 224-8773 or gypsymr@ yahoo.com. Pristine Five Points Cottage. 1 block to 5 Pts. Wa l k / b i k e e v e r y w h e r e ! 2BR/1BA. HWflrs, HVAC, FP, sunroom, fenced yd., http:// fivepointsrental.tripod.com. $1100/mo. Avail. 6/15. (706) 338-7364.

Houses for Sale 115 Hight. Watkinsville, Ga. $123,889. 3BR/1.5BA. Completely renovated! Call Reign at Coldwell Banker Upchurch Realty (706) 5434000, or (706) 372-4166. 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 hathawayproper ties@ gmail.com. 135 Pineforest. $139,900. 3BR/2BA in Forest Heights. Call Reign at Coldwell Banker Upchurch Realty (706) 543-4000 (706) 372-4166.

Pre-Leasing 2BR/1BA in 5 Pts. Great for Grad Students. Close to campus. W/D, DW, CHAC, Pets OK. Avail. 8/1. $700/ mo. (706) 396-2908. 3BR/2.5BA. 1 mi. to UGA. $1200/mo. 1 yr. old house. Open floor plan, microwave, DW, W/D conn. Avail. now and pre–leasing for summer 2010. (706) 410-6122. 3BR/2BA renovated Victorian. 1/2 mi. to UGA. Lg. r ms., high ceilings, HWflrs, front porch, back deck, nice yd. lots of parking. W/D, DW, CHAC. Pets OK. Avail. 8/1. $1250/mo. (706) 369-2908. 4BR/2BA Victorian home. 1/2 mi. from campus. New kitchen, W/D, DW, fenced yd., HWflrs, $1600/mo. Huge rooms! Lots of character. Avail. 8/1. Pets OK. (706) 369-2908. Amazing renovated 5B R /3B A . 1/2 mi. from campus. 2 lv. rms., 2 kitchens, big BRs, huge deck, plenty of parking. DW, W/D, CHAC. Pets OK. Avail. 8/1. $2100/ mo. (706) 369-2908. Adorable 3BR/2BA, close to campus. New master BA w/ double sink. HWflrs., fenced backyd, W/D, DW, CHAC. Avail. 8/1. $1250/mo. (706) 369-2908. E x c e l l e n t re n o v a t e d 4BR/3BA. 1/2 mi. to campus. Lots of character! Big r m s . N e w k i t c h e n , D W, W/D, CHAC. Pets OK. Avail. 8/1. $1650/mo. Call (706) 369-2908. Great 4BR/4BA house. 1/2 mi. from campus.Front porch, back deck, nice yd., DW, W/D, CHAC. Pets OK. Avail. 8/1. Special! $1500/ mo. (706) 369-2908. Grad student/young professionals. 3BR/1BA. Quiet family n’hood. HWflrs. Separate garage/workshop. Huge fenced dog pen. Avail. 8/1. $750/mo. Call (706) 369-2908.

Female to share 2BR/2BA with great roommate. Rivermill Apts. 5 min to Dwntn/UGA. $353/ mo. Everything incl. except electric & Internet. Avail. now! Furnished. (703) 338-8042. Room avail. Feb. 1st. In 3BR/2BA. 10 mins from Dwntn. $300/mo. + 1/3 utils. Home is furnished & has W/D, HVAC, lg. yd. & is in quiet n’hood. Call Chris (706) 201-3878. Roommate needed to share a 3BR/2BA home w/ bonus rm. 10 min. from Dwntn. Located in Winterville. 5000 Hickory Dr. Lg. yd., CHAC, W/D, DW, FP. Fridge & stove. No pets. Move in immediately. $475/mo, utils incl. Brian (706) 621-3579. Roommate needed for 3BR house. Alps area. W/D, WiFi, $315/mo + 1/3 utils. Avail. now. Grad students pref’d. Call (864) 550-0148. Roommate needed ASAP for house off Pulaski St. Screened porch, W/D. Only a 10 min. walk from Dwntn. Only $250/mo. Call (706) 5489744 today!

Rooms for Rent Rent a BR, share a house, full furnished. Phone, W/D, Internet. All utils incl. $275/ mo. No pets. M or F. 15 min. from UGA, 5 min from Athens Tech. Call (706) 369-1659. Spacious, fur nished BR. Quiet, close to campus, kitchen, laundry privileges. Shared BA, priv. entrance. No pets. M students only. $275/ mo. incl. utils. (706) 3530227. Avail. immediately!

For Sale 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. ➤ continued on next page

3BR/2.5BA. 2–car garage. 2–story, fully updated. 1 acre of land. 1600 sq. ft. New carpet, fully landscaped. Ready to move in. Eastside, Winterville area. 7090 Hickory Dr. $139,900. Taking all offers. (706) 742-5082. 708 Aycock. Lexington, Ga. $178,500. 3BR/2BA on 15+ acre Horse Farm. Call Reign at Coldwell Banker Upchurch Realty (706) 543-4000, (706) 372-4166.

JANUARY 20, 2010 · FLAGPOLE.COM

Miscellaneous 2010 South by SouthWest (SXSW) Music Business Conference Laminate $600. If you bought this now from SXSW it would cost $700, & $750 for walk–ups. Contact Jared Bailey, director@athfest. com, (706) 338-9019. Come to Betty for vintage quilted Chanel bags. Just in time for Valentine’s Day! On the corner of Pulaski & Clayton, next to Agora. Open 1pm–4pm daily. (706) 424-0566.

Pets Dumbo rats. Make great pets! Males $5, Females $6. Not feeder rats! Pls. call Todd (706) 540-6734.

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

Instruction 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. Athens Piano School. Premium Piano Lessons Guaranteed. All ages & levels welcome from beginners to advanced. Discounts for families & UGA students. Visit www.AthensPianoSchool.com or call (706) 549-0707.

Music Services 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. 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.

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. classiccityentertainment.com. Featuring The Magictones— Athens’ premiere wedding & p a r t y b a n d . w w w. themagictones.com.

Services Home and Garden

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 har m. Open to teenage girls age 16–18. Receive $300 upon completion of study! For more info, pls email the Eating, Drinking, & P e r s o n a l i t y R e s e a rc h lab at the University of Georgia at bnstudy@ u g a . e d u , or call (706) 542-3827. 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.

Appliance Repair in your home. 30 yrs. experience in kitchen, laundry, & refrigerator appliance repair. Call (770) 867-4928.

Free Advice! We’ll help you choose a program or degree to get your career & your life on track. Call Collegebound Network Today! (877) 8922642 (AAN CAN).

B a c k y a rd S o l u t i o n s . Make your neighbors envious! Waterfalls, ponds, fences, decks, gazebos, porches, & more! Call Robin for free estimate! (706) 340-4492.

High School diploma! Fast, affordable & accredited. Free brochure. Call now! (800) 532-6546 ext. 97. Go to http:// www.continentalacademy. com (AAN CAN).

Sports Martial Arts, Kenpo Karate, Kali, Silat, Muay Thai. Awesome shape in 2010! Small class. Hurry, Only 5 spots left! Call Steve (706) 410-0951, email steve@ karatefire.com.

Jobs Full-time 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! Web Programmer. Must have experience in html, php, mysql, css, flash & ajax. Knowledge of database driven e-commerce systems. PT hrs. avail. Send contact info/portfolio to mark@ volotrading.com.

Opportunities Earn extra income assembling CD cases from home. No experience necessar y. Call our live operators now. (800) 4057619 ext. 2450. http://www. e a s y w o r k - g r e a t p a y. c o m (AAN CAN).

Movie Extras Needed. Earn $150–$300/day. All looks, types & ages. Feature films, TV, commercials, & print. No exp. necessary. (800) 340-8404 ext. 2001 (AAN CAN). Te a c h E n g l i s h A b ro a d ! Be c o m e T E F L c e r ti fi e d . 4 wk. course offered monthly in Prague. Jobs avail. worldwide. Lifetime j o b a s s i s t a n c e . Tu i t i o n : 1300 Euros. http://www. teflworldwideprague.com, info@teflworldwideprague. com (AAN CAN).

Part-time Mystery shoppers earn up to $100/day. Undercover shoppers needed to judge retail & dining establishments. No exp. req’d. (800) 743-8535. PT help needed. Apply within. A-OK Cafe. Apply at 154 College Ave. after 3pm. Project Safe is hiring for t h e p o s i t i o n o f O u t re a c h Services Advocate. Hrs somewhat flexible. 1 evening & Saturday hours req’d. Responsibilities incl. following–up on Hotline calls & other referrals, & providing case mgmt. w/ Outreach clients. Send cover letter & resume to the Lead Outreach Advocate, P.O. Box 7532, Athens GA 30604. No phone calls. EOE.

Vehicles Motorcycles For Sale. 2007 250 Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle. Black w/ red flames. Like new, only 14 mi. Reduced $2K firm. Call (706) 788-3160.

FLAGPOLE.COM ∙ JANUARY 20, 2010

everyday people JUANITA JOHNSON, BUS DRIVER, PASTOR For a great-grandmother, Juanita Johnson is a pretty busy woman. From 6 a.m. to 2 p.m, she drives the Route 20 bus across town to the Georgia Square Mall and back. In the afternoons, she attends classes at Athens Tech, completing the education that was interrupted when she became pregnant, and subsequently married, at the age of 16. Juanita’s evenings and weekends are for her church and her family, which are, as the following conversation shows, not casual obligations. She’s a tirelessly positive woman, one who greets her younger passengers with hugs and kisses and keeps her older passengers posted about job opportunities. I was lucky enough to meet Juanita while taking the 20 to another interview on one cold, wet morning in December. By the end of our time together, which was cumulatively only a little over an hour, I had been drawn in for a hug and promised to send her a postcard from my travels. Flagpole: Do you like your job? Juanita Johnson: I love my job… I’m a people person; I love interacting with people, as you probably already know. I’m Charles-Ryan Barber

smiling ‘cause I’m always in a joyful mood, so I like to make other people’s day. And I love to be a servant, taking care of other people; this is one of the jobs of servitude. FP: Where do you think your joyful mood comes from? JJ: Just loving life, I guess… Passenger: Being a Christian. JJ: Huh? FP: He said it comes from being a Christian. Is that true? JJ: Oh, most definitely. Loving Christ is one of my top priorities. [To exiting passenger] Have a blessed, safe day! FP: Do you say that to everyone that gets off this bus? JJ: That is my motto. And you know what? I started [saying that] nine years ago and I constantly wanted to change it, but the Lord didn’t allow me to change it…because that’s what I mean when I say it. I really pray every day that everybody’s covered on this bus, that they’re safe. FP: Have you ever had an accident? JJ: I was on Broad and a young lady actually pulled across my bus on a motorcycle, and her bike got crushed. By the grace of God, she only came out with scratches… We had to back up this bus three times to get it off of her bike. Like I said, that’s one of the reasons I can’t change my statement, because I know God had to be covering this bus that day and her. FP: So, obviously, you’re religious… are you part of a local church?

JJ: I’m a pastor… that’s one of my positions in this Earth. FP: Wow… Do some people not take you seriously because you’re a woman? JJ: Oh, they don’t. Most of the people don’t take me seriously, and that’s just an ego problem and a tradition… I don’t have any inferiority complex about it, because I know what He has called me to be, so that doesn’t bother me any. FP: But your congregation takes you seriously, I hope… JJ: Oh, they comin’ to hear the word; they know what time it is, yeah. FP: And you’re going to school, too. How do you have the energy for all this? JJ: You know that scripture: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me?” That’s where I get my energy from. I try to eat good and get plenty of rest, just stay happy, really; you need to encourage yourself. FP: Why did you choose to go back to school at this later stage in your life? JJ: It just came a time in my life where I felt like if I had to minister to other people about what they should and should not be doing with their life, and especially the young people of today… I can’t counsel anybody’s child, saying “You need to stay in school.” Well, hey, the pastor didn’t go. The pastor didn’t finish. That’s like being a part of the false prophets—when you’re preaching one thing and you’re not doing it yourself. FP: Do you have any spare time at all? JJ: When I’m at home my grand-babies are there; my great-grand-babies are there. My husband, I have to find time for him… We try to pick one day out of the week and just shut down for that time. I don’t even try to answer no phones, run to the door, taking nobody anywhere. You have to find that quiet place. FP: Is there any job out there that you would dislike? JJ: I don’t want to work at the poultry [plant]… not that it doesn’t pay good, [but] I’ve always been afraid of chickens, and I know they’re dead…[Laughs.] The smell is just repulsive, and several friends that I’ve had that work there, they talk about how cold it is. I don’t like to be cold… I’m a comfortable climate person. FP: What kind of music do you like? JJ: Of course, gospel. Contemporary gospel as well… I was a lover of all kinds of music growing up, so I learned to appreciate different kinds of music. The music part I don’t listen to as much as the words. That’s the main thing… if I gotta hear a song, the beat doesn’t get me until I really hear what the words are saying. FP: That’s funny, I’m kind of the opposite. I’m really into the “sound” of the music, and if the lyrics are good, that’s a bonus. JJ: Growing up, I felt that way, the way you’re saying, but after I got older I learned that a lot of the songs that I was listening to—the words didn’t make life sense, you know what I’m saying? So, I [was] just listening to a bunch of crap… this is what I have to tell myself and my family: whatever you listen to or see, it gets in your spirit… it gets in your train of thought, it comes back, it records itself. Jeff Gore

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