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APRIL 6, 2022 · VOL. 36 · NO. 13 · FREE

Night Palace

The Shimmering Dream Pop of Diving Rings p. 13

F L A GP OL E .C OM · A P R IL 6, 2022

contents

this week’s issue JASON THRASHER

GLOBAL GEORGIA

UPCOMING PUBLIC EVENTS The 2022 Global Georgia Initiative public events series continues throughout the Spring. All events are open to the public, but online events require advance registration.

Full schedule & details at willson.uga.edu

GEORGIA MUSEUM OF ART SCULPTURE GARDEN

A Life in Poetry Provost’s Seminar Series

Jahan Ramazani

In celebration of National Poetry Month, Athens’ first Poet Laureate Jeff Fallis will read selected poems at the ACC Library on Sunday, Apr. 10. For more information, visit athenslibrary.org/athens.

This Modern World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Commission District 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 BOE District 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Mall Redevelopment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Threats & Promises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Calendar Picks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Bulletin Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Art Around Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Live Music Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Adopt Me . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Puzzles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Hey Bonita . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Grub Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Curb Your Appetite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

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

Jail Understaffing NEWS: Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Unhoused Camp Opens MUSIC: Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Night Palace’s Diving Rings MUSIC: Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Drive-By Truckers’ Biography COURTESY OF FRED MOORMAN

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR & PUBLISHER Alicia Nickles PUBLISHER Pete McCommons PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Larry Tenner ADVERTISING SALES Landon Bubb, Jessica Pritchard Mangum CITY EDITOR Blake Aued ARTS & MUSIC EDITOR Jessica Smith EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Sam Lipkin

The Lost Children Archive

Betty Jean Craige Lecture

Valeria Luiselli A P R I L 18 TH 4 PM

Online

Ryan Emanuel “On the Swamp: Indigenous Erasure, Environmental Justice, and the Transformation of North Carolina’s Coastal Plain” Odum Environmental Ethics Lecture

Fred Moorman

OFFICE MANAGER & DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Zaria Gholston CLASSIFIEDS Zaria Gholston AD DESIGNERS Chris McNeal, Cody Robinson PHOTOGRAPHER Sarah Ann White CONTRIBUTORS Gordon Lamb, Lee Shearer, Chad Radford CIRCULATION Ilaina Burns, Charles Greenleaf, Carrie Harden, Taylor Ross EDITORIAL INTERN Violet Calkin COVER PHOTOGRAPH of Avery Draut by Maggie Swain (see story on p. 13) STREET ADDRESS: 220 Prince Ave., Athens, GA 30601 MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. Box 1027, Athens, GA 30603 EDITORIAL: 706-549-9523 · ADVERTISING: 706-549-0301 · FAX: 706-548-8981 CLASSIFIED ADS: class@flagpole.com ADVERTISING: ads@flagpole.com CALENDAR: calendar@flagpole.com EDITORIAL: editorial@flagpole.com

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VOLUME 36 ISSUE NUMBER 13

PLEASE VAX UP SO WE DON’T NEED TO

Association of Alternative Newsmedia

MASK UP AGAIN

comments section “Are most of these April Fools’ Day candidates?” — Jennifer Weishaupt From “Meet the Five Challengers for Athens-Clarke County Mayor” at flagpole.com.

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ICU bed space remained the same this week, at 81% capacity and 57 patients in the ICU. While deaths have slowed in recent weeks, one Clarke County resident died of COVID-19 last week. In the two previous weeks, five Clarke County residents died from the virus. Since the beginning of the pandemic, at least 215 Athens residents By Blake Aued and Jessica Luton news@flagpole.com have died of COVID-19, according to Georgia Department of Public Health data. Athens voters ousted longtime Sheriff Ira Wastewater data continues to provide ered a form of punishment,” she said. Edwards and elected new Sheriff John Q. more detailed insight into viral levels for ACC Commissioner Mariah Parker said Williams in 2020 in large part because of the community. According to UGA profesthey’ve seen a spike in calls from constitreports of poor conditions at the county sor Erin Lipp’s wastewater lab data report uents about conditions at the jail over the jail. But since Williams took over, an underfor the week, viral levels remained similar past six months, including complaints staffing problem at the jail is growing even to the previous week, but levels at the three about high charges for phone calls, female worse, according to a former jail employee wastewater plants varied compared to the deputies sexually harrassing male inmates, who served under both administrations. previous week, when numbers were highthe mental health effects of lockdowns and A 2019 Athens-Clarke County audit est at the Eastside plant. This week, the lack of proper medical care. found that the jail was severely underGoings said she alerted higher-ups to her lab data showed that levels at the Eastside staffed. The Athens Anti-Discrimination plant, referred to as Water Reclamation concerns, including filing about 15 comMovement held a town hall meeting Mar. Facility C, declined slightly but increased at plaints with human resources and speaking 31 on conditions at the jail. both WRF A, which processes waste from to Mayor Kelly Girtz and Manager Blaine The jail is fully staffed at 22 deputies, UGA, downtown and northern Athens, Williams. No one did anything, though, she but under Edwards there were normally and WRF B, which serves the area west of said. 13–17 deputies on duty per shift, and As a constitutional officer and an elected Milledge Avenue. just 12 under Williams, according to Maj. Vaccination rates slowed again this week, official, the sheriff isn’t beholden to the Jessica Goings, a former jail commander with just 74 new first doses and 81 second county manager or the mayor and commiswho said she left the sheriff’s department doses administered to Athens residents. To sion, but the commission sets the budget in February for medical reasons. date, 66,381 resifor the sheriff’s “As of last week, there were four units or 53%, have department. “The The future may look something dents, locked down with no officer inside them,” received at least one mayor and commislike the seasonal flu. Goings said. This means inmates spent 23 dose of the vaccine sion decides how hours per day inside their pods, with meals and 61,741 resimuch money the jail brought to them and, in some cases, no dents, or 49%, have been fully vaccinated. gets,” Parker said. “That is an opportunity access to showers. About 49% of fully vaccinated residents for leverage.” The jail is divided into pods—essenhave received a booster shot. Fourth shots In particular, Parker criticized the longtially dormitories with individual cells for are now available for people ages 65 and up. standing practice of hiring a for-profit comsleeping and a common area—observed At UGA, for the week of Mar. 21, there pany to operate the jail’s phone system, for by a single deputy. If an altercation breaks were 55 vaccine doses administered, with which ACC receives a portion of the profits. out, the deputy calls in a backup team. But 33,593 doses administered in all and an “Nobody should be making profits off of when the jail is short staffed, “they did not additional 5,833 booster doses adminispeople who are just trying to stay in touch know if anybody would respond,” according with their loved ones who are incarcerated,” tered to date. Surveillance testing decreased to Stephanie Maddox-Johnson, a former to just 173 tests for the week, compared they said. Athens-Clarke County internal auditor who to 262 tests the previous week. There were The fiscal 2023 budget process is curinvestigated the jail’s staffing levels. 13 positive cases self-reported through the rently underway, with Girtz expected to Maddox-Johnson also found that staffrelease a proposed budget toward the end of DawgCheck app. ing levels “had a significant impact on President Biden’s new COVID-19 “testthe month, followed by public hearings and employee morale,” leading to high turnover commission work sessions. “This is the time to-treat” program, which facilitates testing rates. To keep deputies from calling in sick, and antiviral treatment as a one-stop shop of year to address [issues of incarceration], Edwards instituted a policy requiring a docat pharmacies across the country, has been more than any other time of year, and pertor’s note. He also pulled deputies off duty haps with this commission more than other slow to get up and running. However, a serving warrants to work at the jail, leading new website released last week, COVID.gov, commissions to come,” Parker said. to a backlog of warrants. Williams was invited to attend the town Williams, then a sergeant with ACCPD, hall meeting or send a representative, defeated fellow Democrat Edwards and AADM co-founder Knowa Johnson said, but Republican Robert Hare on a promise to he declined. Williams also did not respond improve morale within the department. “It to a request for comment from Flagpole by all starts with how you treat people, and the print deadline. [Blake Aued] I think that’s the most important thing: treating people with dignity and respect. We need to change the culture,” he told While new COVID-19 cases for Clarke Flagpole in 2020. County remain low, there was a slight “What John Q. was saying, I bought it. increase in new cases and hospitalizations I drank the Kool-Aid,” said Goings, who last week. Athens residents had 61 conworked at the jail for 25 years. However, Williams put more emphasis on community firmed cases last week, compared to just 33 for the two weeks prior. To date, 26,173 outreach, warrants and the courthouse Athens residents have tested positive for while allowing the jail to languish, accordcoronavirus. ing to Goings. The seven-day moving average increased With little supervision, inmates began smuggling synthetic marijuana and fentanyl last week to 5.5, compared to 1.1 on Mar. 25 However, the higher numbers could into the jail—sometimes with the help of be at least partially explained by a testing deputies, Goings said. Last April, she said company’s data dump on Mar. 30, when 13 she noticed inmates “acting zombie-like, cases were reported locally. going into convulsions.” An internal invesSixteen Athens residents were hospitaltigation found that “there were officers who ized for COVID-19 last week, bringing the were part of bringing in the contraband,” total to 1,164 Athenians hospitalized to she said. date. For the region, COVID-19 hospitalIn addition, Goings, who is Black, said izations remain relatively low. As of Apr. 1, there is a racial divide within the departnine patients in the region, or 1.5% of all ment. “We do have white officers who are patients, are hospitalized with the virus. being sent back to the jail, and it is consid-

Lockdowns at the Jail

THE AADM INVESTIGATES JAIL CONDITIONS AND MORE LOCAL NEWS

“

provides an easy way to find antiviral treatment or “test-to-treat” locations in the area. As of Apr. 1, just one local pharmacy—the Kroger on Highway 29—offers the new program. An opinion piece in the New York Times, written by scientists who study how viruses evolve and complete with detailed graphic explainers, was of particular note to many in the scientific community last week. The authors “expect SARS-CoV-2 will continue to cause new epidemics, but they will increasingly be driven by the ability to skirt the immune system. In this sense, the future may look something like the seasonal flu, where new variants cause waves of cases each year. If this happens, which we expect it will, vaccines may need to be updated regularly similar to the flu vaccines unless we develop broader variant-proof vaccines. “And of course, how much all this matters for public health depends on how sick the virus makes us,” the authors contend. “That is the hardest prediction to make, because evolution selects for viruses that spread well, and whether that makes disease severity go up or down is mostly a matter of luck… Updated or improved vaccines and other measures that slow transmission remain our best strategies for handling an uncertain evolutionary future.” [Jessica Luton]

Election Section At least three candidate forums are planned for this month as the May 24 election approaches. On Saturday, Apr. 9, the AADM will host mayoral candidates from 1–2 p.m. at the ACC Library. At least four candidates will attend, but Mara Zúñiga declined and Fred Moorman has not confirmed. The preservation group Historic Athens is holding a candidate forum Monday, Apr. 11 at its office in Firehall No. 2 on Prince Avenue. School board candidates will go on at 5:30 p.m., commission candidates at 6:30 p.m. and mayoral candidates at 7:30 p.m. A week later, on Apr. 18, is an Athens Area Chamber of Commerce forum in Piedmont Athens Regional’s John Drew Auditorium on King Avenue, starting at 6:30 p.m. [BA] f

Uptick in COVID Cases

A P R IL 6, 2022 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

feature

ISABELLA MORGAN

news

A First Step

NEW CAMP IS A TRANSITION FOR UNHOUSED ATHENS RESIDENTS

By Violet Calkin news@flagpole.com

ISABELLA MORGAN

harles Hardy arrived at Athens’ new It was initially approved by a 6–5 vote in government-sanctioned homeless August, with Mayor Kelly Girtz breaking encampment a few hours early on the tie. In December, the commission unanMar. 17. The president of Athens Alliance imously voted to award the contract to the Coalition, the organization tasked with sole applicant, Athens Alliance Coalition, running the encampment, Hardy wanted despite concerns about its inexperience and to get a head start on preparations for its capacity. second day of operation. He was met by First Step did not open to residents until eight unhoused people already hoping to mid-March, Hardy says, because of insurenter—a number that only mounted. ance-related postponements. Nevertheless, The camp, called First Step, aims to give First Step was sheltering 38 unhoused unhoused Athenians a safe and comfortable people by its second day, with 45 additional place to reside while helping them seek per- individuals seeking a spot. The majority of manent housing. Though initial challenges tents at First Step are occupied by former delayed opening by nearly residents of unofficial three months, Hardy says camps, primarily in North the project has not faced Oconee River Park and any significant obstacles “Cooterville,” located since opening its gates. under a CSX railroad “Everything has been bridge over Willow Street. running so smoothly. The Hardy says he has only thing that I can say heard only positive is we can’t get the tents remarks about residents’ up fast enough,” he says. new living arrangements. Hardy originally “I asked a lady yesterday, aimed to open First Step ‘How do you feel?’ and for removed residents she said, ‘Man, I’m loving in December, after the this,’” Hardy says. “I’ve Athens-Clarke County been trying to tell the Commission awarded a community, the politi$2.5 million contract to cians, that this is what AAC to create and operate Athens Alliance Coalition Executive they needed. This is what Director Charles Hardy First Step earlier that they wanted.” month. The contract, Located at 1000 funded out of the nearly $60 million ACC Barber St., outside the vacant former received from the federal American Rescue North Athens School, First Step has a maxPlan Act, allows for a year of operation with imum capacity of 55 people. Fifty tents a potential 10-month renewal. are available, with five reserved for emerCommissioners Mariah Parker and Tim gencies. AAC provides a cot, blanket and Denson initially conceived of the counhygiene products, in addition to allocating ty-owned camp as a temporary way to help donations received from outside parties. unhoused individuals camping on private Residents are served meals twice a day at property who were at risk of being kicked a kitchenette area, and around-the-clock out and their belongings thrown away. security ensures a safe environment.

Tents at the new First Step homeless camp off Barber Street.

In addition to providing the necessities, AAC aims to assist First Step’s population in getting back on their feet and into permanent housing. Representatives from Advantage Behavioral Health Systems visit twice a day to give mental health counseling, help residents obtain documents like Social Security cards and driver’s licenses, and begin saving money. Hardy says residents can remain on the property 24 hours a day and are allowed to stay as many nights as it takes to get them permanently housed. First Step is fully staffed with 17 employees, including a project director, security personnel and camp assistants, who help residents make shopping trips and do laundry. AAC is young, and First Step is their largest operation yet, but Hardy is confident in his staff. The majority of them have years of experience working with the homeless, he says, and are fully equipped to run First Step effectively. Marian Strozer, a security guard and driver in his first week on the job, has found his work both enjoyable and meaningful thus far. “I’m fortunate to be doing what I’m doing,” Strozer says. “It puts a smile on my face, knowing they [residents] don’t have to be on the streets or out in the woods, that they have a place they can come.” The majority of the encampment—the

handicapped and regular tents, shipping container with donations and supplies, administrative trailer, bathrooms, kitchenette and shed—are located on the property of, rather than inside, the old North Athens School. Hardy says that tents are the preference of the homeless community he serves, but he’d still like to gain enough funding to utilize the building in the future. Currently, a few exposed rooms of the building are being refitted to serve residents. A heated room for cold nights, game room with a pool table and TVs, computer room and locker room are in progress. Long-term, ACC has another $5 million in ARPA funds set aside for a strategic plan to address homelessness that could be spent on more permanent shelter arrangements. ACC purchased the North Athens School from the Clarke County School District in 2016 and eventually plans to use the property to expand the water treatment plant next door. Hardy says that anyone who is willing to lend a hand to First Step, whether through donations or volunteering, can contact him at athensalliancecoalitionllc.com. “It takes a community to help a community,” he says. “It’s not about me, and it’s not about my organization—it’s about the homeless people. I’m excited that we’re now fully able to help them.” f

LORAINE WILLIAMS POETRY PRIZE READING

ILYA KAM IN S K Y 2020 JUDGE

A RT HUR S Z E 2021 JUDGE

HANNAH PERRIN KING 2020 WINNER

MATHEW WEITMAN 2021 WINNER

TUESDAY, APRIL 12TH | 5:30 – 8:00 pm @ CINÉ Open to the public and free of charge, with a book signing during intermission at 6:30 p.m. Copies of the poets’ books and The Georgia Review will be available for purchase. Ciné requires all attendees to show proof of vaccination or proof of negative Covid test within 72 hours.

F L A GP OL E .C OM · A P R IL 6, 2022

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feature

Commission District 1

TEACHER AUDREY HUGHES CHALLENGES INCUMBENT PATRICK DAVENPORT

By Lee Shearer news@flagpole.com

thens-Clarke County Commission races this year include just one in which an incumbent faces opposition—District 1, where science teacher Audrey Hughes is campaigning to take the seat held by one-term incumbent and entrepreneur Patrick Davenport. But because of drastically changed district lines, the candidates are wooing a different electorate. Many of the District 1 voters who will cast ballots in the May 24 election voted in other districts two or four years ago. Odd-numbered districts are up for grabs this year; even-numbered districts go before voters in 2024, which means voters who’ve been moved from an even-numbered to an odd-numbered district will get to vote again for a commissioner after only a two-year gap, while those voters who’ve been shifted from an odd-numbered to an even district will have waited six years to vote for a commissioner by the time the 2024 election comes around. The old District 1, the largest district geographically, encompassed a broad slice of eastAudrey Hughes ern Clarke County, much of it rural and including the Winterville area. Now Winterville and much of the old District 1 are in the new District 3, which used to be made up of downtown and neighborhoods to the west. The new District 1 includes a chunk of the old District 1 in southeastern ACC, but expands to the north and slightly to the west to take in voters that had been in other districts, mainly District 8, where incumbent Carol Myers won’t be up for re-election until 2024, but also from other districts, including District 7, where incumbent Russell Edwards is one of three elected commissioners being forced out of office because they don’t live within the new commission district lines Republican legislators

FLAG POLE

forced on ACC in this year’s legislative session. Though most Athenians are in a new commission district, voters will still be voting at the same polling places they’ve gone to in the past, said Athens-Clarke Director of Elections and Voter Registration Charlotte Sosebee. The voter registration office plans to send out cards to every active voter telling them their new local and state districts—and every voter is in a new district of one sort or another, since state legislature districts have not only new lines but new numbers. If you don’t get one of those cards in the next few weeks, it could mean that you’ve been dropped from voter rolls, and you should contact the Board of Elections. The old District 1 had a history of electing relatively conservative commissioners, and Davenport has followed in that moderate mold by sometimes siding with the commission’s more conservative members—Allison Wright, Mike Hamby and Ovita Thornton—such as opposing a plan crafted by progressives for spending more than $30 million in federal funding from the American Rescue Plan. But Davenport did not join those three in effectively endorsing the Republican redistricting plan that threw three of their more liberal colleagues— Edwards, Melissa Link and Tim Denson— out of office. He has also backed measures such as one pledging the county to convert to 100% green energy. In replying to some questions posed by Flagpole, Davenport said the major issues facing Athens-Clarke are the same as when he first ran four years ago. “Poverty, affordable housing and building a better Athens,” he wrote. “These three issues can’t be solved within three years, also considering that COVID halted progress and made these

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issues worse. We have made some great about positive changes that re-invigorate strides, and we need to stay focused to the Classic City and serve all the people that make sure we reach the goal line.” live here, especially those that feel like they Asked to name some commission accom- have been forgotten and forsaken.” plishments he takes pride in, Davenport Asked to name major issues facing the mentioned bringing redress to residents community, Hughes said, “Athens-Clarke on Dunlap and Pittard roads who have County has more needs than its tax base been impacted by the county landfill and can support.” nearby industry, and a policy he wrote With not only those living in poverty but requiring the government and those who middle-class citizens struggling, “We must use Athens-Clarke facilities to use recyclafind a way to expand our tax base,” she ble or biodegradable materials. “We have wrote. “[The] mayor and commission should made tremendous strides towards equity; work hard to recruit new businesses to crewe have worked hard making Athens betate well-paying jobs, and to keep businesses ter. We have devoted countless efforts into already here… Athens is in crisis, and I want affordable housing, youth development to work to find a viable solution.” and improving our EMS response times. We have [a] $15 starting wage for county employees. East Athens is seeing signs of life again… There is still more work to be done, still more progress to be made, so why quit now?” As a commissioner, Davenport is routinely in the news, but last September made the wrong kind of news when he was arrested for DUI. He subsequently pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges, receiving a sentence of fines, a year of probation and 40 hours of community service. “I have to live with this Patrick Davenport burden for the rest of my life,” he wrote when asked for comment. “Pray for me and Hughes wants to see bus service always love one another!” extended to Barnett Shoals and Whit Davis While Davenport has the name recognielementary schools, and an expansion of tion of the incumbent, Hughes is far from the free ACC Lift services countywide to unknown in District 1, especially among benefit people with physical challenges. parents and students in Clarke public Hughes also pledges on her website to schools. A teacher with more than 30 years work for environmental protection, improvof experience, Hughes brought national ing community safety and for “responsible recognition to students at Hilsman Middle taxation and spending.” School with the success of a school-wide Like Davenport, Hughes sees affordable “Trash Hunger Campaign” in which stuhousing as one of the community’s hardest dents earned money for the Food Bank of challenges. Remedies could include basing Northeast Georgia and UNICEF by collectproperty tax rates on 2018 valuations, ing and recycling non-traditional items adopting ordinances to restrict short-term such as juice pouches and small appliances. rentals and working with neighboring counHughes taught science at Hilsman from ties Oconee, Barrow, Jackson, Madison and 2012–2020; now she’s based at Clarke Oglethorpe to shoulder some of the load. Middle School in a new role working with “None of those counties would be thriving students and teachers at both schools. without Athens taking the brunt of poverty A native of Doerun in South Georgia, in this area,” she wrote. Hughes came to see Athens as a place of Voters can learn more about Hughes opportunity and hope in childhood trips and Davenport on their campaign websites: here for academic competitions, the state patrickdistrict1.com for Davenport, audreyscience fair and 4-H activities. “Now that forathens.poliengine.com for Hughes. The I am a resident, I see that some Athenians deadline to register to vote in the May 24 are left out of opportunities and seem to election is Apr. 25, and early voting begins have lost hope,” she wrote. “I want to bring May 2. f

THE ATHENS CHAUTAUQUA SOCIETY PRESENTS

Jacqueline Kennedy

FIRST LADY OF GRACE AND STYLE

THURSDAY, APRIL 21 | 6:45 P.M. 440 FOUNDRY PAVILION AT THE CLASSIC CENTER FREE EVENT | ATHENSCHQ.ORG A P R IL 6, 2022 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

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feature

School Board District 1 JAMES ALEXANDER AND HEIDI HENSLEY SEEK BOE SEAT

By Violet Calkin news@flagpole.com

he Clarke County School District’s next system, Alexander said he runs a variety of Board of Education will have its hands programs and enrollments with high schools full finding a new superintendent and mitithroughout North Georgia. Additionally, he gating learning loss. District One represenhas taught several job readiness courses to tative Greg Davis is set to vacate his seat in students both with and without disabilities December, and two candidates are running and is well-versed in budgeting. to take his place: James Alexander and Opposing candidate Hensley recently Heidi Hensley. decided to leave her position as art teacher In screening clients for training proat Hilsman Middle School after two years, grams at Goodwill of North Georgia, but still wanted to serve CCSD. When news Alexander noticed that of a vacated seat reached individuals with regular her, she jumped at the education diplomas strugopportunity to be an gled to qualify for further insider voice on the BOE. education and lacked “Teachers are employable skills. He exhausted. We need to decided he would run for stop hiring at the top levschool board in response. els and start putting more His primary agenda bodies into our schools is to prepare students now,” Hensley said. “I for employment, not am going to be a big loud just through the Career voice for the people that Academy, but with a curare on the ground every riculum to educate them day. Let’s get more teachon what going to work ers, parapros and EIP every day truly entails. teachers into our school Supporting students with to actually target groups disabilities is a particular that need help. If we do passion of Alexander’s. He James Alexander that, it’ll solve way more wants to expand testing problems than just test for disabilities and boost resources for stuscores—it’ll solve behavior problems; it’ll dents and their families. solve social and emotional problems.” “I want to make sure that our students Hensley hopes to call attention to the can compete on a global level and have unreaped potential of being a charter sysoptions to expand beyond Athens-Clarke tem. Developing a STEAM or Montessori County,” Alexander said. “We need to be school and creating jump classes for lagging making sure that we are doing the things students are just a few options she’d like to necessary to ensure that our kids can comexplore. The charter system could also allow pete with everybody around us.” Local School Governance Teams to hone in A resident of Athens for 13 years, on the distinct needs of each school. Alexander will become a CCSD parent in the “Chase Street has a different need than fall when his child transfers from the Athens Gaines School. Hilsman has a different need Montessori School to a public elementary than Coile. LSGTs and the school board school. Though not currently a part of the need to work in complete unison,” Hensley

said. “The school board doesn’t need to make blanket decisions for the entire county. We need to start thinking about individual schools and what they need.” In addition to teaching, Hensley is a local artist, business owner and parent of six CCSD students. She has never held public office before, but served on the LSGT of Whit Davis Elementary for two years. Though Superintendent Xernona Thomas is retiring at the end of 2022, a permanent superintendent is not expected to be hired before new board members take office. Hensley desires someone knowledgeable about the culture and unique needs of CCSD. Experience reviving failing schools is a bonus, but most important to her is that the superintendent listens to and values the voices of individuals in schools every day. “I want someone who’s willing to put humanity over data and policy,” Hensley said. “A lot of times these upper level sections don’t go into the schools. I want somebody Heidi Hensley who is willing to—even if they’re not from here—go into our school systems, meet with our teachers, meet with our students, sit in the classroom, understand what our community looks like and what the needs are.” Alexander is seeking a superintendent interested in the needs of every student, including those with disabilities and other barriers, to set them up for bright futures. “I want to find a superintendent that has the vision of inclusivity for all the students that are served in Athens-Clarke County,” Alexander said. “They need to make sure that all students have access to not just the quality education, but an education that sets them apart from the surrounding counties so they can compete not just on a local level, but a national and international level as well.” Learning loss and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to challenge CCSD. Alexander said the district

became too reliant on digital learning during the pandemic. “We need to make sure that there are some outlets and some avenues for students to do some hands-on things and get with their peers so they can work on those social emotional skills,” Alexander said. Hensley called for providing students opportunities to be creative. “We have to diversify and differentiate our education system,” she said. “If you give kids more opportunities to get in their niche, and what they’re good at, that’s going to get achievement up.” Most important to Hensley is bringing in more staff to assist teachers. “Teachers don’t have time in the day to differentiate a lesson for 22 kids when you’ve got eight that need different things,” Hensley said. “I think we’ve failed in that we’re just pushing kids ahead when we don’t need to be. These kids are being lumped in with people who already know how to do algebra, but they didn’t get the basics. We’ve got to start on the ground level and get the basics.” Placing trust in teachers is paramount, Alexander said. Without respect for the hard work and expertise of classroom teachers, CCSD won’t be an attractive workplace. “If you’re not a teacher, you don’t understand some of those things that they’re dealing with on a regular basis,” Alexander said. “We need to always be an advocate for teachers, and also make sure that teachers understand that we want to hear what you have to say and what you think is going to work for improving classroom relations with students.” As one herself, amplifying the voices of teachers is important to Hensley. “So many teachers are passionate about the kids in Clarke County and getting these kids up. It’s not who we’re hiring. It’s what we’re doing after we hire; it’s the support that we’re giving teachers after we hired them,” she said. f

THE MILK CARTON KIDS with MICHAELA ANNE

“A standard bearer for a new generation of folk artists and harmony duos.” —World Cafe

Thurs Apr 14 | 7:30 pm Hodgson Concert Hall UGA Performing Arts Center Evocative lyrics and ethereal harmonies have launched this guitar-playing, Grammy-nominated California duo into the upper echelon of modern American folk music. Critically acclaimed singer-songwriter Michaela Anne opens with material from her most recent album, Desert Dove.

Box Office Mon- Fri, 10 AM-5 PM (706) 542-4400 | pac.uga.edu

F L A GP OL E .C OM · A P R IL 6, 2022

news

feature

What Should Happen to the Mall? PLANS FOR REDEVELOPMENT ARE UNDERWHELMING SO FAR

By Lee Shearer news@flagpole.com

LEE SHEARER

thens-Clarke County officials and neighbors of the for affordable, multi-family housing that is also integrated Georgia Square Mall hope to see a better version with adjacent neighborhoods?” she asked. A good plan of a redevelopment plan for the moribund 77-acre should also help with issues such as the needs for more Atlanta Highway site when the Athens-Clarke County outdoor spaces and better stormwater handling, she said. Planning Commission convenes next week. “Have they included amenities as incubator spaces to stimNearby residents and planning commission members ulate job growth, or gathering spaces to stimulate commufound much to dislike when Oconee County developers nity connections? submitted preliminary plans for a mall makeover earlier “Ignoring these desires dismisses all the time and effort this year. The advisory Planning Commission is scheduled that Athenians put into community-building meetings,” to consider a revised proposal at its next monthly meeting according to Lewis. “A proposal that goes above and beyond Apr. 7. what zoning allows to reach these desires will be embraced That first iteration fell far short of normal requirements by the community and will ultimately be more successful for such development plans. Developers asked for deep than ones that look for variances to do less than the miniexceptions to requirements such as minimum levels of tree mum requirements.” planting, and the plan was unimaginative, some said. Neighbors also feared that an additional estimated 7,000 daily vehicle trips would increase traffic congestion on one of Athens’ most heavily traveled corridors. The first-look plan submitted by Watkinsville land planning consultant Abe Abouhamdan, estimated to cost $426 million, called for demolishing the middle part of the sprawling mall building, where three of four large anchor store spaces are empty, and over several years dotting the big parking lot with multistory apartment buildings—more than 1,000 apartments with nearly 2,000 beds, complemented with restaurants and retail stores, including a grocery store at some point during years of phased construction. Critics also wanted to see more conPlanners hope they’ll get an improved proposal for the half-empty Georgia Square Mall. nectivity within the development and with surrounding neighborhoods—an ironic contrast with reactions when planning Malls in the past were seen as competition for downfor the original mall began in the late 1970s and neighbors towns, but actually were catalysts for downtowns that wanted to be shielded from the big business center. needed to reinvent themselves, she pointed out. That hapThe stakes are high for the community, according to pened in Athens in the 1980s and ‘90s, when a thriving ACC Commissioner Jesse Houle, among others. “I think music scene grew up as downtown Athens repopulated it’s incredibly important to get whatever goes into the itself with bars, music clubs, restaurants and a different mix mall project right. It’s just a staggeringly large thing,” said of retail stores when department stores decamped for the Houle, who represents the mall area. In Houle’s view, what mall. Meanwhile, Georgia Square Mall, like many others, happens at the mall will not only shape development in has grown emptier and emptier in recent years as shoppers the Atlanta Highway corridor now, but “a generation from turned to the internet. now,” just as the mall itself did in its way. Both the developers and the guardians of the city face Principles already formulated in various corridor studchoices, in Lewis’ view. “Do the malls try and embrace the ies and the Envision Athens future growth plan should same characteristics that make downtowns successful, but guide decisions, said Jennifer Martin Lewis, director of the without the benefit of the authenticity and layers of history University of Georgia College of Environment and Design that a city center has?” Lewis said. “Or is there an opporCenter for Community Design and Preservation. Lewis tunity for a completely reimagined development that uses posed a series of questions based on those principles. the inherent qualities of the site—large acreage, access to “Does the current proposal address the need and desire major corridors, single ownership—to create a true des-

tination, distinct from what is available regionally, rather than compete against downtown Athens and the Oconee County shopping centers?” So far, the mall redevelopment proposal falls short of such goals. “It has changed some from the preliminary submittal, not a lot,” with some additional greenspace and trees, Athens-Clarke County Planning Director Brad Griffin told a new advisory committee in a Mar. 22 online meeting. “Still really limited in terms of provision of public infrastructure. It’s basically the loop road, apartments and a lot of parking lots, is the concern that we have at this point,” Griffin told members of a Mall Area Tax Allocation District Advisory Committee. “We’ve still got a lot of things we are looking at closely before we put out our formal report [this] week.” The ACC Mayor and Commission appointed such advisory committees for each of the six tax allocation districts it created in 2020—geographical districts in which additional tax revenue generated by new development over the next 20 years is to be plowed back into the district. The additional money can be used for direct government expenditures, but also for subsidies to developers who promise their project will provide certain “community benefits,” specific goals including infrastructure improvements, bicycle paths and green areas, job creation, youth development and school support, or affordable housing. The would-be mall developers requested a TAD application form but have not submitted it, Caitlyn Dye, Business Development and Incentives Coordinator in AthensClarke’s Economic Development Department, told mall TAD committee members. The committee began organizing itself in weekly meetings earlier this month, anticipating a request for TAD funding from the mall developers. Only one request for TAD money has surfaced so far, Dye told the committee—from investors behind the 501-unit Trinitas project slated to go up on Lexington Road. That real estate team proposed adding a new multi-story building of affordable housing to the project, altering the terms of a planned development blueprint which AthensClarke County commissioners had previously approved, in exchange for $2.9 million in TAD money. But when the advisory committee did the arithmetic, they found that what the developer proposed in community benefits in exchange for the TAD money fell far short of the county’s TAD goals and would tie up for a long time a big chunk of TAD funds available in the district. The county commission rejected the application. The Lexington Road project also revealed a disconnect between requests that go through the Planning Commission and related requests for TAD funding. TAD elements shouldn’t be add-ons after planners and the ACC Commission have approved a development plan, but part of the original plan, Griffin said. “Community benefits should be part of the [planned development] process,” Griffin said. “We don’t think those all need to be funded through the TAD program, in my opinion,” he told the committee. f

FLAGPOLE SUMMER & FALL INTERNSHIPS FOR 2022 Want experience in journalism while working for the coolest publication in town? Send a resume and clips to editorial@flagpole.com A P R IL 6, 2022 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

music

threats & promises

Noise Mountain Releases a Live Record PLUS, MORE MUSIC NEWS AND GOSSIP

By Gordon Lamb threatsandpromises@flagpole.com

... just listen

PLAN AHEAD: Tickets are on sale now for the 2022 Wildwood Revival. This popular destination and camping event, always hosted at Cloverleaf Farm in Arnoldsville, was forced to cancel for COVID-19 the past two years, but is set to occur once again this Sept. 30–Oct. 2. The lineup at Wildwood

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6TH

OPEN MIC

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rock bona fides are unimpeachable, draws deeply from the rich well of latter 20th century rock and roll, punk and hardcore. Without going too into detail on a track-bytrack basis, suffice it to say that, most likely, anyone that appreciates the intersection of Black Flag, Hüsker Dü and Hot Water Music

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has always been carefully constructed, and this year is no different. Featured acts are Black Pumas, Jenny Lewis, The Wood Brothers, John Moreland, Elizabeth Cook, Suzanne Santo, Early James, The Bones of J.R. Jones, The Heavy Heavy, Packway Handle Band, Zach Person, J.P. Harris, The Pink Stones and Leon III. For more information on tickets and camping, please see facebook.com/wildwoodrevival and wild woodrevival.com. HELLO, AGAIN: It’s been a while since Killa Cabbi (aka Cabbage Looper) appeared in these pages, but both he and his associated label Echobass Records have continued to put out a steady stream of music. Cabbi’s music can stretch an expanse of electronic styles that run a narrow gamut between hip hop and video game music. His newest release, Cali Ma, just came out at the beginning of April. While generally a self-contained unit, this release features guest vocals by Ricky B.E. and guest production on two tracks by Dollar (“Casino World [Feat Queen Seeva]”) and MedicusX (“Slowed Down”). This release functions more like a mixtape than a proper album but, as such, it’s also prime cruising material full of low-slung beats—exemplified best by “Just Doin’ My Job”—and it’s already spring, so go ahead and roll the windows down. Find this at echobassrecords. bandcamp.com. RAISE YOUR VOICE IN SWELLS: As a general rule, I’m not immediately partial to live records unless there was something particularly spectacular about a certain show. That said, the new live record by Noise Mountain— Live: Southern Brewing January 7, 2022—is pretty killer. The band, whose own punk

F L A GP OL E .C OM · A P R IL 6, 2022

will dig this a whole lot. I sure did. Discover it over at thenoisemountain.bandcamp. com, and pledge your loyalty at facebook. com/NoiseMountain. STEAL AWAY: Ryan Ward (Midnight Mac) is an Athens-based songwriter who hails from Rome, GA but is embedded in schoolwork at UGA for the time being. His band released an EP last year, but he’s been pushing further out as a solo artist lately. To wit, he’s got a new single out on Friday, Apr. 8 named “All You Wanted,” and it’s got kind of a dark yacht-rock vibe about it. That is, it comes on smooth with its horn arrangements and lush percussion, but has a decidedly moody emotional component. He also released a single last month, “This Time,” and it too swims in the moody end of the pool, but even with its nice acoustic plucking packs less of a punch than this newest one. Find him on Spotify. SUNRISE SERVICE: Ranjan Avasthi and Sofie Lute are the leaders of The Rishis (Cloud Recordings) and have a new single out now in anticipation of a full-length album, August Moon, to be released later this year. The single, “Wake Up,” is a poignant prayer of sorts urging listeners to pay attention to the world around them and turn off talking heads and the noisiest voices. Musically speaking, it’s a softly focused, shimmering track with a healthy list of guests. These include Scott Spillane (The Gerbils), John Kiran Fernandes (Olivia Tremor Control), James Husband (Great Lakes), Peter Alvanos (Elf Power) and others. The track was recorded at Amplify Studio, which is operated by Nuçi’s Space. Find this and listen in over at cloudrecordings.bandcamp. com. f

arts & culture

calendar picks

PERFORMANCE | THU, APR 7–SUN, APR 10

MERGENCE

UGA New Dance Theatre • 8 p.m. • $12–$16

The UGA Department of Dance presents MERGENCE, its spring faculty concert, over the course of several days. Showcasing 11 different works choreographed by staff and guests, the performances vary from classical ballet to contemporary and jazz dance with the accompaniment of live JACKIE LEE YOUNG

Buffalo Nichols

music. The diversity of the event embraces a range of artistic voices that celebrates the depth of the emerging student artists. This year’s guest choreographers are Virginia Carver, UGA Department of Dance professor emerita, and Seyong Kim, international professional ballet artist and 2021–22 Franklin Visiting Scholar. This captivating display hopes to spark the imagination of the audience and demonstrate the versatility of dance. [Sam Lipkin]

val is a special performance by the Kenya Safari Acrobats. There’s also a chance to win prizes if you pick up a “passport” at the International Student Life tent. [SL] MUSIC | SAT, APR 9

Buffalo Nichols

The Lewis Room • 6–11 p.m. • $12 (adv.), $15

World traveler Carl “Buffalo” Nichols is a storyteller who has questioned how to bring traditional blues into the modern world since picking up the guitar as a young man. After traveling overseas, Nichols settled back in America ready to play the blues more seriously after gaining a better understanding of the genre. His self-titled debut album released in October embodies Black storytelling in the folk and blues genres, with the intent for “Black people to hear themselves in this music that is truly theirs,” says Nichols. Rather than leaning into stereotypes or generalizations, the songwriter ruminates on topics such as empathy and living too close to the edge. The result is a thoughtful conversation speckled with autobiographical anecdotes. Nichols recently performed on NPR Music’s “Tiny Desk (Home) Concert” series in addition to being featured in Rolling Stone. [SL] ART | SUN, APR 10

Linnentown Quilt Project

6TH ANNUAL VIC CHESNUTT SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR AWARD EVENT

Thursday, April 28,

2022 @ 7:00 p.m.

The 40 Watt Club Tickets: $20 each Performances by Ben de la Cour, last year’s winners: Cassie Chantel & WesdaRuler, & 2022 Finalists

Todd Emily Community Foundation

Dick & Susan Field

Georgia Museum of Art • 1–3 p.m. • FREE!

The destruction of the Linnentown neighborhood on Baxter Street to make way for UGA residence halls in 1962 has initiated larger conversations in recent years. After hearing Hattie Thomas Whitehead’s account of being forced out of her family home, three art education graduate stu-

EVENT | SAT, APR 9

International Street Festival

Tate Student Center • 12–5 p.m. • FREE!

Promoting internationalization and cultural awareness within the Athens community since 1999, the annual event is back to its full in-person The Linnentown Quilt Project celebration. Having moved from its historical location dents at UGA began the Linnentown Quilt on College Avenue, the event will continue Project to honor the memories and stories outdoors on UGA’s campus at the Tate of first descendants. The quilt is on display Center promenade, lawns and plaza. It is with a tour led by Gabriella Victorio focusa family-friendly festival that has boasted ing on works of art centered on community thousands of attendees in years past, feaand Lou Stovall’s exhibition. Master printturing performances, activities and food maker Stovall lived in the Linnentown area from countries all around the world. This as a child, and his works are inspired by his unique experience is an opportunity to life, nature and his poetic meditations. His explore and honor many different cultures exhibition, “Of Land and Origins,” is on diswithout ever leaving Athens. One of the play through Sunday, May 29. [SL] f highlights not to miss at this year’s festi-

Eastcreek Photography

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · A P R IL 6, 2022

music

feature

The Exhilarating Magic of Night Palace FALL INTO THE LUSH DREAMSCAPES OF DIVING RINGS

By Chad Radford music@flagpole.com

mid the delicate and pastel dreamscape that takes shape within Night Palace’s video for the song “Titania,” one could be forgiven for not catching the deluge of rich symbolism unfolding between every note and every scene—at least upon first taking it all in. Of course, the song’s title evokes the fairy queen who appears in William Shakespeare’s Athenian comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream. So naturally, one should expect the moon, flowers and every other piece of imagery that appears throughout the 11-song album to come bearing more than meets the eye. In conversation, Night Palace’s principal songwriter and vocalist, Avery Draut, explains that, beyond the Shakespearen reference, “Titania” is a portrait of her grandmother, Sarah Herbert, who passed away just a few years ago. MAGGIE SWAIN

“I wrote the song while my grandmother was slowing down, and my two aunts had come to take full-time care of her in a house near Jackson, MS,” Draut says. “Visiting there was like walking into this magical, beautiful world where there was time and space for people to care for each other. The slowness and the deliberate pace of my aunts’ and my dad’s care for my grandmother was super special. The lyrics capture a sort of crossover between a fantasy world and the actual setting.” With each new detail that Draut brings up in lyrics such as, “Titania, reclining on a throne of irises / Swan perm loosened into waves of champagne,” layers of visual cues spring to life. “The irises that I mention are a painting that my aunt Kaki made, which was hanging in the house, and my grandmother always had her hair permed; it was very Swan-like,” Draut says. The Snellville native earned a degree in classical voice from the University of Georgia’s Hugh Hodgson School of Music, studying mostly opera and art songs. Channeling an intense level of awareness into precious and small details with Night Palace’s sound and vision is a trait that Draut’s grandmother instilled in her. It’s also an instinct that matches her classical training, and a guiding pulse that propels Night Palace’s debut album, Diving Rings, into a fresh and compelling blend of shadowy and elegant indie pop ambience. With co-producer Drew Vandenberg and engineers Andy Lemaster and Jesse Mangum behind the board, the album was released Apr. 1 via Park the Van. “Performing both in the worlds of classical music and indie rock gives you a bit of whiplash,” Draut says. “In my experience, the two realms inspire and strengthen each other artistically, but stylistically I want such different things from each of them. Also my connection to the content of most opera is strained. So much of the classic

repertoire is deeply problematic and that’s a disheartening realization about music that could have such a powerful and meaningful effect.” Since 2016, she has spent her time traveling between her home in Athens and New York City, where she works on the production team for the Metropolitan Opera’s Live In HD series. Draut has also spent time on the road singing backup in former Archers of Loaf and Crooked Fingers songwriter Eric Bachmann’s band. Her voice can be heard on Bachmann’s 2018 album, No Recovery. Other early singles from Diving Rings, such as “Enjoy the Moon!,” “Stranger Powers” and “Nightshade’’ weave a subtle and spacious tapestry that upholds her singularly melodic songwriting that’s carved from big, unencumbered textures, showcasing Draut’s mastery of the beauty of sound itself. The latter single mentioned above, “Nightshade,” refers again to her grandmother, implying that there is an underlying concept at work tying the album together. But through lyrics such as, “Daylight and nightshade with your dark glasses on, ears full of ocean and its shimmering song,” any concept at work relies more on underscoring a greater sense of mystery in life than it does on providing any answers. “The song is about my grandmother as well, and her teaching me to love both the beautiful and the scary parts of the ocean,” Draut admits. “Even though a jellyfish might sting you, it’s totally worth it; the ocean is teeming with life.” At the heart of it all, Draut delivers a vocal performance that draws expressiveness from deep within. On the record, she sings and plays clarinet and keyboards alongside guitar and synth player Dillon McCabe; bass, lap steel, and guitar player Zack Milster; and drummer William Kissane. For the upcoming round of live shows, including the album release party at Buvez with Mia Joy from Chicago on Apr. 24, Draut, Milster and Kissane will be joined by keyboard player Jojo Glidewell (of Montreal) and guitarist Jack Blauvelt (Neighbor Lady, CDSM). A full chamber ensemble of players armed with reed instruments, vibes, strings and more also appear throughout the album, adding lush, sweet orchestration. The true pleasure in the music emanates from the musicians’ interacting with each other, under the full-bodied quietude of Draut’s voice. “Stranger Powers” ups the energy with a number that relives the feelings of elation and empowerment that she felt while riding a skateboard down a hill and being held by a friend. Along the way, Diving Rings takes shape as everything a debut album should be—a collection of shimmering and alluring songs and atmosphere created by a burgeoning songwriter who remains deeply committed to her work. “My grandmother passed away before the pandemic, and she actually got to hear ‘Titania’ before she passed away,” Draut says. “The video was made a couple of years after making the song. It was a big emotional day—it was my birthday—and my friends came together kind of last minute to be in the video with me.” Every song throughout the album is laced with a deep communion with the mysteries of the world, oceanic themes and what she calls the “exhilarating magic” of discovering the wisdom and inspiration left to us by those who came before us. f

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bulletin board Deadline for getting listed in Bulletin Board is every THURSDAY at 5 p.m. for the print issue that comes out the following Wednesday. Online listings are updated daily. Email calendar@flagpole.com.

Art ATHENS CREATIVE DIRECTORY (Athens, GA) The ACD is a platform to connect creatives with patrons. Visual artists, musicians, actors, writers and other creatives are encouraged to create a free listing. athenscreatives@gmail.com, www. athenscreatives.directory CALL FOR ARTISTS AND CURATORS (Lyndon House Arts Center) LHAC invites area artists, artist groups and curators to submit original exhibition proposals. Artists are also invited to submit images of their work for consideration for larger group or themed shows. Exhibitions may be scheduled as far out as three years. Submit an online proposal form. Deadline Apr. 20. accgov.com/lyndonhouse CALL FOR ENTRIES (Athens Institute for Contemporary Art: ATHICA) ATHICA is accepting applications for Artist-in-ATHICA residencies, Solo-Duo-Trio exhibitions and internships. www.athica.org/ updates/call_2022_showcase GET ARTISTIC SPRING MARKET (Creature Comforts Brewing Co.) Seeking artists to participate in the brewery’s eighth anniversary party featuring an outdoor artist market. Apply online. Deadline Apr. 8. Event held May 7, 12–6 p.m. $60. www. getcurious.com JOKERJOKERTV CALL FOR ARTISTS (Online) JOKERJOKERtv is open to ideas and actively accepting proposals for collaboration from visual/musical/video artists and curators living in Athens. Artists worldwide can also submit music videos, short films, skits and ideas to share with a weekly livestream audience. www.jokerjokertv.com/ submit

OPEN STUDIOS (Lyndon House Arts Center) Studio members have access to spaces for painting, printmaking, photography, ceramics, jewelry, fiber and woodworking. Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. $65/month. www. accgov.com/7350/Open-StudioMembership

Classes ACTING FOR CAMERA AND STAGE (work.shop) Learn how to act with professional actor and coach Jayson Warner Smith (“The Walking Dead,” “The Vampire Diaries,” “Outer Banks”). Mondays, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. $400/12 sessions. jwsclassinquiry@jaysonsmith.com, www.jaysonsmith.com/teacher ART CLASSES (K.A. Artist Shop) Taught by James Greer, “Drawing Fundamentals: Perspective and Composition” is held Apr. 12, 19, 26, 6:30–8 p.m. $90. “Landscape Painting from Photographs Class” is held Apr. 13, 20, 27, May 4, 6:30 p.m. $130. Four-week “Intro to Watercolor Painting Classes” begin Apr. 12 or Apr. 14, 10 a.m.–11:30 a.m. $125. “Intro to Printmaking: Linocut Workshop” is held Apr. 24, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. $90. “Printing on Fabric: Printmaking Workshop” is held May 1, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. $105. www.kaartist.com CHAIR YOGA (Sangha Yoga Studio) This class is helpful for flexibility, strength, balance and increasing circulation and energy. All levels welcome. Every Thursday, 12–1 p.m. $16 (drop-in), $72 (six weeks). 706-613-1143 CHAIR YOGA AND MINDFULNESS (Winterville Center for Community and Culture) Nicole Bechill teaches a well-rounded, gentle and acces-

sible chair yoga class to promote breathing, mindfulness and inward listening. Every Monday, 9 a.m. $10. www.wintervillecenter.com CLAY CLASSES (Good Dirt) Registration opens on the 15th of every month for the following month’s classes and workshop. Classes range from wheel, unique handles, hand building sculpture and more. Studio membership is included in class price. www.gooddirt.net COMMUNITY MEDITATION (Rabbit Hole Studios) Jasey Jones leads a guided meditation suitable for all levels that incorporates music, gentle movement and silence. Wednesdays, 6–7 p.m. jaseyjones@gmail. com DEDICATED MINDFULNESS PRACTITIONERS (Online) Weekly Zoom meditations are offered every Saturday at 8:30–9:30 a.m. Email for details. richardshoe@gmail.com INDIGO DYING USING SHIBORI TECHNIQUES (Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation) Learn how to prepare a non-fermented indigo vat and four shibori techniques: arashi, kumo, etajime and a clamped method. Apr. 9, 1–4 p.m. $75–85. www.ocaf.com LINE DANCE (Multiple Locations) Lessons for beginners and beyond are held every first, third and fifth Tuesday, 6:30–8:30 p.m. The second and fourth Tuesdays offer evenings of line dancing, two-step and waltz. Third Tuesdays are hosted at the Bogart Community Center. Other nights are held at Athens VFW. $10. ljoyner1722@att.net MINDFULNESS PRACTICE EVENINGS (Online) Discuss and practice how to change your relationship with difficult thoughts and emotions. Email for the Zoom link. Second Friday of the month, 6–7 p.m. FREE! mfhealy@bellsouth.net

Carolyn Suzanne Schews’ exhibition, “Somewhere Else,” is currently on view at Creature Comforts Brewing Co. through May 15. OPEN/COMMUNITY MEDITATION (Sangha Yoga Studio at Healing Arts Centre) Uma Rose leads a meditation designed to guide participants into stillness and silence. Mondays beginning Apr. 11, 4–5 p.m. Donations encouraged. www. healingartscentre.net PAINTING CLASSES (Private Studio on Athens Eastside) One-on-one or small group adult classes are

offered in acrylic and watercolor painting. Choose day workshops, ongoing weekly classes or feedback sessions. laurenadamsartist@ icloud.com PUBLIC DANCE (The Studio Athens) Beginner Rumba lessons followed by DJ’d waltz, swing, salsa, tango etc. Every fourth Saturday. 7:30–10 p.m. $5 (students), $10 (non-students). www.gmdance.com

SPANISH CLASSES (Athens, GA) For adults, couples and children. Learn from experts with years of professional experience. Contact for details. 706-372-4349, marinabilbao75@gmail.com, www.marinaspain-2020.squarespace.com YOGA CLASSES AND EVENTS (Revolution Therapy and Yoga) “Yoga Flow and Restore with Nicole Bechill” is held Thursdays

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at 5:30 p.m. Online classes include “Trauma Conscious Yoga with Crystal” Thursdays at 6 p.m. and “Yoga for Wellbeing with Nicole Bechill” on Saturdays at 10:45 a.m. www.revolutiontherapyandyoga. com YOGA TEACHER TRAINING (Shakti Power Yoga Athens) Deepen your practice and learn to teach others in person and online during this 200-hour yoga teacher training. June 11–17 and July 9–15. Apply by May 1 to save $400. www. shaktiyogaathens.com/shakti-yogauniversity ZOOM YOGA (Online) Rev. Elizabeth Alder offers “Off the Floor Yoga” (chair and standing) on Mondays at 1:30 p.m. and “Easy on the Mat” yoga classes on Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. Ongoing classes are $5/class or $18/month. 706-612-8077, ommmever@yahoo.com

Events ADVENTURES OF MOANA (Morton Theatre) Dancefx presents a dance and musical production of the Disney classic. Apr. 8, 10 a.m. www. mortontheatre.com ART EVENTS (Georgia Museum of Art) “Tour at Two” is held Apr. 6 at 2 p.m. “Creative Aging Seated Yoga” is held Apr. 7 at 10:30 a.m. “Film: The Medici: Makers of Modern Art” is held Apr. 7 at 7 p.m. “Family Day: Italian Renaissance Festival” is held Apr. 9 at 10 a.m. “Linnentown Quilt Project” is held Apr. 10 at 1 p.m. “Sunday Spotlight Tour” is held Apr. 10 at 3 p.m. “Artful Conversation: Cecily Brown” is held Apr. 13 at 2 p.m. A film screening of “Common Good Atlanta: Breaking Down the Walls of Mass Incarceration” is held Apr. 14 at 7 p.m. www.georgiamuseum.org ATHENS CHAUTAUQUA SOCIETY (Multiple Locations) Actor and historical educator Leslie Goddard performs “Jacqueline Kennedy: First Lady of Grace and Style” at 440 Foundry Pavilion. Apr. 21, 6:45 p.m. FREE! Goddard returns to perform “Eleanor Roosevelt: America’s Extraordinary First Lady” at Trumps Catering. Apr. 22, 2:30 p.m. $50. www.athenschq.org

ATHENS FARMERS MARKET (Multiple Locations) Shop fresh produce, flowers, eggs, meats, prepared foods, a variety of arts and crafts, and live music. Additionally, AFM doubles SNAP dollars spent at the market. Every Saturday at Bishop Park, 8 a.m.–12 p.m. Every Wednesday at Creature Comforts Brewing Co., 5–8 p.m. www.athens farmersmarket.net ATHENS PRIDE + QUEER COLLECTIVE EVENTS (Multiple Locations) Queer Trivia will benefit Boybutante AIDS Foundation at Grindhouse on Apr. 6 at 7 p.m. www.facebook.com/AthensGAPride ATHENS SHOWGIRL CABARET (Multiple Locations) ASC hosts an all-ages drag show at Hendershot’s Coffee on Apr. 9 at 8 p.m. ASC presents an evening of drag and burlesque at Sound Track Bar on Apr. 29 at 8:30 p.m. www.athens showgirlcabaret.com BEEP BASEBALL (South East Clarke Park) Beep baseball is an international sport in which athletes who are blind play with balls that beep and bases that buzz. Apr. 23–24, 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m. www.nbba.org BOGART LIBRARY EVENTS (Bogart Library) “KnitLits Knitting Group” is held every Thursday at 6 p.m. “Mini Bob Ross Paint-Along” is held Apr. 12 at 6 p.m. www.athenslibrary. org/bogart BOYBUTANTE BALL (40 Watt Club) The 31st annual Boybutante Ball is back with a night of fun and tantalizing drag performances. This year’s theme is “Unleashed, The Diva Slays Tonight.” Proceeds benefit HIV/AIDS support, education and prevention. Apr. 23, 8:30 p.m. $25. www.boybutante.org BY YOUR LEAVE FUNDRAISER: FAMILY FUN FRIDAY (ReBlossom Mama & Baby Center) This event will raise funds for breastfeeding mothers in need. Apr. 8, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Donations accepted. www.facebook.com/byyourleave CCSD FAMILY FUN DAY (Holland Park) Learn about different organizations serving youth in the community. Apr. 23, 2–5 p.m. www. clarke.k12.ga.us CLASSIC CITY WRESTLING (Southern Brewing Co.) Six matches between regional wrestlers, plus live

art around town ARTWALL@HOTEL INDIGO ATHENS (500 College Ave.) Curated by Lilly McEachern, “Crooked” features work by Andrae Green, Craig Coleman and Jess Machacek. Closing reception Apr. 7 at 6 p.m. Through Apr. 11. AURUM STUDIOS (125 E. Clayton St.) Margaret Agner presents a collection of pastels, many of which were created in the company of the Athens Plein Air painters. CREATURE COMFORTS BREWING CO. (271 W. Hancock Ave.) Philadelphia native Carolyn Suzanne Schew explores daydreams in “Somewhere Else,” a collection of technicolor landscapes and animals. Meet the artist on closing day, May 15. DODD GALLERIES (270 River Rd.) The Lamar Dodd School of Art’s first round of BFA exhibitions features artists working in painting and drawing, sculpture, textile design, ceramics, photography and video. Opening reception Apr. 8, 6–8 p.m. Through Apr. 15. CLASSIC CENTER (300 N. Thomas St.) “Hello, Welcome!” presents abstract worlds by Maggie Davis, Jonah Cordy, Carol MacAllister and Jason Matherly. • “Classic City” interprets the city of Athens, GA through the works of James Burns, Sydney Shores, Thompson Sewell and Allison Ward. FLICKER THEATRE & BAR (263 W. Washington St.) Organized by Jennifer Niswonger-Morris, this month features a collection of goth art. Through April. GEORGIA MUSEUM OF ART (90 Carlton St.) “Wealth and Beauty: Pier Francesco Foschi and Painting in Renaissance Florence.” Through Apr. 24. • “Lou Stovall: Of Land and Origins” features selected works by the printmaker who is the 2022 recipient of the museum’s Larry D. and Brenda A. Thompson Award. Through May 29. • “In Dialogue: Views of Empire: Grand and Humble” displays two print collections that create a conversation about what it meant to be a working-class citizen in mid-19th-century Russia. Through Aug. 21. • “Jennifer Steinkamp: The Technologies of Nature.” Through Aug. 21. • “Graphic Eloquence: American Modernism on Paper from the Collection of Michael T. Ricker.” Through Sept. 4.

music by Classic City Jukebox. Apr. 9, 7 p.m. $5. www.sobrewco.com CONGRESS WEEK: BOOK TALK (Baldwin Hall, Pinnacle Room) Alexander Bolton and Sharece Thrower will discuss their new book, Checks in the Balance: Legislative Capacity and the Dynamics of Executive Power. Apr. 12, 4 p.m. FREE! libs.uga.edu/events/checksin balance FROG HOP 5K ROAD RACE (Sandy Creek Nature Center) Run, walk, hop or leap through a 5K and onemile Tadpole Fun Run. Proceeds benefit SCNC. May 1, 2 p.m. (Tadpole Fun Run), 2:30 p.m. (5K Frog Hop). $18–27. www.sandycreeknaturecenterinc.org, www.active.com GARDEN TOUR OF ATHENS (Multiple Locations) The Piedmont Gardeners host the 29th annual tour featuring five beautiful gardens including the Master Gardeners Demonstration Garden. Apr. 16, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $10–20. www.piedmontgardeners.org GCC SPRING COMMUNITY EVENT & FUNDRAISER (Terrapin Beer Co.) Georgia Conflict Center and Juvenile Offender Advocates host a fundraising event with live music, food and opportunities to learn more. Apr. 21, 6-9 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/gaconflict GEM OF THE OCEAN (UGA Fine Arts Theater) This play is set in Pittsburgh’s Hill District, 1904: 285-year-old former slave Aunt Esther witnesses developing civil unrest after a senseless tragedy at a local steel mill. When a young man seeks asylum in her home, they embark on a harrowing spiritual journey to a “City of Bones” in the middle of the Atlantic ocean. Apr. 14–16 & Apr. 20–23, 8 p.m. Apr. 24, 2:30 p.m. $12–16. www.uga theatre.com GEORGIA CLUB DANCE TEAM’S SPRING SHOWCASE (Morton Theatre) See a performance by one of UGA’s student-run dance groups. Apr. 10, 1 p.m. $5–10. uga.campus labs.com GLOBAL GEORGIA (Online) All events are virtual and open to the public, but require advance registration. Martin Hayes offers a performance and talk at the Georgia Museum of Art sculpture garden on

Apr. 6 at 7 p.m. Jahan Ramazani presents “A Life in Poetry” online on Apr. 13 at 2 p.m. Valeria Luiselli presents “The Lost Children Archive” online on Apr. 13 at 4 p.m. Ryan Emanuel presents “On the Swamp: Indigenous Erasure, Environmental Justice, and the Transformation of North Carolina’s Coastal Plain” online on Apr. 18 at 4 p.m. www.willson.uga.edu GOLDEN GATSBY SOIREE (Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation, Watkinsville) OCAF presents a 1920s costume party with food, live entertainment and a live and silent auction to raise money for the arts programs, workshops, exhibitions and classes the center provides. Period attire encouraged. Apr. 30, 7 p.m. $100. www.ocaf.com GORGEOUS GEORGE’S IMPROV LEAGUE (Buvez) Come out for some home-grown townie improv. Bring some interesting suggestions and a loose funny bone to help create some improv magic on the spot. Every Wednesday, 7 p.m. $5 suggested donation. www.flyingsquid comedy.com GREEN LIFE HOPPY HOUR & AWARDS (Terrapin Brewing Co.) Hoppy Hour is a family-friendly event inviting community members to socialize with local sustainable businesses and organizations. The Green Life Awards ceremony and reception honors organizations and individuals who go above and beyond in creating a more sustainable tomorrow for us all. Organizations and businesses may register to host a booth or an award. Masks required to attend. Apr. 22, 4–8 p.m. FREE! www.accgov.com/ greenlife INNOVATION AMPHITHEATER EVENTS (Innovation Amphitheater, Winder) “Poetry in Motion” features spoken word poetry, lyrical music and interpretive dance with Marquice L. Williams and MiKeshia McPhaul of Savannah’s Spitfire Poetry Group. Apr. 14, 7 p.m. $5–10. Full Radius Dance presents “Undercurrents,” a production starring dancers with and without disabilities. Apr. 21, 7 p.m. $5–10. www.innovationamphitheater.com INTERNATIONAL STREET FESTIVAL (Outside of Tate Student Cen-

GLASSCUBE@INDIGO (500 College Ave.) Zane Cochran presents “Aurora,” a sculptural interpretation of the aurora borealis using 3D geometric figures and lights. THE GRIT (199 Prince Ave.) Informed by her background as an architectural interior designer, Shirley Chambliss creates textiles demonstrating an appreciation for the sensuality of color and texture. Through Apr. 24. HENDERSHOT’S COFFEE (237 Prince Ave.) Colorful painted portraits by Mark Dalling. Through April. HEIRLOOM CAFE (815 N. Chase St.) Inspired by the absence of travel during the pandemic, Kristen Bach’s photo collection, “When We Traveled,” revisits the people, colors, textures and environments the artist’s family encountered in past years. Through May 2. LYNDON HOUSE ARTS CENTER (211 Hoyt St.) AJ Aremu presents a largescale installation for “Window Works,” a site-specific series that utilizes the building’s front entrance windows for outdoor art viewing. • Curated by Miranda Lash of the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver, the 47th annual Juried Exhibition includes 160 works of drawing, metal work, painting, photography, sculpture, video and more. Artist talks held Apr. 21 and May 19 at 6 p.m., plus Apr. 23 at 2 p.m. Through May 21. • Collections from our Community presents Tatiana Veneruso’s collection of vintage purses that represent over 100 years of handbag history. Through June 4. • Lucile Stephens’ paintings and hand-built ceramic works are fantastical, inventive and many times inspired by flora and fauna. Through June 18. • “Local Athenian: One Degree of Separation” shares portraits of local residents taken by Emily Cameron for her website, which shares stories through interviews and photographs. Through June 18. MADISON-MORGAN CULTURAL CENTER (434 S. Main St., Madison) On view in the Collector’s Cabinet is a display of Chinese Export Porcelain owned by the Morehouse family. Through June. ODUM SCHOOL OF ECOLOGY GALLERY (140 E. Green St.) Natural science illustrator C Olivia Carlisle shares insect, botanical and ecosystems illustrations alongside “The Birdwing Butterflies of Papua New Guinea,” a display featuring specimens assembled by James W. Porter and photographs by Carolyn Crist. Through May 18.

ter) Established in 1999, this annual event promotes internationalization and cultural awareness within the Athens community. Explore different cultures through performances, activities and food. Apr. 9, 12–5 p.m. FREE! www.isl.uga.edu/international-street-festival LORAINE WILLIAMS POETRY PRIZE READING (Ciné) The Georgia Review presents judges Ilya Kaminsky and Arthur Sze and prize winners Hannah Perrin King and Mathew Weitman. Apr. 12, 6:30–8 p.m. www.thegeorgiareview.com MARGO METAPHYSICAL EVENTS (Margo Metaphysical) Monday Tarot Readings offered 1–5 p.m. ($6 per card). Tuesday Tarot with Davita offered 4–6 p.m. ($5 per card). Wednesday Night Sound Healing with Joey held 6–7:30 p.m. ($35). Thursday Tarot with Courtney is offered 12–5 p.m. ($10–45). Friday Henna Party with Aiyanna ($10–75). 706-372-1462, jfurman 65@gmail.com MAYORAL CANDIDATE PANEL (ACC Library Auditorium) The Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement hosts an opportunity to hear from mayoral candidates Kelly Girtz, Mykeisha Ross, Bennie Coleman III and Pearl Hall. Apr. 9, 1 p.m. FREE! www.aadmovement.org MERGENCE (New Dance Theatre) The UGA Department of Dance presents its faculty and guest artist concert featuring 11 different works ranging from classical ballet, contemporary and jazz dance.. Apr. 7-9, 8 p.m. Apr. 10, 2:30 p.m. $12–16. pac. uga.edu NATASHA TRETHEWEY (Multiple Locations) American author and Pulitzer Prize winner Natasha Trethewey visits UGA as the Delta Visiting Chair for Global Understanding. She will offer a reading at the UGA Chapel on Apr. 21 at 4 p.m. and will participate in a public conversation at the Morton Theatre on Apr. 22 at 6 p.m. www.morton theatre.com NO PHONE PARTY (Hendershot’s Coffee) Disconnect to connect with a phone-free, laptop-free happy hour featuring drink specials, snacks, games and a record player. Every Tuesday, 6–9 p.m. www. hendershotsathens.com

OCONEE LIBRARY EVENTS (Oconee Co. Library) “Trek & Connect” at Harris Shoals Park is held Apr. 11 at 6 p.m. “Third Monday Book Club” will discuss Betty Smith’s A Tree Grows in Brooklyn on Apr. 18 at 7 p.m. www.athenslibrary.org/ oconee OCONEE FARMERS MARKET (Oconee County Courthouse, Watkinsville) Over 20 vendors offer everything from seasonal produce, dog treats and meats to vegan and gluten-free desserts, crafts and plants. Saturdays, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. www.oconeefarmersmarket.net POET LAUREATE READING (ACC Library) Jeff Fallis reads selected poems in celebration of Poetry Month. Apr. 10, 2:30 p.m. www. athensculturalaffairs.org RABBIT HOLE EVENTS (Rabbit Hole Studios) Acoustic Fire Pit Jams are held every Monday, 7–11 p.m. Flow Jam Night for flow artists and LED/ fire spinners is held Thursdays from 7–11 p.m. Free music theory group lessons for guitarists are held Thursdays from 7–10 p.m. White Rabbit Collective hosts a drum circle every Sunday downtown on College Ave. from 5–7 p.m., followed by an afterparty with painting, singing, games, yoga and more from 7:30–11 p.m. www.rabbitholestudios.org RAGGED HEART (Ciné) Ragged Heart is a rusted-out emotional thriller set in Athens and starring many local artists and musicians. A washed-up musician and his attempt to complete the last song his daughter wrote before her death. Apr. 10, 2 p.m. www.athenscine.com REALLY, REALLY FREE MARKET (Reese & Pope Park) Just like a yard sale, but everything is free. Bring what you can, take what you need. Second Saturday of every month, 12–2 p.m. reallyreallyfree marketathens@gmail.com SEC SHORTS LIVE! (Morton Theatre) SEC Shorts, a college football sketch comedy group, celebrates the Georgia Bulldogs breaking the 41-year-old national championship drought. Apr. 14–16, 7 p.m. Apr. 17, 5 p.m. $40–50. www.morton theatre.com/events 60TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR (Cedar Creek Water Reclamation Facility) ➤ continued on next page

THE PITY PARTY (450 Nacoochee Ave.) Feral Galleries presents “Beyond Ink,” a pop-up exhibition featuring the works of local tattoo artists. Reception with Freeman Leverett and AC Darnell on Apr. 10, 6–9 p.m. QUIET GALLERY AT ACC LIBRARY (2025 Baxter St.) Anthony Salzman’s exhibition, “Images and Whimages,” pays tribute to both spiritual icons and “whimages,” or whimsical images that are inspired during the early hours of the day. Through May 6. TIF SIGFRIDS (393 N. Finley St.) Claudia Keep presents a solo show, “Day in, Day Out.” Through May 7. TINY ATH GALLERY (174 Cleveland Ave.) Sarah Moon’s exhibition, “Out of Time: Athens,” pays homage to popular local businesses. Instagram Live Artist Talk held Apr. 13, 7:30 p.m. Open on Third Thursday, Apr. 21, 6-9 p.m. Open by appointment through April. UGA COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING (597 D. W. Brooks Dr.) Jan Perkins presents “The Art of Engineering and Technology,” a series of nine large panels interpreting research in various fields of engineering: chemical, biomedical, environmental, civil, agricultural, mechanical, electrical and more. Opening reception Apr. 8, 5:30–8:30 p.m. UGA SPECIAL COLLECTIONS LIBRARIES (300 S. Hull St.) The new Ted Turner Exhibition Hall and Gallery showcases CNN founder and environmentalist Ted Turner’s life and legacy through memorabilia, photographs and other items. • “Not Only for Ourselves: The Integration of UGA Athletics” celebrates the 50th anniversary of integration of the Georgia Bulldogs football team. Through Spring 2022. • “At War With Nature: The Battle to Control Pests in Georgia’s Fields, Forests and Front Yards” includes 3D models of insects alongside newspaper articles, government documents and photos to take viewers through the entomological and horticultural wars that Georgians have waged in their own yards, as well as the environmental, ecological and public health concerns related to pests and eradication efforts. Through May 27. • “Frankie Welch’s Americana: Fashion, Scarves and Politics” explores the life of the designer and entrepreneur who, in addition to producing thousands of custom scarves, had many connections to presidential politics, Georgia and UGA. The UGA Fashion Design Student Association presents a fashion show inspired by Welch’s designs on Apr. 14. Through July 8.

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Bulletin Board Learn all about water treatment. Meet Li’l Sheepastian, a resident sheep who helps maintain grass under the solar panels. Apr. 16, 10 a.m. (sheep meet-and-greet), 11 a.m. (tour). www.accgov.com SOUTHERN STAR STUDIO OPEN GALLERY (Southern Star Studio) Southern Star Studio is a working, collective ceramics studio, established by Maria Dondero in 2016. The gallery contains members’ work, primarily pottery. Every Saturday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. www.southern starstudioathens.com SPRING PLANT SALE (State Botanical Garden of Georgia) Pick up new plants and gardening tips. Apr. 7, 2–6 p.m. (Friends of the Garden Preview Day), Apr. 8 & Apr. 10, 1–5 p.m. Apr. 9, 8 a.m.–2 p.m. botgarden.uga.edu TERRAPIN’S 20TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY (Terrapin Beer Co.) The brewery celebrates its 20th anniversary with a special beer called Old Snapper, live music by Cosmic Charlie and Tribute: A Celebration of the Allman Brothers Band, specialty beers from over the years, food trucks, yard games and local vendors. Apr. 23, 3–8 p.m. $20–40. www.terrapinbeer.com THURSDAY TRIVIA (Johnny’s New York Style Pizza) Jon Head hosts trivia every Thursday. Win pitchers and gift certificates. Thursdays, 7–9 p.m. www.johnnyspizza.com TORRANCE FESTIVAL OF IDEAS (Online) This free annual virtual event features renowned experts from across disciplines presenting innovative ideas. Topics include creativity, imagination, entrepreneurship, innovation, aesthetics, AI, health, aging and more. Registration is required. Apr. 19, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. FREE! whova.com/web/tfoi_ 202204 UGA TAP DAWGS CLUB SPRING SHOWCASE (Morton Theatre) “Tapping Through the Ages” presents a variety of tap dancing choreographed and performed by UGA students. Apr. 23, 7 p.m. $5–10. www.facebook.com/tapdawgsatuga UGA TRIAL GARDEN SPRING PLANT SALE (UGA Trial Gardens) The sale offers unique annuals and perennials. Apr. 9, 8 a.m.–12 p.m. ugatrial.hort.uga.edu/UGA-Trials

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UKRAINIAN REFUGEE FUNDRAISER (UGA Myers Quad) UGA Doctors Without Borders hosts a field day fundraiser featuring sports, obstacle events, prizes and vendors. Apr. 29. $5–7 (Venmo @UGAMSF). www.facebook.com/ugamsf YOUNG PROFESSIONALS NETWORK OF ATHENS (Athentic Brewing Co.) Meet others during this monthly meeting. Apr. 7, 6 p.m. FREE! www.instagram.com/ ypnathens WBFM DRIVE-THRU PICK-UP (West Broad Farmers Market) The West Broad Farmers Market offers fresh produce, locally raised meat and eggs, baked goods, flowers, artisan goods and more. Order online or by phone Sundays–Thursdays, then pick up on Saturdays between 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. www.wbf.locallygrown.net

Help Out DIAPER DRIVE (Bogart Library) Drop off diaper donations in the library’s foyer for the Athens Area Diaper Bank. www.athensareadiaperbank. com

Kidstuff ACC LIBRARY EVENTS (ACC Library) “Open Chess Play” is held Mondays, 3–5 p.m. “Virtual Storytime” is held Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. “Virtual Bedtime Stories” is held Tuesdays at 6 p.m. “Preschool Storytime” is held Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. ‘Let’s Talk About That! Intro to Philosophy for Teens” is held Wednesdays through March at 4 p.m. “Thursday Crafternoon” is held Thursdays through March at 4 p.m. www.athenslibrary.org ART CARD CLUB (K.A. Artist Shop) Katy Lipscomb and Tyler Fisher lead weekly gatherings to create, trade and exhibit miniature masterpieces the size of playing cards. Some materials provided, but participants can bring their own as well. The club meets on Fridays, 4:30–6 p.m. (ages 10–12) and 6:30–8 p.m. (ages 13–17). www. kaartist.com

ART CLASSES (K.A. Artist Shop) “Drawing Fundamentals: Perspective and Composition” for ages 13–17 is held Apr. 12, 19, 26, 4:30–6 p.m. $90. www.kaartist. com BOGART LIBRARY EVENTS (Bogart Library) “Busy Bee Toddler Time” is held Apr. 6 and Apr. 13 at 10 a.m. “Encanto Sing-Along” is held Apr. 7 at 2 p.m. “STEM Make & Take is held Apr. 8. “Lego Saturday” is held Apr. 9 at 2 p.m. “Monday Funday: Eggscellent & Eggciting” is held Apr. 11 at 10 a.m. www. athenslibrary.org/bogart EASTER ACTIVITIES (Multiple Locations) ACC Leisure Services hosts multiple opportunities to find eggs and meet the Easter Bunny. “Eggstra Special Easter Egg Hunt” at Heard Park is held Apr. 9 at 10 a.m. “Preschool Easter Celebration” at Rocksprings Community Center is held Apr. 13 at 11 a.m. “Breakfast with the Bunny” at Memorial Park is held Apr. 16 at 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. “Easter Egg Scramble” at Lay Park is held Apr. 16 at 10 a.m. 706613-3800 MAKING DANCES (work.shop) This alternative dance class teaches improvisation and choreography techniques. For ages 10–14. Taught by Lisa Yaconelli. Tuesdays, 6:15– 7:30 p.m. $60/month, $210/14 weeks. lisayaconelli@gmail.com, www.lisayaconelli.com MEMORIAL PARK EASTER EGG HUNT (Memorial Park) The hunting area will be divided into four sections by age groups for kids 10 and under. Apr. 16, 11 a.m. FREE! OCONEE LIBRARY EVENTS (Oconee Co. Library) “Storytime” for preschool children and their caregivers is held Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. “Game Night” for ages 6–12 is held Apr. 6 at 6 p.m. “Prism” for grades 6–12 is held Apr. 13 at 6 p.m. “Dungeons & Dragons” is held Apr. 18 at 6 p.m. “Miniature Painting Night” is held Apr. 20 at 6 p.m. “Anime Club” is held Apr. 25 at 7 p.m. www.athens library.org/oconee SATURDAY CRAFT (Treehouse Kid and Craft) Each week’s craft is announced on Instagram. Saturdays, 10–10:45 a.m. (ages 3–6) or 11 a.m.–12 p.m. (ages 6–10). www.treehousekidandcraft.com, www.instagram.com/treehouse kidandcraft

SPACE IN THE MOVIES (Sandy Creek Nature Center) This planetarium program compares Hollywood’s depiction of space to real astronomy. Ages 5 & up. Apr. 16, 10 a.m. $2–3. 706-613-3615 SUMMER CAMPS (Foxfire Woods and Farm, Nicholson) Join certified nature staff for outdoor learning and adventure on a 54 acre farm and nature sanctuary. For ages 5–12. www.foxirewoodsandfarm.com/ summercamps SUMMER CAMPS (Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation, Watkinsville) Camps are offered in clay (hand building, wheel throwing) and writing (poetry, fiction, college essays). Check website for dates and age groups. www.ocaf.com TOFU TAKES TIME (Zoom) Avid Bookshop presents the book launch of the children’s book, Tofu Takes Time, with author Helen H. Wu. Apr. 19, 7 p.m. www.avidbookshop.com MIDDLE CHILDHOOD ART WORKSHOPS (Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation) Make a mosaic collage of a tree on Apr. 23. Decorate a piñata on May 14. Make a beachy snow globe out of a mason jar on June 11. Classes are for ages 6–12 and held 9 a.m.–12 p.m. $30–35. www.ocaf.com

Support Groups ACA ADULT CHILDREN OF ALCOHOLICS AND DYSFUNCTIONAL FAMILIES (Holy Cross Lutheran Church) This support group meets weekly. Tuesdays, 6:30–7:30 p.m. annetteanelson@gmail.com AL-ANON 12 STEP (Multiple Locations) Recovery for people affected by someone else’s drinking. Visit the website for a calendar of electronic meetings held throughout the week. www.ga-al-anon.org ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS (Athens, GA) If you think you have a problem with alcohol, call the AA hotline or visit the website for a schedule of meetings in Barrow, Clarke, Jackson and Oconee Counties. 706-389-4164, www. athensaa.org FAMILY CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP (ACC Library, Classroom A) Alzheimer’s Association Georgia presents a support group conducted by trained facilitators that is a safe place for those living with dementia

and their caregiver to develop a support system. First Wednesday of every month, 6–7:30 p.m. 706206-6163, www.alz.org/georgia MENTAL HEALTH PEER RECOVERY GROUP (Nuçi’s Space) Participants support each other through life’s challenges by sharing from their skills, experiences and proven coping mechanisms. Newcomers welcome. First Tuesday of the month, 4–6 p.m. pr@nuci.org, www.nuci.org PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP (First Baptist Church) This group is to encourage, support and share information with fellow sojourners who manage the challenges of Parkinson’s disease or other movement disorders. Second Friday of every month, 1 p.m. gpnoblet@ bellsouth.net RECOVERY DHARMA (Recovery Dharma) This peer-led support group offers a Buddhist-inspired path to recovery from any addiction. Visit the website for details. Thursdays, 7 p.m. FREE! www.athens recoverydharma.org

Word on the Street AAMG SPRING BULB SALE (Athens Clarke County Extension Office) The Athens Area Master Gardeners, in partnership with the State Botanical Garden of Georgia and Athens-Clarke County Extension, host a sale of flower bulbs like daffodils, bluebells and crocus. Sale runs through Apr. 30 and pick up is in October for fall planting. tinyurl. com/aamg2022bulbsale FREE COVID-19 VACCINES (Clarke County Health Department) Vaccines are available by appointment or walk-in. No insurance or ID required. www.publichealthisfor everyone.com FREE MEDICAL CLINICS (Nuçi’s Space) Nuçi’s Space, in collaboration with Medical Partnership of Georgia, hosts free health clinics for uninsured or low income individuals. Participants do not have to be musicians. Second-year medical students can write prescriptions or make referrals. Referrals will be to specialists who can treat participants on a cost-reduced basis. Call to make an appointment. Apr. 18, 1–4 p.m. 706-227-1515, www. nuci.org

OLLI MEMBERSHIP (Athens, GA) Join OLLI@UGA, a dynamic learning and social community for adults 50 and up that offers classes, shared interest groups, social activities and events. Taste of OLLI trial memberships available now through June 30. March or April sign-up required. $15. www.olli. uga.edu/trial SPARTA (UGA Center for Vaccines and Immunology) Researchers at UGA are conducting a research study to learn more about COVID-19 infection and immunity as well as influenza vaccination and immunity in children 8-17 years old and adults 18-90 years old. Check website for eligibility requirements. Must be able to provide saliva/blood samples every 2–4 weeks for up to two years. $30/visit. sparta-study@ uga.edu, projectsparta.org/uga SPRING LEISURE ACTIVITIES (Athens, GA) ACC Leisure Services will offer a diverse selection of activities highlighting the arts, environmental science, recreation, sports and holiday events for adults and children. Programs include tai chi, baton, youth cooking classes, gymnastics, nature programs, theater and more. Now registering. www.accgov.com/ myrec SUMMER JOBS (Athens, GA) ACC Leisure Services is now hiring for approximately 120 summer positions with camps and aquatics. Pay is $15/hour. Apply online. www. accgov.com/jobs SUPPORT FOR SENIORS WITH PETS (Athens, GA) The Athens Area Humane Society and Athens Community Council on Aging have partnered to offer support services to seniors enrolled in ACCA programs. This includes emergency pet fostering, affordable wellness care, pet health workshops and pet training. www.accaging.org VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE (Georgia United Credit Union) Georgia United Foundation offers VITA to low to moderate income taxpayers without depreciable assets, business losses or extensive stock transactions. UGA students majoring in financial planning and accounting are certified by the IRS as tax preparers. Appointments are required and can be held in person or online. Currently available through Apr. 13. www. gucufoundation.org/vita f

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · A P R IL 6, 2022

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live music calendar Tuesday 5

Flicker Theatre & Bar 8 p.m. www.flickertheatreandbar. com SEMICIRCLE Lush, captivating folk-rock project led by Andrew McFarland (Reptar, Neighbor Lady, co co ri co). Tonight celebrates the one-year anniversary of the album release for Changing Phase of Truth! MANYWATERS Transcendental ambient music from Savannah. Georgia Theatre Rooftop 7 p.m. $5. www.georgiatheatre.com PALACE DOCTOR Dynamic local garage-pop trio fronted by guitarist and songwriter Phillip Brantley. OUTERSEA Local surf rock band “who fears no man or rouge wave.” SYSTEM EXCLUSIVE Pasadena-based two-piece band bearing an armful of mini synths, making heart-throbbing pop cut with more than a hint of post-punk. Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall 7:30 p.m. $3–20. pac.uga.edu BRITISH BRASS BAND UGA’s brass and percussion ensemble playing a Spring Into Brass performance. Southern Brewing Co., Monroe 7 p.m. www.sobrewco.com FUNKY BLUESTER Blues outfit inspired by traditional Chicago and Texas styles.

Wednesday 6 Georgia Museum of Art Outdoors. 7 p.m. FREE! www.georgiamuseum.org MARTIN HAYES Irish fiddle player Martin Hayes has worked with musicians including Yo-Yo Ma, Paul Simon, Sting and Ricky Skaggs. This intimate performance of tunes and conversation in the sculpture garden is part of the Willson Center for Humanities and Arts’ Global Georgia Initiative event series. 40 Watt Club Drive-By Truckers Homecoming. 8 p.m. (doors), 9 p.m. (show). SOLD OUT! www.40watt.com DRIVE-BY TRUCKERS The Southern rock superstars return to Athens for their annual Homecoming weekend. JAY GONZALEZ AND THE GUILTY PLEASURES Athens songwriter and multi-instrumentalist with an affinity for classic pop melodies. Creature Comforts Brewery Athens Farmers Market. 6 p.m. www.athensfarmersmarket.net THE SOLSTICE SISTERS Oldtime country ballads, traditional folk and ‘40s-style swing with sweet, warm harmonies. Flicker Theatre & Bar 7 p.m. (doors). $12. www.flicker theatreandbar.com BLUNT BANGS Local indie-pop band featuring Black Kids frontman Reggie Youngblood. TELEMARKET Driving, angular indie-rock band from Athens. 12 a.m. FREE! www.flickertheatreandbar.com DR. FRED’S KARAOKE Featuring a large assortment of pop, rock, indie and more.

Georgia Theatre Rooftop 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $7–10. www.georgiatheatre.com JAMESON TANK High-energy rock group led by Jameson Tankersley. RED MILE ROAD Southern rock jam band. FLORIDA MAN Local band playing popular rock covers. Hendershot’s Coffee 7:30–10 p.m. www.hendershots athens.com OPEN MIC NIGHT Lizzy Farrell hosts an open mic the first Wednesday of every month. Signups go live on Mondays at noon on the Hendershot’s Open Mic Facebook page. Nowhere Bar 8 p.m. www.nowherebarlive.com HAYRIDE Long-running local three-piece rock band led by guitarist Kevin Sweeney. Porterhouse Grill 6–9 p.m. www.porterhouseathens. com/jazz JAZZ NIGHT Enjoy standards, improv and originals by a live jazz trio every Wednesday night over dinner.

Thursday 7 40 Watt Club Drive-By Truckers Homecoming. 8 p.m. (doors), 9 p.m. (show). SOLD OUT! www.40watt.com DRIVE-BY TRUCKERS The Southern rock superstars return to Athens for their annual Homecoming weekend. PILGRIM Local hard-hitting, riffheavy rock band led by songwriter Paul McHugh. Buvez 7–10 p.m. FREE! www.facebook. com/darkentriesathens DARK ENTRIES KARAOKE Sing your favorite song from a curated catalog of classic to modern goth, post-punk, punk and industrial. Flicker Theatre & Bar 5 p.m. FREE! www.flickertheatreand bar.com BIGDUMBHICK Jeff Wall is an acoustic roots singer-songwriter and storyteller. 9 p.m. (doors). $10. www.flickertheatreandbar.com NANOCAR New local rock band. TAYLS Nashville “friendship-punk” with a DIY ethos. Georgia Theatre 7:30 p.m. (doors), 8:30 p.m. (show). $20–22. www.georgia theatre.com RYAN HURD Country singer-songwriter who has written for Luke Bryan, Blake Shelton, Lady Antebellum and others. CONNER SMITH Young singer-songwriter from Nashville. Hendershot’s Coffee 8 p.m. www.hendershotsathens. com BICHOS VIVOS Local band playing forró, accordion and triangle-driven country music from Brazil. Monthly residency! CLOUDS Bossa Nova trio featuring guitar, percussion and saxophone. Hotel Indigo Live After 5 Patio Series. 5:30–8 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/ aubreyentertainmentathensga WADE HESTER Local guitarist. VFW (Post 2872) 6–9 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.

com/vfwpost2872 KARAOKE Silverstar Productions hosts an evening of karaoke. Contest with $100 prize to the winner. The Warehouse Presented by UGA HEROs. 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $10–15. www.thewarehouseathens.com A.D. BLANCO Young alternative rock band with an ambitious sound. THE JOSH BENNETT BAND Banjo-driven folk rock. 1050 BAND Classic rock covers.

Friday 8 40 Watt Club Drive-By Truckers Homecoming. 8 p.m. (doors), 9 p.m. (show). SOLD OUT! www.40watt.com DRIVE-BY TRUCKERS The Southern rock superstars return to Athens for their annual Homecoming weekend. MOTRIK Portland-based krautrock band. CAMP AMPED BAND Tunes from Nuçi’s Space’s group of future rock stars. Flicker Theatre & Bar Dial Black Sound Showcase. 5 p.m. (doors). FREE! www.flickertheatre andbar.com THE GREAT DYING Will Griffith is a Mississippi Delta singer-songwriter creating dark country. HANS CONDOR Punky Nashville garage rock. DRUNKEN PRAYER Outlaw country project led by songwriter Morgan Geer. 10 p.m. FREE! www.flickertheatreandbar.com THE PINK STONES Rootsy local cosmic country group led by songwriter Hunter Pinkston. Tonight celebrates the first anniversary of the debut album! Hendershot’s Coffee 7 p.m. $15 (adv), $20. www.hender shotsathens.com PARKER MILLSAP Nashville-based folk singer-songwriter with a TV debut on Conan and Americana Music Association nomination for Album of the year. DYLAN LEBLANC Americana singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist that leans heavily on the music of the Deep South. MARY MARGARET COZART Local songstress of Common Currents. International Grill & Bar Outdoors. 6–8 p.m. www.facebook. com/IGBAthensGA JACK MILLER Live blues on the patio. 8 p.m. www.facebook.com/ IGBAthensGA AFTER HOURZ R&B band that plays a mixture of neo-soul and jazz. Nowhere Bar 9:30 p.m. $15 (adv.), $20. www. facebook.com/nowherebarlive FIVE EIGHT Legendary Athens band known for its boisterous, thoughtful rock and roll. Southern Brewing Co. 6–9 p.m. FREE! www.djosmose. com DJ OSMOSE Spinning vinyl selections that range from funk, soul and disco to yacht rock, classic hiphop and reggae in all of its forms. Records and Brews is held every second Friday. Southern Brewing Co., Monroe

7:30 p.m. www.sobrewco.com 2ND ROUND MUSIC Michael Pezent performs acoustic guitar covers. VFW (Post 2872) 7 p.m. $10. www.facebook.com/ vfwpost2872 BRANDON CONWAY Singer performing a variety of cover songs from Prince to Brad Paisley.

Saturday 9 40 Watt Club Drive-By Truckers Homecoming. 8 p.m. (doors), 9 p.m. (show). SOLD OUT! www.40watt.com DRIVE-BY TRUCKERS The Southern rock superstars return to Athens for their annual Homecoming weekend. DAVID LOWERY AND THE GEORGIA CRACKERS The frontman of Cracker and Camper Van Beethoven joins friends on stage. Bishop Park Athens Farmers Market. 8 a.m.–12 p.m. FREE! www.athensfarmers market.net MARK PLEMMONS Talented local pianist. (8 a.m.) LIKE TOTALLY Local theatrical “kindie” rock band for all ages. (10 a.m.) Flicker Theatre & Bar 9 p.m. (doors). $10. www.flickertheatreandbar.com THE PIERRES Melodic and brainy local alt-rock group. NIHILIST CHEERLEADER Local pop-punk band with a jaggedly melodic sound. KWAZYMOTO Noisy local punkand and math-influenced rock group. Front Porch Bookstore Outdoors. 6 p.m. FREE! www. cityofwinterville.com/front-porchbookstore DIXIELAND FIVE Local jazz band playing styles of the early 20th century that came from New Orleans. Georgia Theatre 7 p.m. (door), 8 p.m. $25–30. www.georgiatheatre.com COREY SMITH Country singer-songwriter and guitarist with a devout fan base nationwide. JORDAN GRAY Nashville country artist. The Lewis Room at Tweed Recording 6 p.m. $12 (adv.), $15. www.lewis room.com BUFFALO NICHOLS Guitarist, songwriter and vocalist bringing more Black stories into the genres of folk and blues. WADE WALKER Athens-based singer-songwriter performing “folk for people who can’t relate to smalltown living; worship for people tired of church.” TONI HUNLO Local R&B and soul artist. Little Kings Shuffle Club 7:30 p.m. (doors), 8:30 p.m. (show). $10. NICHOLAS MALLIS Local artist featuring tinges of Bowie-esque drama, surf-rock and melodic pop. BERO BERO Savannah-based group playing retro, percussive synthpop led by Veronica Garcia-Melendez. KADILLAK Four-piece rock band fronted by singer Kadi Bortle. No. 3 Railroad Street 6:30 p.m. $10 suggested donation.

www.3railroad.org MARION MONTGOMERY & GLYN DENHAM A blend of blues, ballads and Americana twinged with old-style country by Montgomery on slide and steel guitar and Denham on dobro, guitar and harmonica. Nowhere Bar 9 p.m. www.facebook.com/nowhere barathens NIRVANA’S BLEACH Members of Donkey Punch, The Lonesome Dawn, Shehehe and The Variational Approach perform Nirvana’s Bleach. NAW Atlanta-based post-hardcore with noisy, grungy undertones. DONKEY PUNCH Raucous, long-running local hard-rock band. The Root 10 p.m.-12 a.m. FREE! www. facebook.com/aubreyentertainment athensga THE DOOKIE BROTHERS Green Day tribute band. Southern Brewing Co. Classic City Wrestling. 7-10 p.m. $10–20. www.sobrewco.com CLASSIC CITY JUKEBOX Tonight’s special set of octane live rock and roll will take place during six matches of independent wrestling.

Sunday 10 Cali N Tito’s Eastside 6–8 p.m. FREE! www.facebook. com/theluckyjones THE LUCKY JONES Old school rockin’ rhythm and blues. Every second Sunday of the month. Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall 3 p.m. FREE! pac.uga.edu CLASSIC CITY BAND The oldest community band in Georgia performs a variety of marches, jazz, pop, show tunes, operas and more. The Pity Party “Beyond Ink” Opening Reception. 6–9 p.m. FREE! www.facebook. com/pitypartyathens FREEMAN LEVERETT Local guitarist and songwriter with dreamy, psychedelia-tinged tunes. AC DARNELL Austin Darnell of The Darnell Boys, Sawmill Slang and The Howdies performs country and blues.

Monday 11 Georgia Theatre 6:30 p.m. (doors), 7:30 p.m. (show). $25–28. www.georgia theatre.com SAMANTHA FISH Country singer-songwriter from Kansas City, MO. DJANGO KNIGHT R&B multi-instrumentalist and guitar shredder from Indianapolis.

Tuesday 12

Flicker Theatre & Bar 8 p.m. (doors). $10. www.flicker theatreandbar.com MACY Young rock group. CONVINCE THE KID New local alternative rock band. The Lewis Room at Tweed Recording 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $15–17. www.lewisroom.com WILLIAM TYLER & MARISA ANDERSON Guitarists creating lush arrangements and pastoral duets. SHANE PARISH Guitarist Shane Parish formerly played in the progressive rock band Ahleuchatistas. Southern Brewing Co., Monroe 7 p.m. www.sobrewco.com FUNKY BLUESTER Blues outfit inspired by traditional Chicago and Texas styles. The World Famous 8 p.m. www.facebook.com/theworld famousathens GOOD LOOKS Austin-based fourpiece playing pensive folk-rock. LITTLE GOLD Local group playing garage-rock with country and pop sensibilities. DUSTIN PRICE Solo artist rooted in the tradition of darker Americana singer-songwriters.

Wednesday 13 Creature Comforts Brewery Athens Farmers Market. Outdoors. 5–8 p.m. FREE! www.athensfarmers market.net RED OAK SOUTHERN STRING BAND This Watkinsville-based band plays rootsy Americana tunes. (6 p.m.) Flicker Theatre & Bar 9 p.m. FREE! www.flickertheatreand bar.com DR. FRED’S KARAOKE Featuring a large assortment of pop, rock, indie and more. Georgia Theatre Rooftop 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). FREE! www.georgiatheatre.com SPENCER THOMAS Local singer-songwriter balancing indie-pop and alt-rock. International Grill & Bar 6:30 p.m. www.facebook.com/IGB AthensGA ASHLEY & GARY Acoustic singer-songwriters. Porterhouse Grill 6–9 p.m. www.porterhouseathens. com/jazz JAZZ NIGHT Enjoy standards, improv and originals by a live jazz trio every Wednesday night.

pandemic protocols 40 Watt Club: proof of vaccination or negative COVID test within 72 hours Flicker Theatre & Bar: proof of vaccination or negative COVID test within 48 hours Hendershot’s Coffee: proof of vaccination or negative COVID test within 48 hours The Lewis Room at Tweed Recording: proof of vaccination or negative COVID test within 48 hours Nowhere Bar: proof of vaccination or negative COVID test within 48 hours

A P R IL 6, 2022 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

classifieds Buy It, Sell It, Rent It, Use It! Place an ad anytime, email class@flagpole.com

 Indicates images available at classifieds.flagpole.com

MUSIC

SERVICES

JOBS

INSTRUCTION

CLASSES

FULL-TIME

Athens School of Music. Now offering in-person and online instruction in guitar, bass, drums, piano, voice, brass, woodwinds, strings, banjo, mandolin and more. From beginner to expert, all styles. Visit www.athens schoolofmusic.com, 706543-5800.

Adult or teen acrylic, watercolor, drawing classes with professional artist in Eastside studio. All levels welcome. Students provide their own supplies. 404-9133597, laurenadamsartist@ icloud.com

Classic City Installation Starting at $18/hr. Summer seasonal performing furniture installation. Great benefits, travel as a team w/ food stipend and lodging 100% covered. Email: caswall@ classiccityinstallation.com

CLEANING

VOICE LESSONS: Experienced teacher (25+ years) retired from day job, ready to expand studio. Ages 12–90+, all genres. Contact stacie.court@gmail.com or 706-424-9516.

Peachy Green Clean Cooperative, your local friendly green cleaners! Free estimates. Call us today: 706248-4601

Taste of India is now hiring! (Busser, host, floater team member.) Competitive pay, paid weekly, employee meals, flexible schedules, full-time or part-time, no experience needed. $12– 15. APPLY IN PERSON.

MISC. SERVICES Business Water Solutions offers the cleanest drinking water available through innovative bottleless water coolers and ice machines. Call 706-248-6761 or visit businesswatersolutions. com to set up a consultation.

MUSIC SERVICES Instant cash is now being paid for good vinyl records & CDs in fine condition. Wuxtry Records, at corner of Clayton & College Dwntn. 706-369-9428.

flagpole classifieds REACH OVER 30,000 READERS EVERY WEEK! Business Services Real Estate Music For Sale BASIC

Employment Vehicles Messages Personals RATES *

Individual Real Estate Business (RTS) Run-‘Til-Sold** Online Only***

UberPrints is now hiring for multiple positions! Both full and part-time positions available. For more information and applications, go to uberprints.com/company/ jobs White Tiger is now hiring! No experience necessary, proof of vaccination required. Email resume to catering@whitetigergourmet.com Find employees by advertising in the Flagpole Classifieds. Call 706-549-0301.

PART-TIME Experienced kitchen and server help needed. Bring resume or fill out an application at George’s Lowcountry Table. No phone calls please. 420 Macon Hwy. Athens, GA 30606 Learn to be a transcriptionist at our South Milledge location! No customer interaction. Work independently, set your own schedule (16–40 hours, M–F weekly). Relaxed, casual, safe space office environment. Extremely flexible time-off arrangements with advance notice. New increased compensation plan. Start at $13 hourly. Make up to $20 or more with automatic performance-based compensation increases. Show proof of vaccination at hire. Selfguided interview process. Hours: 8 a.m.–8 p.m. www. ctscribes.com Watch people play escape rooms and facilitate the fun! Flexible hours. Most weekends required. $12+ per hour. Details and application at escapethe space.com/nowhiring. Flagpole ♥s our advertisers.

NOTICES MESSAGES All Georgians over the age of five are eligible for COVID vaccines, and ages 12+ are eligible for boosters! Call 888-457-0186 or go to www. publichealthathens.com for more information. COVID testing available in West Athens (3500 Atlanta Hwy. Mon– Fri., 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. & Sat., 8 a.m.–12 p.m. At the old Fire Station on the corner of Atlanta Hwy. & Mitchell Bridge Rd. near Aldi and Publix.) and Central Athens (535 Hillcrest Ave. Mon. & Wed.,10 a.m.–4 p.m. Off King Ave.) To register, call 844-625-6522 or go to www.publichealth athens.com

Need old newspapers for your garden? An art project? What about your new puppy? Well, there’s plenty here at the Flagpole office! Call ahead and we’ll have them ready for you. Please leave current issues on stands. 706-549-0301

MISCELLANEOUS Seeking Host Families (single parents or couples) for International High School Exchange Students in Athens area and Madison County. Please email cindyhr62@hotmail.com with contact information.

Get Flagpole delivered straight to your mailbox! It can be for you or your pal who just moved out of town. $50 for six months or $90 for one year. Call 706-549-0301 or email frontdesk@flagpole. com.

ADOPT ME!

Visit athenspets.net to view all the cats and dogs available at the shelter

$10 per week $14 per week $16 per week $40 per 12 weeks $5 per week

*Ad enhancement prices are viewable at flagpole.com **Run-‘Til-Sold rates are for MERCHANDISE ONLY ***Available for individual rate categories only

PLACE AN AD • Call our Classifieds Dept. 706-549-0301 • Email us at class@flagpole.com

Cowboy (57186)

Cowboy’s the perfect pal to relax with and would be a great fit in a loving home! This guy is house trained and knows how to sit, lie down and shake on command.

North (57223)

North’s a big, handsome guy that needs someone with the strength to keep up with him! Size aside, North is a sweetheart that loves attention, being with people and having fun.

Rocky (57226)

Rocky’s ready to come home… with you! This happy, playful pup wants to be everyone’s buddy. Call today for more on Rocky and make an appointment!

These pets and many others are available for adoption at: • Deadline to place ads is 11:00 a.m. every Monday for the following Wednesday issue • All ads must be prepaid

F L A GP OL E .C OM · A P R IL 6, 2022

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

flagpole

SUDOKU

Edited by Margie E. Burke

Difficulty: Easy

2 7

1 3 6 5 2

9 9 5

2 4

3 9

3 2

4 8

HOW TO SOLVE:

Each row must contain the numbers 1 to 9; each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9; and each set of 3 by 3 boxes must contain the numbers 1 to 9. Week of 4/4/22 - 4/10/22

The Weekly Crossword 1

5 27 8 33 1 39 4 43 7 6 9 51 3 56 2 62

2 28 7 4 9 1 3 8 52 5 6

6 29 3 9 5 8 47 2 1 7 4

1 6 34 2 3 5 7 4 9 57 8

3 930 8 240 4 1 553 6 7

4 5 735 8 6 9 254 1 363

9 2 6 1 344 448 7 8 5

8 7 4 1 3 5 7 641 945 2 5 8 6 3 2 4 1 964

26 31

36 42 46 49

50 55

59 65

ACROSS 1 Cut a rug 6 Otologist's concern 10 Tolkien creatures 14 Squirrel's stash 15 Bird feeder fill 16 Brazilian soccer legend 17 Sci-fi extra 18 Ivan the Terrible, e.g. 19 Declare 20 Has a hunch 22 Juliet, to Romeo 24 Scenic view 26 Headed up 27 Trail the pack 30 Like some heartbeats 31 African grazer 33 Not theirs 35 Pack of paper 36 Water lily 39 Speeder stopper 41 Skater's hangout 43 Hot spot 44 Bushy coif 46 Pie à la __ 47 Big Apple paper, briefly 48 Pacers and Pistons

Solution to Sudoku: 21

GOT YOUR

17 20

by Margie E. Burke

50 "___ what?" 51 Former slugger Carew 53 Type of fracture 56 Forefather 58 Short snooze 62 Magpie or macaw 63 Load to bear 65 Decided 66 Frosted a cake 67 Pipe thread type 68 TV host Couric 69 Like grass at dawn 70 Whole lot 71 ___ preview DOWN 1 June honorees 2 Farmland unit 3 Palindromic time 4 Fresh, as lettuce 5 Win the favor of 6 VA time zone 7 "The Sound of Music" setting 8 Naval officer 9 Pull strings? 10 Australian gem 11 Prince's backing band

12 13 21 23 25 27 28 29 32 34 37 38 40 42 45 49 51 52 54 55 57 59 60 61 64

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A P R IL 6, 2022 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

music

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TH 29 GARDEN TOUR 29 THOF GARDEN TOUR ATHENS OF ATHENS Saturday, April 16, 2022

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10 A.M. to 4 P.M. Rain or Shine 10 A.M. to 4 P.M. Rain or Shine

Tickets available at Tickets available APPOINTMENTS ATatFIVE APPOINTMENTS AT FIVE ATHENS INTERIORS MARKET ATHENS INTERIORS MARKET ATHENS SEED LAWN & GARDEN ATHENS SEED LAWN & GARDEN COFER’S HOME & GARDEN SHOWPLACE COFER’S HOME & GARDEN SHOWPLACE FARM 441@ THOMAS ORCHARDS FARM 441@GARDEN THOMASOF ORCHARDS THE STATE BOTANICAL GEORGIA GIFT SHOP THE STATE BOTANICAL GARDEN OF GEORGIA GIFT SHOP WILD BIRDS UNLIMITED WILD BIRDS UNLIMITED

$15 in advance, $20 on tour day at gardens, $10 for students with ID, $15 in advance, $20 tour day at gardens, for students with ID, $20on plus fees online at the$10 website $20 plus fees online at the website Proceeds go to The Piedmont Gardeners Scholarship for Landscape Proceeds go to The Piedmont Gardeners Scholarship for Landscape Architecture and Horticulture students at UGA. Architecture and Horticulture students at UGA. Please forcurrent current Pleasevisit visitwww.piedmontgardeners.org www.piedmontgardeners.org for information and online ticket sales information and online ticket sales

WUGA SEEKING PART-TIME PRODUCER-REPORTER

The part time position will assist reporters and producers with planning, producing and editing stories for daily newscasts and our weekly news program, Athens News Matters, book guests for studio and remote interviews, assist in production of content for station website and social media. The successful candidate will have a familiarity with the programming on WUGA, Georgia Public Broadcasting, and NPR and possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, with writing or audio samples. Have the ability to learn new software, or familiarity with Adobe Audition. Ability to work independently in changing environments to meet deadlines. Understanding of public media journalism standards and style. Exceptionally qualified candidates will also have an understanding of the Athens community in all its facets, and a knowledge of local issues. Contact: JASander@uga.edu

F L A GP OL E .C OM · A P R IL 6, 2022

feature

Where the Devil Don’t Stay A ROAD TRIP OF THE DRIVE-BY TRUCKERS’ GEOGRAPHICAL ROOTS

By Jessica Smith arts@flagpole.com

hat has always distinguished the Drive-By Truckers from so many other acts falling within the alt-country and Southern rock genres—apart from simply outliving most with a career that has already endured 25 years—is an incredible gift for storytelling. While some songs surely carry universal themes like finding and losing love, just as many brazenly hold a mirror up to society’s ills, like institutionalized racism and the rural-urban divide. In his new book, Where the Devil Don’t Stay: Traveling the South with the Drive-By Truckers, music journalist Stephen Deusner approaches the band’s biography not chronologically, but geographically, tracing roots back to the pivotal places and real-life events that inspired and informed their songs. Deusner considers discovering the Truckers to be one of the most profound listening experiences he’s ever had. He had just relocated away from his hometown of Selmer, TN—a small town whose crimes happened to inspire multiple tracks—to Delaware, where his wife was attending graduate school, and he was grieving the death of his father. “To be that far from home and mourning my dad was tough, but the Truckers made it easier, I think,” says Deusner. “They allowed me a little room to be homesick, to figure out who I was as a Southerner who no longer lived in the South. I think it made me a little more comfortable in the world, a little more of an adult. And it gave me permission to really look hard at where I came from, to acknowledge the ugliness of Southern history as well as the beauty of the place. It’s home.” In addition to writing most of the Drive-By Truckers album reviews for Pitchfork, Deusner has covered the band through the Washington Post, Uncut, Stereogum, Village Voice and Paste. It wasn’t until he was living across the pond in Birmingham, England while his wife pursued a fellowship in 2016 that the idea of writing a book began to take shape. The distance and time apart from his current home of Bloomington, IN gave him the opportunity to listen to the band with fresh ears—which he would do regularly on his mile-long walks to and from the closest coffeeshop—and continue contemplating his own regional identity and relationship to the South. “I started to pick up on all the different place names they mention in their songs,

and I realized just how important the idea of place was to their songwriting,” says Deusner. “Especially those places. These aren’t the typical locales that come up in rock songs. It’s not about LA or New York. There aren’t many artists out there who are mapping out that terrain like the Truckers.” Where the Devil Don’t Stay’s road trip begins in Muscle Shoals, AL, where Patterson Hood and Mike Cooley first wrote music together as Adam’s House Cat. Between traveling to Memphis, Athens and Birmingham, the book visits Richmond, VA, to spend time with Wes Freed, whose dark and unusual paintings anchor the visual culture of the band, as well as just outside of Gillsburg, MI, the plane crash site of Lynyrd Skynrd, who inspired the Truckers’ concept album Southern Rock Opera. Peppered with relevant musical references, each of these chapters vividly describes the historical, social and cultural complexity of each location. These descriptions illustrate what Hood often refers to as “the duality of the Southern thing,” that a place mired in racism and trauma can simultaneously be full of humanity and redemption. “I think music— art in general, but music specifically—is crucial to showing what a more progressive South might look like,” says Deusner. “It piques the imagination in just the right way; it settles into our lives in just the right way, and so it shows us all these possibilities we might not even think to imagine. Before I heard the Truckers, I couldn’t have imagined that a band like the Truckers could even exist–a liberal redneck band? That would have seemed like science fiction. Those two things seem like completely oppositional forces, but [the band] just approached it like it was the most natural thing in the world. Because to them it was. That to me is so powerful and makes them not just unique in rock music, but incredibly subversive in ways that maybe even they don’t realize.” Avid Bookshop will host Deusner for an author talk and book signing at Flicker Theatre & Bar on Saturday, Apr. 9 at 4:30 p.m. Deusner will be in conversation with David Barbe, who, in addition to owning Chase Park Transduction and directing the UGA Music Business Program, has been the band’s trusted producer since the early days. Next door at the 40 Watt Club, the Drive-By Truckers will return to the stage for their annual HeAthens Homecoming, a sold-out, four-night stand running Apr. 6–9. f

advice

hey, bonita…

Keeping Clear Communication ADVICE FOR ATHENS’ LOOSE AND LOVELORN

By Bonita Applebum advice@flagpole.com I have a bad conversational habit that I’m afraid makes me seem full of myself or self-centered. Whenever someone is talking about a problem or sharing a bad experience, my first instinct is to share a similar experience. Like “that reminds me of ’’ or “I went through something like that.” It’s not because I’m trying to shift attention to myself—not that I’m aware of—I just want to share some kind of comfort that they’re not alone or share an experience that could help them with theirs. But I’m not sure if it comes off the right way, and maybe people would rather you just say, “Yeah that sucks’’ or “Yeah that’s hard.” I’ve become so aware of this habit lately that every time I start doing it, it really stands out to me and makes me self-conscious. What’s the best way to improve my communication? Lost for Words

I’m madly in love—I’ve never been so attracted to someone or communicated so clearly. We both go out of our way to do things for [each other] that we’ve never done before, just because we want to. But, there are red flags. I’m more ambitious and hardworking, and I’m not sure the overall quality of life I want will be something they can keep up with. That sounds bad, but I don’t want to get in a situation where I’m bitter because I’m not getting what I want out of life or expecting more out of them than they want out of life. I don’t see this changing. Thinking about separating from them makes me sick and breaks my heart, but I don’t know what else to do. I’ve never been in a situation where I still love someone so much and feel like it’s best to break up, usually it’s because I’ve lost feelings, etc. Anon

Hey there Lost, I admire your compassion for those who seek out your ear for comfort, venting or otherwise, and it’s in that spirit that you should not be too hard on yourself. You’re describing a very common thing that people do when commiserating, myself included. I share similar experiences to let people know that I’ve been

Hey Anon, You’re in a tough spot that lots of partnered people with clear future plans have to deal with. I’ve ended relationships because it was obvious that my boo and I didn’t want the same things, but I also wasn’t madly in love when I chose a breakup. Sometimes odd couples will mature together and end up matching

through dumb shit, too, and we’re not weirdos for having our specific shared experience. Bad things happen to us sometimes, but none of us are especially hated by forces of nature. This “habit” makes you feel self-conscious, but don’t assume it’s a bad thing unless someone is telling you directly that they don’t like that kind of reaction—and some folks really don’t. Unless you’re getting that kind of feedback, focus instead on managing your own anxiety over this. When you’re done sharing your similar experience, maybe tack a little “I just want you to know that I’ve been there, too, and I get what you’re going through” onto the end. You’re also being vulnerable and trusting when you open up in response to someone else’s honesty, so be kind to yourself in those moments.

each other’s speeds, but I trust you when you say you don’t see this changing. I say start having more conversations with your partner about your future and your goals. I would hope that they’d talk about those things in terms that make your ongoing relationship a given, or you can just plainly ask them what they want their own future to look like because you want to share yours with them. They don’t have to have plans set in stone, but they also shouldn’t balk at the idea of being with you in some capacity. I would imagine that a direct conversation about your future plans as a couple would bring this issue to the surface and allow you both to deal with it honestly and responsibly. f Need advice? Email advice@flagpole.com, or use our anonymous online form at flagpole.com/getadvice.

A P R IL 6, 2022 · F L A GP OL E .C OM

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · A P R IL 6, 2022

grub notes

Brick-and-Mortar Pop-Up Combo PLUS, BITTY & BEAU’S COFFEE

By Hillary Brown food@flagpole.com WING KINGH (810 Hawthorne Ave., 706850-1360): When I got a tip that Southern Culture Fish and Grits was lending out its kitchen as a sort of pop-up for weekday lunch from a man known as the Wing Kingh, it occurred to me that that was a very smart business model. Historically, brick-and-mortar restaurants have viewed food trucks and other comparable small, nimble businesses without a building to maintain as competition and attempted to lobby against new laws that would make it easier for the little guy to succeed. But what if they instead pooled their resources to work together for the betterment of one another? If Southern Culture Fish and Grits wasn’t doing particularly well at lunch but still had a whole kitchen (equipped with a deep fryer well suited to making wings, as evidenced by the previous tenant Wing Kingh of the building, J.R. Crickets) and dining room sitting there, why not let someone else use the space? I approve heartily. Sherman Gartrell, who owns Wing Kingh, also does custom printing, graphic design and tax prep, as you’ll see on his website. Despite a 15-year break, his wing-frying and -saucing skills don’t appear to have been affected. KINGH isn’t just SEO-based, but an acronym for “Keep It iN God’s Hands.” Wing Kingh does not have a complicated menu: wings, chicken tenders, hot dogs and sausage dogs, fried fish and slices of cake. I approve of that, too. The wings are good. They’re pretty meaty. They’re well fried. If you want a lot of sauce, the kitchen will do that, but the default is a drier wing that shows off all its crisp nooks and crannies. The list of sauces isn’t huge either, but it has the classics, including “plain,” which should always be an option. The hot is pretty hot. Looking for something special? “Wet ranch lemon pepper” might sound like too much going on, but it’s delicious, full of tang and has an overall effect that resembles the lip-numbing qualities of Szechuan pepper. The chicken tenders can be sauced, but that makes them pretty goopy and unremarkable. The fries really aren’t anything special at all—surprising for a kitchen that generally seems to know its way around a fryer. On the other hand, the hot dogs and sausage dogs, which both come deep fried because why not, are a tasty mess, topped with ketchup, mustard, relish, onions and slaw. I’d advise you to go for all of it and make use of the wad of napkins that come with it. Second best, right behind the wings, is the fried fish, available as a sandwich, with fries or

as a “dinner” (two pieces of fish, bread and your choice of fries, coleslaw, onion rings or fried okra as a side). Select from flounder, tilapia, whiting or catfish, the latter at a slight upcharge. Then await some hot, beautiful pieces of fish, not over-breaded, neither over- nor underseasoned, with a crisp cornmeal-crusted exterior and a soft SARAH ANN WHITE

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food & drink

but not mushy interior. Cake, delivered by a local baker, comes in fat slices and brilliant colors. Wing Kingh is open at Southern Culture weekdays from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. and has a food truck that can be booked for events. BITTY & BEAU’S COFFEE (1540 S Lumpkin St., 678-361-8184): Opened last fall, around the beginning of football season, this coffee shop employs people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, which is what sets it apart from the thousand other coffee shops in town. The Athens location is in the new/renovated development that also houses ZZ & Simone’s, across from Grindhouse Killer Burgers. Although there is visitor parking in the back, you can only turn right out of the parking lot, making the whole development better suited for pedestrians, cyclists and mass-transit riders than for car drivers (not a complaint, just some information). The space is cheery and pleasant, with lots of outlets to charge your devices. The coffee is roasted elsewhere—the franchise comes from Wilmington, NC—but it’s totally fine, available by the bag of beans as well as brewed. There is the usual range of lattes and suchlike, as well as muffins and prepackaged gluten-free cookies from WOW Baking Company. The folks behind the counter are unfailingly warm and helpful, handing you a laminated playing card to retrieve your order rather than misspelling your name on the cup a la Starbucks. Bitty & Beau’s is open slightly shorter hours than many other coffee shops, from 7 a.m.–5 p.m. daily. f

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