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SEPTEMBER 14, 2022 · VOL. 36 · NO. 36 · FREE

Athens Pride Week PrideFest Returns Among Community Celebrations p. 21

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · S E P T E MB E R 14, 2022

this week’s issue

contents

BRIAN MARTIN MEDIA

The 5 second rule doesn’t apply when you have a 2 second dog

706-425-5099 i 298 Prince Ave. Across from The Bottleworks

www.downtownathensvets.com

Prepare to laugh until you cry at the “Whose Live Anyway?” improv comedy show featuring Ryan Stiles and Greg Proops of ABC’s “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” with Jeff B. Davis and Joel Murray on Sept. 20 at Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall. For more information, visit pac.uga.edu.

This Modern World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 NEWS: City Dope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Street Scribe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Habitat Wins Large Grants

Comment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Grub Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

NEWS: Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Calendar Picks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Rising Housing Costs

Threats & Promises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Curb Your Appetite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

ARTS & CULTURE: Art Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Live Music Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

In Memory of Art Rosenbaum

Event Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

MUSIC: Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Bulletin Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Mercyland’s Long-Lost Album

Art Around Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

PUBLISHER Pete McCommons

780 Highway 29 North, Athens, GA 30601 D 706-389-7979 M 706-714-8661 jason_meentemeyer@ucbi.com Member FDIC ucbi.com/jason-meentemeyer

Sudoku . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Larry Tenner ADVERTISING SALES Fabienne Mack, Jessica Pritchard Mangum

Crossword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

CITY EDITOR Blake Aued

PrideFest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

ARTS & MUSIC EDITOR Jessica Smith EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Sam Lipkin

Hey, Bonita . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

OFFICE MANAGER & DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Zaria Gholston AD DESIGNERS Chris McNeal, Cody Robinson PHOTOGRAPHER Suzannah Evans CONTRIBUTORS Bonita Applebum, Cy Brown, Hillary Brown, Russell Edwards, Gordon Lamb, Chad Radford, Lee Shearer, Ed Tant CIRCULATION Jeanette Cuevas, Charles Greenleaf, Trevor Wiggins

GREGORY FREDERICK

CLASSIFIEDS Zaria Gholston

Deaf Condors

EDITORIAL INTERNS Patrick Barry, Shelby Israel COVER PHOTO of Athens Pride & Queer Collective board members Krystal Hamm, Becky Loccisano, Ross King and Kiersten Meehan 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 LETTERS: letters@flagpole.com MUSIC: music@flagpole.com NEWS: news@flagpole.com ADVICE: advice@flagpole.com

Flagpole, Inc. publishes Flagpole Magazine weekly and distributes 8,500 copies free at over 275 locations around Athens, Georgia. Subscriptions cost $90 a year, $50 for six months. © 2022 Flagpole, Inc. All rights reserved.

VOLUME 36 ISSUE NUMBER 36

Mortgage Loan Originator NMLS#1408020

Adopt Me . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR & PUBLISHER Alicia Nickles

CLASSIFIED ADS: class@flagpole.com ADVERTISING: ads@flagpole.com CALENDAR: calendar@flagpole.com EDITORIAL: editorial@flagpole.com

JASON MEENTEMEYER

PLEASE VAX UP SO WE DON’T NEED TO

Association of Alternative Newsmedia

MASK UP AGAIN

online exclusive With Gregory Frederick behind the camera, Athens GA Live Music documents artists gracing stages across the Classic City. Don’t miss footage from the recent performances by Cracker, Deaf Condors, Dex Romweber, Don Chambers, Burns Like Fire, Strawberry Reproduction and more. See “Athens GA Live Music Recap” at flagpole.com.

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S E P T E MB E R 14, 2022· F L A GP OL E .C OM

news

city dope

Cranky Commissioners

VOTES ON HOUSING, TRANSIT AND MORE, PLUS A NEW HABITAT PROJECT

By Blake Aued news@flagpole.com It was another action-packed Athens-Clarke County Commission meeting Sept. 6, as the commission—now short a member—voted on nearly 30 items over almost four hours, amidst much bickering. Here’s what went down.

“We’ve got to get out of planning stages and into action stages.” But other commissioners and Manager Blaine Williams said the strategic plan would help bring together various service providers like shelters that are already working on the problem, but in silos, and bring in new stakeholders, like UGA, the Clarke County School District and Athens Area Chamber of Commerce. “We’re all working at this, and we don’t have a coordinated plan,” Myers said. “Hopefully this will bring people together.”

from the closest bus stop, and that there is no safe route for cyclists to cross the Middle Oconee River. Commissioner Russell Edwards said he wants to see more frequent service and more bus shelters so that people don’t have to wait in the rain. “I’m embarrassed at the way transit riders are treated in this community,” he said. But funding wouldn’t necessarily have to come from fares, which only brought in $400,000 a year, not including UGA’s reimbursement for students, faculty and staff, according to Denson. Link and Houle argued that much of that revenue was eaten up by the cost of buying and maintaining the fareboxes, at a cost of slowing down boarding and making riding the bus less convenient. Thornton asked for more information about farebox revenue. “Maybe I missed that meeting where we talked about transit,” she said, “but what did we gain and what did we lose?”

COURTESY OF CCSD

HELP FOR RENTERS: Last month, news broke that a Florida-based property investment company had bought several low-income Athens rental communities, and were raising rents by 40% while no longer accepting Section 8 government vouchers, thus putting dozens of residents in danger of QUORUM QUARRELS: homelessness. Missing meetings was “They purport another point of conto be Christians,” tention among comCommissioner Melissa missioners, with some Link said at last week’s pushing a proposal to let meeting about Floridasix commissioners start a based Prosperity Capital meeting rather than the Partners. “I don’t know current seven. what Bible they’re The commission reading.” voted 6–3 to table the In approving the issue, which would need distribution of this to be approved in both year’s round of fedOctober and November eral Community to become law because Development Block it requires changing the Grants for housing charter, but not before and social services last several commissioners week, ACC officials and The Clarke County School District dedicated its central office atrium to David and Ileane put their colleagues on several nonprofits— Nunnally. The Rev. David Nunnally Sr. served on the Clarke County Board of Education from blast for skipping out on Acceptance Recovery 1992–2012, and Ileane Nunnally was a longtime public school teacher. From left, school meetings. Commissioner Center, The Ark, board member Tawana Mattox, the Nunnallys’ grandson Imhotep Nunnally and nephew Allison Wright pointed Advantage Behavioral Marvin Nunnally Jr. unveil a plaque at a Sept. 8 dedication ceremony. out that no regularly Health Systems and scheduled voting meetFamily Promise—would A strategic plan is also necessary because ings have lacked a quorum, but others prioritize residents of Lexington Heights, countered that work sessions, retreats and Highland Park, Hidden Pines and Rosemary most of the unhoused in Athens are chronically homeless, which is much harder interviews for citizen boards and authorPlace who have been displaced. Those agento address than transitory or temporary ities are often not well attended, and that cies will receive a combined $700,000 for homelessness, said Commissioner Jesse services like rent and deposits, utilities, Houle, citing a Housing and Community child care and emergency shelter at motels. “I’m glad we can do something, although Development Department presentation at a there’s more we can do,” said Commissioner recent retreat. “I think that’s important to know Tim Denson. He added that he plans to because while there are the occasional lobby for changes to state law next year to stories—they are true—of people getting ban discrimination against Section 8 recipidropped off in our community, that does ents and allow cities to enact rent control. not make up the majority of the folks In a bit of Monday-morning quarterwho are experiencing this challenge in our backing, Commissioner Ovita Thornton community,” Houle said. “The majority of said the commission should have used fedthe problem we’re trying to solve is one of eral American Rescue Plan Act funds to buy people who’ve been living here a long time. those properties before Prosperity Capital It’s one of chronic homeless, which is more Partners did. “It seems like on the commisdifficult to solve than people who are expesion, we don’t respond until things blow riencing temporary homelessness.” up,” she said. And Link said that the University of TRANSIT TALK: What was essentially a Georgia shares some of the blame for $225,000 bridge loan from ACC’s general increasing enrollment by 6,000 students fund to Athens Transit until federal funding over the past decade while building only arrives has sparked discussion of expanding 500 new dorm rooms, which is putting sigthe transit system and possibly reinstinificant upward pressure on the local rental tuting fares in advance of a new Transit housing market. Development Plan this fall. HOMELESSNESS PLAN: The commission voted “If it’s a choice between free and more 9–1 to spend $133,000 on a consultant to routes and frequency, I vote for the lathelp put together a strategic plan to address ter,” former commission candidate and homelessness, with Thornton opposed. TSPLOST advisory board member Allen “We do too many studies and surveys, Jones told commissioners. He said his and we still have these problems,” she said. home off Timothy Road is more than a mile

F L A GP OL E .C OM · S E P T E MB E R 14, 2022

several executive sessions have been postponed because not enough commissioners showed up. “There [have] been plenty of times when certain members of the body deliberately elected not to show up to discuss particular topics they might have found uncomfortable,” Link said. Commissioner Mike Hamby defended his decision to skip work sessions and retreats, saying that he already had a grasp of the issues and prepared himself with written materials, and that retreats are often a waste of time. “I personally don’t need to be playing games, pass a watermelon or whatever, to build a team,” he said. “If you want to talk about the issues, I’ll be there, and I am there.” Commissioner Carol Myers, a retired college administrator, disagreed, saying that she’s often been to conferences and retreats she thought were a waste of time, but never felt that way about commission retreats. Thornton said she missed some executive sessions because they were hastily scheduled, which drew a response from Houle. “These are executive sessions that have been announced far in advance and then scheduled at the end of agenda-setting or voting meetings. And then people have left our meetings early, including meetings that didn’t go very late, instead of sticking around for that,” Houle said. The quorum change looks unlikely to pass, given that even some of those who voted to keep discussing it said they’re leaning against it, but it will be on the agenda again next month. A PARKER PLOT?: Although it was not on the agenda and thus should have been off-limits under commission rules, several speakers used their three minutes to, if not engage in outright conspiracy theories, question the circumstances surrounding former commissioner Mariah Parker’s recent resignation. At the time of the meeting, Gov. Brian Kemp’s office had not received Parker’s resignation letter, meaning they had not technically resigned, although Parker made the letter public Aug. 25, according to local Republican activist Joan Rhoden. “Who is holding Commissioner Parker’s resignation

papers hostage?” Rhoden asked. Cshanyse Allen, a District 2 resident and frequent critic of the ACC government, accused Parker of colluding with Commissioner Melissa Link to clear the way for Link to run for Parker’s seat. “We have a commissioner who has moved to Atlanta for a flashy, high-platform, high-dollar career who quit her job last week, submitted a letter to the mayor and commissioners, and now is holding the seat hostage and won’t send a letter to Gov. Kemp because she’s holding the seat for her commissioner friend,” Allen said. “What kind of games are you all playing?” Parker said in their resignation letter that they had grown frustrated with the commission’s inability to tackle issues like health care and affordable housing and wanted to focus on activism. They took a job last month organizing restaurant workers with the group Raise Up the South. Parker told Flagpole that they’re temporarily living in Athens but outside the district because their landlord opted not to renew their lease in August and put the house up for sale, but have signed a new lease within the district that starts in December. Their intent was initially to stay in Athens, but recently they and their family have been having discussions about whether to move. In regards to colluding with Link, several commissioners told Flagpole they were blindsided by Parker’s announcement. Link then contacted Parker to say that she was considering running for the seat. After the ACC government made conflicting announcements about whether a special election would be held under the current district or the new one that takes effect Jan. 1, Parker said they held off on sending the resignation letter to Kemp until the Board of Elections clarified the situation. However, after learning that the BOE can’t make a decision until Parker’s resignation is official, Parker said they sent the letter on Sep. 7. Kemp officially accepted their resignation the following day. Link and any other candidates who might run are also in a holding pattern until the BOE’s ruling. Link was barred from running for re-election this year because Republican state legislators moved her District 3 from the downtown/Prince Avenue area to Winterville during the oncea-decade post-Census redistricting process. She could run in District 2 if the special election is conducted using the new district lines, but not the current ones. Other commission races this year—for districts 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9—used the new lines, but state law is ambiguous about whether that’s the case for a special election held before the new lines officially take effect Jan. 1. Mayor Kelly Girtz is reportedly pushing for a March special election instead, which would clear up the issue. However, that would leave the seat vacant for an additional four months. OTHER BUSINESS: The commission allocated $13.7 million to the over-budget Bethel Midtown Village redevelopment project, including $4 million from the Athens Housing Authority, a $4 million Georgia Department of Community Affairs grant and $5 million from ARPA; signed off on an agreement with the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) to help low-income residents pay their water bills; and approved plans to expand the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia and

the Athens Neighborhood Health Center. Two zoning requests—for a subdivision off Olympic Drive and a fraternity house on Hancock Avenue downtown—were withdrawn. Another request, for a subdivision off Lexington Road, was tabled until October.

news

street scribe

RIP Barbara Ehrenreich AUTHOR CAME FROM A LONG LINE OF MUCKRAKERS

Habitat Wins Seven-Figure Grants

By Ed Tant news@flagpole.com

Gov. Brian Kemp has awarded Athens Area Habitat for Humanity $4.2 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds for an innovative affordable housing project on the Eastside, and Sen. Raphael Warnock also announced last week that he and Sen. Jon Ossoff have secured an additional $2.9 million. The project, dubbed Micah’s Creek, will include 50–60 residences for local veterans, musicians and artists, as well as homeless college students and families with children in the Gaines Elementary School attendance zone, according to AAHH Executive Director Spencer Frye. It will be a community of “smaller homes” that will sell for about $140,000—less than half the median home price in Athens of $350,000, Frye said. He declined to reveal the exact location because the agency is still assembling land. Frye cited a 2017 statewide study showing that most Habitat homeowners no longer need public assistance, and that their children tend to experience better educational outcomes. Gaines has a high poverty rate and perennially low test scores. “To my knowledge, this will be the first project to try to affect the outcomes of a school district,” Frye said. In addition, Habitat will work with Lydia’s Place, a Watkinsville organization that seeks to find homes for college students who have aged out of the foster care system. “A lot of folks don’t realize, we have a pretty big problem with college students who are homeless,” Frye said. He said he knew one UGA student who was homeless and showering at the Ramsey Center and applied for a Habitat house, but was no longer eligible when she graduated and got a job, and is now saving up to buy a house on the private market. Athens Habitat was one of 15 organizations that received a share of $62 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds for housing and homelessness that Kemp awarded last month. The additional $2.9 million Warnock announced last week comes from another Senate funding bill. Frye said Habitat also plans to apply to the ACC government for additional ARPA funding—the Biden administration’s 2021 economic stimulus bill—to help cover the remainder of the $15 million project. Out of the $35 million in unspent ARPA funds, the ACC Mayor and Commission has set aside $11 million for affordable housing and $5 million to address homelessness. (Other buckets are earmarked for supporting local businesses and workers, youth programs and mental health.) The fact that both Kemp, a Republican, and Warnock, a Democrat, both set aside funding for Micah’s Creek is an all-too-rare example of bipartisanship, said Frye, who is also a Democratic state representative. (That Kemp and virtually every other Republican opposed ARPA went unmentioned.) “People realize that this [lack of affordable housing] is a real issue we face, and we have to do something about it,” Frye said. “We have to be creative, and we have to show results.” f

Journalist and activist Barbara Ehrenreich died on Sept. 1 at age 81. A writer of books and magazine articles during a long career that began more than 50 years ago, Ehrenreich is most remembered for her 2001 book, Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America. In that book, she recounted experiences she had while working undercover in a series of low-paying blue collar jobs. Her story of working people struggling to make ends meet in precarious times was published two decades ago, but it is readable and relevant today. Ehrenreich had a lifelong affinity for American laborers. “When I was born, my father was a copper miner in Butte, MT,” she recalled. “It was a hardcore, blue-col-

lar situation.” The writer’s words should be remembered today by her readers and by her fellow journalists: “No matter that patriotism is too often the refuge of scoundrels. Dissent, rebellion and all-around hell-raising remain the true duty of patriots,” she said. America has a long history of dissident, rebellious and hell-raising writers, and Ehrenreich was a part of that tradition. In 1906, President Theodore Roosevelt gave a speech to the U.S. Senate in which he scorned investigative journalists of the time as “muckrakers.” Most famous of the muckrakers was writer Upton Sinclair, whose novel The Jungle exposed the horrid conditions in America’s meatpacking industry. Published in 1906—the same year that Teddy Roosevelt denounced muckrakers from his presidential bully pulpit—the book led the president to push for needed reforms in this nation’s food industry. Sinclair’s book was a huge success, but

the author had hoped that readers would sympathize with the plight of the slaughterhouse workers. Instead, readers worried more about contaminated food. “I aimed at the public’s heart, and by accident I hit it in the stomach,” he lamented. Vance Packard was a needed journalistic voice in the America of the postwar 1950s and early 1960s. Packard questioned the complacency and materialism of this nation in such titillatingly-titled books as The Hidden Persuaders, The Status Seekers, The Waste Makers, The Pyramid Climbers and The Naked Society. A prolific and prescient writer until his death in 1996, Packard gave early warnings about the dangers of corporate power, pollution and threats to privacy posed by computers and surveillance cameras. Jessica Mitford’s 1963 book, The American Way of Death, was a best-seller that ripped the lid off the U.S. funeral industry. In 1969 she wrote The Trial of Dr. Spock about the courtroom saga of the pediatrician and antiwar activist Benjamin Spock. She published The Prison Business in 1973. That same year, Nora Sayre penned a fine history of the glories and follies of the American left in Sixties Going on Seventies. Molly Ivins combined hard-hitting commentary with a Texas-size sense of humor. Before her death in 2007, she skewered her fellow Texan, President George W. Bush, in columns that ran in more than 300 American newspapers and magazines. Ben Bagdikian was a longtime journalist with The Washington Post until he died in 2016. “Never forget that your obligation is to the people,” he said. In his 1983 book The Media Monopoly, Bagdikian warned of the dangers of media ownership by a handful of powerful corporations. For his 1972 book The Shame of the Prisons, Bagdikian arranged to spend a few days inside a Pennsylvania prison while posing as a convicted criminal. Prison guards and inmates had no idea that the new kid on the cell block was in actuality a reporter who took high risks to get a story quite literally “from the inside.” Barbara Ehrenreich lived and died long after the muckraking writers who exposed corporate corruption in the early years of the 20th century, but she carried on their brand of journalism for justice. In his 1972 book The Muckrakers, author Fred Cook asked questions that still need answers today: “Can America long survive as a democracy without its muckrakers? Can a society in which power becomes ever more concentrated in ever fewer hands survive in freedom without its watchdogs?” f

S E P T E MB E R 14, 2022· F L A GP OL E .C OM

feature

LEE SHEARER

news

Out of Reach

HOUSING COSTS KEEP RISING IN ATHENS

By Lee Shearer news@flagpole.com

eal estate companies and government agencies use a variety of formulas to track the cost of houses, but lately, in Athens and the rest of the country, they all tell the same story: You can’t afford to buy a house. That’s especially true in Athens, if you’re a family making anything close to the county’s low family median income. A family making Athens-Clarke County’s median income of $51,227 has to pay 46% of its monthly income to meet payments at 5.1% interest for a house at the median price of $318,333, according to the Federal Reserve Bank—way more than the 30% of income that defines affordability. Athens-Clarke County’s 65.6 score on the bank’s “Home Ownership Affordability Monitor Index” is one of the lowest scores in the nation. A score of more than 100 means a household with the median income for the county can afford to buy a median home at that 30% bar. Scores below that show how far into “unaffordable” territory an area is.

A Perfect Storm Housing prices have been increasing sharply in Athens for years. After the collapse of home prices in the 2008 recession, prices in Athens rose at a faster rate than any Georgia metro area except Atlanta. Athens also grew in population faster than any Georgia city save Atlanta. But the surge in house prices has accelerated to breathtaking heights during the COVID pandemic. Just five years ago, Athens-Clarke’s score on the affordability index was a much healthier 112.9, though even then many struggled to find housing because of Athens’ low wages and high poverty rates. The cost of a house in Athens is up 35% since the beginning of the pandemic in early 2020, compared to the national average of 30%, said Jeff Humphreys, director of the University of Georgia Terry College of Business’s Selig Center for Economic Growth. Much of the change is just within the past year, when house prices rose nationally by about 26%. Using traditional economic measures, homes are about 20% overvalued nationally, Humphreys said. But the old yardsticks no longer apply—as people have spent more time at home during the COVID pandemic, they have come to collectively value home a lot more, according to Humphreys and other analysts. “In my opinion, since the pandemic started homes have become fundamentally more valuable to more people,” Humphreys said. As the Federal Reserve Bank raises rates, housing price escalation is slowing but hasn’t disappeared—it is expected to clock in at around 12% this year. House prices could actually decline next year, Humphreys said, but not nearly as much as they’ve risen. The pandemic is far from the only pressure on housing prices. The Federal Reserve Bank’s recent interest rate hikes, meant to

curb runaway inflation, have made buying a house even more unattainable. Investors with pockets full of cash have also been scrambling to buy houses. Krystal Seli, a children’s librarian at the Athens-Clarke County Library, and husband Phillip Gerson saw that firsthand when they moved to Athens from Oakland, CA a little over a year ago with their 3-year-old daughter, looking New high-priced student apartment buildings keep popping up near downtown and campus. for an in-town house in a walkable neighborhood. They thought they’d found one in Normaltown, under-built for a number of years, and we’re ments, or could encourage builders to put up unobtrusive duplexes or small courtand then one on Pope Street, but both playing catch-up. We have a scarcity of sinyard-style apartment buildings on street times investors outbid them “significantly,” gle-family homes,” he said. corners and other places they’d fit into sinSeli said. The decline in the supply of houses is a gle-family areas. They finally found one on Rocksprings national phenomenon, but Athens topped The commission could also change Street, where there was less competition the list when the New York Times recently because of the $150,000 in repairs it analyzed federal data on how housing avail- zoning ordinances to allow denser development in Athens-Clarke’s so-called green needed, on top of the $217,000 price. “We ability has changed in 300 U.S. urban areas. belt, where sewer and water lines don’t go, found a place not many people wanted While many metros have a greater housing because it needed a lot of fixing,” she said. deficit than here, Athens’ shift was the larg- where some forest and agriculture remain and required home lot sizes are large. But But then they had to deal with someest, moving from a 12% surplus of housing commissioners have resisted development thing else driving up housing costs: supply units in 2012 to a negative 2.4% deficit pressure there in the past due to concerns chain disruptions and the escalating cost in 2019. The housing deficit nationwide about the environmental impact and cost of of building materials, when they were doubled in those years, according to the extending infrastructure. available. A year after committing to buy Washington think tank Up for Growth. The commission has also put millions the house, they’re now about to move in, Sheer population growth, largely because of dollars into redeveloping Bethel Homes, and pleased to have acquired a place before of increases in student enrollment at the doubling the number of below-market units. prices surged even more. University of Georgia and the jobs they At a recent meeting, the ACC Commission Athens was the best housing market in bring, is the fundamental force driving up also discussed hiring a consultant to devise the state for investors in 2021, according land and housing costs in Clarke County, more affordable housing strategies. to the website WalletHub.com, but investor the state’s smallest county. Athens continAthens Land Trust Affordable Housing buying has been high across the country. ues to rank high on “best places to retire” Director Sara Beresford believes local govDuring the first three months of this year, lists, and in 2019 Forbes pegged Athens No. investors bought a third of the homes sold 6 in the nation in a “best places for business ernment initiatives can help. “I’m really interested in ways we can support smaller in Atlanta—more than anywhere else in the and career” ranking. Government policies developers,” said Beresford, who also chairs nation, according to the Atlanta Business such as restrictive zoning and, ironically, Chronicle. the federal mortgage income tax deduction, the ACC Planning Commission. “I’m glad to see a lot of interest and money put toward Investor buying was a big factor when also help make housing unaffordable for the problem. I just hope we spend it wisely. the bottom fell out of the housing market low- and middle-income people, according It’s really tricky. I think the key is for peoin 2008, but we won’t see a repeat this to affordable housing advocates. ple to have options, but the supply is so time, Humphreys said. Investors then were limited.” buying houses to flip, but now investors are One thing seems certain: More and more more often buying houses to rent out longAthens residents are going to be living term, he said. Not coincidentally, rental Fixes are elusive, but local elected offiin apartments, rather than a house with rates are also rising sharply. cials are trying. In April, the Athens-Clarke a yard, judging from data from the ACC Investor buying is nothing new in County Commission adopted the first part Building Inspection Department. In the Athens, with its huge university-town of a zoning overhaul meant to increase the first decade of the 21st century, the ACC rental market, and much has been in areas city’s stock of affordable housing. The volgovernment routinely issued 500 or more that were once predominantly Black neighsingle-family home permits yearly; in 2004, borhoods, such as parts of East Athens near untary program offers apartment builders incentives, such as allowing more units the inspectors approved 855. In 2021, downtown and UGA. On streets such as with fewer parking spaces than zoning rules Athens-Clarke County issued construction Billups and Reese, in the heart of what was permit, in exchange for an owner’s pledge permits for 177 single-family homes, and once a large Black neighborhood, more and to rent some percentage of the new units for 980 units in apartment buildings, many more houses are becoming the property of of them higher-priced apartments aimed at landlords or young white families who want at below-market rates. How it helps or to be in the Chase Street Elementary School doesn’t remains to be seen as planners work UGA’s growing student population. In the out the details, including how the changes first six months of 2022, builders pulled attendance zone. Renovated and expanded will blend with Athens-Clarke’s new Tax 144 single-family home permits and 34 houses on The Plaza, at the edge of that Allocation District program to promote apartment permits totaling 667 units. district, have recently sold for more than development in certain areas, such as the $500,000. Georgia Square Mall. Baby Boomers are holding on to their A second part of the zoning overhaul, houses longer, Humphreys said, while more dealing with zoning for single-family younger people are reaching an age where UGA’s impact on Athens’ apartment homes, has yet to come before the comthey want to buy a first house. And many rental business is huge and growing larger. mission and is likely to be contentious. The workers left the construction trades after When the apartment rental company changes could allow some homeowners the 2008 recession and never returned, Adobo looked at Census statistics in 2017, to convert parts of their houses to apartresulting in a labor shortage. “We probably

F L A GP OL E .C OM · S E P T E MB E R 14, 2022

Search for Solutions

Students Drive Up Rent

only one metro area in the nation had a higher percentage of people living in rental housing than Athens-Clarke County— College Station, TX, home of giant Texas A&M University. Five years later, Athens still remains one of the most renter-heavy cities in the country—No. 5 nationally, Humphreys said. According to U.S. Census figures, that rate is about 60%. Meanwhile, UGA enrollment is on a sharp climb, on a pace lately that could see enrollment reach 50,000 in a decade or so. Enrollment was 40,118 last fall. UGA enrolled its largest freshman class ever at around 6,200 last month, according to President Jere Morehead. That would make 2022 the third straight year UGA sets a new record for freshman class size, after 5,433 first-year students in 2020 and 5,582 in 2021. UGA is opening its first new residence hall in nearly two decades this fall, 525-bed Black-Diallo-Miller Hall, limited to firstyear students and named for the first three Black UGA graduates who enrolled at the university as freshmen. Beginning first-year students are required to live on campus. But even with the hundreds of new beds, UGA can’t accommodate all the students

beds. The university also added 190 more dorm beds and a handful of apartments when it took over the Navy Supply Corps School 10 years ago, when enrollment was about 34,500. Athens’ overall population has also grown steeply since that government report, from about 100,000 in 2000 to about 130,000 today. The Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget projects a Clarke County population of 140,000 by the next census in 2030—10,000 more bedrooms needed. Instead of UGA building on campus, new student housing has become the province of companies that specialize in relatively high-priced, mid-rise apartment buildings like those that now make a stretch of East Broad Street near downtown Athens an urban canyon of multi-story apartment complexes housing thousands of students. Apartment complexes now under construction or planned near the UGA campus on Broad, Lumpkin and other streets near campus will provide beds for thousands more, close enough so students can easily walk or catch a university bus to campus or the downtown bar scene, which has the benefit of keeping vehicles off the streets.

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Move-in day at UGA, where on-campus housing construction hasn’t kept up with growing enrollment.

who want to live on campus after their first year. This spring, UGA offered up to $3,500 to juniors, seniors and sophomores if they’d give up their housing contracts this fall, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Maureen Downey reported in May. That’s in line with national trends. Overall, college enrollment has been declining nationwide and in Georgia, but at large state universities like UGA, enrollment grows year after year, while on-campus housing does not. And this year across the country, students who stayed home last year as the COVID pandemic built are returning to campus to get the kind of college experience they can’t get online, intensifying the student housing crunch, the Chronicle of Higher Education reported July 20. In 2000, UGA’s 10-year plan for future on-campus housing development called for more than doubling on-campus housing, from about 4,000 apartments and dorm rooms housing 6,000 students to 9,000 units, according to a 2003 ACC affordable housing survey. But as UGA enrollment grew by nearly 10,000 in the years since, that’s not what happened. UGA did open four new apartment-style residence halls on its new East Campus in 2004 and added a fifth in 2010, for a total of about 1,900 new

UGA and overall population growth also continues to reshape East Athens and other formerly predominantly Black neighborhoods near campus as landlords compete with families for houses. In some cities, big universities’ growing enrollments are intensifying long-standing conflicts with their host communities, struggling to keep housing affordable, and between schools and students who want affordable on-campus housing. At the University of California at Berkeley, students have staged protests against the lack of on-campus housing, while the city government fought a losing battle against the university’s plans to build more off-campus housing aimed at students. Harvard University agreed to make 25% of 345 apartment units affordable in the first phase of its planned expansion into a Boston neighborhood, and to pony up $25 million for an affordable housing fund. Boston requires 13% of units to be affordable in large developments. Meanwhile, rents, like house prices, are on the upswing. According to Redfin-owned Rent.com, rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Athens is up 24% over last year, to $1,386. Two-bedrooms are up 34% to $1,524, but three bedroom apartments are actually down 9% at $1,137. f

Tribute to Art Rosenbaum

S E P T E MB E R 14, 2022· F L A GP OL E .C OM

news

comment

Searcy Is Wrong for Schools STATE SUPERINTENDENT CANDIDATE UNDERMINES LOCAL DISTRICTS

By Russell Edwards news@flagpole.com I write to help inform voters about Alisha ruled in favor of the local school districts, Thomas Searcy, formerly Alisha Thomas finding the new State Charter Commission Morgan, who has won the Democratic nom- violated the Georgia Constitution, holding: ination for state school superintendent and “By providing for local boards of education will be on the ballot in November. to have exclusive control over general K-12 In 2008, Searcy represented Cobb schools, our constitutions, past and presCounty in the Georgia House of Represenent, have limited governmental authority tatives and cast her first vote to undermine over the public education of Georgia’s chilour local authority to educate our children to that level of government closest dren. She voted for the Georgia Charter and most responsive to the taxpayers and School Commission Act (GCSCA). This bill became law and created an unelected state commission with the power to establish state charter schools, even if citizens (through their locally elected boards of education) rejected them. A per-pupil local share of state funding that once went to existing public schools, instead funded these new charter schools. New state charters enjoyed other advantages: They could avoid providing transportation and lunch for their Alisha Thomas Searcy students, and could ignore local curriculum standards, for example. Ivy Preparatory parents of the children being educated.” The Academy—remember that name—is the ruling restored the funding to local school first charter school the new state commissystems that state-approved charter schools sion authorized. had taken. Charters like Ivy Prep, that local As state charters multiplied, local school elected officials rejected, saw their funding districts began to suffer budget shortfalls drop. from the per-pupil loss of funding siphoned In 2012, Searcy rescued state charter away. Running a public school has high schools by co-sponsoring the charter fixed costs, after all. Local districts filed suit schools amendment to the Georgia Conin 2009 to recoup this unprecedented fund- stitution, House Resolution 1162. This ing loss. The State Supreme Court in 2011 amendment explicitly created new power

for the Charter School Commission to create state charter schools, thereby circumventing the Supreme Court ruling. The amendment passed by just three votes in the House and was approved by voters, likely due to deceptively crafted ballot language. State-approved charters again accessed a per-pupil share of local funding. In 2013, Searcy continued to undermine local boards of education by co-sponsoring House Bill 123, known as the parent trigger bill. This legislation would have allowed a vote of student parents to fire a local school principal and convert the school into a state charter. The legislation failed. In 2014, Searcy left the legislature and sought the Democratic nomination for state school superintendent. Searcy also campaigned to pass the Opportunity School District constitutional amendment. She said at the time that “the opportunity district will be good for Georgia as long as its superintendent considers what each community wants for its schools.” This amendment would have further eroded local control of public schools by empowering a governor-appointed special school superintendent to take over local schools based on student standardized test scores. She failed in her 2014 run, and the Opportunity School District amendment failed on the ballot. 76% of Athens-Clarke County voters rejected the amendment, the highest percentage in the state. After failing in her run for higher office, Searcy gained employment with a direct beneficiary of her state legislative activity. Ivy Preparatory Academy hired Searcy in August of 2015 to serve as the executive director of its three campuses. Her tenure there is a good example of the problems created by a lack of local accountability. Months after Searcy’s hiring, Ivy Prep

did not meet the deadline to turn in their annual financial audits to the State Charter School Commission. The state later forced Ivy Prep’s Dekalb County all-boys campus to close permanently in April of 2015 “with state officials citing poor financial management and weak academic performance.” Sadly for students, problems at Ivy Prep continued to worsen. The AJC reported in 2017 that Searcy fired half the teachers at Ivy Prep’s Gwinnett campus in the middle of the school year. The Parent-Teacher Association treasurer at the time stated, “The kids don’t have teachers, I feel like they’re not learning anything.” Two months later, Searcy petitioned the state to close Ivy Prep’s Gwinnett campus temporarily for the 2018 school year, citing financial difficulties and declining enrollment. She resigned in July of 2018, and then Ivy Prep announced in August that its Gwinnett campus would close permanently. Searcy’s management of Ivy Preparatory Academy, after sponsoring state legislation allowing for its creation and funding, is a record of failure: missed financial disclosure deadlines, dramatic rounds of teacher firings, and ultimately school closures that left hundreds of families in Gwinnett and Dekalb scrambling in her wake of chaos. In sum, Searcy has robbed citizens and their local boards of education of funding and the authority to manage public schools. Thanks to Searcy’s advocacy, bureaucrats in Atlanta have undermined communities and created charter schools where local elected authorities rejected them. Thanks to Searcy’s co-sponsorship, our state constitution was amended to allow state charter schools to siphon tax money away from local public schools. As a result of Searcy’s tenure, the students at Ivy Prep’s two closed campuses had to face education turmoil. It is deeply unfortunate that Searcy has somehow maneuvered herself through luck and deception to be the Democratic nominee for state school superintendent. It’s no surprise that her website contains no pages with issues or a platform. Democrats support public education; Searcy has undermined it. What can she possibly run on? f Edwards is an Athens-Clarke County commissioner and former chair of the ACC Democratic Committee.

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · S E P T E MB E R 14, 2022

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arts & culture

art notes

food & drink

grub notes

Remembering Art Rosenbaum

Revamping Tradition at The Globe

By Jessica Smith arts@flagpole.com

By Hillary Brown food@flagpole.com

A renowned painter, muralist and educator, Art Rosenbaum was also a performer, folklorist and “song catcher” of traditional American music. With profound talent, a big heart and an unparalleled passion for the arts, he not only inspired others through his work but was instrumental in preserving the legacies of those who inspired him. He died at the age of 83 on the early morning of Sept. 4 after a long battle with cancer.

Born in 1938 in Ogdensburg, NY, Rosenbaum earned an AB in art history and an MFA in painting at Columbia University in New York City, where he met and married fellow artist Margo Newmark. A decade into their marriage, Art, Margo and their son Neil settled down in Athens, where he taught at the Lamar Dodd School of Art for the next 30 years, earning the title of the first Wheatley Professor in Fine Arts upon his retirement in 2006. As an educator, he influenced a generation of emerging artists through his contagious enthusiasm and deep well of knowledge. He was known to greet each student with genuine curiosity and respect, no matter their age or skill level, with an awareness that they may have the potential to become a future colleague or friend. Belonging to a wave of artists who reintroduced figuration and narrative into a period dominated by abstraction, his distinctive painting style uses expressive realism to create scenes that vibrate with motion. Often embedded with real-life characters and allegorical references, his paintings transcended space and time by weaving together threads pulled from different memories, historical accounts and present-day contemplations. Art and Margo maintained independent artistic practices that primarily ran parallel, yet occasionally intertwined for astounding results. Frequently traveling together, the pair would join their talents to create multi-dimensional portrayals of musicians and artists through combinations of recordings, essays, annotations, paintings, illustrations and photographs. Art’s passion for documenting traditional American music motivated him to travel off the beaten paths throughout the South and Midwest in search of blues, ballads, spirituals, fiddle tunes and other

vernacular melodies that may have otherwise been lost to history. His field recordings are preserved through over a dozen releases, several of which are included on the Smithsonian Folkways label. In 2008, his expansive box set Art of Field Recording Volume I: Fifty Years of American Traditional Music Documented by Art Rosenbaum won a Grammy Award for Best Historical Album. In addition to several instructional books on how to play old-time mountain banjo, he authored Folk Visions & Voices: Traditional Music and Song in North Georgia, Shout Because You’re Free: The African American Ring Shout Tradition in Coastal Georgia and The Mary Lomax Ballad Book: America’s Great 21st Century Traditional Singer. A catalog entitled Weaving His Art on Golden Looms: Paintings and Drawings by Art Rosenbaum accompanied his first major retrospective exhibition held at the Georgia Museum of Art in 2006. Naturally, Art was a musician and multi-instrumentalist himself who released several LPs and CDs of his own playing and singing. Known to pick up a guitar, banjo or fiddle and hop in with other performers, he was also the beloved captain of the Around the Globe Sea Chantey Singers, an ensemble of art students recruited to keep the tradition of maritime work songs alive. A founder of the North Georgia Folk Festival, he created its popular poster art every year with the exception of its upcoming 37th iteration, for which Margo illustrated a portrait of Art. Though unable to perform again as he had hoped, his presence will be felt during a tribute held at the festival at Sandy Creek Park on Sept. 24 at 4 p.m. Exhibited at Tif Sigfrids in New York City last month, Art’s final painting was a portrait of Michael Stipe, R.E.M. frontman and a former student-turned-friend. An hour’s drive from Athens, Piedmont University’s Mason-Scharfenstein Museum of Art in Demorest is currently exhibiting a collection of his work through Oct. 13, with a reception scheduled for Oct. 6 from 5–7 p.m. Organized by the Linda Matney Gallery, the Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts in Spring, TX will host “Three Excellences of Culture: Painting, Poetry and Music, the Work of Art Rosenbaum and Friends” from Sept. 24–Jan. 13. If this recent burst of exhibitions is any indication, Art was someone who succeeded in squeezing every last drop out of life. With a devout interest in the human condition, his work demonstrates how to find inspiration among the people and places that surround you. He will be deeply missed, but much of him lives on through his artwork, recordings, lessons and stories. f

AND WEEKEND POP-UP ICE CREAM

THE GLOBE (199 N. Lumpkin St., 706353-4721): Revamping a classic is a tough gig. Opened in 1989, this one-time Best Bar in America, according to Esquire, is old enough to start feeling its sciatica. An extended closure due to COVID was a good opportunity to think about what was working and what wasn’t, what needed a fresh approach and what regulars would rather die than see eliminated. The new version of the bar/restaurant has managed to make its way through that obstacle course successfully, and, if it’s been a while since you’ve been, you might not notice too many specific things that have changed. It feels slightly spruced up. The lingering effects of years of cigarette smoking (back when you could do that inside) are gone. All the tables and chairs are nicely balanced and new, but not so new-seeming that you don’t feel like you’re in a venerable bar. There are more of them, and the seating is well placed. The big Art Rosenbaum (RIP) drawing still hangs above the bar, and many other pieces of wall decor appear to be in their original places. The menu is simple, with room for change and tradition side by side. Yes, there’s fish and chips—well battered and fried just right, maybe a weensy bit under salted, with a really good, fresh tartar sauce and fat but not mushy fries. There’s also a peach and coriander chaat in the starters section and among the sides. This version of the savory Indian snack food also includes peanuts, raisins and cornflakes in a lime and coriander chutney. It’s wet and crunchy, soggy (in a good way?) and strongly flavored, full of variety. It’s unexpected, smart and fun. Miss the diner burger? The Globe It’s still here, along with a double-decker smashburger topped with mustard, lettuce, caramelized onions, thick bacon, house sauce and pickles. You will need to wash up when you’re done. The flavors are good, although sometimes they fight too much, and it’s too strong on the pickle. Maybe raw onion would cut through the richness? If you get the house made potato chips as a side, you’ll be happy. Just thick enough to be substantial, just thin enough to get nice and crisp (and be translucent if held up to the light). They’re well salted and gorgeously fried. The menu makes space for vegetarians in other ways than fries. The barley bowl features roasted parsnips, carrots, broccoli and cauliflower with a house vinaigrette. You can add a protein (egg, chicken, steak, bacon) or have it plain. It could be jazzier, but it’s reasonably substantial and not a salad. There are specials like barbecue braised pork belly served as a

sandwich (with pimento cheese and tomato jam) and a Scottish fisherman’s soup. The menu is large in scale and type, but modest in the number of items it contains: six mains, four sides, one soup, one salad, three starters, a bunch of fry options. Hooray for simplicity. Hooray for this place being back in a way that is both very true to its roots and not afraid to try to be better, with real ingredients and quality preparations, plus an emphasis on a good work environment. The Globe is open for lunch 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday and for dinner from 5–10 p.m. VALLEY’S CREAMERY (1700 S. Lumpkin St., valleyscreamery.com): Joe Nedza loves a pop-up, from his original waffle stand to his donut truck to his brick-and-mortar business (Nedza’s), his smashburger thing that shows up occasionally and now this ice cream shop that sets up inside The Café on Lumpkin Fridays and Saturdays from 5–9 p.m. Named for his daughter, the shop makes a limited number of flavors, all heavy on the add-ins and pretty quality stuff. So far it’s tilted toward vanilla-based ice creams: a pretty intense sea salt caramel; a malted cookie dough with salted fudge swirl; and Valley’s Pie, with chunks of a SUZANNAH EVANS

ARTIST, MUSICIAN AND MENTOR TO MANY

brown buttery pie and a praline swirl. Are these all in the same flavor ballpark? They are. My favorite so far is the “Tall, Dark and Handsome,” a coffee ice cream with chunks of toffee and chocolate. Your kids will want the “For Lindy,” a birthday cake ice cream with blue frosting and cookie crumbles that is far better than the usual renderings of that kind of thing. There’s an oat milk honeycomb that’s dairy-free but runs out very quickly, and the promise of vegan flavors to come. All of it is pretty rich, and even a small serving ($4 a scoop, $6 if it’s in a homemade waffle cone that’s too soft but has a nice taste) will fill you up quickly. The menu is simple, and you order through a window, meaning you don’t have to go inside. Even if it’s raining, there’s a covered patio. The hours are weird but reliable; you’ll see a sign in the ground outside when ice cream is available. f

S E P T E MB E R 14, 2022· F L A GP OL E .C OM

arts & culture

calendar picks

MUSIC | FRI, SEPT. 16

Eagle Scout Album Release Show

Flicker Theatre & Bar • 8 p.m. • $10

Back in high school, I knew three guys who, for whatever reason, saw the Boy Scout thing through to the end and became Eagle Scouts. I didn’t make it past level 2 or something, opting instead to start playing trombone of all things, which I detested. My three friends would constantly complain to me about scouting while I complained to them about marching band. They did, however, walk away with much cooler stories. So, what glorious careers did a life in scouting set them up for? All three of those guys play in bands now. I’m not sure if the members of Eagle Scout can claim the title itself, but if they can, then I’m convinced that scouting is an undercover program to create talented musicians, in this case wonderful, catchy power pop. Eagle Scout’s debut single, “Something Worthwhile,” has a “seize the day” vibe, encouraging listeners to accomplish what they want out of life. The group’s debut album, Early Bird, will be gettin’ the worm on Sept. 16 with a release

Hibbs Family Band

show featuring songwriter Mary Margaret Cozart and honky-tonk, punk rock band Newport Transplant. [Patrick Barry] MUSIC | SEPT. 16–17

September Days Festival

Southern Brewing Co. • 4 p.m. (Fri) & 12 p.m. (Sat) • $20 (adv.), $25 (door), $35 (two-day pass)

It’s been refreshing recently to see festivals popping back up, specifically young, smaller festivals. September Days Festival, in particular, began in the wake of the cancellation of last year’s AthFest Music & Arts Festival, which left musicians suddenly without gigs. Despite the tragedy, the public hunger was still very much present and unsatisfied. So the first September Days Festival, which took its name from a Modern Skirts song, was born. Cobbled together by Aubrey Entertainment in a relatively short period, the festival featured a roster of AthFest-worthy talent. Now, almost a year since its humble beginnings, September Days is back with a stacked lineup headlined by nationally recognized groups. Headlined by Florida indie-pop band Flipturn, Sept. 16 will include local bands The Getaway Company, A.D. Blanco and Well Kept, plus former Athenian bands Neighbor Lady and Hotel Fiction. Sept. 17 sees T. Hardy Morris, Girlpuppy and Vision Video take the stage as headliners. The

Head, Drew Beskin & The Sunshine, The Echolocations, CannonandtheBoxes, Five Eight, Wim Tapley & The Cannons, lighthearted and Heffner will perform earlier in the day. It seems that despite its growth in the intervening year, September Days has been intentional about maintaining the focus on the community and its artists. Plenty of local talent will take the stage, and a portion of proceeds from ticket sales will go to The Goodmood Fund, an organization dedicated to providing emergency aid for independent touring musicians suffering financial hardships. Launched in 2021 by musician Jack Shaw (The Head), the Atlanta-based nonprofit distributes grants that can be used for rent or mortgage payments, home repairs stemming from natural disasters, funeral expenses, stolen or damaged equipment and more. [PB] MUSIC | SAT, SEPT. 17

Hibbs Family Band Album Release Show Hendershot’s Coffee • 8 p.m. • $10

The Hibbs Family Band has music in their blood. They must, because it’s not often that a family is able to unite under a creative goal as cohesive as a band. And no, this isn’t a Walker Brothers situation; the Hibbs Family Band really is that, a family. This time around, brothers Rob and Garrett join their mother Judy and father Henry for their sophomore album, Two Mules, a work that’s as much a celebration of their family’s long-standing local history as it is a celebration of music itself. I suppose, however, that for the Hibbs family they may very well be the same thing. Much of the album centers around stories of their family farm and the life their former generations lived. Even the release date of the album, Aug. 28, is a nod to family history—it’s their Aunt Clara’s 103rd birthday. To celebrate the release of the album, The Hibbs Family Band will be playing a show at Hendershot’s with AC Darnell. [PB] MUSIC | SAT, SEPT. 17

Irist, Husk, Big Oaf

Flicker Theatre & Bar • 9 p.m. • $10

Shadebeast consistently puts on impressive metal shows, and this one in particular caught my attention. Atlanta band Irist will play at Flicker before embarking on a two-month European tour in support of the self-produced and Matt Bayles (Mastodon, Isis) mixed Gloria EP. Rodrigo Carvalho (vocals), Pablo Davila (guitar), Adam Mitchell (guitar) and Bruno Segovia (bass) have a cinematic quality to their music, clean but not sterile. The riffs are heavy but dynamic with prog influence. The rhythms are rich with Latin flair, and it’s no mistake. Three of the band’s five members moved from South America to Atlanta before forming the band. So, if they can move across hemispheres to create the band, surely you can get on down to Flicker to go hear them before they travel overseas. [PB] f

F L A GP OL E .C OM · S E P T E MB E R 14, 2022

music

threats & promises

Josey’s Guitar Demos PLUS, MORE MUSIC NEWS AND GOSSIP

By Gordon Lamb threatsandpromises@flagpole.com EBONY & IVORY: The UGA Performing Arts Center is deep in the midst of its 2022– 2023 season, and coming up this week is a widely anticipated performance from the Anderson & Roe Piano Duo. Composed of the Julliard-trained Greg Anderson and Elizabeth Joy Roe, this is the first time they’ll perform for UGA. Currently celebrating two decades together, the pair will perform at the Hodgson Concert Hall on Friday, Sept. 16 at 7:30 p.m. Many millions of fans have enjoyed the duo’s video presence on YouTube, and their performance consists of a diverse set of work ranging from Mozart to The Beatles. Tickets range from $30–$60 and can be found at pac. uga.edu/event/anderson-roe-piano-duo. Tickets may also be purchased in person at the Performing Arts Center Box Office Monday–Friday from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. or by phone at 706-542-4400 during those same hours. For all other information, please see pac.uga.edu. BRO’S CLUES: Donald Whitehead’s longstanding project Space Brother just released a new set of highly incongruous tracks. There’s a full 20 of them on the man’s new collection named Waves, and the incongruity comes from these Josey first appearing to be inwardly focused but, in the end, actually working well as hushed, outwardly projected suggestions. Working through a set of sounds including clipped beats, glitch samples, echoes, turntable needle static and too many other unidentifiable things to attempt naming, this collection is like an aural set of writing prompts encouraging the listeners’ own creativity. Of course, this is completely listenable in its own right to a certain audience. Its fractured nature, and individually short run times, is more akin to peeking into someone’s sketchbook than experiencing the whole of their finished work. Check it out at spacebrother.bandcamp.com. BRAND NEW LOVE: I’ve been checking out the work of Athens artist Josey for a few years now and have always been intrigued, if not outright enthused. There’s a new set of tunes available to check out that just hit the street, and it’s named Guitar Demos, which may or may not be entirely accurate. I mean, they certainly retain the amateur quality that I’ve come to know and enjoy with Josey’s music, but these are also quite catchy and tuneful with an indie/ sorta-psych style. Certain songs—such as “Mind Blip” and opening track “Today”— wouldn’t be out of place at all on, say,

early releases from both Sebadoh and/or Guided By Voices. Your mileage will vary, but if you’re game for a test drive, head to joseytwallace.bandcamp.com. IN WITH THE OLD: Newly online are some old releases from Athens garage punk rockers The Agenda. Of course, this was garage rock made back when garages were eminently affordable, so take from that what you will. At any rate, the band—composed of Ryan and Mat Lewis, Dan Geller, Justin Robinson and Ian Cone—were loud, brash, bratty, combative, kind of out of control, and the recipients of a huge amount of praise and acclaim in a very short amount of time. Now the group’s full catalog, with the exception of maybe an imported single or two, is available online. These releases are the band’s debut LP Start The Panic! (2002), the EP Strike A Viper (2004) and the EP Only The Young Die Young (2010). Find all these now at theagenda.bandcamp.com. OLD ENOUGH TO VOTE:

For as best I can figure, Athens/ Moultrie band Wickets has been making and releasing music for at least 18 years. But it took one of the members sending me a private message via Twitter—which is a highly unrecommended way to grab my attention as it’s entirely hit-or-miss, and mostly a miss—for them to land on my radar. While it’s a bummer having missed out on years and years of their music, it’s nice to have a lot to check out now because it’s all just so dang good. Specifically, they tipped me to their recent triple-disc set named Poltergeist: The Athens Albums which is noted online as having been released in 2020, but who really knows, right? Anyway, Wickets’ music is solidly in the college rock tradition but with the keeping in mind that such designations were always fluid within reason. To wit, the song “Not Like Me” ultimately owes more to Motown than Merge. Then there are top tracks like “Age Without Wisdom” that positively channel the rock-pop language of the 1960s. Then there are songs like “Movie Moonbeams” that in any just universe would position Wickets as peers of both Elf Power and the Olivia Tremor Control. There’s a huge amount of material here, not to mention the group’s back catalog, so prepare to really settle in with these guys. Find The Athens Albums on Spotify and everything else on wickets.bandcamp.com. If you dig it, then follow along at facebook. com/wickets02. f

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S E P T E MB E R 14, 2022· F L A GP OL E .C OM

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · S E P T E MB E R 14, 2022

live music calendar Tuesday 13

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 6:30 p.m. (doors), 7:30 (show). $25. www.georgiatheatre.com THE BAND CAMINO Nashville pop rock act. KNOX Vibrant indie rock. Hendershot’s Coffee Athens Pride Week Kid and Youth Night. 6:30 p.m. www.hendershotsathens.com LIKE TOTALLY! Local “kindie rock” band featuring original songs and family-friendly theatrical performances. Tonight’s set follows a special storytime with drag queens. 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.

The Foundry 7–9 p.m. FREE! www.graduate hotels.com/happenings-us HUSH MONEY Acoustic rock covers and originals by TJ Wayt and Bryant Johnson. Georgia Theatre Rooftop 9 p.m. FREE! www.georgiatheatre. com WONDERLAND RANGERS Local rabble-rouser Timi Conley performs dance-tastic psych-pop with his all- star backing band. Happy Top Lodge & Rest The Innkeeper’s Birthday. 6 p.m. $10 suggested donation. happytop. lnr @gmail.com CICADA RHYTHM Captivating Athens duo playing melodic, roots-influenced folk-rock. SISTER SAI Atlanta-based multi-instrumentalist. JOHN KIRAN FERNANDES Local Elephant 6 stalwart and multi-instrumentalist works his improvisational magic on the clarinet and loop pedal. Hendershot’s Coffee 8 p.m. www.hendershotsathens. com JAZZ JAM Seth Hendershot and the house band Unstarched host an open jazz jam. Bring an instrument or your voice. Every Third Thursday. Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall 7:30 p.m. $3 (w/ UGA ID), $20. pac.uga.edu UGA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA The orchestra kicks off the Thursday Scholarship Series with a program that includes the “Roman Carnival Overture” of Berlioz, Stravinsky’s “Firebird Suite” and “Symphony No. 3 “ by Johannes Brahms. No. 3 Railroad Street 6:30 p.m. $15 suggested donation. www.3railroad.org JON SHAIN Celebrated guitarist combining improvised piedmont blues with bluegrass, swing and ragtime. Nowhere Bar 9 p.m. www.facebook.com/ NowhereBarAthens SOLID COUNTRY GOLD Diablo boys playing country jams. Southern Brewing Co. 6–10 p.m. www.sobrewco.com KARAOKE NIGHT Every Thursday evening.

Thursday 15

Friday 16

40 Watt Club International Fly Fishing Film Festival. 6:30 p.m. (doors), 7:30 p.m. (show). $15 (adv.), $18. www.40watt.com HUNTER MORRIS AND FRIENDS Melodic local psychedelic pop project. Flicker Theatre & Bar 8 p.m. $10. www.flickertheatreand bar.com GUMLOG Soft and folky twee led by Sam Herring. KAIROS CREATURE CLUB Songwriting collective created by Lena Simon and Glenn Michael Van Dyke. JOSEY Local alternative pop and folk musician playin’ and prayin’ with her band. ¿BANANA? Local folk pop duo. Album release show!

Athentic Brewing Co. 7–10 p.m. FREE! www.athentic brewing.com DE LA LUNA A dance party on the patio. 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 8 p.m. $10. www.flickertheatreand bar.com EAGLE SCOUT Local power pop band celebrating the release of its debut album. NEWPORT TRANSPLANT Dynamic honky-tonk band straddling punk rock and sci-fi wonder. MARY MARGARET COZART One

Buvez 7 p.m. www.athenspride.org PRIDE KARAOKE Join Athens Pride and Queer Collective in kicking off Athens Pride Week 2022 with a night of karaoke. Hendershot’s Coffee 8 p.m. www.hendershotsathens.com SHANE PARISH Master guitarist and fearless explorer of rhythm and timbre. LITTLE MAZARN Austin, TX-based duo creating sparse melancholy melodies using banjo and singing saw. Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall 7:30 p.m. $3 (w/ UGA ID), $12. pac.uga.edu UGA WIND ENSEMBLE The ensemble’s program will include selections by Hughes, Turina, Ticheli, Gould, McTee and Joplin. Southern Brewing Co., Monroe 7 p.m. www.sobrewco.com FUNKY BLUESTER Blues outfit inspired by traditional Chicago and Texas styles.

Wednesday 14

half of former band Common Currents and mercurial songwriter. The Foundry 7–9 p.m. FREE! www.graduate hotels.com/happenings-us NICKALOUS BENSON Orange Constant’s guitarist shares a solo acoustic set. Georgia Theatre 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). www.georgiatheatre.com DREW HOLCOMB AND THE NEIGHBORS Heartfelt indie folk with themes of family and resilience. THE NATIONAL PARKS Indie pop from the canyonlands of Southern Utah. Georgia Theatre Rooftop 7 p.m. FREE! www.georgiatheatre. com AUSTIN MILLER Americana singer songwriter. Hendershot’s Coffee 8 p.m. www.hendershotsahtens.com JONATHAN SCALES FOURCHESTRA Steel pannist renowned for musicality and innovation. Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall 7:30 p.m. $30–60. www.uga.pac.edu ANDERSON & ROE PIANO DUO Dynamic and expressive piano duo performing classical pieces and film favorites.

HOTEL FICTION Indie pop band featuring tight harmonies by Jade Long and Jessica Thompson. (8:45 p.m.) FLIPTURN Cinematic music for endless summers and starry nights. (10 p.m.) Wonderbar 10 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/ wonderbarathens BYV_TRUBB Atlanta-based rapper with local roots blending punk rock and trap. TRVY High-energy hip-hop artist. GOODIE Local hip-hop artist switching between hype rapping and emo singing. 1DAD0KIDS Autotune-infused party hip hop with melodic flows. DEXX Artist with a versatile sound who raps, sings and produces. BLESSTHEPLAYA Versatile artist and producer who makes both hype and lo-fi hip hop.

Saturday 17 40 Watt Club 7 p.m. $15 (adv.), $20. www.40watt.com MERCYLAND Legendary live band taking influence from early punk and alternative. Celebrating the release of a long lost album, We Never Lost a Single Game!

Tonstartssbandht performs at the World Famous on Tuesday, Sept. 20. Innovation Amphitheater 6:30 p.m. (doors), 7:30 p.m. (show). $25. www.innovation amphitheater.com CHI-TOWN TRANSIT AUTHORITY Tribute to the band Chicago. International Grill & Bar 7 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/ IGBAthensGA DIXIELAND FIVE Five-piece Dixieland jazz band. Nowhere Bar 9:30 p.m. www.facebook.com/ NowhereBarAthens CANON TYLER Folk and bluegrass music from the North Georgia hills. The Root 10 p.m. FREE! bit.ly/GreenEggs AndPam GREEN EGGS AND PAM Rock, pop and dance tracks from the ’70s–’90s. Southern Brewing Co. September Days Festival. 4 p.m. (doors), 5–10 p.m. $20 (adv.), $25 (door), $35 (two-day pass). www. sobrewco.com THE GETAWAY COMPANY Local four piece alt rock band. (5 p.m.) A.D. BLANCO Rock band blending indie and alternative. (6 p.m.) WELL KEPT Emo-influenced alt-rock group led by songwriter Tommy Trautwein. (6:45 p.m.) NEIGHBOR LADY Lush pop drawing from Americana and cosmic country. (7:45 p.m.)

ELF POWER Long-running indie rock band and part of the Elephant 6 Collective. NUCLEAR TOURISM Local band playing surf-punk originals. Flicker Theatre & Bar Shadebeast Presents. 9 p.m. $10. www.flickertheatreandbar.com HUSK Local metal band. IRIST Atlanta quartet blending heavy metal, grunge and prog. BIG OAF Heavy metal three piece from Atlanta. Front Porch Bookstore 6 p.m. FREE! ADAM KLEIN Local songwriter playing a rustic blend of country, folk and Americana. Georgia Theatre 8 p.m. (doors), 9 p.m. $15–25. www.georgiatheatre.com PERREO 404 Hydrate and hit the dance floor. Hendershot’s Coffee 8–11 p.m. www.hendershotsathens. com HIBBS FAMILY BAND Folk/bluegrass quartet of family members led by Rob and Garrett Hibbs. AUSTIN DARNELL Local artist performing country and blues. International Grill & Bar 7 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/ IGBAthensGA RAPID CHANNEL Hard rock band with hints of punk, metal, thrash and surfer vibes.

Nowhere Bar 9:30 p.m. www.facebook.com/ NowhereBarAthens BXRX Fusion rock and roll. The Root 10 p.m. FREE! www.therootathens. com DIABLO SANDWICH AND THE DR. PEPPERS Local all-star Southern rock band blending country, jazz and more. Southern Brewing Co. September Days Festival. 12 p.m. (doors), 1–11 p.m. (music) $20 (adv.), $25 (door), $35 (two-day pass). www.sobrewco.com THE HEAD Indie rock band from Atlanta. (1 p.m.) DREW BESKIN & THE SUNSHINE Backed by accomplished musicians in their own right, Beskin is a seasoned songwriter with a nuanced approach to crafting pop- rock melodies. (1:45 p.m.) THE ECHOLOCATIONS Vibrant retro pop band. (2:30 p.m.) CANNON & THE BOXES Folk- punk project of Cannon Rogers. (3:30 p.m.) FIVE EIGHT Legendary Athens band known for its boisterous, thoughtful rock and roll. (4:15 p.m.) WIM TAPLEY & THE CANNONS Dangerously catchy pop band fronted by Washington, D.C. transplant Wim Tapley. (5 p.m.) LIGHTHEARTED Alternative folk band with delicate instrumentation. (6 p.m.) HEFFNER Members of Wanderwild, Grand Vapids and New Madrid balance driving power pop and dreamy bedroom R&B. (6:45 p.m.) GIRLPUPPY Singer-songwriter Becca Harvey. (7:45 p.m.) T. HARDY MORRIS Local singer- songwriter and guitarist plays twangy, reflective folk-rock. (8:45 p.m.) VISION VIDEO Local goth-pop group featuring members of Shehehe and Booty Boyz. (10 p.m.) Terrapin Beer Co. 12–8 p.m. FREE! www.athenspride. org CATHLEEN THOMAS Atlanta- based singer-songwriter and guitarist. (2 p.m.) SARAH MOOTZ Indie pop and rock artist with a lot of soul. (3 p.m.) TEARS FOR THE DYING Local death-rock group fronted by songwriter Adria Stembridge. A fixture of the post-punk and goth scenes since 2004. (4 p.m.) EXQUISITE GENDER Atlanta band performing originals, covers and music from Hedwig & The Angry Inch. (5 p.m.) CONVICT JULIE Soulful alternative R&B artist and producer who uses her platform to raise awareness against social injustices. (6 p.m.)

Sunday 18 Creature Comforts Brewery 3–5 p.m. www.creaturecomforts beer.com LIVE JAZZ Every Sunday afternoon. Innovation Amphitheater 4 p.m. (doors). 5 p.m. (show). $25. www.innovationamphitheater.com 3RD STREAM BIG BAND ORCHESTRA Taking their cue from the big band “3rd stream” jazz-rock movement of the late ‘60s–80s, this

group joins soul, R&B, jazz, Latin, reggae, fusion and rock. Southern Brewing Co. 7–10 p.m. www.sobrewco.com KLEZMER LOCAL 42 Local seven- piece klezmer band specializing in Jewish and Romani music.

Monday 19 Ramsey Hall 7:30 p.m. pac.uga.edu MICHAEL HEALD UGA associate professor of violin and member of the Franklin String Quartet.

Tuesday 20 Southern Brewing Co., Monroe 7 p.m. www.sobrewco.com FUNKY BLUESTER Blues outfit inspired by traditional Chicago and Texas styles. The World Famous 9 p.m. $10. www.facebook.com/ theworldfamousathens TONSTARTSSBANDHT Based in Orlando and NYC, brothers Andy and Edwin White create psychedelic noise rock with elements of free jazz, krautrock and improv. NIGHT PALACE Dreamy indie-pop ensemble fronted by Avery Draut. JOCK GANG Local group influenced by no wave and art-punk.

Wednesday 21 Flicker Theatre & Bar 8 p.m. $10 ww.flickertheatreandbar. com THE VELDT Long running band blending soul and shoegaze. NULL Post-punk band from Athens. THE AIR CONDITION Four-piece local band featuring effects-heavy guitar lines and country riffs. Georgia Theatre 8: 30 p.m. $12. www.georgia theatre.com ROSE HOTEL Atlanta-based psych folk band. V.V. LIGHTBODY Chicago low-key folk artist. ANNIE LEETH Experimental violinist and multi-instrumentalist composer. International Grill & Bar 7 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/ IGBAthensGA COUNTRY RIVER BAND Local classic country group that has been together for over 25 years. Nowhere Bar 8 p.m. www.facebook.com/ NowhereBarAthens THE DRUG DUCKS Covers, originals and space jams. 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.

Down the Line 9/22 Cory Welch (Athentic Brewing Co.) 9/27 Randall Bramblett, Whisper Kiss (State Botanical Garden of Georgia) 9/29 100 Watt Horse, Joelton Mayfield, Jay Gulley (Buvez)

S E P T E MB E R 14, 2022· F L A GP OL E .C OM

Tuesday 13

event calendar

ART: Artist Talk: Jennifer Sirey (Georgia Museum of Art) Artist Jennifer Sirey will discuss her larger body of work, particularly as it relates to one of her sculptures on view in the exhibition “Infinity on the Horizon.” Registration required. 4 p.m. FREE! www.georgiamuseum. org EVENTS: 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 GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia at Amici (Amici Athens) Top three teams win prizes with free beer pitchers to winning teams between rounds. Hosted by TJ Wayt. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.facebook.com/baddogathens GAMES: Back to School Movie Trivia Night (B&B Theatre) Teams of 2–6 will go head-to-head on their “back to school movie” knowledge with Quizmaster David. The winner will receive a B&B Theatres gift card. 7:30 p.m. www.facebook. com/bbathens12 SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park Community Center) New players welcome. Scheduled play days are Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. and Sundays at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. vicepresident@ athenspetanque.org

Wednesday 14 ART: Tour at Two (Georgia Museum of Art) These drop-in public tours feature highlights of the permanent collection and are led by museum docents. 2 p.m. FREE! www.georgiamuseum.org COMEDY: 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. flyingsquidcomedy.com EVENTS: Athens Farmers Market (Creature Comforts Brewery) Markets offer fresh produce, flowers, eggs, meats, prepared foods and a variety of arts and crafts. Live music begins at 5 p.m. AFM doubles SNAP dollars spent at the market. Every Wednesday, 5–8 p.m. www. athensfarmersmarket.net EVENTS: Pride Week Youth Night (Hendershot’s Coffee) As part of Athens Pride & Queer Collective’s Pride Week, this all ages, alcohol-free event will feature a drag queen story hour followed by a Like Totally! concert. 6:30 p.m. Suggested $5 donation. www.athenspride.org EVENTS: Pride Week Yoga In the Park (Bishop Park) As part of Athens Pride & Queer Collective’s Pride Week, M3Yoga will lead Rainbow Flow yoga outdoors. 6:30 p.m. Suggested $5 donation. www. athenspride.org SPORTS: Pétanque Club of Athens (UGA Redcoat Band Practice Field) Learn to play the greatest game you’ve never heard of. RSVP. Wednesdays, 9–11:30 a.m. FREE!

athenspetanqueclub@gmail.com SPORTS: Watch Party: ATL United vs. Orlando (Athentic Brewing Co.) Join the Classic City Terminus Legion to watch ATL United as they take on Orlando. 5:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenticbrewing.com

Thursday 15 ART: Yoga in the Galleries (Georgia Museum of Art) Enjoy a free yoga class in the art galleries led by instructors from Five Points Yoga. Free and open to both beginner and experienced yogis. Attend in person or via Zoom. Email to reserve an in- person spot or go online to join via Zoom link. 6 p.m. gmoa-tours@ uga.edu, www.georgiamuseum.org ART: Third Thursday (Athens, GA) Enjoy in-person art exhibitions and online events discussing many of the works on display. Free tickets or event registration are required at some venues. Attendees are asked to contact all venues they plan to visit in advance to confirm its current status due to COVID-19. Face masks and social distancing required at all in-person exhibitions. Every third Thursday of the month, 6–9 p.m. FREE! www.georgiamuseum.org EVENTS: Oconee County Library Friends Fall Book Sale (Oconee County Civic Center) Come out and browse the Oconee County Library Friends 2021 Fall Book Sale! Items include books ($2 or less), children’s books (50¢–$2), CDs ($1), DVDs and audiobooks (both $2). Thursday (9/15) is Preview Night (for members only; $10/individual, $25/family), Saturday (9/17) is 50% Off Day and Sunday (9/18) is $10/Bag Day. Scanner use (incl cell phone), $25 all days. All sales benefit the Oconee County Library. Sept. 15–18, FREE! www.oconeelibraryfriends.org EVENTS: International Fly Fishing Film Festival (40 Watt Club) Enjoy family-friendly films that showcase the heart of fly fishing. Presented by the Oconee River Chapter of Trout Unlimited and Fly Fishing North Georgia, the evening will feature nine short films, door prizes and a closing set from Hunter Morris and Friends. 6:30–11 p.m. $15 (adv.), $18 (door). bit.ly/AthensIF4 EVENTS: Reception with Food Scholar Juan Escalona (Big City Bread Café) As part of a two-day workshop about philosophical and anthropological issues related to the aesthetics of food, a public reception will be held with Juan Escalona, a young Mexico City cook and scholar. FREE! 7–9 p.m. www. willson.uga.edu GAMES: Thursday Trivia (Johnny’s New York Style Pizza) Jon Head hosts trivia every Thursday. Win pitchers and gift certificates. 7–9 p.m. www.johnnyspizza.com GAMES: Pride Week Queer Trivia (Hotel Indigo) As part of Athens Pride & Queer Collective’s Pride Week, trivia master Paddy will test your knowledge on all things queer from history and politics to entertainment and music. All ages. 7 p.m. Suggested $5 donation. www. athenspride.org KIDSTUFF: Neurofabulous Storytime (ACC Library) This welcoming, accessible and sensory friendly

F L A GP OL E .C OM · S E P T E MB E R 14, 2022

story time is for neurodiverse friends and family of all ages. Registration and caregiver participation is required. 6 p.m. FREE! 706-613- 3650; www.athenslibrary.org SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park Community Center) New players welcome. Scheduled play days are Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. and Sundays at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. vicepresident@ athenspetanque.org SPORTS: UGA Hockey Red & White Game (The Classic Center) Cheer on the Ice Dawgs at the Red & White game, where fans will have the opportunity to watch an ice practice session followed by the Red vs White scrimmage. 7 p.m. $5. www.classiccenter.com

Friday 16

$5–17. www.classiccenter.com THEATER: CLUE (The Elbert Theatre) Colonel Mustard, Mrs. White, Mr. Green, Mrs. Peacock, Professor Plum, and Miss Scarlet are invited to a dinner party thrown by an anonymous host, who turns out to be a blackmailer. Each character is presented with a weapon and an option: pay their extortionist double or kill the innocent butler. Sept. 16–17, 7 p.m. Sept. 18, 2 p.m. $9–16. tking@cityofelberton.net, 706-283-1049

Saturday 17 ART: Southern Star Studio Open Gallery (Southern Star Studio) Southern Star Studio is a collective ceramics studio, established by Maria Dondero in 2016. The gallery contains members’ work, primarily pottery. See new works by resident artists. Saturdays, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. www.southernstarstudioathens.com

locally sourced meats and eggs, plants and more. Many vendors offer pre-ordering options and curbside pickup. Saturdays, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. www.oconeefarmersmarket.net EVENTS: Oconee County Library Friends Fall Book Sale (Oconee County Civic Center) Come out and browse the Oconee County Library Friends 2021 Fall Book Sale! Items include books ($2 or less), children’s books (50¢–$2), CDs ($1), DVDs and audiobooks (both $2). Thursday (9/15) is Preview Night (for members only; $10/individual, $25/family), Saturday (9/17) is 50% Off Day and Sunday (9/18) is $10/Bag Day. Scanner use (incl cell phone), $25 all days. All sales benefit the Oconee County Library. Sept. 15–18, FREE! www.oconeelibraryfriends.org EVENTS: West Broad Farmers Market Youth Day (West Broad Farmers Market and Garden) In celebration of Athens’ youth, this week’s market features special kids

ART: Fall Art Party Extravaganza (Lamar Dodd School of Art) After a two-year hiatus, the Art Party Extravaganza returns with a celebration of four new exhibitions, a site-specific commission in the “Wall Works” series and graduate student open studios. 6–8 p.m. FREE! www. art.uga.edu EVENTS: Oconee County Library Friends Fall Book Sale (Oconee County Civic Center) Come out and browse the Oconee County Library Friends 2021 Fall Book Sale! Items The opening reception for the exhibition “Words About Birds, Insights About Insects” will be include books held on Sept. 18 at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia. ($2 or less), children’s books ART: Art for Justice Saturdays (50¢–$2), CDs ($1), DVDs and activities, live music and enter(AADM Justice Center and Bookaudiobooks (both $2). Thursday tainment. The market offers fresh store) Paint to soothing music and (9/15) is Preview Night (for memproduce, locally raised meat and discuss local issues. Supplies bers only; $10/individual, $25/ eggs, baked goods, flowers, artisan provided. All skill levels welcome. family), Saturday (9/17) is 50% Off goods and more. Online ordering Saturdays, 3–5 p.m. Donations Day and Sunday (9/18) is $10/Bag is available Sundays–Thursdays accepted. www.aadmovement.org Day. Scanner use (incl cell phone), for drive-thru pick up. Saturdays, CLASSES: SPARK Academy Week$25 all days. All sales benefit 11 a.m.–2 p.m. www.wbfm.localend (UGA Center for Continuing the Oconee County Library. Sept. lygrown.net Education & Hotel) Middle and high 15–18, FREE! www.oconeelibraryEVENTS: PrideFest (Terrapin school students spend a weekend friends.org Beer Co.) Athens Pride + Queer working alongside professionals for EVENTS: Name Change Legal Collective’s festival celebrating practical experience and advice on Aid Workshop (ACC Library) and providing resources for the the career fields of their interest. As part of Athens Pride & Queer LGBTQIA2S+ community is back Classes offered for this round Collective’s Pride Week, volunteer with performances by Canopy Stuinclude 2D Animation, Comparative attorneys are available to help local dios, Tears for the Dying, Exquisite Anatomy, and “Writing Poetry That individuals fill out the paperwork Gender, Convict Julie and a drag Sings.” Sept. 17–18, 9 a.m.–4 needed to have a name change and show. Community members of p.m. $185. www.georgiacenter.uga. to advise on next steps for filing the all ages are invited to join in the edu/youth/spark paperwork. APQC has scholarships festivities. 12–8 p.m. FREE! www. EVENTS: Athens Farmers Market available for qualifying individuals. athenspride.com (Bishop Park) Markets offer locally Registration required. 10 a.m.–2 FILM: Pride Week Hocus Pocus grown groceries and handmade p.m. www.athenspride.org Drive-In Movie (Ciné) After goods. Attendees can enjoy free EVENTS: Pride Week Queer Prom: PrideFest, watch the first Hocus live music and children’s activities. Masquerade (Ciné) Grab your Pocus in anticipation of the AFM doubles SNAP dollars spent most elegant mask and your best sequel’s release. Purchase of a at the market. Every Saturday, 8 outfit for Athens Pride & Queer Colmovie ticket provides VIP parking a.m.–12 p.m. www.athensfarmerslective’s annual Queer Prom. Proof for the festival beginning at 12 p.m. market.net of vaccination required. Must be at 9 p.m. $12–50. www.athenspride. EVENTS: Oconee Farmers Market least 18 to enter. 8 p.m. Suggested com (Oconee County Courthouse) Over $5 donation. www.athenspride.org KIDSTUFF: 32nd Annual Insect20 vendors offer a variety of fresh SPORTS: UGA Hockey vs. Tennesival (State Botanical Garden of produce, local honey, fresh-cut see (The Classic Center) Cheer Georgia) Participants will meet and flowers, unique crafts, dog treats, on the Ice Dawgs as they face the interact with a variety of entomologfresh gelato, homemade pasta, Tennessee Volunteers. 7:30 p.m. ical experts and their buggy friends.

Activities include presenter booths, a puppet show and the popular butterfly release on the Flower Garden lawn. 9 a.m.–1 p.m. $5 per person, $20 per family. www.botgarden. uga.edu KIDSTUFF: Alice H. Richards Children’s Garden (State Botanical Garden of Georgia) Every third Saturday of the month enjoy a variety of engaging shows taking place on the Theatre in the Woods stage. Experience music, laughter and connection in nature. 9:30–11 a.m. www.facebook.com/botgarden KIDSTUFF: Family Day: Abstract Landscapes (Georgia Museum of Art) Little ones and their families are invited to browse art from the “Infinity on the Horizon” exhibit, have fun with art cart activities and make their own landscape-inspired abstract art. Free art kits are available for pick-up starting at 10 a.m. Saturday through Sunday while supplies last. 10 a.m. FREE! www. georgiamuseum.org MEETINGS: Merry Meet Every Week (Rabbit Hole Studios) Meet members of the Athens Area Pagans and discuss Pagan Pride Day. Meetings held every Saturday, 5 p.m. Donations encouraged. beth@ athensareapagans.org PERFORMANCE: PrideFest Afterparty (Live Wire) After PrideFest, keep the party going with DJ Luxury Vehicle spinning tunes and a drag show featuring Nicole Paige Brooks from Season 2 of “Ru Paul’s Drag Race” and EJ Aviance of Atlanta. 10 p.m. $10 (adv.), $15. www.athenspride.com SPORTS: Watch Party: UGA vs. South Carolina (Athentic Brewing Co.) Cheer on the defending National Champs, the Georgia Bulldogs, as they take on South Carolina, and enjoy some game day food by Rashe’s Cuisine. 11:30 a.m. FREE! www.athenticbrewing. com SPORTS: UGA Hockey vs. Middle Tennessee (The Classic Center) Cheer on the Ice Dawgs as they face the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders. 7:30 p.m. $5–17. www. classiccenter.com THEATER: CLUE (The Elbert Theatre) Colonel Mustard, Mrs. White, Mr. Green, Mrs. Peacock, Professor Plum, and Miss Scarlet are invited to a dinner party thrown by an anonymous host, who turns out to be a blackmailer. Each character is presented with a weapon and an option: pay their extortionist double or kill the innocent butler. Sept. 17, 7 p.m. Sept. 18, 2 p.m. $9–16. tking@cityofelberton.net, 706- 283-1049

Sunday 18 ART: Opening Reception (State Botanical Garden of Georgia) Vicky Tavernier and Jenifer Borg’s collaborative exhibition, “Words About Birds, Insights About Insects,” is made up of playful collages of found and altered objects with accompanying poems. 2–4 p.m. FREE! botgarden.uga.edu ART: Sunday Spotlight Tour (Georgia Museum of Art) This drop-in public tour features highlights of the permanent collection and is led by museum docents. 3–4 p.m. FREE! www.georgiamuseum.org

is presented with a weapon and an option: pay their extortionist double or kill the innocent butler. Sept. 9–10 & 16–17, 7 p.m. Sept. 11 & 18, 2 p.m. $9–16. tking@cityofelberton.net, 706-283-1049

Monday 19 GAMES: Open Chess Play (ACC Library) Learn how to play chess or sharpen your skills while connecting with your neighbors. Open to all skill levels. Ages 7 & up. 3–5 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org GAMES: TableTop Workshop: Game Play Mechanics (Athentic Brewing Co.) Session one will focus on teaching the basics of the game and how to resolve actions. After finishing characters, the group will head swiftly into the realm of adventure. All ages welcome. Recommended to bring dice, a small notebook or existing character sheet (if you have one). 7–9 p.m. FREE! www.athenticbrewing.com KIDSTUFF: Monday Funday Story Time (Bogart Library) Ms. Donna presents a highly interactive story time featuring movement, songs, crafts and learning fun. Ages 3–5. Registration suggested. 10 a.m. FREE! 706-441-9099, www.athenslibrary.org/bogart

Tuesday 20 ART: Opening Reception (Heirloom Café) Susie Burch celebrates her exhibition of paintings, “A Little Of This And A Little Of That.” 5:30–6:30 p.m. FREE! www.heirloomathens.com COMEDY: Whose Live Anyway? (Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall) The improv comedy show features Ryan Stiles and Greg Proops, both seen on ABC’s “Whose Line Is It Anyway?,” as well as Jeff B. Davis and Joel Murray. 7:30 p.m. $53–75. www.pac.uga.edu EVENT: Banned Books Week Celebration (ACC Library) Discuss an overview of Banned Books Week then create your own inspired artwork (supplies provided) to be displayed and entered into a competition with prizes. There will be a session for teens in grades 6–12 from 4–6 p.m. then one for adults from 6–8 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org EVENTS: 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 EVENTS: Line Dance Lessons (International Grill & Bar) All experience levels welcome. Open dancing follows an intro class. Every first and third Tuesday, 6–9 p.m. $10. thatotherruthgirl@gmail.com GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia at Amici (Amici Athens) Top three teams win prizes with free beer pitchers to winning teams between rounds. Hosted by TJ Wayt. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.facebook.com/baddogathens KIDSTUFF: Hargrett Library’s Toddler Tuesday (UGA Special Collections Library) Toddler Tuesday is a new program full of story time, music and crafts for ages 1–4. This event’s theme is “Sports!” 9:45 a.m. FREE! RSVP: jmb18449@uga.edu SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park Community Center) New players welcome. Scheduled play days are Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. and Sundays at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. vicepresident@ athenspetanque.org

Wednesday 21 ART: Artful Conversation: “Jane Manus, Undaunted” (Georgia Museum of Art) Sage Kincaid, associate curator of education, will lead an open-ended dialogue on a selection from the exhibition “Jane Manus, Undaunted.” Registration required. 2 p.m. FREE! www.georgiamuseum.org ART: Arts and Drafts (Southern Brewing Co.) K.A. Artist Shop hosts a modern calligraphy workshop series covering various tools and methods. Practice your lettering and develop your own style. 6:30–8 p.m. $35 (includes one drink). www.kaartist.com COMEDY: 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. flyingsquidcomedy.com EVENTS: Creative Reuse Open House (Teacher Reuse Store) Every other Wednesday, non- teacher community members are invited to browse free supplies. Eligible groups include students, nonprofits, artists/creatives, small business owners, social workers and religious organizations. Camps, after-school and daycare programs are included. 2–6:30 p.m. FREE! reuse@accgov.com, www.facebook.com/athenstrs EVENTS: Athens Farmers Market (Creature Comforts Brewery) Markets offer fresh produce, flowers, eggs, meats, prepared foods and a variety of arts and crafts. Live music begins at 5 p.m. AFM doubles SNAP dollars spent at the market. Every Wednesday, 5–8 p.m. www. athensfarmersmarket.net EVENTS: Hendershot’s Comedy (Hendershot’s Coffee) Enjoy a lineup featuring comics from Athens and Atlanta as well as newcomers. Hosted by Noell Appling. Every third Wednesday, 8 p.m. www. hendershotsathens.com LECTURES & LIT: Café au Libris With Author Taylor Brown (ACC Library) Taylor Brown will discuss his latest epic historical novel, Wingwalker. Avid Bookshop will have books available for purchase and signing at the event. 7 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org SPORTS: Pétanque Club of Athens (UGA Redcoat Band Practice Field) Learn to play the greatest game you’ve never heard of. RSVP. Wednesdays, 9–11:30 a.m. FREE! athenspetanqueclub@gmail.com

Eastcreek Photography

EVENTS

Weddings. Parties. Corporate Events. (706) 353-1913 info@eptingevents.com

Israel’s leading world music group performs traditional songs of the Jewish diaspora and original Hebrew music.

Down the Line 9/22 Neurofabulous Storytime (ACC Library) 9/22 Georgia Writers Hall of Fame: Valerie Boyd (UGA Special Collections Library) 9/22 Studio Workshop: Abstract Landscapes (Georgia Museum of Art) 9/22 Thursday Trivia (Johnny’s New York Style Pizza) 9/23 Morning Mindfulness (Georgia Museum of Art) 9/23 Athens Showgirl Cabaret Fabulous Friday (The Sound Track) 9/24 Athens Farmers Market (Bishop Park) 9/24 Oconee Farmers Market (Oconee County Courthouse) 9/24 Southern Star Studio Open Gallery (Southern Star Studio) 9/24 West Broad Farmers Market (West Broad Farmers Market and Garden)

Yamma Ensemble

“The decade-old band has become viral among world music lovers.”—The Times of Israel

Sept

THURS 7:30 pm Hodgson Concert Hall

2022

Tickets start at $25 with promo code PAC25. UGA students $10. Free parking. Buy tickets now: pac.uga.edu or (706) 542-4400 Scan for info and tickets

Zohar Ron

ART: Artist’s Way Study Group (24th Street Athens Clubhouse) Artists, musicians, writers and creatives meet to discuss the book The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity by Julia Cameron. Every Sunday, 6:30 p.m. Donations welcome. beth@beththompsonphotography.com, www.24thstreetathens.com CLASSES: SPARK Academy Weekend (UGA Center for Continuing Education & Hotel) Middle and high school students spend a weekend working alongside professionals for practical experience and advice on the career fields of their interest. Classes offered for this round include 2D Animation, Comparative Anatomy, and “Writing Poetry That Sings.” Sept. 17–18, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. $185. www.georgiacenter.uga. edu/youth/spark EVENTS: Oconee County Library Friends Fall Book Sale (Oconee County Civic Center) Come out and browse the Oconee County Library Friends 2021 Fall Book Sale! Items include books ($2 or less), children’s books (50¢–$2), CDs ($1), DVDs and audiobooks (both $2). Thursday (9/15) is Preview Night (for members only; $10/individual, $25/family), Saturday (9/17) is 50% Off Day and Sunday (9/18) is $10/Bag Day. Scanner use (incl cell phone), $25 all days. All sales benefit the Oconee County Library. Sept. 15–18, FREE! www.oconeelibraryfriends.org GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia at The Office (The Office Sports Bar and Grill) Top three teams win prizes with free beer pitchers to winning teams between rounds. Hosted by John Bellerjeau. Sundays, 6 p.m. www.facebook.com/baddogathens GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia at The Foundry (The Foundry) Top three teams win prizes. Hosted by TJ Wayt. Sundays, 7 p.m. www.facebook.com/baddogathens LECTURES & LIT: An Afternoon with Ira Glass (Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall) Ira Glass is the creator, producer and host of This American Life. In this live talk, Glass uses a mix of audio clips, music and video to pull back the curtain on his process, life and career as one of America’s foremost storytellers. Face masks required. 3 p.m. $15–100. www.pac.uga.edu SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park Community Center) New players welcome. Scheduled play days are Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. and Sundays at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. vicepresident@ athenspetanque.org SPORTS: Pride Week Softball Tournament (Lay Park) As part of Athens Pride & Queer Collective’s Pride Week, join a softball team for the tournament or come out and cheer on the teams. All ages welcome, 18+ to play. Registration required. 2–6 p.m. www.athenspride.com SPORTS: UGA Hockey vs. Middle Tennessee (The Classic Center) Cheer on the Ice Dawgs as they face the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders. 3 p.m. $5–$17. www.classiccenter. com SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park Community Center) New players welcome. Scheduled play days are Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. and Sundays at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. vicepresident@ athenspetanque.org THEATER: CLUE (The Elbert Theatre) Colonel Mustard, Mrs. White, Mr. Green, Mrs. Peacock, Professor Plum, and Miss Scarlet are invited to a dinner party thrown by an anonymous host, who turns out to be a blackmailer. Each character

230 River Road, Athens

S E P T E MB E R 14, 2022· F L A GP OL E .C OM

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 Sept. 20. beth.sale@accgov.com, accgov. com/lyndonhouse 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-Studio- Membership SEEKING BOARD MEMBERS (Athens Institute for Contemporary Art: ATHICA) ATHICA is seeking new board members to help support and share the creative spirit of Athens. Complete the online application. bit.ly/athicaboard, www.athica.org WONDERS OF WINTERVILLE PLEIN AIR EVENT (Pittard Park, Winterville) The Winterville Arts Council presents its first annual plein air competition and workshop. Brenda Pinnick leads a workshop on Sept. 30, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. $125. A paint-out day, awards ceremony and reception will be held Oct. 1, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. $30. All works must be completed in the Winterville area to compete. Artists may participate for one or both days. Visit website to register. wondersofwinterville@ gmail.com, www.wintervillearts council.org/plein-air-event

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 around town ACC LIBRARY (2025 Baxter St.) “Community Views Through the Eyes of Five Artists” includes works by photographer Kidd Fielteau, fashion designer Tabitha Fielteau, painter Broderick Flanigan, multi-media artist Par Ramsey and painter Mykeisha Ross. Through Sept. 18. ARTWALL@HOTEL INDIGO ATHENS (500 College Ave.) New York-based photographers Lucy Reback and Megan Reilly share a collection of intimate vignettes of their relationship in addition to snapshots before they met. THE ATHENAEUM (287 W. Broad St.) Brooklyn-based artist and educator Kameelah Janan Rasheed presents “SMOOOOOOOOOOOOOOTH OPERATOR,” an exhibition examining the poetics and power of machine learning. Through Dec. 1. ATHENS INSTITUTE FOR CONTEMPORARY ART: ATHICA (675 Pulaski St.) Part of the gallery’s “Solo Duo Trio” series, “Trio: Dana Jones, Sarah Hess and Jon Swindler” examines the use of found materials, abstraction and representation through different modalities and points of view. Through Oct. 2. ATHICA@CINÉ GALLERY (234 W. Hancock Ave.) “In Search of Mutisia” presents three-dimensional constructions by Nancy Barbosa that were inspired by the landscapes of Blue Ridge, GA. Through Oct. 25. CIRCLE GALLERY AT UGA COLLEGE OF ENVIRONMENT & DESIGN (Jackson Street Building) Cameron Berglund’s exhibition, “Design (Sketch) Process,” focuses on the role of hand and digital sketching throughout the design process. Through Dec. 6. CLASSIC CENTER (300 N. Thomas St.) “Spotlight: Paintings by Amy Watts” presents bold, colorful canvases full of cowgirls, farmers, miners and Indigenous people. • “Light Bright” presents works by Caitlin Gal, Allison McPheeters and Alivia Patton, who all utilize simple circles to create inspiring works. DODD GALLERIES (270 River Rd.) In “Intangible Memories,” MFA candidate Huey Lee investigates the condition of clay and how it exists as a relic of his emotional record expressed as a visual language. Through Oct. 13. • MFA candidate Meredith Emery presents “standing by the fall,” an exhibition reflecting on the climate crisis. Through Oct. 13. • MFA candidates Rachel Seburn and Ethan Snow present alternative building practices in “Absurd Construction.” Through Oct. 13. • “Yevgeniya Baras & Pete Schulte” brings together the work of two artists to create a broader dialogue on abstrac-

F L A GP OL E .C OM · S E P T E MB E R 14, 2022

ANIMAL TELEPATHY & ENERGY HEALING (Ancient Suns Intuitive Arts) In “Energy Healing,” learn how to heal and protect the energy body using gentle pranic energy healing techniques. Saturdays, Oct. 1–Nov. 19, 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m. $300 (eight weeks). In “Animal Telepathy,” learn how to send and receive intuitive messages with your animals. Saturdays, Oct. 1–Nov. 19, 2–4:30 p.m. $300 (eight weeks). ancientsunsacademy@gmail.com, www.ancient-intuition.com AQUA AEROBICS (Memorial Park Pool) Try out a variety of stretching, limbering and weight routines set to music in the pool. Tuesdays–Thursdays, 6–7 p.m. Saturdays, 10–11 a.m. $5/class. 706-613-3580 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 accessible 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 INTRO TO THERAPEUTIC DRUMMING WORKSHOP (Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Athens) This three-hour introduction to therapeutic West African drumming is for educators, mental health professionals and community members. Sept. 25, 2:30 p.m. FREE! music director@uuathensga.org, www. uuathensga.org LINE DANCE LESSONS (International Grill & Bar) All experience levels welcome. Open dancing follows an intro class. Every first and third Tuesday, 6–9 p.m. $10. thatotherruthgirl@gmail.com 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 OPEN/COMMUNITY MEDITATION (Sangha Yoga Studio at Healing Arts Centre) Uma Rose leads a meditation designed to guide participants into stillness and silence. Mondays, 4–5 p.m. Donations encouraged. www.healingarts centre.net

tion, line and color as it coincides in contemporary painting and drawing. Through Nov. 10. • Atlanta-based artist Madora Frey presents a site-specific installation for the “Wall Works” series. Through Nov. 14. Art Party Extravaganza held Sept. 16, 6–8 p.m. FLICKER THEATRE & BAR (263 W. Washington St.) Carolyn Suzanne Schew’s artwork explores daydreams, love, lust, adventure, serendipity and the improbable experience of being human in this world. Through Sept. 24. GEORGIA MUSEUM OF ART (90 Carlton St.) “Infinity on the Horizon” highlights modern and contemporary works that expand common understandings of landscapes. Through Dec. 31. • “Allison Janae Hamilton: Between Life and Landscape.” Through Feb. 5. • “Kristin Leachman: Longleaf Lines” focuses on close-up views of the patterns and biology of the longleaf pine and its ecosystem. Through Feb. 5. • On view in the Jane and Harry Willson Sculpture Garden, “Jane Manus: Undaunted” includes five large abstract works. Through Feb. 12. • “In Dialogue: Henry Ossawa Tanner, Mentor and Muse.” Through June 18. • “Decade of Tradition: Highlights from the Larry D. and Brenda A. Thompson Collection.” Through July 3. GLASSCUBE@INDIGO (500 College Ave.) Zane Cochran presents “Aurora,” a sculptural interpretation of the aurora borealis using 3D geometric figures and lights. HEIRLOOM CAFE (815 N. Chase St.) Susie Burch shares “A Little Of This And A Little Of That,” a selection of acrylic and watercolor pieces. Artist reception Sept. 20, 5:30–6:30 p.m. Currently on view through Oct. 31. JITTERY JOE’S FIVE POINTS (1230 S. Milledge Ave.) Stuart McCall Libby presents a collection of oils on paper, watercolors and photography. Through September. KRIMSON KAFE (40 Greensboro Hwy., Watkinsville) Susan Pelham’s collages are inspired by Magic Realism, Surrealism, nursery rhymes and fables. Through October. LYNDON HOUSE ARTS CENTER (211 Hoyt St.) Margo Newmark Rosenbaum presents a selection of photographs from her book, Drawing with Light, as well as a collection of bright paintings. Through Oct. 7. • Mark Johnson and Zuzka Vaclavic share a collection of wood-fired ceramics. Through Oct. 7. • Collections from our Community presents Carrie Slayton’s tarot cards and crystal skulls. Through Nov. 12. • Cedric Smith presents a series of portraits for “Window Works,” a site-specific series that utilizes the building’s front entrance windows for outdoor art viewing. Reconfiguring playing cards of kings and queens, his portraits question the absence of Black figures in the country’s graphic history. Through Dec. 21. • “The Ties That Bind: The Paradox of Cultural Survival amid Climate

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.marina- spain-2020.squarespace.com TRADITIONAL MARTIAL ARTS CLASSES (Live Oak Martial Arts) Traditional and modern-style Taekwondo, self-defense, grappling and weapons classes are offered for all ages. Classes in Jodo, the art of the Japanese staff and sword, are held Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7 p.m. Visit the website for a full schedule. liveoak martialarts@gmail.com, www. liveoakmartialarts.com UNLIMITED YOGA (Shakti Yoga Athens) First-timers can enjoy one month of unlimited in-studio yoga. Offer available through September. $40. www.shaktiyogaathens.com YOGA (Elixir Movement Arts, Mercury A.I.R.) Build a yoga practice, deepen connections to yourself and others, and learn to use yoga in everyday life. “Vinyasa Flow” is also offered Mondays and Wednesdays, 10 a.m. $10/class. shelley downsyoga@gmail.com, www. shelleydownsyoga.offeringtree.com YOGA AND MORE (Revolution Therapy and Yoga) Amanda Auchenpaugh leads an eight-week session on “Emotionally Expressive Dance.” Fridays, Sept. 16–Nov. 4, 9 a.m.–10:30 a.m. $175. amanda. auchenpaugh@gmail.com. Jasey Jones leads weekly Raja Yoga

classes covering meditation, pranayama, singing and discussion of yoga philosophy. Sundays, 5:05 p.m. Donations accepted. Private one-on-one yoga sessions with Kelsey Wishik can focus on strength building, mobility, relaxation and more. Saturdays, 11:30 a.m. RSVP. $55. “Yoga Flow and Restore with Nicole Bechill” is held Thursdays 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 CLASSES (Feel Free Yoga + Wellness) The new studio offers various class times and styles Mondays–Saturdays. A 45-minute class is offered Tuesdays at 8 a.m. on the patio of Molly’s Coffee. www. feelfreeyogawellness.com 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

Kidstuff 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, Sept. 16–Dec. 9 (skipping Nov. 25), 4:30–6 p.m. (ages 10–12) and 6:30–8 p.m. (ages 13–17). $25 (drop-in), $225 (semester pass). www.kaartist.com CREATIVE CLASSES (Treehouse Kid & Craft) Activities range in theme and skill level. Sessions run through May 19. Register online. www.treehousekidandcraft.com DRAWING CLUB FOR TEENS (K.A. Artist Shop) James Greer leads a

Events” shares works by Anina Major and Tamika Galanis. On view Sept. 17–Nov. 30. MADISON-MORGAN CULTURAL CENTER (434 S. Main St., Madison) Brad Rice presents a collection of hourglasses in the Collector’s Cabinet. Through Sept. 30. • “FARM 2022” explores the current state of the Southern agrarian way of life by pairing regional artists with local farms for inspiration. Participating artists include Keith Bennett, Chris Cook, Mollye Daughtry, Lee Harper, Elizabeth Collin Hanes, Charmaine Minniefield and Teresa Bramlette Reeves. Through Oct. 29. ODUM SCHOOL OF ECOLOGY GALLERY (140 E. Green St.) Natural science illustrator C Olivia Carlisle shares insect, botanical and ecosystems illustrations using graphite, carbon pencil, watercolor, acrylic, ink and color pencils. Through May. THE ROOK & PAWN (294 W. Washington St.) “Carnival” presents works by 27 local artists including Beaux Xavier, Ed Edderson, Josh Anderssen, Gaby Dellipointi, Mary Sinsheimer and more. Through Oct. 31. STATE BOTANICAL GARDEN OF GEORGIA (2450 S. Milledge Ave) Vicky Tavernier and Jenifer Borg’s collaborative exhibition, “Words About Birds, Insights About Insects,” is made up of playful collages of found and altered objects with accompanying poems. Opening reception Sept. 18, 2–4 p.m. Currently on view through Nov. 20. TIF SIGFRIDS (393 N. Finley St.) A group exhibition presents works of artists from across the U.S. including Becky Kolsrud, Adrianne Rubenstein, Mac McCaughan, Elsa Hansen Oldham, Tyson Reeder, Scott Reeder, Leo Mock, Sadie Laska, Michael Lachowski and more. Through Sept. 17. TINY ATH GALLERY (174 Cleveland Ave.) Keith P. Rein’s “Prairie Dew + Pop Skulls” explores a fictional world through a collection of bubblegum western illustrations. Open Third Thursday, Sept. 15, 6–9 p.m. and through September by appointment. UGA SPECIAL COLLECTIONS LIBRARIES (300 S. Hull St.) “Georgia on my Mind: Finding Belonging in Music History” explores the genres, spaces and performers who have helped to define music in the state over time. Through Dec. 9. • “Unequal by Design: Housing in Georgia and America” draws upon historic government documents, photographs, historic newspapers and other records to trace the evolution of housing policy, tackling issues such as zoning, gentriication and suburbanization. Through May 26. • “A Chance to Play: Title IX and Women’s Athletics at UGA” celebrates 50 years of women’s sports at UGA> WHITE TIGER GOURMET (217 Hiawassee Ave.) “Bon Appétit!” includes vibrant paintings of food products by Mary Porter. Through Oct. 1.

weekly workshop. Wednesdays, Sept. 28–Dec. 7 (skipping Nov. 23), 4:30–6:30 p.m. $30 (drop-in), $225 (semester pass). www.ka artist.com 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 SPARK: WEEKEND ACADEMY (University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education) Middle and high school students can take weekend courses in specific professional fields. Sept. 17–18 covers 2D animation, comparative anatomy and “Writing Poetry that Sings.” Oct. 15–16 covers American Sign Language and “Starting with Spanish.” Nov. 12–13 covers 3D animation, creative writing and “Infinity: The Strange and Beautiful.” Courses held 9 a.m.–4 p.m. $185/weekend. www.georgiacenter.uga.edu/youth/ spark TUTORING (Online) The Athens Regional Library System is now offering free, live online tutoring via tutor.com for students K-12, plus college students and adult learners. Daily, 2–9 p.m. www.athenslibrary. org

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 ATHENS COUNCIL OF THE BLIND (ACC Library) Open to people of all ages with vision impairments, their families and friends. Topics include adaptive equipment, recreational and social opportunities, and advocacy. Call if you need transportation. Fourth Saturday of every month, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. 706- 338-3889, dlwahlers@gmail.com 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. 706- 206-6163, www.alz.org/georgia LGBTQIA+ VIRTUAL ALPHABET FAMILY GATHERING (Online) This is a safe space for anyone on the LGBTQIA+/TGQNB spectrum. Fourth Sunday of every month, 6–8 p.m. uuathensga.org/justice/ welcoming-congregation 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 OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS (24th Street Clubhouse) Learn to stop eating compulsively or curb other unwanted food-related behaviors. Every Tuesday, 12 p.m. FREE! Text: 678-736-3697 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 PROJECT SAFE (Online) Project Safe hosts a virtual support group for survivors of domestic violence. Mondays, 7–8 p.m. www.project- safe.org 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 FALL REGISTRATION (Athens, GA) The Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department offers a variety of activities highlighting the arts, environmental science, recreation, sports and holiday events for adults and children. Now registering. Scholarships available. www. accgov.com/myrec 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 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 MERIDIAN WOMEN’S CHORUS (Holy Cross Lutheran Church) Seeking new singers in preparation of a winter concert. No audition required. Rehearsals are held Thursdays, 12:30–1:45 p.m. Performance held Dec. 3. Contact to register. 706-424-9516, stacie. court@gmail.com, www.meridian womenschorus.org NATIONAL DIAPER NEED AWARENESS WEEK (130 Conway Dr., Suite E) The Athens Area Diaper Bank seeks donations of diapers and dollars, plus volunteers to host drives. Awareness week held Sept. 24–Oct. 2. An open house will be held on Oct. 2 at the AADB warehouse. www.athensareadiaperbank. com RABBIT BOX STORYTELLING (VFW on Sunset Drive) Storytelling themes for fall include “Wallflower” (Sept. 27), “Undone” (Oct. 25) and “Last Call” (Nov. 22). Pitch an eight-minute story to share with an audience. Story coaching available. rabbitboxstories@gmail.com, www. rabbitbox.org/tell-a-story RABBIT HOLE EVENTS (Rabbit Hole Studios) Monday Song Circle, Tuesday Open Mic, Thursday Song Circle (held at Ben & Jerry’s) and Sunday Drum Circle (held at Ben & Jerry’s) are all held 7–10 p.m. Other events include free Seventh Generation Native American Church services (Sundays, 11 a.m.), Athens Blockchain Society meetings (Wednesdays, 2 p.m.), yoga (Wednesdays, 5 p.m.), meditation (Wednesdays, 6 p.m.) and Athens Area Pagan meetings (Wednesdays, 8 p.m.) Events are free or donation based. www.rabbitholestudios.org/ calendar RIVERS ALIVE (Athens, GA) Now registering volunteers to participate in an annual waterway cleanup. Check-in at Sandy Creek Nature Center on Oct. 1 at 8 a.m., then relocate to a cleanup site. www. accgov.com/riversalive f

music

feature

We Never Lost a Single Game MERCYLAND GIVES LONG-LOST ALBUM A PROPER RELEASE

By Chad Radford music@flagpole.com

yths and legends are often rooted in truth, or at least in some version of it. When Chase Park Transduction co-owner, producer and engineer David Barbe fields questions about why his heavily mythologized, mid-to-late-’80s post-punk trio Mercyland’s music has remained unavailable for decades, he doesn’t miss a beat when explaining why. “For so long, I’ve heard these fuzzy, gold-tinged memories from people about Mercyland that the legend became too good,” Barbe offers. “When I was a kid, I remember my grandfather telling me tall tales about growing up in lumberjack camps in Wisconsin during the early 1900s. Hell, I don’t know if any of that’s true. But when something is only available anecdotally, it becomes larger than life. “It’s like Pecos Bill lassoing onto a twister and disappearing into the sky,” he adds. “I loved Mercyland, so sure, we can be someone’s Pecos Bill.” All of this will change, however, on Friday, Sept. 16, when Propeller Sound Recordings releases We Never Lost a Single Game, Mercyland’s long-lost second and final proper album, recorded in 1990. The album’s arrival marks the first step in a campaign to preserve and to breathe new life into Mercyland’s music, presenting it the way it was meant to be heard—in reverse chronological order. We Never Lost a Single Game was recorded toward the end of Mercyland’s initial five-year run, beginning in 1985. Singer and bass player Barbe, along with the group’s original drummer Harry Joiner and guitarist Mark Craig, were filling up clubs right out of the gate. For their third show, they shared the stage with the Red Hot Chili Peppers at UGA. Over the years, the band went through a turnover, with Barbe later enlisting drummer Joel Suttles and guitarist Andrew Donaldson. By 1990, the group existed in its own, self-made lane. After coming close but never consummating a label deal, they realized that Mercyland was in a perpetual near-miss state. Barbe and his wife had their first child, life was moving on, and it was time for the band to break up. For six months, Mercyland continued playing shows, but doing only what they truly wanted to do: playing in New York clubs, shows at the beach or anywhere else that was fun and well attended, and college shows where they were well paid. No more beating their heads against the wall, routing tour dates and trying to build an audience by playing weeknights in smaller towns along the way to bigger places. “There’s a great line in the Minutemen’s ‘Political Song for Michael Jackson to Sing,’” Barbe says. “‘If we heard mortar shells, we’d cuss more in our songs, and cut down on guitar solos.’” The message being, if the world’s coming to an end, we’re letting loose. That’s the spirit lying at the heart of We Never Lost A Single Game. “We’re just letting it all loose,” Barbe says. Along the way, the group further honed their melodic Southern hardcore and alternative rock songwriting, evoking hints of anything from Mission of Burma and the Buzzcocks to Minutemen and Hüsker Dü. If songs such as “Guessing Time Is Gone,” “Big Wind From E. Jesus” and “White Cross” from No Feet on the Cowling wound the meter tight on Mercyland’s fun and fast-paced energy, We Never Lost a Single Game simply and powerfully delivers a deluge of songs made sharp by Barbe’s infectious voice and fast-paced rhythms.

In 1991, four songs—“Minutes And Parts,” “Tough Ass Knives,” “John D. White” and “Freight Truck”—appeared on the Enter The Crafty Bear 7-inch (Planned Obsolescence). In ‘94, all of Mercyland’s songs were bundled together for the Spillage compilation CD (Rykodisc), after Barbe joined ranks with drummer Malcolm Travis and ex-Hüsker Dü singer and guitarist Bob Mould in the group Sugar. Here, the album’s nine songs are stripped of their original stiff, clean hue. The reissue of We Never Lost A Single Game offers a somewhat less polished take, as evidenced by the first three singles to surface, “Freight Truck,” “Uncle” and “Service Economy.” Each one comes across as full-bodied, more direct and stronger than ever before.

We Never Lost a Single Game’s nine songs were mastered by Greg Calbi at Sterling Sound in Nashville. Calbi mastered Mercyland’s first single in 1987, “Black On Black On Black b/w Ciderhead.” Suttles and Donaldson will fill out the band for two upcoming album release shows at 529 in Atlanta on Friday, Sept. 16, and at the 40 Watt Club in Athens on Saturday, Sept. 17. In the Spring, Mercyland’s debut album, No Feet on the Cowling (Tupelo Recording Company) will get a proper reissue, mastered by Joe Lambert at Joe Lambert Mastering in Cortlandt, NY. Over the years, Lambert has mastered dozens of Barbe’s productions, including The Glands’ I Can See My House From Here box set, Deerhunter’s Halcyon Digest and Barbe’s 2017 solo album 10th of Seas. A third Mercyland release will be mastered by Jason NeSmith at Chase Park Transduction, rounding up songs from various singles, and stamping in time the songs written by both of the group’s lineups. “What Mercyland in our 20s needed was for David Barbe in his 50s to come along and get this concept out of our heads, and get it to how it is supposed to sound,” Barbe says. “This is who we are, and this is what it sounds like.” f

WHO: Mercyland, Elf Power, Nuclear Tourism WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 17, 7 p.m. WHERE: 40 Watt Club HOW MUCH: $15 (adv.), $20

S E P T E MB E R 14, 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

Lake house for sale by owner on Clarks Hill Lake (Tignall, GA). 2BR, loft, 2BA. Drilled well water. Everything must go! Furniture, golf cart, fishing boat. Shown by appointment only. Call 706543-9273 or 706-359-9273.

REAL ESTATE COMMERCIAL PROPERTY Retail/Salon space for lease. 1200 sq. ft. newly renovated. Great location, tons of parking, high traffic shopping center. Perfect for salon or any retail shop. Low monthly rate, long-term 4-year rate lock. New restroom, break room, laundry, new HVAC. Currently operating as a 6-chair hair salon. Great opportunity to own your own salon for less than a 2-chair booth rental. Call today for more information on this unparalleled opportunity. 706-949-3792.

FOR SALE ESTATE SALE UPSCALE SALE - Two collectors, 100 years acquiring: Fine crafts, original art, regional/national pottery, fine China/crystal, Danish Modern, clothes (vintage & fine), marble floor tile, frames, art materials, wood vices, antiques, furniture (Asian lacquered desk, wood file cabinet, wicker, sofa bed) and much more! Masks available. When: Fri. 9/16, 2–6 p.m. & Sat. 9/17, 8 a.m.–3 p.m. Where: 4745 Bob Godfrey Road, Athens, GA 30605

HOUSES FOR RENT House, 3BR/2BA in Normaltown. Central air. Apartment, 2BR/1BA. Furnished. Washer/dryer. Wi-Fi. No smokers, pets. Available football season. 706-3721505

Sell stuff in the Flagpole Classifieds! 706-549-0301

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***

PETS

MUSIC SERVICES

AKC registered Irish Setters. Male; 4 months, $1,200. Female; 4 years, $1,000. Mahogany, UTD shots, housebroken. Great for companionship/therapy. 470-2944337

I n s t a n t c a s h is now being paid for good vinyl records & CDs in fine condition. Wuxtry Records, at corner of Clayton & College Dwntn. 706-369-9428.

YARD SALES Multiple Family Yard Sale: Vintage clothing, jewelry beads, small furniture, camping, beach and pet equipment. No early birds! Fri. 9/16, 1–5 p.m. Sat. 9/17 & Sun. 9/18, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. 103 Estelle Ave. Athens, GA 30606

MUSIC INSTRUCTION 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.athensschoolof smusic.com, 706-543-5800. VOICE LESSONS: Experienced teacher (25+ years) currently expanding studio. Ages 12–90+, all genres. Contact stacie.court@gmail. com or 706-424-9516.

SERVICES HOME AND GARDEN Female-owned/operated gardening services! We can help with planning, building, soil delivery, planting, invasives removal, regular maintenance and kid-friendly instruction. Call/Text: 706395-5321 Plumber Pro Service & Drain. Upfront pricing. Free estimates. $30 Flagpole discount. Call 706-769-7761. Same-day service available. www.plumberproservice.com Need newspapers? There’s plenty at the Flagpole office! Call ahead and we’ll get them ready. 706-549-0301

TUTORS High School and College Algebra/English/ESL tutor. Available seven days a week. Email me at mrtutor100@aol. com

JOBS FULL-TIME Farm Cart on Baxter St. hiring FT & PT cooks for morning/day shifts. Must work weekends. Apply in person or send us your resume. infofarmcart@gmail. com Mike Wheeler Landscape. Landscaping/gardening positions available. Good pay w/ experience. Parttime. Flexible hours. Call Mike Wheeler: 706-202-0585, mwwheeler1963@gmail.com 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. The Royal Peasant is seeking a full-time line cook! Pay starts at $16/hour. Apply in person. 1675 S. Lumpkin St, Athens, GA 30606 UberPrints is now hiring for multiple positions! Both full and part-time positions available. For more information and applications, go to uber prints.com/company/jobs

ADOPT ME!

Visit www.accgov.com/257/Available-Pets 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

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

F L A GP OL E .C OM · S E P T E MB E R 14, 2022

PART-TIME Cannabis wholesaler seeks hourly or commissioned sales reps. Must be reliable, motivated, and organized. Business or marketing majors, industry experience preferred. https://bit.ly/ ccbudsathens 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

MESSAGES

Dax (58398)

Dax is a friendly pup who wants a best friend that doesn’t mind going for walks and giving plenty of pets and scratches. Plan a visit soon, you and Dax might become the best of friends!

James (58397)

James is one fun pup! He’ll bring you a toy, go fetch it and immediately bring it back for another go. If you offer this guy a treat for being such a good boy, he’ll sit for you, too!

Ru (58315)

Ru is a smart, puppy-eyed sweetheart! He likes to sit for treats, play with chew toys and learn new tricks to impress his pals. Ru can’t wait to find his best friend and furever home!

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

JOBS WANTED Retired project manager seeks project management opportunities at reasonable and flexible rates. Prefer remote or office environment. 30 years experience (PMP) with media and technology projects. proman@nym. hush.com

NOTICES

*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

White Tiger is now hiring for all positions at the Athens and Watkinsville locations! No experience necessary. Email work history or resume to catering@whitetigergourmet. com

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

Georgians over six months of age are eligible for COVID vaccines, and ages 12+ are eligible for boosters! Call 706-3400996 or visit www.public healthathens.com. 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.) Pre-registration is highly encouraged! Visit www. publichealthathens.com.

Edited by Margie E. Burke

Difficulty: Medium

3 2

1 3

2 7

7 4 9

8 6 1 8

5 9 4

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 9/12/22 - 9/18/22

The Weekly Crossword 1

14 17

3 23 2 6 1 31 9 37 7 41 8 45 4 5 55

by Margie E. Burke

9 1 7 8 32 4 5 6 2 3 56

8 4 5 6 33 3 2 7 1 49 9

1 3 26 8 4 6 9 5 46 7 2

5 9 2 3 7 842 4 650 1

7 6 427 5 2 1 947 3 8

6 524 3 9 138 4 2 8 7

4 2 7 825 9 1 234 7 8 539 343 6 1 348 5 9 657 4

28 35

36 40

ACROSS 1 Declines 5 Pack away 9 Bell sound 14 Unappealing food 15 Horne of "Stormy Weather" 16 Pooh's passion 17 Maneuverable, at sea 18 Try the patience of 20 Retailers' battle 22 Gave out 23 Liable to lose it 24 Took for oneself 26 Clear up 28 Takes a load off 31 Small bump 34 Artificial bait 36 Sis's sib 37 Recluse 39 Sadly sentimental 41 WWII female 42 Judi Dench title 44 Spine-tingling 45 Farm feed 47 Walloped 49 Project glowingly 51 Rifle recoils

18 Solution to Sudoku: 21

55 Expressed out loud 57 Tuna variety 59 Hard to miss 61 In a bit 62 Performance place 63 Trellis piece 64 "Dent" anagram 65 Bicycle part 66 His partner 67 Storm centers DOWN 1 Pharaoh's land 2 Play loudly 3 Bullwinkle foe 4 Broad range 5 Large amount 6 Gas brand since 1902 7 Hot, in Vegas 8 Is no longer 9 Treasure holder 10 Belmont beasts 11 Too low to hear 12 Ration (out) 13 Gave the once-over

Athens Pride Week By Sam Lipkin editorial@flagpole.com

feature

PRIDEFEST RETURNS AMONG COMMUNITY CELEBRATIONS

4 5 9 7 1

arts & culture

19 Smoker's accessory holder 21 Peeper protector 25 Female gamete 27 Save for later 29 Field follower 30 Big name in electronics 31 MSNBC offering 32 Like some exams 33 Wearing medals 35 Golden State motto 38 Thompson of "Love Actually" 40 Devote 43 Fit to consume 46 Sign of age 48 Place for wine 50 Stick-on 52 NY's ____ Island 53 Norwegian currency 54 Puts in the mail 55 Clothing closure 56 Skedaddled 58 "All ___ are off!" 60 Blonde shade

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

ride Week, currently underway in Athens, is buzz“I was on my back porch enjoying the sun and seltzer ing with a renewed energy and fresh excitement just thinking about who I would ask to Queer Prom, and carrying over from some significant milestones celsince my partner wasn’t available I thought, ‘Huh, what a ebrated this year by the LGBTQ+ community. In particular, strange predicament to find myself in. I want to go to prom, the community experienced a lot of positive changes and but I don’t have anyone to go with,’” says Cowan. “So then I accomplishments this past summer. thought, well I have an organization and a community, and Back in the middle of May, Athens PRIDE and Athens I also can’t be the only one feeling this way. So I realized I Queer Collective merged the two separate organizations to had an opportunity to create something that allowed even form the Athens Pride & Queer Collective (APQC), a new organization committed to affecting the lives of queer communities, in addition to the event curation previously at the forefront. On May 18, Athens PRIDE announced on Facebook, “Today is a new day—WE are now officially Athens Pride and Queer Collective—and as our new mission statement says clearly, we are ‘dedicated to the advancement of equity, affirmation, diversity, and wellness of queer populations in the greater Athens area by working with historically marginalized communities through outreach, social connection, education, and events.’” This news came just ahead of the Athens-Clarke County government formally recognizing June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month. For the first time, the Pride flag was raised over City Hall for half the month, sharing time with a flag honoring Juneteenth. The flag raising set a supportive tone for APQC’s first annual Pride Parade that took place downtown and ended in a celebration at Lay Park. What was expected to be a turnout of a few hundred people Attendees at last year’s PrideFest enjoying performances and other activities ended up totaling over 3,000. at Terrapin Beer Co. “Our board conducted a survey of our communities to get feedback from those in attendance. The amount of survey responses that said, ‘This event those without a date to feel safe and excited to go to Queer saved my life’ or ‘This event showed me my city is here for Prom.” me’ are innumerable,” says APQC President Cameron Jay PrideFest, a far more casual event with a classic festival Harrelson. “That is what it’s all about, and why APQC will environment, will take place from 12–8 p.m. on Saturday, continue to invest in largeSept. 17 at Terrapin Beer and small-scale events to proCo. Harrelson says the board vide safe spaces and moments received feedback from last WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 14 of visibility for queer people in year’s gathering that more Youth Night: Drag Story Hour & Like Totally! the greater Athens area.” food options were needed, so 6:30 p.m. at Hendershot’s Athens Pride Week has this year there is a full food Yoga in the Park existed for just over a decade, court. Likewise, overheating 6:30 p.m. at Bishop Park with the organization’s board and dehydration were an issue continually reevaluating how at the recent parade, so the THURSDAY, SEPT. 15 to connect the community festival will have a first-aid and Queer Trivia with Paddy Nolan to resources best, change up hydration station. Creating 7 p.m. at Hotel Indigo events and honor the attenda safe and inclusive environees’ favorite events. Two of ment for the community is an FRIDAY, SEPT. 16 the most well-attended and essential aspect behind all of Name Change Legal Aid Workshop most-anticipated events are APQC’s events. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. at ACC Library Queer Prom and PrideFest. For regular attendees and Queer Prom, held this year those already familiar with Queer Prom: Masquerade at Ciné on Friday, Sept. 16, PrideFest, the festivities will 8 p.m. at Ciné provides a welcoming formal feel and look very much the SATURDAY, SEPT. 17 dance experience for members same from last year. Vendors of the community who may will be on site all day, and perPrideFest not have been able to openly formances by Canopy Studios, 12–8 p.m. at Terrapin Beer Co. take the date of their choice to Cathleen Thomas, Sarah Hocus Pocus Drive-In Movie high school prom, or for those Mootz, Tears for the Dying, 9 p.m. at Ciné who may have had bad expeExquisite Gender and Convict PrideFest Afterparty riences due to their identity. Julie will lead up to the 10 p.m. at Live Wire Although Queer Prom creates Starlight Showcase drag hour a needed and appreciated hosted by Karmella at 7 p.m. SUNDAY, SEPT. 18 space for people to reclaim This event is free and suited Pride Week Softball Tournament their prom experience, the for all-ages, with separate fam2–6 p.m. at Lay Park age-old dilemma of not having ily-friendly and mature aftera date can (and does) strike party events to follow at Ciné anyone. This inspired Queer and Live Wire respectively. Arts Athens President David Cowan to organize a queer Although Pride Week has already started, there are a prom friend group open to anyone looking for supportive variety of events still happening around town through people to go to prom with. Sunday. For more information, visit athenspride.org. f

S E P T E MB E R 14, 2022· F L A GP OL E .C OM

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SUDOKU

advice

hey, bonita…

Looking For a Diagnosis ADVICE FOR ATHENS’ LOOSE AND LOVELORN

By Bonita Applebum advice@flagpole.com

A multicultural company with spectacular choreography set to music by Lenny Kravitz and J.S. Bach.

Complexions Contemporary Ballet

Hey Bonita, For a few years, I’ve been going back and forth about whether or not I should look into a neurodivergent diagnosis. This wasn’t prompted by a TikTok video or meme; it’s something I’ve struggled with and wondered about for a while. But that’s also the problem—it seems like social media has made neurodivergency something trendy. I think there are a lot of neurodivergent people, but I don’t know how seriously a doctor or therapist will take me. I’ve seen a lot of people kind of make light [of] or undermine genuine struggles with this “trend,” so even though my intentions are genuine, I think that’s holding me back. The other side of things is, I don’t feel like my

the medical care that you seek for yourself, but I have wonderful news for you: You don’t have to tell anyone! Your mental health is YOUR personal business! You don’t have to share every aspect of your life on social media, and frankly, I recommend not even using your real name on your socials. You can absolutely tailor your social media presence to be as personal as you want, or not at all. No one can accuse you of seeking therapy for likes if you never post about your therapy in the first place. I got my first home computer in 1998, and it was a given that I would not be sharing my actual personal information with anyone, ever. People had blogs

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Tickets start at $25 with promo code PAC25. UGA students $10. Free parking. Buy tickets now: pac.uga.edu or (706) 542-4400

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · S E P T E MB E R 14, 2022

diagnosis would be anything treatable by medication, so in that case, does it matter? Sometimes I think I just feel so defeated by some of my quirks that having an answer would help, but I also know that it wouldn’t change them. Quirky Conundrum Hey Quirky, I totally get your apprehension, but don’t forget that therapists, psychiatrists and psychologists go through years of higher education to enter their field. Licensing is always preceded by tons of hours (usually hundreds) of doing practicum and other activities supervised by someone already licensed. A good mental health professional does not care about TikTok trends or modern slang that indicates more social awareness of neurodivergent people. Don’t sit here and think that you’ll go to a therapist and within 10 minutes they’ll declare you cheugy and ban you from the premises. Your friends might accuse you of being trendy, but they’re not therapists; they’re just putting social pressure on you to neglect your needs because something about your self care makes them feel inadequate or inauthentic. But I hope that I have absolutely barked up the wrong tree here, and that your friends are being understanding and kind as you figure out how to address your health concerns. It really bothers me that you are so preoccupied with how others will judge

and such, of course, but very few people used their actual names or even posted pictures of themselves (you needed a flatbed scanner for that). My personal life was personal, and sharing info about my “real” life was a conscious choice that was never left to chance. No one was entitled to information about my daily life, and they still aren’t. And as for your second question: Having answers and knowing yourself better is always valuable and always helpful. I remember the day I found out my diagnoses, and it was like someone had shined a light onto part of myself that I’d never seen. So many things about myself made sense in an instant, and they kept making sense as I learned more about my diagnoses and how they showed themselves in me. It’s easier to react to or change something when you actually know what it is and what it does to you. It was a relief to find out that I wasn’t just damaged goods who was unable to be loved. If you’re a UGA student, then hit up CAPS (Counseling and Psychiatric Services) at the University Health Center, or if you’re a townie, you can start with Family Counseling Services to find out about subsidized mental health services. This is your personal business, and you don’t have to tell anyone about this, if you don’t want to. f Need advice? Email advice@flagpole.com, or use our anonymous online form at flagpole.com/getadvice.

S E P T E MB E R 14, 2022· F L A GP OL E .C OM