FP230125

COLORBEARER OF ATHENS MAKING NEW RESOLUTIONS

LOCALLY OWNED SINCE 1987

JANUARY 25, 2023 · VOL. 37 · NO. 3 · FREE

The Bad Ends

The Power and the Glory p. 12

VOTE

VOTE

flagpole ATHENS FAVORITES

go to favorites.flagpole.com and VOTE for your favorite in each of the categories. Then we will let everyone know what Athens locals like most about our great town.

VOTING DEADLINE IS FEBRUARY 5TH AT MIDNIGHT and the Favorites will be announced in the March 1st issue of flagpole.

• Only one vote per person • Please vote in at least FIVE CATEGORIES to have your ballot counted Restaurants:

saturday, february 4, 2023 • 9 p.m. – 1 a.m.

JOIN US for the Gatsby-inspired dance party featuring dessert, libations and dancing with DJ Mahogany. Cocktail, black tie and 1920s-inspired attire encouraged. $55 per person (Friend + Annual Fund Members OR group rate for 6 or more attendees)

$75 per person (all other guests)

Purchase tickets online at bit.ly/es-2023 or at Agora Vintage in downtown Athens. For more information email jointhemuseum@uga.edu.

New (opened after March 2022) Italian American Asian Sushi Mexican/Latin American International BBQ Bakery Downhome/Southern Local Coffee House Local Pizza Local Burger Fries Burrito Taco Steak Seafood Wings Vegetarian Options Sandwich Dessert Bubble Tea* Frozen Treat Breakfast Lunch Brunch Special Occasion* Meal for a Deal (name of restaurant) Kid-friendly Local Restaurant Outdoor dining Take Out Delivery Service Chef Uniquely Athens Restaurant

Bars: Bartender Speciality Drinks Happy Hour*

Beer Selection Wine Selection Local Brewery Outdoor Bar Space Place to Play Games Uniquely Athens Bar

Music: Recording Studio Performance Venue Intimate Music Venue*

Retail: Sex Positive Business* Place to Buy CBD/Hemp Products Place to Buy Gifts Place to Buy Homegoods Local Clothing Boutique Place to Buy Local Art & Handmade Goods Thrift /Vintage Store Place to Buy Wine Place to Buy Beer Uniquely Athens Store

Pets and Kids: Vet Clinic Pet Groomer Pet Boarding/Sitting Service Place to Shop for Kids Kids’ Classes: Movement Kids’ Classes: Creative

Services: Eco Friendly Services Eco Friendly Practices Hotel Photography Studio Florist Hair Salon Stylist

Alternative Health Treatment (Chiropractic, Herbal, Acupuncture, Rolfing,etc)

Massage Therapist Tattoo Studio Screen Printer* Spa Fitness Instructor Place to Get Fit Adult Classes: Movement Adult Classes: Creative Car Repair Shop Car Dealership Plumber Electrician HVAC Lawyer/Law Practice Bank Realtor

Stuff Around Town: Place to See Local Art Non-Profit 2022 Event Community Involved Business* * NEW CATEGORY!

• Only one vote per person • Please vote in at least FIVE CATEGORIES to have your ballot counted VOTING DEADLINE IS FEBRUARY 5 TH AT MIDNIGHT & THE FAVORITES WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN THE MARCH 1ST ISSUE OF flagpole.

favorites.flagpole.com 2

F L A GP OL E .C OM · J A NU A R Y 25, 2023

contents

this week’s issue

EXCEPTIONAL CARE FOR EXCEPTIONAL PETS

1150 Mitchell Bridge Rd. 706-546-7879 · www.hopeamc.com Office Hours: Monday-Friday 7:30am-6pm

A Blues Jam Memorial Concert will be held at Athentic Brewing Co. on Jan. 28 from 6–10 p.m. for local blues musician Donnie Ray Simonds (far right), who died on Dec. 2. Read more on flagpole.com.

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

Event Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Mall Redevelopment Nearing Approval

Calendar Picks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

NEWS: Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Curb Your Appetite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Potential College Cuts

The Bad Ends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

NEWS: Pub Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Live Music Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

In Memory of Ort

Bulletin Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

PAIN & WONDER

TATTOO

VOTED AN ATHENS’ FAVORITE TATTOO STUDIO

Good Growing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

ARTS & CULTURE: Theater Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Upcoming Local Productions

2011–2020

Art Around Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Threats & Promises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Adopt Me . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR & PUBLISHER Alicia Nickles PUBLISHER Pete McCommons

CITY EDITOR Blake Aued ARTS & MUSIC EDITOR Jessica Smith

Crossword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Hey, Bonita . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Sam Lipkin OFFICE MANAGER & DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Zaria Gholston CLASSIFIEDS Zaria Gholston AD DESIGNERS Chris McNeal, Cody Robinson PHOTOGRAPHER Suzannah Evans CONTRIBUTORS Bonita Applebum, Erin France, Gordon Lamb, Melissa Link, Chad Radford, Ross Williams CIRCULATION Jennifer Bray, Gerald Burris, Charles Greenleaf EDITORIAL INTERNS Patrick Barry COVER PHOTOGRAPH of The Bad Ends by Jason Thrasher (see story on p. 12) 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. © 2023 Flagpole, Inc. All rights reserved.

VOLUME 37 ISSUE NUMBER 3

PLEASE VAX UP SO WE DON’T NEED TO

Association of Alternative Newsmedia

MASK UP AGAIN

online exclusive On Jan. 20, progressive death metal act Jet Engine Dragons shared a new music video for “The Adversary,” one of two tracks that appear on this past November’s release Shell of Reverie. The EP serves as the first batch of new material following 2017’s full-length debut album Ashes of Anthemusa.

See “Flagpole Premieres: Jet Engine Dragons, ‘The Adversary’ Video” at flagpole.com.

CHECK US OUT ON THE INTERWEBS!

ADVERTISING SALES Fabienne Mack, Jessica Pritchard Mangum

Athens, GA 30601

(706) 208-9588 www.painandwonder.com

Sudoku . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Larry Tenner

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

285 W. Washington St.

F L A G P O L E • C O M

Dog Spa

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FOR FAVORITE PET GROOMER! COME SEE WHY WE’VE BEEN VOTED FAVORITE THE LAST 6 YEARS!

AKC Safety-Certified Salon 1850 Epps Bridge Pkwy • (706)-353-1065

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J A NU A R Y 25, 2023· F L A GP OL E .C OM

3

city dope

Warm Reception for Mall Plan

PLUS, JAIL HEALTH CARE, GANG PROSECUTORS AND MORE LOCAL NEWS

By Blake Aued news@flagpole.com Approval for the redevelopment of Georgia Square Mall appears likely after AthensClarke County commissioners praised the massive project at their Jan. 17 agenda-setting meeting.

The $426 million plan submitted by companies associated with Atlanta-based Hendon Properties, which owns a number of malls around the Southeast, calls for demolishing two wings of the mall, along with most of its outparcels (except Burger King, Pep Boys and Zaxby’s). Belk and the central area around the food court would remain, with existing tenants given the right to relocate. That remnant would be surrounded by almost 300,000 square feet of new office and commercial space, almost 1,000 apartments and 200 townhouses with a total of more than 2,000 bedrooms, and another 72,000 square feet of commercial space on the first floor of apartment buildings and in buildings fronting Atlanta Highway.

fic concerns by widening Atlanta Highway to eight lanes and rebuilding the Loop interchange. ACC officials are talking to GDOT about including a multi-use path to Mitchell Bridge Road and Timothy Road, where ACC is building a sidewalk, County Manager Blaine Williams said.

Commissioner Jesse Houle, who represents the mall area, said the developer made a good-faith effort to listen to the community. “It really checks a lot of boxes for needs in the community, especially on the Westside for housing and greenspace and revitalization,” Houle said.

The project will be divided into several phases, and Planning Director Brad Griffin warned that it could change based on market demands in the future. “With a project this size, Phase 2 could easily be seven, eight, nine years from now before they get to it,” he said.

In 2021 the commission created a tax allocation district covering the mall to spur

W&A ENGINEERING

An example of architecture for an apartment building on the Georgia Square Mall site.

“I think it’s pretty clear at this point that the internet has broken the interior mall model,” landscape architect Scott Haines of Athens-based W&A Engineering told the commission. Instead, developers turned to the pre-mall “town center” model, essentially designing the 74-acre development as a second downtown.

“It offers things the modern patron wants,” Haines said. “They want placemaking. They want something that brings them to a site as a primary function, then they choose to shop as a secondary activity.”

The residential component includes 150 units for seniors located where the old dollar theater is now. Under ACC’s new inclusionary zoning law, which trades additional density or exemptions to parking requirements for affordable units, the developer has promised to rent 10% of the units at below-market rates for tenants who make less than 80% of the Athens-area median income.

Developers responded to criticisms of a previous version of the plans by reducing its ring road to two lanes and adding multi-use paths for cyclists and pedestrians, a linear park through the middle of the development, and a bus transfer station that will facilitate better Athens Transit service to the site. However, it still includes almost 3,000 parking spaces, both in surface lots and in decks.

In addition, the Georgia Department of Transportation is planning to address traf-

4

redevelopment. For a period of years, additional property taxes collected due to new development will be plowed back into the TAD area rather than going to the general fund. County officials and developers are negotiating a “community benefits” package to make use of those TAD dollars. It will be reviewed by a Mall Area TAD Advisory Committee this week ahead of the commission’s scheduled Feb. 7 vote.

Another redevelopment proposal also appeared headed for passage: A 10-story tower replacing the 1970s River Mill apartment complex off Baldwin Street. The tower would come in under ACC’s 100-foot limit because the county measures the height from the midpoint. However, because the building would be so long and is on a sloping lot, part of the building would be 115 feet tall. Fire Chief Jeff Scarbrough raised concerns that the fire department lacks the equipment to reach that high. Project representative Ed Lane of Smith Planning Group proposed a commission-defined option removing the top floor from a portion of the building, which Commissioner Allison Wright said she would introduce.

The tower of more than 900 bedrooms would double the density on the property, sparking a discussion about re-evaluating the 100-foot limit. “I’d much rather us look at growing up rather than growing out for density purposes,” Commissioner Mike Hamby said.

The commission also discussed Sheriff

F L A GP OL E .C OM · J A NU A R Y 25, 2023

John Q. Williams’ request to contract with a new healthcare provider for the county jail that would double spending on inmates’ health care from $2.2 million under current provider Armor to $4.2 million under new provider Mediko.

The contract could reach up to $26.6 million over five years, depending on the number of inmates at the jail. Houle said the county should be trying to reduce the jail population to reduce health-care costs.

But according to The plan for redeveloping Georgia Square Mall. a memo from Sheriff Williams, Armor is not providing proper care, with the equivto give District Attorney Deborah Gonzalez alent of 13.3 full-time employees—nurses, $267,000 to create a three-member unit mental health professionals, doctors, to prosecute gang crimes. Commissioner dentists and administrators—to serve an Dexter Fisher questioned how many average of 400 inmates. “He indicated more cases are being brought forward and why and different services were needed for some Gonzalez can’t reallocate existing open time,” Manager Blaine Williams said. “… He positions. Some commissioners said they had concerns about the want to hold the item to study the wage level of care.” Mediko scale for assistant DAs, or deal with it would provide 25.4 during the upcoming budget cycle instead full-time equivalents. of mid-year. (Gonzalez acknowledged at a As Sheriff Williams work session earlier this month that nine of noted, inmates are far 17 ADA positions are vacant, but said the more likely to suffer Human Resources Department won’t let from substance abuse her reallocate resources.) and mental health Despite an upward adjustment in last issues, HIV/AIDs, year’s budget, the problem of low salaries tuberculosis and hepahampering recruiting is a government-wide titis C than the general one, Williams told commissioners, because population. they were based on market studies from “While this is an years ago. “It’s a whole new world now,” enormous budget hit, he said. Hamby and Commissioner Ovita it’s a question of health, safety and dignity,” Thornton suggested that Gonzalez and Mayor Kelly Girtz said. The new contract other elected constitutional officers should with Mediko would provide exit counseling be given the authority to redistribute the to reduce recidivism, he said. funding the commission allocates to their However, commissioners were reluctant offices. f

W&A ENGINEERING

news

feature

ROSS WILLIAMS / GEORGIA RECORDER

news

College Cuts Coming?

CHANCELLOR PERDUE WARNS OF HIGHER ED LAYOFFS

By Ross Williams news@flagpole.com

T

ough financial times could be ahead for the University System of Georgia, Chancellor Sonny Perdue said before a joint budget committee last week.

“We will commit to you that we’re going to do our level best to do more with less,” he said. “It’s not gonna get any better for the next couple of years either.”

Perdue told lawmakers the formula the state government uses to calculate its share of money for the university is primarily based on the cost to educate students, with total credit hours from two years prior as the main input. But enrollment is down at most of the system’s 26 universities. Only Augusta University, Georgia Tech, Georgia State University, the University of Georgia and Georgia Southwestern State University saw enrollment increases between fall 2016 and fall 2022. The rest saw enrollment decline.

Fewer students means fewer credit hours and less money to pay for operation costs.

“Our system is built on continuous climbing, climbing, climbing, and now we see with enrollment decline, that brings more challenges here based on the formula,” Perdue said.

Perdue, who was Georgia’s governor between 2003–2011, imposed deep state budget cuts during the Great Recession. He said he has experience operating on a tight budget, but he warned that layoffs could be possible, especially at smaller institutions.

“I presented five budgets to the appropriations committee that had less money, literally less money than the year before.

So we know about how to do more with less. And we’re doing more with less, our institutions are doing a great job realigning here, taking out any kind of excess they can find in that, but when you have over 80% of your budget at institutions being people, guess what? That means people, and that’s

going to affect you, and you’re going to hear about it,” he said.

Gov. Brian Kemp’s proposed budget contains new college spending, such as $18 million to fund the increased employer share of health insurance costs and $87.4 million to fund a $2,000 pay raise for full-time employees. Perdue said the raises are well-deserved and much appreciated, but he said that they will come at a cost of about $40 million to the uniFrom left, Technical College System of Georgia Commissioner Greg Dozier, Department of Early Care and versity system, to provide matching Learning Director Amy Jacobs, University System of Georgia Chancellor Sonny Perdue and State School raises to about 15,500 workers who Superintendent Richard Woods. are not included.

“Obviously, that’s not your fault, but the people who are not covered we to be administered and what kinds of qualstates. But he said the amount of learning think are valuable to the system. They’re ifications a school’s got to have to meet loss students face differs across districts. just not in that state-funded category, but them? Are we just talking about additional “By and large, we’re in good shape across we want to do right by them as well,” he police officers around the schools? Are we the state, and anything that we have seen as said. “You all need to know that number talking about metal detectors going in the a loss can be overcome within a reasonable that also affects the challenges as we go schools?” timeframe,” he said. forward.”

The department is awaiting guidance Woods reiterated his support for updatKemp has also pledged efforts designed from the governor’s office about what ing the Quality Basic Education formula, to boost retention, including $61.2 million expenses would qualify, but Woods said which has controlled the amount of state to extend the HOPE Scholarship to 100% the money will likely be used for one-time funding districts receive since it was estabof tuition at all Georgia public universities improvements rather than hiring permalished in 1985. Education advocates have and loan forgiveness programs for high-denent staff. been calling for an update to the formula mand fields including law enforcement and The Department of Education is also in for years, and a team of influential senators nursing. talks with the governor’s office about how formed a committee to look into that last The committee also heard Jan. 18 from to spend the proposed funding for school year.

State School Superintendent Richard counselors. One idea being discussed is When asked by lawmakers about his Woods. Primary education makes up the focusing on hiring career counselors to thoughts, Woods expressed approval but biggest chunk of Georgia’s budget, and this allow school counselors already on the paystopped short of calling for a full rewrite. year, Kemp’s proposal includes $1.1 billion roll to focus more on other aspects of their “It would be my recommendation that in new money for K-12 education. This jobs. instead of a complete overhaul, we begin to includes $290 million to fund $2,000 pay “This additional funding is well-apprecimaybe kind of piecemeal it, look at what is raises effective Sept. 1, $27 million to pay ated, but we’re having an issue with finding definitely more viable or more important school counselors, $25 million for learning qualified individuals to fill those positions and make some adjustments on a smaller loss grants and $115 million to bolster as well,” Woods added. scale so that we basically don’t turn over school security.

As to the learning loss grants, Woods the apple cart all at once,” he said. f Sen. Billy Hickman (R-Statesboro) said said initial data shows Georgia students are he wanted to know more about the latter. doing relatively well in catching up after the This article originally appeared at georgiarecorder. com.

“Is there any guidelines on how that’s going pandemic compared to students in other

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flagpole , P O BOX 1027, ATHENS, GA 30603 J A NU A R Y 25, 2023· F L A GP OL E .C OM

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Tuesday 24

event calendar

Wednesday 25 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.georgia

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Thursday 26 CLASSES: Intro to Feldenkrais Awareness (Healing Arts Centre) Learn the basics of the Feldenkrais

F L A GP OL E .C OM · J A NU A R Y 25, 2023

Method, a type of exercise therapy created by Israeli Moshé Feldenkrais to improve motor performance.

2–3 p.m. FREE! www.healingarts centre.net COMEDY: Open Mic Comedy with Owen Hunt (Athentic Brewing Co.) Watch professional and amateur comedians from around the Southeast bring their best sets in a classic live show-​up/go-​up format.

6:30 p.m. (list), 7 p.m. (show) FREE! www.athenticbrewing.com

pitchers and gift certificates. 7–9 p.m. www.johnnyspizza.com GAMES: I Love The ’90s Trivia (Akademia Brewing Co.) Reminisce on good times with a night of craft beer, food and trivia. 7–8:15 p.m.

FREE! www.facebook.com/AKADEMIABC KIDSTUFF: Open Playtime (Oconee County Library) Little ones can join Ms. Carley for open play to help build their brains and encourage early literacy. Ages 5 & under. 11

National Poetry Competition will also be announced. 7–9 p.m. FREE! www.english.uga.edu/blakely-​ program/home MEETINGS: Athens Area Lifestyle Munch (Locos Grill and Pub) AAL Munch is a casual social gathering for people involved in or interested in power exchange dynamics and alternate relationship models. Learn more about the BDSM community or get advice. Ages 18 & up. 7–10 p.m. FREE! athensalt@yahoo.com

ZARE PHOTOGRAPHY

COMEDY: Open Toad Comedy Night (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Comedy performed by a mix of newcomers and local favorites from Athens and Atlanta. 9 p.m. (doors). $7. www.flickertheatreandbar.com EVENTS: No Phone Party (Hendershot’s) 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: Rabbit Box Storytelling: Ready or Not (VFW (Post 2872)) This month’s storytelling theme is “Ready or Not” with stories ranging from unexpected injuries to unexpected responsibilities and everything in between. 7–9:30 p.m. $8 (adv.), $10. www.rabbitbox.org GAMES: Classic City Trivia at Akademia (Akademia Brewing Co.) Test your trivia knowledge with host Garrett Lennox. 7–8:30 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/ClassicCity TriviaCo 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/baddog athens KIDSTUFF: Toddler Tuesday: Colors and Shapes (Georgia Museum of Art) Little ones and their families can enjoy art and storytime together in the galleries, then complete an art activity. Ages 18 months to 3 years. Email to reserve a spot. 10 a.m. FREE! gmoa-​tours@uga.edu KIDSTUFF: Oconee County Library Storytime (Oconee County Library) Join Ms. Carley for songs, stories and crafts. For ages birth to 5 years and their caregivers. 11 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/oconee KIDSTUFF: STEAM Club (Oconee County Library) Extract tardigrades from moss and look at them under the microscope. Reservation required by email at oconeelibrary @gmail.com. 3–4:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary/oconee.com LECTURES & LIT: Mystery Book Club (Bogart Library) Join Dr. Penny Mills for the first meeting of a new book club about mysteries.

Discuss and share favorites over a cup of tea or coffee. 5:30–6:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/ bogart MEETINGS: CCSD Business Town Hall (Clarke County School District) Local businesses have the opportunity to speak directly with the district’s new superintendent Robbie Hooker who will share his vision for CCSD. 5:30–6:30 p.m.

FREE! www.athensga.com SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled play days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. vicepresident@ athenspetanque.org, www.athens petanque.org

museum.org CLASSES: Introductory Step Dance Workshop (League of Step Studio) Torrance Wilcher, co-​founder of League of Step, will teach an introductory step dance class for all ages. Proceeds will benefit the League of Step and Project Safe. 7:30–8:30 p.m. $15. patricia.priest@yahoo.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 FILM: Knights (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Screening of the 1993 film about a cyborg (Kris Kristofferson) and a young warrior (Kathy Long) joining forces against rebel cyborgs. 7 p.m. www.flickertheatre andbar.com FILM: Bad Movie Night (Ciné) Philip Michael Thomas plays a plumber spiraling out of control on an angel dust binge in the drugsploitation classic Death Drug.

8–10 p.m. FREE! www.instagram. com/BadMovieNight GAMES: Chess Club (Oconee County Library) Drop in for open chess play. Open to all skill levels, ages 10 & up. 5–7 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary/oconee.com GAMES: Classic City Trivia at The Local 706 (The Local 706) Test your trivia knowledge with host Garrett Lennox. 7–9 p.m. FREE! www. facebook.com/ClassicCityTriviaCo GAMES: Country Music Bingo (B&B Theatres) Win prizes at this country music-​themed bingo night.

7:30 p.m. www.facebook.com/ bbathens12 KIDSTUFF: Busy Bee Toddler Time (Bogart Library) Ms. Donna presents a highly interactive storytime featuring rhymes, songs, puppets and a simple story. 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. FREE! 706-​441-​9099, www. athenslibrary.org/bogart KIDSTUFF: Oconee County Library Storytime (Oconee County Library) Join Ms. Carley for songs, stories and crafts. For ages birth to 5 years and their caregivers. 11 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/oconee KIDSTUFF: Homeschool Club (Oconee County Library) Homeschool families can join Ms. Carley for activities like art and science projects and STEM challenges.

2:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary. org/oconee KIDSTUFF: Library Crafternoon (Oconee County Library) Drop by the children’s area for crafts and plenty of fun. All materials supplied, all ages welcome. 3:30–5:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/ oconee KIDSTUFF: Glamping and Pampering (Oconee County Library) Relax with an evening of mindfulness, manicures, cocoa and trail mix in indoor glamp-​ground tents. Cozy clothes, plushies and pillows are welcome. 6–8 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary/oconee.com

their little ones through amazing obstacle courses. Ages 1–4 years.

Register online. 10–11:30 a.m. $7.50 (ACC residents), $9 (non-​ ACC residents). www.accgov. com/148/Leisure-​Services KIDSTUFF: Harry Potter Slime (Oconee County Library) Learn how to make your own Butterbeer and Skele-​gro in slime form. Ages 6 & up. 4:30 p.m. FREE! www.athens library.org/oconee LECTURES & LIT: All Booked Club (Oconee County Library) Bring whatever book you are currently reading for uninterrupted reading time and a chance to share with others. 3–5 p.m. FREE! www.athens library.org/oconee LECTURES & LIT: The Dancer’s Voice Book Discussion (Avid Bookshop) Author and UGA faculty member Rumya Sree Putcha, in conversation with UGA doctoral candidate Jennifer LaRue, will discuss her first book, The Dancer’s Voice: Performance and Womanhood in Transnational India. 5–7 p.m. FREE! www.avidbookshop. com/event/rumya-​sree-​putcha-​ dancers-​voice THEATER: Pride and Prejudice (UGA Fine Arts Theatre) Aquila Theatre Company will bring Jane Austen’s romantic comedy and social satire to life with wit, passion and dancing. 7:30 p.m. $45–55. pac.uga.edu

Saturday 28

Atlanta-based belly dancer Magnolia will perform at International Bar & Grill on Jan. 28.

EVENTS: Collector’s Talk: Cathy Padgett’s Jackie O Book Collection (Lyndon House Arts Center) Join Cathy Padgett for a discussion about her extensive Jackie O book collection and all things Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. 6 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/lyndonhouse arts EVENTS: Boulevard Brass Band (595 Nanthahala Ave.) Bring your band instrument, meet outdoors and rehearse songs simple enough for beginners and open to improvisation for more advanced musicians. Every Thursday, 6–8 p.m.

FREE! calclements@gmail.com FILM: Longleaf: The Heart of Pine (Georgia Museum of Art) This film is a cultural and natural history of the South’s ancient primeval forest and how it might still be saved. The showing will be followed by a discussion and Q&A with Rex Jones, producer and director of Longleaf: The Heart of Pine. 7 p.m. FREE! www.georgiamuseum.org GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia at La Montaña (La Montaña) Top four teams win prizes. Hosted by John Bellerjeau. Thursdays, 7 p.m. www. facebook.com/baddogathens GAMES: Thursday Trivia (Johnny’s New York Style Pizza) Jon Head hosts trivia every Thursday. Win

a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/ oconee KIDSTUFF: Lego Club (Oconee County Library) Create and enjoy Lego art and activities. Materials provided. Ages 5–12 years and their caregivers. 3:30–5:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/oconee KIDSTUFF: Chapter Chat (Bogart Library) This month’s pick is Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by JK Rowling. Whether you’re reading it for the first time or the fifth time, grab your wands and get ready for a book discussion, trivia, snacks and magical activities. Ages 8–12.

4–5 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary. org/bogart LECTURES & LIT: Reconfiguring the Outdoor Sound Landscape (Hugh Hodgson School of Music) Natasha Barrett will give a lecture titled “Reconfiguring the Outdoor Sound Landscape: Revealing Music in the Noise.” Barrett will discuss how she uses 3D sound recording, analysis and electroacoustic composition to reveal the music under the noise. 3 p.m. FREE! music. uga.edu LECTURES & LIT: Author Reading: Allison Cobb (Ciné) The inaugural Diann Blakely Visiting Poet Allison Cobb will read poetry, and the winner of the inaugural Diann Blakely

SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled play days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. vicepresident@ athenspetanque.org, www.athens petanque.org

Friday 27 CLASSES: Bhajans with Br. Ramanandamrita Chaitanya (Healing Arts Centre) Join for this class in melodic chanting.

7:30–9:30 p.m. FREE! www.healing artscentre.net COMEDY: Actor’s Worst Nightmare (Work.Shop) Two actors and an improviser perform a three-​ person scene with a hitch: The only lines the actors are allowed to say are recited from two separate plays, in order. 8–9 p.m. $5. www. flyingsquidcomedy.com KIDSTUFF: Storytime With Miss Alyssa (Brella Studio) Small children and their caregivers are invited to play, socialize and enjoy storytime with Miss Alyssa. Ages birth to 5 years. 9–10 a.m. FREE! www.brellastudio.com KIDSTUFF: Fantastic Friday (Bishop Park) An instructor supervises while a parent/caregiver leads

ART: Guided Tour: Kara Walker (The Athenaeum) This conversational tour is led by curator Katie Geha exploring internationally acclaimed American artist Kara Walker’s exhibition “Back of Hand.”

4 p.m. FREE! www.athenaeum. uga.edu CLASSES: Basic Blacksmithing: Forge a Fire Poker (Greenhow Handmade Ironworks) Students will learn basic forging skills while making a fire poker with a decorative handle. Additional skills including tapering, twisting, scrolling, riveting and more will be explained. All tools and materials included. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $150. www.greenhow handmade.com CLASSES: Pet Portraits for Acrylic or Watercolor (OCAF) Working from photographs, this workshop will cover a range of tips and techniques for creating an expressive pet portrait. Attendees will learn to use loose, fluid brushstrokes for developing fur and whiskers and how to mix colors to match their companions perfectly. 10 a.m.–1 p.m. $75 (members), $100 (non-​ members). www.ocaf.com/courses COMEDY: Get Yer Ha-​Ha’s Out (Hendershot’s) Presented by the Women’s Council of Realtors, join for an evening of comedy featuring Collin Moulton and Jordan Centry.

7–11 p.m. www.hendershotsathens. com EVENTS: Ashton Hope Keegan Foundation Stiletto 5K Stampede (Sandy Creek Park) Wear some stilettos (but not on your feet!) while you walk or run.

Proceeds will help fund technical scholarships and grants to break the cycle of generational poverty for women in Northeast Georgia.

Following the race, participants

can expect food, refreshments and entertainment from ’80s inspired party band Mighty McFly. 10 a.m. (registration), 11 a.m. (race) $25. www.ashtonhopekeeganfoundation. org GAMES: Family Dungeons and Dragons (Bogart Library) Whether you are a DM who would like to run games or a player who would like to join in, come out and help set a D&D schedule for the months to come. All skill levels welcome.

2–3 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary. org/bogart PERFORMANCE: The League of Step 2nd Annual Step Resurgence (UGA Fine Arts Theatre) Watch step performances from 25 different teams made up of elementary, middle and high school students. 3 p.m. (doors), 4 p.m. (show). $12–17. www.facebook. com/leagueofstep PERFORMANCE: ICCA Collegiate A Cappella South Quarterfinal (Morton Theatre) Varsity Vocals presents the International Championship of Collegiate a Cappella (ICCA) South Quarterfinal, featuring groups from around the southeast.

The top two placing groups at this event will advance to the 2023 South Semifinal. 7–10 p.m. $20– 30. www.mortontheatre.com PERFORMANCE: Belly Dance Show (International Grill & Bar) Magnolia is a multi-​award winning professional belly dancer based in Atlanta. 7–9 p.m. FREE! www. facebook.com/IGBAthensGA SPORTS: UGA vs. Ole Miss Hockey (The Classic Center) Cheer on the Ice Dawgs hockey team as they face the Ole Miss Rebels. 7 p.m. $10. www.classiccenter.com

Sunday 29 CLASSES: Sunday Meditation in the Gallery (ATHICA) Join Cal Clements of Revolution Therapy and Yoga for two 30 minute meditations, with some ideas offered before and discussion after. All levels welcome. 10 a.m.–12 p.m.

Donations encouraged. www. revolutiontherapyandyoga.com/ booking-​and-​memberships CLASSES: UGA Salsa Club (UGA Memorial Hall) No partner necessary and no experience required for this Cuban-​style salsa class. Room 407. Every Sunday. 4–6 p.m. FREE! www.ugasalsaclub.com CLASSES: Kirtan (Revolution Therapy and Yoga) All are welcome to take part in this experience of musical devotion. 6:30 p.m. Donations encouraged. www.revolution therapyandyoga.com GAMES: Dungeons and Dragons (I Heart Mac & Cheese) Join for an exciting role-​playing adventure where you can fight dragons, join an army, go on a quest in distant lands or find hidden treasure. 3–7 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/ iheartmacandcheeseathens GAMES: Sunday Trivia with Solo Entertainment (Southern Brewing Co.) Test your trivia knowledge with the top three teams winning a percentages off their tabs. 4–6 p.m.

FREE! www.sobrewco.com 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: The Second Industrial Revolution in the Gilded Age (Oconee County Library) The History Lecture Series seeks to allow local historians to present lectures on their passions and research. This lecture will be presented by Louise Milone. 3

p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/ oconee SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled play days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. vicepresident@athens petanque.org SPORTS: UGA vs. Ole Miss Hockey (The Classic Center) Cheer on the Ice Dawgs hockey team as they face the Ole Miss Rebels. 5 p.m. $10. www.classiccenter.com

Monday 30 COMEDY: Comedy With Owen Hunt (I Heart Mac & Cheese) Laugh your way into the week with jokes from local comics and an open mic at the end of the night. 7–8:30 p.m.

FREE! www.facebook.com/iheart macandcheeseathens FILM: Nemesis (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Screening of the 1992 film about a cybernetically-​enhanced, ex-​counterterrorism operative charged by his former employers with assassinating his former lover.

7 p.m. www.flickertheatreandbar. com FILM: Paul Bielatowicz’s Nosferatu (Ciné) F.W. Murnau’s 1922 silent film Nosferatu is given new life with a live score led by progressive rock musician Paul Bielatowicz. 9:30 p.m. $15. www.athenscine.com GAMES: Classic City Trivia at Dooley’s (Dooley’s Bar and Grill) Test your trivia knowledge with host Garrett Lennox. 7–9 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/ClassicCity TriviaCo GAMES: Monday Trivia (Athentic Brewing Co.) Come enjoy trivia with Erin and win prizes. 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.athens library.org/bogart KIDSTUFF: Tween Book Club: Winter Book Tasting (Oconee County Library) Tweens can enjoy a hot chocolate bar and browse new and exciting books just for them.

Ages 9–12. 3–5 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/oconee KIDSTUFF: NBA Math Hoops (Bogart Library) This biweekly program includes board games, curricula and apps that help middle school students gain math speed and fluency using the game of basketball.

5–6 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary. org/bogart LECTURES & LIT: Celebrating Faith: Prayer and Meditation in Various Religious Traditions (Oconee County Library) This panel of local faith leaders will discuss what prayer and meditation mean in their traditions. There will be light refreshments after the conversation.

7 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary. org/location/oconee

Tuesday 31 COMEDY: IGB Comedy Night (International Grill & Bar) Enjoy a night of stand-​up comedy hosted by Lanny Farmer. 7–9 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/IGBAthensGA EVENTS: No Phone Party (Hendershot’s) 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 FILM: The Jangling Man (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Screening of the

2022 documentary about UK-​based artist, poet and Cleaners from Venus frontman Martin Newell. 7 p.m. www.flickertheatreandbar.com GAMES: Classic City Trivia at Akademia (Akademia Brewing Co.) Test your trivia knowledge with host Garrett Lennox. 7–8:30 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/ClassicCity TriviaCo 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/baddog athens KIDSTUFF: Oconee County Library Storytime (Oconee County Library) Join Ms. Carley for songs, stories and crafts. For ages birth to 5 years and their caregivers. 11 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/ oconee SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled play days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. vicepresident@ athenspetanque.org, www.athens petanque.org

Wednesday 1 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.georgia museum.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 FILM: The Strange Vice of Mrs. Wardh (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Screening of the 1971 film about an ambassador’s wife who discovers that one of the men in her life may be a vicious serial killer. 7 p.m. www.flickertheatreandbar.com GAMES: Classic City Trivia at The Local 706 (The Local 706) Test your trivia knowledge with host Garrett Lennox. 7–9 p.m. FREE! www. facebook.com/ClassicCityTriviaCo GAMES: Wednesday Game Night (International Grill & Bar) Hosted

by Game Central Station Events, there is something for all types of gamers. Systems are set up for retro to new games, and there is space for tabletop and card games as well. 7–9 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/IGBAthensGA KIDSTUFF: Busy Bee Toddler Time (Bogart Library) Ms. Donna presents a highly interactive storytime featuring rhymes, songs, puppets and a simple story. 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. FREE! 706-441-9099, www. athenslibrary.org/bogart KIDSTUFF: Lego Builders Club (Bogart Library) Lego lovers of all ages are invited; Duplos, Mega Blocks and blocks will be available for younger builders under the age of 7. 3:30 p.m. FREE! 706-4419099, www.athenslibrary.org/bogart LECTURES & LIT: Word of Mouth Poetry Open Mic (The Globe) Athens’ longest-​running spoken word event has returned the first Wednesday of every month.

Tonight’s featured reader is Theresa Davis. 7 p.m. FREE! www.facebook. com/athenswordofmouth MEETINGS: Sewing Circle (Bogart Library) Bring your own sewing and crafting projects for dedicated time to work. 11 a.m.–12 p.m. FREE! 706-441-9099, www.athenslibrary. org/bogart f

arts & culture

calendar picks

MUSIC | FRI, JAN. 27

MUSIC | SAT, JAN. 28

Ciné • 9 p.m. • FREE!

The World Famous • 10 p.m. • $10

Ishues Listening Party

Clavus

Athens Music Walk of Fame artist Ishues is celebrating the release of his fourth full-length album with a free listening party in Ciné’s Lab, the theater’s space devoted to events and musical performances. Ishues’s newest album, Legacy, was produced

by Sol Messiah, an Atlanta producer who has worked with some of the biggest names in hip hop. The listening party, hosted by Fort Knox, will also feature a DJ set by JiiG and a special guest performance from Cassie Chantel & Tribe. There will also be free food supplied by Propaganda Pizza Co., as well as a free raffle to win signed merch. The operative word here is free, as in “you better be free the night of the 27th.”

[Patrick Barry] PERFORMANCE | SAT, JAN. 28

The League of Step 2nd Annual Step Resurgence

UGA Fine Arts Theatre • 3 p.m. (doors), 4 p.m. (show) • $15 (adv.), $20

The League of Step is hosting its second annual Step Resurgence, a step competition drawing teams from across the nation to compete for $2,000 worth of prizes, trophies and bragging rights. The League of Step is a stepping school that uses the art form to inspire discipline, confidence and self-esteem. Started in part by local hip-

In support of its ripping debut album, Maybe We’re Not So Far Apart, local band

Clavus is currently embarking on a perilous tour with The Holy Ghost Tabernacle Choir (Savannah) into the heart of the Sunshine State and back, undoubtedly leaving a trail of destruction to mark the way home.

Clavus, half of whose members you may recognize from the exceptional heathen honky tonk band Newport Transplant, delivers math-tinged screamo replete with crushing drums, shimmering modal guitar passages and Amie Clavus’ stunningly diverse vocal performances, in much the same way a grenade would be thrown into a room. Maybe We’re Not So Far Apart comes in at a blistering 20 minutes and 31 seconds, giving you no excuse not to be familiar with the band’s music. Clavus will conclude its 10-day tour at The World Famous on Jan. 28, where it’ll meet up with its companions on the journey, The Holy Ghost Tabernacle Choir.

Screamo money, baby.

[PB] MUSIC | SUN, JAN. 29

Emily Nenni

The World Famous • 8:30 p.m. • FREE!

The League of Step

hop artist Squallé, the league encourages academic, mental and physical excellence through tutoring programs and other forms of support through mentorships. This year’s Step Resurgence features 25 teams of all age groups, traveling from places like Tallahassee, Raleigh, Richmond and St. Louis. Teams from Atlanta and Athens will also compete. The night will finish off with a coach’s step-off to crown the ultimate champion. [PB]

The versatility of Athens’ music venues never ceases to amaze.

Only a day after Clavus takes the load-bearing walls out of The World Famous, country act Emily Nenni is set to take the stage. Nenni was born in California, but found success as a singer and songwriter in Nashville. Her songs speak to a vast, big-sky soul with songs like “On The Ranch,” and more intimate interpersonal subjects on songs like “In The Mornin’.”

Much of Nenni’s music takes a feminist stance, a refreshing breath of air in the country world. Come out and see this up-and-coming country star with The Deslondes (New Orleans) and T. Hardy Morris in an intimate setting. [PB] f

J A NU A R Y 25, 2023· F L A GP OL E .C OM

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pub notes

food & drink

good growing

Ort

Gardening Goals

By Pete McCommons and Melissa Link pete@flagpole.com

By Erin France news@flagpole.com

William Orten Carlton=Ort was like your favorite uncle, who knows everything and is glad to share in great detail whatever of his knowledge interests you, but never fails to ask how you are doing and listens to what’s on your mind and gives you a hug. And Ort stored you and your concerns away in the great bubbling cauldron of his mind so that the next time you met, he wanted to know specifically how you’re doing—whether you got your love life straightened out, whether you got your air conditioner fixed.

Ort lived his life in our public spaces, so we have run into him frequently, and in spite of all the facts crammed into his brain from his deep-dive researches and his wide-ranging rambles, he knew us, too; he included us, he pulled up a seat for us. He loved sharing his knowledge, and he loved hearing ours. He loved us, and that’s why so many of us love Ort.

I revel in New Year’s resolutions, often listing different goals in personal relationships, finance or health. It’s a whole thing. The last few years, I started attempting to set fewer pie-in-the-sky goals, in order to achieve more reasonable objectives. Here are a few realistic gardening goals I’m setting for myself, and that I’d encourage you to try, too.

HIS MANY, MANY FRIENDS HAVE BEEN SAYING GOODBYE

And that’s why Ort’s illness, and now his death, have so grievously affected our community. For several generations of us, he has always been there. We might go months or years without seeing him, but when we did, we took up right where we left off. Ort has been a constant in our lives, and we will miss him constantly.

Here’s how Melissa Link, one of Ort’s old friends, so beautifully put into words this past Friday what so many of us are feeling: “The more time we do on this exquisite, complicated ball of rock & goo, the more regularly we must face the unhappy task of saying goodbye to those who had some large or small part in making us who we are.

Today, I visited with the one and only Ort at St. Mary’s Hospice as he prepares to shuffle off this mortal coil.

“A growing line of loved ones and well wishers queued up in the lobby to pay their respects to an icon of Athens, an inimitable main character who has been a central

8

wheel in the magnificent multi-tendriled machine that is Athens’ music, arts, food, beer and literary scene. As fate would have it, my visit coincided with former Flagpole editor turned NYT reporter Richard Faussett. We were able to join forces in recounting times in the ’90s hammering away in that little office on Foundry Street, when I was a fledgling arts writer and Ort frequently held court in between literary excursions that inspired published tales of livermush, microbrews, long-forgotten blues musicians and everything in between.

“Ort’s rabid appreciation for seemingly the most mundane aspects of Southern culture is an art in and of itself, and his encyclopedic ability to recount multifarious minutiae from memory is nothing short of genius. Only in Athens could a creature like Ort thrive. In a town that celebrates eccentricity, Ort has long reigned as King of the Beautiful Weirdos—a beloved conflagration of jester and sage who simultaneously epitomizes the peculiarity of our community while offering a window into the idiosyncrasies of the world beyond, reminding us that lovely oddity abounds even outside the little bubble of our borders.

“It’s hard to imagine Athens without Ort— sitting sentry at the Manhattan bar, shuffling around the stacks in local libraries, pawing through thrift stores for untold treasures, plodding around downtown clutching his infamous clipboard and tattered notebooks and always, always sharing stories with anyone who stopped to lend an ear.

“The ravages of age and a life well-lived have certainly taken their toll on his body in recent years, but Ort has never lost his sunny sense of humor nor his childlike sense of wonder. Even bedridden and struggling to speak, he is eager to share words of wisdom. As Richard and I showered him with appreciation, he relayed, ‘Don’t imitate me; learn from me’—wise words indeed from a truly one-of-a-kind human who never, ever stopped absorbing knowledge and was always ever so eager to share it.

“Please send all your peace and strength out to Ort and all who love him as he faces his final ramble into the great beyond. As hard as it is, few are so lucky to know when it’s their time to go, nor have the opportunity to know they truly touched so many lives. Ort’s words and memory will forever be cemented into the kaleidoscopic mosaic that is Athens, and those of us who have crossed his path along the way carry on just a little brighter and a good bit wiser for having known him.” f

F L A GP OL E .C OM · J A NU A R Y 25, 2023

FIVE NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS FOR 2023

GROW MORE GREENS: In the past, I’ve avoided

lettuce—lettuce seeds can be hard to germinate and a target of slugs, bugs and diseases in the warm and wet climate of Northeast Georgia. In 2022, I grew lettuce when I could, but I also started growing my own salad mixes. I cleaned, chopped and mixed kale, collards and kohlrabi leaves into a fun brassica mix. I blended vibrant and spicy mustard with blander lettuces. I experimented with pea shoots, hibiscus and tatsoi. And it worked.

I ate way more greens last year because of the variety and interesting combinations I could harvest from my garden. This year, I want to grow leafy greens every week, including the summer. Is there a green you love to eat, but looking at the price tag these days turns you blue? Lettuce, arugula and spinach usually take between 35–60 days to mature, so it’s well worth the $2.75 a packet to attempt.

time each week to meet a friend at the State Botanical Garden. You could even set a goal for drinking your first cup of coffee near your potted plants. However you want to do it, taking a few minutes to enjoy a garden can set a sweet ritual to connect with your environment and give yourself a break from the hamster wheel of worry.

REDUCE TURF: Look, there are some people who love turf lawns. If you love your lawn and want it, I am 100% not going to fight you. For most folks, I think it’s a chore they do because everyone does it. My mom lives on a hill with few neighbors and won’t grow vegetables in the front yard for fear of someone saying that her yard is messy.

FORGET ABOUT PERFECTION: It’s gardening, so perfect conditions already are in short supply. Instead, I hope to harvest a variety of delicious produce while managing Growing lettuces isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. weeds, pests and my own expectations. I’m going to try to let go of the desire to have everything Personally, I hate cutting grass, and I do just about anything to avoid it. Every year completely squared away before I invite I change a little more turf into something friends over to visit the farm. Weeds and else—a new flower bed or a tree surrounded pests happen. Sometimes plants die, or by mulch. This year, I’m going to try sublook terrible before they recover. This year, stituting clover for turf. Clover lawns don’t I want to focus less on perfection and more need to be cut at the same rate as grass and, on manageability. as legumes, they fix nitrogen in the soil.

REGULAR DOWN TIME: The first year I moved They don’t need as much water as some turf to the country, my boyfriend and I walked options. Clover also doesn’t turn yellow our dog around the property nearly every after a dog pees on it. With three dogs, this day around sunset. The practice was picis a big plus for my yard. turesque and lovely, and a great distraction GET THE TIMING RIGHT: It’s tempting to get from all the looming house projects and those cukes in the ground during the first overwhelming new job responsibilities. I’d warm weekend, but is it past the Apr. 15 like to return to a daily walk, just to enjoy frost date? A late spring freeze can kill nature and notice the little changes in the season. I want to see the first daffodil of the squash, cukes and tomatoes fast. Even though we’re seeing warm temps now, that season. I want to know when the bluebirds move into their spring nests. Will the trans- doesn’t discount another arctic blast. Planting at the correct time will help your plants planted redbud like its new spot? You don’t grow stronger and produce better. I write need a house or garden to set this as a New out a whole calendar for what I want to Year’s goal. Maybe you can find a walking plant when. Although I adjust it throughout route with lovely home gardens to enjoy the year based on reality, it’s a great guide. f from the sidewalk. Maybe you can set aside

ERIN FRANCE

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J A NU A R Y 25, 2023· F L A GP OL E .C OM

11

music

feature

The Bad Ends

NEW SUPERGROUP DEBUTS WITH THE POWER AND THE GLORY

By Chad Radford music@flagpole.com

S

of Satan’s Bride” and “New York MurderSuicide” harbor an aura that sways between death-afflicted urgency and tongue-incheek humor as a means of coping with mortality.

The Power and the Glory (New West Records) finds Mantione and Berry writing and performing alongside guitar and mandolin player Christian Lopez, bass player Dave Domizi and keyboard player Geoff Melkonian. Five Eight guitarist Sean Dunn and former Drive-By Truckers pedal steel player John Neff make appearances throughout the album as well.

Two days after bumping into each other, Berry showed up at Mantione’s house with an acoustic guitar and played a handful of songs that he’d written, including an early version of what became the instrumental number “Ode to Jose.”

The song is an elegant piece that resonates with bucolic overtones imbued with a lush and stylistic twang that would feel right at home alongside anything from R.E.M.’s Out of Time.

“I stumbled on the idea for ‘Ode to Jose’ by sheer chance,” Berry says in an email. “I grabbed a guitar sitting in my kitchen and wanted to test the tuning and just plucked random strings. The melody was delivered to me by divine fate. Since my retirement I’ve paid little heed to my drum kit,” he goes on to say. “I play piano and guitar daily, but I rarely visit my drums unless they require dusting.”

JASON THRASHER

erendipity has a way of revealing profound opportunities during life’s seemingly mundane moments.

Consider the case of Mike Mantione and The Bad Ends: Mantione, the singer and guitar player with Athens’ alternative rock fixture Five Eight, was walking down the street one day in 2017. By chance, he crossed paths with former R.E.M. drummer Bill Berry, where they made small talk.

Unbeknownst to anyone at the time, it was the beginning of a new band, a new record, and a compelling new chapter for both of the longstanding Athens music veterans.

Mantione and Berry had certainly gotten to know each other over the years. Five Eight had even opened a number of shows for R.E.M. In the fall of 1997, after suffering a cerebral aneurysm on stage, Berry traded in his life with R.E.M. to live on a piece of land with a working sheep and hay farm on the rural outskirts of Farmington.

He rejoined his former bandmates in 2007 when R.E.M. was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, where they played “Begin the Begin,” “Gardening At Night” and “Man On The Moon.” Aside from that, his public appearances playing music have remained few and far between.

“I was telling him about a solo album I had been working on,” Mantione says.

“I don’t know what possessed me, but I said, ‘Dude, do you want to play?’ He said, ‘Dude, I’m retired.’ I was like, ‘Yeah, but …’

He said, ‘I don’t know, Mike. Just send me something.’”

Mantione sent him a live video of a song he’d been working on called “Little Black Cloud.” Six years later, their chance meeting on the street has yielded The Power and The Glory, a modern, Southern alternative pop LP that’s guided by sweet harmonies and jangly guitars. Songs with titles such as “All Your Friends Are Dying,” “The Ballad

Soon, Mantione and Berry started playing together in the basement, when Mantione asked, “Why don’t you try the drums?” He had a Pearl set that was similar to what Berry used to play. But with no bass player to lock into a groove with, nobody was playing any drums.

Mantione’s wife Kelly suggested Domizi and Lopez join them, and the idea to release a solo record quickly grew into something much greater than what anyone had in mind.

The group’s name came easily. “I knew I wanted it to be the ‘Bad something,’ because of what a lot of the songs were about,” Mantione says. They settled on The Bad Ends because it could take on a number of meanings—a bad ending, or bad times coming to an end.

“Six years ago, when Mike invited my involvement in his solo project, it had been 20 years since I last experienced the record-making process,” Berry says. “Mike’s always affable demeanor, the quality of his songs, and a chance to write, produce and master the project without leaving Athens left it a no brainer.”

The first single, a video for “All Your Friends Are Dying” takes shape as a distillation of Mantione’s life in the Athens music scene: The pastoral countryside surrounding Berry’s home, driving around a cast of iconic Athens musicians, including Vanessa Briscoe Hay of Pylon, her husband Bob Hay

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of the Jolly Beggars, and rapper Linqua Franqua; the pool parties, black clouds overhead, and then… zombies. In one instance the members of the group are seen riding four-wheelers. In the next scene, they are B-movie corpses.

“If you can spit in the eye of dying, that’s what we’re doing,” Mantione says.

The most recent video for the song “Thanksgiving 1915” features an intense choreography behind impassioned singing into a broom handle juxtaposed with restaurant kitchen scenes that Mantione describes as The Muppet Movie meets “The Bear.”

More with The Bad Ends is in the works, including more writing and recording (hopefully), and a handful of live dates. On Saturday, Jan. 28, the whole group plays a record release party at the 40 Watt Club. On Feb. 18, The Bad Ends play Variety Playhouse in Atlanta with Drivin’ N Cryin.’ John Swint of Modern Skirts will play the drums for this show.

“At my age I’m not anxious to commit to anything that would separate me from Athens for too long,” Berry says.

“The idea of club-hopping in a van for three weeks was great when I was in my 20s.”

Still, The Power and the Glory shines a fresh light on decades of history for the Athens group’s collective resume, realigned here and elevated to find new life and new energy while contemplating death. All this from simply taking a walk along the streets of Athens. f The full version of this story is at flagpole.com.

WHO: The Bad Ends, Pylon Reenactment Society, Lo Talker, A.D. Blanco WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 28, 7 p.m. (doors) WHERE: 40 Watt Club HOW MUCH: $15

600 Oglethorpe Ave. Suite 4 706-548-2188 www.alaferasalon.com

live music calendar Tuesday 24

Hendershot’s January Residency. 7 p.m. www. kenoshakid.com/january KENOSHA KID Instrumental adventure-​jazz group centered around the rollicking compositions of Dan Nettles and featuring Luca Lombardi, Seth Hendershot and various guests. The January residency shows coincide with Hendershot’s No Phone Parties, and also feature a special No Phone Party dark roast coffee blend.

Southern Brewing Co., Monroe 7 p.m. www.sobrewco.com FUNKY BLUESTER Blues outfit inspired by traditional Chicago and Texas styles.

40 Watt Club 7 p.m. (doors). $10. www.40watt. com UPCHUCK Catchy and urgent garage rock from Atlanta with influences of hardcore and skate punk.

PSYCHIC DEATH DIY hardcore punk from Spokane, WA. SNUKI New hardcore punk band on Futile Force.

Flicker Theatre & Bar 9 p.m. FREE! www.flickertheatreand bar.com DR. FRED’S KARAOKE Featuring a large assortment of pop, rock, indie and more.

Hendershot’s 8 p.m. www.hendershotsathens. com NEW FACES NIGHT Hear musicians try out new material, or come share your own.

The World Famous 9 p.m. $5. www.facebook.com/ theworldfamousathens BURNS CONCERT Bob Hay & the Jolly Beggars perform music collected or written by Scottish Bard Robert Burns.

Thursday 26 40 Watt Club 8 p.m. $10. www.40watt.com EVELIA Local alternative pop artist creating guitar-​driven, lyrically resonant music.

Friday 27 40 Watt Club 7 p.m. $10. www.40watt.com DIRE WOLF Grateful Dead tribute band performing a special double set.

Ciné 9 p.m. FREE! www.athenscine.com

ISHUES LISTENING PARTY Hear Ishues’ new album, Legacy. Hosted

by Fort Knox and deejayed by JiiG, with live performances by Ishues, Cassie Chantel and Tribe.

Flicker Theatre & Bar 8 p.m. $10. www.flickertheatreand bar.com MAGIC TUBER STRINGBAND Durham, NC-​based duo known for meditative compositions on guitar and fiddle.

PATRICK BARRY Local songwriter weaving stories with his baritone voice and intricate fingerstyle.

MARCEL SLETTEN Ambient electronica musician and owner of the independent label Primordial Void.

Georgia Theatre 8 p.m. $15. www.georgiatheatre. com KENDALL STREET COMPANY Genre-​defying, eclectic rock act incorporating audience interaction

THE GETAWAY COMPANY Local four-​piece group drawing influences from the ’90s and early 2000s alt-​rock and grunge scenes.

VFW (Post 2872) 8 p.m. $10. www.facebook.com/ vfwpost2872 CHRIS HAMPTON BAND Athens-​ based three-​piece band performing classic and modern hits.

Saturday 28 40 Watt Club 7 p.m. $15. www.40watt.com THE BAD ENDS New supergroup featuring Mike Mantione of Five Eight and Bill Berry of R.E.M. Album release show!

PYLON REENACTMENT SOCIETY Vanessa Briscoe Hay and an all-​star cast of locals play the music of Pylon, plus new originals.

SEAN DUNN

Wednesday 25

SIX PAST SEVEN College rock band.

FIVE GALLON FLOW New local rock band.

Flicker Theatre & Bar 8 p.m. $10. www.flickertheatreand bar.com ANCIENT INFANT Indie sleaze rock fusing uptempo hard rock with social commentary and introspection.

THE ROBIN SHAKEDOWN BAND Country rock artist from Atlanta penning inclusive, catchy and foot-​ stomping Heartland rock.

SWEAR JAR Local band exploring new horizons in punk, indie and alternative.

Georgia Theatre 8 p.m. (doors). $16-​22. www.georgiatheatre.com GIMME GIMME DISCO A disco dance party featuring favorite ABBA songs, plus other disco hits from the ’70s like The Bee Gees and Cher.

Hendershot’s 8 p.m. www.hendershotsathens.com BIG BAND ATHENS This 18-​ member community band performs selections spanning from big band music of the ’40s to dance tunes of the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s.

Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall 7:30 p.m. $3 (w/ UGA ID), $20. pac.uga.edu CONCERTO COMPETITION CONCERT After advancing through a rigorous competition process, winning soloists perform with the UGA Symphony Orchestra.

I Heart Mac & Cheese 6–8 p.m. www.iheartmacand cheese.com SING ALONG CIRCLE Feel free to bring a song, a friend or just yourself to jam out to music both new and old.

Southern Brewing Co. 6–10 p.m. www.sobrewco.com KARAOKE NIGHT Every Thursday evening.

Tierney Tough will perform at Flicker Theatre & Bar on Saturday, Jan. 28. and improvisation.

HEDONISTAS Atlanta rock and roll soul.

Hendershot’s 8:30 p.m. www.hendershotsathens. com GMEA JAZZ JAM Jazz jam featuring collegiate educators and Georgia Music Educators Association members.

Southern Brewing Co. RPM Series. 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $7 (adv.), $10. www. sobrewco.com NOISE MOUNTAIN The band, whose own punk rock bona fides are unimpeachable, draws deeply from the rich well of latter 20th century rock and roll, punk and hardcore.

RAPID CHANNEL Athens rock band blending elements of metal, punk and grunge.

LO TALKER Local folk rock band with a psychedelic bent.

AD BLANCO Athens three-​piece blending the sounds of pop and garage.

Athentic Brewing Co. Donnie Ray Simonds Memorial Blues Concert. 6 p.m. FREE! www. athenticbrewing.com TERRAPLANE BLUE Local blues band performing a tribute show for Donnie Ray Simonds, a local bluesman who helped construct Athentic.

Dancz Center for New Music 6 p.m. noise.uga.edu NATASHA BENNET Visiting artist and composer presents a concert of experimental immersive/3D audio electronic music that utilizes the venue’s multimedia and spatial audio capabilities.

Flicker Theatre & Bar 8 p.m. $10. www.flickertheatreand bar.com TIERNEY TOUGH Frontwoman of the Orlando indie rock band The Pauses and solo songwriter.

JOHNATHAN COODY Frontman of Athens rock band Divine Feed plays a solo set.

JIM WILLINGHAM Principal songwriter of Jim Willingham and the Dim Watts writes witty and slightly off-​kilter songs.

Georgia Theatre 8 p.m. $15. www.georgiatheatre. com JAMESON TANK Local high-​ energy rock band fronted by Jameson Tankersley.

ANGELICS New local band influenced by alternative, hard rock, funk, soul and indie sounds.

THE OCHO Up-​and-​coming six-​ piece Athens rock band.

Morton Theatre 7 p.m. $20–30. www.morton theatre.com INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP OF COLLEGIATE A CAPPELLA Varsity Vocals presents the ICCA South Quarterfinal, featuring groups from around the southeast.

The Root 10 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/ AubreyEntertainmentAthensGA REUNION Classic rock.

The World Famous 10 p.m. www.facebook.com/the worldfamousathens CLAVUS Local screamo band.

THE HOLY GHOST TABERNACLE CHOIR Savannah-​based group with a sound rooted in post-​hardcore, mathcore and ’90s screamo styles.

Sunday 29 Creature Comforts Brewery 3–5 p.m. www.creaturecomforts beer.com LIVE JAZZ Every Sunday afternoon.

The World Famous 8:30 p.m. www.facebook.com/ theworldfamousathens THE DESLONDES New Orleans-​ based band blending folk, rock, country and American roots music.

T HARDY MORRIS Local singer-​ songwriter and guitarist plays twangy, reflective folk-​rock.

EMILY NENNI Nashville-​based singer-​songwriter rife with honky-​

tonk spirit and spiked with just the right amount of soul.

Monday 30 Ciné 9:30 p.m. www.athenscine.com PAUL BIELATOWICZ’S NOSFERATU Progressive rock musician Bielatowicz leads a live score to F.W. Murnau’s 1922 silent film Nosferatu.

Ramsey Hall 7:30 p.m. pac.uga.edu LEVON AND FRIENDS Violinist Levon Ambartsumian performs selections by Schubert, Schumann and Brahms with pianists Anatoly Sheludyakov and Evgeny Rivkin, violist Shakhida Azimkhodjaeva and cellist David Starkweather.

Tuesday 31 Hendershot’s January Residency. 7 p.m. www. kenoshakid.com/january KENOSHA KID Instrumental adventure-​jazz group centered around the rollicking compositions of Dan Nettles and featuring Luca Lombardi, Seth Hendershot and various guests. The January residency shows coincide with Hendershot’s No Phone Parties, and also feature a special No Phone Party dark roast coffee blend.

Southern Brewing Co., Monroe 7 p.m. www.sobrewco.com FUNKY BLUESTER Blues outfit inspired by traditional Chicago and Texas styles.

Wednesday 1 Flicker Theatre & Bar 9 p.m. FREE! www.flickertheatreand bar.com DR. FRED’S KARAOKE Featuring a pop, rock, indie and more.

Down the Line 2/2 Randall King, Palmer Anthony (40 Watt Club) 2/2 Susto, Howdy (Georgia Theatre) 2/3 Lighthearted, Rose Hotel, Brody Price, Brennan Wdel (Flicker Theatre & Bar) f

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

Art ARTISTS’ BOOK NIGHT (Athens Institute for Contemporary Art: ATHICA) Now registering artists who would like to share their original artist’s books at an event held Mar. 1. All formats welcome: hardback, paperback, zine, comic, photos, drawings, paintings, text, collage, flipbook, unique or multiple copies.

Register online. www.athica.org/ calls 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 ENTRIES (ATHICA) Currently seeking submissions for the gallery’s 2023 “Members’ Showcase.” Open to joining and renewing members. Deadline Feb. 13. Exhibition runs Feb. 18–Mar. 19. www.athica.org/calls 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

reserve a spot. Feb. 25, 1–5 p.m. $50. marynouri@bellsouth.net, www.3railroad.org 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. liveoakmartial arts@gmail.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 Wednes-

salsa dance classes. No partner necessary. Beginners welcome.

Every Wednesday, 7–8 p.m. $10. gwyneth.moody@gmail.com SONGWRITER’S WORKSHOP (No. 3 Railroad, Arnoldsville) Buddy Mondlock (Guy Clark, Garth Brooks, and Peter, Paul and Mary) leads a workshop on songwriting. Email to

days, 10 a.m. $10/class. shelley downsyoga@gmail.com YOGA AND MORE (Revolution Therapy and Yoga) 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

Classes ART CLASSES (K.A. Artist Shop) “Fractions of a Second: Intro to Analog B+W Photography.” Jan. 31 and Feb. 7, 6–8 p.m. $100. www.kaartist.com ART AND WRITING CLASSES (Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation) “Pet Portraits for Acrylic or Watercolor.” Jan. 28, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. $75–100. “From Dreamstorming to Reality: Writing to Practice & Polish Our Stories.” Wednesdays, Feb. 22–Mar. 29, 5:30–7:30 p.m. $160–210. Heidi Lynn Nilsson offers weekly courses in “The Complex Character” (Feb. 6–Mar. 6), “Introduction to Poetry Writing” (Feb. 8–Mar. 15) and “Writing Dialogue” (Apr. 10–May 8), all meeting 9 a.m.–12 p.m. $165–215. www.ocaf.com/courses BLACKSMITHING CLASSES (Greenhow Handmade Ironworks, Washington) “Forge a Fire Poker with Decorative Handle” covers tapering, bending and scrolling, forge welding, cutting with a chisel and more. Jan. 28, Feb 11, Feb. 18 or Mar. 11, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $150.

“Forge a Bottle Opener” will cover making open face and church key

art around town 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.) “Kara Walker: Back of Hand,” the first solo exhibition to be held in Georgia of the work of this internationally renowned artist, includes a series of new works on paper that examine themes such as complicity, racism, misremembered histories and the violence that undergirds the legacy of the South. Tour on Jan. 28, 4 p.m. Symposium on Feb. 25, 9 a.m.–7 p.m. Through Mar. 23.

ATHENS-CLARKE COUNTY LIBRARY (2025 Baxter St.) “We Are All Makers” features artwork by Lyndon House Arts Center staff members Jaime Bull, Toni Carlucci, Didi Dunphy, Kathryn Refi, Ciel Rodriguez, Beth Sale, Williams Stephanos and Shannon Williams. Through Feb. 12.

ATHENS INSTITUTE FOR CONTEMPORARY ART: ATHICA (675 Pulaski St.) Part of ATHICA’s “Solo Duo Trio” series, “Trio: Lauren Bradshaw, Daniel Brickman and Jeanne Ciravolo” combines work united by visceral and unusual use of fiber and other materials, referencing the body, the tactile and the experiential. Through Feb. 12.

ATHICA@CINÉ GALLERY (234 W. Hancock Ave.) Atlanta-based artist Alice Stone-Collins shares “Domus Domus,” a collection of intricate hand-painted collaged pieces. Through Feb. 25.

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.) “Liu Shiming: Descending the Mountain Together” is a mini-retrospective that includes 23 sculptures in wood, bronze and ceramic. Through Feb. 3.

THE GEORGIA POTTERY COLLECTIVE (560 Caldwell Circle) Jen Graff, Yoon Hwang and other local ceramicists sell sculptural and functional pottery. Every Wednesday and Sunday, 7 a.m.–7 p.m.

FLICKER THEATRE & BAR (263 W. Washington St.) Artwork by Mildred Mildew. Through Jan. 28.

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style bottle openers. Feb. 25 or Mar. 25, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $150. In “Basic Blacksmithing, First Time at the Forge,” students will forge and assemble a wall mount rack

9 a.m. $10. www.wintervillecenter. com COMMUNITY DANCE IMPROV (work.shop) No experience necessary. Vaccines and boosters required. Sundays, 11 a.m.–12 p.m. Donations accepted. lisa yaconelli@gmail.com DEDICATED MINDFULNESS PRACTITIONERS (Online) Weekly Zoom meditations are offered every Sat-

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.healingartscentre.net 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 SALSA DANCE CLASSES (Cloud) Join SALSAthens for Cuban style

F L A GP OL E .C OM · J A NU A R Y 25, 2023

Local artist Will Eskridge recently completed a new mural at Fun Galaxy. with three hooks. Mar. 4, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $150. greenhowhandmade@ gmail.com, CHAIR YOGA (Winterville Community Center) Nicole Bechill teaches a well-​rounded, gentle and accessible chair yoga class to promote breathing, mindfulness and inward listening. Mondays through Mar. 6,

urday at 8:30–9:30 a.m. Email for details. richardshoe@gmail.com KUNDALINI YOGA (Let It Be Yoga Studio, Watkinsville) Held Mondays, 5–6:30 p.m. $11 suggested donation. harsimran@innergies yoga.com MINDFULNESS PRACTICE EVENINGS (Online) Discuss and

GEORGIA MUSEUM OF ART (90 Carlton St.) “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.

HENDERSHOT’S (237 Prince Ave.) Colorful abstract paintings by Larry Forte.

Through January.

LAST RESORT GRILL (174 W. Clayton St.) Troy Ayers presents oil paintings while Amanda Ayers shares travel photography. Through March.

LYNDON HOUSE ARTS CENTER (211 Hoyt St.) “Resilient Civic and Musical Life: Ware-Lyndon House Enslaved and Descendant Stories” includes a film; reading room of books relevant to the African American experience in art, music and heritage; and a visual timeline relating a fuller and more truthful story of the property and its inhabitants. On view Thursdays– Saturdays. • Bess Carter, the recipient of the 2022 Art Center Choice Award from the 47th Juried Exhibition, presents a solo show of landscapes, room interiors and still life paintings. Artist talk Feb. 16. Currently on view through Mar. 4. • “A Pattern of Moments” features works by Kate Burke, Rebecca Kreisler and Sylvia Schaefer. Through Mar. 4. • In preparation for “The Same, Yet Separate Artworks,” metalsmith and interdisciplinary craft artist J Taran Diamond toured the Ware-Lyndon Historic House Museum and created new objects in response. Through Mar. 4.

MADISON-MORGAN CULTURAL CENTER (434 S. Main St., Madison) Joni Mabe, creator of Everything Elvis in Cornelia, GA, presents “Calvacade of Stars,” a group of glitter mosaics depicting Elvis Presley, Otis Redding, Ty Cobb, Steve McQueen, P.T. Barnum and other luminaries of the entertainment world. Through Jan. 28.

MASON-SCHARFENSTEIN MUSEUM OF ART (567 Georgia St., Demorest) Georgia-based painter and sculptor Miles Cleveland Goodwin works in an express, dreamlike style rooted in his interest in nature and the everyday.

Through Feb. 9.

OCONEE COUNTY LIBRARY (1080 Experiment Station Rd.) The Athens Art Association shares a variety of works by its members. Artist reception Feb. 12, 2–4 p.m. On view Feb. 1–Mar. 31.

OCONEE CULTURAL ARTS FOUNDATION (34 School St., Watkinsville) “Georgia Mountains to the Shore” demonstrates the diverse landscape of Georgia through artworks by Evelyn Beck, Lynne Harrill, Sara Quattlebaum, Cynthia Steward, Denny Webster and Kathryn Weston. • “A Brush with Murder: Novel Art by the Wonders of Watercolor Group” celebrates the release of a new book by Gail Langer Karwoski that was inspired by the WOW group that meets each week at OCAF to paint together. • “New Horizons: Mixed Media Work by ESP Students” features participants of the “Get Crafty” class at Extra Special People. • “Fabric Storm by Bobbi Johnson” is a mixed-media installation incorporating umbrellas, fabric, netting, ribbon and other materials. Through Feb. 10.

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, color pencils and Adobe Photoshop. Through May. STATE BOTANICAL GARDEN OF GEORGIA (2450 S. Milledge Ave) Elizabeth Barton’s collection of quilts and watercolors are inspired by the practice of shinrin-yoku, or “forest bathing.” Through Mar. 5.

UGA SPECIAL COLLECTIONS LIBRARIES (300 S. Hull St.) “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, gentrification 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. UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP OF ATHENS (780 Timothy Rd.) The newly named Claire and Robert Clements Gallery debuts with a collection of oil paintings by Robert Clements.

THE VALTON (625 Barber St., Suite 120) Located inside of STATE the Label, this new gallery space debuts with a solo show of works by its namesake, self-taught artist Valton Murray. Through January.

WINTERVILLE LIBRARY (115 Marigold Lane, Winterville) “Words About Birds, Insights About Insects” by Vicky Tavernier and Jennifer Borg consists of playful collages of found and altered objects with accompanying poems.

Through Feb. 11.

sessions with Kelsey Wishik can focus on strength building, mobility, relaxation and more. Saturdays, 11:30 a.m. $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.revolutiontherapy andyoga.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

Help Out THE WILD RUMPUS (Athens, GA) Now seeking new members for the Wild Rumpus board of directors.

Experience in fundraising, organizing, media, accounting, community-​building or creativity preferred.

Deadline to apply Jan. 31. Email for application link. wildrumpus13@ gmail.com, www.wildrumpus.org/ about/wild-​rumpus-​board

Kidstuff ART CLUBS (K.A. Artist Shop) Draw, paint, collage and create during weekly Art Card Club meet-​ups.

Fridays, 4:30–6 p.m. (pre-​teens), 6:30–8 p.m. (teens). Drawing Club for Teens, taught by local artist James Greer, is held Wednesdays, 5–6:30 p.m. $25/drop-​in, $180 (10-​session pass). www.kaartist. com GREEN LIFE ART CONTEST (Athens, GA) Students in K-​12 can submit paintings, drawings, sculptures, poems or photographs inspired by environmental education and sustainability. This year’s theme is “‘Water’ You Going to Do.” Submissions due Feb. 24, 5 p.m. Selected submissions will be exhibited at the Lyndon House Arts Center Apr. 1–29. www.accgov.com/10573/ Green-​Life-​Art-​Contest-​Exhibit READ MAKE PLAY (’Brella Studio) Various art activities for ages 0–5 are offered weekday mornings at 9 a.m. Check website for upcoming programs. Story time is also held every Friday at 10 a.m. www.brella studio.com TREEHOUSE ACTIVITIES (Treehouse Kid & Craft) Saturday Crafterday is held every Saturday, 10 a.m. (ages 3–6) and 11 a.m. (ages 6 and up).

Register by Friday at 6 p.m. $15.

Storytime with Noah is all-​ages and held every Monday, 11 a.m. FREE! www.treehousekidandcraft.com 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 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS (Athens, GA) If you think you have a problem with alcohol, call the AA hotline or visit the website for a schedule of meetings in Barrow, Clarke, Jackson and Oconee Counties. 706-​389-​4164, www. athensaa.org ATHENS COUNCIL OF THE BLIND (Athens, GA) Open to people of all ages with vision impairments, their families and friends. Topics include adaptive equipment, recreational and social opportunities, and advocacy. 706-​424-​2794, dlwahlers@ gmail.com 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 NEW PARENTS AND INFANT FEEDING SUPPORT GROUP (BYL Family Resource Center) Come as you are for community, snacks and feeding advice from professionals.

Babies and children of all ages are welcome. Wednesdays, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. FREE! www.byyourleave.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 (Family Protection Center) Project Safe hosts a support group for survivors of domestic violence. Mondays, 6:30–8 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 SEX ADDICTS ANONYMOUS (Athens, GA) Athens Downtown SAA offers a message of hope to anyone who suffers from a compulsive sexual behavior. Contact for location. www.athensdowntownsaa.com SUPPORT GROUPS (Integrity Counseling & Personal Development) ICPD offers several support groups. “LGBTQIA+ Young Adults Group” is offered for ages 18–30.

“Survivors of Suicide Loss Group” is offered the first Wednesday of every month, 7–8 p.m. “Veterans, Dependents & Caregivers Benefits Resource & Claim Assistance Group” is offered the first Saturday of every month, 9–10 a.m. www. integrityofjefferson.com

Word on the Street ATHENS BEER TRAIL TROLLEY TOURS (Athens, GA) A new trolly tour will provide transportation

between six local breweries: Akademia, Athentic, Creature Comforts, Southern Brewing, Terrapin Beer and Normaltown Brewing. Tours run every Thursday and Friday from 3–9 p.m. www.athenstrolleytours.com/ beer-​trolley-​tour ICE SKATING VOLUNTEERS (Classic Center, Atkins Ford Arena) The Classic Center is seeking organizations to volunteer at the skate rental center. Volunteers will earn $1 per paid skater towards their non-​profits. Email to participate. stephanie@classiccenter.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 PAUL T. MARTIN HOSPITALITY EDUCATION FUND (Athens, GA) The Classic Center Cultural Foundation provides $25,000 from the education fund to individuals interested in pursuing careers in hospitality, event, music or sports management. Students enrolled in hospitality industry programs at UGA, Athens Tech and Athens Community Career Academy are encouraged to apply. Deadline Feb. 17. foundation@classiccenter. com, www.classiccenter.com/ scholarships RABBIT BOX (VFW Post 2872) Seeking storytellers to share seven-​minute true tales. Upcoming themes include “Duets” (two presenters at a time) in February, “Mystifying” in March, “Awkward!” in April and “Gone but not Forgotten” in May. Email to participate. rabbitbox stories@gmail.com RABBIT HOLE EVENTS (Rabbit Hole Studios) Weekly events include Open Mic (Tuesdays, 7–11 p.m.), Acoustic Song Circle (Thursdays, 7–11 p.m.), Seventh Generation Native American Church services and community potlucks (Sundays, 11 a.m.) and Drumming and Song Circle (Sundays, 3–5 p.m.). Weekly Sunday Funday Markets held 1–5 p.m. Wednesday Yoga (5 p.m.) is followed by Meditation and Integration (6 p.m.). Events are free or donation based. www.rabbithole studios.org/calendar RAIN BARRELS (ACC Department of Transportation and Public Works) Barrel kits include a recycled 55-​gallon plastic drum and RainRecycle installation kit from the Rain Barrel Depot, including a FlexiFit downspout diverter. Barrels must be pre-​ordered online and picked up by Jan. 27. $30. www.accgov. com/10477/Rain-​Barrel-​Order-​ Form SPRING PROGRAMS (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. Registration opens Feb. 4 (residents) and Feb. 6 (non-residents). Scholarships available. www.accgov.com/myrec STORMWATER CALENDARS (ACC Transportation and Public Works Department) ​Stormwater calendars are free and can be picked up or mailed to local addresses. accgov. com/10562/Request-​a-​Stormwater-​ Calendar WORK.SHOP (160 Winston Dr.) Open rehearsal and performance space for theater, comedy, dance, classes and events. $10/hour. lisayaconelli@gmail.com, www. workshopathens.com f

music

threats & promises

Split Silk’s Noisy, Cathartic Punk PLUS, MORE MUSIC NEWS AND GOSSIP

By Gordon Lamb threatsandpromises@flagpole.com GOODBYE, FRIEND: Longtime Athens musician, songwriter and friend Todd McBride died Monday, Jan. 16 after a short period of intense illness that began in early December. Although he played with many groups over his nearly 40 years in Athens, he was best known for his role in Dashboard Saviors.

Known for his poignant songwriting and sharp lyricism, McBride was a friendly shepherd of sorts who never failed to bring new musicians under his guiding wings and be a beacon of encouragement for those trying to gain footing in our scene. I can personally attest he was one of the first Athens “band guys” that remembered me at his gigs and greeted me by name when I was still just a very young pup around these parts.

Further, he was one of a relative handful of Athens lyricists whose words I found eminently relatable and which sincerely touched my heart. I was very glad to know him and thankful to remember him as a friend. He was 58 years old.

PLACE YOUR BIDS: The nomination period is open for The 2023 Vic Chesnutt Songwriter of the Year Awards and runs until Mar. 23. These annual awards, sponsored and presented by Classic City Rotary, have become an established and anticipated event each year. There are a few specific requirements for qualification, but none are unreasonable or particularly cumbersome. Please see vicchesnuttaward.com/ nominations for more information. This year’s awards presentation will happen May 4 at the 40 Watt Club.

COMING AROUND AGAIN: As promised just before the holiday season of 2022, the Michael Guthrie Band’s classic album Direct Hits is now reissued on CD and available for purchase. First released in 1981, the original LP has become a collector’s item for British Invasion-inspired power pop fans across the globe. In other news, the previously unreleased collection of tunes Love Conquers All is out now. This collection comprises the last tracks recorded by the final lineup of the Michael Guthrie Band whose members were Michael Guthrie and the late bassist John Guthrie and drummer Herb Guthrie, who died in 2009 and 2013, respectively. While I suspect these are available in local stores, I can guarantee you they’re available at michaelguthrieband.com.

NEW PLASTIC IDEAS: An ambitious, and successfully so, EP just slipped out from new project Split Silk. This self-titled,

six-track release was written, performed, recorded, mixed and mastered entirely

by Lucca Cassandra Anastasia Carver (McQQEEN). Sonically, it treads the same choppy waters as Unwound, Sonic Youth and select screamo bands of the 1990s.

Its release in the beginning of January

may strike listeners as somewhat incongruous because this is a sweaty pile of noisy rock more closely associated with warmer temperatures. In any case, it’s a driving force of an EP from a project that will hopefully be fleshed out into a live performance lineup in the near future.

Highlights for me here are “Gilded (2013)” and “Dreamdagger.” Find this at splitsilk. bandcamp.com.

BURGERS WITH DUMFRIES: Bob Hay & the Jolly Beggars will play its annual “Burns Concert” on Wednesday, Jan. 25. This event, which is the group’s tribute to Scottish Bard Robert Burns, takes place at The World Famous from 9–11 p.m.

There’s not a whole lot else to say about this, but if you’re unfamiliar with either, you can easily get up to speed via facebook. com/Bobhayandthejollybeggars, jollybeggars.netnik.com and scotland.org/features/ scotlands-bard.

BUZZ BUZZ BUZZ: Almost as if to say “Happy New Year!” Daniel Shroyer (Mandible Rider, Shadebeast) let loose another collection of tracks from his ongoing noise/ experimental project Ixian. It’s titled Along The Gel Dorva Line, which I believe is an Anime reference but I cannot be bothered to care enough about whether this is the case to investigate further. What I can tell you is that it opens strongly and propulsively with “Where Is The Sun?” and remains strong throughout. That said, it disintegrates structurally as it goes along from starting out with relatively recognizable beats and melodies to grinding its way through the static-laden “The Current State Of Bulgarian Football.” Find and enjoy over at ixian.bandcamp.com. f

J A NU A R Y 25, 2023· F L A GP OL E .C OM

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

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From beginner to expert, all styles. Visit www.athens schoolofmusic.com, 706543-5800.

Peachy Green Clean Cooperative, your local friendly green cleaners! Free estimates. Call or go online today: 706-248-4601, www. peachygreencleancoop. com

Taste of India is now hiring (Busser, host, to-go specialist, floater). Paid weekly, employee meals, flexible schedules, full-time or parttime. $15–20. APPLY IN PERSON.

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VOICE LESSONS: Specializing in older (50+) beginners and intermediates. Gift certificates available. Contact stacie.court@ gmail.com or 706-424-9516.

Plumber Pro Service & Drain. Upfront pricing. Free estimates. $30 Flagpole discount. Call 706-769-7761.

Same-day service available. www.plumberproservice. com

UberPrints is now hiring for multiple positions! Both full and part-time positions available. For more information and applications, go to uberprints.com/company/ jobs

ROOMMATES 2BR/1BA, unfurnished house in Normaltown behind Automatic Pizza.

Washer/dryer, central air, ~900 sq. ft., $438/mo + utilities. Available 1/31 thru 7/31. Call 706-612-3881 for current tenant.

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

MUSIC SERVICES Instant cash is now being paid for good vinyl records & CDs in fine condition. Wuxtry Records, at corner of Clayton & College Streets Downtown. 706-3699428.

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UU Fellowship of Athens seeks a Video Tech for at least one Sunday morning/ month. Learn more at uuathensga.org/employment White Tiger is now hiring for all positions at the Athens and Watkinsville locations!

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All Georgians over six months of age are eligible for COVID vaccines, and ages 5+ are eligible for boosters! Call 706-3400996 or visit www.publichealthathens.com for more information.

COVID testing available in West Athens (3500 Atlanta Hwy. Mon– Fri., 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. & Sat., 8 a.m.–12 p.m. At the old Fire Station on the corner of Atlanta Hwy. & Mitchell Bridge Rd. near Aldi and Publix.) Pre-registration is highly encouraged! Visit www. publichealthathens.com for more information.

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F L A GP OL E .C OM · J A NU A R Y 25, 2023

Hugo (59160)

Hugo is sweet, friendly, and doesn’t mind a tennis ball session either! Hopefully, he’ll find a loving home soon so he can show off his playfulness and joyful personality!

Starlet (59234)

You can’t help but fall in love with Starlet. She’s loyal, calm, easygoing, and not to mention, gorgeous! For more information about Starlet, give the shelter a call.

Timber (59162)

Timber’s happy, handsome, fun and super smart! He knows how to sit, lie down, roll over and shake. Who knows what else this guy could learn with the right pal by his side?

These pets and many others are available for adoption at:

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

flagpole

SUDOKU

Edited by Margie E. Burke

Difficulty: Medium

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flagpole FAMILY MILESTONE BIRTHDAYS!

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27TH

GMEA JAZZ JAM

SATURDAY, JANUARY 28TH

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.

WOMEN COUCIL OF REALTORS PRESENTS...

Week of 1/23/23 - 1/29/23

JOIN US EVERY TUESDAY FOR OUR ‘NO PHONE PARTY’. DRINK SPECIALS, TACOS FROM SR SOL, MUSIC FROM KENOSHA KID

The Weekly Crossword 2

3

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5

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7 2 5 26 8 33 3 37 1 41 4 45 6 9 20

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NEW FACES NIGHT BIG BAND ATHENS

HOW TO SOLVE:

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25TH THURSDAY, JANUARY 26TH

Copyright 2023 by The Puzzle Syndicate

1

... just listen

6

7

8

by Margie E. Burke 9

10

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4 8 23 1 2 9 6 3 5 7 54

3 7 2 1 8 38 4 5 9 48 6

8 21 9 6 3 34 7 5 2 1 49 4

5 1 4 9 6 242 8 7 50 3

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9 5 328 7 1 8 6 46 4 2

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Happy 30th Sam! January 25th

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2 624 8 4 5 943 7 3 1 55

1 425 7 6 239 3 9 8 5

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hendershotsathens.com

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285 W. Washington St Athens, GA 30601 706-549-7871 Ticket info at 40watt.com

36 40 44 47

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facebook.com/40wattclub

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@40WattAthens

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All Shows 18 and up • +$2 for Under 21

Overdo the diet "Sara" singers Las Vegas event Scene attempt Beheaded Boleyn Minimal bottom ___ and anon Abacus piece Have a hunch Butcher's stock

DOWN 1 Knucklehead 2 Top-notch 3 Dachshund, slangily 4 Naval officer rank 5 Personal charm 6 "Care" anagram 7 Hepburn/Grant film of 1963 8 Book end?

9 Something drawn out 10 Eye affliction 11 Soon, to a poet

12 Part of speech 13 Word before chair or street 19 Lyrical Gershwin 21 Cunning 25 Destroy 26 Fable finale 27 "Easy on Me" singer 28 Hesitant 30 Narrow escape 31 Baio co-star 32 Pharaoh's land 35 Set up differently 38 Sign on a table 40 Weather word 43 Headache cause 47 Part of DOS 49 Envelope abbr.

50 Scout shelters 52 Wound remnant 53 Voice mail prompt 54 Palindromic name 56 Heaps 57 Furniture giant 58 Flippant 60 Bite-bullet link

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

@40WattAthens

WED. JAN 25 • DOORS 7:00PM

UPCHUCK

Copyright 2023 by The Puzzle Syndicate

52 55 59 61 62 63 64 65 66 67

ATHENS’ INTIMATE LIVE MUSIC VENUE

237 prince ave. • 706.353.3050

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ACROSS 1 Docket entry 5 Twin crystal 10 Chaplin prop 14 Bank offering 15 Hankered (for) 16 Forest ox 17 Cross to bear 18 Complimentary 20 Fashion bigwig 22 Small opening 23 Fit of fever 24 ___ of roses 26 Enormity 29 Cartoon coyote's supplier 33 Poetic homage 34 Straight 36 Plumber's job 37 Compensation 39 Parish residence 41 Medicinal herb 42 Type of funds 44 Tree trickling 45 Tripod trio 46 Speak for 48 Consumed 51 Bradbury, et. al.

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Solution to Sudoku: 18

6 3 9 27 5 4 7 1 2 8

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GET YOUR HA HA'S OUT

Happy 40th Jesse!

January 27th

PSYCHIC DEATH • SNUKI THURS. JAN 26 • DOORS 8:00PM

SIX PAST SEVEN

FIVE GALLON FLOW • EVELIA FRI. JAN 27 • DOORS 7:00PM

DIRE WOLF

2 SETS GRATEFUL DEAD EXPERIENCE SAT. JAN 28 • DOORS 7:00PM

AD BLANCO

THE BAD ENDS ALBUM RELEASE

PYLON REENACTMENT SOCIETY • LO TALKER

THURS. FEB 2 • DOORS 8:00PM

RANDALL KING PALMER ANTHONY

COMING SOON

Happy 13th Scarlett!

January 25th

2/9 THE FOOZER EXPERIENCE

PERFORMED BY EL SCORCHO & FEBRUARY STARS

2/24 AMY RAY BAND 3/20 KNUCKLE PUCK 3/29–4/1 DRIVE BY TRUCKERS

J A NU A R Y 25, 2023· F L A GP OL E .C OM

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arts & culture

theater notes

advice

hey, bonita…

Upcoming Local Productions

Hijacked Birthday Plans

By Sam Lipkin editorial@flagpole.com

By Bonita Applebum advice@flagpole.com

MURDER MYSTERIES AND ROMANTIC COMEDIES DOMINATE

Stages around Athens provide opportunities to dissect, explore and sometimes reinvent slices of reality through different perspectives. Theater is one art form that strongly takes advantage of such settings, from old classics to modern material.

Although the occasional national act passes through, a number of hardworking local troupes entertain year-round. There are several productions to catch in Athens as winter fades into spring, capturing the intrigue of lovers of classic authors, humorous social commentary, coming-of-age stories, murder mysteries and more.

During their pregame soccer warm-ups, the girls discuss a range of topics from international social conflicts and sex to their coach’s hangovers and the uncertainty of post-high school life. This fast-paced UGA Theatre production will take place in the Cellar Theatre of UGA’s Fine Arts Building.

Feb. 16–18, 22–25 at 8 p.m. and Feb. 26 at 2:30 p.m. $12–16. ugatheatre.com THE MOUSETRAP: Best-selling novelist of all time Agatha Christie is known for enthralling audiences with mystery, and many of her stories have made the jump from

ADVICE FOR ATHENS’ LOOSE AND LOVELORN

RICHARD TERMINE

Hey Bonita, My friend and I got into a weird argument that made me feel somehow misunderstood but also really selfish. This is an “Am I The Asshole?” question. I get easily overwhelmed, and my family makes EVERYTHING a huge, stressful ordeal. Way over the top.

Growing up in this situation has made me hate holidays, birthdays [and] big life events, honestly. Next month is my birthday, which I usually avoid doing anything for, but I decided to plan my own get-together at my house the way I want to celebrate. Multiple members of my family are already taking over the planning and doing things I specifically asked them not to do. And it’s at my house.

I’m so frustrated because it’s turned into something I don’t want and I’m not comfortable

I don’t know how far into next month your birthday falls, but do you have time to undo any of this before the big day? I’m concerned that you’ll have a panic attack or just be really miserable and on edge during the entire event, so I suggest reaching out to the primary party planners and asking them to take it down a notch. Perhaps suggest an invitation-only rule instead of an open guest policy if it’s the large crowds that bother you, or maybe cancel the dinner on the town if you hate forcing service workers to sing to you. Maybe they’ve lost their minds and hired catering, to which you could suggest grilling out instead.

Maybe all you wanted was just a few friends to come over and eat cake with you, and if so, then you

with AGAIN. But my friend basically told me I’m being a brat. They have a very unsupportive family that would be more likely to forget their birthday than do something like this. So they said I should just be thankful and don’t have a right to be annoyed. Obviously I feel like the bad guy now, and I feel even more guilty that I still feel like none of my feelings are being taken seriously and all of my boundaries are being crossed. AITA? Anonymous

should just ask for that.

You’re allowed to ask for and to have the things you want in life, from a simple birthday to an arctic cruise. I know it can be really difficult to stand up to family expectations, and too often people think of big stuff like, “Dad, I don’t want to become a miner; I want to dance!” or something. Yeah that’s tough, but sometimes saying no to a pushy relative can be a challenge all in itself. I have an aunt who is still giving me the cold shoulder because of a disagreement over my dad’s funeral program—almost two years after it happened. I know how it feels to stand up for your desires and be characterized as an asshole because of it. But the fact is that I don’t see that aunt every day, and she has no regular impact on my daily life, so I’ve made peace with her reaction and just hope that eventually she’ll stop being a brat. I can only apologize so many times! You can’t always get what you want, and that includes pushy family members who try to run everything.

Happy birthday, and I hope that some part of the day at least resembles what you originally wanted for yourself. f

Aquila Theatre Company’s Pride and Prejudice.

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: The nationally touring nonprofit Aquila Theatre Co. will grace the stage of UGA’s Fine Arts Theatre with its adaptation of one of Jane Austen’s most widely known and reproduced novels, Pride and Prejudice. This production of the sharp social satire features six actors playing 15 different characters, which only adds to the play’s wit and speaks to the company’s prowess. Follow the Bennett sisters on stage as they attempt to navigate love and marriage in Austen’s classic English class system while prioritizing the female’s point of view through it all. Jan. 27, 7:30 p.m. $45–55. pac.uga.edu MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING: Town & Gown Players present Shakespeare’s romantic comedy with a local cast. The witty play revolves around two romantic pairings displaying vastly different stories of romantic love. Young Hero and her suitor Claudio are struck with love at first sight, while Claudio’s friend Benedick and Hero’s cousin Beatrice have an antagonistic relationship.

Misunderstandings and hijinks ensue as these characters head toward matrimony in typical Shakespearean fashion. Feb. 10–11, 16–18 at 8 p.m. and Feb. 12 & 19 at 2 p.m. $12–20. townandgownplayers.org THE WOLVES: Processing the enigmas of life and making sense of an often overwhelming world has been stumping humanity forever, and Sarah DeLappe’s Pulitzer Prizenominated play navigates this through the perspectives of nine high school girls.

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page to stage. The Athens Creative Theatre presents a production of The Mousetrap at Quinn Hall. The scene opens on a group of people snowed in at a country house who quickly discover there is a murderer among them. Will you be the first to figure out the mystery as the suspicious characters reveal their sordid pasts? Mar. 2–4, 7:30 p.m. $10– 15. accgov.com/act A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC: Taking place in the Fine Arts Theatre, UGA Theatre presents a production of Stephen Sondheim’s Tony Award-winning musical. Set in 1900 Sweden, an actress becomes tangled in a series of affairs with a former lover, current lover and their respective wives. The characters are forced to confront this whirlwind of love when they are brought together for a weekend at a lavish country estate. A classic comedy of manners ensues. Apr. 14–15, 19–22 at 8 p.m. and Apr. 16 & 23 at 2:30 p.m. $12–16. ugatheatre.com RED HERRING: Another Town & Gown Players production, this noir comedy weaves together three love stories, a murder mystery and a nuclear espionage plot. The setting is 1952 America on the verge of the H-bomb and at the feverish height of the red scare. Expect a series of megaton explosions following Senator Joe McCarthy’s daughter getting engaged to a Soviet spy. This spoof is perfect for those who appreciate the film noir spy movies of the ’30s and ’40s. Apr. 14–15, 20–22 at 8 p.m. and Apr. 16 & 23 at 2 p.m. $12–20. townandgownplayers.org f

F L A GP OL E .C OM · J A NU A R Y 25, 2023

Hey Anon, You are NTA (not the asshole), and there are definitely non-assholish ways to address your friend’s comments. You’ve already displayed excellent empathy by just acknowledging your friend’s feelings—they’d love a party like this, after all. They’re speaking in respect to their own desires instead of yours, which isn’t great, but family stuff runs deep and can get reactions out of us we wouldn’t ordinarily have. You have every right to be annoyed because it’s YOUR life and YOUR birthday we’re talking about, after all, and you’d be correct to remind everyone of that. You know what you want, don’t you? Yes, and that’s a chill birthday gathering that doesn’t trigger your anxiety and make you resentful towards those who love you.

Need advice? Email advice@flagpole.com, or use our anonymous online form at flagpole.com/get-­ advice.

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