FP230426

MBUS presents Beats & Brews Fest

Featuring 18 Athens bands at Southern

Brewing Co

Tickets are $10 presale $15 at the door

Enter a raffle for your chance to win band merch, a signed poster from Widespread Panic, Tour books, posters and patches from REM!!! ($5 raffle entry)

All proceeds go to the MBUS scholarship fund IG: @beatsnbrewsfest

F L A G P O L E . C 0 M

Readings & Conversation with three acclaimed Irish writers

Wednesday • April 26 • 7pm

Morton Theatre

FREE and open to all

Global Georgia event series willson.uga.edu

Betty Jean Craige Lecture Department of Comparative Literature

Seán Hewitt

Louise Kennedy Martin Doyle

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Chris McNeal, Cody Robinson PHOTOGRAPHER Suzannah Evans CONTRIBUTORS Bonita Applebum, Chris Dowd, Erin France, Gordon Lamb, Rebecca McCarthy, Ross Williams CIRCULATION Jennifer Bray, Gerald Burris, Charles Greenleaf EDITORIAL

Patrick Barry

COVER PHOTOGRAPH of lighthearted by Karmen Smith PLEASE VAX UP SO WE DON’T NEED TO MASK UP AGAIN

ADVICE: advice@flagpole.com

online exclusive

Music Walk of Famer Ishues dropped a new music video on Friday, Apr. 21 for “In A Time,” a song off of the recently released album Legacy. In the video, Ishues remains a glitch of reality in an otherwise green screen heavy visual menagerie.

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Indie pop rocker Sarah Mootz will be performing at Creature Comforts Brewery on Apr. 28 at 7 p.m. For more events, see the live music calendar on p. 12.

Ishues

You Can Get There From Here

THE NEW FIREFLY TRAIL BRIDGE IS OPEN, AND MORE LOCAL

By Blake Aued and Rebecca McCarthy news@flagpole.com

Hundreds of Athenians got high on 4/20— high above Trail Creek, that is.

Almost 25 years in the making, AthensClarke County officials opened a new 525foot, $6 million bridge along the Firefly Trail, spanning Trail Creek in Dudley Park and Peter Street and filling in another gap in the project. The bridge replaces a railroad trestle made famous by Sandra Lee Phillips’ photograph on the back cover of R.E.M.’s debut album Murmur (which, incidentally, was released 40 years ago last week).

Appropriately, Murmur was playing over the loudspeakers before Mayor Kelly Girtz and other local officials cut the ribbon on the bridge Apr. 20. When CSX Transportation abandoned the railroad in 1998 and began tearing down the trestle— built in 1883 to bring the railroad downtown—it sparked an outcry from R.E.M. fans around the world. Under former mayor Doc Eldridge, the county commission voted in 2000 to purchase what was left of the structure and the rest of the railway, despite many critics labeling it as “Eldridge’s Folly.”

A year later, ACC established the Rails to Trails Committee to study the feasibility of turning the abandoned railbed into a walking and biking corridor connecting Winterville and downtown Athens. The committee wrote SPLOST and TSPLOST proposals, identified land to acquire and set about deciding what to do with the half-demolished and increasingly unstable trestle, which became a controversy in and of itself.

Later, the nonprofit Firefly Trail Inc. was established with the goal of extending the trail even farther—39 miles through Oglethorpe and Greene counties. About four miles in Clarke County have been completed so far on the downtown and Winterville sides, with a three-mile gap in the middle. Despite resistance from some homeowners along that gap, Girtz said he

expected it to be completed “within the next couple of years.” Stretches have also been built in the towns of Stephens and Maxeys, with another segment set to open this summer in Greensboro, according to Mark Ralston, president of Firefly Trail Inc.

If and when it’s finished, boosters expect the longer trail to become a tourist attraction like the Silver Comet Trail that similarly runs along an abandoned railroad from Atlanta to Anniston, AL. Even if that vision is never realized, the Clarke County portion alone will provide a safe and level path for people of all ages to do anything from getting some exercise to commuting to and from work. In particular, the completed trail will pass by a couple of mobile home communities and other lower-income areas, Girtz noted.

Before any of that happened, though, a decision had to be made on the Murmur Trestle. When the first portion opened in 2017, ACC initially bypassed the old trestle with switchbacks down into the creek valley and back up, but that defeated the purpose of having a flat, easy-to-ride path. Engineers determined that the trestle was not structurally sound and would have to be replaced plank by plank like Theseus’ ship. After much public debate, officials settled on a design that honored the original bridge in the middle, with modern steel arches on either side.

“I’m not a cyclist, but I love this trail,” said former commissioner Andy Herod, who chaired the Rails to Trails committee during the Heidi Davison administration. “I think it’s a really great thing for our community,”

The bridge was designed by Kimley-Horn & Associates and built by the contractor Astra Group. In addition to the span itself, the project includes a grassy lawn, restrooms and a sunflower sculpture by Rick Herzog. On the Athens side, the trail

can be accessed via a trailhead off East Broad Street down the hill from the Classic Center, the Dudley Park parking lot or the park-and-ride lot at the Loop’s Oconee Street interchange. [Blake Aued]

What Is Walkable?

If anything was clear from their Apr. 18 agenda-setting meeting, Athens-Clarke County commissioners have divergent—

and often contradictory—ideas about walkability. For example, one commissioner who criticized proposed suburban developments for being car-centric later fretted about a lack of parking in her intown district. Another commissioner who said not everything needs to be walkable then turned around and lamented the lack of traffic calming in her mostly rural district. Commissioners were mostly critical of a proposed development of 254 rental

Bikers and pedestrians cross the newly opened Firefly Trail bridge over Trail Creek for the first time.

townhouses off Olympic Drive, because it’s not located near transit or stores or other destinations within walking distance. The developers withdrew their proposal last year after the planning commission recommended denial, but brought it back virtually unchanged. It’s in an area zoned industrial, and if it’s rezoned to residential, that could cause employers to shy away from bringing jobs to that part of Clarke County, which has long been set aside for industrial uses, Planning Director Brad Griffin and local economic development officials said.

Or what if residents could walk to their jobs at a manufacturing plant? “It’s kind of like the old-school mill towns where people live where they work,” Commissioner John Culpepper said.

There’s a reason industrial and residential uses were separated, Commissioner Jesse Houle said— workers suffered from the effects of polluted soil and water.

Arguments shifted when it came to a similar townhouse development off Jennings Mill Road on the other side of town. That area was intended to be industrial, but when the Georgia Department of Transportation didn’t build a Loop interchange, slowly but surely, it turned into residential. “We’re never going to see industrial built in this area,” Houle said.

But, Houle criticized the project’s lack of connections to the surrounding area, particularly given that it’s not far from the busy Atlanta Highway commercial strip. “You can’t walk to anything here,” they said.

Jennings Mill does have sidewalks and bike lanes, Commissioner Mike Hamby said. But it’s also a divided four-lane road that was originally intended to carry trucks, and Atlanta Highway is one of the most unfriendly roads in Athens for people on foot or bike. ACC has some TSPLOST funding to help, as Hamby noted, but GDOT is also planning on widening the highway, which won’t help.

The discussion prompted some musings from Commissioner Ovita Thornton, who represents the northeastern part of the county and—it should be mentioned, since the topic is driving versus walking— has been charged with DUI twice since February.

“We should be looking for diversity— some areas are walkable, some areas are out and separate,” she said. “But it looks like a couple of us really want to push [their] vision of what a community looks like.

“Some people… they don’t want nobody walking by and looking in their window,” she said. “They don’t want those paths.”

Shortly after, Thornton said that she was being misunderstood. “Just because we want something to be walkable doesn’t mean it’s going to happen,” she said. “You’re going to have some places, you’re going to have to drive, and some people want to drive.”

No one had mentioned preventing people from driving, just that there should be other options. And University of Georgia students should have all the options they want as far as parking, according to Commissioner Melissa Link. She had questions about parking around a Cobbham house near the Clarke County School District’s headquarters that CCDS wants rezoned so it can sell because it has no use

for it. Link said the house would inevitably become a student rental or be torn down for student apartments, although Thornton and Commissioner Dexter Fisher—a former school board member and CCSD administrator, respectively—said they weren’t aware of any such plans.

“I think the major concern would be, what if you pack four or five students in this house? That’s four or five cars parked on the street, plus all their friends who want to visit and stumble downtown,” Link said.

“One of the biggest pushes on missing middle [affordable housing] is you shouldn’t have all this parking,” Griffin reminded her. “I know, I know,” Link replied. UGA students will bring cars anyway, though, she said.

When discussion turned to traffic-calming projects, Thornton changed her tune. The District 9 representative aligned herself with Link, the former District 3 and current District 2 representative, when she lamented that, “It’s getting hard to explain to districts 9, 2 and 3 why they keep getting left out.” (Generally, neighbors band together to petition for traffic-calming measures because traffic is so fast that it makes walking perilous.)

The proposed list is based on a formula set by the commission and tweaked repeatedly over the years, and includes a new formula that factors in race and income. It consists of speed tables or speed humps on Forest Heights Drive, Arch Street, Homewood Drive, Club Drive, Saxon Woods Drive, Springtree Road, Waddell Street, Stanton Way, East Meadow Drive, Lullwater Road, Westview Drive and Gran Ellen Drive, and traffic circles on Forest Heights and Club.

Thornton was apparently referring to Boulevard, formerly District 3 and now 2, when she asked why a street in “a posh neighborhood” had received speed humps before others. Link said the neighborhood had applied twice, under older, more restrictive rules, and waited years to move up the list. “We do have a more equitable policy now, which is why we have so many more streets on this list,” Link said. Houle and Hamby also questioned why streets in their districts weren’t included. They hadn’t met the criteria for agreement among residents, ACC Manager Blaine Williams said. Staff merely followed the policy set by the commission, he said, and invited them to revisit it.

Commissioner Tiffany Taylor asked Williams why Arch Street had been bumped ahead of Nellie B Avenue, where Taylor said she had received many more complaints about speeding drivers. That’s because Nellie B is too busy to qualify for the neighborhood traffic management program, Williams said, but staff will be bringing forward a policy for medium-volume “collector” streets.

“When we talk about equity, it’s not about assigning resources equally amongst all the districts,” Williams said, “It’s not about assigning resources to wealthy neighborhoods. It’s about where the need is. And there’s a part of this where the neighborhood has to come together, and that can be contentious sometimes, because sometimes the speeders live in the neighborhood.”

In other business, the commission appears poised to reinstate an eviction pre-

vention program that was suspended last year after ACC officials found accounting irregularities in reports filed by contractor Athenian First Development Inc. The new provider, Family Promise (formerly the Interfaith Hospitality Group), would receive $800,000 in federal funding to restart the program.

At its May 2 voting meeting, the commission is also likely to rename a block of South Finley Street between Cloverhurst and Baxter streets Linnentown Lane, in honor of the majority Black neighborhood that was razed in the 1960s to make way for UGA dorms. The University System of Georgia claimed ownership of the street and objected to the renaming and other plans to honor Linnentown, such as a monument, but subsequent research by the ACC attorney’s office found that ACC owns the right-of-way on that block.

Mayor Kelly Girtz also assigned the commission’s Government Operations Committee to look at ways to “enhance resources and protections for renters in the community,” and assigned the Legislative Review Committee to consider adding vaping to the county’s longstanding indoor smoking ban. [BA]

School Start Time Changes

The Clarke County School District is considering changing when the school day starts and ends, to maximize instruction time and to cope with a shortage of bus drivers.

According to a press release, the district can’t provide high-level transportation service to all students under the current schedule. The recent on-time morning dropoff rate for middle schools was 82%, while the high school rate was 75%, both below industry standards.

“With the current two-tiered bus schedule (elementary and middle/high school) and dedicated routes for Classic City and the Athens Community Career Academy (ACCA), route times are stacked too closely together, which does not allow for any margin of error if there is an issue with a route or a student,” according to the release. “Additionally, CCSD’s current model does

not allow for flexibility when a bus driver resigns, is out with an absence, or on a day when there are a significant number of field trips scheduled. This situation is further exacerbated by a significant bus driver shortage being felt not only locally, but across the nation.”

Currently, elementary school classes start at 7:40 a.m., middle school at 8:35 a.m. and high school at 8:45 a.m., except for Classic City High, which starts at 8:15 a.m. One proposal recommended by Director of Transportation Shurod Swift and a committee has elementary schools starting at 8:15 a.m.; middle schools, Clarke Central and Cedar Shoals at 7:30 a.m.; and the Career Academy and Classic City High at 8 a.m. Another shows elementary schools starting at 7:40 a.m., middle schools at 8:30 a.m., and all high schools at 8 a.m.

Some parents of elementary school students are worried that pushing the starting time forward will interfere with their own work schedules—many in government jobs or the hospitality and construction industries begin work at or before 8 a.m. Others complain that their children are getting on a bus at 6:40 a.m. for an hour-long ride to school.

“Maybe a better solution to the CCSD bus driver problem would be to pay their drivers better and have trained monitors on every bus,” said Missy Wilson, who has three children in the district. “Make the job better.”

Having teenagers start earlier also concerns parents. The Centers for Disease Control and the American Academy of Pediatrics say that beginning the school day before 8:30 a.m. is detrimental to the mental and physical health of teenagers, who need 8–10 hours of sleep. According to the CDC, changes in biological rhythms during puberty means adolescents become sleepy later at night and need to sleep later in the morning. Early start times and late bedtimes means many students aren’t getting enough sleep.

District officials are accepting comments on the proposed schedule changes through Apr. 30. You can submit them to feedback@ clarke.k12.ga.us. [Rebecca McCarthy] f

“ Maybe a better solution to the CCSD bus driver problem would be to pay their drivers better and have trained monitors on every bus.

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New 911 System

FASTER AMBULANCE RESPONSE COULD SAVE LIVES

By Chris Dowd news@flagpole.com

The Athens-Clarke County Police Department recently made a huge improvement to its process for handling medical 911 calls that could save lives.

Emergency medical dispatch (EMD) is an optimized system that allows dispatchers to quickly process medical 911 calls while providing a higher level of care for patients even before the ambulance arrives. EMD dispatchers are trained to stay on the call with a patient until the ambulance arrives, allowing them to give medical advice and instructions for how to perform first aid or CPR, for example. EMD also allows paramedics to have more information about what to expect when they arrive on-scene, speeding up the delivery of lifesaving care by crucial seconds.

Most importantly, according to ACCPD Captain John Radford, 911 callers in Athens will no longer need to explain their emergency twice—once to the 911 dispatcher, and once to the ambulance dispatcher.

Under the old system, those aren’t the same person. Ambulance services in Athens-Clarke and Oconee counties are contracted out to National EMS, a for-profit company owned by a private equity fund.

National EMS maintains a separate call center from which they handle the dispatching of their own ambulances. Until recently, 911 callers in Athens were transferred to National EMS for medical emergencies, meaning they had to explain their emergency twice. With the advent of emergency medical dispatch in Athens, communication with National EMS is handled electronically, and call transfers are no longer needed.

This improvement by itself could shave 10 or 20 seconds off ambulance response times in Athens. Combined with the other benefits of emergency medical dispatch like the ability to give CPR instructions, Radford said these improvements have a “high likelihood” of saving lives in the future.

Sam Rafal, a public safety advocate and former emergency medical technician who runs the website WhenEverySecondCounts. org, praised ACCPD’s efforts.

“Emergency medical dispatching is a significant step toward improving outcomes for our citizens at their time of greatest need,” Rafal said. “I believe that Capt. Radford, Deputy Chief [Keith] Kelley, Chief [Jerry] Saulters and all the personnel at the ACCPD 911 Central Communications Center have done an outstanding job getting emergency medical dispatching protocols implemented. All the research indicates that these improvements will help our citizens in time-sensitive, life-threatening emergencies.”

Rafal called for additional improvements, such as entirely eliminating National EMS’ role in ambulance dispatching. He believes that centralizing control of

ambulance dispatching in the ACC 911 center will help improve transparency around ambulance response times in Athens. Currently, National EMS is under no obligation to share their ambulance response time data with the local government, leaving the public unable to provide meaningful oversight over this private company.

The family of some patients in Athens have alleged that National EMS has had poor ambulance response times for years. Likewise, Athens-Clarke County Commissioner Patrick Davenport also had a poor experience with the company and claimed that people in his district prefer to drive themselves to the hospital in emergency situations rather than call 911. Perhaps just as concerning, National EMS was caught spreading false information regarding a failed 911 response back in 2019. Despite these allegations, Piedmont-Athens Regional and St. Mary’s hospitals have both repeatedly expressed confidence in National EMS.

While hospital officials did present some data to the mayor and commission during a work session in 2019, National EMS has never shared their raw response time data with the public. Making matters worse, the hospitals have not held an EMS Oversight Committee meeting in over three years. They stopped meeting when ACC Attorney Judd Drake informed them of their legal obligation to post notices of upcoming meetings and to allow members of the public to attend under the Georgia Open Meetings Act. That means there is currently no public oversight over EMS services in Athens and Oconee County.

Commissioners Jesse Houle and Carol Myers are the two local government representatives on the EMS Oversight Committee, but the hospitals have not communicated with them about the role and responsibilities of the group. It appears that, if the hospitals are exercising any oversight over National EMS at all, that they are doing so behind closed doors.

At the recommendation of the ACC Police Department, commissioners decided to centralize 911 dispatching back in 2020. At the time, ACCPD officials estimated it would take three years to complete the transition. Three years later, the move is still not finished, and Radford doesn’t know when it will be finalized. The reason for the delay, he said, is primarily a lack of staff.

“Until we are at a sufficient level of staffing, we will not be able to take over the dispatching of National EMS ambulances,” Radford said. “We have been working on filling our existing vacancies by hiring some personnel, but still have some way to go to be fully staffed.”

ACCPD implemented emergency medical dispatch protocols at the ACC 911 center in January. f

“ This improvement could shave 10 or 20 seconds off ambulance response times.

A Visit From an Old Friend

CHUCK SEARCY HELPED FORM OUR ATHENS

By Pete McCommons pete@flagpole.com

Chuck Searcy has been back in Athens, and probably won’t be here much longer. It’s strange, considering what an impact he had here, that he is practically incognito, except for old friends, who have been happy to see him. Sic transit gloria mundi, or words to that effect.

Chuck came to UGA after graduating from high school in Thomson, and he happily pursued a degree in music, until he led a rebellion against his major professor, who threw Chuck’s trombone into the trash and kicked him out of school and into Vietnam.

Chuck arrived “in country” as a Goldwater conservative just as the Tet Offensive hit South Vietnam. After his year in military intelligence in Saigon, Chuck left disillusioned with our war and appreciative of the Vietnamese people.

He finished his service after a year in Germany and returned to Athens a committed member of Vietnam Veterans Against the War, became an activist for student rights, co-founded the popular Athens Observer weekly newspaper, left to work in the Carter administration, came back to Athens and started Observer Television, left to become Sen. Wyche Fowler’s press secretary, and later was nominated for a

high-ranking job in the Veterans Administration, which was vetoed by a rightwing senator.

Chuck then accepted a veterans foundation job in Vietnam, heading up a program providing orthotics to injured people, of which there were many following the war. Then he segued to head up Project Safe, which has for a couple of decades worked to remove the thousands of unexploded bombs embedded in Quang Tri Province, which during the war we knew as the Demilitarized Zone. He lives in Hanoi and is one of the subjects of a new book by the respected author, George Black—The Long Reckoning: A Story of War, Peace, and Redemption in Vietnam, which I hope to review soon in these pages.

Meanwhile, when we are together, we frequently lapse into remembering the early days of the Athens Observer and all the (now) funny stories involved in starting a newspaper from scratch with little money and less knowledge of what we were doing, but lots of determination and help from our friends. In these days of many more newspaper failures than startups, there are no doubt lessons to be learned from our early ordeals, but chief among them is

probably the fact that we had been deeply immersed in the political life of Athens, and by the time we started the newspaper, we knew who was who, and they knew us. Another thing is that we set out to publish a newspaper that would be respectful of all viewpoints, even if they differed from our own strongly held opinions.

Here’s a snapshot of how it started out. Chuck had a friend in Atlanta who ran a printing shop. He let Chuck come over and set type at night on his new photo-composition typesetting machine, meaning that Chuck drove back early the next morning with the interior of his Volkswagen swathed in strips of type as he struggled to stay awake. Back at the office, I was composing headlines in Presstype, also nodding off and mixing sizes in the same headline, so that the result looked like a ransom note. We borrowed the money to buy our own composition machines. When they were delivered, I asked the driver if he delivered a lot of them. “Yep,” he said. “Pick up a lot, too.” Gulp.

A woman came in and convinced us she could sell ads, and she did, until we sent out our first monthly billings and began to get

irate calls from “advertisers” saying they never heard of the Observer, and we realized she had fabricated all the ads; she had already collected her commissions, and our expected income evaporated.

So many stories: The first two years without paying any withholding or income taxes, and then the day of reckoning when Chuck had to deal with the IRS woman who demanded the whole $12,000 immediately and could not accept Chuck’s $200 installment, which he left, anyway, and continued to do, while she looked the other way, until we were finally paid up. Charlie Burch at the bank saw something in us besides collateral, and Ralph Maxwell, Sr. at Greater Georgia Printers kept us going by letting our payments ride longer than most printers would have. We keep on saying we’ve got to write it all down, but at our backs we hear time’s winged chariot hurrying near. Here’s hoping there’ll be more later.

Chuck is full of stories from a full life, and he is an engaging raconteur with a wry sense of humor laced with self-deprecation. Above all, Chuck is what that other newspaperman, Lewis Grizzard, would have called a Great American. f

Love Tractor

WARNOCK TALKS AG TECH AT UGA FARM

By Ross Williams news@flagpole.com

U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock took a ride on an unusual tractor earlier this month. The driver held up his arms in the classic “Look, ma, no hands!” pose, but Warnock was never in any danger.

Warnock, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, visited the University of Georgia’s Iron Horse Farm south of Watkinsville on Thursday for a demonstration on the latest in precision agriculture technology, including the self-driving tractor that he took for a spin.

Farmers today can increase their profits with a wide array of high-tech equipment. Satellite-connected smart devices can allow them to track data on soil conditions and intelligently place seeds, water, fertilizer and pesticides exactly where they need to be, saving resources and money. But new technology often requires troubleshooting, and Warnock said he’s aiming to fix a connectivity bug within the latest agriculture hardware. There is no standard way for these devices to share data with one another, so farmers could find themselves with a soil monitor in the ground that is unable to communicate with the tractor they need to spread fertilizer, making it less convenient and costlier to adopt the new technology.

“When I have system A inside my tractor, trying to control valves outside my tractor that are made by system B, sometimes there’s a challenge there,” said Eric Elsner, farm manager at UGA’s J. Phillip Campbell Jr. Research and Education Center. “If I get data from system A, try to use that data with system B, it’s like, if I had an Apple phone and you had an Android phone, we should be able to communicate.”

Last month, Warnock and South Dakota Republican Sen. John Thune introduced legislation to create a working group to study creating standards to ensure different devices can connect. Warnock is working to get the measure

included in the 2023 Farm Bill, which Congress passes every five years to set the nation’s food and agriculture policy. The current law is set to expire in September.

“The profitability margin for farmers is so narrow that every little bit helps,” Warnock said. “And we saw today the huge difference that this technology is already bringing, but it could be much better.”

After the tech demos, Warnock sat around a table with a group of North Georgia farmers who said they’ve seen success incorporating new technology, but precision agriculture has its hurdles. In addition to connectivity issues, the equipment is a major financial investment, and some said the rural broadband required still needs work.

Fight Over Food Assistance

The main battle lines around this year’s proposed Farm Bill revolve around the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), informally known as food stamps, which makes up the largest portion of the bill.

mately 4% on commodity programs and 7% on crop insurance,” said Scott, who represents the Macon area. “That’s less than 12% that would actually go to support production agriculture, 82% of it goes to SNAP.”

House Republicans castigated the U.S. Department of Agriculture for allowing SNAP benefits to increase beyond inflation for the first time in 45 years in 2021, and accused it of mismanaging a plan to reevaluate food costs. They argued that the program’s work requirements should be made stricter.

“No matter how much you give somebody in SNAP benefits, if the cost of groceries continues to go up because of inflation and bad policies, then they have less food to eat at the end of the day,” Scott said. “Even if you doubled their food stamps, if the price of eggs goes up three-fold, then they can buy fewer eggs with the same number of dollars.”

As of the end of 2022, just over 1.6 million Georgians, or about 14.9%, participated in the federal food assistance program, which provides families in need with a card that can be used like a debit card to buy eligible food in grocery stores. Nationwide, the number was about 42.5 million, or 12.8%. In 2022, the average beneficiary received about $240 per month for a nationwide cost of over $119 billion.

Currently, SNAP participants who are not seniors, disabled or otherwise exempt must participate in work or job search requirements. The U.S. Government Accountability Office found that among the 9 million wage-earning adults in households receiving SNAP assistance, about 70% worked full-time hours on a weekly basis.

Two Georgia Democrats sit on the House Agriculture Committee: David Scott, the ranking member of the committee, and Sanford Bishop. Speaking to the 2023 AgriPulse Ag & Food Policy Summit in Washington last month, David Scott said Democrats will be united in their support for SNAP.

In an exchange with Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack last month, Republican congressman Austin Scott, vice chair of the House Agriculture Committee, questioned whether the proposed SNAP spending is appropriate. “The 2023 Farm Bill is currently projected to spend approxi-

“We need to finally accept SNAP, and right now, the last thing we need to be talking about is trying to get people off of SNAP,” he said. “What these rather extreme Republicans want to do is to take SNAP and try to say they want to put strict working requirements. We already have working requirements.” f

This article originally appeared at georgiarecorder.com.

Sen. Raphael Warnock examines a drone during a visit to the University of Georgia’s Iron Horse Farm.

COURTESY OF SEN. WARNOCK’S PRESS OFFICE

Thumbs Up For Mother Universe

NEW DOCUMENTARY FILM SPOTLIGHTS LONNIE HOLLEY

By Jessica Smith arts@flagpole.com

Whether it’s through his visual art, musical performances or poetic storytelling, Lonnie Holley has captivated audiences across the world with his mesmerizing persona and improvisational creativity.

Rising out of immeasurable hardships, cruelty and poverty, his work speaks volumes about race, social class and culture in the American South. Created over the course of 22 years, the new documentary film Thumbs Up For Mother Universe: Stories from the Life of Lonnie Holley is a window into the world of an individual who, against all odds, has successfully moved from the margins to the mainstream.

Atlanta filmmaker George King was initially inspired by his curiosity towards a wave of self-taught artists who were emerging in the South during the ’90s. He began interviewing different curators, gallerists and artists, but after spending an afternoon with Holley in Birmingham, AL, he knew he had found someone deeply fascinating, unapologetically authentic and ultimately the focus of his new film.

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By Gordon Lamb threatsandpromises@flagpole.com

and widely embraced by the art world at large, Holley’s work appears in collections of many major museums including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.

Had King stopped the camera even a decade into the project, he may have missed out on yet another monumental plot twist in Holley’s life story. Though Holley had made home recordings of himself and was known to sing whatever was on his mind as he wandered around working, it wasn’t until 2012 at the age of 62 that he made his debut as a recording artist. Dust-to-Digital, an Atlanta-based archival label dedicated to unearthing rare recordings, released two albums, which have since been followed by an additional three albums on Jagjaguwar. Much like his artwork, his distinctive, soulful musical style transcends any sort of traditional genre or structure through its raw, spontaneous, intuitively led nature.

CLEANING UP NICELY: New West Records will release The Complete Dirty South, a resequenced, annotated, expanded and nicely packaged version of Drive-By Truckers’ touchstone 2004 album, on June 16. This new version features fresh vocals on the songs “Puttin’ People on the Moon” and “The Sands of Iwo Jima.” Also featured are three bonus tracks left off the original release and a 32-page book with both the original liner notes and new ones, both written by Patterson Hood. Plus, there are loads of unreleased photos and track-bytrack notes by Jason Isbell, Mike Cooley and Hood. This release is to be available digitally as well as, uh, physi-digital (i.e. a double compact disc set), and a double vinyl LP. Preorders are being taken as we speak at newwst. com/dirtysouth.

but he seems like a nice young man, and I wish him well. Shine has a handful of tracks available to hear now, and everything can be found on Spotify.

SPEND THE DAY: If the paragraph above grabbed your interest, then keep paying attention. Shine is just one of 18 performers that will fill the bill at the UGA Music Business Program’s Beats ’N Brews Music Festival happening Sunday, Apr. 30 at Southern Brewing Co. For a mere 10 bucks, attendees can enjoy sets by Mars Hill, Tattoo Logic, Prodigal, House Arrest,

Born in Jim Crow-era Alabama as the seventh of 27 children, Holley says he was informally adopted as an infant by a woman who later traded him to another family for a pint of whiskey. He eventually landed at the Alabama Industrial School for Negro Children in Mount Meigs, a notoriously brutal juvenile facility. Memories of traumatic experiences at Meigs resurface as influences throughout his artwork, and are further explored through the investigative history podcast “Unreformed” and his most recent album Oh Me Oh My, both of which were released earlier this year.

Holley’s first brush with art-making happened in response to a personal tragedy at the age of 29, when he carved gravestones out of discarded sandstone blocks for a niece and nephew who died in a house fire. Before long, his two-acre property transformed into a sprawling, immersive yardart environment full of sculptures made from found objects and salvaged junkyard materials, though it was later destroyed in 1997 as part of the Birmingham International Airport’s expansion.

Since then, he seemingly hasn’t slowed down on churning out all sorts of idiosyncratic yet powerfully moving sculptures, drawings, paintings, photographs and other creative endeavors. Now 73 years old

After over 20 years of filming and editing, Thumbs Up For Mother Universe finally held its first official private viewing at the Plaza Theatre in Atlanta in December 2019, and was looking forward to an exciting roll out of public screenings right as the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Many film festivals were postponed or canceled altogether, while others moved to virtual formats. Still, the film received a handful of well-deserved awards and recognitions from festivals across the country. Currently, the film is pursuing screenings with museums, colleges and universities, arts organizations and community theaters before becoming more broadly available through streaming.

Naturally, with only 96 minutes’ worth of footage making the final cut, there’s a tremendous amount of material left over to explore. That’s where the film’s website, lonnieholleystory.com, comes in as an ongoing archive to preserve a variety of video clips, galleries of artwork, music videos, photographs of Holley’s art environment and even a 25-page transcript of King’s interview from 1997.

The act of creating is essentially a daily ritual for Holley, who has generally always been more interested in the process and expression of something more so than its profitability or permanence, and this has accumulated into a prolific, expansive body of artwork, recordings and performances. Many of these moments may have otherwise been lost to history had it not been for King’s long-term dedication to capturing a chapter of Holley’s lifelong vision. f

WHO: Thumbs Up ForMotherUniverse WHEN: Tuesday, May 2, 7 p m WHERE: Ciné HOW MUCH: FREE!

HEAVEN UP HERE: A celebration of the life of Davis Causey happens at the Georgia Theatre Sunday, Apr. 30 from 3–5 p.m. Causey, who passed away at age 74 on Feb. 19, enjoyed a broad and influential career as a musician across nearly 60 years. In addition to being a founding member of Athens’ own Jesters, he was a longtime collaborator with artists such as Gregg Allman, Randall Bramblett and Chuck Leavell. At the time of his passing, he had just released a wonderful new full-length album, New Things From Old Strings, which you can enjoy at daviscausey.bandcamp.com.

TO YOUR HEALTH: Longtime Athens promoter Akeeme Martin presents, through his Onyx Echelon 85 Enterprises organization, Festival of Sisterhood: A Queendom Homecoming Sunday, Apr. 30 at Rabbit Hole Studios (1001 Winterville Road). It’s described in a press release as a “celebration of Feminenergy and Sisterhood through the avenues of music, art, comedy, business, education, health and wellness.” Doors open at noon, and the event kicks off at 1 p.m. with a “Breathe & Release Session.” Featured performers begin at 2 p.m. and are, in order of appearance, Ashley Tatarsky, Tracy Brown, HNNH, Nadia Vaeh, Robin Shakedown and Of Persephone. For more information and tickets, please search for the event on eventbrite.com.

WE ALL SHINE ON: UGA student and Christian rapper Shawn Ohuabunwa, who records and performs under the name Shine, has a new single out now named “Light It Up.” On it, Shine works his strong flow into a narrative describing his relationship with God and explores his faith. The beat is a nicely moving strong track, albeit clearly married to modern production values. I don’t really know anything else about Ohuabunwa,

David Barbe, Patio, The Angelics, Five Gallon Flow, Recess Party, Balistix, Jane Day, Girl Dad, Nickname, Bea Porges, the aforementioned Shine, Sophia Barkhouse, Marie Daly and Evelia. Food trucks are to be on site, too, so you don’t fall out. For more information and tickets, find the event on eventbrite.com.

GOING BLANK AGAIN: The new album Good Form by Athens artist/project Robe (née Bryan Casey) didn’t really grab me at first, but subsequent spins revealed a depth of composition that wasn’t immediately evident. To wit, the shambolic Doors arrangement across the entire second half of opening song “Seraph Talk” and the Cure-worthy synth swells toward the end of “Slow March (Repose).” The real wealth here, though, is Casey’s four-song punch right in the middle of this seven song release. On these tracks in particular (“Not Enough,” “How Far,” “Whirlpool” and “Bite”), he takes his seat next to classic shoegaze artists such as Ride but also guitar hero indie rockers like The Field Mice and other associated Sarah Records acts. It’s a highly enjoyable and, from what I can discern, thoughtful release that arrives just as spring feels like it’s turning into summer. The opening guitar lines of “Bite” are about as joyous and life-affirming as anything released in recent memory. Find this on major streaming services or go directly to the artist at robeathens.bandcamp.com. f

Robe

feature Something lighthearted FROM

HERE ON OUT ALBUM RELEASE

By Sam Lipkin editorial@flagpole.com

Soft and silky indie-folk band lighthearted delivers the angelic, light tones its name might lead you to suspect, but the songwriting is far from carefree or unserious. The group’s debut full-length album, From Here On Out, primarily owes its songwriting and vision to Gracie Huffman. However, the rest of the band— Huffman’s twin sister Eliza Lemmon (guitar, vocals), Win Cawthorne (guitar), Aidan Hill (bass) and Toni Hunlo (drums)—provides a skillful, introspective and dreamlike landscape to fill the space around the words. The album’s recording process and final product display a lot of maturation in ability from the group’s first EP released in 2020, says Huffman. At that time they heavily leaned on former Athens now Atlantabased producer Andrew Blooms for direction, both in navigating unknown studio territory and differentiating their songs from one another. This time around with producer Tommy Trautwein, of We Bought a Zoo Records, the band came ready with a more diverse array of songs still nestled within its defined and delicate sound.

The twins grew up in Marietta before attending the University of Georgia, and up until that point, Huffman had taken high school chorus but never written a song. When she arrived in Athens, singer-songwriter Elijah Johnston was one of

the few people she knew, who in turn introduced her to Trautwein, Blooms and other Athens musicians. The fabric of the local music scene would quickly come to change Huffman’s trajectory.

a band. The trio began playing and recording together, and then they met Hunlo, who was the production assistant for the band’s first EP. Huffman recalls that the group “existed for a while” without a bass player, until Hill completed the group late in 2021.

From Here On Out represents a polished package of where the band stands today musically, but for Huffman, it’s also a very personal reflection on a relationship. The title track was written by Hill, the only one not by Huffman, as the male perspective and counterpoint to the narrative woven into the rest of the album, and it adds a sense of completeness. However, the rest of the songwriting is very representative of Huffman’s process.

“The thing about the whole album is it’s very much metaphorical, like reaching a point of self-realization through processing a relationship,” says Huffman. “I like to hide behind metaphors. So if people are listening to a song, they know bits and pieces about my life, but they don’t know exactly what’s going on because it’s shrouded in this thing that’s not me.”

kind of me calling this person’s bluff,” says Huffman. “My songwriting is taking some very fundamental feelings then looking at them through the lens of nature.”

However, the straightforward “again & again” makes an obvious divergence from ambiguous metaphor that symbolizes Huffman’s own lesson learned. It’s a retelling of what happens when thinking about life’s problems through an outside lens no longer serves you. Sometimes moving forward requires directness, and the songwriter makes that explicit in this track. Straying the farthest from folk and furthest into rock, it makes a strong statement as the album’s final song.

One influence that makes From Here On Out particularly unique can’t be overlooked: family ties. Of course the band is fronted by twin sisters, which adds a degree of closeness even more than your typical musical family collaborations. Huffman says that she often uses Lemmon as a sounding board for her songwriting, and the two provide encouragement when the difficult realities of being a band starting out set in. But they also have support from a third sibling, Miller Huffman, whose favorite song is the darker-toned “Harvester.” When Huffman first heard how much her brother loved the track as they were working on it, she insisted that he feature on the song as well.

“When I came to school, I went to a couple of concerts, and I was like, ‘Man, I guess I can do this,’” says Huffman. “It felt a little bit more within the realm of possibility.”

From lighthearted’s inception in 2019, piecing together the full lineup was a slow build. Huffman and Lemmon met Cawthorne as leaders at a Young Life retreat, and he accepted their offer to start

The best songs have nothing to do with the songwriter, says Huffman, they’re more so a channeling of inspiration. In these terms, Huffman is most proud of the track “wild woods” for how effortlessly the metaphors of an eclipse and a stream winding back to the sea flowed from her. Connections to nature make a common appearance, and in this one, there’s a message of waiting being necessary before rightness can be restored. This relates to a moment Huffman had in her relationship where the couple was faced with the age-old question, “Are you willing to wait for me?”

“For nature to be restored again, it has to wait. It has no other choice. Because we’re humans and we’re really impatient, it was

The album’s family influence doesn’t stop there. All of the artwork for From Here On Out and its singles came from the twins’ mother Mary Lyn Huffman’s high school portfolio, circa 1988. This was an idea in the making since the family came across the prints while sheltering in place during COVID. Simplistic yet familiar, the artwork feels relatable to a passing first listen to lighthearted, but it holds so much more meaning underneath.

“We are the best we’ve ever been, but we’re not the best we’ll ever be,” concludes Huffman. f

WHO: lighthearted, Sophia Barkhouse

WHERE: Flicker Theatre & Bar

WHEN: Thursday, Apr 27, 8 p m

HOW MUCH: $10

KARMEN SMITH

favorite electrician

live music calendar

Tuesday 25

Flicker Theatre & Bar

8 p.m. $10. www.flickertheatreandbar. com

STRAIT JACKET STRIPPERS

Sludge noise band straight from the depths of the sex shop psych ward.

CHAINHEAD Driving post-hardcore band from Athens’ industrial zone. EXZT 88 No info available.

Hendershot’s No Phone Party. 7 p.m. www.hendershotsathens.com

KENOSHA KID Instrumental adventure-jazz group centered around the rollicking compositions of Dan Nettles and featuring Luca Lombardi, Seth Hendershot and various guests. The April residency shows coincide with Hendershot’s No Phone Parties.

Ramsey Hall

7:30 p.m. FREE! pac.uga.edu

UGA CONTEMPORARY CHAMBER ENSEMBLE The program

“Still Life” spotlights composers

Alvin Lucier, Inti Figgis-Vizueta, Eliza Brown, Emma O’Halloran and Martin J. Van Klompenberg. Featuring UGA faculty Amy Petrongelli, soprano.

Wednesday 26

Athentic Brewing Co.

7–9 p.m. FREE! www.athenticbrewing. com

WEDNESDAY KARAOKE NIGHT

Choose from a catalog of over 51,000 songs ranging from pop, rock, musical theater and more.

Creature Comforts

Brewery

Athens Farmers Market. 5–8 p.m. FREE! www.athensfarmersmarket. net

RED OAK STRING BAND Local band playing a feel-good blend of bluegrass, blues, folk, rock and classic country. (6 p.m.)

Flicker Theatre & Bar

9 p.m. FREE! www.flickertheatreand bar.com

DR. FRED’S KARAOKE Featuring a large assortment of pop, rock, indie and more.

Georgia Theatre

8 p.m. SOLD OUT! www.georgia theatre.com

THE GARDEN Southern California duo playing punk over jungle beats. TSOL Classic hardcore punk spawned in the early ’80s West Coast scene.

Georgia Theatre

Rooftop

7 p.m. FREE! www.georgiatheatre.com

PERVERT Brilliantly wrecked, inner core-heavy rock.

Hugh Hodgson School of Music

Edge Concert Hall. 7:30 p.m. FREE! pac.uga.edu

JÚLIO RIBIERO ALVES Professor of Guitar and Music Theory at Marshall University in West Virginia.

Nowhere Bar

9:30 p.m. $10. www.facebook.com/

NowhereBarAthens

THE RITUALISTS New York glam rock band.

RADIO RUSE Rock and roll from Atlanta.

Ramsey Hall

3:30 p.m. FREE! pac.uga.edu

UGA PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE

The program “Gracias a la vida”

celebrates women, mothers and the journey of artists working through adversity to achieve creation.

Special guests include singers Pia Toscano and Bella Bueno, dancers

Luca Adams and Maya Bueno, and improvisational duo Kristen Bach and Maypop Wren.

Thursday 27

Ciné

9 p.m. $10. www.athenscine.com

THE GETAWAY COMPANY

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

SOME KIND OF NIGHTMARE

High energy old school punk band on tour from San Diego in support of the new EP Critical Thoughts.

WAY PAST COOL New local band that plays fast, catchy, melodic sing-a-long pop-punk anthems with a classic ’90s vibe.

Flicker Theatre & Bar

8 p.m. $10. www.flickertheatreandbar.

com

LIGHTHEARTED Local alternative folk rock band anchored by twin sisters Eliza Lemmon and Gracie Huffman. Celebrating the release of the debut album From Here On Out.

SOPHIA BARKHOUSE Folk singer-songwriter sharing introspective songs with rich harmonies.

Georgia Theatre

8 p.m. $39.50 (adv.), $45. www.georgiatheatre.com

CHASE RICE International country artist.

ASHLAND CRAFT Rising country star from South Carolina.

Georgia Theatre Rooftop

7 p.m. FREE! www.georgiatheatre.com

WYATT FLORES Singer-songwriter self-described as “somewhere between Jason Isbell, Sturgill Simpson and Caamp.”

Hendershot’s

8 p.m. $10. www.hendershotsathens. com

BIG BAND ATHENS This 18member community band performs selections spanning from big band music of the ’40s to dance tunes of the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s.

Hotel Indigo

Live After Five Series. 5:30 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/Aubrey

EntertainmentAthensGA

TRISH ADAMS Multi-instrumentalist with a folksy, bluesy sound.

Hugh Hodgson Concert

Hall

7:30 p.m. $3 (w/ UGA ID), $20. pac. uga.edu

SYMPHONY NO. 9 IN D MINOR, OPUS 125 UGA’s Hugh Hodgson School of Music closes its spring Thursday Scholarship Series with the final symphony by Ludwig van Beethoven. Over 300 students will participate from the UGA Symphony Orchestra, Hodgson Singers, UGA University Choir, and Men’s and Women’s Glee Clubs.

Nowhere Bar

8:30 p.m. $10. www.facebook.com/ nowherebarathens

BLUES JAM Bring an instrument and join host Big C and The Moonshynes for an open blues jam. The house band includes Scott Nicholson, Derek Warren, Brent Davenport and Bo Hembree.

Southern Brewing Co.

6–10 p.m. www.sobrewco.com

KARAOKE NIGHT Every Thursday evening.

Terrapin Beer Co.

Georgia Conflict Center Spring Community Concert. 6 p.m. $10 suggested donation. www.gaconflict.org

JOY VILLAGE CHOIR Singers of Joy Village School, a K-8th grade private school in Athens centered around the joy and thriving of Black youth.

ATHENS MOUNTAIN SINGERS

Vocal music from the Balkans and the Appalachians.

ISHUES Athens hip-hop godfather and artist on the Athens Music Walk of Fame.

Friday 28

40 Watt Club

7 p.m. $12. www.40watt.com

DIRE WOLF Grateful Dead tribute band.

HOGWRAITH No info available.

Americana, Irish traditional and Celtic rock.

ATHENS SYMPHONY This group of local musicians will perform classical renditions of songs from Hamilton, Guys and Dolls, The Music Man and more.

Creature Comforts

Brewery

7 p.m. www.creaturecomfortsbeer. com

SARAH MOOTZ Indie pop and rock artist with a lot of soul.

Flicker Theatre & Bar

8 p.m. $10 (adv.), $12 (door). www. flickertheatreandbar.com

LO TALKER Local folk rock band with a psychedelic bent.

JULIANNA MONEY Existential, wistful folk music.

DARBY WILCOX Incorporating influences like Norah Jones and Janis Joplin, Darby Wilcox crafts effective songs backed by her band The Peep Show.

JOSEY Athens-based indie pop artist, incorporating audience par-

Choir, and Men’s and Women’s Glee Clubs. International Grill & Bar

7 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/

IGBAthensGA

THE SPLITZ BAND A mixed drink of the classic Motown sound, part 1970s funk and disco flavor with dashes of the old-school and contemporary R&B.

Nowhere Bar

9:30 p.m. www.facebook.com/

NowhereBarAthens

LIQUID DYNAMITE A tour de force of funk, fusion, soul, rock and classic hip hop.

Rabbit Hole Studios

FREE! (karaoke), $5 (headphones).

7–11 p.m.

KARAOKE & SILENT DISCO

DANCE PARTY Sing a song or dance to songs with headphones. Ramsey Hall

3:30 p.m. FREE! pac.uga.edu

REPERTORY SINGERS The mixed chamber choir is directed by graduate student conductors.

Akademia Brewing Co. Firefighter Appreciation Weekend. 3–10 p.m. www.facebook.com/ akademiabc

THAT’S RAD! Pop punk cover band playing all the classics. Athentic Brewing Co. 6 p.m. FREE! www.athenticbrewing. com

JACK MILLER AND JIM GREENE

Jack and Jim will be strumming and singing some classics along with originals.

Bishop Park Athens Farmers Market. 8 a.m.–12 p.m. FREE! www.athensfarmers market.net

DAVID COURT One-man band playing harmonica, dulcimer and foot tambourine. (8 a.m.)

MARY & THE HOT HOTTY-HOTS

Led by Mary Sigalas, the band plays hot jazz and swing music from the ’10s, ’20s and ’30s. (10 a.m.) Buvez 7 p.m. $10. primordialvoiddd@ gmail.com

Athentic Brewing Co.

8 p.m. $5. www.athenticbrewing.com

SERF LORDS Athens surf rock band. (8 p.m.)

THE SPECTRE OF SURF Local instrumental surf rock band. (9 p.m.)

THE FRIGIDAIRES Surf/hot rod combo performing vocal and instrumental hits plus originals. (10 p.m.)

Ciné

9 p.m. (doors), 10 p.m. (show). $10. www.facebook.com/volumeshiphop

KXNG BLANCO Local hip-hop upstart delivering high-energy raps and R&B vibes.

ANIME ZAYY Athens rapper with a mellow, lo-fi aesthetic.

T.W.I.N. R&B artist and producer who sings about toxic love.

MOONE Hip-hop artist with a classic, retro sound.

KENARRI Storyteller raised in South Atlanta.

KIRA Atlanta-based R&B singer. The Classic Center FREE! 8 p.m. www.classiccenter.com

THE FUSILIERS Athens band playing all acoustic “greengrass,”

ticipation and off-kilter comedy into her sets.

Hendershot’s

7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $8–10. www.hendershotsathens.com

ADITYA RAO Indian-American singer-songwriter who infuses Western styles with Eastern soul to produce a genre-bending, alternative sound.

SADHANA UGA’s first organization dedicated to Carnatic and Hindustani classical music.

KALAKAAR UGA’s co-ed South Asian fusion a cappella team. Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall

7:30 p.m. $3 (w/ UGA ID), $20. pac. uga.edu

SYMPHONY NO. 9 IN D MINOR, OPUS 125 UGA’s Hugh Hodgson School of Music closes its spring Thursday Scholarship Series of concert with the final symphony by Ludwig van Beethoven. Over 300 students will participate from the UGA Symphony Orchestra, Hodgson Singers, UGA University

The Root

9:30 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/ AubreyEntertainmentAthensGA

SCARLET STITCH Straight-up rock and roll band from Athens.

STRANGE LUCK No info available. VFW Post 2872 8 p.m. $10. www.facebook.com/ vfwpost2872

RAMBLIN’ COUNTRY BAND

Georgia-based traditional country band.

White Tiger Deluxe

9 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/ whitetigerdeluxewatkinsville

TAYLOR SWIFT DANCE PARTY

Enjoy all your favorite Swifty hits at this all ages dance party.

Saturday 29

40 Watt Club

$16 (adv.), $21. www.40watt.com

BIG BUBBLE RAVE DJs will be on site spinning tracks relating to a certain yellow anthropomorphic sponge.

EUGLOSSINE Gainesville, FL utopian virtual/nu jazz mainstay who has released on esteemed labels such as Hausu Mountain, Orange Milk Records and Beer on the Rug.

MODERN LAMPS Prog electronic duo of Winterville’s Grant and Rachel Evans (Hooker Vision).

MARCEL SLETTEN Ambient electronica musician and owner of the independent label Primordial Void. The Classic Center 8 p.m. FREE! www.classiccenter.com

THE FUSILIERS Athens band playing all acoustic “greengrass,” Americana, Irish traditional and Celtic rock.

ATHENS SYMPHONY This group of local musicians will perform classical renditions of songs from Hamilton, Guys and Dolls, The Music Man and more. Flicker Theatre & Bar Shadebeast Presents. 9 p.m. $10. www.flickertheatreandbar.com

DEAD VIBES ENSEMBLE Athens sludge metal duo fueled by whiskey and loud amps.

Violinist Itzak Perlman will perform a sold out show at the Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall on Saturday, Apr. 29.

NAW Screamo and grunge influenced rock from Atlanta.

EMPTY BLACK Stoner rock from Atlanta.

Front Porch Bookstore

6 p.m. FREE! Find Front Porch Bookstore on Facebook

JIM COOK High-energy solo blues, classic rock and roots music.

Georgia Theatre

8 p.m. $25 (adv.), $30. www.georgia theatre.com

COREY SMITH Well-known singer-songwriter who got his start in Jefferson.

Hendershot’s

8 p.m. www.hendershotsathens.com

PETER KARP BAND Songwriter with a fiery brand of soul-influenced Americana and blues rock.

Hugh Hodgson Concert

Hall

7:30 p.m. SOLD OUT! pac.uga.edu

ITZHAK PERLMAN Joined by pianist Rohan De Silva, violin virtuoso

Itzhak Perlman performs selections by Beethoven, Schumann and more. International Grill & Bar

7 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/IGB

AthensGA

DIXIELAND FIVE Five-piece Dixieland jazz band.

Mary’s Tack and Feed

1–3 p.m. www.facebook.com/

anglincowboy52

RC OUTLAW COWBOY Country and gospel singer with over four decades of experience.

Nowhere Bar

9:30 p.m. www.facebook.com/

NowhereBarAthens

UNCLE DAVE’S WAYCROSS

STAGECOACH A musical roadshow with Uncle Dave Griffin hosting a lineup of talent including Fester Hagood, The Pine Box Dwellers, Scotty Nicholson and special guests.

Rabbit Hole Studios

9 p.m. $10. www.rabbitholestudios.org

SWEAR JAR Local ’90s inspired rock band exploring new horizons in punk, indie and alternative.

THE ECHOLOCATIONS Local rock band embracing a retro, ’60sinspired sound.

THE DREADED LARAMIE Power pop group from Nashville.

The Root

9 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/

AubreyEntertainmentAthensGA

KARAOKE Sing your heart out!

Soldier of the Sea Distillery

Grand Opening of the Hive Pub. 2 p.m. FREE! www.soswhiskey.com

CONNOR LAWLEY Classic rock and country.

Sunday 30

Creature Comforts Brewery

3–5 p.m. www.creaturecomfortsbeer. com

LIVE JAZZ

Every Sunday afternoon.

Friendship Presbyterian Church

4 p.m. FREE! www.meridianwomens chorus.org

MERIDIAN WOMEN’S CHORUS

The spring concert “Mother Earth and Her Gifts” includes music selections that are both sacred and secular, traditional and contemporary.

Rabbit Hole Studios Festival of Sisterhood: A Queendom Homecoming. 12 p.m. (doors), 1 p.m. (music). $10 (adv.), $15. tinyurl.com/bdhp95nr

ASHLEY TATARSKY Southern gothic blues rock from Atlanta.

HNNH Atlanta-based independent artist.

NADIA VAEH Singer-songwriter from Atlanta creating “brat poprock.”

OF PERSEPHONE Siren rock imagineers seeking to move souls.

ROBIN SHAKEDOWN Upbeat glam rock inspired by Patti Smith and Tom Petty.

TRACY BROWN Soulful Athens vocalist.

Southern Brewing Co.

Presented by the UGA Music Business Program. 1–8 p.m. $10 (adv.), $15. www.sobrewco.com

OUTDOOR STAGE Mars Hill (1 p.m.), Tattoo Logic (1:40 p.m.), Prodigal (2:20 p.m.), House Arrest (3:10 p.m.), David Barbe (4 p.m.), Patio (4:50 p.m.), The Angelics (5:40 p.m.), Five Gallon Flow (6:35 p.m.), Recess Party (7:30 p.m.)

INDOOR STAGE Balistix (1:10 p.m.), Jane Day (2 p.m.), Girl Dad (2:50 p.m.), Nickname (3:30 p.m.),

Bea Porges (4:20 p.m.), Shine (5:10 p.m.), Sophia Barkhouse (6 p.m.), Marie Daly (6:50 p.m.), Evelia (7:40 p.m.)

The World Famous 9 p.m. $5 suggested donation. www. facebook.com/theworldfamous athens

JOELTON MAYFIELD Hard-hitting alt-country from Nashville that blends Wilco-esque musicality with the dynamics and melodic edge of second wave emo.

100 WATT HORSE Folk and country infused garage-pop outfit headed up by writer and multiinstrumentalist George Pettis, joined by producer Graham Tavel. THE FLORAL FURS Surreal pop music from Athens.

Monday 1

Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall

7:30 p.m. pac.uga.edu UGA PHILHARMONIA As one of the Hugh Hodgson School of Music’s large orchestral ensembles, the University Philharmonia offers an outlet for musical expression to all string players at UGA.

Tuesday 2

Flicker Theatre & Bar

8 p.m. $10. www.flickertheatreandbar.

com

EAGLE SCOUT Athens power-pop band.

ELIJAH JOHNSTON Local singersongwriter influenced by emo and folk rock.

NANOCAR Indie rock band with rich harmonic segments.

Georgia Theatre

Rooftop

8 p.m. FREE! www.georgiatheatre.com

HALLPASS College rock band from Athens. THE OCHO Up-and-coming sixpiece Athens rock band.

Wednesday 3

Athentic Brewing Co.

7–9 p.m. FREE! www.athenticbrewing. com

WEDNESDAY KARAOKE NIGHT

Choose from a catalog of over 51,000 songs ranging from pop, rock, musical theater and more.

Creature Comforts

Brewery Athens Farmers Market. 5–8 p.m. FREE! www.athensfarmersmarket. net

VINYL STRANGERS Melodic local folk-rock band. (6 p.m.)

bulletin board

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

Art

ATHENS CREATIVE DIRECTORY

(Athens, GA) The ACD is a platform to connect creatives with patrons. Visual artists, musicians, actors, writers and other creatives are encouraged to create a free listing. athenscreatives@gmail.com, www. athenscreatives.directory

CALL FOR ART (Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation) Artists can submit up to three works of art for inclusion in the exhibition “Myth, Magic and Mystery.” All media will be considered. Find the submission form online. Deadline May 24. $25–30 submission fee. www.ocaf.com

CALL FOR ARTISTS (Sandy Creek Nature Center) Seeking submissions of artwork inspired by nature for an exhibition celebrating the SCNC’s 50th anniversary. Find guidelines and applications online. Deadline May 10. www.sandycreek naturecenterinc.org/events

CALL FOR EXHIBITION PROPOS-

ALS (Lyndon House Arts Center)

Artists, artist groups and curators can submit proposals for original exhibition ideas. Artists can also submit images of their work for consideration in larger group or themed shows organized by the center. Proposals will be reviewed Sept. 20, 11:59 p.m. www.accgov.com/6657/

Exhibition-Proposal-Form

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

MUSEUM MADNESS (Georgia Museum of Art) As part of the museum’s 75th anniversary celebration, an art competition pits 64 works from its collection against one another to see which will emerge as the people’s favorite. Voting runs every weekday on Instagram (@georgiamuseum) through July. Winner announced Aug. 26. www.georgiamuseum.org

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

Classes

ART CLASSES (K.A. Artist Shop)

“Photo + Edit Your Artwork.”

Apr. 29 or May 20, 1–4 p.m. $75.

“Fractions of a Second: Intro to Analog B+W Photography.” May 2 & May 9, 6–8 p.m. $100. “Pointed Dip Pen Calligraphy.” May 6, 1–3

art around town

ACE/FRANCISCO GALLERY & OX FINE ART (675 Pulaski St., Suites 1500 and 1700) The two galleries present “Hearts in Repair: The Necessity of Seduction,” an exhibition by Birmingham artist Karen Graffeo. Through May 20.

ARTWALL@HOTEL INDIGO ATHENS (500 College Ave.) Nancy Everett’s solo show “Classic Inspirations” includes paintings that celebrate Athens and the Southeast. Through July.

ATHENAEUM (287 W. Broad St.) This final thesis exhibition celebrates the graduating class of MFA students: AJ Aremu, Mickey Boyd, Zahria Cook, J Diamond, Shaunia Grant, Chad Hayward, Huey Lee, Jason Rafferty, Rachel Seburn, Ethan Snow and Lee Villalobos. Through May 11.

ATHENS-CLARKE COUNTY LIBRARY (2025 Baxter St.) “History with Chutzpah: Remarkable Stories of the Southern Jewish Adventure 1733–Present” is a traveling exhibit from the William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum. Through May 7.

ATHENS INSTITUTE FOR CONTEMPORARY ART: ATHICA (675 Pulaski St.) “Solo: New Works by Heather Deyling” includes colorful and playful sculptures, wall works and installations inspired by research and observation of natural forms, eco-fiction and climate change. Through May 7.

ATHICA@CINÉ GALLERY (234 W. Hancock Ave.) “Inner Forms: Paintings by Joe Leone” reflects the artist’s love for nature and organic process of blending colors and textures directly on the canvas. May 1–June 25.

CARTER-COILE COUNTRY DOCTORS MUSEUM (111 Marigold Lane, Winterville) The Charles and Kim Burch Medicine Garden contains 19 non-toxic plants which were cultivated for medicinal use in Georgia between 1870–1940. The inaugural rotating exhibit “I’m Not a Doctor But I Play One on TV” takes a look at the most famous country doctor roles from TV, film and print media through artifacts and archival material. Through July 15.

CLASSIC CENTER (300 N. Thomas St.) Classic Gallery 1 shares “Flourish,” an exhibition of artists inspired by the botanical world including Dallis Foshee, Mary Mason Sams, Marisa Mustard and Zahria Cook. Classic Gallery 2 shares “Works by Bess Carter,” a series of brightly painted interior spaces.

FLICKER THEATRE & BAR (263 W. Washington St.) Artwork by Bernadine Sears. Through Apr. 29. • Artwork by Annelie Klein. Through May 27.

GEORGIA MUSEUM OF ART (90 Carlton St.) Spanning the 18th century to the present, “Object Lessons in American Art” features over 100 works

p.m. $55. “Abstract Art in Acrylic.” May 9, 6–8 p.m. $35. $75. www. kaartist.com

BEGINNING BELLYDANCE (Healing Arts Centre) This six-week course is for beginners. Fridays, May 5–June 7, 6-7 p.m.$84. www.healingarts centre.net

BLACKSMITHING CLASSES (Greenhow Handmade Ironworks, Washington) “Forge a Fire Poker” covers tapering, bending and scrolling, forge welding, cutting with a chisel and more. May 6 or June 24, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $150. “Forge a Bottle Opener” will cover making open face and church key style bottle openers. May 27, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $150. In “Basic Blacksmithing: First Time at the Forge,” students will forge and assemble a wall mount rack with three hooks. June 3, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $150. “Forge a Throwing Tomahawk” is for experienced students. May 13, May 27 or June 10, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $175. “Forge an Iron Age Battle Spear.” May 20 or June 17, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $175. greenhowhandmade@gmail.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 Saturday at 8:30–9:30 a.m. Email for details. richardshoe@gmail.com

HOMEBUYER EDUCATION WORKSHOP (Zoom) Athens Land Trust presents an eight-hour, HUD-certified course for first-time homeowners that covers the home-buying process in Georgia. Pre-registration required. May 20 and June 17, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. $10. www.athens landtrust.org

MINDFULNESS PRACTICE EVENINGS (Online) Discuss and practice how to change your relationship with difficult thoughts and emotions. Email for the Zoom link. Second Friday of the month, 6–7 p.m. FREE! mfhealy@bellsouth.net

OPEN/COMMUNITY MEDITATION

(Sangha Yoga Studio at Healing Arts Centre) Uma Rose leads a meditation designed to guide participants into stillness and silence. Mondays, 4–5 p.m. Donations encouraged. www.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 (Starland Lounge & Lanes) Join SALSAthens for Cuban style salsa dance classes. No partner necessary. Beginners welcome. Every Wednesday, 7:30–8:30 p.m. $10. gwyneth. moody@gmail.com

TRADITIONAL MARTIAL ARTS

CLASSES (Live Oak Martial Arts)

Traditional and modern-style Taekwondo, self-defense, grappling and weapons classes are offered for all ages. Classes in Jodo, the art of the Japanese staff and sword, are held Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7 p.m. Visit the website for a full schedule. liveo-

of Euro-American, African-American and Native American art from the Princeton University Art Museum’s collection. Through May 14. • “In Dialogue: Henry Ossawa Tanner, Mentor and Muse.” Through June 18. • “Art is a form of freedom” is a collaborative project through which incarcerated women at the Whitworth Women’s Facility selected works for an exhibition and wrote prose and poetry in response to the pieces. Through July 2. • “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.) Nirvinyl Album Art presents “Tax Season Session” featuring free and reduced rate canvas album art prints from the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Moody Blues and more. Through mid-May.

JITTERY JOE’S DOWNTOWN (297 E. Broad St.) Nico Isaac presents “Out of the Woods,” an homage to Athens through 16 photographs capturing wildlife, natural forests, luminous water and other details in landscapes. Through April.

JITTERY JOE’S FIVE POINTS (1230 S. Milledge Ave.) Recent abstract paintings by Tom Hancock. Through April. • Stuart Libby shares a variety of oils on paper, photography and watercolors. Artist reception May 7, 5–7 p.m. On view May 3–31.

JUST PHO… AND MORE (1063 Baxter St.) Susan Pelham’s collages are influenced by Magic Realism, Surrealism, fairy tales and nursery rhymes. Through May.

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. • Juried by Maria Elena Ortiz, curator at The Modern in Fort Worth, TX, the 48th Juried Exhibition features 154 works by 107 local artists. Through May 6. • “Breathing Room” presents artwork by 16 past and present employees of R. Wood Studio, such as Amanda Burk, Kristen Bach, Rinne Allen, David Barnes, Michele Dross and Lou Kregel. Artist reception May 18, 6–7:30 p.m. Currently on view through June 8. • “The Green Life Art Contest” is an annual contest geared towards K-12 students that presents artwork inspired by environmental education and sustainability. Closing reception Apr. 29, 2 p.m. • Collections from our Community presents typewriters from Mike Kilpatrick, Tatiana Veneruso, Mike Landers and Lauren

akmartialarts@gmail.com, www. liveoakmartialarts.com

YOGA AND MORE (Revolution

Therapy and Yoga) Revolution is a multipurpose mind-body wellness studio offering yoga and therapy with an emphasis on traumainformed practices. Check website for upcoming classes and programs. www.revolutiontherapyand yoga.com

YOGA CLASSES (Let It Be Yoga

Studio, Watkinsville) Classes are offered in Hatha, Vinyasa, Kundalini, beginner, gentle and other styles. Check online calendar for weekly offerings. www.letitbeyoga.org

ZOOM YOGA (Online) Rev. Elizabeth Alder offers “Off the Floor Yoga” (chair and standing) on Mondays

Fancher. Through July 1.

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 ARK’S ADOPT-A-MOM (Athens, GA) Donations will help send flowers and cards to single mothers served by The Ark and residents in local nursing homes and hospices. Visit the website to register and choose a mom. Proceeds benefit The Ark’s Single Working Mothers Fund, helping single moms avoid eviction and disconnections when they experience a loss of income.

OCONEE COUNTY LIBRARY (1080 Experiment Station Rd.) The University of North Georgia Department of Visual Art presents student artwork in drawing, design, ceramics and painting. Through April.

OCONEE CULTURAL ARTS FOUNDATION (34 School St., Watkinsville)

Visiting artist Leah Macdonald presents “Wax Flowers,” a series of floral photo encaustic works. Through June 2. • “Bob Marable: Artist, Collector, Benefactor” features 35 paintings and drawings by one of OCAF’s founding members. Through June 2. • The 28th annual “SouthWorks National Juried Exhibition” includes 86 works of art by 83 artists selected by Erin Dunn, curator of modern and contemporary art at the Telfair Museum in Savannah. Through June 2.

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.

THE ROOK & PAWN (294 W. Washington St.) “Comic Relief” features 22 Athens artists including Sierra Kirsche, Nyala Honda, Kendall Rogers, Mike Groves, Milk Tooth and A.M. Rodriguez. Through June 10.

TIF SIGFRIDS (393 N. Finley St.) Massachusetts-based artist Nora Riggs presents “Creampuffs of Passage,” a collection of paintings depicting scenes and objects from everyday life in surreal settings. Through May 13.

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. Through May. • “Freemasonry in Georgia: Ideals, Imagery and Impact” presents items that demonstrate the ambitions and tensions that existed within the secret society. Through July 7.

UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP OF ATHENS (780 Timothy Rd.)

On view in the Claire and Robert Clements Gallery, “Resonations: Marriage of Photography and Poetry” is a collaborative exhibition that pairs photographs by Lee Reed with poems by Clela Reed. Open Sunday mornings or by appointment at 706-546-7914 through June 25.

WINTERVILLE CENTER FOR COMMUNITY AND CULTURE (371 N. Church St., Winterville) “The Marigold Festival Poster Contest Exhibit” shares artwork by local artists alongside this year’s featured artist, Miranda Bellah. Through June 16.

“Picnic Chess Set” by Sierra Kirsche is currently on view in the group exhibition “Comic Relief” at the Rook & Pawn through June 10.

Through May. $25. www.athensark. org/adoptamom

MULTIPLE CHOICES BOARD MEMBERS (Athens, GA) Seeking a new board member for Multiple Choices Center for Independent Living, a nonprofit agency of disability advocates serving individuals throughout a 10-county area of Northeastern Georgia. Call for information. 706850-4025

SCNC BOARD MEMBERS (Sandy Creek Nature Center) Sandy Creek Nature Center, Inc., the founding support organization for SCNC, is seeking new members for its board of directors. Experience in accounting, social media or retail preferred. Apply online. scncinc@gmail.com, www.sandycreeknaturecenterinc. org/board-members

WORLD’S LARGEST DIAPER DRIVE (Multiple Locations) The Athens Area Diaper Bank encourages residents in Barrow, Clarke, Jackson, Madison, Oconee and Oglethorpe counties to host diaper drives May 1–6 as part of this worldwide initiative. Email to become involved. beth.staton@thensareadiapers.com, www.athensareadiaperbank.com

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

CAMP REGISTRATION (Athens, GA)

The ACC Leisure Services Department offers a variety of summer camps. Now registering. www. accgov.com/myrec

LUTHEROAD DAYCAMP (Holy Cross Lutheran Church) Activities include games, crafts, worship and special events. Register by May 14. Camp runs June 26–30, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. www.holycrossathens.com/ lutheroad

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

SUMMER ART CAMPS (K.A. Artist Shop) A variety of half-day or fullday camps are available for preteens and teens. Subjects include drawing, painting, calligraphy, creative journaling, printmaking, collage and more. Weekly camps run June 1–July 17, 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. or 1:30–5:30 p.m. $250/week of half days, $450/week of full days. www.kaartist.com

SUMMER CAMPS (Athens, GA) ACC

Leisure Services is now registering for summer camps. www.accgov. com/myrec

SUMMER CAMPS (Treehouse Kid & Craft) Camps are offered a variety of themes including digital design and illustration, Halloween, apothecary and flora, glow in the dark and blacklight, food trucks, slime and more. Check website for dates and descriptions. www.treehousekidand craft.com

SUMMER ROCK CAMPS (Full Moon School of Music, Watkinsville) Camps are available for true beginners to advanced musicians.

Big Rawk Camp runs June 12–25 (650), Beginner Camp runs July 10–14 ($350) and Rock Camp runs July 17–23 ($450). www.thefullmoonschool.com/summer-camp

SWIM LESSONS (Athens, GA)

Swim lessons for children ages

3 and older are offered at Heard Park, Lay Park, Memorial Park and Rocksprings Park pools. $33–50/ session. The ACC Leisure Services’ Kinderswim program for 5-year-old children is free. www.accgov.com/ myrec

TUTORING (Online) The Athens Regional Library System is now offering free, live online tutoring via tutor.com for students K-12, plus college students and adult learners. Daily, 2–9 p.m. www.athenslibrary. org

Support Groups

ACA ADULT CHILDREN OF ALCOHOLICS AND DYSFUNCTIONAL FAMILIES (Holy Cross Lutheran Church) This support group meets weekly. Tuesdays, 6:30–7:30 p.m. annetteanelson@gmail.com

AL-ANON 12 STEP (Multiple Locations) Recovery for people affected by someone else’s drinking. Visit the website for a calendar of electronic meetings held throughout the week. www.ga-al-anon.org

ATHENS COUNCIL OF THE BLIND (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

RECREATE JOY (Sunny Days Therapeutics) Nuçi’s Space hosts a recreational therapy support group. Improve coping skills and self esteem while reducing depression and anxiety through adaptive yoga, games and leisure education. Sixweek sessions. Wednesdays, 5–6 p.m. tinyurl.com/rnvuhesa

RECOVERY DHARMA (Athens Addiction Recovery Center) 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.athensrecoverydharma. 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. athensdowntownsaa@gmail.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

AAMGA ANNUAL BULB SALE (Athens Clarke Co. Extension Office) The Athens Area Master Gardeners Association hosts a sale of flower bulbs. Pre-order now through May 1. Pick-up in October for fall planting. tinyurl.com/aamag2023bulbsale

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

LATINX FAMILIES PROJECT (UGA)

A UGA research lab is currently seeking Latinx families to participate in a study about how children (ages 3–4) cope with stress and school-readiness. Families complete three visits and can earn up to $360 for participating. No ID required. 706-363-0005

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

POETRY MONTH (Athens, GA)

Celebrate National Poetry Month throughout April with Poet Laureate Jeff Fallis. Call 762-400-POEM to hear a recorded selection of poems by Fallis. Fill out the online form to receive an original poem in the mail by Fallis or a copy of one of his favorites from a fellow poet. See website for www.athenscultural affairs.org/poetry-month-events

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

SUMMER JOBS (Athens, GA) ACC Leisure Services will hire over 100 summer positions including camp counselors, lifeguards and more. Hourly pay ranges $15.60–17. Now accepting applications. www. accgov.com/jobs

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

FILM | THU, APR. 27

Art & Krimes by Krimes

Georgia Museum of Art • FREE! • 7 p.m.

Artist Jesse Krimes spent six years in federal prison creating works using improvised tools and smuggling them out into the art world. Following his release, Krimes became a staunch advocate for prison reform, and he co-founded Right To Return USA, the first national fellowship dedicated to supporting formerly incarcerated artists. The largest of his pieces created while in prison, and the centerpiece of the award-winning documentary Art & Krimes by Krimes, is entitled “Apokaluptein:16389067.” Named after the number he was referred to while in prison, the massive mural consists of 39 prison bed sheets sutured together, with images from magazines painstakingly hand-transferred by a plastic spoon and hair gel. The documentary is presented in conjunction with the museum’s exhibit “Art is a form of freedom.” [Patrick Barry]

PERFORMANCE | FRI, APR. 28–SUN, APR. 30

On The Table

Canopy Studio • $15–20

Canopy Studio is a nonprofit studio dedicated to aerial arts, and for its spring show, it’s chosen to examine an essential part of familial bonding: the dining room table. Through the medium of aerial dance, Canopy Studio’s Repertory Company will perform five vignettes centered around the dining room table, each with themes of sharing, growing, resolving, honoring and playing. Members of the company will be joined on stage by guest artists performing spoken word and other movement art pieces to link the vignettes together. Performances will be offered on Apr. 28 at 8 p.m., Apr. 29 at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Apr. 30 at 4 p.m., with doors opening 30 minutes prior. [PB]

MUSIC | FRI, APR. 28

Julianna Money

Flicker Theatre & Bar • $10 (adv.), $12 (doors) • 8 p.m.

Former Athens musician Julianna Money is rolling through town to play a loaded bill, full of soulful alt-country, folk

and experimental indie pop at Flicker. Money, who now lives in Brooklyn, released the first single, “Ruse,” off their new album on Apr. 20. The single is slow and dynamic, reminiscent of Haley Heynderickx with some great crescendo moments. Money is sharing the bill with Athens psych folk outfit Lo Talker, Greenville, SC singer-songwriter Darby Wilcox and experimental Athens pop artist Josey. [PB]

EVENT | SAT, APR. 29

Grand Opening of The Hive

Soldier of The Sea Distillery • 2–9 p.m. • FREE!

Soldier of the Sea Distillery is celebrating the opening of Comer’s first-ever pub, The Hive. Founded in January of 2022 by Mark Davis, a marine veteran and graduate of UGA’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, and Jennifer Berry, master beekeeper and lab manager

for the Georgia Bee Program, Soldier of The Sea Distillery creates whiskey using only locally-sourced grain and honey. The distillery’s adjoining pub, The Hive, offers tastings, bottle sales and a dog-friendly bar. The grand opening party will feature smoked barbecue from Bent Willy’s, live music by Connor Lawley, adoptable pups from the Madison Oglethorpe Animal Shelter and plenty of handcrafted cocktails. [PB]

MUSIC | SUN, APR. 30

Beats ’N Brews Festival

Southern Brewing Co. • 1–8 p.m. • $10

The University of Georgia’s Music Business Program provides students with resources, connections and experiences to thrive in the music business. Beats ’N Brews, organized entirely by MBUS students, will feature 18 acts on two separate stages, as well as food and drink. Acts will include MBUS director David Barbe, local bands The Angelics, Five Gallon Flow, indie band Recess Party, singer-songwriter Sophia Barkhouse and alternative rocker Evelia, among others. Proceeds from the event support a scholarship fund for MBUS students. [PB] f

Julianna Money

event calendar

Tuesday 25

ART: Spring Ceramics Sale (Lamar Dodd School of Art) Join the Ceramic Student Organization for its spring sale. For two days, students and faculty will be selling their work. Apr. 25–26, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. FREE! www.art.uga.edu

ART: Gallery Talk: Race, Representation and Self-Presentation

In American Art (Georgia Museum of Art) Curator Jeffrey RichmondMoll will lead a tour of the exhibition “Object Lessons in American: Selections from the Princeton University Art Museum.” 1 p.m. FREE! www.georgiamuseum.org

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. Every Tuesday, 6–9 p.m. www.hendershotsathens.com

GAMES: Lunch and Learn New Games (Tyche’s Games) Come down with your lunch and try out some new games. 12 p.m. FREE! www.tychesgames.com

GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Akademia Brewing Co.) Test your trivia knowledge with host Garrett Lennox. 7 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/ ClassicCityTriviaCo

GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (Amici Athens) Test your trivia knowledge with host TJ Wayt. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.facebook.com/baddogathens

KIDSTUFF: Storytime (Oconee County Library) Join Ms. Carley for songs, stories and crafts. Ages 5 & under. 11 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/oconee

KIDSTUFF: Crafternoon (Oconee County Library) Drop in for a craft or two. Supplies provided. 3:30–5:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/ oconee

LECTURES & LIT: Mystery Book Club (Bogart Library) Penny Mills leads a conversation about this month’s book, Arthur Upfield’s The Will of the Tribe. 5:30–6:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart

LECTURES & LIT: Sound Studies (Buvez) This poetry and prose reading series highlights visiting and local writers. Tonight’s event highlights Saxon Baird and Nathan Dixon. 7–9 p.m. FREE! www.instagram.com/buvez_athens

MEETINGS: Cook Book Club (ACC Library) This month’s cookbook is Binging with Babish. Sign up for a recipe to bring to the potluck and share in everyone’s successes (and occasional failures). 6 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.com

MEETINGS: ACC Public Meeting

(Billups Grove Baptist Church) Hear findings from research and analysis of potential environmental concerns in the area of Dunlap Road. 6 p.m. FREE! www.accgov.com

PERFORMANCE: Rabbit Box Storytelling: Awkward (VFW Post 2872) This month’s storytelling theme is “Awkward” with stories about uncomfortable and often embarrassing moments told from members of the community. 7–9:30 p.m. $10. www.rabbitbox.org

SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled days are Tues-

days, Thursdays and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. www.athenspetanque.org

Wednesday 26

ART: Spring Ceramics Sale (Lamar Dodd School of Art) Join the Ceramic Student Organization for its spring sale. For two days, students and faculty will be selling their work. Apr. 25–26, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. FREE! www.art.uga.edu

ART: Tour at Two (Georgia Museum of Art) These drop-in public tours feature highlights of the permanent collection and are led by museum docents. 2 p.m. FREE! www.georgiamuseum.org

ART: MFA Speaks (The Athenaeum) Exhibiting artists will deliver brief talks on their works featured in the Lamar Dodd School of Art thesis exhibition “re:(de)construction.” 6 p.m. FREE! www.athenaeum.uga. edu/mfa-speaks

COMEDY: Gorgeous George’s Improv League (Buvez) Homegrown townie improv that invites you to bring some interesting suggestions to help create improv magic on the spot. Every Wednesday, 7 p.m. $5 suggested donation. www.flyingsquidcomedy.com

EVENTS: Athens Farmers Market (Creature Comforts Brewery) Markets offer fresh produce, flowers, eggs, meats, prepared foods and a variety of arts and crafts. Live music begins at 6 p.m. AFM doubles SNAP dollars spent at the market. Every Wednesday, 5–8 p.m. www. athensfarmersmarket.net

FILM: Club Ned Anime Society (ACC Library) Join club members to watch anime series like “Mobile Police Patlabor,” “Jujutsu Kaisen,” “No Game No Life” and more. 6:15–8:30 p.m. FREE! www.discord.gg/Ma9BmSMG

FILM: Tales From the Hood (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Screening of the 1995 film about a creepy mortician who attempts to scare teenage drug dealers straight by telling them four horrifying stories. 7 p.m. FREE! www.flickertheatreandbar.com

GAMES: Shadowfist Power Lunch (Tyche’s Games) Come down with your lunch and play Shadowfist. New players welcome. 12 p.m. FREE! www.tychesgames.com

GAMES: Dungeons & Dragons (Oconee County Library) Play a campaign with the Oconee County Library Gaming Group. 4:30–8:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/ oconee

GAMES: Classic City Trivia (The Local 706) Test your trivia knowledge with host Garrett Lennox. 7 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/

ClassicCityTriviaCo

GAMES: Schitt’s Creek Trivia (B&B Theatres) Test your “Schitt’s Creek” trivia knowledge. 7:30 p.m. www. facebook.com/bbathens12

KIDSTUFF: Busy Bee Toddler Time (Bogart Library) Join Ms. Donna for rhymes, songs, puppets and a simple story. 10 a.m. & 11 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart

KIDSTUFF: Storytime (Oconee County Library) Join Ms. Carley for songs, stories and crafts. Ages 5 & under. 11 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/oconee

KIDSTUFF: Homeschool Club (Oconee County Library) Join Ms. Carley for art and science projects

and STEM challenges. 2:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/ oconee

KIDSTUFF: Lego Builders Club (Bogart Library) Lego lovers of all ages are invited; blocks will be available for younger builders under the age of 7. 3:30 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/bogart

KIDSTUFF: Sketchbook Club (Bogart Library) Trained artists and teachers will lead beginners through creating original sketches. This session will focus on Emilio Sanchez. 5–6 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.com/bogart

KIDSTUFF: Drawing Club for Teens (K.A. Artist Shop) In this weekly club for teens led by local artist James Greer, participants will learn a new fundamental skill for drawing with ink and graphite each week. 5–6:30 p.m. $25 (drop-in), $180 (semester pass). www.kaartist.com

practice with tarot cards. Attendees encouraged to bring a deck and materials. Last Thursdays, 6–8 p.m. $10. www.theindiesouth.com

CLASSES: Line Dancing Lessons (Boutier Winery & Inn) Line dance lessons with instructor Amy. Last Thursdays, 7 p.m. $5. www.boutierwinery.com

COMEDY: Athentic Comedy Showcase (Athentic Brewing Co.) Monthly comedy show hosted by Owen Hunt featuring national headliners and featured guests. This month’s headliner is Joe Pettis. Last Thursdays, 7–9 p.m. $10. www.athenticbrewing.com

EVENTS: Boom Bash Senior Expo (Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Athens) Learn about the best Medicare plans, retirement options, caregiving tips and more with opportunities to win door prizes and participate in fun activities.

day, 7–8 p.m. FREE! calclements@ gmail.com

FILM: Art & Krimes by Krimes (Georgia Museum of Art) Artist Jesse Krimes secretly creates monumental works of art, including an astonishing 40-foot mural made with prison bed sheets, hair gel and newspaper during his six-year prison sentence. 7 p.m. FREE! www.georgiamuseum.org

GAMES: Thursday Trivia (Johnny’s New York Style Pizza) Test your trivia knowledge with host Jon Head. 7–9 p.m. www.johnnyspizza. com

KIDSTUFF: Check Out a Chick (ACC Library) Drop in to grab a story and read to baby chicks. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org

KIDSTUFF: Open Playtime (Oconee County Library) Join Ms. Carley for activities that help build brain

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

Friday 28

ART: Morning Mindfulness (Georgia Museum of Art) Instructor-led meditation, movement and mindfulness techniques in the galleries. Email to RSVP. Every other Friday, 9:30 a.m. gmoa-tours@uga.edu

COMEDY: small talk, BIG SHOW (Work.Shop) An irreverent talk show/variety show hosted by Matt House featuring comedian Kelly Petronis and the musical stylings of libbaloops with special guests Jade Fernandez and Lisa Yaconelli. 8–9:30 p.m. $5. www.flyingsquidcomedy.com

COMEDY: Karen Morgan (Marigold Auditorium for Arts and Culture)

Comedian and Athens native Karen Morgan recently released her second Dry Bar Comedy Special, “Rub Some Dirt On It.” 8 p.m. $15–20. www.karenmorgan.com

EVENTS: Spring Seedling Sale

(Creature Comforts Brewery) Troublesome Creek Farm will have vegetables and herbs for sale. Apr. 28, 4–7 p.m. Apr. 29, 1–6 p.m. Apr. 30, 1–4 p.m. FREE! www.troublesomecreekfarm.com

GAMES: Friday Night Initiative

(Online: Tyche’s Games) Learn how to play a new RPG game with others on Discord. New players welcome. 7 p.m. FREE! www.tychesgames. com

KIDSTUFF: Meet & Play (Bogart Library) Drop in for facilitated open play with age-appropriate toys. Best for ages 6 & under. Every Friday, 10:30 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart

KIDSTUFF: Hawaiian Luau (Oconee County Library) Enjoy Polynesian snacks, fun games and a beachthemed tiki cabana. There will be a best Hawaiian outfit contest. Grades 6–12. 6–8 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/oconee

LECTURES & LIT: Overbooked Book Club (Viva Argentine) Explore the many themes of The Deaf Republic, a celebrated book of poems, with facilitator Jeff Fallis. 6:30 p.m. FREE! tgreen@athenslibrary.org

LECTURES & LIT: Betty Jean Craige Readings and Conversation (Morton Theatre) This event will bring together writers Seán Hewitt, Louise Kennedy and Martin Doyle for a group reading and conversation with Nicholas Allen, director of the Willson Center for Humanities and Arts. 7 p.m. FREE! willson.uga.edu

Thursday 27

ART: Artist Gallery Talk (Lyndon House Arts Center) The 48th Juried Exhibition artists TJ Alexander, Chad Whitworth, Kelsey Wishik and Mandy Williams will discuss their works on view. 6 p.m. FREE! www. accgov.com/exhibits

CLASSES: Tarot & Tea (Indie South) Get together to explore, learn and

10 a.m.–2 p.m. FREE! www. boomathens.com/expo

EVENTS: Medicare Information Session (ACC Library) The State Health Information Program Coordinator from ACCA will present information and answer questions about Medicare and the new Senior SNAP initiative. 11 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/athens

EVENTS: Diamond Hill Farm Stand (Athentic Brewing Co.) Vegetables and fresh flowers are available on hand and pre-ordered. Every Thursday, 4–6 p.m. www.diamondhillfarmathens.com

EVENTS: Cats at Creature (Creature Comforts Brewery) Circle of Friends Animal Society is raising funds for cat fostering and healthcare needs. Hold cats, drink brews and enter raffle prizes. 6–8 p.m. FREE! www. creaturecomfortsbeer.com

EVENTS: Drip Irrigation Workshop (William’s Farm) Explore topics like why homeowners should use drip irrigation and enjoy a hands-on drip irrigation demonstration. Registration required. 5 p.m. FREE! www. facebook.com/athensclarkecountyextension

EVENTS: Boulevard Brass Band (595 Nanthahala Ave.) Bring your instrument, meet outdoors and rehearse songs for beginners and advanced musicians. Every Thurs-

function and encourage early literacy. Ages 5 & under. 11 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) Enjoy a book discussion, snacks and activities. This month’s pick is Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library by Chris Grabenstein. Ages 8–12. 4:30 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/bogart

LECTURES & LIT: Athens Science Café (Little Kings Shuffle Club) This month Frank McQuarrie will present “Antarctic Flow: Using Robots to Understand Ocean Currents.” 7 p.m. FREE! www.athenssciencecafe.wordpress.com

MEETINGS: KnitLits Knitting Group (Bogart Library) Knitters of all levels are invited to have fun, share craft ideas and knit to their hearts’ content. Every Thursday, 6 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart

MEETINGS: ACC Public Meeting (New Grove Baptist Church) Hear findings from research and analysis of potential environmental concerns in the area of Pittard Road. 6 p.m. FREE! www.accgov.com

KIDSTUFF: Conversations with Friends (Bogart Library) Make friends and learn about new cultures while practicing English through role-play, songs and storytelling. 3:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary. org/bogart

KIDSTUFF: Reader’s Theater (ACC Library) Practice fluency and oral expression with short scenes tailored to different literacy levels. Grades 4–8. 4–5 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org

KIDSTUFF: Art Card Club (K.A. Artist Shop) In this weekly club led by local artists Katy Lipscomb and Tyler Fisher, participants will draw, paint, collage and create a collection of Art Cards. Pre-teen club, 4:30–6 p.m. Teen club, 6:30–8 p.m. $25 (drop-in), $180 (semester pass). www.kaartist.com

PERFORMANCE: On the Table (Canopy Studio) Canopy presents its spring show, an aerial dance performance that explores storytelling through the lens of the dining room table. Apr. 28–29, 8 p.m. Apr. 29–30, 4 p.m. $15–20. www. canopystudio.org

PERFORMANCE: Athens Showgirl Cabaret Fabulous Friday (Hendershot’s) Enjoy a fabulous night of drag entertainment featuring Extasy Grey, Sasha Stephens and Mona Lott. Ages 18 & up. 9 p.m. $5. www.athensshowgirlcabaret.com

THEATER: Hello, Dolly! (The Elbert Theatre) This musical adaptation of Thornton Wilder’s play The

SARAH WHITE

Celebrate the birthdays of Bear Hollow Zoo’s resident bears on Saturday, Apr. 29 with crafts and animal encounters for attendees.

Matchmaker follows Dolly Gallagher-Levi’s matchmaking exploits and bursts with humor, romance and energetic dance. Apr. 28–29, 7 p.m. Apr. 30, 2 p.m. $11 (adv.), $16. www.bigtickets.com/events/

elbert-theatre

THEATER: Driving Miss Daisy (On Stage Playhouse) This story follows Daisy Werthan, an elderly Jewish widow, and her Black chauffeur, Hoke. Over the years, their relationship transcends racial prejudices and social conventions. Apr. 28–29; May 5–6, 8 p.m. May 2, 7:30 p.m. Apr. 30 & May 7, 2 p.m. $20. www.onstagewalton.org

Saturday 29

ART: Open Pottery Studio and Spring Sale (Forged & Found Pottery) Browse functional art pieces by artist Regina Mandell, whose work is characterized by a rustic minimalism touched with a bohemian flair. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. FREE! forgedandfoundpottery@gmail.com

ART: Spring Art Market Pop-Up (Little Kings Shuffle Club) Sierra K Ceramics, M. Leilani Art, Rae Florals and more local artists will be selling ceramics, paintings, jewelry and hand dyed clothing. Spicy Thaiger will be serving food. 1–7 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/

Little-Kings-Shuffle-Club

ART: Closing Reception (Lyndon House Arts Center) The Green Life Art Exhibition features work by K-12 student contest winners. 2 p.m. FREE! www.accgov.com/10573/ Green-Life-Art-Contest-Exhibit

CLASSES: The Art of Chain Making (Greenhow Handmade Ironworks) Learn utilitarian and decorative chain making and skills such as bending, scrolling and twisting. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $165. www.greenhowhandmade.com

CLASSES: Pints & Pilates (Terrapin Beer Co.) Pure Balance Pilates will lead attendees in a mat Pilates class on the lawn with donations supporting Divas Who Win. Bring your own mat. 11 a.m. $10 suggested donation. www.purebalanceathens.com

CLASSES: Identifying Abuse (Online) Develop skills needed to differentiate consensual and ethical play from abuse in the kink and BDSM community. Register for Zoom link. 12 p.m. $89. www.revolutiontherapyandyoga.com

CLASSES: Photograph and Edit

Your Artwork (K.A. Artist Shop)

During this workshop attendees will photograph two personal pieces of artwork and prepare the images for gallery submissions, portfolio archives and print reproductions. 1 p.m. $75. www.kaartist.com

CLASSES: Blossom Workshop: Floral Centerpiece Design (OCAF) Create a beautiful and unique garden-style floral centerpiece. Attendees will learn sustainable design mechanics and techniques. 2 p.m. $100 (members), $150 (non-members). www. ocaf.com

CLASSES: Financial Management Workshop (Online) Hosted by Athens Land Trust, this workshop focuses on fair housing. Registration required for Zoom link. 5–6:30 p.m. FREE! housingcounseling@ athenslandtrust.org

EVENTS: Community Block Party and Resources Day (115 Sycamore Drive) People Living in Recovery present this event featuring free food, vendors, entertainment and more. 9 a.m.–2 p.m. FREE! 706-850-8855

EVENTS: UOWN River Rendezvous (Sandy Creek Nature Center) The

Upper Oconee Watershed Network will lead volunteers in collecting water samples from various stream sites to be tested. No experience required. 9 a.m.–1 p.m. FREE! www.givepulse.com/event/368790-

UOWN–River–Rendezvous

EVENTS: Bears’ Birthday Party (Bear Hollow Zoo at Memorial Park) Resident bears Athena, DJ and Yonah will unwrap their presents and enjoy their cake while attendees enjoy crafts and animal encounters. 10 a.m.–1 p.m. FREE! www.accgov. com/bearhollow

EVENTS: End School to Prison Pipeline Conference (The Classic Center) This conference will be a unique opportunity for educators, policymakers and community leaders to learn about effective strategies to combat the school-toprison pipeline. 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m. $25–50. www.aadmovement.org

EVENTS: Pop-Up Artist Market (Stan Mullins Art Studio) The GMOA Student Association presents its seventh annual gallery and artist market. Browse a variety of art and handmade goods by student and community artists. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. FREE! www.georgiamuseum.org

EVENTS: SPRING into Spring (Bogart Library) This semi-annual seed swap includes plants, planting info and seeds plus kids activities about pollinators, birds, insects and worms. 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m. FREE! 706-441-9099

EVENTS: Indie Bookstore Day (Dragon’s Lair Bookshop) Readers of all ages are invited for a fun-filled day of books, local author signings and animal storytelling. 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m. FREE! www.dragonslairbookshop.com

EVENTS: Spring Seedling Sale (Creature Comforts Brewery)

Troublesome Creek Farm will have vegetables and herbs for sale. Apr. 28, 4–7 p.m. Apr. 29, 1–6 p.m. Apr. 30, 1–4 p.m. FREE! www.troublesomecreekfarm.com

EVENTS: Log House Open House (Sandy Creek Nature Center)

Explore life in earlier times during this annual event. Ages 3 & up. 1–4 p.m. $3. www.accgov.com/scnc

EVENTS: Learn Basic Miniature Painting (Tyche’s Games)

Attendees can bring their primed miniatures and learn the basics of painting them. 1 p.m. $5. www. tychesgames.com

EVENTS: Deliberating the Future of Housing (Richard B. Russell Special Collections Library) A panel discussion focused on the future of housing in Athens moderated by Andy Carswell, FACS professor. 1–4 p.m. FREE! www.libs.uga.edu

EVENTS: Hive Grand Opening Party (Soldier of the Sea Distillery) Soldier of the Sea Distillery in Comer is celebrating the opening of The Hive Pub. Enjoy live music, barbecue, adoptable pets and handcrafted cocktails. 2–9 p.m. FREE! www.soswhiskey.com

EVENTS: Athens Feed My Starving Children Mobile (Payne Athletic Facility) Volunteers will pack 100,000 meals that will provide food to children in the worst areas of famine around the world. 2–6 p.m. FREE! give.fmsc.org/athens

EVENTS: Firefighter Appreciation (Akademia Brewing Co.) Nonprofit Only The Strong presents a firefighter percentage weekend with the release of The Irons brew, live music, snacks and raffles. 3–10 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/

AKADEMIABC

EVENTS: ¡Lucha en Vivo! (Cali N Tito’s Eastside) Enjoy an actionpacked evening of live wrestling, featuring stars such as Xavier Reyes, Vary Morales, the Nawfside

Heros and more. 7 p.m. $10. www. eventbrite.com/e/wrestling-at-calin-titos-east-tickets-572039534647

GAMES: Day of Board Game Demonstrations (Tyche’s Games) Bring your pals and try some new games. 12 p.m. FREE! www.tychesgames.com

KIDSTUFF: Chicken Birthday Celebration (ACC Library) Celebrate newly hatched baby chicks with a birthday party including dancing, crafting, reading and more. All ages. 2–4 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org

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: Spanish Storytime (Oconee County Library) Listen to and practice fun Spanish songs and stories. All ages. 4 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/oconee

LECTURES & LIT: Poetry in the Park (Boulevard Woods Park) In celebration of National Poetry Month, Jeff Fallis and special guests will read poetry. 2–3:30 p.m. FREE! www.accgov.com

PERFORMANCE: Revival (Morton Theatre) Prelude Dance Ensemble presents student-led choreographed pieces of ballet, jazz and contemporary styles. 11 a.m.–1 p.m. FREE! bit.ly/prelude23mt

PERFORMANCE: On the Table (Canopy Studio) Canopy presents its spring show, an aerial dance performance that explores storytelling through the lens of the dining room table. Apr. 28–29, 8 p.m. Apr. 29–30, 4 p.m. $15–20. www. canopystudio.org

PERFORMANCE: UGA Tap Dawgs Club Spring Showcase (Morton Theatre) The club presents its annual showcase with performances by other local dance groups. 7–8 p.m. $5–10. bit.ly/ugatd23s

SPORTS: Watch Party: Atlanta United vs. Nashville (Athentic Brewing Co.) Join the Classic City Terminus Legion as Atlanta United takes on Nashville. 1–4:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenticbrewing.com

THEATER: Hello, Dolly! (The Elbert Theatre) This musical adaptation of Thornton Wilder’s play The Matchmaker follows Dolly Gallagher-Levi’s matchmaking exploits and bursts with humor, romance and energetic dance. Apr. 28–29, 7 p.m. Apr. 30, 2 p.m. $11 (adv.), $16. www.bigtickets.com/events/ elbert-theatre

THEATER: Driving Miss Daisy (On Stage Playhouse) This story follows Daisy Werthan, an elderly Jewish widow, and her Black chauffeur, Hoke. Over the years, their relationship transcends racial prejudices and social conventions. Apr. 28–29; May 5–6, 8 p.m. May 2, 7:30 p.m. Apr. 30 & May 7, 2 p.m. $20. www.onstagewalton.org

Sunday 30

ART: Together We Dazzle (Five and Ten) This public art show features over 20 local artists with hors d’oeuvres and other refreshments benefitting the EDS Society. 3–8 p.m. $10. seejoy.me/together-wedazzle

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

COMEDY: Blaugez Open Mic (Buvez) This show-up/go-up open mic is open to professional and amateur comics alike. Every Sun-

day, 7 p.m. (show). FREE! www. facebook.com/buvezathens

EVENTS: Festival of Sisterhood (Rabbit Hole Studios) This traveling festival features a femme-led business market and musical performances. 12 p.m. (doors), 1 p.m. $10 (adv.), $15. www.facebook. com/oe85ent

EVENTS: Spring Seedling Sale (Creature Comforts Brewery) Troublesome Creek Farm will have vegetables and herbs for sale. Apr. 28, 4–7 p.m. Apr. 29, 1–6 p.m. Apr. 30, 1–4 p.m. FREE! www.troublesomecreekfarm.com

EVENTS: Rabbit Hole Sunday Market (Rabbit Hole Studios) Small businesses, artists, farmers, musicians and creative entrepreneurs will be showcased. A drumming and song circle will be held for the last two hours. Every Sunday. 1–5 p.m. FREE! www.rabbitholestudios. org/markets

EVENTS: East Athens Creative Market (585 Vine St.) A celebration of community and togetherness featuring culinary arts, fashion, jewelry, resources and more. First and last Sundays, 1–5 p.m. FREE! 706-352-0244

EVENTS: May Day (Downtown Athens) This festival for workers’ rights will include music, performances, food and speakers from a range of Athens-based social justice organizations. 2–5 p.m. FREE! www. ucwga.com

EVENTS: Queer Space (Historic Athens) On this heritage tour, hear uncovered stories led by queer local and Historic Athens fellow Caro Caden. 2 p.m. $20 (members), $25 (non-members). bit.ly/ heritagewalks23

EVENTS: Athens Feed My Starving Children Mobile (Payne Athletic Facility) Volunteers will pack 100,000 meals that will provide food to children in the worst areas of famine around the world. 2–6 p.m. FREE! give.fmsc.org/athens

EVENTS: Telling the Whole Story (Lyndon House Arts Center) Athens ASALH will present a panel on the topic of “Equity and Inclusion in Revealing the History of Athens.” 3–4:30 p.m. FREE! www.athensasalh.org

EVENTS: 44th Annual Miss Black University of Georgia Pageant (Morton Theatre) Hosted by the Zeta Psi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, this pageants recognizes the academic achievements of the Black community and provides scholarship opportunities for contestants. 3–5:30 p.m. $10. www. zetapsidst69.org

GAMES: Sunday Trivia with Solo Entertainment (Southern Brewing Co.) Test your trivia knowledge. 4–6 p.m. FREE! www.sobrewco.com

GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (The Foundry) Test your trivia knowledge with host TJ Wayt. Sundays, 7 p.m. www.facebook.com/baddogathens

PERFORMANCE: On the Table (Canopy Studio) Canopy presents its spring show, an aerial dance performance that explores storytelling through the lens of the dining room table. Apr. 28–29, 8 p.m. Apr. 29–30, 4 p.m. $15–20. www. canopystudio.org

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

THEATER: Hello, Dolly! (The Elbert Theatre) This musical adaptation of Thornton Wilder’s play The Matchmaker follows Dolly Gallagher-Levi’s matchmaking exploits and bursts with humor, romance and energetic dance. Apr. 28–29, 7 p.m. Apr. 30, 2 p.m. $11 (adv.),

$16. www.bigtickets.com/events/ elbert-theatre

THEATER: Driving Miss Daisy (On Stage Playhouse) This story follows Daisy Werthan, an elderly Jewish widow, and her Black chauffeur, Hoke. Over the years, their relationship transcends racial prejudices and social conventions. Apr. 28–29; May 5–6, 8 p.m. May 2, 7:30 p.m. Apr. 30 & May 7, 2 p.m. $20. www.onstagewalton.org

Monday 1

CLASSES: Gentle Hatha Yoga (Athens Community Council on Aging) McKenzie Raymond from Feel Free Yoga leads this class. All skill levels welcome. Every Monday, 1–2 p.m. $5 (CAL members), $10 (non-members). abarefoot@ accaging.org

FILM: Bad Movie Night (Ciné) A baboon injected with a rage virus escapes a lab and spreads mayhem all over a college campus in Primal Rage. 8–10 p.m. FREE! www.instagram.com/BadMovieNight

GAMES: Game Night (Rabbit Hole Studios) Play board games like chess and Catan, systems like Wii and PlayStation, and outdoor sports. Every Monday, 7–11 p.m. FREE! www.rabbitholestudios.org

GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Dooley’s Bar and Grill) Test your trivia knowledge with host Garrett Lennox. 7 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/

ClassicCityTriviaCo

GAMES: Monday Trivia with Erin (Athentic Brewing Co.) Test your trivia knowledge with host Erin. 7–9 p.m. FREE! www.athenticbrewing. com

KIDSTUFF: Monday Funday Story Time (Bogart Library) Join Ms. Donna for movement, songs, crafts and learning fun. Ages 3–5 years. Registration suggested. 10 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart

KIDSTUFF: NBA Math Hoops (Bogart Library) This program includes board games, curricula and apps that help students gain math speed and fluency using the game of basketball. Grades 3–8. 5–6 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart

THEATER: Chicago (The Classic Center) Celebrating its 25th-anniversary tour, this story follows Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer, who murders her lover after he threatens to walk out on her. 7:30 p.m. $25–80. www.classiccenter.com

Tuesday 2

EVENTS: No Phone Party (Hendershot’s) Disconnect to connect with a phone-free, laptop-free happy hour. Every Tuesday, 6–9 p.m. www.hendershotsathens.com

FILM: Thumbs Up For Mother Universe (Ciné) Filmed over 20 years, this documentary tells the story of artist and musician Lonnie Holley. 7 p.m. FREE! www.athenscine.com

GAMES: Lunch and Learn New Games (Tyche’s Games) Come down with your lunch and try out some new games. 12 p.m. FREE! www.tychesgames.com

GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Akademia Brewing Co.) Test your trivia knowledge with host Garrett Lennox. 7 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/ ClassicCityTriviaCo

GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (Amici Athens) Test your trivia knowledge with host TJ Wayt. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.facebook.com/baddogathens

LECTURES & LIT: Bogart Bookies Adult Book Club (Bogart Library) Pick up a copy of The Yiddish Policemen’s Union by Michael Cha-

bon and discuss it with the group. 1–2 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary. org/bogart

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

THEATER: Driving Miss Daisy (On Stage Playhouse) This story follows Daisy Werthan, an elderly Jewish widow, and her Black chauffeur, Hoke. Over the years, their relationship transcends racial prejudices and social conventions. Apr. 28–29; May 5–6, 8 p.m. May 2, 7:30 p.m. Apr. 30 & May 7, 2 p.m. $20. www.onstagewalton.org

Wednesday 3

ART: Artful Conversation: John Linton Chapman (Georgia Museum of Art) Molly Stevens, education programs assistant, will lead an open-ended dialogue on John Linton Chapman’s photograph “Via Appia.” 2 p.m. FREE! www. georgiamuseum.org

COMEDY: Gorgeous George’s Improv League (Buvez) Homegrown townie improv that invites you to bring some interesting suggestions to help create improv magic on the spot. Every Wednesday, 7 p.m. $5 suggested donation. www.flyingsquidcomedy.com

EVENTS: Athens Farmers Market (Creature Comforts Brewery) Markets offer fresh produce, flowers, eggs, meats, prepared foods and a variety of arts and crafts. Live music begins at 6 p.m. AFM doubles SNAP dollars spent at the market. Every Wednesday, 5–8 p.m. www. athensfarmersmarket.net

FILM: Blood Everywhere (Flicker Theatre & Bar) A tour group is stalked by a maniac who collects an eyeball from each victim, and the travelers must deduce which one of them is the killer in Eyeball. 7–9 p.m. FREE! www.instagram.com/ bloodeverywhere.athens

GAMES: Shadowfist Power Lunch (Tyche’s Games) Come down with your lunch and play Shadowfist. New players welcome. 12 p.m. FREE! www.tychesgames.com

GAMES: Classic City Trivia (The Local 706) Test your trivia knowledge with host Garrett Lennox. 7 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/ ClassicCityTriviaCo

KIDSTUFF: Busy Bee Toddler Time (Bogart Library) Join Ms. Donna for rhymes, songs, puppets and a simple story. 10 a.m. & 11 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart

KIDSTUFF: Drawing Club for Teens (K.A. Artist Shop) In this weekly club for teens led by local artist James Greer, participants will learn a new fundamental skill for drawing with ink and graphite each week.

5–6:30 p.m. $25 (drop-in), $180 (semester pass). www.kaartist.com

LECTURES & LIT: Café au Libris (ACC Library) Author Cat Shook will discuss her debut novel If We’re Being Honest. 7 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org

LECTURES & LIT: Word of Mouth Poetry Open Mic (The Globe) Athens’ longest-running spoken word event has returned the first Wednesday of every month. This month’s special guests are Athens poet laureate, Jeff Fallis and Noel Holston, author of Life After Deaf. 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 and discuss. First Wednesdays, 11 a.m.–12 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/bogart f

good growing

Get Growing

FAST WAYS TO START A NEW GARDEN

By Erin France news@flagpole.com

Gardening advice is everywhere, and for a beginner, the amount of information can feel overwhelming at times. If you want to start a vegetable garden this year, here are a few simple ways to start.

CHOOSE YOUR SOIL: The first thing you want to consider in your garden is your soil. Healthy soil means healthy plants and tasty produce. Avoid mixes labeled “topsoil” and anything cheap in April. In the summer, stores may discount bagged soil, but lower prices at big box stores generally means lower quality. To dodge big box stores completely, try the food scraps compost from AthensClarke County’s composting operation. At $5 for a five-gallon bucket and $20 for a cubic yard (that’s about one truck bed), it’s a good deal. I’ve used this compost for two years now, and I’m a huge fan. It contains chunks of wood and bark, but much of the lower-priced bagged soil does, too, without the good quality compost. Make sure you get the food scraps compost and not the biosolids compost if you’re growing food. I’ve purchased the biosolids for filling dog-engineered holes in my lawn and starting flower gardens, but I don’t use it for edible crops.

PICK A CONTAINER: Veggie container gardens are the easiest by far. Pick a container (preferably with a depth of at least 12 inches and a 12-inch diameter), make sure there are a few drainage holes, fill with soil, and you’ve got a new home for a plant! Now, for the caveats: Different containers work differently in various environments. Five-gallon buckets will degrade in one harsh summer season, unless made of food-grade plastic.

Terracotta pots look beautiful, but they are brittle and can shatter easily. The internet is full of cutesy photos of repurposed tires, concrete blocks and rubber rain boots with blooming plants. Beware: The internet deceives. Those containers can heat up with our summers and fry Georgia plant roots. So what should you look for? Durable plastic—whether made specifically for plants or emptied of the five gallons of pickles it once held. Metal containers also work well, especially when painted light colors. Ceramic pots have a similar feel to terracotta, but they are harder to accidentally break. There are also all sorts of grow bags available with products made of durable plastic to biodegradable jute. If you have the budget and interest, it’s a good idea to try a few different products to get the feel of what works best for your garden.

LAY DOWN SOME CARDBOARD:

If you’re looking for more of an in-ground garden, cardboard can be your best friend. For this, you’ll want to cut the lawn as short as possible, place the cardboard flat on the ground, spread about 8 inches of compost and plant into the compost. This is how I built my garden. A trim on the lawn weakens weed roots, while the cardboard blocks photosynthesis, killing most (but not all) of the weeds. It’s best to use brown cardboard with little to no coloring. White cardboard can be bleached and isn’t a good additive to your garden. Be sure to remove stickers, tape and staples. Otherwise, you’ll be seeing them again. Plant into the compost or garden soil on top as soon as possible to prevent erosion from carrying away your hard work. Some folks like to make a border of logs or bricks in order to keep cardboard flaps down and compost within bounds. I’ve done it both ways and, while the border is neater, it’s not needed.

MANAGE YOUR EXPECTATIONS: None of these suggestions will give you a Martha Stewartlevel garden. But they will help you grow a tomato plant this summer if you’ve never grown a tomato before. And most of these suggestions won’t cost too much to get you started. I know the traditional way to start a garden is to till the soil once (or several times), but that’s not a requirement if you can provide plants with more than hardpacked clay soil. If you make a few missteps this spring, chalk it up to experience and move forward. All growers err and kill plants—good gardeners learn from their mistakes and do better (or at least, kill it differently) the next time. f

hey, bonita…

New Roomie Worries

ADVICE FOR ATHENS’ LOOSE AND LOVELORN

By Bonita Applebum advice@flagpole.com

Hey Bonita, I’m staying in town for the summer, and I recently got a new roommate for the summer and fall. He doesn’t move in until mid-May, but he already paid his deposit and even volunteered to transfer some of the utilities into his name. Which is great! But over the past couple of weeks that we’ve been following each other on social media, I’ve started to get nervous. His politics are fine—he seems apathetic overall to be honest, which I prefer to someone who’s militant in either direction. He just seems to have some very particular interests that are weird to me. He’s active on sites that I’ve never heard of and on stuff like Twitter and Instagram—it’s definitely wild

love, and I don’t think there’s any shame in enjoying Spirited Away into your twenties—it’s an absolutely amazing movie, after all. Furries are popular meme content right now for the reaction that their art gets out of squares, and babe, I think you might just be a square. I don’t mean that as an insult in the least, but I do recommend that you look past your initial shock and remember that the purpose of posting memes on social media is to get a reaction out of others. Your new roomie may just have troll tendencies or a twisted sense of humor. And if he IS into fursuits and such, with you? There’s

stuff. Just crazy deep fried memes and lots of fan content for kids cartoons and stuff. I mean a lot! It’s not all kid stuff, but it definitely makes me think he spends a lot of time on the internet. There’s some sex stuff with furries and anime girls, but most of it is memes and not just like racy pictures. I also found some pictures of what I think is his current bedroom, and it’s a wreck, which definitely makes me even more anxious about living with him. What if he’s a total mess and trashes the living room and kitchen?

I’m not sure if I’m truly intimidated or worried about living with this guy, or if he’s just into stuff that’s way left of what I like. He just seems really different online from the person he presented himself as when he was looking for a place to stay. I definitely feel misled, and yeah I guess I am worried about living with him. I know I would feel terrible if I rescinded the offer just because his Instagram is strange to me, but I think the dishonesty might be what’s bothering me more.

Hella Nervous

Hey there Hella Nervous, I think you can relax, for the most part. I understand your reaction to the idea of living with someone who might be your total opposite in taste and lifestyle, but you haven’t described any interests that I find particularly alarming. There’s plenty of kids’ content in the world that adults also

nefarious about ticipates in a subculture that you don’t. You wouldn’t freak out if you found out he was into historic reenactment or birding, would you?

You’re right to be concerned about the messy room, but here’s where communication comes into play. You need to establish expectations of cleanliness and cooperation as soon as he moves in, and make sure he understands them and is down to abide by them. Whatever a roommate has going on in their bedroom is their business, but it is appropriate to expect functional common areas in a shared home. This is actually a conversation you can start having now, before he moves in.

I don’t think this guy was misleading you by not showing you deep fried memes during the roommate interview process. I think you’re just seeing part of him that you didn’t before, and you’re reeling a little bit. That’s diversity, pal, and I think you should wait until he actually does something inappropriate before deciding he’s not roommate material. He does seem like a “very online” type, but that means that he will probably spend most of his time in his room with headphones on, so good for you. f

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

The spring peas in 2021 didn’t have any trouble growing in cardboard topped by compost. I didn’t have enough wood chips at the time to cover the cardboard in the aisles.

ERIN FRANCE

Dylan Loftin Erin Lovett (Four Eyes) Night Palace Trvy (Trevor Wiggins)

Cardynal

REAL ESTATE HOUSES FOR RENT

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House, 3BR/2BA in Normaltown. Central air. Apartment, 2BR/1BA. Furnished. Washer/dryer. Wi-Fi. No smokers, pets. Calls only! 706-372-1505

FOR SALE YARD SALES

MULTI-FAMILY YARD

SALE: Children’s & women’s clothing, household, furniture, lamps and even free stuff! Let our treasures become your treasures. Sat, 4/29; 8–2 p.m. 115 Hampton Park Dr, Athens

Flagpole ♥s our advertisers!

MUSIC INSTRUCTION

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

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

MUSIC SERVICES

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

Sell your musical gear in the Flagpole! 706-549-0301

SERVICES

HOME AND GARDEN

Plumber Pro Service & Drain. Upfront pricing. Free estimates. $30 Flagpole discount. Call 706-769-7761. Same-day service available. www.plumberproservice. com

UNITY COOPERATIVE

LABOR PARTNERS: Lawn care, debris removal, gutter cleaning, painting/ carpentry, construction clean-up, furniture moving. Under The Economic Justice Coalition. Insured and bonded. Call: 706-549-1142

Woman-Run Gardening Services: We offer raised bed building, garden maintenance, invasive plant removal, personalized native & edible gardens for your home or business. Call/Text: 706-395-5321

MASSAGE

John Duello LMT. Offering Thai massage. Call or text: 706-963-0068. Out calls only!

Advertise your service in the Flagpole! 706-549-0301

MISC. SERVICES

Want a PERSONAL ASSISTANT? Once? Occasionally? Regularly? I’ll help with filing, typing, proofreading, errands, childcare, petcare, cleaning and more. I specialize in ORGANIZATION! Contact susieschrot@ gmail.com

JOBS

FULL-TIME

Come work for a well-established catering company. Openings for serving staff and bartenders. Eat well, work hard and have fun. You determine the hours you’d like to work. Apply online: www.trumps catering.com/work-with-us

Classic City Installation: Starting @ $18–25/hr. Assistant Manager and Manager roles performing furniture installation on college campuses. Great benefits, travel as a team w/ food stipend and lodging 100% covered. Email: caswall@classiccity installation.com or 706-3407694.

Find employees by advertising in the Flagpole Classifieds! 706-549-0301

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.

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

OPPORTUNITIES

Do you like driving, know your way around town and need some extra cash? Flagpole needs reliable fill-in drivers for when our regular drivers are out! Email frontdesk@flagpole.com to be included in emails about future Distribution opportunities. Own car, a bility to follow instructions, attention to detail and Tuesday availability required! Previous delivery experience preferred. No calls or walk-ins! Need newspapers for your garden? We have plenty here at Flagpole! Call ahead and we’ll have them ready. Please leave current issues on stands. 706-549-0301

PART-TIME

Join a diverse, inclusive workplace, and get paid to type! 16–40 hours M–F. NEVER be called in for a shift you didn’t sign up for. Must type 65+ wpm, wear mask, show proof of vaccination. Work independently. No customer interaction. Starts at $13 with automatic increases. www.ctscribes. com

NOTICES

MESSAGES

All Georgians ages 6 months & up 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. Get Flagpole delivered straight to your mailbox! It can be for you or a pal who just moved out of town. $55 for six months or $100 for one year . Call 706-5490301 or email frontdesk@ flagpole.com.

The Weekly Crossword

Margie E. Burke