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This year’s (mostly) sun-filled AthFest Music & Arts Festival weekend has come to a close. For a visual recap of the club crawls, artist market, kidsfest, outdoor stages and more, see the AthFest photo galleries online at flagpole.com.

Cassie Chantel

Athens’ Creative Economy

TAX CREDIT CHANGES THREATEN FILM AND TV, AND MORE LOCAL NEWS

By Blake Aued, Hillary Brown and Chris Dowd news@flagpole.com

Georgia’s 15-year-old tax incentive program for film and TV productions has grown the industry from $135 million in 2007 to more than $4 billion last year. With more than 6 million square feet of studio space, Georgia is now the second-largest production site behind California. But just as that largesse is starting to spread to Athens, state legislators might take it away.

A panel of state lawmakers is currently rethinking the tax credits that spurred that growth. At a June 22 event at downtown music venue The Lewis Room sponsored by Georgia Entertainment News, academics, filmmakers and others in the entertainment industry discussed why the incentive program should be saved and even expanded into other fields, like audio recording, video games and public art.

“You have a $4.4 billion film industry. I want a billion-dollar audio industry,” said Andrew Ratcliffe, who owns The Lewis Room and the Tweed Recording audio production school.

Some legislators are concerned that the state is missing out on $1 billion in tax revenue because of the incentive program, but that assumes productions would still choose Georgia without the 30% tax credit. That hasn’t been the case when states like Louisiana and North Carolina scaled back their incentives, and Texas stands ready to lure any productions that might leave Georgia, speakers said.

“It’s pretty much a known fact that if the tax incentive wasn’t there, they’d go somewhere else,” said Danielle Rusk, a location scout and director of Film Athens.

Part of the problem is that it’s hard to quantify the impact of the creative economy, said David Sutherland, a professor at UGA’s Terry College of Business. In Georgia, it could be anywhere from $24 billion to $48 billion and 134,000–200,000 jobs,

depending on how it’s defined. Sutherland advocated for expanding the definition of “creative” to include categories like the visual and culinary arts, developing a strategy and PR campaign to boost the creative economy, and focusing especially on rural Georgia.

So far the film and TV boom has mostly benefited metro Atlanta, where all the major studios are located. Athena Studios, which opened this year in Athens, is the first large studio outside the Atlanta area, and several major productions are set to gear up this August and September, founder Joel Harber said. The studio has a partnership with UGA to train and employ film students.

Georgia State also has a fast-growing film school that’s expanding into video game development.

And the Georgia Film Academy, part of the University System of Georgia, has partnerships with more than 25 colleges and universities and 240 high schools in 100 districts all over the state—with the exception of South Georgia, where executive director Scott Votaw said he is aiming to expand.

“The big payoff is keeping our talent in the state rather than leaving,” said Brennen Dicker, executive director of GSU’s Creative Media Industries Institute.

Several speakers noted that the film and TV industry doesn’t just employ writers, actors and special effects designers—it supports electricians, construction workers, caterers, restaurants, hotels and others as well. The tax credit program also benefits smaller productions that don’t qualify by ensuring access to equipment and experienced crews. “The tax incentive is great for the big guys, but it’s also great for the little

guy, the gritty independent,” said local producer Chris Hines. [Blake Aued]

Dems Talk Reparations

Most Americans would agree that slavery and racial segregation was a great injustice. More controversial is whether this country should do anything to make amends for the harm that Black Americans have suffered and continue feeling the effects from today.

The Athens-Clarke County Democratic Committee took up the weighty question of reparations in a panel discussion at its June 22 meeting. Panelist Nyheim Way, president of United Sons and Daughters of Freedmen, spoke about the nationwide reparations movement and advocated for a $14 trillion direct cash payout over 10 years. As recommended by economist Sandy Darity, Way called for descendants of slaves to receive about $400,000 per person in total. That may seem like a lot of money, but Way didn’t stop there. He also advocated benefits like free college and immunity from sales taxes for the descendants of slaves. Way said that this kind of intervention is necessary to equalize the racial wealth gap, which remains massive even today, over 150 years after slavery ended.

“How it looks, ultimately, is us being on par with America,” Way said. “[America] shouldn’t leave its dayone citizens behind, meaning its freedmen population.”

While $14 trillion is justifiable given the immense amount of wealth white Americans stole from Black people over the centuries, Way’s proposal is extremely controversial even among Democrats. A recent Pew Research poll found that only 30% of Americans support reparations of any kind; fewer still are likely to support a number as high as $14 trillion. Democrats are evenly split on the question even though support is extremely high among Black voters, a core component of the Democratic coalition. Only a very small number of Republicans polled supported the idea.

Even if Congress won’t reach an agreement on reparations anytime soon, it’s still

possible to advance the idea on the local level. Panelists Hattie Thomas Whitehead, chair of the Athens Justice and Memory Project, and Chaplain Cole Knapper, vice president of Athens Reparations Action, described what they’re already doing to help Athens lead the way on reparations and become a model for other communities.

Whitehead grew up in Linnentown, a Black neighborhood that was razed by the city of Athens and the University of Georgia during the “urban renewal” period of the 1960s. In 2021, Whitehead and other Linnentown descendants successfully pushed the ACC Mayor and Commission to pass the Linnentown Resolution, which explicitly calls for reparations for that neighborhood’s destruction. “We were grateful for that,” Whitehead said. “That’s the first time we’ve heard of a resolution [for reparations] being passed unanimously anywhere in this country.”

Jerry Shannon, a UGA geographer and economist, estimated in a recent study that Linnentown descendants are owed $5 million in reparations for the loss of their land, for which they were underpaid. While the Georgia Constitution prohibits direct monetary payouts to individuals, the Athens Justice and Memory Project has made recommendations to the local government for how to spend this money, legally, in a way that will benefit Athens’ Black community. At the direction of Whitehead’s group, the ACC government will support home ownership by offering grants and home repair assistance in certain census tracts to benefit Black Athenians. The local government will repay the rest of their debt through the creation of a new Black history center.

That’s a big step forward for reparations in Athens, but Oconee United Methodist Church and Ebenezer Baptist Church West have decided to go further and start raising money themselves for local reparations that will go directly to the individuals affected. That’s why they formed the nonprofit Athens Reparations Action, according to Knapper. Knapper’s organization will donate 100% of the money they raise over the next year directly to Linnentown descendants. Beyond 2024, they’ll raise money for descendants of other Athens neighborhoods destroyed by urban renewal,

“ The big payoff is keeping our talent in the state rather than leaving.

such as The Bottom and Lickskillet.

“There’s a narrative that you can’t talk about reparations. That we’ll never get to reparations,” Knapper said. “That’s something I think we have to overcome, but I believe we will. If we teach people about this country’s history, I think that knowledge will create a situation where people will say yes. The moral narrative shifts and changes when we educate ourselves about these injustices and how they resonate today. It absolutely will happen here.”

Mokah Jasmine Johnson, vice chair of the ACCDC’s Affirmative Action and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, facilitated the panel discussion. She is asking for local Democrats to continue discussing reparations and eventually to endorse the idea of racial reconciliation in the local party’s platform. Johnson said that this would include an apology for the harm the Democratic Party has caused Black Athenians in the past, support for the idea of reparations and a commitment to a more diverse and inclusive party.

[Chris Dowd]

Two Well-Known Athens Restaurants Close

After 75 years (or close to it) in business, the oldest restaurant in Athens will close sometime in the near future.

This summer Mayflower Restaurant hasn’t done lunch, only breakfast. Sometimes it’s been closed for a few days at a time. The restaurant’s owners, who also own its building, filed a request with Athens’ Historic Preservation Commission for a certificate of appropriateness for “storefront modifications including changing the siding, openings, and awning. Also proposed is replacement of the building area at the rear courtyard.” Reached via phone, owner Ricky Vaughn confirmed that, “We probably will not be open this fall.”

Vaughn’s family has owned the business since 1963, and he and his wife Lisa took over running it in 1990. The breakfast and lunch counter has attracted a loyal clientele for years and keeps things so simple, including not taking credit cards, that it was big news when it added a website.

Vaughn said that he and his wife are in negotiations to lease the space to a “national business,” but the hashing out is taking a while longer than expected.

Opened in 2019, Athens’ only Persian restaurant, International Bar and Grill, closed unexpectedly over the weekend of June 17. Co-owner Mohsen Mohseni said the closing was not his family’s choice, but in some ways they will be happy to get their lives back.

The restaurant was well known for hosting events, and it received an award for best live music venue presented by the Athens Hip Hop Awards.

On Apr. 30, four people were shot outside the restaurant, one of whom, Marquise Jackson, died. Mohseni said that the restaurant had private security, but his landlords accused him of “attracting criminal activity” and gave him until the end of the month to leave. He said that he spoke to a police officer involved in the case resulting from the shooting. When Mohseni asked if he had done anything illegal, the officer said no. Mohseni added, “What people do outside the doors, I cannot control.”

The restaurant’s building at 1155 Mitchell Bridge Road sold in 2021 to 1155 Athens LLC. That LLC is owned by a company called DeliverOL, with the same mailing address as the LLC, in Peachtree Corners. DeliverOL specializes in courier services, not in real estate. Mohseni said his landlords were Ali Eshai, Usman Eshai and Safeena Virani, all of whom work or have worked for DeliverOL.

Mohseni said that after his new landlords took over, they tried to more than double his rent. As a compromise, they increased it by less (from $5,000 a month to $6,800 a month) and required him to lease month to month rather than yearly. He said equipment regularly broke, as well as the air conditioning, but the building owners would not fix any of it. He paid to fix some items himself.

In the end, although Mohseni is frustrated by the situation, he said he is also “happy for a break to spend some time at home; we’ve already missed four years being with our kids” while running the restaurant. [Hillary Brown] f

Radio Free Georgia

‘POLITICAL REWIND’ IS DEAD, BUT IT MAY RISE AGAIN

By Pete McCommons pete@flagpole.com

Why are Republicans trying to kill me? I know they have reasons that go way back, but why now? Maybe I’m just collateral damage. I walk, trying to stay ahead of age and infirmity. If I don’t walk, I lose ground. Walking is boring and hard to do, except for “Political Rewind.”

“Political Rewind” is, until this Friday, the highly regarded political talk show carried for the last nine years by Georgia Public Broadcasting, including WUGA 91.7 FM here in Athens and surroundings. Highly regarded? Hell, “Political Rewind” was beloved because, although it covered local, state and national politics, it was scrupulously fair, always careful to include bona-fide Republicans among the 40 or so reporters, academics and political insiders who regularly participated in the show. Those included Charles Bullock, the venerable (since 1968) UGA political science professor; his former student, the AJC’s intrepid political reporter Greg Bluestein, and his AJC stablemate Patricia Murphy, editor of that paper’s political column “The Jolt,” and Jim Galloway, the retired AJC political columnist. Regulars also included Athens native and Dekalb County CEO Mike Thurmond, and Athenian and Emory Law prof Fred Smith, Jr. Oconee County’s Charlie Hayslett, progenitor of the blog about Georgia “Trouble in God’s Country,” was on from time to time, and so was Athens Mayor Kelly Girtz.

“Political Rewind” has been presided over since its inception by indefatigable former Atlanta television news reporter Bill Nigut, who made civil political discourse the hallmark of the show. Panelists were drawn from all over Georgia and were diversely experienced in Georgia politics. Bill knew and respected them all, and by example ensured that even when they disagreed, they carried on conversations that never, ever descended into rants.

But look: All those folks on “Political Rewind” were sharp observers of the political scene. They called ’em like they saw ’em. If politicians screwed up or were obviously lying, the “Political Rewind” gang called them on it. Professors and reporters and political insiders didn’t get where they are by fearing to face the truth. It’s what they do. They don’t do it because they’re liberal or conservative; they do it because they’re honest. If they were not honest, it would inevitably show in their work.

But, let’s be honest: Some people in politics aren’t, especially these days when

so many people have staked their own careers on the Big Lie, and they see as enemies anybody who calls the Big Lie a big lie. That applies to a lot of people in the Georgia legislature, and, let’s face it: They’re Republicans, and they’re not the Republicans we used to be used to.

So the Republicans in the legislature cut $1.4 million out of the GPB budget. That didn’t really hurt “Political Rewind” because fundraising contributions covered its modest costs (all those experts worked for free), and it was one of the most popular shows on a financially healthy GPB.

But that cut must have come like a warning shot across the bow. GPB’s longtime director was one of the show’s most enthusiastic supporters, but she recently retired and was replaced by a director who knows a warning shot when he feels the splash, and he decided it’s time for a “rededication” to GPB’s “core mission.” So Nigut is out, and “Rewind” is finished on GPB as of Friday, June 30.

But wait! Maybe not finished elsewhere. When Nigut gave his farewell address on Monday, June 19, he hinted strongly that “Political Rewind” may bounce back. He said

he couldn’t give details, but later, touched by the tributes from his interlocutors, he declared, “I’m not walking off into the sunset. There will be a future for ‘Political Rewind.’”

Hmm, maybe Atlanta’s WABE 90.1 FM? It’s an NPR station that is not part of GPB and not beholden to those radiophiles in the Georgia legislature. It’s not statewide, but with podcasts, who cares? It could still reach into all those news deserts across the state where people depend on “Political Rewind” to tell them matter-of-factly, without shouting, what the hell is going on. Whether it’s WABE or somebody else up Nigut’s sleeve, here’s hoping the transition is smooth and speedy. “Political Rewind” is a lifesaver for Georgians, especially those who can’t exercise without it. f

“ So Nigut is out, and ‘Rewind’ is finished on GPB.

The DA Strikes Back

DEBORAH GONZALEZ TALKS ABOUT A TURBULENT YEAR

By Chris Dowd news@flagpole.com

It’sbeen a rough year in the district attorney’s office. There’s an active lawsuit against DA Deborah Gonzalez, and the state legislature passed a law targeting her and other progressive prosecutors around the state. Gonzalez has been subject to a very high level of scrutiny, which may be unprecedented for the Western Circuit, and recently sat down to discuss it.

Flagpole: When you were running for office, did you anticipate that things would be this difficult?

Deborah Gonzalez: Keep in mind that there was backlash against me even before I won the election. After I won, I thought things would calm down a little, and we could get to work. That never really happened. It started immediately with Oconee wanting to secede from the circuit. So, it’s always been challenging, but it has been surprising to me how much hostility there’s been. I’ve had my car keyed. I’ve had my backyard broken into and a noose put there. I’ve had people threaten me. It’s one thing if you don’t like my policies, but when it gets this hostile it really distracts from what we need to do.

FP: There’s a lot going on here, but first let’s talk about the lawsuit brought against you by Jarrod Miller, who owns a bar downtown. It’s a writ of mandamus, meaning he’s asking the court to order you to do your job, essentially. What’s all this about? Are there parts of the job that you’re unable or unwilling to do?

DG: You can’t say I’m not doing my job. You can only say you don’t like the way I’m doing it. This job comes with discretion that has never been questioned before, but for the first time you have a woman of color in this office. About the legislation that was passed…

FP: You’re talking about SB 92, which sets up a council to oversee prosecuting attorneys. This council would discipline attorneys if they’re found to be performing below standards, potentially including removing them from office.

DG: They tried to put that in from Day One when I was elected. It was introduced in 2021, again in 2022, and it finally passed in 2023. It was introduced after six women of color were elected to DA positions, running on reform platforms. I don’t think it is any surprise that they pushed so hard for this legislation. It takes away people’s votes. It takes away people’s voices. Why should they be allowed to override thousands of people’s votes and remove an elected official? I’m not the status quo. I’m not what used to be in this office. I think people have a real problem when there’s [a] change of this magnitude.

FP: But you’ve had 35 prosecutors resign in just two years, which is about a 100% turnover rate per year. Doesn’t that mean there is work in your office that’s not being done?

DG: When I took office in 2021, there were 14 DA offices across the state that changed leadership. When that happened, there were over 400 vacancies. Attorneys were moving from one circuit to another because leadership changed, and that’s normal. When Ken Mauldin became DA 23 years ago, he lost all the people he had in the office then because leadership changed.

Due to COVID, the courts had been closed for 18

months. I walked in on Day One with 2,400 cases backlogged. That’s a lot that needs to be dealt with. Eighteen months is hard to make up. And then last year, neighboring counties started offering [attorneys] a lot of money. Clayton County started offering graduates straight out of law school $105,000 a year. The starting salary in my office is $55,000 to $57,000. How are we competitive? [Editor’s note: Attorney positions advertised on the ACC website currently list salaries of $57,266–$78,969, based on experience.] So, a lot of people left because of better opportunities. The people who stayed had double the load and less money. Right now, my caseload is 773 cases. It’s overwhelming, and it’s not sustainable. Since January, I’ve hired five assistant district attorneys, but we still need more qualified people.

FP: But the judges of the Western Circuit even sent you a letter, saying that your office wasn’t doing the job adequately. Your performance has been criticized by the police and by victims. Is it fair to say that your office is in crisis?

DG: I wouldn’t say that we’re in crisis. We have very dedicated people here. We have all our victim advocates, we have all our investigators, we have all our admin staff. What

FP: Is the commission going to fix the salary differential for prosecutors?

DG: They’re doing a market study, so I’m waiting to hear about that. They did do a cost of living adjustment. I did have one ADA [assistant district attorney] that I went back and asked for an above-entry hire, and I got close to $10,000 more so I could bring this ADA on board. They [the commission] have been helpful in the past one or two months. We could have prevented a lot of things if these steps were taken last year when I first brought this to their attention.

FP: How many prosecutors are you down right now?

DG: I’m down eight out of 16 total positions. We have three positions that are filled by apprentices right now; they’re taking the bar in July. But they do help.

FP: Let’s get back to that lawsuit where the writ of mandamus was filed against you. If you happen to lose, what’s at stake?

we don’t have are lawyers. Every other section in my office is full, that’s why I don’t say we’re in crisis. We just need more lawyers.

I don’t think there’s any DA’s office that does everything 100% perfect. Did we make mistakes? Absolutely. But when you have the scrutiny that I’ve had, anything becomes magnified. Everything that’s happened in my office has happened in other offices, although they might not have been in the media spotlight. Just because people are criticizing and they’re loud, doesn’t mean they’re right.

FP: What is your plan to fix all the turmoil in your office?

DG: Some of it, I can’t control at all. I can’t control what the media says. I can’t control what this attorney [Kevin Epps] who is suing my office says. He exaggerates and can say whatever he wants. When I received that letter from the judges, I asked for a meeting. We went over everything point by point, and there was some misinformation they had, and we were able to clarify that. I don’t know if those judges would all sign off on the letter now. All we can do is take it day by day and make the best decisions we can with the limited resources we have.

DG: A writ of mandamus is to ask a government official to do something very specific. But this lawsuit doesn’t say anything specific. If the prayer for relief is to tell me to do my job, so the court tells me to do my job? I’ve been doing my job from Day One. [The lawsuit] is unnecessary. It’s been a disruption to my office, from the overwhelming amount of open-records requests to the number of subpoenas out to five sitting judges and other government employees. This is not the right mechanism for their concerns. It’s political in nature. It’s an opportunity to sow doubt in the community with an election coming up.

FP: I also wanted to ask you about something public defender John Donnelly said at a recent Federation of Neighborhoods forum. He said that restorative justice is not in place in Clarke County courts, despite it being a plank of your campaign, because your office hasn’t followed through. Is he right about that?

DG: We don’t have an adult restorative justice program. We just got a juvenile restorative justice program up and running. These programs take money, they take staff, they take facilities. It took us six months to get an MOU [memorandum of understanding] through the ACC government between my office and the Georgia Conflict Center for [the juvenile restorative justice program]. It takes money to be able to run this. It takes a steering committee. It takes so long to put a program together that we need to make sure it works before we expand it to adults. f

This graph showing employee turnover from 2016–2023 was presented at a commission work session in May. The gray line is the district attorney’s office, and the black line is all ACC departments. Gonzalez took office in January 2021.

White House Humor

GENERATIONS OF PRESIDENTS PROVIDE FODDER FOR COMEDIANS

By Ed Tant news@flagpole.com

“In America, anyone can become president. That’s the problem,” said comedian George Carlin. The legendary funnyman died in 2008, long before another show-biz personality named Donald Trump became president, but Carlin’s comedy was prescient when he warned his audiences, “If you have selfish and ignorant citizens, you’re gonna get selfish, ignorant leaders.”

more like Teddy,” John’s brother.

Mad Magazine was at its peak during Kennedy’s brief time in office, and nobody could caricature JFK like Mad’s artist, Mort Drucker. His illustrations for “East Side Story,” the magazine’s 1963 satire of the musical West Side Story, were spot-on renderings of JFK, Nikita Khrushchev, Fidel Castro, Charles de Gaulle and other world leaders.

Herbert Block, whose drawings were published for decades in the Washington Post under the pen name Herblock, was the dean of editorial cartoonists. During his decades-long career he aimed his acid-dipped pen at a cavalcade of American presidents and other politicians.

It was Herblock who famously drew Richard Nixon with a 5-o’clock shadow, and it was Herblock who coined the word “McCarthyism” in one of his 1950s cartoons lambasting Red-baiting Wisconsin GOP Sen. Joe McCarthy.

Mark Twain was probably America’s most beloved humorist, and his comments often were prescient and relevant to America today.

Carlin was just one of a legion of comics, cartoonists and commentators who have skewered presidents since the earliest days of the White House. With Trump’s continuing legal troubles and Joe Biden’s son, Hunter, pleading guilty to federal charges on June 20, it’s a sure bet that satire, sarcasm and caustic humor will loom large in the upcoming 2024 election.

Standup comic Mort Sahl castigated presidents and politicians from the Eisenhower administration to the Trump regime until his death at age 94 in 2021. Of Trump, Sahl joked that the president had been “hospitalized for an attack of modesty.” After the GOP scandals of Watergate and Iran-Contra, Sahl quipped that “Washington couldn’t tell a lie, Nixon couldn’t tell the truth, and Reagan couldn’t tell the difference.” When President John Kennedy brought a rocking chair to the White House in the early 1960s, Sahl called it a perfect symbol for the Democratic presidential administration because a rocking chair “gives a semblance of motion without really going anywhere.”

Kennedy’s administration was a treasure trove for humorists until the young president was assassinated in Dallas nearly 60 years ago. Humor columnist Art Buchwald was an unofficial court jester in Kennedy’s Camelot. Vaughn Meador’s comedy album The First Family parodied the president and his kin. It got a surprise boost when the president himself told reporters that he thought Meador’s JFK imitation “sounded

“We have the best government money can buy,” jibed Twain. He blasted President Theodore Roosevelt, saying, “We are by long odds the most ill-mannered nation, civilized or savage, that exists on the planet today, and our president stands for us like a colossal monument visible from all the ends of the earth.”

Sometimes presidents and politicians can make memorable one-liners themselves, as when JFK told a group of Nobel Prize winners that they represented the greatest intellectual assemblage at the White House “since Thomas Jefferson dined alone.” One of the all-time funniest political quips came from GOP senator and 1996 presidential candidate Bob Dole, who spotted former presidents Carter, Ford and Nixon at a White House event. “There they are,” said Dole. “See no evil, hear no evil and… evil.”

In the spirit of presidential parody and after the recent death of singer Astrud Gilberto, I wrote this take-off of “The Girl From Ipanema,” her signature song:

“Orange-tanned and old and grumpy/ the guy from Mar-a-Lago goes walking/ and when he passes, each court he passes goes ‘Nah.’/ When he talks it’s just incitement that led up to his big indictment/ and when he gasses, each court he passes says ‘Bah.’/ Oh, but his base whimpers sadly./ How can they love him so madly?/ Yet they have sold their souls gladly,/ but his run for the presidency just looks like a perp walk to me… ”

Presidents who bristle at the long tradition of lampooning leaders should remember Harry Truman’s words: “Do your duty, and history will do you justice.” f

George Carlin in 2008.

BONNIE MURPHY

Georgia Musicians in Watercolor

AND FIVE MORE SOLO SHOWS AT THE LYNDON HOUSE ARTS CENTER

By Jessica Smith arts@flagpole.com

A cool oasis from the summertime heat, The Lyndon House Arts Center recently opened six solo exhibitions on June 8 to provide deeper looks into the practices of different artists. Ranging in style and medium, each body of work is distinctive and passionate about its chosen focus.

JACKIE DORSEY: The culmination of five years of work, Jackie Dorsey’s hyperrealistic portrait series “Legendary Georgia Musicians in Watercolor” honors and recognizes the legacies of Georgia-based performers. In addition to Athens-based musicians such as Randall Bramblett, Kevn Kinney (Drivin N Cryin), Vanessa Briscoe-Hay (Pylon), Cindy Wilson (The B-52s), Mike Mills (R.E.M.) and Sunny Ortiz (Widespread Panic), the series includes notable acts like Big Boi (Outkast), Emily Saliers and Amy Ray (Indigo Girls), Stax Records soul man William Bell, jazz trombonist Wycliffe Gordon, and this week’s Flagpole cover model Eshe Light (Arrested Development). Reflecting a spectrum of genres and geographical regions, the 20 portraits collectively provide a snapshot of today’s artists actively contributing toward the state’s cultural history.

With the exception of Gregg Allman of the Allman Brothers, who died in 2017 before plans could be finalized, all of the musicians did one or more personal photo shoots with Dorsey. The portraits are accompanied by short biographies, behind-the-scenes stories describing the photo shoot, personal anecdotes and even QR codes to listen to songs, giving viewers an opportunity to not only discover more about the performer, but to learn about the artist’s creative practice.

Dorsey considers her latest exhibition to be a continuation of an ongoing body of work. In 2017, she presented two solo exhibitions, “Athens Celebrated” at the Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation and “Athens in Watercolor” at the Classic Center, that featured portraits of local business owners and community members, including musicians from Monsoon, Pip the Pansy, The Drive-By Truckers and Grassland.

“This project to me was a natural extension of paying homage to our musicians,” says Dorsey. “I am honestly so deeply appreciative of the musical gifts they bring to us. I also wanted to showcase the extraordinary talent and music that comes out of Georgia. I believe there is something unique or special about the music here that seems to cross all genres. I wanted to celebrate that.”

Dorsey, who holds a Ph.D. in psychology, left behind a career in academia and teaching to pursue self-employment as an artist. After taking her first watercolor class about 10 years ago, she very quickly surpassed the learning curve by staying dedicated to her craft. She estimates that she has spent eight or more hours at least five days a week since discovering her passion. Though she often paints still lifes as well, she’s drawn to the challenge and excitement of portraiture.

“It must be the human connection,” says Dorsey. “There is a lot of intimacy in doing a realistic portrait. A portrait also has a

story. Done well, a portrait immediately speaks to a viewer. There is also a ‘hell yeah’ kind of high that I get when the likeness of someone begins to emerge from the paper. It can’t be beat.”

Dorsey’s exhibition was supported by a financial gift from the Georgia Music Foundation, and is accompanied by a print catalog. A portion of proceeds from sales will be donated to GMF, Nuçi’s Space or the musicians themselves, at the musician’s choice.

CHARMAINE MINNIEFIELD:

Within her paintings

“Indigo Prayers,” Atlantabased artist Charmaine Minniefield explores ancestral memory, ritual and resistance through depictions of Black women dancing in flowing white dresses. The series began during an unexpected year-long residency in The Gambia, West Africa, when the pandemic unexpectedly prevented the artist and her family from leaving but presented an opportunity to further research her own ancestry. As an ode to her ancestors, these impactful paintings use indigo pigments and other indigenous materials such as crushed oyster shells and mahogany bark. Her paintings build upon her ongoing exploration of the Ring Shout, a full-bodied, rhythmic prayer performed by African Americans during enslavement as a way to secretly preserve their African identity. By inserting her own likeness into these portraits full of movement and radiating Black joy, she pushes back against erasure and presents the preservation of identity and tradition as an act of resistance in itself.

MARGARET MORRISON: Consisting of a suite of 10 large-scale oil paintings, Margaret Morrison’s “Paradigm Shift” depicts dreamlike windows into various stages of enlightenment from awakening to transcendence. The series materialized out of a faculty research grant Morrison proposed to UGA’s Willson Center for Humanities and Arts in 2017 for a project entitled “Contemporary Examination of Caravaggio’s Dramatic Staging and Lighting - A Collaboration between Painting and Theatre.” Morrison collaborated with fellow professor Anthony Marotta of UGA’s Department of Theatre and Film Studies to not only explore the influential Italian painter’s use of theatrical light, but to experiment with stage choreography using students for the purpose of photographing reference images. A fifth generation Mormon, Morrison was left

with a devastating sense of loss as the pure narrative of Mormonism she was raised with was shattered by historical documentation that began flooding the internet in the early 2000s. The dramatic, emotional scenes in “Paradigm Shift” represent her personal path from reevaluating her faith to rebuilding a new and infinitely deeper spirituality.

BRANDON NARSING: Focusing on one of the most severely impacted businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, “Georgia Theaters: A Ballad Surrounding the Proscenium” is a series of photographs that capture performance venues in a state of suspension as communities sheltered in place. Originally a mechanical engineering student at Georgia Southern University, artist Brandon

traditional form and doubles as wearable sculpture. “Story as Jewel: Metalworks by Charles Pinckney” features an assortment of objects full of personal symbolism. The industrial-looking sculpture “Tyin’ Up” represents a memory of picking cotton as a child, while another abstract work, “View of Sunrise,” was inspired by the artist’s mother reminding him to be thankful every morning. An untitled mixed-media work resembling a three-dimensional diorama is full of tiny objects relating tender memories: fish to represent the bonding trips with his father, a silver wire to represent a clothesline where he would help his mother with laundry, and a collection of Black metal hands he says represent “all the individuals that touched my young life, moving me forward to places long barred to them.”

LOIS THOMAS-EWINGS:

Narsing pivoted to studying photography at UGA’s Lamar Dodd School of Art, and his body of work reflects this intersection of interests. With an eye for highlighting architectural details and embracing the banal, his minimalist snapshots draw attention to the underlying strangeness of urban environments. Each scene resembles a still life detailed with dusty surfaces, dim lighting and empty chairs waiting to spring back into activity. Though suggesting a peculiar period of abandonment, there’s a sense of unity between these images of important cultural centers separated by distance but connected through a shared experience.

CHARLES PINCKNEY: A metalsmith for over 50 years, local artist Charles Pinckney crafts jewelry and sculptures from a variety of metals, stones, bone and wood. Though he has picked up techniques from his studies at Arrowmont and Anderson Ranch, he is primarily a self-taught artist whose work is deeply guided by memories of childhood and his own lived experiences. Whether it’s a necklace, brooch or pair of earrings, his imaginative jewelry often transcends

Recognized within the Athens community as the founder and former facility supervisor of the East Athens Educational Dance Center, Lois ThomasEwings continues sharing her passion for dance through a series of vibrant paintings in “The Mythical Reality.” Thomas-Ewings moved to Athens in 1985 with a decade of dancing, choreographic and teaching experience under her belt. Only two years later, she founded a new volunteer dance program with a vision to provide performing arts opportunities to under-privileged youth. After outgrowing the space at the East Athens Community Center as well as its relocation to Dudley Park, the East Athens Educational Dance Center reopened in a state-of-theart facility on McKinley Drive in 2005. Thirty years after establishing the program, she retired in 2017 and returned to her early interest in painting. “The Mythical Reality” is a collection of paintings combining dancers and elements of Black mythology. Each fantastical scene depicts goddesses, fairies or other otherworldly deities who extend golden streams onto mortals to represent inspiration, love, prosperity and freedom.

COMING SOON: In addition to the half dozen aforementioned shows that opened earlier this month, the Lyndon House Arts Center will open two additional exhibitions on July 1. “The Fables,” by local children’s illustrator Kristin Roberts, takes inspiration from Aesop’s Fables and echoes a juxtaposition between anthropomorphic animal characters and darker life lessons. “Sanctuary” combines the work of two artists who share a passion for animals: Mary Engle, who creates three-dimensional sculptures of animals bejeweled in tiny objects, and Cheryl Washburn, who presents a series of oil paintings of animals from multiple local rescue organizations. An opening reception will be held Thursday, July 6 from 6–8 p.m. These two exhibitions will remain on view through Oct. 7, while the others will close earlier on Sept. 1. f

“The Magic of Your Own Universe” by Lois Thomas-Ewings

You Know Who

THE PINK STONES RETURN WITH SOPHOMORE ALBUM

By Sam Lipkin editorial@flagpole.com

After headlining Saturday night of AthFest last weekend, alternative country band The Pink Stones is set to release its sophomore album, You Know Who, June 30 under Normaltown/New West Records.

It’s been just over two years since the group’s debut album, Introducing… The Pink Stones, was released into the world, and since then the band has been spreading its brand of classic cosmic country across the nation with a very busy touring schedule. Aptly named, the debut album formed an introduction to the band by framing a baseline for its sound, which it has since continually built upon and honed by performing live so often. You Know Who offers up experimental confidence by wearing its influences more consciously and showing off the group’s growth.

Songwriter and founder of The Pink Stones Hunter Pinkston used to play in punk bands, and it’s a spirit that’s stuck with him as people often remark on his background shining through the music and performances at times. For Pinkston, the new album is intended to be a thoughtfully composed melting pot of all the genres he loves both as a listener and player, from gospel and soul to psych and dub.

“I guess the overarching theme is country music, you know, trying to do old country music and honor that the right way,” says Pinkston. “But, there’s a lot of bands now that do that, and then they just do that. So it’s fun to mix a bunch of shit together and try to make it something new while still honoring the old thing, which is kind of hard to do.”

Composed of mostly Athens musicians, the band also takes pride in honoring its home city, digging up and understanding its history, while bringing something entirely new to the table by pioneering a

different sound. The experimental, DIY spirit of Athens also emboldens the musicians to carve out their lane without worry. Although country music has been a small pocket in the larger music scene, Pinkston notes it’s always had a presence from mid-’90s The Star Room Boys to Drive-By Truckers and T. Hardy Morris.

With Athens’ proximity and New West Records’ ties to Nashville, The Pink Stones have spent a lot of time in the neighboring city. This led to collaborations with Nashville-based artists Teddy and the Rough Riders and Nikki Lane on the new album. On June 15, a music video shot in East Nashville by Joshua Shoemaker was released for Pinkston’s duet with Nikkie Lane, “Baby, I’m Still Right Here (With You).” Inspired by a breakup and written in fiery country fashion, Pinkston had been performing the song live for a while before adding in the missing piece, “a Tammy to his George.”

Fellow Athens artists also feature on You Know Who, like previous band member Annie Leeth adding touches of strings to several songs.

Henry Barbe, who produced the album, is featured both singing and playing multiple instruments. Pinkston and Barbe’s close working relationship on the 11-track album results in a smooth flow that keeps you bobbing up and down the twangy, nostalgic hits. To get the most out

of your listening experience, you’d do well to play it through an old-timey radio.

One of the key differences between The Pink Stones’ debut album and the new release is how it was recorded, and this produced an unexpected result. The first album was recorded at the professional and renowned Chase Park Transduction, but You Know Who ended up being recorded by Barbe, son of Chase Park Transduction owner David Barbe, in his home.

“I was a little nervous about doing a home recording because we made our first one in a super nice studio, and it’s like, how will that translate?” says Pinkston. “It was

tered the album. His touch made the album sound “huge” and “awesome,” says Pinkston, which was a surprise coming from a home recording versus happening at a traditional studio.

However, some things from the band’s early days have not changed: The Pink Stones prefer to use the road as its rehearsal space. Pinkston says that they don’t practice a lot outside of playing shows, which seemingly requires a dedicated circuit of performances. Of course, this tactic has afforded them opportunities that only come about by traveling and playing outside the city.

“The biggest thing for us really after the first record was being able to travel more and play more shows,” says Pinkston. “Some of these songs on the new record, I wrote on the road, like something would happen, then you write a song about it.”

Last year while performing at AMERICANAFEST in Nashville, the group met an Australian booking agent who is responsible for its recently announced tour in the land down under. In October The Pink Stones will spend several weeks playing a busy schedule of shows and festivals in Sydney, Melbourne, Victoria and around the countryside. This will be the band’s first tour outside of the U.S., and Pinkston says it’ll be the longest flight he’s ever taken, but he looks forward to hanging out with the wombats and koalas.

great because we were just in the basement of the house with coffee and [it was] very calm. All the dogs were running around and yeah, very fun, homey kind of vibe.”

Pete Lyman, who has worked with Sturgill Simpson and Jason Isbell, mas -

Even if the music takes The Pink Stones quite literally around the world, the members feel very strongly that at this point Athens is still home and the place they want to be.

“I’m glad we [made the album] in Athens and that we’ll be around in Athens to play it,” says Pinkston. f

GARRETT CARDOSO

What Makes a

& promises

An Otherworldly Light

PLUS, MORE MUSIC NEWS AND GOSSIP

By Gordon Lamb threatsandpromises@flagpole.com

DEEP SPACE 6: Robert Schneider (Apples in Stereo) released the first issue of his new science fiction zine An Otherwordly Light last week. The whole thing is edited by Schneider, but the text itself was apparently generated by artificial intelligence via specific prompts from Schneider himself. It’s 32 pages long and available in PDF format. This first issue also comes with new music from Obligatory Refractions (Schneider’s collaboration with Sloan Simpson) as well as an ambient piece from composer Michael G. Maxwell. This par-

more. Prepare your ears to be both entertained and insulted to varying degrees. For more information, please see facebook. com/spaceballentertainment and spaceball. com. On a personal note to readers, I apologize for how confusing this all is. Trust me, I’m right there with you.

CLANG THE DRUM ALL DAY: A new set of tunes from Clangtint is now available. This project is the ongoing collaboration between Marc Tissenbaum and Joe Rowe (The Glands). These tracks were recorded mostly in 2022 with one track (“Bigger Bundles”) that dates to 2021. These were recorded in a now-demolished house on Mulberry Street that was also Rowe’s longtime home. This whole set is very moody in a minimalist, non-traditional blues way. It also contains elements of experimental post-punk (“Liver & Lungs”) which can come across as a weird mix between, say Public Image, Ltd. and Miles Davis. Sonically, it sounds very much like a demo tape, but that’s not off-putting to me at all. Indeed, it’s kind of charming. Check it out at clangtint.bandcamp.com.

ART | THU, JUNE 29

Karen Graffeo Gallery Talk

ACE/FRANCISCO Gallery and OX Fine Art • 6 p.m. • FREE!

Artist Karen Graffeo has shared “Hearts in Repair,” a multi-gallery show held between neighboring spaces ACE/ FRANCISCO Gallery and OX Fine Art, with various mixed-media art pieces and photographs on display, since May. Graffeo is a professor emeritus of art and has directed the photography program at the University of Montevallo, and has also received a Tanne Foundation award for her documentary photographs focusing on humanitarian issues specifically in Roma and at refugee encampments across Europe. Her work in this area also led to being named University Scholar at the University of Montevallo.

MUSIC | FRI, JUNE 30 Bubba Sparxxx

Georgia Theatre • 7 p.m. (doors) • $30

Bubba Sparxxx has been heavily involved in the rap and hip-hop world since the late ’90s. Born in LaGrange as Warren Anderson Mathis, Sparxxx was introduced to the rap scene by his neighbor during high school, where he also spent his time as a tight end and linebacker for the football team. He soon made the art of rapping his main hobby. In 1996, Sparxxx moved to Athens and became immersed in the music scene. After a gig following a UGA football game, he was discovered by Bobby Stamps and Atlanta producer Shannon Houchins, who worked with Sparxxx to produce his first official album release in 2001 entitled Dark Days, Bright Nights. Since then, Sparxxx has released seven more albums, and his song “Ms. New Booty” from his 2005 album Charm reached No. 3 on Billboard 200. Sparxxx has made it back to Athens with openers Dusty Leigh, East Rich, Wix Patton and Pennington. [AH]

MUSIC | SAT, JULY 1

Classic City American Music Festival

ticular Obligatory Refractions track, “Black Hole,” features lead vocals by Schneider; Simpson on synths, guitar, bass, drum programming and backing vocals; and Jay Gonzalez (Drive-By Truckers) on Hammond organ. The zine is free and published under a Creative Commons license, so feel free to print and distribute if you’re so inclined. Find it over at gardengaterecords.bandcamp.com.

GET IT TOGETHER, MAN: Are you ready for the return of Whammocon? Did you even know you were missing it? Well, believe me, pardner, I’m basically as confused as you are. What I can tell you is that this “highly anticipated music, film, and arts festival from Spaceball Entertainment” will happen at Flicker Theatre & Bar and The Grill June 30–July 2. Billed as “WHAMMOCON 2023: 3 Days of Peace & Puke,” the entire thing sounds like one huge elaborate put-on and inside joke. That said, if you can squeeze yourself into this joke, you’ll catch performances and appearances from Andy Farmer, Xenon Clone, The Power Star, Smaxxon, soss lord, Irene Moon, Mike Bradshaw, Farrah Johnson, Red Dogs and more. There’s a companion tape compilation to be available in person and online at spaceball.com featuring Dead Ewok, EDRS, Orgasmically Programmed, Andy Farmer, G Bronco, Peter Dish, Sports Fortress and

WIND IN THE WILLOWS: In a Kythe, the project of songwriter and musician Lydian Brambila, will release its newest album Saturday, July 1 at Bolo Bolo. The new record is named Brides Of Mystery. I’ve not yet been able to hear the new album but, going by previous releases, I expect this to be a set of nicely constructed ambient tunes. Also on the bill are Grant Evans, LeeAnn Peppers, Kinnick and Wet Garden. This show is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. and Bolo Bolo is located at 160 Winston Drive. Just go all the way to the very last building and look to your right. You’ll find it. Get up to speed at lybram. bandcamp.com.

NEVER ANYTHING TO DO IN THIS TOWN: I’m really trying to get away from covering so much Atlanta-based stuff in this column, but this is a notable exception of particular interest. Really old local rock music fans will remember that special time in the 1990s when every band imaginable was deeply influenced by the loud, difficult, yet quite compositional music coming out of the Louisville-Chicago axis. Fiddlehead was no different and, indeed, shone a full few watts above its peers. Fans will also recall that Kyle Spence (Harvey Milk) was the drummer in Fiddlehead. The band’s 1994 album, originally released via Allied Recordings and recorded by engineer-to-the-stars Steve Albini with additions from David Barbe, is now re-released. Sort of. The original record, titled The Deaf Waiter, was remixed by Spence and re-sequenced, too. This new version is titled The Chicago Reels. It’s very much of its time and should remain enjoyable for any old fans, and will possibly pick up a few new ones on its way. Find it at fiddleheadatl.bandcamp.com. f

Aperture magazine has published many of her images, and her work can be found in public and private collections both in the U.S. and several countries in Asia and Europe. In addition to her work currently displayed in the ACE/FRANCISCO and OX Fine Art galleries, she also displays her work in Havana, Cuba in the Museum of African History. Graffeo will be closing out her exhibition with a gallery talk to discuss her pieces and inspiration. [Analise Herrin]

MUSIC | THU, JUNE 29 706 Fest With Raheem The Dream

40 Watt Club • 6 p.m. • $20

The first annual 706 Music Festival, which will be headlined by legendary Atlanta rapper Raheem the Dream, will offer an opportunity for attendees to party to ’90s and 2000s hip-hop classics. Raheem, whose real name is Micaiah Raheem, was a pioneering force in Atlanta’s hip-hop scene, and has been a well-known music producer for Tight 2 Def Records for nearly 27 years. Over the course of his career he has released 11 singles and two albums. The festival was formed as a collaboration between 95.5 FM The Beat of Athens and United Group of Artists Music Association. The event will be broadcast and hosted on-air by Ant G the “Party Starter” and on-air radio personality Alichia Cruz. This is an event for ages 25 and up, and tickets start at $20 with VIP tables available by calling 678740-3884. [AH]

Southern Brewing Co. • 12 p.m. (doors) • $15 Aubrey Entertainment and Southern Brewing Co. are putting on a musical event to celebrate the Fourth of July through community and local artists. The doors to the event will open at 12 p.m., and the music will commence at 1 p.m. with local bluegrass band BorderHop Trio kicking off the concert. Seven other Athens bands will play every hour in the following order: Red Oak String Band (2 p.m.), Broken String Band (3 p.m.), McMaken Brothers (4 p.m.), Peach Ice Cream Bluegrass Band (5 p.m.), The Welfare Liners (6 p.m.) and The Wild Jordan Tonk-Cats (7 p.m.). The event will conclude with a performance from multi-generational seven-piece jazz, funk and bluegrass band Grassland at 8 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring family, friends, their dogs, and an appetite for the barbecue food truck that will be provided. Tickets are $10 in advance and for UGA students, or $15 at the door. Kids under 12 can attend for free. [AH]

EVENT | SAT, JULY 1

Star Spangled Classic

Athens Ben-Epps Airport • 9:30 p.m. • FREE! Athens-Clarke County is putting on its annual Star Spangled Classic fireworks display to celebrate 247 years of national independence. The fireworks will be launched at 9:30 p.m. at Athens Ben-Epps Airport but will be visible from various locations nearby. Recommended locations for locals to enjoy the event are near the Lexington Road, Cherokee Road and Gaines School Road intersection. Limited, first-come field parking will be available on Buddy Christian Way near the airport and at Satterfield Park beginning at 7 p.m. Please note that alcohol, fireworks, smoking and grills will not be permitted at this event, and pets are not recommended. The ACC Animal Services Department will organize its annual “Foster for the Fourth” program, and it is seeking volunteers to temporarily take care of the nearby shelter’s animals. [AH] f

Obligatory Refractions

Karen Graffeo

live music calendar

Tuesday 27

Ciné 8 p.m. FREE! www.athenscine.com

KARAOKE WITH THE KING Show off your pipes to the world. Every Tuesday.

Hendershot’s No Phone Party. 7 p.m. $10 suggested. www.hendershotsathens. com

HAUNTED SHED Local band led by Etienne de Rocher and featuring Joe Rowe (The Glands), Jacob Morris (Vic Chesnutt), JoJo Glidewell (of Montreal) and Dan Nettles (K Kid). Haunted Shed’s June residency will conclude with two sets tonight.

Live Wire

Tiki Taco Tuesday. 5–10 p.m. FREE! www.livewireathens.com

KINKY WAIKIKI Relaxing, steel guitar-driven band following the traditions of Hawaiian music.

Wednesday 28

Creature Comforts

Brewery

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

THE AMBLERS Formerly known as Dosters. (6 p.m.)

Flicker Theatre & Bar

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

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

Georgia Theatre

Rooftop

7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). FREE! www.georgiatheatre.com

KYLE KIMBRELL Birmingham, AL singer-songwriter influenced by Americana and cosmic country. Porterhouse Grill

6–8:30 p.m. www.porterhousegrill athens.com

JAZZ NIGHT Longest running jazz gig in Athens captained by drummer Mason Davis and featuring a rotating cast of familiar faces performing American songbook, bossa nova classics and crossover hits.

Thursday 29

@local. Coffeehouse & Study Lounge

9–11 p.m. bookinglivelocalmusic@ gmail.com

OPEN MIC Held every Thursday. Flicker Theatre & Bar

7 p.m. (doors). FREE! www.flickertheatreandbar.com

BAG OF LAZERS Experimental project from Adam Hebert.

Hendershot’s 8 p.m. $10. www.hendershotsathens. com.

BIG BAND ATHENS 18-member Athens band whose swinging tunes consist of cover music from the ’40s to the ’70s.

Hotel Indigo

Live After Five Series. 6–8:30 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/Aubrey

EntertainmentAthensGA

KIP JONES Local songwriter playing all your favorite folk, rock, R&B and country covers and some of his own tunes.

Innovation Amphitheater

6 p.m. (doors), 7 p.m. (show). $30 (adv.). www.innovationamphitheater. com

COCHRAN & CO. Singer-songwriter and worship leader blurring the lines between pop, soft rock and blues.

Southern Brewing Co.

6–10 p.m. www.sobrewco.com

KARAOKE NIGHT Every Thursday evening.

Friday 30

Athentic Brewing Co.

Summer Concert Series. 7 p.m. $5. www.athenticbrewing.com

DIABLO SANDWICH AND THE DR. PEPPERS Performing a plethora of country, bluegrass, jazz and rock.

Ciné

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

NIKKI & THE PHANTOM CALLERS Southern Gothic honky-tonk, rock and rollers from Atlanta.

CHRISTIAN SPARACIO Indie rock for fans of Hozier, Mt. Joy and John Mayer.

ROSE & JOE Joe Willey (of Joe Willey and The Movin’ Men) and daughter Nelita Rose Willey perform together.

Flicker Theatre & Bar

8 p.m. (doors). $10. flickertheatreand bar.com

CHERISH THIS Sarasota, FL-based emo-indie trio with a groovy sound.

RUBBER UDDER Self-described experimental acid punk/noisegrunge band from Athens.

HAMBEAR Five-piece grunge emo-rock band based in Athens.

Georgia Theatre

7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $25. www.georgiatheatre.com

BUBBA SPARXXX Energetic hiphop and rap artist from LaGrange.

DUSTY LEIGH Louisville rapper combining hip hop and pop.

EAST RICH Hip-hop artist with Southern flair from Covington.

WIX PATTON Former-UGA football player with hype, party raps.

PENNINGTON No info available.

Gyro Wrap

7 p.m. FREE! www.instagram.com/ halfassband

EDDIE HALFASS “Athens’ 872nd favorite band” plays a blend of country, rock, , pop and blues.

Innovation Amphitheater

6 p.m. (doors), 7 p.m. (show). $25 (adv.). www.innovationamphitheater. com

SKYNFOLKS The best of Lynyrd Skynyrd.

VFW Post 2872

7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $10. www.facebook.com/vfwpost2872 COUNTRY RIVER BAND Classic country rock band.

Saturday 1

40 Watt Club

706 FEST. 9 p.m. (doors), 10:30 p.m. (show). $20 (adv.). www.40watt. com

RAHEEM THE DREAM Rap and hip-hop artist known for pioneering the Atlanta rap scene.

JULIA NYUNT Athens-based songwriter and composer.

FREEMAN LEVERETT Dreamy and danceable songs with thoughtful lyrics and cosmopolitan influences.

THE VASSAR BLONDES Local indie-pop four-piece.

Ciné

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

GOURDHEAD Three-piece rock band comprised of Athens music veterans Chris Henderson, Ethan Houseman and Noel Holloway.

NIX THE SCIENTIST Progressive rock trio based in Atlanta by way of Athens.

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

Flicker Theatre & Bar

Whammocon Presents Spaceball 25 Music and Arts Festival. 8 p.m. www.spaceball.com

WHAMMOCON Spaceball Entertainment presents Baby Fox Farmer Now, bad straples, Xenon Clone, Smaxxon, The Power Star, forceghost, Cranium Cratez, Lo Wave, JXP

this tribute features Ultimate Elvis Champion Bill Cherry and Elvis Grand Champion Cote Deonath backed by the Infinit-E Tribute Band. Tonight also features a gospel performance by Carolina Quartet and a set by the Ultimate Johnny and June Tribute.

Nowhere Bar

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

NowhereBarAthens

VERA SOUL South Carolina-based new age band combining a sound influenced by classic rock, hard rock, pop punk, soul and Southern rock.

THE WHILE Local progressive-inspired, new-wave alternative rock band.

Soldier of the Sea

Distillery

Sword & Saber Release Party. 2–10 p.m. www.

COMER STRING COLLECTIVE

Live string music to celebrate the release of Sword & Saber, a new whiskey honoring those who served in the military. (7–10 p.m.)

WILD JORDAN TONK-CATS

Tommy Jordan and William Tonks perform with a handful of music scene veterans. (7 p.m.)

GRASSLAND Local multi-generational and progressive bluegrass group blending a variety of farranging influences. (8 p.m.)

Sunday 2

No. 3 Railroad Street 4 p.m. www.3railroad.org

OPEN MIC Held the first Sunday of every month. Picnics, chairs, dogs and children are welcome.

Monday 3

Madison-Morgan Cultural Center Independence Day Concert & Picnic. 5 p.m. FREE! www.mmcc-arts.org

CLASSIC CITY BAND Founded in 1976, this is Georgia’s oldest continuously operating community band. Enjoy patriotic tunes out on the lawn.

Tuesday 4

Ciné 8 p.m. FREE! www.athenscine.com

KARAOKE WITH THE KING Show off your pipes to the world. Every Tuesday.

Red Line Athens 7 p.m. $5 suggested donation. www. instagram.com/redline_athens

MOON MANE Frenetic punk rock from Little Rock, AR. PROBLEMATIC YOUTH Atlanta powerviolence.

Athentic Brewing Co.

6 p.m. FREE! www.athenticbrewing. com

EREMOS Local band playing covers and originals who met through college ministry events for the UGA Baptist Collegiate Ministries.

Bolo Bolo Athens

7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). www. instagram.com/bolo.bolo.ath

IN A KYTHE Local ambient artist Lydian Brambila. Album release! GRANT EVANS Local artist using tape loops and electronics to create expansive, rumbling soundscapes.

LEEANN PEPPERS Local singersongwriter playing sparse, tender folk music.

KINNICK Electronic project of Ariel Ackerly.

WET GARDEN Local modular synth duo exploring deep listening and sustained tones

Buvez

7 p.m. $10 suggested. www.facebook. com/buvezathens

INC, G Bronco, soss lord, BUDD BUNDEE, Hammerhead and more.

Georgia Theatre

Rooftop

7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). FREE! www.georgiatheatre.com

WONDERLAND RANGERS Local rabble-rouser Timi Conley performs dance-tastic psych-pop with his allstar backing band.

Hendershot’s 8 p.m. $10. www.hendershotsathens. com

NOT SEX CELLS Like Sex Cells, only not. Alt-country with pathological undertones.

OZELLO Atlanta-based queercore folk-punk band.

ASSATA Multi-instrumentalist who utilizes different genres to create sonic arrangements with an edge.

Morton Theatre

7 p.m. $35–65. www.mortontheatre. com

ERAS OF THE KING Hosted by master of ceremonies Jeff Lewis,

Southern Brewing Co.

Classic City American Music Festival. 12 p.m. (doors). 1 p.m. (music). $10 (adv.), $15. bit.ly/CCAMF2023

BORDERHOP TRIO High lonesome pickin’ and singing from Athens’ own bluegrass outfit. (1 p.m.)

RED OAK STRING BAND (This Watkinsville-based band plays rootsy Americana tunes. 2 p.m.)

BROKEN STRING BAND Americana band blending Western folk with indie rock. (3 p.m.)

McMAKEN BROTHERS After a decade-long hiatus, Ryan and Rob McMaken return to the stage to sing duets and play fiddle, mandolin, guitar and Appalachian dulcimer. (4 p.m.)

PEACH ICE CREAM BLUEGRASS

BAND Athens collective with a rotating lineup of musicians. (5 p.m.)

THE WELFARE LINERS Fivepiece local bluegrass unit blending classic tunes with melodic, highlonesome originals. (6 p.m.)

BEAT UP Passionate punk rock self-described as old school anarcho.

Wednesday 5

Athentic Brewing Co.

7–9:30 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. Flicker Theatre & Bar 9 p.m. FREE! www.flickertheatreandbar.com

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

Porterhouse Grill

6–8:30 p.m. www.porterhousegrillathens.com

JAZZ NIGHT Longest running jazz gig in Athens captained by drummer Mason Davis. f

The Classic City Band will perform patriotic music at the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center’s Independence Day Picnic on July 3.

event calendar

Tuesday 27

EVENTS: Tiki Taco Tuesday (Live Wire) Enjoy craft rum, delicious tacos and fine cigars with live music by Kinky Waikiki. Every Tuesday, 5–10 p.m. FREE! www. livewireathens.com

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: Tween Bingo Night (Bogart Library) Launch into hyperspace and head for a galaxy far, far away with this themed-bingo night. Ages 9–12. 6 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/bogart

LECTURES & LIT: Mystery Book Club (Bogart Library) Penny Mills leads a conversation about this month’s book, Chris Bohjalian’s The Lioness. 5:30–7 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 10 a.m; Wednesdays at 6 p.m. www. athenspetanque.org

Wednesday 28

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

CLASSES: So You Want To Be An Entrepreneur? (ACC Library) This class will debunk the myths surrounding the entrepreneurial journey and discuss the startup costs and paperwork involved. 5:30 p.m. FREE! www.thenewapproach marketing.com

CLASSES: French Bistro Basics (Athens Cooks) Chef Christopher Schley will lead an interactive class on making a French-themed salad, main course with side and dessert. Registration required. 6 p.m. $100. www.athenscooks.com

CLASSES: Abstract Art in Acrylic (K.A. Artist Shop) Local artist Lauren Adams will lead a painting class exploring both abstract and nonrepresentational techniques. 6–8 p.m. $35. www.kaartist.com

CLASSES: Wellness Workshop (Feel Free Yoga + Wellness) Join coach Kim Ethridge for “Move More, Stress Less, and Sleep Better.” Registration required. 6–7:30 p.m. $30. www.feelfreeyogawellness.com

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 Wednes-

day, 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

EVENTS: Dictatortopia Presents (Hendershot’s) Join hosts Paul Reavis and Matt Hudgins for the party game Wangistani Balderdash, volunteer-based Table Reading Rainbow and improv group Is That Jazz. 7 p.m. www.hendershots athens.com

FILM: The Shiver of the Vampires (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Screening of the 1971 film about a young honeymooning couple who stop for the night at an ancient castle housing a horde of vampires. 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: Music Bingo (Athentic Brewing Co.) Win prizes at this music bingo night with host Mari. 7–9:30 p.m. FREE! www.athentic brewing.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: LEGO & Builder’s Club (Bogart Library) Young engineers can drop in to use LEGOs and other building materials. All ages. 3:30–5:30 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 10 a.m; Wednesdays at 6 p.m. www. athenspetanque.org

Thursday 29

ART: Gallery Talk (ACE/FRANCISCO Gallery) Multimedia artist Karen Graffeo will discuss her “Hearts in Repair” exhibition. 6 p.m. FREE! www.acefranciscogallery.com

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

COMEDY: Open Mic Comedy (Athentic Brewing Co.) Comedian Owen Hunt hosts this show-up & go-up open mic with professional and amateur comedians from around the Southeast. 6:30 p.m. (sign-ups), 7 p.m. (show). FREE! www.athenticbrewing.com

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.diamondhill farmathens.com

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: You Choose Movie (Bogart Library) Come to the library and choose the movie you want to see. Popcorn and lemonade will be served. 3–5 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/bogart

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

SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 10 a.m; Wednesdays at 6 p.m. www. athenspetanque.org

Friday 30

CLASSES: Stuffed Pasta, Piedmont Style (Athens Cooks) Chef Hunter White will lead an interactive class on making a starter, Agnolotti and an Italian sauce. 6 p.m. $100. www. athenscooks.com

COMEDY: small talk, BIG SHOW (Work.Shop) A late night talk show hosted by Matt House with music provided by libbaloops. This month’s guests: Jessica Mickey and Brett Thurmond. 8–9:30 p.m. $5. www.flyingsquidcomedy.com

COMEDY: Couples Therapy Tour (Work.Shop) Duo Yoni Kletzel and Catherine Geller share their unique perspectives on love, relationships and the comedic intricacies of being a couple. 9:30 p.m. $5. www. flyingsquidcomedy.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: Gravity Falls Screening (ACC Library) Grab some Mabel Juice and Loser Candy and settle in for a “Gravity Falls” marathon. Grades 6–12. 9 a.m.–6 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart

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.athens library.org/bogart

KIDSTUFF: Art & A Movie (Bogart Library) Enjoy drawing, popcorn and a dragon-themed film screening. 4 p.m. FREE! www.athens library.org/bogart

KIDSTUFF: Grand Slam (Lay Park) This summertime program includes games, giveaways, guest speakers, music, refreshments, sports and more. Registration required. Ages 11–17. 6–9 p.m. FREE! www. accgov.com/grandslam

MEETINGS: Lunch & Learn (Bogart Library) In celebration of July 4, learn about the rich historical background of the U.S. Constitution. 12 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary. org/bogart

PERFORMANCE: Athens Showgirl Cabaret Fabulous Friday: Pride Edition (Hendershot’s) Enjoy a fabulous night of drag and close out pride month with some of your

favorite entertainers. 9 p.m. $5. www.athensshowgirlcabaret.com

Saturday 1

ART: Founder’s Day Celebration (Steffen Thomas Museum of Art) In honor of the museum’s founder, Sara Douglass Thomas, enjoy the exhibitions, guest speaker Kevin Sipp, live auctions, basket raffles and more. 4–7 p.m. $100–125. www.steffenthomas.org

ART: Art Reception (The Rook and Pawn) Artist and graphic designer Reagan Floyd’s “CURIOS: A Collection of Rare and Unusual Art” will be on view with pieces for sale. 6–9 p.m. FREE! www.reaganfloyd.art

EVENTS: Sword & Saber Release Party (Soldier of the Sea Distillery) Celebrate the release of Soldier of the Sea Distillery’s fourth whiskey, Sword and Saber. There will also be barbecue and live music. 4 p.m. FREE! www.soswhiskey.com

EVENTS: Star Spangled Classic (Ben Epps Airport) Fireworks will be launched at approximately 9:30 p.m. from Athens-Ben Epps Airport with viewing points around the area. 7 p.m. FREE! www.accgov.com/ fireworks

EVENTS: Whammocon (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Spaceball Entertainment presents a weekend festival of music, film and arts. This event features Jay Domingo’s art opening and musical performances. 8 p.m. www.spaceball.com

GAMES: Learn to Play the Shadowrun RPG (Tyche’s Games) Face off against the mega-corporations in a dark future. 12 p.m. FREE! www.tychesgames.com

KIDSTUFF: Story Time at the Marigold Market (Pittard Park) Miss Deirdre reads a few stories from new books at the library. Every other Saturday, 11 a.m. FREE! winterville @athenslibrary.org

KIDSTUFF: Red, White and LEGO (Bogart Library) Come make patriotic LEGO creations to share on the library’s Facebook for the Fourth of July. 2 p.m. FREE! www.athens library.org/bogart

Sunday 2

CLASSES: Athens YOGA Collective (Athentic Brewing Co.) Enjoy a yoga class on the patio. First and third Sundays, 12 p.m. FREE! www. athenticbrewing.com

LECTURES & LIT: Sound Studies (Work.Shop) This poetry and prose reading series highlights visiting and local writers. Tonight’s event highlights Joe Hall and Danika Stegeman LeMay, with local musician and poet Lydian Brambila. 7–9 p.m. $5 suggested donation. www. workshopathens.com

SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 10 a.m; Wednesdays at 6 p.m. www. athenspetanque.org

Monday 3

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

COMEDY: Comedy on the Corner (@local. Coffeehouse & Study Lounge) A night of comedy hosted by Miles Bunch featuring Evon Campbell, Jason Hulsey, Jay Badlani and headlining comedian Shelley Gruenberg. 8:30 p.m. FREE! www.instagram.com/local_on_

church

EVENTS: Monday Marigold Market (100 North Church Street) The market features fresh produce, preserves, snacks and meat with a lunch special available (until 2 p.m.). 11 a.m.–6 p.m. FREE! www. facebook.com/marigoldmarket

winterville

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

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

KIDSTUFF: Monday Funday (Bogart Library) Join Ms. Donna for songs, fingerplays, storytelling and STEAM activities. Ages 3–6 years. Registration suggested. 10 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart

KIDSTUFF: Star Spangled Crafts (Bogart Library) Make beautiful crafts and noisemakers to celebrate Independence Day. All ages. 2–4 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/ bogart

Tuesday 4

EVENTS: Tiki Taco Tuesday (Live Wire) Enjoy craft rum, delicious tacos and fine cigars with live music by Kinky Waikiki. Every Tuesday, 5–10 p.m. FREE! www. livewireathens.com

EVENTS: West Broad Farmers Market and Garden (Athentic Brewing Co.) Vendors will be on site with fresh produce, local fare, rare plants, artisan goods and more. Tuesdays, 5–8 p.m. FREE! www. athenticbrewing.com

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: Tuesday Night Film Seminar (ATHICA) The four-part seminar “The Rise of Documentary Filmmaking from the 1960s to the Present Day” will focus this night on clips from the film Primary facilitated by Bill Cody. 7:30 p.m. FREE! www.athica.org

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

SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 10 a.m; Wednesdays at 6 p.m. www. athenspetanque.org

Wednesday 5

CLASSES: Writing Workshop (ATHICA) Tracy Coley and Bowen Craig present the workshop “Preserving a Delicate History–Writing About Family.” Registration encouraged. 1–3 p.m. $25. www.athica.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

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: LEGO & Builder’s Club (Bogart Library) Young engineers can drop in to use LEGOs and other building materials. All ages. 3:30–5:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary. org/bogart

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

SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 10 a.m; Wednesdays at 6 p.m. www. athenspetanque.org

THEATER: Plays in Progress Series (ATHICA) There will be a staged reading of Summer of Light, a new screenplay by Gloria Perkins, with opportunities for feedback and conversation afterward. 7 p.m. FREE! www.athica.org

Down the Line

7/06 Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park)

7/06 Diamond Hill Farm Stand (Athentic Brewing Co.)

7/06 KnitLits Knitting Group (Bogart Library)

7/06 Thursday Trivia (Johnny’s New York Style Pizza)

7/07 Grand Slam (Lay Park)

7/07 Friday Night Initiative (Online: Tyche’s Games) f

bulletin board

July 11 & July 18, 6-8 p.m. $100. www.kaartist.com

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.

ArtANNUAL CALL FOR ARTISTS (Athens Institute for Contemporary Art: ATHICA) Seeking artists working in any media with cohesive bodies of work to apply for exhibitions at ATHICA or ATHICA@Ciné. Proposals from curators and curatorial teams are also welcome. Deadline June 30, 11:59 p.m. athica.org/ updates/solo-duo-trio-call

CALL FOR ARTISTS (Lyndon House Arts Center) The upcoming exhibition “Rescue: Waste and Redemption” seeks artists who transform industrial byproducts into artworks or craft objects. Artists whose practice involves the use of environmentally conscious processes or materials are encouraged to apply. Fill out online form. Deadline Sept. 20. Exhibition runs Apr. 6–June 1, 2024. www.accgov.com/7345/

Call-for-Artists

CALL FOR EXHIBITION PROPOSALS (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-ProposalForm

JOKERJOKERTV CALL

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

FOR

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 weekly on Instagram (@georgiamuseum) until July 11, when voting for the top eight will shift to in-person. Winner announced Nov. 5. 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-StudioMembership

Classes

AQUA AEROBICS (Memorial Park)

Aqua aerobics is a low impact

art around town

AADM JUSTICE CENTER & BOOKSTORE (3700 Atlanta Hwy., Suite 60) The Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement presents a showcase of artwork in celebration of Juneteenth. Through June 30.

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. Gallery talk held June 29, 6 p.m.

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

ATHENS INSTITUTE FOR CONTEMPORARY ART: ATHICA (675 Pulaski St.) Artist-in-ATHICA Mux Blank presents “A Glitch’d Night’s Dream.” The exhibition features a nearly 30-year retrospective of paintings, mixed media and prototype toy sculptures. Through June 30.

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.

EARTH FARE (1689 S. Lumpkin St.) “This and That” features collages and found object assemblages by Lisa Freeman. Through June.

FLICKER THEATRE & BAR (263 W. Washington St.) “cats x birds” features artwork by Gary Autry. Through June. • Artwork by Jay Domingo. Through July.

GEORGIA MUSEUM OF ART (90 Carlton St.) “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. • In “Sky Hopinka: Lore,” the artist layers imagery, sound and text to center personal perceptions of Native homelands. Through Sept. 24. • “Southern/Modern” explores themes of social issues, urbanization, religion, the environment and artists’ colonies through the artwork of Southern artists working between 1913–1955.

exercise that includes a variety of stretching, limbering and weight routines set to music. Classes are offered through July 29 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. and Sundays at 10 a.m. $5/class. 706-613-3580

ART CLASSES (Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation) “Beginning & Intermediate Acrylic Painting with Lauren Adams.” Mondays, July 10–Aug. 17, 6–8 p.m. $160–210. “Watercolor Exploration with Lauren Adams.” Tuesdays, July 11–Aug. 8, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. $160–210.

“Joy of Metalsmithing: Spinner Rings with Sylvia Dawe.” July 25–27, 1–4 p.m. $170-220.

“From the Heart and Soul: Collage with Eileen Driscoll.” Mondays, Sept. 11–Oct. 2, 12:30–3 p.m. $160–210. “Beginning & Intermediate Pastels with Ann Dodys.” Tuesdays, Sept. 12–Oct. 17, 1–4 p.m. $160–210. “Intuitive Painting with Eileen Driscoll.” Wednesdays, Sept. 13–Oct. 4, 9:30 a.m.–12 p.m. $160–210. www.ocaf.com/courses

DEDICATED MINDFULNESS PRACTITIONERS (Online) Weekly Zoom meditations are offered every Saturday at 8:30–9:30 a.m. Email for details. richardshoe@gmail.com

FRACTIONS OF A SECOND (K.A. Artist Shop) Chase Brantley leads a two-week class for teens and adults on the essential foundations of analog black and white photography.

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

QPR SUICIDE PREVENTION

TRAINING (Nuçi’s Space) Learn the basics of QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) suicide prevention. The next training session is July 26. Nuçi’s also offers free trainings for businesses and organizations. www. nuci.org

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@abby-kacen

SKETCH WRITING WORKSHOP (work.shop) This six-week course will culminate in a staged reading or performance of student sketches. Begins July 6, 6–8 p.m. $160. www.flyingsquidcomedy.com

SUMMER SCENE WORKOUT (work. shop) In this series of classes, participants will work on building scenes based in reality, believable characters, listening and reacting. Tuesdays, 6–8 p.m. $30/week. www.flyingsquidcomedy.com

Through Dec. 10. • “In Dialogue: Power Couple: Pierre and Louise Daura in Paris.” Through Feb. 11. • “Decade of Tradition: Highlights from the Larry D. and Brenda A. Thompson Collection.” Through July 3, 2024.

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 “A Brief History of Nirvinyl 2015–2023.” Through late August.

JITTERY JOE’S EASTSIDE (1860 S. Barnett Shoals Rd.) Susan Pelham’s collages are influenced by magic realism, nursery rhymes, haiku, limericks and children’s camp songs. Through June.

JUST PHO… AND MORE (1063 Baxter St.) Artwork by Maribeth Schmeltzer and Sunny Supensky. Through July 16.

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. • Collections from our Community presents typewriters from Mike Kilpatrick, Tatiana Veneruso, Mike Landers and Lauren Fancher. Through July 1. • “Love.Craft Athens” is a two-part exhibition of artworks created by the crew of Love.Craft Athens, a nonprofit organization that serves adults with developmental disabilities. Ceramics are on view through Oct. 7. • “Story as Jewel: Metalworks by Charles Pinckney” shares jewelry and small sculptures made from metal, stones, bone and wood. Through Sept. 1. • “Paradigm Shift” by Margaret Morrison is a suite of seven large oil paintings exploring Caravaggio’s dramatic staging and lighting. Artist talk Aug. 24, 6 p.m. Through Sept. 1. • “Indigo Prayers: Works by Charmaine Minniefield” are large painted works contemplating ancestral memories of resistance in response to both contemporary and historic acts of erasure. Through Sept.

1. • “Legendary Georgia Musicians in Watercolor” by Jackie Dorsey honors the legacies of musicians such as Big Boi, Emily Saliers, Mike Mills and Vanessa Briscoe Hay. Through Sept. 1. • “Mythical Reality: Paintings by Lois Thomas-Ewings” depicts dancers and Black mythology. Through Sept.

1. • “Georgia Theaters: A Ballad Surrounding the Proscenium” features photographs by Brandon Narsing of empty theaters during the pandemic. Through Sept. 1. • “The Fables” by Kristin Roberts consists of illustrations inspired by Aesop’s Fables. On view July 1–Oct. 7. Reception July 8, 2–4 p.m. • “Sanctuary: Works by Mary Engel and Cheryl Washburn” combines works by two artists who share a passion for animals. On view July 1–Oct.

7. Reception July 6, 6–8 p.m.

MADISON-MORGAN CULTURAL CENTER (434 S. Main St., Madison)

The Steffen Thomas Museum of Art will host a Founder’s Day Celebration in honor of museum founder Sara Douglass Thomas on July 1 from 4–7 p.m. The evening includes dinner, a guest speaker, live auction, raffle and music, and tickets can be purchased at steffenthomas.org. Pictured above is “Portrait of Sara” by Steffen Thomas

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-

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 trauma-informed practices. Check website for upcoming classes and programs. www.revolutiontherapyandyoga.com

“Menaboni’s Birds” is a collection of paintings by Georgia artist Athos Menaboni. Curator’s talk with Russell Clayton on July 15, 11 a.m. Through July 29.

MASON-SCHARFENSTEIN MUSEUM OF ART (567 Georgia St., Demorest)

“Bud Lee Picture Maker: Photographs from 1967 to 1972” spotlights the Florida-based photojournalist and artist through his work for national publications. Closing reception Aug. 24, 4–6:30 p.m.

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

“Myth, Magic & Mystery” features 40 works interpreting the theme by 33 artists including Barbara Odil, Rich Panico, Sylvia Dawe, Claire Clements, Margaret Agner, Cheryl Washburn, Susan Pelham and more. The annual “Members Exhibition” highlights artists who support the gallery through 125 works in a variety of media. Through July 28.

THE ROOK & PAWN (294 W. Washington St.)”CURIOS: A Collection of Rare and Unusual Art by Reagan Floyd” includes over 50 paintings, collages and sculptures. Closing reception July 1, 6–9 p.m.

STEFFEN THOMAS MUSEUM OF ART (4200 Bethany Rd., Buckhead)

“Hinterglasmalerei: Reverse Paintings of Steffen Thomas” explores the range of experimentation Thomas did with the ancient technique. Founder’s Day Celebration held July 1, 4–7 p.m.

TIF SIGFRIDS (393 N. Finley St.) “Cash 4 Life” presents works by Al Freeman, Tyson Reeder, Jennifer Rochlin and Adrianne Rubenstein. Closing reception July 30, 5–7 p.m.

TINY ATH GALLERY (174 Cleveland Ave.) Marisa Mustard presents a collection of colorfully painted mirrors and large wood cut outs inspired by folk art, psychedelic monsters and nudie suit flowers. Opening reception July 6, 5–8 p.m. Closing reception July 9, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.

UGA SPECIAL COLLECTIONS LIBRARIES (300 S. Hull St.) “Freemasonry in Georgia: Ideals, Imagery and Impact” presents items that demonstrate the ambitions and tensions that existed within the secret society. Through July 7. • “It Goes to the People: 75 Years of Free Inspiration at the Georgia Museum of Art” includes historical records, photographs and other memorabilia that traces the growth of the official state art museum. Through Aug. 26. • “The Fourth Grade Project” is a sample of photographs by Judy Gelles, who interviewed and photographed over 300 fourth-grade students all over the world. Through August. • “HBO at 50: The Rise of Prestige Television” highlights some of the groundbreaking programming created by and aired on HBO with items selected from the Peabody Awards Archive. Through May 2024.

WINTERVILLE LIBRARY (115 Marigold Ln., Winterville) Emma Torrence shares prints depicting the natural world. Amy Jackson uses acrylics to paint diverse subjects from sleeping cats to sailing ships. Through July.

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

Help Out

SEEKING MENTORS (Athens, GA)

The Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement’s End School to Prison Pipeline Program seeks community members to support and mentor students who are experiencing bullying, have been suspended/ expelled, or need to complete court-ordered service hours. www. aadmovement.org

Kidstuff

KIDS IMPROV WEEKEND (work. shop) During this two-day improv camp, students will learn the fundamentals of improv comedy. Activities include lessons on scene work, games and a graduation performance. For ages 10–14. July 29–30, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $120. www.flyingsquidcomedy.com

OCEAN DISCOVERY CAMP AT UGA (Georgia Center) Campers will brainstorm creative ways to address real world issues in the ocean ecosystems. Day-only or residential overnight options are available. Weekly sessions run through July 17. Check website for dates and to register. $350/day, $1000/residential. www.georgiacenter.uga.edu

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.brellastudio.com

REPORT CARDS REWARDS PROGRAM (Athens, GA) Students in Kindergarten through 12th grade who reside in Athens-Clarke County can take a copy of their final report cards to a Leisure Services pool or splash pad during aquatics season for rewards. All A’s or E’s guarantees a free summer pool pass. All

ners to advanced musicians. 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

TEEN SOCIAL JUSTICE YOUTH

JOB & TRAVEL SUMMER CAMP (Athens, GA) Ages 13–16 will participate in professional development, field trips, career mentorship, activism, financial literacy, investment lessons, college preparation and more. Students will be paid $10/hour for 5–10 hours a week. Program runs through July 29. www.aadmovement.org

WILD EARTH CAMP (Piedmont Preserve) Weekly adventure camps are offered through July 21 in the forest for ages 4–13. Register online. www.wildearthcamp.org

WINTERVILLE CULTURAL CENTER

CAMPS (Winterville Cultural Center) In “STEAM Robotics Camp,” children will learn software, firmware and hardware for robots using scratch.mit.edu and codecombat. com. Participants must have their own smartphone or iPad. For grades 4–7. July 17–21, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. $125. www.wintervillecenter.com

Support Groups

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

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

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

SOCIAL ANXIETY SUPPORT

GROUP (Oconee County Library)

Created by and for socially anxious young adults. Meets every other Sunday. Contact for meeting information. Jake@avoidendsnow.org, www.avoidendsnow.org

SUPPORT GROUPS (Integrity Counseling & Personal Development) ICPD offers several support groups. “LGBTQIA+ Young Adults Group” is offered for ages 18–30. “Survivors of Suicide Loss Group” is offered the first Wednesday of every month, 7–8 p.m. “Veterans, Dependents & Caregivers Benefits Resource & Claim Assistance Group” is offered the first Saturday of every month, 9–10 a.m. www. integrityofjefferson.com

Word on the Street

ATHENS BEER TRAIL TROLLEY

hey,

bonita…

Left Out and Lonely ADVICE FOR ATHENS’ LOOSE AND LOVELORN

By Bonita Applebum advice@flagpole.com

Hey Bonita, I used to live with my core friend group for several years, but about two years ago we all found different living situations. Some of my friends grouped together; some of us started living with partners. Basically I feel so left out now from any friend get-togethers or activities. We have way too many group chats going on—like who doesn’t—and it’s very obvious now I’ve been left out of the group chats everyone uses to make plans. I wouldn’t even know anything was going on if I didn’t see it all over their IG stories during and after.

but I also believe it’s OK when people grow apart. It’s part of life, and it happens all the time, but it can take a few experiences before you can tell the difference between an organic growing-apart and being ostracized. This is why communication is key in all relationships—platonic, romantic and professional alike.

I get the motivation to cling desperately to the lifestyle and community of your youth. I moved here, I hit the ground running with partying and shows, and I cultivated a community of friends that were invaluable to my quality of life. But now there are times when I take stock of my days, and it seems dreadfully boring compared to the amount of hell I raised when I first got to Athens.

706-613-3589

A’s and B’s or E’s and M’s is good for 10 free swims.

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 through 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 ART CAMPS (Oconee

Cultural Arts Foundation) Six oneweek camps for grades 6–8 run Mondays–Fridays through July, 12:30–3:30 p.m. $190–240/week.

“Pottery Summer Camp for Teens” is offered for ages 14–17 in weekly sessions currently running through July 21. $210–260/week. Check website for activities and grade breakdowns. www.ocaf.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.treehousekidandcraft.com

SUMMER ROCK CAMPS (Full Moon School of Music, Watkinsville) Camps are available for true begin-

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

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

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

PUBLIC POOLS (Multiple Locations)

ACC Leisure Services operates four public pools at Heard Park, Lay Park, Memorial Park and Rocksprings Park. Bishop Park is closed this season for renovations. Pools are open through July 30. Check website for hours. www.accgov. com/pools

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.).

Wednesday Yoga (5 p.m.) is followed by Meditation and Integration (6 p.m.). Events are free or donation based. www.rabbitholestudios.org/ calendar

WORK.SHOP (160 Winston Dr.) Open rehearsal and performance space for theater, comedy, dance, classes and events. $10/hour. lisayaconelli@gmail.com, www. workshopathens.com f

I haven’t fallen out with anyone, I’m just not invited and don’t know how I’m supposed to know what’s going on if no one tells me. By the time I see it hap pening in real time, I’m usually not even avail able to text them and ask what’s up. There’s a lot of distance now, our friendships feel very weak, and I feel very lonely. I know part of adulting is doing less reckless things with your friends and spending all your time together, but I feel like I’m not even given the chance anymore.

Left Out

It’s only then, when I imagine 2010 ashamed of her early bedtime and solo hikes, that the loneliness hits, and I start worrying that my friends don’t like who I’ve become today. That they don’t want to be my friends anymore, and that’s why they don’t text me “LK?” every evening like they did years ago.

Hey Left Out,

I think you should ask the person you’re closest with in this group if they have a separate group chat for get-togethers. Sometimes those kinds of evenings happen organically—you show up downtown, and the people you like best are there—but I think it’s worth asking about it if you’re noticing it happening on a weekly basis or more. You describe that it’s been years since you lived with this crew, which is plenty of time for individual friendships to wax and wane or for lifestyles to change and mature. It seems like these friendships have spanned at least a decade, and people can change a lot in that amount of time. Sometimes that involves realizing that you enjoy socializing with certain members of your crew more than others, and that’s not always a malicious idea on someone’s part.

But you seem suspicious that you’re being purposely excluded, and I think it’s worth investigating in a reasonable manner,

This felt horrible when I noticed it all a few years ago, but I know my friends love me as much as I love them, and that we just live differently these days. I know this because I’ve talked to them about it, and I also try my best to spend time with them outside of any kind of party scene. Now THAT is when you find out who your real friends are.

I think it may help to take some initiative on your part, too—what’s stopping YOU from planning a night out with the crew? I know it can feel awkward to do so when you feel like you’re on the outside looking in, but it could be a good way to figure out how you like to socialize these days, and if it jives with what you think you’re missing. Like me, you might realize that you actually enjoy more chilled-out environments. f

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

REAL ESTATE HOUSES FOR RENT

2BR/1BA, 900 sq. ft. W/D, lawn care. $1700/month. 285 Savannah Ave. Athens, GA 30601. Call for more information: 678-698-7613

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

MUSIC INSTRUCTION

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

Flagpole ♥s our advertisers, donors and readers!

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.

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.

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

JOBS

FULL-TIME

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

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. Make your own schedule and work independently with 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 info.

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.

Need old newspapers for your garden? An art project? How about a new puppy? No matter your need, we have plenty here at Flagpole! Call ahead and we’ll have a crate ready for you. Please leave current issues on stands. 706-5490301

Find employees by advertising available job positions in the Flagpole Classifieds! Call 706-549-0301 or email class@flagpole.com

Please note the Flagpole office will be closed Monday, 7/3 and Tuesday, 7/4. We hope you enjoy a long holiday weekend and we’ll see you next Wednesday!

EARLY CLASSIFIEDS

DEADLINE! If you have an ad for the 7/5 issue, please send it to class@flagpole. com by 11:00 a.m. on Friday, 6/30.

FLAGPOLE HAS NEW MERCH. We have a new rainbow design & a cassette design, and both can be bought as a sticker, too! Shirts = $20, Rainbow stickers = $2, Cassette stickers = $3. Stop by and get yours today!

by Margie E. Burke