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The Amazing Acro-Cats, presented by Rock Cats Rescue, will be prancing across the stage of the Morton Theatre Sept. 30 and Oct. 1 with astounding furry feats like riding skateboards, jumping through hoops and more. For more information, visit mortontheatre.com.

Short-Term Ban on Short-Term Rentals

PLUS, RECOGNITION FOR LINNENTOWN, HOUSING AND HOMELESSNESS, AND MORE LOCAL NEWS

By Blake Aued, Xinge Lei and Rebecca McCarthy news@flagpole.com

The Athens-Clarke County Commission passed an emergency moratorium Tuesday, Sept. 19 on new short-term rentals in single-family neighborhoods, citing a housing crisis and increasing complaints about noise, traffic and parking.

The seven-week pause on allowing new short-term rentals, or STRs—vacation houses that are rented out for less than 30 days at a time on websites like Airbnb and VRBO—will give county officials a chance to craft regulations regarding zoning, parking, maximum occupancy and public safety.

The moratorium does not apply to STRs in multifamily neighborhoods or to houses that have operated as STRs in the past 12 months.

More than a dozen residents urged the commission to approve the moratorium. Marilyn Vickers told commissioners that up to 18 people at a time stay at a house in her Glenwood neighborhood, where the out-oftown owner cut down all the trees and built a pool and a pool house. She compared it to living next to a hotel. “That is what they are—hotels, businesses in a residential neighborhood with no owner available as part of the community,” Vickers said.

Others described seeing naked people walking in full view, parties that prevent their children from going to sleep and drunken visitors setting fires, as well as the unsettling experience of having a new set of neighbors every few days. Clint Moore described them as “micro-annoyances… that change with every party, and they never stop.”

In addition, STRs bought as investments are driving up the cost of housing and taking housing off the market that would otherwise be bought by families that intend to live there. Jason Thrasher said houses near his in Five Points that sold for $400,000 a few years ago were bought recently by a Texas company for $1.15 million. “If this keeps happening, how can anybody afford to buy a house here?” he said.

As of last fall—when the county commission sent a set of proposed regulations to the planning commission for vetting—there were 938 registered STRs in Athens. Under state and local laws STRs are required to register with the county and pay the 7% local hotel-motel tax. But many are operating without the proper permits and are in violation of quality-of-life ordinances, according to the resolution the commission passed on Tuesday.

“It was my understanding that that ordinance was going to come before this body within a few months,” Commissioner Melissa Link said, “but that was [almost] a year ago. So this is long, long overdue.”

The vote on the moratorium was 9–0, with Commissioner Allison Wright, who owns an STR, recusing herself. [Blake Aued]

Mixed Reactions on Homelessness, Housing Studies

If commissioners agree that short-term rentals are contributing to the lack of

affordable housing, that might be the only thing they agree on as far as housing policy.

Based on discussions among commissioners at the Sept. 12 work session and Sept. 19 agenda-setting meeting, it’s unclear whether the commission will accept the recommendations of two studies on affordable housing and homelessness at its Oct. 3 voting meeting. While it’s not uncommon for the commission to vote to accept a study, then quietly let it languish on a shelf, rarely have commissioners openly expressed such reticence toward consultants’ reports.

Commissioner Ovita Thornton said she did not support the homelessness study to begin with and that it didn’t tell her anything she didn’t already know. Like several other commissioners, she was also concerned that spending more money to address homelessness will only attract more homeless people to Athens.

Commissioner John Culpepper also lamented that the study did not say how to prevent homeless people from coming to Athens. He called for “barriers” to prevent them from entering the county.

“We talk about people coming to our community, and they keep coming in,” Commissioner Dexter Fisher said. “How do we police that? I don’t want Athens to be the place where everybody feels that they can come and get resources.”

There is a long history in the South of “sundown towns”—communities where visitors, particularly African Americans, could find themselves arrested or worse after dark. Almost two-thirds of Athens’ homeless residents are Black, and just a few dozen had lived in Athens less than six months, according to the Cloudburst study. “I’d think we’d need to be very careful about arresting a stranger in town,” ACC Manager Blaine Williams said.

Commissioner Jesse Houle, who has experienced homelessness before, pleaded with colleagues to do something about the problem. Even if the study includes nothing new, “what would be new for this body is to act on those recommendations,” Houle said.

An annual point-in-time count found 342 people living in shelters or on the streets this year, up from 283 in 2022 and 210 in 2020 (a count wasn’t conducted in 2021 due to COVID). Of those, 28% were children, and 18% were over 55. Statewide data for 2023 wasn’t available, but in recent years similar counts in other cities have found more than 10,000 homeless individuals throughout Georgia.

The study does not offer an explanation for the spike in homelessness, other than to note that, as the largest city in the region, it is a “hub” for federally funded services that smaller communities don’t provide. The cost of housing likely has something to do with it as well, as the related affordable housing study details. The study, by consultants HR&A, found a significant gap between the average rent and mortgage payment, and what the average family can afford to pay under federal guidelines. That’s partially because not enough housing

is being built to keep up with demand, and what housing is built is more profitable to rent to college students.

HR&A recommended that ACC contribute $3.3 million a year to an affordable housing fund, on top of the $1.7 million the county receives annually from the federal government. That money could be used to subsidize housing construction, serve as gap financing for public-private partnerships, help with down payments, repair aging homes for low-income residents, or buy existing affordable rental properties and keep them that way. Other recommendations include zoning changes that would bring down prices by making denser housing easier to build and incentives for developers to build below-market-rate housing.

The homelessness study, meanwhile, recommends that $5 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds the commission has already set aside for that purpose be spent on staffing up the existing Homeless Coalition of nonprofit service providers, beef up street outreach and create more shelter beds, possibly by buying a motel. Once that ARPA funding has run out, though, local taxpayers would have to take up the slack. Time is of the essence—it must be allocated by the end of next year and spent by the end of 2026. [BA]

Street Renaming Honors Linnentown

It’s not just a street sign marking Linnentown Lane—it’s a piece of history. It acknowledges there was for years a thriving African-American community living on 22 acres near Peabody, Finley, Baxter and West Cloverhurst streets.

On Sept. 21, about 200 people gathered

at the intersection of West Cloverhurst and Finley to watch the unveiling of a new street sign to celebrate the naming of one street block and to remember some of the people the university uprooted. Leading the event was Hattie Thomas Whitehead, a Linnentown native, who has been advocating for years for reparations for the families with other members of the Athens Justice and Memory Project.

In the early 1960s, the City of Athens used its powers of eminent domain to condemn houses and force families out of Linnentown so the University of Georgia could build high-rise dormitories and parking lots. Some 65 houses were torn down. A UGA geographer calculated that the families are owed $5 million in lost generational wealth.

Thomas Whitehead’s daughter, the Rev. Cynthia Jackson, dedicated the street to the families who gathered and made memories, who were awakened in the night by bulldozers, who were taken advantage of by local and state government. Thomas Whitehead, along with former Linnentown residents Bobby Cook and Christine Davis Johnson, described Linnentown as a safe, happy community where people knew and helped each other. Children roamed from yard to yard, playing baseball and hide ’n seek, holding Easter egg hunts, and parents visited on front porches. Adults worked as cooks and construction workers, brick masons, plumbers, nurses and custodians.

Bobby Cook told the attendees that his was the last family to leave Linnentown. “We had no one to back us up, no one to believe us,” he said. “All we had was ‘You gotta go.’”

In addition to testimonies, the event was marked by music. Venus Jarrell played the saxophone and Arvin Scott played an original percussion piece written specifically for the occasion.

ACC Commissioner Mike Hamby, whose district would have included Linnentown, said he has been working with Thomas Whitehead for years, and has learned “You don’t tell Ms. Whitehead no.” He also said the local government is “committed to a better future for everyone.”

flagpole Scary Story Contest

Length: 750 words TOPIC: Athens-based Deadline: 5 p.m., Tues. Oct. 10th

Prizes: $50 First, $25 Second, $15 Third must be at least 16 years old to enter

City Dope continued from p. 5

Among those at the event was Jennifer Tesler’s multicultural literature class from Clarke Central High School. She said her class read Giving Voice to Linnentown, Thomas Whitehead’s memoir of her community, and other Athens histories.

“This was an opportunity for students to be part of history in the making,” she said.

Originally the Justice and Memory Project and the ACC government planned a broader recognition for Linnentown, including a mural near the neighborhood’s site, but that proposal was blocked by the University System of Georgia. However, ACC officials found a loophole for renaming the block of Finley because the right-of-way is still owned by the county government. The ACC Commission approved the name change in August. [Rebecca McCarthy]

New Program Seals Criminal Records

The Georgia Justice Project will celebrate the grand opening of Athens Second Chance Desk with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, Sept. 28. With support from the Solicitor General’s Office of Athens-Clarke County and the District Attorney’s Office for the Western Judicial Court, the program will be a free resource to those living in Athens and Oconee Counties.

The main services that Second Chance Desk offers are assistance and legal direction for those with a criminal history. Staff members can help individuals restrict and seal eligible criminal records from cases originating in Athens-Clarke County or Oconee County. Restricting and sealing is a two-step process that limits the viewing of criminal history information in the state of Georgia, including arrest data and court records. Depending on case specific details, it is possible to clear certain felonies, misdemeanors and pending litigation. Records will still be accessible to law enforcement and government agencies, but limited to the general public.

Restriction and sealing can improve chances of employment, housing and education, among other opportunities. The Alliance for Safety and Justice reported in its 2023 National Survey of People With Records that more than half of individuals with a prior conviction faced difficulties obtaining a job, maintaining employment or making a living. The survey also found that those with misdemeanor convictions earn an average of just $26,900 a year, while those with felony convictions earn $23,000.

Procedures for restricting, sealing and expungement (complete removal of criminal records) are often complicated and unknown to most people. More than three in four individuals with a prior conviction have not cleared any of it from their record, despite existing laws in nearly every state

allowing them to do so. The Second Chance Desk hopes to address this problem in the Athens community and remove barriers for those seeking a fresh start.

The Second Chance office, located in the ACC Public Utilities Department office at 124 W. Hancock Ave., will be open on the last Thursday of every month from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Registration is required prior to appointments, which can be set up on the county’s government website. [Xinge Lei]

OCAF Fires Employees

The board of directors of the Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation has fired both executive director Wendy Cooper and administrative assistant Sherry Woodruff, who has worked at the Watkinsville nonprofit for 12 years. In addition, Cyndee Purdue Moore, the public relations director for the Clarke County School District, has resigned as board chair.

Cooper was fired on Sept. 8, while staff, volunteers and customers were at Perspectives, a huge pottery exhibition and sale that draws participants and attendants from across the region. Two board members escorted her from the building. Woodruff was dismissed on Sept. 18 because, she was told, her emotional response to Cooper’s firing constituted a violation of a nondisclosure agreement according to Cooper and another eyewitness.

Started in 1994 by Oconee artists, local leaders and arts patrons, OCAF has functioned for many years as a community arts center, growing to more than 700 members. It hosts events and exhibitions, and offers classes in painting, drawing, writing and sculpture. Staffed by volunteers, annual events—the holiday market, Perspectives pottery blowout, the thrift sale—brought hundreds of people to School Street. The annual members meeting was a festive affair, with dinner, fellowship and, from the board, an accounting of the past year’s accomplishments, future challenges and finances.

For the past few years, members say transparency has disappeared, members have not been allowed to read the minutes of the board, members have not been allowed to attend board meetings, they have not been allowed to see OCAF’s financial records and the full board hasn’t attended OCAF openings and events.

“The members hope to have an open meeting with the board to talk about what has gone on in the last three years,” said OCAF member and supporter Mary Lillie Watson. “We are hoping for more transparency and a review and update of operational issues.” [RM] f

Athens-Clarke County officially renamed a block of Finley Street for the destroyed Linnentown neighborhood at a ceremony last week.

Quarry Quarrel

By Lee Shearer news@flagpole.com

Aproposed rock quarry in southern Jackson County threatens Sandy Creek Park, the Sandy Creek Nature Center and the North Oconee River that supplies most of Athens’ drinking water, according to citizen groups and neighbors in Clarke and Jackson counties. The huge quarry could also damage nearby residential and agricultural wells and cause unforeseen damage through blasting, they say.

Vulcan Materials Co. hopes to excavate a new quarry in a site of about 1,000 acres just north of the Clarke County border, between U.S. Highway 441 and Chandler Bridge Road, in what former Jackson County Planning Commission Chairman Tim Cornelison called “potentially the worst possible place in Jackson County” for a quarry. The site—now forest, farm and wetland—is the largest groundwater recharge area in Jackson County, Cornelison noted in a letter to Jackson County commissioners.

The giant Alabama mining company, with revenues of more than $7.3 billion in 2022, has been seeking mining sites in this part of the state for rock to feed booming construction in and around Athens, in northern Jackson County and in other fast-growing areas nearby. Vulcan operates in four countries and in states from Georgia to California. Vulcan last year sued the Franklin County government, where zoning requirements had stymied the company’s plans to mine granite there.

Vulcan has yet to file paperwork with Jackson County requesting a zoning change, nor disclosed information about the planned scale of operations or water use. However, representatives of the company have “informally met” with Jackson County commissioners and with Jackson planning commission members, the Jackson Herald newspaper reported in May. Vulcan does intend to go forward with its plans,

said Jimmy Fleming, Vulcan’s vice president for permitting and external relations. There’s no timeline for that as yet, however, he said.

Also in May, Vulcan had a grand opening for a separate quarry in another already-industrialized part of Jackson County, not so long ago largely rural and agricultural but now increasingly being swallowed up into the Atlanta megalopolis.

In the months since, hundreds of “Stop the Quarry” signs have appeared in Jackson and Clarke counties near the proposed quarry site.

“The problem is, that area is over the largest groundwater recharge area in Jackson County,” said Randy Durham, a nearby resident and a member of the nonpartisan Citizens for Sustainable Jackson County, which opposes the quarry. But water is just one of the problems, he said.

“The potential impact to our quality of life is huge with concerns for air and water pollution, noise from blasting and trucking, as well as road and traffic issues, and no studies of these impacts have been presented as yet,” according to the group’s website, citizensforsouthjackson.org.

The Jackson County group is not alone in opposing the quarry. The board of the Sandy Creek Nature Center, Inc. recently wrote to the Jackson County Commission to express “grave concerns” about the quarry plan.

“Increased siltation and industrial contaminants from stormwater runoff and the

heavy withdrawal of river water for operations would detrimentally impact water quality, potentially damaging the Nature Center’s wildlife, visitor experience and educational programming,” according to Sandy Creek board president Emily Carr’s letter to Jackson County commissioners.

“Additionally, the North Oconee River is a major source of drinking water for more than 100,000 people in and around AthensClarke County. Withdrawing surface waters and groundwater within a groundwater recharge zone will alter aquifer levels, most likely leading to contamination and/or drying of wells throughout the area.”

The advisory Oconee Rivers Greenways Commission had already formally asked Clarke County Mayor Kelly Girtz and the ACC Commission to contact the Jackson

would be passed on to Athens-Clarke water customers, she said. The quarry won’t be using chemicals in its operations, according to Fleming.

The Oconee River Land Trust has two large conservation easements protecting vulnerable wetlands on the North Oconee near the site and is also asking Jackson officials to nix the quarry plan. In addition to noise, water quality and quantity issues, as well as the rural and scenic character of the area, the quarry could further fragment the North Oconee’s function as a critical wildlife travel corridor, said Oconee River Land Trust Conservation Director Laura Hall in a letter sent to the Jackson County Planning Commission.

County Commission with concerns about the quarry, including effects on the quality and quantity of Athens’ water supplies, pollution entering the North Oconee River and habitat loss, including a nearby blue heron rookery. The proposed quarry site borders the North Oconee for nearly a mile.

In addition to its “highly probable” effect of depleting groundwater upstream of the North Oconee and above Sandy Creek Park’s wetlands and Lake Chapman, the quarry also has the potential of polluting water with chemicals used in the mining operation, said the Greenway Commission’s Karen Porter. That would increase the costs of treating drinking water—costs which

The Sandy Creek Nature Center board also cites Vulcan’s environmental track record—$4.2 million in fines and penalties since 2000, according to the group Good Jobs First— and the precedent the quarry would set. “We are deeply concerned that this rezoning would set a precedent that expands the industrialization of south Jackson County and the Oconee River/ Sandy Creek watersheds,” according to the Sept. 6 letter Sandy Creek board president Emily Carr sent to Jackson County commissioners. “As a result of the above concerns, we respectfully ask that you abide by Jackson County’s existing land use and zoning plans and deny this rezoning request.”

Vulcan is aware of the concerns about the quarry, and will address them, Fleming said. The quarrying operation is projected to use only about 200 acres of the site, which is two to three times the acreage of most Vulcan operations, he said. That will leave ample areas for larger buffer areas and designation of certain areas for conservation use, he said. The quarry won’t go deep enough to impact the underlying aquifer, he said.

“We feel very good about what we’ve been able to incorporate,” Fleming said. f

Many signs are popping up on both sides of the Clarke-Jackson county line in opposition to a proposed rock quarry along the North Oconee River.

LEE SHEARER

Desegregation at 60

STUDENTS WHO INTEGRATED CLARKE SCHOOLS HONORED

By Blake Aued news@flagpole.com

Integrating Clarke County’s public schools went relatively smoothly for a Southern city in the Jim Crow era—there were no riots, no National Guard, no governors standing in the schoolhouse door. That doesn’t mean it wasn’t painless, though, especially for the five children tasked with carrying it out 60 years ago this month.

At a recent ceremony honoring those five students, Bonnie Hampton Neely Travis (then Bonnie Hampton) recalled walking to school the morning of Sept. 2, 1963, along streets lined with police officers, with parents behind them hurling insults at her. She entered her homeroom at Clarke County Junior High late, and “nobody said a word,” she said. Then, finally, another girl turned around and whispered, “hi.” At lunch, Hampton said no one wanted to sit with her, and no one wanted to touch her during gym activities. Some teachers and classmates assumed she was unintelligent because of her skin color, but she proved them wrong, going on to earn a master’s degree and enjoy a 35-year career with BellSouth.

Agnes Green, who also integrated Clarke County Junior High, said the man who picked her up to drive her to school that morning had a gun sitting in the front seat. “That’s when I realized this could be a little dangerous,” she said.

The others honored at the Sept. 17 ceremony, organized by the Athens chapter of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History and moderated by WUGA’s Alexia Ridley, included: Wilucia Green, who graduated from previously all-white Athens High and went on to earn three degrees; her sister Marjorie, who integrated Clarke County Junior High and later raised three children; and Scott Michael Killian, a deacon and landscaping business owner. As children, they “broke barriers that had never been broken in this city, and will never need to be broken again,” said the Rev. Benjamin Lett, pastor of Hill First Chapel Church.

While some recollections remain sharp, others fade with time, or were too early to form at all. “My memory really doesn’t go back that far,” said Killian, who entered allwhite Chase Street Elementary as a thirdgrader. He did recall getting into trouble because he came to school with his pockets full of snakes.

Killian is the son of the late Archibald “A.R.” Killian, who along with Donald Moon integrated the Athens police force. There was no debate in the Killian household about what school Scott Michael Killian

would attend when the opportunity arose. “[My father] wanted me to do it, so I did it,” he said.

The four women all credited their mothers for making the decision to take the risk of being first when tensions were high— just two weeks before Klansmen bombed 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, AL, killing four Black children. “Wilucia and I grew up in a household where we were constantly reminded of our responsibilities,” said Marjorie Green.

“My mother was the force behind everything I did,” Hampton said. “I don’t remember having a choice.”

Everyone around them recognized the importance of the mission. “It was bigger than integrating the schools,” said local civil rights leader Fred Smith Sr. “It was about integrating the community, the nation.”

Hampton said she was encouraged by the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. himself, who

found out I was an athlete, they were nice to me,” she said. “It softened the blow.” There were also two boys—the sons of a surgeon and a haberdasher—who had been around Black people before and befriended her.

In Wilucia Green’s experience, though, the boys were worse than the girls. “As long as the young girls didn’t have guys around, they were much nicer,” she said.

before integration fully took hold. After the landmark 1954 Brown v. Board of Education ruling outlawing so-called “separate but equal” school systems that were anything but, it took nine more years for desegregation to begin in Clarke County. Afterwards, the school district proposed a plan involving busing that the Georgia Supreme Court struck down. CCSD took the case to the U.S. Supreme Court and won, and in 1970 the local public schools were fully integrated, with Burney-Harris and Athens High consolidating into what’s now Clarke Central.

At a Taylor-Grady House reception following the panel discussion, photos and newspaper clips from the era were on display alongside the antebellum furniture and portraits of 19th century white aristocrats. A nonprofit led by caterer Lee Epting—whose uncle Eugene was the attorney who argued in favor of Clarke County’s integration plan—recently took over stewardship of the house as a museum and event space.

The house’s basement now includes a recreation of the servants’ quarters and exhibits about Aggie Carter and Isaac Mills, who were enslaved by the local Cobb and Taylor families.

asked her if she was afraid. “I remember telling him no, I wasn’t afraid,” she said.

But it came at a cost—and not just enduring the ignorance of white classmates and teachers. Agnes Green (who is unrelated to Wilucia and Marjorie) said she returned to all-Black schools after one year because she missed her friends. For her, attending Clarke County Junior High was the first time she’d experienced hatred.

“Nobody judged you by the color of your skin, because in segregated society everybody looked alike,” she said. Back at Lyons Middle School and Burney-Harris High School, she was a popular, academically successful student and an athlete.

Agnes Green’s basketball skills also made white students at Clarke County Junior High more accepting of her. “Once they

Hampton broke down the white students at Athens High into three categories: “There were the ones who knew better, there were the ones who didn’t, and there were the ones who went along with it,” she said.

“It was so irrational,” Wilucia Green said of her white classmates’ racism. “You dealt with it as you had to.” Killian had a similar attitude: “They were racists,” he said. “That’s all they was.”

As painful as her experiences were, Hampton said they helped her in the long run—she became comfortable being the only Black person in a room full of white people. “What happened to me, what I went through, has carried me all along the way,” she said.

Hampton graduated from high school in 1969, part of Clarke County’s last class

Freed after the Civil War, they went on to help found the Knox School, Athens’ first school for African Americans. Their children, Louisa and Fanny, attended Atlanta University (now Clark Atlanta), the first Black university in the South. Fanny eventually became principal of the Brooklyn School, educating another generation of Black Athenians.

While some speakers noted the progress that’s been made, much work is left to be done, said DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond, a native of Athens who wrote a history of the city’s Black community as a young man in the 1970s. “You don’t change 400 years of slavery and segregation and racism in 60 years,” he said. “Let me repeat that: You don’t change 400 years of history in 60 years.

“We will continue to fight,” Thurmond added, “until truth and justice roll down like mighty waters.” f

From left, sisters Marjorie and Wilucia Green, Agnes Green and Bonnie Hampton participated in a panel discussion on school integration Sept. 17 at Clarke County School District headquarters.

The ceremony coincided with the reopening of the antebellum Taylor-Grady House under new stewardship. The house museum now includes a recreation of the servants’ quarters and exhibits about the lives of enslaved African Americans.

JAKE ZERKEL

Flawed but Still Favorites

THE DAWGS LACK LAST YEAR’S KILLER INSTINCT

By Cy Brown news@flagpole.com

We’re a quarter-way into this college football season, and the Dawgs are once again undefeated at 4–0. So far in four home games, they’ve outscored opponents 166–45, and no game has been in doubt beyond the third quarter. But, for whatever reason, these victories have been unsatisfying. Or, at least, unsatisfying in comparison to most we’ve experienced over these unbelievable past few years.

The main disconnect for me has been the play of quarterback Carson Beck, who has played well by any metric. His 1,184 passing yards are the fourth-most in the SEC, with a third-best 72.7% completion percentage, and he has six passing touchdowns to a single interception. He’s a good quarterback.

hey, bonita… Times They Are A-Changin’

ADVICE FOR ATHENS’ LOOSE AND LOVELORN

By Bonita Applebum advice@flagpole.com

Stadium. We’ve seen this happen somewhat frequently over the past few seasons, which is a problem in and of itself. My issue was the lack of urgency displayed during that drive. In years past, the defense would be in each other’s faces, making sure that it didn’t happen again.

But what looks like an attitude problem is more likely an attrition problem. Eight Georgia defenders were drafted by the NFL in 2022, with five more going in 2023. No matter how good Kirby Smart and his staff are at recruiting, you don’t lose that much without a dip in quality. The dissatisfaction is aided by a poor early schedule and a slew of injuries that have hit some of Georgia’s most visible players.

Hey Bonita,

How do you cope with Athens slowly losing the businesses that made it the Athens you loved? Over the last several years we’ve lost a lot of “iconic” places, and there are plenty of rumors about more on the way out. A few special places have gotten upgrades, but in general it feels like our local spots are getting traded out for large chains without the same spirit and personality. I know this is a thing that just happens to cities, and it’s a side effect of raising rents and prices in general.

creative process. It felt good to tap these words out while people buzzed around and distracted me at Hendershot’s or Hi-Lo. I felt like I was part of this.

Are you creative in any way? If so, I strongly recommend you find your way into the local arts scene and contribute what you can. If you play an instrument, start a band. If you’re a writer, start a zine or submit something to the myriad local small-press publications in town. If you are a visual artist, seek out local galleries and

But something feels off with Beck as the starter. It may be that I had gotten used to the je ne sais quoi of Stetson Bennett and his ability to make something happen. Or maybe, for all of Mike Bobo’s positive qualities as a coordinator, he’s not as good a play-caller as Todd Monken, because so few are.

I think what is holding me back from fully trusting Beck is his inability to take the top off. He’s had a handful of explosive downfield passes, but none that beat the last defender. The most important aspects of an offense are limiting turnovers and creating explosive plays. If he can get more explosive while still protecting the ball, he can take this offense to the next level.

I’m certain I’ve been spoiled by past Georgia defenses, particularly that vaunted 2021 unit that only gave up more than 20 points once. There was a ruthlessness about that defense—and the defense last year, to an extent—that I don’t see this season. The best example I’ve seen came at the end of the first half last week against UAB. With a firm 28–7 lead and a little more than a minute left, UAB marched down the field and scored a touchdown to get back within two scores.

It’s not that the scoring drive happened that had me pulling my hair out in Sanford

I’ve enjoyed having a month straight of games here in Athens. I just wish we could’ve played a team that was a proper judge of this team’s capabilities. Based on how we’ve played at moments, a game against Oklahoma in Norman, which was supposed to happen this season, might have been difficult and ugly, but it would’ve told us a lot about a Georgia team I still feel like I’m getting to know.

That unfamiliarity is due in no small part to the injuries. Smart said last week that it’s the longest injury list since he’s been at Georgia. Among the injured are receiver Ladd McConkey, who could help open the field vertically when he returns, and safety Javon Bullard, who could bring some muchneeded experience and leadership to the defense. The pieces are there. We just haven’t been able to play them all yet.

And not for nothing, Kirby is still the head coach, and he has earned the benefit of any doubt. Through his first 100 games at Georgia, Kirby has won 85. That’s the best winning percentage through 100 games in SEC history. (Nick Saban won 84 of his first 100.)

So yeah, I’m spoiled—not just because I’ve been upset with how we’ve played, but because despite all that, I’d still favor us to win another national title. f

I think it’s import ant not to get too bitter and dig your heels in about being pissed at all these recent changes. Your city has changed, and perhaps for the worse, but you’re still here, and this is still your city. I’d taken a long sabbatical from downtown bar-hopping and going to shows until Derek Wiggs died—he and I were friends, and SlopFest was my favorite thing about summer in Athens. His sudden passing was a slap in the face for me, and for lots of townies, I suspect. What we do here is special and finite, and it must be continued and preserved both for ourselves and for future Athens artists.

I wasn’t pulling my weight as a spectator and local writer. I’d stopped going to shows and being present when we are at our finest and most unique, and that presence is so important. The size of crowds can make or break a scene, so I started going to shows again recently, and several times I’ve gone out just for a drink and a chat with friends, like old times. I used to take my laptop downtown and post up with a bourbon and spicy Blenheim (always with a lime, never lemon), then write this column in between conversations with other barflies. Well, I recently got a new laptop, and I look forward to starting this tradition of mine again soon. Yeah yeah yeah, I’m a writer and not a performer, but writing is an art form, and being in public was once essential for my

and invite other it with you.

If you’re more of a spectator and benefactor, then you have to seek out the cool local spots and support them in every way you can. There are still house shows and guerilla venues in town—find them, and go! I’m aware of some, but I’m not going to share them here. That may sound like gatekeeping, but anyone in the DIY scene knows that the best audiences are the ones that seek out this kind of renegade art themselves. The best DIY spaces start to suck and get raided when everyone finds out about them, so we always want people in these spaces to be of the right mindset about them.

If you’re serious about your interest in outsider art and the local DIY scene, then the scene will find you and welcome you. If you’ve already got a foot in the door, come on inside and be a positive force in what makes Athens so attractive to gentrifiers in the first place. Give your money to locally owned businesses and artists. I try my best not to patronize the chains that have moved into the most beloved storefronts of Athens, and that’s a personal choice that many locals don’t share with me, but that’s OK. They’re probably squares. f

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

KARL HODGES / UGA ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION

Maybe Carson Beck (No. 15) will make more big plays when other playmakers join Brock Bowers (No. 19).

MUSIC

|

WED, SEPT. 27

Modern English

40 Watt Club • 7 p.m. (doors) • $25

All the way from Colchester, England, the renowned new wave and post-punk four-piece band Modern English will perform hit songs of its long career at the 40 Watt. Between classics like “I Melt with You” and “Ink and Paper,” the band will get the house moving along with snippets from its upcoming album, the first in seven years. The band consists of Robbie Grey on vocals, Gary McDowell on guitar, Michael Conroy on bass and Stephen Walker on keyboard.

Formed in 1979, its sound was one of the first pioneers of the new wave punk movement and laid the groundwork for the goth and industrial movements. Following the release of its debut album, Mesh and Lace in 1981, the band went on to produce eight more studio albums. Now, they have created a new body of work in the form of an album that will drop in early 2024. This album reflects on the bands’ historic energetic live shows. The group wanted to capture the true spirit of seeing the band live while also staying true to their roots.

[Analiese Herrin]

ART | FRI, SEPT. 29

‘Serendipity’ Closing Reception

works by 27 artists who capture the essence and beauty of the surrounding land and rivers. The third exhibition, “Connected Waters,” includes a painted map of the Upper Oconee Watershed during the PreColumbian Mississippian Period CE 1100–1540. Painted by “Oconee Joe,” the map includes mound villages and other known archaeological sites. All three exhibitions will remain on display until Nov. 3. [AH]

EVENT | SAT, SEPT. 30

Above Athens

Hot Air Balloon Festival

Sandy Creek Park • 3–9 p.m. • FREE!

threats & promises Murder the Mood

PLUS, MORE MUSIC NEWS AND GOSSIP

By Gordon Lamb threatsandpromises@flagpole.com

tiny ATH gallery • 5–8 p.m.

• Donations accepted

The week-long display of Jim Barsness and Jesse Blalock’s exhibition, “Serendipity,” will conclude on Friday with a closing reception at which the artists will discuss their collaborative process. Barsness’ and Blalock’s works marry each other perfectly as both artists have an affinity for vivid colors and abstract patterns. Barsness describes his work as “Hieronymus Bosch meets Dr. Seuss, piled with crazed figures, fantastical landscapes and psychedelic dreams.” Blalock also creates groovy abstract patterns and specializes in a variety of media including murals, wood carving, pen and ink and body painting. He utilizes loose and sporadic strokes of saturated color in his artwork. All paintings at the event will be for sale to the public. [AH]

ART | FRI, SEPT. 29

Opening Reception

Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation • 5 p.m. • FREE!

The Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation is hosting three new exhibitions in its space for the month of October. In the group exhibition “The Art of Nature: Enchanted Inspiration,” participating artists Jordan Blackwell, Allan Campbell, Wendy Cooper, Jamie DeRevere, Elyse Mazanti, Barbara Odil, Michael Pierce, Melissa Steele, Chris Taylor and Brooke Ussery share their nature-inspired artwork through various media such as sculptures, paintings, photographs and more. Guest curator Melissa Steele put together the exhibition to showcase works inspired by the flora, fauna, rivers and land in and around Oconee County. Organized through an open call for submissions, the exhibition “The Art of Nature: For the Love of Oconee” shares nature-inspired

What better way to end the month of September than with a hot air balloon festival? The Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department is hosting the annual Above Athens Hot Air Balloon Festival for the third year in a row. This year, the event will be held at Sandy Creek Park with a plethora of activities for all ages to enjoy. Attendees will be able to take tethered hot air balloon rides, purchase treats from multiple food trucks, and kick back and watch the giant balloons take over the skies. Though the event itself is free of charge to the public, the tethered balloon rides will be $25 per person (cash only), and participants must sign a waiver in order to partake in the activity. In addition, attendees are highly encouraged to bring foldable chairs and picnic blankets. Anyone anticipating going to the park before the festival should be aware that the park will be closed to the public until the festival begins. Pets are strictly not allowed, and the event will be sectioned off with traffic directed by the Athens-Clarke County Police Department. The event will end at 8:30 p.m. with a balloon glow demonstration. [AH]

EVENT | SEPT. 26–30

Pride Week

Multiple Locations

The Athens Pride and Queer Collective is hosting its annual PrideFest with a week of events around town to thank the community for the overwhelming support at 2023’s Pride Parade. PrideFest will be held at Terrapin this year on Sept. 30 from 12–6 p.m. There will be vendors, entertainment and food trucks for the public at the free event. Come as you are, but feel free to dress up and show your pride. In addition to the central event of PrideFest, there will be three events leading up to the big day. The week will kick off with a free Queer Trivia on Tuesday, Sept. 26 at Hotel Indigo beginning at 7 p.m. Test your knowledge of people and moments in queer history, or listen along to learn something new. Rainbow Flow Yoga, instructed by Nick from M3 Yoga, will be held at Bishop Park on Wednesday, Sept. 27 at 6 p.m. Nick will break out his Pride playlist for this session of flow to celebrate both specialness and love. Finally, Queer Prom with music from DJ De La Luna and Cowboy Kerouac will be held at 1055 Barber on Friday, Sept. 29 at 7 p.m. The prom is disco-themed this year, so come to celebrate your most authentic self decked out in sequins and platforms. Entry is $5 and the event is for ages 21 and up. Celebrate this week of love with the community. [AH] f

FOR WHAT IT’S WORTH: The hook-oriented alt-rock/pop-punk dudes in Murder The Mood will celebrate the release of the group’s newest album Perks of Losing Sleep Friday, Sept. 29 at Buvez. Also on the bill are Way Past Cool, Choir Of Babble and Grudgestep. Now in existence for just about a decade, the band has fully come into its own, and this new album is chock full of the aforementioned hooks without ever sacrificing key heavy riffage. For example, opening track “State Of Emergency” starts out with a Metallica-style slow intro but quickly graduates. Similarly, albeit without the drag of an intro, the songs “Cavalier,” “Nowhere To Go” and “Haunt Your Soul” could each slide easily onto the next mixtape you’re making. No, there’s nothing groundbreaking here, nor is it perfect, but it’s pretty dang solid, and I appreciate its running length being a tasteful nine songs. Find this on all major streaming services, and follow along at facebook.com/followmtm.

BLACK CELEBRATION: Athens cornerstone heavy metal label, shop, promotions and booking machine, and hangout spot Shadebeast is going to celebrate its sixth anniversary with a double-dip of shows Friday, Sept. 29 and Saturday, Sept. 30. Both happen at Flicker Theatre & Bar, and each costs $15 per night or $25 for a twoday pass. Friday features Bog Monkey, EMBR and Doomsday Profit and Saturday’s show features Holy Ghost Tabernacle Choir, 20 Wall Tombstone and Horseburner. Also, limited edition anniversary T-shirts are available now, but reportedly moving very quickly. Shadebeast’s physical shop can be visited in person on Saturdays between 11 a.m.–6 p.m. The shop is located at 149 Oneta St., Suite 6c3. Ya know, even keeping a band alive for six years is a major feat, much less an ongoing concern with the breadth of Shadebeast. These dudes are truly the standard bearers for what has traditionally been an underserved and ignored part of our music scene, although over the past decade or so that has improved substantially, thanks in no small part to them. All congratulations are due. For more information, please see facebook.com/shade beastofficial and shadebeast.com.

GOOD PEOPLE DOING GOOD THINGS: The Sam Holt Band recently donated over $4,000 to the Mikey Houser Pre-Amped Music Program at Nuçi’s Space. The funds were raised through the sale of posters and T-shirts designed by JT Lucchessi. Additional funds were donated by technology integration and consulting company TSAV. This support is quite special for

the band, as Sam Holt (Outformation) was guitar tech to the late Michael Houser (Widespread Panic) and sought his own path in making music at Houser’s insistence. This program is specifically for fourth and fifth grade students to explore musical instruments and receive instruction from a select group of musicians and educators. There is much more information available, too, which I just plainly don’t have the space to explore here. So please see for yourself over at nuci. org/mikey-houserpre-amped, and follow Sam Holt and crew over at facebook.com/ SamHoltMusic.

LUCKY MAN: With just about a year in Athens under their belts, the trio known as Parking Garage will release a hugely ambitious, 12-and-a-half-minute (!) single on Oct. 2. It’s named “Six Finger Handshake” and, while the band has performed it live, this is its first recorded instance. The song is deeply personal and runs a gamut of hospital stays, falling in love, depression, et al. Structurally, as you might imagine due to its length, it definitely dips into prog-rock territory for the bulk of its middle, but it’s a prog sound born from a pop-punk sensibility which means you’ll never mistake it for, say, Genesis. Lyrically, it can be a little operatic, but the tune itself does have what could be considered movements, so it all works. It is bookended by a strong and melodic four-chord pop-emo section punctuated by a wonderfully placed trumpet. This won’t be for everyone, and nothing ever is, but it’s worth a shot. Head to parkinggarage. bandcamp.com to check it out once it’s released, and be a pal over at facebook.com/ parkinggarageband.

BUBBLING UNDERGROUND: By the time you read this, not only will local punks Beer Piss have released its new album Beer Piss !!! but the band will also have played its release show. But, you can still catch up and be up to speed for next time if you go check out this fine slice of noise as soon as you can. Seriously and honestly, Beer Piss is among the most creative and daring of our current local punk scene. At first blush, listeners might just hear a bunch of half composed songs that sound like they were recorded through a boombox’s internal microphone. However, really, really smart and clever listeners like you are much more likely to hear a direct lineage to The Germs, The Screamers and other hallmarks of ancient Los Angeles. I’m not joking at all when I say I was super impressed by this. Mentioning individual tracks is meaningless, though, as every single one of these 16 tracks has its own merits. Find it at beerpiss.bandcamp.com. f

Murder The Mood

OUR TEAM MEANS BUSINESS.

With

•

•

live music calendar

Tuesday 26

40 Watt Club

7 p.m. (doors). $33. www.40watt.com

CIRCLE JERKS Founded in 1979 by former Black Flag vocalist Keith Morris and Red Kross guitarist Greg Hetson, this LA hardcore punk band has released six studio albums.

T.S.O.L. Hardcore punk band formed in 1978 in Long Beach, CA that dabbles in deathrock, art punk and horror punk.

NEGATIVE APPROACH Pioneers of Midwest hardcore punk who started in Detroit in 1981.

Flicker Theatre & Bar

8 p.m. (doors). $12. www.flicker theatreandbar.com

COMMÜNE Local political/feminist punk band living in revolt.

WALTZER Chicago-based indie rock band led by singer-songwriter Sophie Sputnik.

TEA EATER Garage pop project by Brooklyn artist Tarra Thiessen.

HONEYPUPPY Four-piece indie rock band self-described as a “menace to society.”

Georgia Theatre

Rooftop

7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $12. www.georgiatheatre.com

FRUTE Six-piece dance funk with heavy psychedelic elements and experimentation.

THE ASYMPTOMATICS Postpunky, rather funky indie band based in Athens.

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

KENOSHA KID Instrumental adventure-jazz group centered around the rollicking compositions of Dan Nettles and featuring Josh Allen, Seth Hendershot and various guests.

Rabbit Hole Studios

7 p.m. FREE! www.rabbitholestudios. org

OPEN MIC Local musicians are invited to share songs.

State Botanical Garden of Georgia

Sunflower Concert Series. 7 p.m. $5 (ages 4–13), $15–17. botgarden. uga.edu

RANDALL BRAMBLETT BAND

This established Georgia singersongwriter’s Southern-tinged music pulls from a variety of influences. Blankets, chairs and picnics are welcome at this outdoor concert in the garden.

Wednesday 27

40 Watt Club

7 p.m. (doors). $20 (adv.), $25. www.40watt.com

MODERN ENGLISH English new wave post-punk band formed in 1979 best known for its hits “I Melt With You,” “Hands Across the Sea” and “Ink and Paper.”

Athentic Brewing Co.

7–10 p.m. FREE! www.athentic brewing.com

WEDNESDAY KARAOKE NIGHT

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

Creature Comforts

Brewery

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

MRJORDANMRTONKS Tommy

Jordan and William Tonks’ collabo-

ration features rootsy guitar picking and paired vocal melodies.

Georgia Theatre

7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. $42.50. www. georgiatheatre.com

JIMMY EAT WORLD Long-running Arizona rock band that helped put emo on the mainstream map.

THE PAUSES Orlando-based pop group led by singer-songwriter Tierney Tough.

Hendershot’s

8 p.m. www.hendershotsathens.com

NEW FACES NIGHT Hear musicians try out new material, or come share your own.

Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall

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

UGA WIND SYMPHONY UGA

music majors perform chamber works, large scale compositions, new and classic works, and music from around the world.

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 28

40 Watt Club

7 p.m. (doors). $10. www.40watt.com

THE HOWDIES Local old-school outlaw country act featuring members of The Darnell Boys and Hibbs Family Band. Album release show! See feature on p. 13.

CICADA RHYTHM Captivating Athens duo playing melodic, rootsinfluenced folk-rock.

LITTLE GOLD Local group playing garage-rock with country and pop sensibilities.

Flicker Theatre & Bar

8 p.m. (doors), 9 p.m. (show). $10. www.flickertheatreandbar.com

ALEX DILLON AND THE SPONTANEOUS INVENTION Local improvisor wreaking havoc both alone and with others.

ORGANICALLY PROGRAMMED

Electronic space-themed act utilizing primitive drum machines and synthesizers to create disco-pop, jazz and easy listening inspired compositions.

DJ PSYCHO MARCIE Primordial

Void founder and composer Marcel Sletten spins alien club and ambient tracks.

DOOM DISCO Local selector mixing tracks from the recent and not-so-recent past.

Georgia Theatre 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $35. www.georgiatheatre.com

MORGAN WADE Nashville popfolk sensation with a hint of country traveling on tour for her latest album Psychopath.

MEGAN MCREE Soft country pop artist who writes about the shared human experience.

Georgia Theatre

Rooftop 10:30 p.m. (show). FREE! www.georgiatheatre.com

WILL OVERMAN Nashville-based singer-songwriter with an affinity for country and Americana.

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

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

Southern Brewing Co.

6–10 p.m. www.sobrewco.com

KARAOKE NIGHT Every Thursday evening.

Friday 29

1055 Barber Queer Prom. 7–10 p.m. $5. www. athenspride.org

DJ DE LA LUNA Sebastian Granados is a Columbian DJ who plays “Italo-Disco,” setting the mood for this year’s disco-themed prom.

COWBOY KEROUAC Athens queer anarcho cowpunk.

40 Watt Club

7 p.m. (doors). $17 (adv.), $20. www.40watt.com

AUSTIN SNELL Georgia native creating his own genre entitled “grunge country” with gritty blues and folk elements.

LAUREN WATKINS Nashville-based musician with a passion for country and an affinity for writing her own music based around shared life experiences.

COLE GOODWIN Georgia country artist who writes songs that hold firm roots in stories of the old South. Athentic Brewing Co.

6 p.m. FREE! www.athentic brewing.com

CHRIS WAYNE Greenville, SC-based 1950s Americana country and blues artist.

Ciné

9 p.m. (doors), 10 p.m. (show). $12 (adv.), $15. www.athenscine.com

PYLON REENACTMENT SOCIETY

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

IT’S SNAKES Charlotte, NC-based rock and roll group featuring Hope Nicholls and Aaron Pitkin of Fetchin’ Bones, Sugarsmack and Snagglepuss.

Flicker Theatre & Bar Shadebeast’s 6th Anniversary. 9 p.m. (doors). $15. www.flickertheatreand bar.com

BOG MONKEY Noisy, melodic stoner rock band from Atlanta known for “monkeying around.”

EMBR Heavy doom metal from Birmingham, AL that’s equal parts somber and blissful.

DOOMSDAY PROFIT Psychsludge quartet from Durham, NC. The Foundry 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $10. bit.ly/2Johnnys

TWO JOHNNYS Athens songwriters in the round pay tribute to Johnny Cash and John Mellencamp. Participants include Todd Cowart, Bo Hembree, Curt Spell, William Tonks, Fester Hagood, Ben Reynolds, Josh Walker, Brodye Brooks and Casey King.

Georgia Theatre

6 p.m. (doors), 7 p.m. (show). $35. www.georgiatheatre.com

THE HAPPY FITS Indie-rock band from New Jersey that prides itself on pop-rock with gleeful experimentation.

WINDSER Artist from northern California whose soft indie tenderness

is shown through his new album.

HOT FREAKS Five-piece electrifying indie-pop band with a playful edge and side of rock.

Georgia Theatre

Rooftop

6 p.m. (doors). FREE! www.georgia theatre.com

TAYLOR RAE California-raised and Austin-based singer-songwriter whose music evokes elements of jazz, blues and folk.

Georgia Theatre

Rooftop

10:30 p.m. (show). FREE! www.georgiatheatre.com

DRIVEAWAY Indie-pop band from Florida with a soft and lo-fi sound.

Hugh Hodgson School of Music

Edge Hall. 6 p.m. music.uga.edu

LINDA CHATTERTON AND MAJA RANDOVANLIJA This Minneapolis-based flute and guitar duo emphasize contemporary works. Tonight’s program is called “Fireflies.”

Saturday 30

#3 Railroad Street

7 p.m. $10 suggested donation. www.3railroad.org

THE HUMDINGERS Acoustic interpretations of pop and soul.

40 Watt Club

David Barbe Historical Rock ‘n’ Roll Abstract and 60th Birthday Party.

7 p.m. (doors). $10. www.40watt. com

MERCYLAND Reunited local three-piece punk band fronted by David Barbe, the owner, chief engineer and producer of Chase Park Transduction studios and director of UGA’s Music Business program.

BUZZ HUNGRY Following a stint with Bar-B-Q Killers, but before joining Sugar, Barbe fronted Buzz Hungry in ’91-’96.

BARBE PLUS Barbe joins Ben Hackett, Graham Powers, McKendrick Bearden, Will Heffner and Lars Heffner.

College Square Plaza

Hispanic Heritage Month Festival. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. (festival), 4 p.m. (music). FREE! Find Comunidad Chaplain Latinos en USA on Facebook

SARAH ZÚÑIGA EcuadorianNicaraguan, New York born singersongwriter and guitarist who has made Athens her home.

TRVY & THE ENEMY Highenergy hip-hop artist who weaves introspective lyrics into the psychinfused and sometimes heavy instrumentals of his backing band.

GABRIEL RAMOS Georgia songwriter.

Creature Comforts Brewery

UGA Watch Party. 12 p.m. www.creaturecomfortsbeer.com

DJBOBFISH Setting the stadium vibes before, during and after the Georgia Bulldogs versus Auburn Tigers game.

Flicker Theatre & Bar

Shadebeast’s 6th Anniversary. 9 p.m. (doors). $15. www.flickertheatre andbar.com

HOLY GHOST TABERNACLE

CHOIR Heavy metal outfit from Savannah that uses its platform to create art about equality and social acceptance.

20 WATT TOMBSTONE Death blues metal band hailing from Wisconsin.

HORSEBURNER Riff-heavy stoner metal group from West Virginia who’s music aims to “shake your insides.”

Front Porch Bookstore

6 p.m. FREE! jmazzucc@uga.edu

BORDERHOP TRIO High lonesome pickin’ and singing from Athens’ own bluegrass outfit.

Georgia Theatre

Nowhere Bar

9 p.m. www.facebook.com/Nowhere

BarAthens

CASH MACHINE Progressive funkrock band from South Carolina. Southern Brewing Co. 4 p.m. (doors), 5 p.m. (show). $2025 (day), $35–40 (two-day pass). www.sobrewco.com

TERMINALLY PHIL Athens-based singer-songwriter and meme lord Phillip Brantley (Modern Skirts, Palace Doctor) creates indie rock with a sense of humor. (5:15 p.m.)

NICHOLAS MALLIS Selfdescribed as a writer of songs for the nihilistic at heart, Mallis is a weirdo-pop singer and songwriter from Athens. (6:05 p.m.)

THAYER SERRANO Southernpsych singer-songwriter with a dark and gritty edge. (6:55 p.m.)

MCKENDRICK BEARDEN Athensbased alternative-rock artist whose music depicts the negatives and positives we all experience in life. (7:45 p.m.)

PARKER GISPERT BAND Atlantanative gruff rock and roller led by Parker Gispert, former lead singer of the Whigs. (8:45 p.m.)

MODERN SKIRTS Back from a long hiatus, this foursome has evolved from piano-driven darlings to more experimental electronicinspired dance pop. (9:45 p.m.)

VFW Post 2872

7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $10. www.facebook.com/vfwpost2872

COUNTRY RIVER BAND Classic western and country band. Line dancing held during the breaks.

THE (SEMI) QUICK HOOKS Quick Hooks songs backed by Frank McDonald, Jon Mills and Jeremy Wheatley.

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

DAVE FORKER Custom Concern member plays solo. (8 a.m.)

HEART MUSIC The local nonprofit dedicated to music education showcases the talents of a few students. (10 a.m.)

Bishop, GA

Bishop Fall Festival. Crossroads of Hwy. 441 and Old Bishop Road. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. FREE! www.townof bishop.org

THE LUCKY JONES Old school rockin’ rhythm and blues.

KATE MORRISEY BAND Literate, sincere local group whose live shows come punctuated with an offbeat sense of humor.

LADY CREECH AND THE MAINSTREET BAND Funk, soul and rock and roll.

COLLECTIVE ARTISTS WORKSHOP Bishop youth sing together.

Ciné Goth Night. 10 p.m. $15. www.athens cine.com

AURELIO VOLTAIRE A leading figure of the dark cabaret genre, Voltaire performs dark, yet often light-hearted songs about the macabre.

DJ GOTH DAD Dustin Gannon of Vision Video leads a dance party spinning goth, post-punk, ’80s, Halloween music and more.

8 p.m. (doors), 9 p.m. (party). $25. www.georgiatheatre.com

THE TAYLOR PARTY Dance to songs by Taylor Swift.

Gyro Wrap

8 p.m. FREE! Find The Lickskillets on Facebook

THE LICKSKILLETS Southern gothic band playing traditional Appalachian murder ballads, original murdery ballads, and murderadjacent classic folk and country tunes.

THE RAMONA QUIMBYS No info available.

Hendershot’s

8 p.m. www.hendershotsathens.com

SWING THEORY Local jazz collective playing classic straight-ahead and other styles of jazz.

Jackson County Historic Courthouse

7:30 p.m. $10–15. www.facebook. com/JacksonCountyJamboree

ORIGINAL COURTHOUSE ALLSTAR STRING BAND Toe-tapping bluegrass music.

CAT HEAD BISCUIT HOUR Fun acoustic Americana.

HAILEY SMITH Harpist performing sacred, Celtic and traditional folk tunes. She will be joined by bassist Keith Morris, fiddler Sally Stites, guitarist/banjoist Mark Garrison and banjoist/vocalist Al McLeod.

Nowhere Bar

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

PILGRIM Local hard-hitting, riffheavy rock band led by songwriter Paul McHugh.

FABULOUS BIRD Catchy, lo-fi indie rock with the character of old

Dead Boys will perform at the 40 Watt Club on Tuesday, Oct. 3.

JEFF FASANO

guitars and drums that’ve been collecting dust in a garage for years.

JACOB MORRIS Mellow NC-based folk multi-instrumentalist (Vic Chesnutt, Ham1, Madeline Adams) who is celebrating the release of his new EP, Slow Funeral Southern Brewing Co. September Days. 12 p.m. (doors), 1 p.m. (show). $20–25/day. $40–45/ weekend pass. www.sobrewco.com

WONDERLAND RANGERS Local rabble-rouser Timi Conley performs dance-tastic psych-pop with his allstar backing band. (1 p.m.)

ANCIENT INFANT Athens indiesleaze and gritty rock and roll band. (1:50 p.m.)

MEREDITH TILTON Soft, dreamy indie-rock singer-songwriter. (2:40 p.m.)

HUNLO Electrified, soulful artist with a soft, inspiring sound. (3:30 p.m.)

PATIO Local band that prides itself on genre-mixing rock, blues and funk. (4:20 p.m.)

SARAH MOOTZ Athens pop artist who confidently conveys emotions through heart-wrenching lyrics and passion. (5:10 p.m.)

DINNER TIME Atlanta indie rock. (6 p.m.)

CDSM Goth-rock synth lines over booming, industrial drums define this apocalyptic band. (6 p.m.)

MONSOON Fine purveyors of art rock from Athens. (7:50 p.m.)

SHEHEHE Local band that draws from old-school punk and arena rock to create a fist-pumping atmosphere. (8:50 p.m.)

UPCHUCK Five-piece skate punk band from Atlanta whose sound embraces elements of hardcore, psychedelic and garage music. (9:50 p.m.)

Tif Sigfrids

Hasani Sahlehe Opening Reception. 5–7 p.m. FREE! www.tifsigfrids.com

DJ MATTO Atlanta-based DJ.

Sunday 1

ACC Library

Live at the Library. 3 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org

SOUTHERN WINDS UGA graduate wind quintet.

First Christian Church of Athens

4 p.m. $10–20 suggested donation. www.amethystbaroque.com

ANGELS AND DEMONS The struggle between good and evil sets the stage for this Baroque program of music that includes works by Telemann, Dowland, Veracini, Marais and others. Whether a fall from grace or an opportunity for redemption, Amethyst Baroque members take the listener through music depicting the conflict—at least according to composers of the 17th and 18th centuries.

Rabbit Hole Studios 8 p.m. $5. www.rabbitholestudios.org

BROKE BODY Dark indie pop trio from Philadelphia.

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Athens 3 p.m. FREE! www.quintetathens.com

QUINTET ATHENS The recital “5+1” features compositions for wind quintet plus solo instrument including works by Ludwig Thuille, Johannes Brahams, Figyes Hidas and Kurt Weill.

Monday 2

Georgia Theatre

7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $30. www.georgiatheatre.com

DECLAN MCKENNA English singer-songwriter who gained recognition at an early age through

the Glastonbury Festival’s Emerging Talent Competition. ALLIE CROW BUCKLEY Los Angeles singer-songwriter with ethereal, soaring melodies.

Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall

7:30 p.m. music.uga.edu

SYMPHONIC BAND The program

“Magnum Mysterium” includes selections by Jan van der Roost, Morten Lauridsen, Robert Sheldon and John Phillip Sousa.

Tuesday 3

40 Watt Club

7 p.m. (doors). $20 (adv.). www.40watt.com

DEAD BOYS Initially active from 1975–1980, this Cleveland, OH band is remembered for being among the first wave of punk.

Flicker Theatre & Bar

8 p.m. (doors). $10. www.flicker theatre.com

PARKING GARAGE Self-proclaimed “salt rock” outfit inspired by the likes of Weatherday and Car

Seat Headrest. Single release show for the twelve-and-a-half minute epic “Six Finger Handshake.”

HAM BEAR Athens-based emo band.

THE OUTFIELD CLOVERS Atlanta alt rockers for fans of Modern Baseball, American Football and other sports-based emo bands.

Georgia Theatre

6:30 p.m. (doors), 7:30 p.m. (show). $40. www.georgiatheatre.com

HALF·ALIVE Pop trio from Long Beach, CA that incorporates elements of R&B, funk and soul.

THOMAS HEADON Young London-based singer-songwriter with affable pop songs.

Wednesday 4

ACC Library Live at the Library. 7 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org

JIM WHITE Winterville-based singer-songwriter with a canny lyrical style and a Southern gothic flair. White will play songs and read from his new book, Incidental Contact.

Flicker Theatre & Bar

5 p.m. (doors). $10. www.flicker theatreandbar.com

CACTUS LEE Austin, TX songwriter Kevin Dehan carrying the torch for ’70s Americana.

THE PINK STONES Local cosmic country band with a lighthearted, twangy charm.

ADAM ABRAM No info available.

Georgia Theatre 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $20. www.georgiatheatre.com

QUARTERS OF CHANGE Fourpiece alternative rock band from NYC originally founded in 2017 as a high school cover band.

REBOUNDER New York native Dylan Chenfeld is a master of nostalgic, romantic and fun indie pop.

HALLPASS Athens-based indie rock band.

Nowhere Bar

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

NowhereBarAthens

FORREST ISN’T DEAD Atlantabased alt-pop artist who pours out the stories of his life through song.

RECESS PARTY Up-and-coming local Athens alternative rock band with an energetic and upbeat sound.

Porterhouse Grill

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

JAZZ NIGHT Captained by drummer Mason Davis and featuring a rotating cast of familiar faces performing American songbook, bossa nova classics and crossover hits. f

feature Howdies All Around

THE HOWDIES RELEASE DEBUT ALBUM ON NEW WEST RECORDS

By Jessica Smith music@flagpole.com

Widely recognized as a casual greeting, the word “howdy” can mean something different altogether at a bar in Athens: a half-shot ordered when you need to go gentle on your body or your wallet. As a band name, The Howdies conveys a warm friendliness while giving a wink and a nod to the place the members call home.

Fronted by Austin Darnell and Shoni Rancher, the band is rounded out by Rob Hibbs on guitar, Seth Barham on bass, Tyler Key on piano and pedal steel, and Johnny Watson on drums. Wearing their influences on their sleeves, The Howdies channel all of the twang, grit and charm of country music’s golden age into their debut album Howdies All Around. Singing their way through the highs and lows of love and heartache, friendship and loneliness, and joy and sorrow, the band’s cathartic songs embrace the complexities of being human.

Though rooted in the here and now, The Howdies’ songs resonate with a certain timelessness that harkens back to a bygone era that today can mostly only be experienced vicariously through old Western films. Not unlike the cowboys of yore who gathered ’round campfires to pass down folk tales through song, thereby giving rise to Western music, the band originated during the pandemic while swapping songs at socially distanced bonfires.

“Knowing we were all living in isolation but still wanting to connect musically, I started having backyard fires with a few musicians spaced out six feet apart,” says Darnell. “So sharing songs around a campfire was really the genesis of it all, and I hope we always keep that spirit when we play.”

A familiar face within the local music scene for the past two decades, Darnell performed with the hip-hop group Deaf Judges for several years before pivoting into country territory with his two brothers in The Darnell Boys. Gravitating towards classic country of the ’50s and ’60s, he says he initially became interested in the genre by way of early Appalachian music and blues.

“As an Athenian I have a deep love for all music, and I am lucky enough to live in a place where I have the opportunity to create whatever I am drawn to,” says Darnell. “I will always have a deep love for hip hop because, in the end, it’s the story that interests me. Rap music has some of the greatest storytellers in the world. In many ways, there are parallels in history between the growth of hip hop and country music. Both come from the place of real people talking about their lives, their struggles and the conditions they live in. They tell powerful stories.”

Picking up where Darnell leaves off on the country music history timeline, Rancher is more heavily inspired by outlaw country artists of the ’70s. Carrying the torch for country music’s golden age, both songwriters bring ideas to their bandmates, who collaboratively add their own rhinestone-studded flair. Though Rancher began plunking away on guitar as a teenager, joining The Howdies happens to be his first rodeo performing live with a band.

“I’m certain my life experiences influence the songs I write, and uncertain if I could have written them any earlier,” says Rancher. “I’m also pretty certain that I couldn’t sing the way I do now 10 years ago. I mean, I’m still finding my voice, like I’m still learning how to play guitar. But with time, and a lot of commuting to Atlanta, it becomes a bit clearer what feels comfortable, what you can and can’t hardly do. I’ve felt comfortable bringing songs to The Howdies that I wrote 10 or more years ago, but only because I don’t sing them the way I did then.”

Rancher, now 48 years old, holds a PhD in philosophy, and finds that the past 20-plus years of study have likely influenced his songwriting. Beneath all the boot-scootin’, hootin’ and hollerin’ melodies are lyrics carrying thoughtful reflections and existential musings.

“I’d even bet my early love of country songs influenced my desire to study philosophy in the first place,” says Rancher. “Kenny Rogers’ ‘The Gambler,’ or Hank [Williams]’ ‘I’ll Never Get Out of This World Alive,’ is philosophy. Hank is the Shakespeare of country music, and wasn’t ol’ ‘to be or not to be’ a philosopher? Yep, if it weren’t for the songs philosophy helped me pen, I’d blame country music for wasting my time with philosophy.”

Good storytelling is the beating heart of Howdies All Around. Based on a true event, “Buddies” revisits “American Pie”’s day the music died, empathetically revealing the survivor’s guilt musical hero Waylon Jennings—for whom Rancher named his son—experienced after giving up his seat on Buddy Holly’s ill-fated plane that crashed in 1959. Taking on a more fictional narrative, the slow and steady album closer “Twilight on the Plains” is written from the perspective of a young dying cowboy and captures the eerie lonesomeness of wide open landscapes and weary acceptance of facing one’s own mortality.

The Howdies ultimately make music that’s meant to connect listeners, whether it’s through celebration or commiseration. The album’s upbeat opener “Hello, Jukebox” pays homage to the comforting familiarity of dive bars and smokey pool halls glowing with neon lights, where troubles and sorrows can be temporarily tuned out by a trusty old jukebox. Choosing to see the shot glass half-full, never halfempty, “50/50 (If You’re Lucky)” reflects on life’s dichotomy of ups and downs with the hopes that if you’re lucky, you’ll leave this world with a little more love in your life than pain.

Howdies All Around was co-produced by T. Hardy Morris and David Barbe, recorded at Chase Park Transduction and mastered by John Baldwin at RCA Studio A in Nashville. The album will be available on “twilight” color vinyl, compact disc and across digital platforms via New West Records beginning Sept. 29. The Howdies will celebrate with an album release show with Cicada Rhythm and Little Gold on Thursday, Sept. 28. If you miss them there, you can catch them again locally at the Georgia Theatre Rooftop on Oct. 13 or Flicker Theatre & Bar on Nov. 9. f

WHO: The Howdies, Cicada Rhythm, Little Gold

WHEN: Thursday, Sept . 28, 7 p m (doors)

WHERE: 40 Watt Club

HOW MUCH: $10

NOLAN TERREBONNE

Piano Extravaganza with Five Pianos

Come hear pianistic fireworks featuring our piano area faculty and students. With five pianos on stage as well as multiple performers sharing the same piano, you are in for a treat. Including new jazz piano faculty members, Greg Satterthwaite and James Weidman. $20 - adults, $3 - UGA student ID

Faculty Artist: James Naigus, horn

Featuring 30 “Miniature” pieces, composed by Naigus and UGA composition student Jacob Evarts. Audience participation is invited to help shape the concert in this unique collection of original and contemporary works. $15 - adults, $3 - UGA student ID

Hodgson Singers and University Chorus

“For the Living - Music of Consolation and Resolve.” University Chorus will perform Dan Forrest’s “Requiem For the Living” with orchestra, conducted by Daniel Shafer. The Hodgson Singers will present works by Jennifer Lucy Scott, Ken Burton, Dominic DiOrio, and more. $15-adults, $3 - UGA

Third Time’s A Charm

SEPTEMBER DAYS FESTIVAL PRESENTS AN ALTERNATIVE TO DOWNTOWN

By Gordon Lamb music@flagpole.com

The event known as September Days began as a stopgap measure for music fans after the cancellation of AthFest Music & Arts Festival in 2021, then established its legs further last year, and is now coming into its own as an expected entry on the local live music calendar.

Back when everyone was wishing and hoping for our music scene to return to some state of normalcy, and our annual AthFest had already been moved to an early autumn date away from its traditional June schedule, the hammer came down that the local government would not grant necessary permits for the event to happen. So, the key booking folks Troy Aubrey and Drew Beskin acted quickly. Betting that there would still be an eager audience, and wanting to also support artists already booked for the canceled AthFest, they put together an ambitious three-day lineup for the inaugural September Days. Last year, they slimmed it down to two days, and this is the same size

of event they’ll host this year.

Now standing at a reasonable and navigable 17 acts, this year’s event once again features Modern Skirts in a prominent

take a crack at it and then debate over whose idea is better, and then once we feel good about it we individually reach out to the artists and start locking them in. We’ll have alternates [and] backups if for some reason a band isn’t available or already has shows booked around that time. I am definitely more on the artist relations and booking side of things and coordinate artwork [and] social media with SD, and Troy works with the venue and production and marketing [and] promotions and hospitality side of things. Troy is the heart [and] leader of September Days, and I mainly stay in the lane of navigating booking and advancing with the artists.”

comfortable going to. The Pink Stones, a band I manage, album release in April of 2021 was a huge moment for me, and seeing other big shows like Hotel Fiction there cemented how fun it was to work with them. Pre-pandemic I wasn’t the kind to leave downtown for a show because I was an Athens snob like that… It’s [only] an eight minute drive [out of downtown] which people in Atlanta would kill for. It’s a lovely spot.”

Upchuck will headline September Days on Saturday, Sept. 30.

position after its absence last year. Seems fitting, too, considering the whole thing is named after one of the group’s songs.

The division of labor between Aubrey and Beskin tends to fall on the line between artist relations and administration. Beskin says, “We usually divide the roles. We will lay out a template of a festival and both

Celebrating a Life in Music

DAVID BARBE HISTORICAL ROCK ’N’ ROLL ABSTRACT

By Sam Lipkin editorial@flagpole.com

AsDavid Barbe’s birthday approached, he was contacted by the 40 Watt Club’s talent buyer Velena Vego about an open date on Sept. 30 and if he’d like to put together a show. Gladly accepting, he said that, funnily enough, it was the exact day of his 60th birthday—to which Vego replied of course she and club owner Barrie Buck knew, that’s why the offer was made.

This is just a small representation of the vast music network Barbe has built and the larger impact he’s made on the community in his 40-plus years of living in Athens. As the owner, chief engineer and producer of Chase Park Transduction studios, director of UGA’s Music Business program and member of a plethora of bands, Barbe says his connections have woven a deep national web. For a while, he’s had the idea of playing a career retrospective show, and the upcoming birthday sparked a lot of reflection on how he got to this point.

“My career has been a little different: I’m constantly moving on. I mean, it’s not like I

have blow-ups with my bandmates. I think I’m still friends with everybody I’ve ever been in a band with. But I’ve always just kind of liked new things, different outlets,” says Barbe. “So I had this idea, and I settled on four bands of the last 40 years.”

Significant to, and concurrent with, the rise of September Days as an anticipated Athens event is the notable expansion of our live music scene beyond its traditional downtown footprint. The event’s site, Southern Brewing Company, picked up the veritable torch during those heady days of shuttered indoor venues and has become one of the most dedicated venues in town. Audiences responded quickly and forcefully to its live music calendar when nothing else was going on, and chances seem good that attending shows there provided many with their first live Athens music experience.

Beskin remarks, “When Athens was starting to have shows again [Southern Brewing] was the one place everyone was

Madrid, Inward Dream Ebb. At this point you may have realized that Barbe is spending his 60th birthday performing four different sets back-to-back. He says that he’s been practicing and getting into shape for the show, but nonetheless he’s very excited.

“I think just being with all these people will absolutely be the celebration, because I moved here to go to college in 1981… I’ve never moved, but my career has kind of been all over the place, and I mean really all over the world at various times. But I love Athens, and my celebration is celebrating 42 years of me being here and being fortunate enough to be able to be part of the music community here,” says Barbe.

Even as he’s about to celebrate his 60th birthday, Barbe happily says he’s far from slowing down. If anything, he says his problem is that he just wants to do everything. Throughout Barbe’s career, one thing has always led into the next by creating a new opportunity.

The Bar-B-Q Killers were the first band that Barbe ever recorded, which he did in his parent’s basement and made a four-track cassette. Although he had played in other bands, he says the first time he saw Bar-B-Q Killers he was “blown away by the total rock-and-roll explosion aspect of it,” and that ultimately led to him quitting his band at the time and going on to start Mercyland several months later. Mercyland and the Bar-B-Q Killers went on to play many shows together, and what just seemed

This year’s lineup is stacked pretty evenly between its two days. Doors open at 4 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 29 with a lineup, in order of appearance, that includes Terminally Phil, Nicholas Mallis, Thayer Sarrano (with full band), McKendrick Bearden, The Parker Gispert Band and Modern Skirts. On Saturday, Sept. 30, doors open at noon, and featured acts in order of appearance are Wonderland Rangers, Ancient Infant, Meredith Tilton, Hunlo, Patio, Sarah Mootz, Dinner Time, CDSM, Monsoon, Shehehe and Upchuck.

Tickets are $20 per day in advance or $25 at the door. Weekend passes are available for $35 in advance or $40 at the door. Attendees are welcome to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages, but there will be vending on site as well. f

WHO: September Days

WHEN: Friday, Sept 29, 4 p m & Saturday, Sept 30, 12 p m

WHERE: Southern Brewing Co

HOW MUCH: $20–25/day, $35–40/ weekend pass

like a “cool show” at the time was actually a major inspiration in Barbe starting a different kind of band and following a new path.

Over a 40-year music career, you make a lot of memories. In the summer of 1987, Mercyland was in the middle of a threeweek run of the Southeast when the group’s van had died and Barbe’s truck had been rear-ended. So their friend Vic Chesnutt saved the day and volunteered to drive them in his van. The first Buzz Hungry show was in January 1992 in the basement of Snow Tire, now part of Rook and Pawn. Laura Carter (Bar-B-Q Killers) was set up to play on the last song with the power switch to her amp also turning on a strobe light at the same time, and she cranked the volume up so loudly Barbe describes the moment as “total rock and roll explosion.” Then in the early 2000s, The Quick Hooks had a weekly Monday residency in September at Caledonia Lounge playing on the back deck, in a time before outdoor music was happening at venues downtown.

Barbe hasn’t finished making those music memories yet, though, and it’s a rare opportunity to witness a time capsule of sounds within someone’s career over one night. For a better understanding of these bands, it’s highly recommended to take in the full experience live. f

WHO: Mercyland, Buzz Hungry, Barbe Plus, The Quick Hooks

WHEN: Saturday, Sept . 30, 7 p m (doors)

WHERE: 40 Watt Club

HOW MUCH: $10

The David Barbe Historical Rock ’n’ Roll Abstract and 60th Birthday Party will feature performances by Mercyland (active ’85–’91), Buzz Hungry (active ’91–’96), The Quick Hooks and Barbe Plus, which has been built out of Barbe’s project with New

event calendar

Wednesday 27

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

COMEDY: Gorgeous George’s Improv League (Buvez) 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: ACC Library Friends Fall Book Sale (ACC Library) Browse books, children’s books, CDs, DVDs and audiobooks. Wednesday is Preview Night (for members only), Saturday is $10/Bag Day. Sept. 27–30. www.athenslibrary.org

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: Breast Cancer Awareness Month Kickoff (Athentic Brewing Co.) The Loran Smith Center will have resources and information for those affected by breast cancer or interested in learning more, and a percentage of beer sales will go to the center. 5 p.m. FREE! www.athenticbrewing.com

EVENTS: Rainbow Flow Yoga (Bishop Park) Join Nick from M3 Yoga for a class set to a fun playlist as part of Athens Pride Month. 6 p.m. Donations encouraged. www. athenspride.org

FILM: Rock & Roll President (Ciné) View a documentary about President Carter’s relationships with a number of well-known musicians then enjoy a beer tasting and roundtable discussion. 5:30 p.m. (screening), 7 p.m. (discussion). $7–9.75. www.athenscine.com

FILM: Movies and Shorts by Dayna Noffke & Friends (Ciné) Enjoy a film screening by Ghastly Horror Society. 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: Classic City Trivia (The Local 706) Test your trivia knowledge with host Garrett Lennox. 7 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/

ClassicCityTriviaCo

GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (Amici at The Falls) Test your knowledge with host TJ Wayt. Wednesdays, 7 p.m. www.facebook.com/baddogathens

GAMES: Disney Trivia Night (B&B Theatres) Test your Disney film knowledge and win prizes. 7:30 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/ bbathens12

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

KIDSTUFF: Afternoon Play Group (reBlossom Mama & Baby Shop) Meet new friends and build current relationships with indoor and outdoor play for little ones. Ages 1–4.

3–5 p.m. FREE! www.reblossom athens.com

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

KIDSTUFF: Athens Reads Together Storytime (ACC Library) Join Miss Rebecca for stories and songs with special guests the UGA Gymdogs. All ages. 5 p.m. FREE! www.athens library.org

KIDSTUFF: Drawing Club for PreTeens and Teens (K.A. Artist Shop) In this weekly club for teens led by local artist Holly Hutchinson, participants will learn a new fundamental skill for drawing with ink and graphite each session. 5–6:30 p.m. $25 (drop-in), $200 (semester pass). www.kaartist.com

KIDSTUFF: Woodland Fairy Festival (Oconee County Library) Make fairy jars, watch a fairy movie, make fairy dust necklaces and enjoy fairy-themed treats. Prize for best costume. 6–8 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/oconee

MEETINGS: Film Athens (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Meet and network with others in the filmmaking community (actors, directors, etc.) during happy hour. 5 p.m. FREE! www.flickertheatreandbar.com

OUTDOORS: Yoga in the Park (Dudley Park) Join for a breathcentered yoga class while immersed in nature. Suitable for beginners. Registration required. Ages 7 & up. 10 a.m. $5 (ACC residents), $7.50 (non-residents). 706-613-3620

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 28

ART: Opening Reception (ACE/ FRANCISCO Gallery) Renowned California artist J. Grant Brittain will have pieces on view in the exhibition “‘80s Skateboarding Photography by J. Grant Brittain.” 6–9 p.m. FREE! www.acefranciscogallery.com

CLASSES: Pluck Financial Mini Session (reBlossom Mama & Baby Shop) A 20-minute one-onone coaching session focused on improving financial wellbeing. 4–6 p.m. $25 (buy one, give one). www. reblossomathens.com

CLASSES: Tarot & Tea (Indie South) 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

COMEDY: Comedy In The Taproom (Athentic Brewing Co.) Athens Comedy presents a monthly show of national touring comedians, this night featuring headliners Hayley Ellman and James McAliney. $7.50–15. 7–9:30 p.m. www.facebook.com/athenscomedy

COMEDY: Secret Comedy Show (Onward Reserve) From standup to improv and alternative comedy, every week will feature something unique. Thursdays, 8 p.m. $5–7. www.athenscomedy.ticketleap.com

EVENTS: ACC Library Friends Fall Book Sale (ACC Library) Browse books, children’s books, CDs, DVDs and audiobooks. Wednesday is

Preview Night (for members only), Saturday is $10/Bag Day. Sept. 27–30. www.athenslibrary.org

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

EVENTS: Athens Cigar Society (J’s Bottle Shop) This meetup pairs Chattanooga Distillery whisky with fine cigars, food and more. 6–9 p.m. $28–35. www.jsbottleshop. com

EVENTS: Paws, Pups and Pops (ACC Animal Services) The shelter is staying open late for an adoption event with free King of Pops popsicles, pupsicles to give the shelter dogs, and a free bag of food, collar and leash for any adopted dog. 6–8 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/ Athenspets

EVENTS: Athens Community Chorus (Rabbit Hole Studios) New community chorus dedicated to holding and providing space for community-led singing for social connection and unity. Second and fourth Thursdays, 7 p.m. FREE! ring unn6.wixsite.com/athcommunity chorus

EVENTS: Grand Opening Party (Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams) Celebrate the opening of the new Five Points location for free scoops, swag bags and more. 7–11 p.m. FREE! www.jenis.com

GAMES: Thursday Trivia (Johnny’s New York Style Pizza) Test your trivia knowledge with host Jon Head. 6:30 p.m. www.johnnyspizza.com

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

KIDSTUFF: Preschool Art: Read Make Play (Brella Studio) Miss Alyssa leads this play-based class by reading a book and creating art inspired by it. Ages 2–6. 9:15 a.m. $50. www.brellastudio.com

KIDSTUFF: Open Playtime (Oconee County Library) Drop in for activities that help build brain function and encourage early literacy. Ages 5 & under. 11 a.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/oconee

KIDSTUFF: LEGO Club (Oconee County Library) Drop in and build your own unique LEGO creations. Ages 5–12. 3:30–5:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/oconee

KIDSTUFF: After School Art Class: Just Add Paper (Brella Studio) Get creative and messy with Miss Alyssa as she teaches simple and effective painting techniques for young artists. Ages 5–10. 4 p.m. $20. www.brellastudio.com

KIDSTUFF: Tween Chapter Chat (Bogart Library) Enjoy this month’s book from the Shannon Messenger’s Keeper of the Lost Cities series as well as trivia, elveninspired snacks and activities. Ages 8–12. 4:30–5:30 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/bogart

LECTURES & LIT: Across the Board Book Club (Oconee County Library) Discuss this month’s book The House of Broken Angels by Luis Alberto Urrea. 11 a.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/oconee

MEETINGS: KnitLits Knitting Group (Bogart Library) Knitters of all levels are invited to have fun, share craft ideas and knit to their hearts’ con-

tent. Every Thursday, 6 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart

PERFORMANCE: Ballet Hispánico (UGA Fine Arts Theatre) The renowned Latino dance ensemble celebrates culture through innovative performance and community engagement. Ages 6 & up. 7:30 p.m. $39–79. www.pac.uga.edu

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: UGA Theatre: Silent Sky (UGA Cellar Theatre) Georgia playwright Lauren Gunderson presents the true story of astronomer Henrietta Leavitt. ASL interpretation nights are available. Sept. 28–30; Oct. 4–6, 8 p.m. Oct. 1 & 8, 2 p.m. $6–18. www.ugatheatre.com

Friday 29

ART: Closing Reception (tiny ATH gallery) Works by Jim Barsness and Jesse Blalock will be on view. 5–8 p.m. FREE! www.tinyathgallery.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 guest: Hayley Ellman. 8–9 p.m. $10. www.flyingsquidcomedy. com

EVENTS: ACC Library Friends Fall Book Sale (ACC Library) Browse books, children’s books, CDs, DVDs and audiobooks. Wednesday is Preview Night (for members only), Saturday is $10/Bag Day. Sept. 27–30. www.athenslibrary.org

EVENTS: Voter Registration (Oconee County Library) Drop in to register to vote or to check your registration status. 10 a.m.–6 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/ oconee

EVENTS: Supper Club (Soldier of the Sea Distillery) Farm-to-table gathering with a social hour, music, entertainment and a multi-course meal. Registration required. 6–9 p.m. $60. www.soswhiskey.com

EVENTS: Queer Prom (1055 Barber) Go back in time to enjoy prom as your authentic self, and dress up for this year’s disco theme. Ages 21 & up. 7–10 p.m. $5. www.athens pride.org

EVENTS: Night Hike (Sandy Creek Nature Center) Enjoy a guided hike and discover local trails by moonlight. Registration required. Ages 8 and up. 7:30–9 p.m. $2 ACC residents, $3 non-residents. www. accgovga.myrec.com

GAMES: Autumn Bingo (Oconee County Library) Play games to win books and other cool prizes. All ages. 11 a.m.–12 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/oconee

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

KIDSTUFF: All Ages Playgroup (reBlossom Mama & Baby Shop) Join caregivers with their little ones (typically ages 1–5) in play clothes for indoor and outdoor activities. 10 a.m.–12 p.m. FREE! www.reblossom athens.com

KIDSTUFF: Fantastic Friday (Bishop Park) An instructor supervises while a parent/caregiver leads

their little ones through amazing obstacle courses. Ages 1–4 years. Register online. 10–11:30 a.m. $7.50 (ACC residents), $12.25 (non-ACC residents). www.accgov. com/148/Leisure-Services

KIDSTUFF: Ballet Hispánico (UGA Fine Arts Theatre) The renowned Latino dance ensemble celebrates culture through innovative performance and community engagement. with a special Performances for Young People show. K-12. 10 a.m. $3 (students), $5 (adult chaperones). www.pac.uga.edu

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: After School Art Class: Yarn & Thread (Brella Studio) Get messy with Miss Ansley as she leads crafts working with yarn, string and other threads. Ages 5–10. 4 p.m. $20. www.brella studio.com

KIDSTUFF: Art Card and Button Club (K.A. Artist Shop) Pre-teens and teens are invited to draw, paint, collage and create a collection of Art Cards and buttons. Every Friday, 6:30 p.m. $25. www.kaartist.com

LECTURES & LIT: Athens Science Café (Terrapin Beer Co.) This month Dr. Brita Lorentzen will present on what tree rings can tell us about ancient climate, humans and forests. 6:30 p.m. FREE! www. athenssciencecafe.wordpress.com

MEETINGS: Celebrate Recovery

Free Dinner (Living Hope Church)

Christ-centered 12-step program to help anyone with heart hurt, hang-up or habit. Free childcare, and bus route accessible. FREE!

5:30 p.m. (dinner), 6:30 p.m. (large group). 706-207-2396

PERFORMANCE: Athens Showgirl

Cabaret Fabulous Fridays (Hendershot’s) Enjoy a fabulous night of drag entertainment. Ages 18 & up. 9 p.m. $5. www.athensshowgirl cabaret.com

THEATER: Cheaper by the Dozen (Brightstone Productions) Based on the beloved book and hit movie, this production is a hilarious and heartwarming comedy about a family of 12 children. Sept. 29–30, 7 p.m. Sept. 30 & Oct. 1, 2 p.m. $15. www.brightstoneathens.com

THEATER: UGA Theatre: Silent Sky (UGA Cellar Theatre) Georgia playwright Lauren Gunderson presents the true story of astronomer Henrietta Leavitt. ASL interpretation nights are available. Sept. 28–30; Oct. 4–6, 8 p.m. Oct. 1 & 8, 2 p.m. $6–18. www.ugatheatre.com

THEATER: Perfect Arrangement (Town & Gown Players) Sitcomstyle laughs with provocative drama as two closeted U.S. State Department employees struggle to maintain their cover during the Lavender Scare of 1950s America. Sept. 29–30; Oct. 5–7, 8 p.m. Sept. 31 & Oct. 8, 2 p.m. $20. www.townand gownplayers.org

Saturday 30

ART: Open Gallery (Southern Star Studio) Browse the studio’s collection of local artist-made pots for sale. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. FREE! www. southernstarstudioathens.com

ART: Plein Air (Sweet Olive Farm) Enjoy a painting and drawing activity amongst the animals at Sweet Olive Farm. 10 a.m.–12 p.m. Registration required. FREE! accgovga. myrec.com

ART: Studio Workshop (Georgia Museum of Art) Amanda Jane Burk will lead a class where participants will learn the traditional printmaking technique of relief carving. Registration required. 1–4 p.m. $15. www.georgiamuseum.org

ART: Opening Reception (Tif Sigfrids) Atlanta-based artist Hasani Sahlehe’s solo exhibition of new paintings, “Favorite Song,” will be on view with a DJ. 5–7 p.m. FREE! www.tifsigfrids.com

ART: Artist Talk (Ciné) Renowned photographer discusses and signs copies of his book PUSH: J. Grant Brittain – ’80s Skateboarding Photography with his photography exhibition on display. 6–8 p.m. FREE! www.avidbookshop.com

CLASSES: Learn Basic Miniature Painting (Tyche’s Games) Bring your primed miniatures and learn the basics of painting them. Supplies provided. 1 p.m. FREE! www. tychesgames.com

CLASSES: Any Swing Goes (The Studio Athens) Learn the basics of Lindy Hop and West Coast Swing, then practice and meet new friends. 7 p.m. (beginner lesson), 8–10 p.m. (social dancing). $5–10. www. facebook.com/AthensSwingCentral

EVENTS: ACC Library Friends Fall Book Sale (ACC Library) Browse books, children’s books, CDs, DVDs and audiobooks. Wednesday is Preview Night (for members only), Saturday is $10/Bag Day. Sept. 27–30. www.athenslibrary.org

EVENTS: Athens Farmers Market (Bishop Park) Markets offer locally grown groceries and handmade goods. Attendees can enjoy free live music and children’s activities. AFM doubles SNAP dollars spent at the market. Every Saturday, 8 a.m.–12 p.m. www.athensfarmers market.net

EVENTS: 34th Annual Insectival (State Botanical Garden of Georgia) Join the garden staff as they celebrate our insect neighbors with a number of family-friendly activities. 9 a.m.–1 p.m. $5-20. www.bot garden.uga.edu

EVENTS: Bishop Fall Festival (Bishop, GA) This inaugural event features a kids zone, free snow cones, food trucks, raffles and community vendors. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. FREE! www.townofbishop.org

EVENTS: Local History Expo (Oconee County Library) Meet with history organizations from our area and view numerous artifacts on display. All ages. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/ oconee

EVENTS: First Annual Hispanic Heritage Month Festival (College Square Plaza) Celebrate with traditional food from Latin American and Caribbean countries, folk dancing and live music. 10 a.m.–8 p.m. FREE! Comunidad Chaplain Latinos en USA on Facebook

EVENTS: West Broad Farmers Market (West Broad Farmers Market) The market offers fresh produce, locally raised meat and eggs, baked goods, flowers, artisan goods and more. Online ordering is available Sundays–Thursdays for drive-

thru pick up. Saturdays, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. www.wbfm.locallygrown.net

EVENTS: Benefit Sidewalk Sale (Avid Bookshop (Five Points)) Shop a donations-only sidewalk sale directly benefitting Athens Pride + Queer Collective. 11 a.m.–7 p.m. FREE! www.avidbookshop.com

EVENTS: 2023 PrideFest (Terrapin Beer Co.) Athens Pride and Queer Collective’s annual festival features vendors, entertainment and performances, a drag show and more. FREE! 12–6 p.m. www.facebook. com/AthensGAPride

EVENTS: Family Day (Richard B. Russell Special Collections Library) An afternoon of family fun highlighting the Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library’s exhibit “Exploring St. Catherine’s Island.” 1–4 p.m. FREE! libraries.uga.edu

EVENTS: Chili Cook Off (Mai Kai Kava) Enjoy relaxing vibes, purchase chili samples or bowls to-go and vote for your favorite Chili Chef. 3–8 p.m. FREE! www.athenskava. com

EVENTS: Above Athens (Sandy Creek Park) Hot air balloon festival with tethered balloon rides, food trucks, and free children’s activities. No pets allowed. 3–8:30 p.m. FREE! www.accgov.com

EVENTS: 13th Annual Justice Fest (Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Athens) There will be a keynote speaker, award presentation, choir and reception. 4–7 p.m. FREE! www.uuathensga.org

GAMES: Day of Board Game

Demonstrations (Tyche’s Games) Try new games and watch how they’re played. 12 p.m. FREE! www. tychesgames.com

KIDSTUFF: Family Day: Southern/ Modern (Georgia Museum of Art) Explore the galleries and play Art Cart games, then make friendship inspired art. 10 a.m.–12 p.m. FREE! www.georgiamuseum.org

PERFORMANCE: The Amazing Acro-Cats (Morton Theatre) A popular troupe of rescued domestic house cats gives a one-of-a-kind purrformance. $25-60. 7–9 p.m. www.mortontheatre.com

THEATER: Cheaper by the Dozen (Brightstone Productions) Based on the beloved book and hit movie, this production is a hilarious and heartwarming comedy about a family of 12 children. Sept. 29–30, 7 p.m. Sept. 30 & Oct. 1, 2 p.m. $15. www.brightstoneathens.com

THEATER: UGA Theatre: Silent Sky (UGA Cellar Theatre) Georgia playwright Lauren Gunderson presents the true story of astronomer Henrietta Leavitt. ASL interpretation nights are available. Sept. 28–30; Oct. 4–6, 8 p.m. Oct. 1 & 8, 2 p.m. $6–18. www.ugatheatre.com

THEATER: Perfect Arrangement (Town & Gown Players) Sitcomstyle laughs with provocative drama as two closeted U.S. State Department employees struggle to maintain their cover during the Lavender Scare of 1950s America. Sept. 29–30; Oct. 5–7, 8 p.m. Sept. 31 & Oct. 8, 2 p.m. $20. www.townand gownplayers.org

Sunday 1

ART: Gallery Talk (Steffen Thomas Museum of Art) Featured artists of the exhibition “Algo para Declarar/ Something to Declare” Jorge Arcos, Catalina Gomez Beuth and Franklin Delgado will speak on their work. 3 p.m. FREE! www.steffenthomas.org

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

CLASSES: Beginner Basics In Acrylic (K.A. Artist Shop) Local artist Lauren Adams leads a one-day workshop for adults about acrylic painting materials, color-mixing and other essential painting tips. 1 –4 p.m. $45. www.kaartist.com

CLASSES: Cuban Salsa (UGA Memorial Hall) Join UGA Salsa Club for lessons that meet a variety of dance abilities, including those who have never danced before. 4–6 p.m. FREE! www.ugasalsaclub.com

EVENTS: 1000 Meals (Hendershot’s) Stop by for a free meal with no questions asked. 9 a.m.–12 p.m. FREE! www.hendershotsathens.com

EVENTS: Secret Record Swap (Athentic Brewing Co.) Browse thousands of vinyl records, CDs, tapes, posters, DVDs, cassettes, T-shirts and more for sale by vendors from all around the Southeast. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. $5 (early admission), FREE! www.facebook.com/ secretrecordswap

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

EVENTS: Open House (Revolution Therapy and Yoga) Revolution Therapy and Yoga will showcase classes as well as opportunities to explore therapy offerings. 1:30–5:45 p.m. FREE! www.revolutiontherapyand yoga.com

FILM: Shocktoberfest (Southern Brewing Co.) The Ciné Drive-In presents a month of horror favorites on the big screen, featuring Get Out this night. 8 p.m. (gates), 9 p.m. (film). $10. www.athenscine.com/ shocktoberfest-2023

GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (Southern Brewing Co.) Test your knowledge with host TJ Wayt. Sundays, 4 p.m. www.facebook.com/baddogathens

PERFORMANCE: The Amazing Acro-Cats (Morton Theatre) A popular troupe of rescued domestic house cats gives a one-of-a-kind purrformance. $25-60. 2–4 p.m. www.mortontheatre.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

THEATER: UGA Theatre: Silent Sky (UGA Cellar Theatre) Georgia playwright Lauren Gunderson presents the true story of astronomer Henrietta Leavitt. ASL interpretation nights are available. Sept. 28–30; Oct. 4–6, 8 p.m. Oct. 1 & 8, 2 p.m. $6–18. www.ugatheatre.com

THEATER: Cheaper by the Dozen (Brightstone Productions) Based on the beloved book and hit movie, this production is a hilarious and heartwarming comedy about a family of 12 children. Sept. 29–30, 7 p.m. Sept. 30 & Oct. 1, 2 p.m. $15. www.brightstoneathens.com

THEATER: Perfect Arrangement (Town & Gown Players) Sitcomstyle laughs with provocative drama as two closeted U.S. State Department employees struggle to maintain their cover during the Lavender Scare of 1950s America. Sept. 29–30; Oct. 5–7, 8 p.m. Sept. 31 & Oct. 8, 2 p.m. $20. www.townand gownplayers.org

Monday 2

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

FILM: Boss Bitch Double Feature (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Flicker Film Society presents a double feature showing of Jennifer’s Body (7 p.m.) and The Craft (9 p.m.). FREE! www. flickertheatreandbar.com

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

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 3–7 years. Registration suggested. 10 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart

KIDSTUFF: Preschool Art: MessFree Mondays (Brella Studio) Miss Alyssa leads leads super fun art and sensory activities. Ages 1–5. 10 a.m. $20. www.brellastudio.com

KIDSTUFF: Beginner Guitar Club (Lay Park) Learn the basic fundamentals of the guitar. Registration required. Every Monday. Ages 8-11, 5:30-6:20 p.m. Ages 12-17, 6:307:20 p.m. FREE! www.accgovga. myrec.com

MEETINGS: Meditation Monday (Sisters of the Moon) Join others for a collective tarot reading followed by a guided meditation, breath work, journal prompts and more. All ages. 7–8:30 p.m. FREE! www.shopsotm.com

Tuesday 3

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

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

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

KIDSTUFF: New Parents, Infants and Crawlers Play Group (reBlossom Mama & Baby Shop) Meet other parents and their babies to discuss how you’re feeling and what’s new. Ages 1 & under. 10 a.m.–12 p.m. FREE! www.reblossom athens.com

KIDSTUFF: After School Art Class: Watercolors (Brella Studio) Get creative with Miss Alana as she leads crafts using watercolors. Ages 5–10. 4 p.m. $20. www.brella studio.com

LECTURES & LIT: Bogart Bookies

Adult Book Club (Bogart Library) Pick up a copy of Master, Slave, Husband, Wife: An Epic Journey from Slavery to Freedom by Ilyon Woo and discuss it with the group. 1–2 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary. org/bogart

LECTURES & LIT: Normal Talk (The Lewis Room at Tweed Recording) Justin Giboney discusses topics on faith and politics followed by a Q&A. Registration required. 7:30–9 p.m. FREE! www.normaltalk.org

MEETINGS: Silent Book Club (The Foundry) Settle in with some food

and beverages, then enjoy an hour of quiet reading time. Registration required. 6–8 p.m. FREE! linktr.ee/ silentbookclubathens

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 4

ART: Curator Talk (Georgia Museum of Art) Nelda Damiano, curator of European art, will give a gallery talk about the latest “In Dialogue” installation “Power Couple: Pierre and Louise Daura in Paris.” 2 p.m. FREE! www.georgiamuseum.org

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

EVENTS: UGA History Graduate Student Association Book Sale (Leconte Hall) Browse an extensive collection of history books for sale. 9 a.m.–3 p.m. history.uga.edu

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

FILM: Swim Tuff: How I Swam My Way Out of the Bottle (B&B Theatres) Screening of the documentary about Ben Tuff who found recovery from alcohol and mental illness through swimming. 6:30 p.m. FREE www.bbtheatres.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

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

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

LECTURES & LIT: Monthly Book Swap (Athentic Brewing Co.) Presented by Avid Bookshop, browse free books to take home or settle in to read in the front lounge. Donating books is encouraged but not required. First Wednesdays, 5–10 p.m. FREE! www.athenticbrewing. com

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: UGA Theatre: Silent Sky (UGA Cellar Theatre) Georgia playwright Lauren Gunderson presents the true story of astronomer Henrietta Leavitt. ASL interpretation nights are available. Sept. 28–30; Oct. 4–6, 8 p.m. Oct. 1 & 8, 2 p.m. $6–18. www.ugatheatre.com f

... just listen

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26TH

NO PHONE PARTY WITH KENOSHA KID

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27TH

NEW FACES NIGHT

HOSTED BY LIZ FARRELL

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28TH

BIG BAND ATHENS

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29TH

ATHENS SHOWGIRL CABARET

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 TH

SWING THEORY

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1ST 1000 MEALS

PRE GAME OR POST GAME WITH US BREAKFAST, BLOODY MARY’S AND MIMOSAS SAT & SUN GO DAWGS!

ATHENS’ INTIMATE LIVE MUSIC VENUE

hendershotsathens.com

bulletin board

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

ArtATHENS CREATIVE DIRECTORY

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

CALL FOR PHOTOS (Athens, GA)

Seeking water and nature-themed photos taken in Athens-Clarke County for the 2024 Stormwater Calendar. www.accgov.com/1764/ Stormwater-Management-Program

JOKERJOKERTV CALL FOR ARTISTS (Online) JOKERJOKERtv is open to ideas and actively accepting proposals for collaboration from visual/musical/video artists and curators living in Athens. Artists worldwide can also submit music videos, short films, skits and ideas to share with a weekly livestream audience. www.jokerjokertv.com/ submit

MUSEUM MADNESS (Georgia Museum of Art) As part of the museum’s 75th anniversary celebration, an art competition pits 64 works from its collection against one another to see which will emerge as the people’s favorite. Vote in person. Winner announced Nov. 5. www.georgiamuseum.org

OPEN STUDIOS (Lyndon House Arts Center) Studio members have access to spaces for painting, print-

making, photography, ceramics, jewelry, fiber and woodworking. Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. $65/month. www. accgov.com/7350/Open-StudioMembership

Auditions

JUNIE B. IN JINGLE BELLS, BATMAN SMELLS! (On Stage Playhouse, Monroe) Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script. Visit the website for a description of characters. Auditions held Oct. 7, 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. and Oct. 11, 6–8 p.m. www. onstagewalton.org

SORORITY HOUSE OF THE DEAD (Athens Community Theatre) Town & Gown Players host auditions for Mitch Brian’s horror comedy. Auditions consist of cold readings from the script. Fill out the online audition form. Oct. 1–2, 6:30 p.m. Callbacks on Oct. 3. Performances held Dec. 8–17. www.townandgownplayers.org

Classes

ART CLASSES (K.A. Artist Shop)

A variety of classes are taught in acrylic painting, watercolor painting, brush pen calligraphy, digital editing, photographing artwork, analog black-and-white photography, aqua oil painting and more.

art around town

ACE/FRANCISCO GALLERY (675 Pulaski St., Suite 1500) San Diego-based photographer J. Grant Brittain presents “80s Skate Photography,” a collection of iconic images. Opening reception Sept. 28, 6-9 p.m. Through December.

ATHENAEUM (287 W. Broad St.) Paul Pfeiffer’s video work “Red Green Blue” edits audio and visual recordings of the UGA Redcoat Marching Band to investigate the stadium as a site of ritual. Artist Talk Sept. 28, 6 p.m. Curator

Tour Oct. 8, 4 p.m. Currently on view through Nov. 18.

ATHENS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (246 W. Hancock Ave.)

“BLOOM” features select works by local artist Courtney Khail. Through Oct. 6.

ATHENS INSTITUTE FOR CONTEMPORARY ART: ATHICA (675 Pulaski St.) During his residency, Artist-in-ATHICA Mickey Oscar Boyd has developed an installation entitled “The Vernacular of Placeless Architecture; or Stairs and Portals to the Same Place.” Through Oct. 12.

ATHICA@CINÉ GALLERY (234 W. Hancock Ave.) Curated by Jason Thrasher in conjunction with a co-exhibition at the ACE/FRANCISCO Gallery, “80s Skate Photography” shares images by J. Grant Brittain. Artist talk and book signing Sept. 30, 6 p.m. Currently on view through Oct. 25.

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.

DODD GALLERIES (270 River Rd.) “Spirit Duplicator” presents works by Sarah LaPonte, Gabriel Slavitt and Dylan Lewis. Through Oct. 4. • Designed by Jiayi Guo and Haolin Zeng, “Expression of the Superorganism” employs fire ants to explore three forms of animal-mediated creation processes.

Through Oct. 4. • Eliza Bentz’s exhibition “To Wander a Well Worn Path” presents the act of weaving in relation to contemporary abstraction and mixed media practices. Through Oct. 4. • Ansley West Rivers’ exhibition “Holding Time” brings together three distinct bodies of photographic work.

Through Nov. 3. • In “Wall Works: Kathryn Réfi,” the artist uses her own hair as a foundational image to weave organic and irregular material into the familiar pattern of a chain link fence, creating a tension between softness and rigidity. Through Nov. 15.

“Pet Portraits in Acrylic” will be held Nov. 1 and Nov. 8, 6–8 p.m. $55. Visit the website for dates and to register. www.kaartistshop.com

BLACKSMITHING CLASSES (Greenhow Handmade Ironworks, Washington) A variety of classes include “Basic Blacksmithing” (Oct. 7), “Forge a Tomahawk” (Oct. 21), “Forge a Bottle Opener” (Oct. 28), “First Time at the Forge” (Nov. 4 or Jan. 6), “Forge a Firepoker” (Nov. 11, Dec. 2 or Dec. 16), “Forge Christmas Ornaments” (Nov. 18, Nov. 25 or Dec. 9) and “Blacksmith Boot Camp: Santa’s Workshop” (Dec. 19-22). Classes run 10 a.m.–5 p.m. www.greenhowhand made.com/blacksmith-classes

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

EMBODIED WISDOM YOGA

TEACHER TRAINING (Revolution Therapy and Yoga) This certified 200-hour yoga alliance-approved teacher training led by Kelsey Wishik combines the holistic practice of yoga with contemporary trauma-informed techniques. Training runs Nov. 4–May 5. $2299. www.revolutiontherapyandyoga.com

FLYING SQUID COMEDY CLASSES (work.shop) Weekly improv comedy classes are held for four different levels of experience. Classes begin in October. $160 (six weeks), $215 (eight weeks). Flying Squid Com-

edy also hosts improv performances Wednesdays at 7 p.m. at Buvez and Fridays at 8 p.m. at work.shop. www. flyingsquidcomedy.com

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

OPEN/COMMUNITY MEDITATION (Sangha Yoga

Studio at Healing Arts Centre) Uma Rose leads a meditation designed to guide participants into stillness and silence. Mondays, 4–5 p.m. Donations encouraged. www.healing artscentre.net

PETANQUE CLUB OF ATHENS (Athens, GA) Weekly games are held every Wednesday. Email to participate. RSVP to attend a free Monday intro class, 10–11:30 a.m. athens petanqueclub@gmail.com, www.athenspetanqueclub.wixsite. com/play

PUBLIC DANCE (The Studio Athens) Beginner Rumba lessons followed by DJ’d waltz, swing, salsa, tango etc. Every fourth Saturday. 7:30–10 p.m. $5 (students), $10 (non-students). www.gmdance.com

QPR SUICIDE PREVENTION TRAINING (Nuçi’s Space) Nuçi’s hosts free monthly QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) suicide prevention sessions for anyone interested, not just mental health professionals. Nuçi’s also offers free training for businesses and organizations. qpr@nuci.org, www.nuci.org/blog/ qpr-upcoming-dates

FLICKER THEATRE & BAR (263 W. Washington St.) Vibrant artwork by multi-media Philadelphia artist Angela Rio. Through September.

GEORGIA MUSEUM OF ART (90 Carlton St.) “Where Shadows Cross: Photography by Jim Fiscus. Through Oct. 8. • “Southern/Modern” explores themes of social issues, urbanization, religion, the environment and artists’ colonies through the artwork of Southern artists working between 1913–1955. Through Dec. 10. • “In Dialogue: Power Couple: Pierre and Louise Daura in Paris” features paintings by Louise, engravings by Pierre and several objects that appear in their images. 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 “FalloweenPart 1.” Through Nov. 1.

JUST PHO… AND MORE (1063 Baxter St.) Local watercolorist Mary Ellen Vogel presents “Home and Abroad,” scenes from the Bahamas, Italy, Europe, Thailand, Japan and the U.S. executed in her realistic, impressionistic style. Through Oct. 14.

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 Nena Gilreath’s collection of toe shoes. Through Oct. 7. • “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. Through Oct. 7. • “The Fables” by Kristin Roberts consists of illustrations inspired by Aesop’s Fables. Through Oct. 7. • “Sanctuary: Works by Mary Engel and Cheryl Washburn” combines works by two artists who share a passion for animals. Through Oct. 7.

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

Teresa Bramlette Reeves presents “she didn’t really follow a rabbit down the hole, but she thought it was a good story.”

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

“Tommye Scanlin: Because of Memory” features handwoven tapestries alongside works on paper based on the artist’s experiences of the Lillian E. Smith Center in Clayton, GA. Through Sept. 28.

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

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

TRADITIONAL MARTIAL ARTS

CLASSES (Live Oak Martial Arts)

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

UPCYCLING WORKSHOP (Winterville Cultural Center) Jamil of “Z as in” assists students in adding buttons, pockets, inches, zippers and flair. Bring a project and/or sewing

machine. Mondays, Oct. 16–Nov. 13, 6–8 p.m. $10/class. jamila. zasin.fashion@gmail.com, www. wintervillecenter.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.revolutiontherapyand yoga.com

YOGA CLASSES (Let It Be Yoga Studio, Watkinsville) Classes are offered in Hatha, Vinyasa, Kundalini, beginner, gentle and other styles. Check online calendar for weekly offerings. www.letitbeyoga.org

Help Out

READ AROUND ATHENS (ACC Police Department East Precinct & ACC Library) In honor of National Family Literacy Month, Read Around Athens is organizing a book drive to replenish Little Free Libraries. Donate new or lightly used books. Through Oct. 13. www. facebook.com/accpolice

THE ROOK & PAWN (294 W. Washington St.) “Full Circle” is a group exhibition of works by 26 Athens artists including Keith P. Rein, J Anderssen, Sierra Kirsche, Gaby Delliponti and Wiliam Ballard. Through Oct. 21.

STATE BOTANICAL GARDEN OF GEORGIA (2450 S. Milledge Ave)

Margaret Agner presents “Six-Legged Symmetry,” a collection of 17 painted silk hangings depicting insects. Insectival held Sept. 30. Currently on view through Oct. 9.

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

“Something to Declare/Algo para Declarar” represents nine Latin American countries through the works of Jorge Arcos, Yehimi Cambron, Marisa Cerban, Franklin Delgado, Pedro Fuertes, Catalina Gomez-Beuth, Dora Lopez, Morgan Lugo, Paula Reynaldi, Maria Sarmiento, Carlos Solis and Melvin Toledo. Through Jan. 6.

TIF SIGFRIDS (393 N. Finley St.) Atlanta-based artist Hasani Sahlehe presents “Favorite Song,” a collection of paintings exploring color and materiality with a spacious approach to interpretation. Opening reception Sept. 30, 5-7 p.m. Through Nov. 4.

TINY ATH GALLERY (174 Cleveland Ave.) “Serendipity” features paintings created in tandem by Jim Barsness and Jesse Blalock. Closing reception Sept. 28, 5–8 p.m.

UGA SPECIAL COLLECTIONS LIBRARIES (300 S. Hull St.) “House Party” explores Athens’ house show history through photos and artifacts from The Green House on Milledge across from Taco Stand, The Landfill, Spillage, The Lounge, Saint Mary’s Church, The Ultramod Compound and others. Through December. • “Exploring St. Catherines Island” lays out centuries of American history found in artifacts dating back to the 16th century, tracing the island’s history from the establishment of indigenous towns through Spanish and English colonialism. Family Day held Sept. 30. Through December. • “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. • “Legacy: Vince Dooley, 1932-2022” celebrates the life and career of the late UGA football head coach and athletic director through photographs and artifacts. Tours held before home games on Fridays at 3 p.m. Through spring 2024.

• “Paving the Road to Progress: Georgia Interstate Highways” traverses the rocky path of the interstate system’s development through maps, reports, correspondence and legislation. Through Apr. 24.

UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP OF ATHENS (780 Timothy Rd.) “Encounters” features artwork in different media by Linda Gilbert and Hilda Kurtz.

“Ansley West Rivers: Holding Time” is currently on view at the Dodd Galleries through Nov. 3.

RIVERS ALIVE (Dudley Park) Wade into local rivers, lakes and streams as part of a statewide campaign to clean and preserve over 70,000 miles of Georgia’s rivers and streams. The annual cleanup event will happen Oct. 21. accgov.com/ riversalive

SEEKING BOARD MEMBERS

(Athens, GA) The AthFest Educates Board of Directors is now accepting applications for board members to begin in 2024. Send a resume and statement of interest to governance@athfesteducates.org. Deadline Oct. 1. www.athfesteducates.org

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

ART CLASSES (Brella Studio) After school art classes are offered several times a week for ages 5–10. Subjects include watercolors (Tuesdays, 4–5:30 p.m.), “just add paper” (Thursdays, 4–5:30 p.m.), and yarn and thread (Fridays, 4–5:30 p.m.). $20/drop-in. “Preschool Art: Mess-Free Mondays” for ages 1–5 is held every Monday, 10–11:30 a.m. “Preschool Art: Read Make Play” for ages 2–6 is held every Thursday, 9:15–11:45 a.m. $50/drop-in. Programs run through Dec. 15. www.brellastudio.com

ART CLUBS (K.A. Artist Shop) Draw, paint, collage and create during weekly Art Card and Button Club meet-ups. Fridays, 6:30–8 p.m. Drawing Club, taught by local artist Holly Hutchinson, is held Wednesdays through Nov. 15, 5–6:30 p.m. For ages 10–17. $25/drop-in, $200 (10-session pass). kaartist.com

ATHENS FOREST KINDERGARTEN (Sandy Creek Park) Now enrolling children ages 3-6 for fall. AFK is a cooperative preschool that aims to develop initiative, persistence, interdependence and empathy. www.athensforestkindergarten.org

GROUPS AT REBLOSSOM (ReBlossom) All Ages Play Group is for children (typically 1–5 years old) and their caregivers to play inside and outdoors. Fridays, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. New Parents, Infants and Crawlers Play Group is for babies ages 0-12 months and their caregivers to discuss parenthood. Tuesdays, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. Afternoon Play Group is for children (typically 1–4 years old) and their caregivers to meet each other and build relationships. Wednesdays, 3–5 p.m. www.reblossomathens.com

SPARK: WEEKEND ACADEMY (Georgia Center for Continuing Education) Spark invites middle and high school students to attend weekend-long academic courses in American Sign Language or 3D animation. For ages 13–16. Oct. 21–22, 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m. $120. www.georgiacenter.uga.edu/youth/ spark

TREEHOUSE ACTIVITIES (Treehouse Kid & Craft) A variety of crafting and playtime activities are offered for various age groups. Visit the website for details and to register. www.treehousekidandcraft.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

LGBTQIA+ VIRTUAL ALPHABET FAMILY GATHERING (Online)

This is a safe space for anyone on the LGBTQIA+/TGQNB spectrum.

Fourth Sunday of every month,7–9 p.m. uuathensga.org/justice/ welcoming-congregation

MENTAL HEALTH PEER RECOVERY GROUP (Nuçi’s Space) Participants support each other through life’s challenges by sharing from their skills, experiences and proven coping mechanisms. Newcomers welcome. First Tuesday of the month, 4–6 p.m. pr@nuci.org, www.nuci.org

NEW PARENTS AND INFANT FEEDING SUPPORT GROUP (BYL Family Resource Center) Come as you are for community, snacks and feeding advice from professionals. Babies and children of all ages are welcome. Wednesdays, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. FREE! www.byyourleave.org

OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS (24th Street Clubhouse) Learn to stop eating compulsively or curb other unwanted food-related behaviors. Every Tuesday, 12 p.m. FREE! Text: 678-736-3697

PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP (First Baptist Church) This group is to encourage, support and share information with fellow sojourners who manage the challenges of Parkinson’s disease or other movement disorders. Second Friday of every month, 1 p.m. gpnoblet@ bellsouth.net

PROJECT SAFE (Family Protection Center) Project Safe hosts a support group for survivors of domestic violence. Mondays, 6:30–8 p.m. www. project-safe.org

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

RECOVERY DHARMA (Athens Addiction Recovery Center) This peer-led support group offers a Buddhist-inspired path to recovery from any addiction. Visit the website for details. Thursdays, 7 p.m. FREE! www.athensrecoverydharma.org

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

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

ATHENS POET LAUREATE (Athens, GA) ACCGov is currently seeking applicants for a Poet Laureate. The Poet Laureate is expected to promote poetry throughout the community and make guest appearances during a two-year term. Deadline Nov. 10, 5 p.m. $2,000 honorarium. Tatiana.veneruso@ accgov.com, www.athensculturalaffairs.org

CLIMATE RESILIENCE STUDY (Athens, GA) The Athens-Clarke County Climate Resilience Study is seeking participants through November for a project aimed to increase preparedness and resilience to natural disasters. Must be a year-round ACC resident and at least 18 years old. Participants can take two online surveys ($10 each) and do an in-person disaster exercise ($20). Fill out the online eligibility survey. accgov.com/7501/Surveys

COMMUNITY COMPREHENSIVE

PLAN (Multiple Locations) Public input sessions will be held for the development of a comprehensive plan at Whit Davis Elementary School on Sept. 27 at 5:30 p.m., JJ Harris Elementary on Sept. 28 at 5:30 p.m., Columbia Brookside Residencies at Sept. 30 at 10:30 a.m. and Sandy Creek Park on Sept. 30 at 3 p.m. www.accgov.com/844/

Comprehensive-Planning

FALL ACTIVITIES (Athens, GA) ACC Leisure Services will offer a variety of arts, environmental science, recreation, sports and holiday events this fall for all ages. Now registering. www.accgov.com/myrec

I VOTED EARLY STICKERS (Athens, GA) Residents can vote on their favorite “I Voted Early” sticker, which will be distributed to voters during early voting for elections that take place in 2024. Deadline Oct. 1. www.accgov.com/votingsticker

LET FREEDOM READ (ACC Library)

Library patrons are invited to pick up an art kit and return their work to display during the month of October in celebration of Banned Books week. Prizes will be awarded. Canvases due back Oct. 3. www. athenslibrary.org

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

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

VHS DIGITIZATION (Athens, GA)

Brad Staples (of the Athens GA Live Music crew) is seeking previously recorded concerts and events on VHS, VHSC or DVDs to digitize and archive on his YouTube channel, vhsordie (@vhsordie3030). Original recordings will be returned, and credits and dates will be included in the online video description. Digitization services are free. Contact for details and to coordinate shipping. bradley.staples88@gmail.com f

REAL ESTATE APARTMENTS FOR RENT

Basement apt. 2BR/1BA. Spacious/AC/WiFi/furnished. Ideal for faculty, graduate students, roommates looking for shortterm lease. Non-smokers/ no pets. 1750.00 /mo. Quiet Timothy Rd/loop neighborhood. Contact: mikemange36@gmail.com.

HOUSES FOR RENT

3bd/2ba house. $1800/ mo. 1 mile from downtown Athens and UGA. Nicely renovated. Granite countertops, stainless appliances, tin ceiling. 706-247-1259.

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

HOUSES FOR SALE

View online in Zillow FSBO and email owner. Also available for weekend rental to visitors to UGA events/etc or lease entire 3-5 bd. Contact: mikemange36@gmail. com.

MUSIC INSTRUCTION

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

REIKI I & II CERTIFICATION TRAINING: Feel Free Yoga + Wellness Studio. Athens, GA. 9/30 & 10/1. 9-4 p.m. $399. Register online www.feelfreeyogawellness.com.

HEALTH

HYPNOSIS : Smoking, stress, weight, motivation. Harvard-trained, nationally certified. 678-895-4278, jimhilton911@yahoo.com, www.hiltonhypnosis.webs. com

TUTORS

Language Tutoring –Spanish, French, or English (ESOL) with certified and experienced teacher. Beginners–advanced levels for ages 13-adult. Virtual or in-person. $35-$45/hour. 303-981-0606 / megan_ graham15@hotmail.com

Need old papers for your garden? We have plenty here at Flagpole! Call ahead and we’ll have a crate ready for you. Please leave current issues on the stands. 706549-0301

JOBS

FULL-TIME

Join our growing team of well-paid, motivated, hardworking individuals. Junk South offers starting pay of $15/hr + tips (totaling $22+/hr). Learn more about Junk South at www.junksouth.com and text us at 706-424-4389.

Needed: Ecological landscape and garden technicians. Clean driving record required. On the job training for installation and maintenance, our projects range from heavy machinery installation to hand-weeding pollinator gardens. Email us! office@royallandscapedesign.com

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

PART-TIME

Part-time line cook needed for dinner service at Puma Yu’s. Send resume to pumayusbaby@gmail.com

Join a diverse, inclusive workplace and get paid to type! 16–40 hours, Mon–Fri. 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

Part-time dining room servers at TerraBella, 755 Epps Bridge Pkwy. Must be able to work evenings and weekends. Come by and complete an application.

OPPORTUNITIES

Seeking hair stylist for booth rental downtown Athens. Includes:utilities, booking software, stylist station, chair, mirror and shampoostation. Contact salon220athens@gmail.com

NOTICES

MESSAGES

Get Flagpole delivered to your mailbox!

Only $55 for six months or $100 for one year. Purchase online at www.flagpole.bigcartel.com or call 706-5490301.

All Georgians ages 6 months & up are eligible for COVID vaccines, and ages 5+ are eligible for boosters! Call 706-3400996 or visit www.publichealthathens.com for more information.

COVID self-testing kiosk available in West Athens (3500 Atlanta Hwy. At the old Fire Station on the corner of Atlanta Hwy. & Mitchell Bridge Rd. near Aldi and Publix.) Pre-registration is required! Visit www. register.testandgo.com for more information.

FLAGPOLE HAS NEW MERCH. Choose between a groovy rainbow design & a classic cassette design. Both are available as stickers! Stop by and get yours today or order online www. flagpole.bigcartel.com.

Vodka. Seltz er. Re al Juice.