OFFICE MANAGER & DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Jennifer Keene
CLASSIFIEDS Jennifer Keene
AD DESIGNERS Chris McNeal, Cody Robinson
CONTRIBUTORS Hillary Brown, Wilmot Greene, Charles Hayslett, Gordon Lamb, John Cole Vodicka
CARTOONISTS Missy Kulik, David Mack, Klon Waldrip, Joey Weiser
CIRCULATION Jennifer Bray, Charles Greenleaf, Joe Rowe
EDITORIAL INTERNS Mary Beth Bryan, Xinge Lei
PHOTOGRAPHERS Mason Pearson, Jake Zerkel
SPECIAL AGENT Pete McCommons
Former President Donald Trump survived an assassination attempt at a rally in Butler, PA on Saturday, July 13. U.S. Rep. Mike Collins, a Republican who represents Athens, said on X (formerly Twitter) that Biden “sent the orders.” Needless to say, there is no evidence that Biden had anything to do with the shooting. See “Athens Congressman Mike Collins Accuses Biden of Ordering a Hit on Trump” at flagpole.com.
city dope Dawgs Driving Dangerously
PLUS, SHORT-TERM RENTALS, VOTING SITE CHANGES AND MORE LOCAL NEWS
By Blake Aued news@flagpole.com
Is Sammy Hagar in charge of recruiting at Georgia? Because the Bulldogs can’t drive 55.
As fast as they run the 40-yard dash, football players are driving even faster on Athens roads. Just last week, offensive lineman Bo Hughley was speeding through East Campus Village when his vehicle hit a curb, shearing a wheel completely off and knocking down a sign listing the speed limit at 25 miles per hour, according to Athens-Clarke County police. Hughley was arrested on a reckless driving charge, the Atlanta JournalConstitution reported.
Also last week, linebacker Smael Mondon was arrested and charged with racing on Broad Street downtown. In May, receiver Sacovie White was charged with reckless driving and driving the wrong way down Clayton Street.
Authority figures don’t seem to be taking all the speeding—and worse—seriously. Even ex-Georgia star and current player coordinator Jarvis Jones got in on the act. He was clocked going 86 in a 40 on West Broad Street last September, police said. And White’s high school coach, Steven Gates, defended him to the Athens Banner-Herald
“He made a mistake by turning down a one-way road. What I’m proud of is that there was no drinking or speeding involved that I would have been disappointed in obviously,” Gates said. “But a traffic violation that occurs on the regular, bet he won’t go down that road again.”
However, a police report alleged that White was driving “at a high speed” and that a passenger was hanging outside the vehicle. The bars had just closed at 2 a.m., and the area was packed with pedestrians. Head coach Kirby Smart has not addressed the latest arrests, although he was expected to at this week’s SEC Media Days in Dallas. “It’s one of the things that we want to manage, but it is a tough situation to manage when you have 18- to 22-year-old men [and] a lot of them are driving for the first time,” Smart said last July. “You know, every fall we have 25 new guys. We’ve averaged five guys that come here at 18 years old with no driver’s license, and we continue to work on that. I don’t have the exact answer. I wish I did, but we continue to work at it.”
Whatever Smart and his staff have been doing, it isn’t working. By the AJC’s count, 19 players have been charged with traffic violations a total of 24 times since January 2023. Fresh off celebrating the team’s second national championship in a row, offensive lineman Devin Willock and recruiting staffer Chandler LeCroy were killed when, after a night drinking downtown, LeCroy crashed a team rental car while racing Willock’s teammate Jalen Carter on Barnett Shoals Road at over 100 miles per hour. They were two of the 21 people who died in car crashes in Athens last year.
Name, image and likeness (NIL) money likely has something to do with it. Players are spending six- and seven-figure endorse-
ments on high-powered vehicles like Dodge Charger Hellcats (which feature 700-horsepower engines) or, in quarterback Carson Beck’s case, a $300,000 Lamborghini.
Running back Trevor Etienne—who was charged with DUI after being pulled over for speeding on South Milledge Avenue in March—pleaded no contest to reckless driving last week. He avoided jail time, but received a stern lecture from Municipal Court Judge Marcy Jolles, according to the ABH
“I see you were driving a very new Audi vehicle. I do not know if you have a name, image and likeness situation or if that’s being done through that,” Jolles told Etienne at the July 10 hearing. “I’m sure you and [attorney Kim] Stephens have discussed that you are a public figure, whether you realize that or not. What you do, people see because of your role at the university. I would hope that you make better choices in the future to make a better example for those that are watching.”
Westside Voting Site Closing
Less than a year after approving revised precinct lines that sent more than half of Athens voters to new polling places starting in March, the Athens-Clarke County Board of Elections is considering more changes that would affect voters in the Timothy Road area.
Director of Elections and Voter Registration Charlotte Sosebee told the board at its Tuesday, July 9 meeting that the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship has withdrawn as the polling place for precinct 7A. She said the church declined to serve as a polling site going forward because its insurance premiums would go up.
After trying and failing to find another appropriate building within the precinct—one with enough space for staff and equipment that has adequate parking and is handicapped accessible—Sosebee recommended dividing voters in precinct 7A between precincts 7B (the ACC Library) and 6C (Timothy Road Elementary School). Timothy Road Baptist Church is another potential option, although some staff and board members feared that choosing another church, rather than a public building, would lead to the same insurance issues.
However, the board voted to table a decision until Monday, July 15—after Flagpole’s print deadline—to give county attorneys time to research legal advice. The board also tabled a recommendation to remove the Winterville Cultural Center as an advance voting site. If approved, both changes would take effect for the November election. Voters in precinct 7A would be notified beforehand.
County Releases STR List
Athens-Clarke County is asking owners of short-term rentals to help fact-check a list of houses for rent on sites like Airbnb and VRBO that may not be in compliance
with new regulations. The list, prepared by an outside vendor, includes about 800 properties and is available at accgov.com/str.
The ACC Commission passed an ordinance regulating STRs in February in response to complaints about noise and parking caused by “party houses” in residential neighborhoods. Critics also contended that taking houses off the market to function as full-time short-term rentals is also driving up prices for residents.
In single-family zones, homeowners or long-term tenants can only rent out their homes for up to 30 days a year, provided they live in the home the rest of the time. Year-round vacation rentals are not allowed in single-family neighborhoods under the ordinance. They are, however, allowed in other zones like commercial and multifamily, although the owner must obtain a permit and pay taxes.
Some of the properties, culled from online listings, are on the nonconforming list because they’re in a single-family zone but not owner-occupied, acting Planning Director Bruce Lonnee told Flagpole. Others are listed because they don’t have adequate parking or don’t meet some other regulation in the law.
The owners of properties listed can either dispute the listing if they believe their property is conforming. Or, if they own an STR that isn’t listed and isn’t in compliance, they can ask to be placed on the list. The advantage of being on the list is that those owners will have two years to come into compliance with the ordinance. Otherwise, nonconforming STRs will have to cease operating six months after the list was published in early July, Lonnee said. “Compliance is the goal,” he said.
Complicating matters, the county is facing a lawsuit filed by STR owners, and
commissioners are considering some sort of remedy that would allow owners to recoup their investment in now-nonconforming STRs. However, Lonnee said that right now the planning department is operating under the law as currently written.
President’s House for Sale
A year after the University System Board of Regents voted to put the UGA President’s House on the market, it’s finally been listed for sale at an asking price of $5.1 million.
The five-bedroom, 10,000 square-foot antebellum mansion on Prince Avenue was included on the preservation group Historic Athens’ 2023 “Places in Peril” list as the Grant-Hill-White-Bradshaw House. The listing posted last Friday, July 12, mentioned a preservation easement on the property, but no details were available.
“The University System of Georgia’s decision to sell this historic residence has understandably raised concerns about its future. We are encouraged to see mentions of a protective easement are included in the listing, as we believe this is a critical step to ensure the preservation of this beautiful historic landmark. An easement could safeguard the rich history and architectural integrity of the property, protecting it from potential demolition or inappropriate alterations,” the nonprofit said in a news release.
“We urge all parties involved in the sale and future use of this property to prioritize its historical and cultural significance. Historic Athens stands ready to support any initiatives that aim to preserve this critical piece of our heritage.”
The Board of Regents voted last July to no longer require university presidents to live in official housing. UGA President Jere Morehead has since bought a home in the Five Points area to serve as his permanent residence. The 1856 Greek Revival house had been the official home of the president of UGA since 1949.
The house sits on five acres of prime real estate backing up to the single-family Boulevard neighborhood. However, any development on the property would be subject to rezoning approval by the AthensClarke County Commission. f
Believe Donald Trump
Donald Trump has told us who he is. We need to believe him.
He told us he would appoint judges to the Supreme Court who would overturn Roe v. Wade. He did.
He told people to come to Washington, D.C. on Jan. 6, 2021: It “will be wild.” It was.
He said he would weaken the EPA, which protects our water and air, and that he would pull us out of the Paris Climate Accord. He did.
He said he would pull us out of the nuclear agreement with Iran. He did, and Iran is now closer than ever to having nuclear weapon capability.
He told us he would use the government to go after his enemies. He sicced the IRS on James Comey and Andrew McCabe.
Now he wants another term. Would he really leave after that? He has refused to say whether he would accept the results of a free and fair election if he loses. He has promised a bloodbath instead.
If he wins, he will pursue retribution against his “enemies,” enact a nationwide abortion ban, allow states to monitor women’s pregnancies, restrict access to birth control, deport millions of immigrants, weaken NATO, and replace career public servants with political hacks whose only qualification is loyalty to him. He would cut Social Security, Medicare and Obamacare. He would roll back climate measures and reinvest in fossil fuels.
Let’s take him at his word and reject his vision for America.
Suzanne Sperling Athens
Contraception Is a Personal Choice
We met in 1970 in high school. As of Aug. 21, we will have been married 47 years. They have been good years, and that’s partly because of the advances of modern medicine. Like most families, we’ve survived illnesses and injuries that could have been deadly in an earlier time. These advances in medicine improved our lives, and we’re grateful.
Our ability to control our family size was an important benefit of modern medicine. We wanted to have two children, and that’s what we have: two wonderful daughters, now grown. We were free to choose our family size without the intervention of rules or laws inhibiting this fundamental right.
Believe it or not, there are some who would take us back to the dark ages by outlawing access to birth control. Just last week, the Right to Contraception Act was voted down in the U.S. Senate. This act would ensure the right of individuals to access and use contraceptives and the right of health care professionals to provide contraceptives and contraception information.
Although there were 51 votes in favor, 60 votes were needed to overcome the Republican filibuster. Incredibly, every Republican senator, except for Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski, voted against the Right to Contraception Act, denying the
need for protection of birth control. Those senators and the Republicans who agree with them need to understand our anger at their attacks on our freedom. We urge you to use your vote this fall to tell them how wrong they are.
Rick and Barbara Burt Athens
Restore Reproductive Rights
The most consequential decision people make may be to have a child. Responsible parenting requires massive commitments of time and resources to the health and up-bringing of a child. There can be issues concerning whether a pregnancy will occur or if the much-desired pregnancy requires an intervention like in vitro fertilization. Pregnancy places extraordinary demands on a woman’s body, and may require constant weighing of risks to the health and even the life of a woman throughout pregnancy. Pregnancies can result from acts of violence and abuse, like rape and incest. The fetus may show serious abnormalities and not be viable. The pregnancy may end in a miscarriage.
dividends and executive pay. No wage gains trickled down to the bottom 90% of workers.
Our economic growth rate was supposed to double or triple. Instead, our GDP stayed at about the same rate as it had been before the tax cuts. Those behind the 2017 tax bill said it would increase revenues and pay for itself, but revenues fell and the deficit increased.
Trump promises to cut taxes again for the wealthiest among us and institute tariffs, which are essentially taxes levied on imported goods and passed on to the consumer. Abolishing the income tax and replacing it with tariffs would raise taxes for a typical American family by $5,000.
The Biden administration favors a fairer system of increasing taxes on less than 5% of households and on big corporations mostly by tightening tax loopholes. His proposal to restore the child tax credit benefits parents of all income levels.
“ Having legislators who place our lives and well-being at risk is not preordained. We have choices in November.
By not showing preference to the wealthiest of the wealthy, our country can raise enough revenue to fund critical national priorities, like Social Security. By the way, the Heritage Foundation, funded by Koch Industries and the major organization behind Project 2025, has called for raising the retirement age for Social Security benefits to reduce its funding.
So, who would be best at serving the public good?
group whose purpose is to elect progressive leaders and rebuild our democracy. It has more than a million members in Georgia and around the country.
Michael Castengera Athens
Biden Is Still Best
Joe Biden had a terrible debate night. His voice was hoarse and weak. Many of his answers were halting, garbled, incomplete, hard to follow. He may have been suffering from a cold, but it reinforced the worries that many have about his age and ability to handle the job.
Meanwhile, the shameless, pathological lying of Donald Trump was on full display in virtually every sentence he uttered over 90 minutes. Neither Biden nor Democrats support abortions at nine months. America wasn’t admired around the world when Trump was president. On display was Trump’s utter lack of vision, his ridiculous insistence that he was the best president in history, his refusal to directly answer the questions, and his repugnant hostility toward America.
Whether undecided voters who watched the debate were more alarmed by Biden or more repulsed by Trump, it’s too early to say. Between court proceedings and Trump’s daily need to stoke chaos and fear, undecided voters will have plenty more reasons to turn away from this convicted felon, adjudicated rapist and shameless liar.
A number of state legislatures have severely limited or prohibited the performance of abortions. The consequences: a 10-year-old raped and unable to get an abortion in her home state; women who have miscarriages accused of having abortions; women forced to wait for life-saving abortions until their lives are deemed adequately at risk for a physician to feel he or she can legally terminate the pregnancy.
Emboldened by these measures, some legislators now oppose IVF and even the use of contraception. There is scant evidence these legislators understand the consequences of their actions. There is abundant evidence that the citizens of such states do, with a Niagara of ballot initiatives passed and pending to restore the right of women and their physicians to make vital personal decisions.
Having legislators who place our lives and well-being at risk is not preordained. We have choices in November. We should make them.
Bruce Menke Athens
Biden’s Tax Plan Is Better
It is a Republican belief that the best way to serve the public good is to slash taxes and regulations, because that would enable the very wealthy to accumulate capital they would then invest more efficiently in the economy, therefore helping everyone—maybe.
Proponents of the 2017 Trump tax cuts said the cuts would benefit mainly ordinary Americans. Instead, the bill gave those in the top 1% a tax cut more than 50 times higher than the cut that fell to middle-income households. Meanwhile, corporations used their tax savings on stock buybacks,
Shelbey Diamond-Alexander Chair, Barrow County Democratic Committee
Constituents Pressure Collins on Reproductive Rights
On this second anniversary of the overturning of Roe v. Wade, a group of women from the group Indivisible called on congressman Mike Collins to protect access to reproductive health care, including contraception, in-vitro fertilization and abortion. They made the call in a letter presented to his office in Walton County and in a series of recent demonstrations in Danielsville, Watkinsville and Athens.
June 24 is the second anniversary of the Supreme Court decision Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overturned the Roe v. Wade decision which had been the law of the country for more than 50 years.
The letter to Rep. Collins was signed by a large group of constituents from his 10th Congressional District. Their group, Indivisible Georgia District 10, is one of multiple groups formed in Georgia to increase voter engagement with elected officials.
“We are concerned that decision, and the fall-out from that decision, coupled with Georgia’s six-week abortion ban is causing serious concerns for the health of women in Georgia,” the letter reads.
The letter points out that more than half of Georgia’s counties have no practicing OBGYN doctors, and in another 15 counties there is only one such doctor. It notes that nearly two-thirds of Georgians surveyed object to the state’s restrictive six-week abortion ban.
The Indivisible Project is a national
As for me, I am voting for the old guy whose fiscal policy has created an economy that is the envy of the world; whose foreign policy promotes democracy, damages our enemies, and strengthens our allies around the world; whose domestic policy actively supports women’s rights and will restore the rights women had under Roe. I’m voting for the old guy who never attempted to overthrow an American election and whose debate performance wasn’t very good.
Peggy Perkins Winder
Series Features Female Filmmakers
The smash hit Barbie, directed by Greta Gerwig, may lead movie-goers to think that women have reached a new level of parity in the film industry. But in 2023, men had the position of director in 86% of the top 250 films, up from 84% in 2022. Women are also highly under-represented in the other major filmmaking roles of writer, cinematographer, producer, executive producer and composer. This data is from The Celluloid Ceiling Report, which has monitored and reported on movie credits since 1998. Women held one of those significant behind-the-scenes positions in 17% of the top movies in 1998, and by 2023, the amount has only risen to 22%.
This year the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute’s summer film series will show five films directed by women, all of which received critical praise, but had limited theatrical releases. The directors are from Canada, Iran, China and the U.S. We hope that film lovers will join us at Ciné for the Tuesday matinees. Summer in Athens is the perfect time to escape the heat and retreat into the cool darkness of Ciné, to experience new stories together. Tickets are available at Ciné’s box office on the day of the film, or online at athenscine.com.
Kathryn Kyker Athens
The System Is Broken
by John Cole Vodicka news@flagpole.com
We who courtwatch in Athens-Clarke County can attest that virtually everyone trapped in our criminal legal system’s expansive web is either a person of color or poor— likely both. There can be no doubt that skin color and the size of one’s pocketbook determine just how innocent a defendant is presumed. One’s race and income level will likely affect how much due process defendants receive and whether they’ll be able to gain their pretrial liberty or obtain effective and zealous legal representation.
Last summer Mario Noel was new to town. No one seems to know how he got to Athens. He says he walked—maybe from Atlanta or New York or Louisiana.
Noel is from Honduras. He speaks no English. He had just turned 22 years old on Aug. 28, 2023 when Athens police arrested him along Atlanta Highway on charges of public indecency and loitering, both misdemeanors. He went to jail that night, and 12 days later left the jailhouse on an unsecured judicial release (no cash) bond.
Then on Sept. 18, Noel was found walking around the Bulldog Inn parking lot off Commerce Road. He was arrested and charged with felony entering auto and returned to jail. His bond was set at $2,500. This time he stayed in jail.
At a hearing in early November, the felony charge was reduced to misdemeanor loitering and trespassing. Still locked up a few weeks later, his bond was lowered to $1,000. No matter—the homeless Noel was unable to purchase his pretrial liberty.
Athens Area Courtwatch Project volunteers have been in Clarke County State Court each and every time Noel has appeared in front of Judge Ryan Hope. The young immigrant always looks frightened, and out of fear resists interacting with either his public defender, Ryan Ignatius, or the court’s Spanish-speaking interpreter. Mostly he remains mute, wrists and ankles cuffed, and wrapped with a belly chain. It is evident Noel simply doesn’t understand what is going on.
along, our criminal punishment system seemed purposely stuck in neutral while this 22-year-old immigrant wastes away in Athens-Clarke County’s “Misdemeanorland.”
During the nine months Noel has been incarcerated, he’s been visited by the Honduran Consul General from Atlanta, which reached out to his mother in Honduras and father in New York (who doesn’t want his son to live with him); undergone a mental health evaluation by a private Spanishspeaking psychologist; entered a plea of mental incompetency; had a bench trial in absentia where Hope determined Noel to be incompetent; after which the judge ordered that Noel be “restored to competency.”
In January, Judge Hope ordered that the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities provide him with an update on Noel’s progress and status no later than Apr. 27 at 11 a.m. That date came and went with no update from DBHDD. So did May, and now has most of June. This is no surprise. In-patient mental competency restoration treatment—usually handled at the Augusta State Medical Prison— now takes between eight months and a year, sometimes longer, to complete. When I last checked with the Clarke County Sheriff’s Office, there were 12 inmates locked in our jail—pretrial—awaiting competency restoration treatment. Half of this number of pretrial inmates, most accused of misdemeanor offenses, had been confined for longer than one year.
Noel has languished in our jail since Sept. 18, 2023. That’s more than nine months, almost 300 days. During most of this time he’s been isolated from other prisoners, held in a restrictive pod in the jail and rarely allowed out side of his cell. He was booked into the jail weighing 122 pounds. He weighs in at 100 pounds today.
Had he pleaded guilty to the misdemeanor charges last September and received the maximum sentence allowed of 12 months confinement, Noel would be a free person today. (County prisoners generally receive two days credit for every one day served.)
At his arraignment last November, Hope appeared poised to reduce Noel’s bond so that he could live with an
Longtime prison abolitionist Ruth Gilmore’s mantra is, “Where life is precious, life is precious.” She defines the abolition movement as “politics of care, anti-violence and optimism.” Gilmore believes our criminal legal system—prisons, jails, courts, police— contribute to the “organized abandonment of vulnerable communities.” Our jails, she says, “exist to absorb folks abandoned by our community.”
Judge Hope has refused to reduce Noel’s $1,000 bond. The solicitor’s office is not interested in dismissing the misdemeanor case altogether. Jail is not the answer for someone like Noel, Hope said several months ago, at one of Noel’s status hearings, but then in the same breath, added, “But
Mario Noel during a recent court appearance.
JOHN COLE VODICKA
A Tale of Two Counties
OCONEE IS ONE OF THE RICHEST, AND WHEELER IS ONE OF THE POOREST
By Charles Hayslett news@flagpole.com
The trip from Watkinsville to Alamo, GA covers a little over 140 miles and, according to Google Maps, should take about two
Wheeler counties scored in each of the categories used by EIG to track community distress levels and calculate their DCIs:
hours and 40 minutes. It’s pretty much a straight shot down U.S. 441. You’ll cross I-20 at Madison, go through Milledgeville and hit Dublin, where you’ll cross I-16, then make the final half-hour run to Alamo.
Local legend has it that Alamo and a couple of other area towns were named by a railroad man who had moved to Georgia from Texas and couldn’t spell very well. One county to the east you’ll find Uvalda, named after Uvalde, TX, and Alston, named for the state capital of Texas. Alamo was the only one he got right.
In making that trip, however, you’ll cover a lot more than physical distance. You’ll also go from one of the most prosperous counties in the nation to one of the poorest and most distressed. That’s according to the latest report from the Economic Innovation Group (EIG), a Washington, DC think tank that periodically puts out a new report evaluating nearly all 3,135 counties in the country.
Now, if you’re wondering how and why all those bottom-of-the-barrel Wheeler County numbers are significant—or, for that matter, anybody’s business outside Wheeler County—here’s your answer: All those lousy numbers are really expensive. Just not for Wheeler County. Those numbers ripple quickly beyond the Wheeler County line and hit other, more prosperous counties in the pocketbook. A quick analysis of U.S. Census, IRS and Medicaid data for 2020, for example, shows that Wheeler County couldn’t even cover its Medicaid expenses, let alone other social service expenses and public services. Its federal taxes covered just under 60% of its total Medicaid costs.
“ In making that trip, you’ll cover a lot more than physical distance.
EIG calls this report its Distressed Community Index Report, or DCI, and its 2024 edition came out a few months ago. In this report, EIG grades just about every county in the nation on seven socioeconomic measures drawn from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey project. EIG stirs those numbers together to produce a one-number index for each county. The lower the number, the better; the best possible score is zero, and the worst is 100.
Oconee County, of which Watkinsville is the county seat, earned a DCI of 0.2, which was the best in Georgia and tied for 6th nationally. Wheeler County, home to Alamo, got an index of 99.9 and tied with two other counties for 3,131st out of 3,135 counties nationally. EIG’s findings are consistent with my analyses of other data. I found, for instance, that Wheeler County had the lowest per capita income in the nation in 2020, and it’s floated around in the bottom three or four since then. Here’s a look at how Oconee and
food & drink
A Bar That’s Just Right
PLUS, NEW TWIST ON A NEIGHBORHOOD FAVORITE
By Hillary Brown food@flagpole.com
BUVEZ (585 Barber St., 706-850-0172):
It’s been six years since Buvez opened on Barber Street and became a neighborhood fixture. With audiences for morning, brunch time, lunchtime, happy hour, later drinks and performances, it’s busy all day in a cheerful way, with hipsters and families (and plenty of hipster families) side by side. Mimi Maumus joining the team in the wake of her own restaurant home.made closing was a natural fit, given the cafe’s welcoming of experimentation and its need to provide a bit more in the way of food. Gone are the sandwiches on Independent Baking Co. baguettes (sigh, they were perfect). Gone are the hard-boiled eggs and the snacks by the scoop. In their place is a small but still bigger menu full of things that are both healthy-ish (made with real ingredients) and fun to eat. If there aren’t enough staff behind the counter, things can move slowly enough to make you want to start a timer. On the other hand, it’s being made right then, not sitting around in a cooler or under a heat lamp. Maybe just don’t go if you’re already on the edge of hangry.
open from 8 a.m.–9 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, later if it’s hosting a show.
Oconee County’s total federal tax liability, meanwhile, covered its Medicaid expenses by a multiple of more than 30, and implicit in all these numbers is that Oconee County taxpayers are subsidizing their counterparts in Wheeler County. I offer this data not to embarrass Wheeler County (or to irritate Oconee County) but to impress upon Georgia’s leaders the extent of the divide between the two Georgias—and the costs of that divide.
To some degree, it was ever thus. Nearly every state, county and community has some areas that are better off than others. But the socioeconomic divide in Georgia is growing measurably wider year after year after year. Wheeler Countians are stuck in a part of Georgia that is arguably dying, and their counterparts in Oconee County are stuck with the tab. Georgia’s leaders have a lot of work to do if they’re going to keep the trip from Watkinsville to Alamo from getting any longer or harder, but they owe it to both communities to try. f
Charles Hayslett is the author of the long-running troubleingodscountry.com blog. He is also the Scholar in Residence at the Center for Middle Georgia Studies at Middle Georgia State University. The views expressed in his columns are his own and are not necessarily those of the Center or the University.
There’s a section of sandwiches, all available either on a bagel (plain or everything) or on wheatberry toast. The Strumpet combines whipped goat cheese, prosciutto, grana padano, fig jam, arugula and lemon citronette. It calls to mind the previous baguette sandwiches and is lovely. The Chicado, a massive open-faced sandwich piled with marinated cucumbers, avocado, mashed chickpeas with tahini, and toasted almond slivers, is an absolute disaster to eat without a fork, but it’s a nice combination of virtue and flavor. Go expecting home. made, and you may be disappointed. It’s not always clear when your order is up, and if you don’t hear as well as you used to, you may want to stick close to the counter until you get your food. Instead, go looking for something that puts a twist on the familiar and incorporates a lot of greens and lowfat, high-protein choices that don’t make you feel like you’re missing anything. The Gobfather is a turkey sandwich, but it’s a turkey sandwich with hibiscus pickled onions and a cranberry vinaigrette. There are pizza bagels, but they’re far from Bagel Bites, with olives, capers and basil on top. There’s a marvelous cheesecake made with Three Porch Farms chai, lime and condensed milk.
HIDDEN GEM (625 Barber St., instagram.com/hiddengemglobalhq): Literally across the parking lot from Buvez, on the lower side of the Atlas building (look for the gem-marked patio), is this charmer of a bar, opened a while ago by some folks connected to Normal Bar. It has different vibes from its site, more like a less divey Manhattan, full of plants, low tables topped with Mexican tile, several fireplace mantels (including one mounted behind the bar), paint-by-number-esque art (multiple iterations of the same scene hung salon style) and glass-gem-encrusted lamps. It’s not too dark or too loud on these summer evenings, and there are no dogs unless they are service animals. Best of all, both the cocktails and the prices are a pleasant surprise. While Atlanta has entered the era of the $25 cocktail (a fact that made me gasp), pretty much everything at Hidden Gem is between $9–11, with beers as low as $3 for a Famosa. At the same time, cocktails are beautifully made, with several different kinds of ice. They also taste good without being too sweet or a testosterone-fueled
Housemade sodas are bright and sweet, in flavors like hibiscus/ginger/lemon and cherry with ginger ale. Syrups for these fizzies, made in house, also get used in coffee and tea and in the snoballs, mounds of fluffy shaved ice that can be made boozy for grownups. Does she still go from day to night smoothly? She does. Buvez is
test of your ability to handle bitterness. They are balanced. The eponymous Hidden Gem has raspberry syrup, lemon, herbal genepy, gin and a few hits from an eyedropper of pistachio oil to lend it a smooth hit of novelty. The Whimsical Lad is a purple combo of Bolivian brandy, blueberry basil syrup and lime, no ice. The Divorce Lawyer marries anise (Cocchi Americano, Pernod absinthe) with a pear cordial. The Mezcal Paloma (maybe my favorite), made with housemade grapefruit soda, develops in your mouth before roller skating around your taste buds, trailing smoke. The place is a Libra’s dream, or maybe what I mean to say is that if Goldilocks was looking for a bar, she’d love this one. Not too this, not too that, but pretty much always just right. Hidden Gem is open Wednesday through Saturday from 6 p.m. most days, and serves nothing to eat but a cup of vegan ramen. f
VIA FACEBOOK
Buvez
Krysia Ara’s Magical Mosaics
NEW WORKS AT HARRIS SHOALS PARK AND THE CLASSIC CENTER
By Jessica Smith arts@flagpole.com
With plenty of charm, intrigue and whimsy, Krysia Ara enlivens her hometown of Athens through intricate, glittering mosaics that often pay homage to local history, culture and nature.
In addition to Project Ginkgo, which consists of 20 unique mosaic light pole bases around downtown, her public art projects have ranged among the “Heron Sighting” mosaic mural in Dudley Park, “Flow Mosaic” seat walls at Cobbham Triangle Park, and a giant ladybug sculpture in the Children’s Garden at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia. Unveiled in June as part of a new art walk at Harris Shoals Park, her latest creations are a pair of largerthan-life mosaicked sculptures of an Eastern box turtle and green anole lizard.
Located directly behind Watkinsville City Hall, the art walk was established along a paved pathway that connects Harris Shoals Park to Extra Special People’s universally accessible Playground of Possibilities. The works selected for the art walk are intended to represent the native flora and fauna in the area, and to emphasize the importance of environmental preservation. The sculptures were funded by the City of Watkinsville through voter-approved sales tax funds (SPLOST) in collaboration with the Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation.
Ara’s kid-friendly play sculptures join a unique work by Dietrich Hoecht that was installed last November. Resembling a giant wheel of fortune, his rotating wheel includes a dozen images of plants and animals, such as an owl, fern, salamander and crawfish. As the wheel is spun, an adjacent panel provides information about each image. The images were hammered in copper repoussé that, along with the bas-relief patterning and raised lettering, encourages tactile exploration by children.
“It’s important to the City of Watkinsville to have all kinds of art for the public to enjoy and to support local artists,” says Watkinsville Mayor Pro Tem Christine Tucker. “Over time, we would love to have a scattering of other pieces connecting Harris Shoals Park up to the Playground of Possibilities and City Hall. It was a joy getting to work with Krysia and have her beautiful pieces in our community.”
Though Ara leaves room for intuition in her creative process, she does not identify as a self-taught artist, and instead gives credit to the many mentors who have shared their knowledge with her over the years. Recognizing the potential for mosaics to survive centuries, she knew very early on that she wanted to have a strong technical grasp on the art form. To prepare for these sculptures, Ara attended a five-day intensive workshop with Sherri Warner Hunter, a Tennessee-based artist and teacher who specializes in large-scale mosaic and cement sculptures. During the workshop, Ara created “Naomi,” a life-sized Burmese python that was inspired by the one her sister had for 30 years. This sculpture was later mosaicked and exhibited at the Athens Institute for Contemporary Art in early 2024. Hunter’s tried-and-true method involves carving industrial grade foam that is then covered in layers of fiberglass mesh and polymer concrete. While simple rebar can often be used to support smaller-scale sculptures, larger-scale ones require a metal armature that will strengthen appendages and, in this case, support the weight of humans who may climb on for photos. To create the metal armature, Ara sought the expertise of Leonard Piha, an Athens-based art educator, sculptor and painter, who led her through
the process during a one-on-one welding workshop.
Ara’s newly expanded skills in three-dimensional sculpting will allow her to create lighter-weight works that can be completely fabricated within the comfort of her home studio and transported to the installation location. Considering the challenges of working on-site—a time-consuming, labor-intensive process subject to the mercy of climate and weather conditions, construction schedules and other factors—this should open up a world of possibility in terms of submitting proposals for public art opportunities outside of Athens.
people into your projects when you can.”
Like “Naomi,” Ara’s Eastern box turtle and green anole lizard were inspired by her late sister Michelle Haag, who despite suffering from chronic health conditions since childhood discovered a deep passion for herpetology and became a veterinarian. Following Haag’s death in 2019, Ara hoped to one day create a public artwork that could honor her memory.
As a socially and politically conscious person who has taken interest in global events from a young age, Ara considers her artwork to be a coping mechanism through which the “pain and sadness and ugliness in the world” can be offset by creating work that is uplifting and beautiful.
“I can be a dark cloud, but you need dark clouds to have rain,” she says.
In addition to the sculptures at Harris Shoals Park, another intricate mosaic by Ara was recently installed in a new Rotary Peace Garden located at the Classic Center, right outside of the box office. A symbol of “recognizing diversity and celebrating inclusion,” the Peace Garden is a collaboration between five different local Rotary Clubs.
Aiming to create a mosaic that would reflect the humanitarian organization’s mission of advancing world understanding, goodwill and peace, she decided on a theme of children representing global diversity. While surfing the web for inspiration, certain children caught her eye—ones living in Ukraine, Pakistan, China, Afghanistan, Ireland, Thailand and Chad—and these photo references guided the creation of hand-crafted ceramic relief forms that add a three-dimensional element to the mosaic.
Much of the turtle’s tile was handmade and brush-glazed with the assistance of community members. Over the years, primarily for Project Ginkgo, Ara has hosted intimate drop-in gatherings in public spaces or her own art-filled home where interested folks can gather around the table and participate by glazing ceramic pieces. Though much of her work requires extreme precision, she recognizes the simple joy of creating an opportunity for community members to later take pride in having performed a small role in bringing public art to fruition. This past May, she also attended an inspirational conference in Providence, RI hosted by the Community Built Association, a nonprofit that promotes the practice of involving community volunteers in the design and creation of murals, playgrounds, parks and other public spaces.
“It’s not about efficiency, it’s about building community involvement,” says Ara. “It’s really a great thing to bring
“I wanted to push my creative boundaries,” says Ara. “I like challenges. I decided I wanted to make these ceramic faces somewhat realistic.”
Ara began working on the Rotary Peace Garden Mosaic in 2021 when it was originally envisioned for a different location. The project was temporarily put on hold when the site fell through, however, and Ara’s own focus soon shifted to treatment for breast cancer. A few years later—and now thankfully in remission—she’s thrilled for her mosaic to be at the Classic Center where tens of thousands of people from all walks of life pass through every year.
“It’s in a better location than I could have even imagined, and it’s also in a time in the world where we really need peace,” says Ara. “We need a lot more peace.”
Dedicated in late June, the Rotary Peace Garden is part of a worldwide initiative to establish tranquil spaces for self-reflection. The mosaic’s message “Divided We Are Apart - United We Thrive” and sparkling mirror accents invite visitors to imagine how they might promote positive change within their own communities.
“Even if it’s just that you need some peace within yourself, it’s a special little place for that,” says Ara. “It was very heartwarming to get to be a part of that project.”
Looking towards the future, Ara is currently working on four additional Project Ginkgo designs that are expected to be installed on downtown Athens streetlight poles this fall. As part of her ongoing effort to invite community participation, she’ll set up a tent at the upcoming FoxSaid Fest for attendees to help glaze ceramic ginkgo leaves. The new festival, which features live performances across three stages, an art market and kid-friendly activities, will be held at Athens Cotton Press on Saturday, July 27. Visit foxsaidfest. com for event details, and explore Ara’s body of work over at creativeflow.art. f
KRYSIA ARA
Nick Ciarochi Shares AnotherMan’sComedy
PLUS, MORE MUSIC NEWS AND GOSSIP
By Gordon Lamb threatsandpromises@flagpole.com
DON’T DREAM IT’S OVER: Electro artist Kye Fox says in the notes of his new album Reboot that, “After 4 years of learning to survive a pandemic, a new wave of fascism, and a series of personal crises, [he’s] back and on track!” Lucky for us, too, as this is a taut collection of some nice electronic work that butts up against electropop but never takes the full deep dive in that direction. Instead,
we have a group of works that feels akin to one of the golden ages of electronic composition, the 1970s. The back-to-back tracks— the Tangerine Dream-ish “Sky City” and the Numan/Dolby-esque “Hero”—bring this variety into full relief. Find this at kyefox. bandcamp.com, and for more information, go sign up for his newsletter at newsletter. kyefox.com.
CAFFEINE SWEATS: A few weeks ago the date for the release show for the vinyl version of Weaponized Flesh’s Hurtful EP was up in the air. That’s all settled now as it’ll happen Thursday, July 18 at Buvez. The full bill is our headlining heroes along with Saddam Death Cave, Beer Piss and Multiple Miggs. This is a donation-based show, so please take a few cash dollars. Everything is slated to begin at 7 p.m. Learn the words and sing along over at weaponizedflesh1. bandcamp.com.
NEW NEWS: After clocking in over two decades of work, Athens death rockers Tears For The Dying really appear to possess a new burst of energy and have been rapidly expanding their activity. They recently returned to town from their tour supporting the new album In the Shadow of the Midnight Sun. They’ve got plans for another couple of short regional tours this year and are also entertaining some sweet offers. First, the band was invited to play the 2025 Gothic Pogo Festival in Leipzig-Connewitz, Germany as well as the 2025 Día de los Muertos festival in Los Angeles. Get in on the ground floor over at tearsforthedying.bandcamp.com, and follow along via facebook.com/TearsForTheDying.
WONDERING BOY POET: Athens musician Nick Ciarochi has been releasing music somewhat steadily for the past decade, and his new album, Another Man’s Comedy, just came out on Independence Day. I confess to being pretty unfamiliar with him, so this all kind of feels like that time in the early 1990s when the whole world discovered Guided By Voices, which already had a healthy catalog. You could slot this record right into your power pop section, and it would totally fit. However, that’s a little narrow, considering it also houses the artsy tango of “The One that You Asked to Leave,” the blue-eyed soul of “Space in my Heart” and the synth-based near-lullaby of “Staying Power.” Find this at nickciarochi. bandcamp.com.
HOT BOXING: The newest soundtrack for your summer sweat fest just dropped in the form of the new demo from hardcore blasters Big Trouble. While staying remarkably true to classic destructo hardcore, this is too fast to be sing-along and too committed to brevity to veer into thrash. That said, there are very brief moments here that allow you to catch your breath, but they’re so short they’re barely worth mentioning. Highlights here include “Song 5” and “Mutiny’s Breath.” Dig this up at bigtroubleathens.bandcamp.com.
FEEL IT ALL AROUND: A nice, brief, left-field entry into Athens’ July catalog comes “Role Models,” which is the debut (one-off?) single from baird x ssaucelord, which is producer Marcel Sletten with rapper ssaucelord. The short story here is, this is a chillwave-style track with trap-style vocals. This could have come out a decade ago and you’d never know. Nice little treat for midsummer. Grab it at primordialvoid.band camp.com.
RELATEDLY: The Georgia Museum of Art will host its Museum Mix Thursday, July 18 from 8–11 p.m. Museum Mix is the museum’s semi-regular evening of free admission to the public who can enjoy the current exhibitions, partake of refreshments and enjoy some music as well. This time around the guest DJ is Marcel Sletten (Primordial Void), who I’ve no doubt will pull out some really interesting stuff. For all information, please see georgiamuseum. org/event/museum-mix-8.
PASSAGES: Avid Bookshop will host author McCracken King Poston Jr. in celebration of his book Zenith Man: Death, Love, and Redemption in a Georgia Courtroom which is the “fascinating true story… of an idealistic young lawyer determined to free an innocent neurodivergent man accused of murdering the wife no one knew he had.” The event happens at the 40 Watt Club Saturday, Aug. 3 and Pylon Reenactment Society is also performing at this event. A meet and greet with the author happens at 7 p.m. and will run you $33, but that includes a copy of the book. General admission tickets are 10 bucks. For advance tickets, please see 40watt.com. f
Nick Ciarochi
Levi Crumley is... Eddie’s Boy Comedic
Winston
W/ Musical Guests BD Temple & DJ Charlieflower
Educating Through Hip-Hop Culture
MARCEL P. BLACK BRINGS HIS MOVEMENT TO ATHENS
By Sam Lipkin editorial@flagpole.com
The month of July is Real Emcees Don’t Rap Over Vocals (#REDROV) month, founded by emcee, hiphop culture promoter and youth educator Marcel P. Black. It’s one powerful element representative of a bigger movement, just as the Oklahoma-based, by way of Louisiana, rapper’s ties to the Athens music scene are symbolic of the sharing and transference of culture worldwide.
The Stop Rapping Over Vocals Movement, spearheaded by Black, provokes a lot of controversy in online discussions and hip-hop podcasts. However, Black says that live performances are the peak form of self-expression, and not rapping over vocals is his way of keeping that alive. On a deeper level, emceeing is one of the elements of hip-hop culture, and he explains it’s a continuation or extension of the African oral tradition that came to North America by way of the Middle Passage.
“On a strictly rap level, it sounds better and is more impressive/entertaining to your fanbase if you can sound just as good as or better than the recorded track when you perform. Also, it makes you more attractive to talent buyers and booking agents,” says Black.
The Classic City is a stop on Black’s #REDROV tour, bringing his “conscious rap for gangbangers and backpackers” to The World Famous on July 23. He was first invited to Athens for former Athenian Kid Arsenic’s album release show at The World Famous in December 2019. Ever since it’s become a regular stop during his tours.
“I love what Montu [Miller] has done as a facilitator and hip-hop cultural ambassador for the city, and I’m the type of person, if you show me love once, I’m gonna show you love forever until you give me a reason not to. I’ve always had a great time in Athens, so I try to come back as much as possible,” says Black.
Miller, ATHfactor-Liberty Entertainment chief operating officer, is also a well-known hip-hop culture advocate and youth educator. Like Black, who has created curriculums intersecting hip hop, social justice and mental health for middle and high schoolers, Miller has integrated hip hop into his lesson plans as a teacher at Cedar Shoals High School. Finding ways to bridge the world of his students to those in his lessons, an understanding of what culture means is imperative to having culturallysensitive discussions.
“A lot of my classes are dealing with culture, so dealing with hip-hop culture is having them understand what a culture is and understanding that the way I approach hip hop is through a culture. So they can start to understand hip hop is more than music. It’s a culture. Now we can relate what I meant by hip-hop culture to certain Asian cultures or Latino culture,” says Miller.
Within the school system, Black first got involved in hip-hop education in 2008 managing an after- school program, Teen 360 Hip-Hop University, where kids were taught dance, rap, DJing, art and poetry. This past year, in addition to integrating hip hop into his history classes, Black and a friend started Oklahoma’s first high- school record label. In the coming year, Black will be piloting a hip-hop studies program at Central High School in Tulsa, OK. Miller explains that the rise and popular-
ity of hip-hop pedagogy has provided new credentials for hip hop, that it’s more than music. In his undergraduate studies at UGA and masters at Piedmont University, Miller says he was able to take his life experiences in hip-hop culture and apply them to his education. It drives new and fresh conversations in the education field, but it also draws outside influences to Athens for a unique exchange of ideas. Brazilian hip-hop artist and youth educator Flávio Eduardo Assis, known as Dudu, visited Athens a few months ago while participating in a scholarly exchange program at Duke University. Dudu sat down with Miller for a recorded conversation about what hip-hop culture and youth outreach looks like in Brazil, then participated in the Beats, Rhymes & Life open mic series hosted by Miller at Hendershot’s. The connection between hip hop and education has created a valuable flow of knowledge and experiences while often proving that our lives, both the challenges and achievements, are not that different from one another.
“People can come to our shows and start to understand our culture and know more so we can actually build these bridges and use them,” says Miller. “Get outside your bubble.” f
Nony1,
Arsenic
Years Since the Georgia Theatre Fire
By Wilmot Greene music@flagpole.com
Fifteen years ago Athens awoke to the news that the Georgia Theatre was on fire. Many of us still remember where we were when we heard about it. People flocked to the corner of Lumpkin and Clayton streets to witness the spectacle and say their goodbyes to the place where generations of locals had spent countless hours of their youth.
Just over two years later, the theater reopened with two weeks of sold-out shows, and the 120-something-year-old building reclaimed its place in the cultural landscape of downtown Athens. Against all odds the venue rose from the ashes, where it remains today.
The history of the building has many chapters, and most of us have our own stories of nights spent dancing and laughing on that sloped concrete floor surrounded by those old bricks and mortar. I’d like to highlight one aspect of the story that, although brief and mostly forgotten, played a pivotal role in the future of the space—namely, the shape of the building on the day before the fire.
My business partner and I bought the Georgia Theatre in 2004, and spent the five years between ’04 and ’09 slowly repairing and improving the building. At the beginning of our tenure the theater suffered from a great deal of neglect and from decades of being beaten up by concert goers and the elements. The roof leaked, the ceiling was a hodgepodge of stained and missing acoustic tiles, the balcony seating was disgusting, the bathrooms were barely functional, the curtains were tattered, the smell reeked, the staff was disgruntled, the marquee was missing bulbs and ballasts—the place was a mess. The reputation of the theater was, of course, also suffering. Many Athenians refused to come to shows because of the deterioration and inherent discomfort inside. Our mission was to win back the hearts of the community by restoring the grandeur of the old Art Deco building to the best of our abilities.
balcony seating, new curtains, a new soundboard, a fully functioning marquee and, most importantly, new bathrooms. The stained and dull creamy exterior was painted with vibrant colors, the smell was tolerable, and the staff was invigorated with fresh momentum. The final year of the “old Theatre” was packed with great shows. Audiences and bands alike were starting to notice the cumulative effect of the improvements.
Then in the early morning hours of June 19, 2009, the place caught on fire and was completely gutted by flames. To me, one of the greatest tragedies of that day remains
happy to join in this gradual revival, and after five years the job was nearing completion. I can confidently say that the Georgia Theatre was in the best shape it had been in nearly 50 years on the day it burned, and that fact adds one more layer to the tragedy of that day. In retrospect I realize how the momentum of improvement impacted the events that occurred after the fire.
Based on previous sales, it made no financial sense to rebuild. The numbers just didn’t add up. I contrived the most optimistic spreadsheets about potential revenue and costs after rebuilding, and the sums weren’t nearly enough to cover even modest estimates of the required construction loans. However, Athenians were determined to have the Georgia Theatre back, and the momentum pulled us forward. The red tape was thick and almost impossible to untangle, but as the project progressed, the intangible positives occurred with slightly more frequency than the inevitable setbacks. Donations from the public amounted to about 5% of the total project cost, a sum that through luck and good timing enabled us to, just barely, keep the boat afloat. We repurposed charred wood; we value engineered; we made deals; we received tons of good will and loving labor until finally the building was back. We were frankly pessimistic about the financial future of the business and prepared ourselves for the real possibility that ends would not meet. But that momentum—the momentum that started with years of repairs, the momentum carried by fans of music, the momentum of Athens concertgoers— kept snowballing. The first month after reopening, the theater did six times what a good month was before. Bands were happy, employees were happy and, most importantly, audiences were happy. It worked! The Georgia Theatre was here to stay, again.
By the spring of ’09, things were finally shaping up. We had stopped the majority of the leaks and installed new
the fact that many peoples’ memories of the pre-fire building were of the space at its worst, just a few years before. The wear and tear of a concert hall is an unstoppable force which requires dedication and creative thinking to combat. Restoring that old building was an uphill battle that required time and money, and oftentimes meant fixing problems that most people weren’t even aware of in the first place. We had a limited budget and had to work around the busy calendar, but the positive momentum fed on itself. Plumbers, electricians, even the exterminator were
To those of you who remember that day 15 years ago, and who joined in the flood of goodwill, thank you. I urge you to keep in mind that the Georgia Theatre is and always has been a place for young people. This fall’s freshmen were three years old when it happened. The theater is their birthright, and you enabled them to enjoy that right by your collective generosity and participation in saving the place. To those fans of music who are too young to remember the “old Theatre” or the fire, I say cheers, and I hope you realize what a special gift you have been given by your fellow Athenians. f
Wilmot Greene was the owner and manager of the Georgia Theatre from 2004–2014.
live music calendar
Tuesday 16
Bogart Library
6 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org
ARVIN SCOTT’S DRUMMING ADVENTURE Try out percussion instruments and learn simple beats at this family-friendly event.
Ciné
8 p.m. FREE! www.athenscine.com
KARAOKE WITH THE KING Show off your pipes to the world. Every first, third and fifth Tuesday. 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.
KINKY WAIKIKI Relaxing, steel guitar-driven band following the traditions of Hawaiian music.
Normal Bar
8–11 p.m. www.instagram.com/ normal_bar_athens
HIGH NOTES OPEN MIC COMPETITION Compete for prizes. This weekly series concludes with a season finale on Aug. 6. State Botanical Garden of Georgia Sunflower Concert Series. 7 p.m. $12 (ages 5–16), $20 (Friends of the Garden), $24. botgarden.uga.edu
THE NEW ORLEANS JAZZ
STOMPERS Specializing in the historic “hot” syncopated dance music of the early 20th century. Chairs, blankets and picnics are welcome at this concert in the flower garden.
Wednesday 17
Creature Comforts
Brewery
Athens Farmers Market. 5–8 p.m. FREE! www.athensfarmersmarket.net 38 STRINGS Multi-generational acoustic folk music with 38 strings between them. (6 p.m.)
El Paso Tacos & Tequila 6–10 p.m. www.instagram.com/ elpasoathenss
KARAOKE Every Wednesday and Friday evening.
Flicker Theatre & Bar 9 p.m. FREE! www.flickertheatreand bar.com
KARAOKE Featuring a large assortment of pop, rock, indie and more.
JAZZ JAM Seth Hendershot and the house band Unstarched host an open jazz jam.
JOKERJOKER Gallery
LIVE In The Studio. 6:30 p.m. FREE! www.jokerjokertv.com/watch
DALE J. GORDON JOKERJOKERtv presents a virtual performance of the experimental folk punk artist from Nashville.
Nowhere Bar 9:30 p.m. www.facebook.com/ NowhereBarAthens SOLID COUNTRY GOLD Diablo boys playing country jams. Southern Brewing Co. 7–9 p.m. www.facebook.com/baddogathens
KARAOKE Every Thursday evening hosted by TJ Wayt.
Friday 19
40 Watt Club 1st Annual Athens GA Live Music Fest. 7 p.m. (doors). $10. www.40watt.com
LARRY’S HOMEWORK Four-piece Americana/roots rock band from Athens started by Stephan Eutsler and Pat Pensyl.
THE DICTATORTOTS Longtime local chaos-cultivators trash the night with post-grunge grooves.
DJ GOTH DAD Dusty Gannon of Vision Video spinning for a dance party after the show.
Athentic Brewing Co.
6–8:30 p.m. www.athenticbrewing. com
NEW ORLEANS JAZZ STOMPERS Specializing in the historic “hot” syncopated dance music of the early 20th century.
Cat, The Olivia Tremor Control, Circulatory System) that features fantastical phase-shifted psychedelia and ripples with intricate keyboard and vocal layers.
THE BLIPS Rock and roll from Birmingham. Tonight’s sets will take place in between live wrestling matches.
ACC Library
4 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org
QUINTET ATHENS Today’s Symphonic Storytime program features Peter and the Wolf by Sergei Prokofiev, an iconic work for orchestra and narrator that takes on new life in a chamber music version arranged especially for wind quintet.
DAVE FORKER Custom Concern member plays solo. (8 a.m.)
JULIANNE MERRITT Member of indie-folk duo Honey and B. (10 a.m.)
Flicker Theatre & Bar
8 p.m. $12. www.flickertheatreandbar. com
TENNIS COURTS Four-piece alternative group with an upbeat and energetic yet soft rock and roll edge from Brooklyn.
of Dan Nettles and featuring Josh Allen, Seth Hendershot and guests. Normal Bar 8–11 p.m. www.instagram.com/ normal_bar_athens
HIGH NOTES OPEN MIC COMPETITION Compete for prizes. This weekly series concludes with a season finale on Aug. 6. The World Famous 9 p.m. $10 suggested donation. www.facebook.com/theworld famousathens
MARCEL P. BLACK A true grassroots, DIY emcee who uses his platform for social justice.
D. HORTON Hip-hop artist whose sound ranges from intense and energetic to reflective and melodic. DK Local artist weaving lyrically driven truths together with lo-fi beats.
NONY1 Athens-based rapper who speaks out against injustice and inequality.
KID ARSENIC Artist emphasizing wordplay who travels on the battle rap circuit.
Wednesday 24
Athentic Brewing Co.
6–9 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com
KARAOKE WITH DJ GREGORY Every second and fourth Wednesday.
El Paso Tacos & Tequila 6–10 p.m. www.instagram.com/ elpasoathenss
HOLMAN AUTRY BAND Longrunning local band blending rock and country.
Sunday 21
Athentic Brewing Co.
5–7 p.m. $5. www.athenticbrewing.
com
THE VASSAR BLONDES Local indie-pop four-piece. For this special series, the band will perform songs from the movie Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?
Tuesday 23
Flicker Theatre & Bar
8 p.m. $10. www.flickertheatreandbar. com
DEAF CONDORS Experimental garage-rock group with a genrebending sound anchored by Peruvian brothers Bob Jesus and Darrick Alvarez.
THE BIG LONESOME Sad songs about love and isolation for people seeking social change and community.
NO YONDER A band that puts a Southern spin on indie sensibilities, blending folk, rock and emo.
TALIB KWELI Brooklyn-based MC who has earned his stripes as one of the most lyrically-gifted, socially aware and politically insightful rappers to emerge in the last 20 years. SKYZOO Rapper and songwriter with a number of notable solo and collaborative albums, including work with artist such as Dr. Dre and John Legend.
LANDON WORDSWELL Emcee from Atlanta known for intricate rhyme schemes, personal lyrics and bold truths.
TRVY & THE ENEMY Highenergy hip-hop artist who weaves introspective lyrics into the psychinfused and sometimes heavy instrumentals of his backing band. Hendershot’s 8 p.m. www.hendershotsathens.com
PRIME TIME JAZZ Join Jim Mckillip on piano, Chris Enghauser on bass and Tony “Doc” McCutchen on drums for an evening of standards and be-bop.
The World Famous 9:30 p.m. $5 suggested donation. www.facebook.com/theworld famousathens
JOELTON MAYFIELD Hard-hitting alt-country from Nashville that blends Wilco-esque musicality with the dynamics and melodic edge of second wave emo.
CANNON ROGERS Songwriter, guitarist and pedal steel player. THE FEBS Local stoner country acoustic duo. f
MIKE WHITE · DEADLYDESIGNS.COM
Reverend Tribble and The Deacons will play a sold out show at The Foundry on Saturday, July 20.
event calendar
Tuesday 16
CLASSES: MS Excel: Formulas, Functions, and Sorting (ACC Library) This fast-paced class teaches how to work with datasets and perform a basic data analysis. 10 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary. org
CLASSES: ESOL (Bogart Library) Learn or polish your English skills using Mango languages online and in-person basic conversation and vocabulary. 12:30 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/bogart
CLASSES: Green Clean DIY (Oconee County Library) Learn how to make cleaning products using basic household ingredients. 4 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/ oconee
COMEDY: Open Toad Comedy Night (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Comedy performed by a mix of newcomers and local favorites from Athens and Atlanta. 9 p.m. (doors). $7. www.flickertheatreandbar.com
EVENTS: Historic Athens History Hour (Lyndon House Arts Center) Denise Sunta will discuss the Athens-Area Humane Society’s history, contributions and ongoing efforts to promote animal welfare. 12 p.m. FREE! www.historicathens. com
EVENTS: Tiki Taco Tuesday (Live Wire) Enjoy live music, craft cocktails and a taco pop-up from Don Carne. Tuesdays, 5–10 p.m. www. livewireathens.com
EVENTS: JAM JAM Bar Crawl (Various Locations) Eight different bars and restaurants will serve specialty cocktails using Murrell’s Row JAM JAM with a finale party at The Old Pal. 10 p.m.–1 a.m. www.facebook. com/theoldpalathensga
FILM: OLLI Summer Film Festival (Ciné) This weekly film festival featuring women directors sponsored by OLLI presents First Cow. Tuesdays, 1:30 p.m. $8. www.athens cine.com
FILM: Club Ned Anime Society (ACC Library) Join club members to watch and discuss episodes of “Serial Experiments Lain,” “Kaguya-sama: Love is War” and “Erased.” 6:30–8:30 p.m. FREE! www.animefandom.org
GAMES: Lunch and Learn New Games (Tyche’s Games) Come down with your lunch and try out some new games. 11:30 a.m. FREE! www.tychesgames.com
GAMES: Mahjong Club (Winterville Cultural Center) Learn to play the ancient Chinese game of Mahjong. Tuesdays & Thursdays, 1–4 p.m. $1. www.wintervillecenter.com
GAMES: Tuesday Night Shenanigans (Southern Brewing Co.) Play board games and arcade games on site, bring your own games or even your D&D group. Tuesdays, 5–10 p.m. www.sobrewco.com
GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Akademia Brewing Co.) Test your trivia knowledge with host Garrett Lennox. 7 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/ ClassicCityTriviaCo
GAMES: Singo! (Beef O’Brady’s) Win gift certificates and prizes at this music bingo night. Tuesdays, 7–9 p.m. www.beefobradys.com/ athens
KIDSTUFF: Toddler Tuesday: Shapeshifting (Georgia Museum of Art) Enjoy art and storytime in
the galleries, then complete an art activity. Ages 18 months to 3 years. RSVP by email. 10 a.m. FREE! gmoa-tours@uga.edu
KIDSTUFF: Clifford the Big Red Dog & Therapy Dogs (Oglethorpe Co. Library) Listen to a story, eat snack and do a craft while taking photos with Clifford the Big Red Dog and his dog friends. 10:30 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/ oglethorpe
KIDSTUFF: Storytime (Oconee County Library) Drop in and join Ms. Jera for rhymes, songs, movement, a story and a craft. Ages 5 & under. 11 a.m. & 12 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/oconee
MEETINGS: Knot Just For Knitters (Oconee County Library) Bring your own crafting project to work on while chatting with fellow crafters. Tuesdays, 3–5 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/oconee
SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 10 a.m. info@petanque.org, www. athenspetanque.org
Wednesday 17
CLASSES: Salsa Dancing (El Carretonero) Join SALSAthens for Cuban salsa lessons meeting a variety of dance abilities. Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. (advanced), 7:30 p.m. (beginner/intermediate). $10. SALS AthensDancing@gmail.com
CLASSES: Microsoft Word: Basic Formatting (ACC Library) Learn how to create a word document and to format text, insert content and more. Registration required. 6:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org
COMEDY: Gorgeous George’s Improv League (Buvez) Townie improv that invites you to bring suggestions to help create improv magic. Wednesdays, 7 p.m. $5 suggested donation. www.flying squidcomedy.com
COMEDY: Hendershot’s Comedy (Hendershot’s) Enjoy a lineup featuring comics from Athens and Atlanta as well as newcomers. Hosted by Noell Appling. Third Wednesdays, 8 p.m. www.hendershotsathens.com
EVENTS: American Red Cross Blood Drive (Athentic Brewing Co.) Donate blood during this Battle of the Breweries fundraiser and receive lots of swag. Appointment required. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. www. athenticbrewing.com
EVENTS: Athens Farmers Market (Creature Comforts Brewery) Markets offer fresh produce, flowers, eggs, meats, prepared foods, art and crafts. Live music at 6 p.m. AFM doubles SNAP dollars spent. Wednesdays, 5–8 p.m. www.athens farmersmarket.net
FILM: AHS Mini-Film Showing (Ciné) The Athens Film Project will screen three short films about Athens history with a panel discussion following. 5 p.m. FREE! www. athenscine.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 (Eddie’s Calzones) Test your trivia knowledge with host Nickalous Benson. Wednesdays, 7 p.m. www.facebook. com/baddogathens
KIDSTUFF: Busy Bee Toddler Time (Bogart Library) Join Ms. Donna for rhymes, songs, puppets and a story. 10 a.m. & 11 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart
KIDSTUFF: Movie and Popcorn (Oconee County Library) Snack on popcorn while enjoying a familyfriendly movie. 11 a.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/oconee
KIDSTUFF: Adventurer Training (Bogart Library) Embrace your inner adventurer with crafts, games and activities. Ages 5 & up. 3 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.com/ bogart
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: UGA Sea Dawgs (ACC Library) UGA Marine Science Department’s Sea Dawgs will bring live sea creatures from coastal Georgia. All ages. 4 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org
KIDSTUFF: Indoor Camping Night (Oconee County Library) Gather around the “campfire” and enjoy s’mores while watching a campingthemed movie. Ages 12–18. 6 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/ oconee
MEETINGS: Athens Psychedelic Society (740 Prince) Meet likeminded individuals and discuss what community and support could look like in Athens for sacred medicine. 6 p.m. FREE! Athens Psychedelic Society on Facebook
Thursday 18
ART: Opening Reception (tiny ATH gallery) Artist Christina Habibi’s exhibition “Maverick” features abstract and textual paintings. 6–9 p.m. FREE! www.tinyathgallery.com
ART: Opening Reception (Lyndon House Arts Center) Wilay Méndez Páez’s exhibition “Morphogenesis” features metal sculptures and “Scissors, Paper, Art” features collaged works by Jack Burk and Claire Clements. 6–8 p.m. FREE! www. accgov.com/lyndonhouse
ART: Museum Mix (Georgia Museum of Art) The art galleries are open late with refreshments and music by DJ Marcel Sletten. 8–11 p.m. FREE! www.georgiamuseum. org
CLASSES: Yoga in the Galleries (Georgia Museum of Art) Enjoy a yoga class in the art galleries led by instructors from Five Points Yoga. Open to all skill levels. Attend in person (first come, first served) or via Zoom. 6 p.m. FREE! www.georgiamuseum.org
EVENTS: REALigion Live Podcast (Athentic Brewing Co.) Rabbi Eric Linder and Reverend Joel Tolbert discuss faith, God, religion, entertainment and tech. 5 p.m. www. athenticbrewing.com
GAMES: Mahjong Club (Winterville Cultural Center) Learn to play the ancient Chinese game of Mahjong. Tuesdays & Thursdays, 1–4 p.m. $1. www.wintervillecenter.com
GAMES: BINGO (VFW Post 2872) Join in to play this weekly game of chance. Thursdays, 6 p.m. (doors). FREE! www.facebook.com/vfw2872
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: Bingo Night (Athentic Brewing Co.) Play and raise money for the nonprofit Love.Craft Athens. 6:30 p.m. $5. www.athenticbrewing.com
KIDSTUFF: Open Play (Oconee County Library) Drop in for playtime that’s focused on encouraging early literacy and brain building. 5 & under. 11 a.m. FREE! www.athens library.org/oconee
KIDSTUFF: Read to Rover (Bogart Library) Drop in to read a story to Maisy Jane and her furry friends. Ages 4 & up. 3–4 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/bogart
KIDSTUFF: LEGO Club (Oconee County Library) Drop in to free build and create, or do one of the fun LEGO challenges. Ages 5–12. Thursdays, 3:30–5:30. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/oconee
KIDSTUFF: Teen D&D (Bogart Library) Join a volunteer-run gaming session open to all skill levels. Grades 6–12. 6 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/bogart
MEETINGS: Coffee Hour (Oconee County Library) Drop in to drink some coffee, while supplies last. Thursdays, 11 a.m.–12 p.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’ content. Thursdays, 6 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/bogart
PERFORMANCE: A Night at the Movies (40 Watt Club) The Studio Athens presents a dance show featuring movie soundtracks, followed by a dance party. 8 p.m. (doors), 8:30 p.m. (show). $10 (adv.), $15. www.40watt.com
SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 10 a.m. info@petanque.org, www. athenspetanque.org
Friday 19
EVENTS: Terrapin Mobile Food Pantry (Terrapin Beer Co.) First come, first serve rain or shine food distribution for those in need who meet income eligibility requirements. Third Fridays, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. FREE! www.terrapinbeer.com
GAMES: Chess Club (Winterville Cultural Center) Join others for a weekly chess competition. Fridays, 6–10 p.m. FREE! www.winterville center.com
GAMES: Friday Night Initiative (Online: Tyche’s Games) Learn how to play a new roleplaying game. New players welcome. 7 p.m. FREE! www.tychesgames.com
KIDSTUFF: Meet & Play (Bogart Library) Drop in for facilitated open play with age-appropriate toys. Best for ages 6 & under. Every Friday, 10:30 a.m. FREE! www.athens library.org/bogart
KIDSTUFF: Stuffed Animal Clinic (ACC Library) Bring your stuffies in for a checkup or repair by an expert.
10:30 a.m.–4 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org
KIDSTUFF: Clifford the Big Red Dog Meet and Greet (Oconee County Library) Drop in for a story about Clifford and then have a photo taken with the famous pup. 11 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary. org/oconee
KIDSTUFF: Clue Escape Room (Oglethorpe Co. Library) Put your thinking skills to the test and try to escape from the themed room. Ages 12 & up. 4:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/oglethorpe
MEETINGS: Help I Yarned (Bogart Library) Learn new patterns and techniques for knitting and crochet. 1–2 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary. org/bogart
Saturday 20
ART: Artist Talk (Winterville Cultural Center Gallery) Resin artist Anita Eberhart will discuss her background and demonstrate her technique. 11 a.m. FREE! www. wintervilleccgallery.com
CLASSES: Homebuyer Education Class (Athens Land Trust) Learn about homeownership, obtaining a mortgage, making an offer and closing. Registration required. 9:30 a.m. $10. www.athenslandtrust.org/ housing-counseling/homebuyereducation-classes
CLASSES: Glass Mosaic Workshop (Lyndon House Arts Center) Artist Noah Lagle leads a hands-on workshop for all skill levels teaching the fundamentals of mosaic art. 10 a.m. –4 p.m. $48. www.accgov.com/ lyndonhouse
CLASSES: Create Your Death File Workshop (Getting Real Counseling Center) Learn how to convey your end-of-life wishes through an organized death file with all materials provided and access to an End of Life Doula to answer questions. Registration required. 11 a.m. $75. https://forms.gle/61uWwUDD1nwri Xq97
COMEDY: Eddie’s Boy (work.shop) Comedian Levi Crumley performs a one-man autobiographical comedic storytelling show with music by Brent Temple and DJ Charlieflower. 8 p.m. $10. www.instagram.com/ levi_comedy
EVENTS: Athens Farmers Market (Bishop Park) Markets offer locally grown groceries and handmade goods with live music and children’s activities. AFM doubles SNAP dollars spent. Saturdays, 8 a.m.–12 p.m. www.athensfarmers market.net
EVENTS: Danielsville Farmers Market (Danielsville City Hall) Browse vendors with an array of homemade, handmade and stategrown products. 8 a.m.–12 p.m. www.danielsvillemarket.wixsite. com/farmersmarket
EVENTS: Bag of Books Sale (Front Porch Bookstore) Browse books for sale. Saturdays, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. $10/bag. Front Porch Bookstore on Facebook
EVENTS: West Broad Farmers Market (Rocksprings Park Pavilion)
Vendors will be on site with fresh produce, local fare, rare plants, artisan goods and more. Saturdays, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. FREE! www.athens landtrust.org/wbfm
EVENTS: 14th Annual Tomatoes at Terrapin (Terrapin Beer Co.) The Athens Wellness Clinic’s familyfriendly fundraiser event features music and free sandwiches with locally grown tomatoes. 4–7 p.m. FREE but donations suggested. www.athenswellnessclinic.org
GAMES: Beginners Dungeons and Dragons (Oglethorpe Co. Library) Join local Dungeon Master Trey Miller to learn everything you need to know about the popular role playing game. 11 a.m.–1 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/oglethorpe
GAMES: RPG Event (Tyche’s Games) Adventure with the Pathfinder Society and enjoy the worldwide fantasy roleplaying campaign using the Pathfinder ruleset. 12 p.m. FREE! www.tychesgames.com
GAMES: Dungeon Crawl Classics Day (Tyche’s Games) Join others to learn how to play a variety of classic games. 3 p.m. FREE! www. tychesgames.com
KIDSTUFF: Choose Your Own Storytime (ACC Library) In this lifesized game, your story unfolds in the choices you make. All ages. 10 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org
KIDSTUFF: Family Day: Portrait Party (Georgia Museum of Art) Learn about portraits while participating in fun Art Cart activities. 10 a.m.–12 p.m. FREE! www.georgia museum.org
KIDSTUFF: Busy Bee Toddler Time (Bogart Library) Join Ms. Donna for rhymes, songs, puppets and a story. 10 a.m. & 11 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart
KIDSTUFF: Big Family Read (Bogart Library) Discuss Shannon Messenger’s novel Keeper of the Lost Cities and enjoy snacks, trivia and activities. All ages. 2 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart
KIDSTUFF: Symphonic Storytime (ACC Library) Join Quintet Athens to hear musical stories written by local children, learn about instruments and make friends. All ages. 4 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org
MEETINGS: Atheist Society of Athens Meet & Greet (ACC Library) Non-prophet discussions with friends and neighbors. Third Saturdays, 4 p.m. FREE! www.atheist societyathens.org
PERFORMANCE: Classic City Wrestling (40 Watt Club) A night of high flying, power slamming independent wrestling, with a side of rock and roll by The Blips. 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $15–27. www.40watt.com
Sunday 21
ART: Sunday Spotlight Tour (Georgia Museum of Art) This drop-in public tour features highlights of the permanent collection. 3 p.m. FREE! www.georgiamuseum.org
ART: Founder’s Day Celebration (Steffen Thomas Museum of Art) There will be a guest speaker YuKai Lin, award ceremony, food, beverages, raffles and more. 4–7 p.m. $100 (members), $150 (nonmembers). www.steffenthomas.org
COMEDY: Tournament of Topics and Live Podcast (The Globe)
Competition with a variety of comedians riffing on random topics head-to-head hosted by Levi Crumely. 9 p.m. $5. www.athens comedy.com
EVENTS: Artisan Expo (Oconee County Library) Watch demonstrations and learn about hands-on skills from a variety of professional artisans, featuring pottery, looming, woodworking and more. 2 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/ oconee
EVENTS: Pups & Pints (Athentic Brewing Co.) The patio will be full of adoptable dogs with a free pour for every adoption. Third Sundays, 3–6 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com
GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (Southern Brewing Co.) Test your trivia knowledge with host TJ Wayt. Sundays, 4 p.m. www.facebook.com/baddog athens
MEETINGS: Athens Skatepark Project Community Meeting (Nuçi’s Space) Learn more about the Athens Skatepark Project’s mission to increase access to safe, high-quality skateparks around Athens. 6:30 p.m. FREE! www. athensskateparkproject.org
SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 10 a.m. info@petanque.org, www. athenspetanque.org
Monday 22
CLASSES: Barn Quilt Painting (Oconee County Library) Paint a canvas in the design of barn quilts for an indoor decoration. 7 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/ oconee
COMEDY: Sake Bomb Open Mic Comedy (Cozy Bar) Watch a variety of comedians perform new material or join in with your own standup routine. Mondays, 9 p.m. FREE! www.athenscomedy.com
EVENTS: Lunch & Learn (Oglethorpe Co. Library) Explore the traditions, tastes and uses of the various exotic fruits now available in grocery stores. 12 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/oglethorpe
FILM: Bad Movie Night (Ciné) After a weapons dealer is assassinated, his nephew wages total war against the U.S. in the mind-melter Rampage. 8 p.m. FREE! www.instagram. com/BadMovieNight
GAMES: Open Chess Play (ACC Library) Drop in for a game open to all skill levels with light refreshments served. Mondays, 3–5 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org
GAMES: General Trivia with Erin (Athentic Brewing Co.) Test your trivia knowledge with host Erin. Mondays, 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
GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (LumberJaxe) Test your trivia knowledge with host TJ Wayt. Mondays, 7 p.m. www.facebook.com/baddogathens
KIDSTUFF: Monday Funday (Bogart Library) Join Ms. Donna for songs, fingerplays, storytelling and STEAM activities. Ages 3–7 years. Registration suggested. 10:30 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart
KIDSTUFF: Tween Steam Club (Oconee County Library) Drop in and build your own creations with STEM toys. Ages 8-12. 5 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/ oconee
MEETINGS: Classic City Rotary (Athentic Brewing Co.) The local chapter meets weekly. Mondays,
11:30 a.m. FREE! www.athentic brewing.com
MEETINGS: Pen Pals Writing Group (Oconee County Library) Meet other writers, share your writing experiences and get feedback on your work. Second Mondays, 5:30 p.m. Fourth Mondays, 4 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/ oconee
Tuesday 23
CLASSES: MS PowerPoint Basics (ACC Library) Learn how to create slides, enter content, change layouts and use styles and themes. 10 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org
CLASSES: ESOL (Bogart Library) Learn or polish your English skills using Mango languages online and in-person basic conversation and vocabulary. 12:30 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/bogart
EVENTS: Tiki Taco Tuesday (Live Wire) Enjoy live music, craft cocktails and a taco pop-up from Don Carne. Tuesdays, 5–10 p.m. www. livewireathens.com
EVENTS: West Broad Farmers Market and Garden (Athentic Brewing Co.) Vendors will be on site with fresh produce, local fare, rare plants, artisan goods and more. Second and Fourth Tuesdays, 5–8 p.m. FREE! www.athenticbrewing. com
FILM: OLLI Summer Film Festival (Ciné) This weekly film festival featuring women directors sponsored by OLLI presents Away From Her Tuesdays, 1:30 p.m. $8. www. athenscine.com
FILM: This or That: Adventure Movie (Bogart Library) Screening of an adventure movie voted on by attendees. Second and fourth Tuesdays, 6 p.m. FREE! www.athens library.org/bogart
GAMES: Lunch and Learn New Games (Tyche’s Games) Come down with your lunch and try out some new games. 11:30 a.m. FREE! www.tychesgames.com
GAMES: Mahjong Club (Winterville Cultural Center) Learn to play the ancient Chinese game of Mahjong. Tuesdays & Thursdays, 1–4 p.m. $1. www.wintervillecenter.com
GAMES: Tuesday Night Shenanigans (Southern Brewing Co.) Play board games and arcade games on site, bring your own games or even your D&D group. Tuesdays, 5–10 p.m. www.sobrewco.com
GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Akademia Brewing Co.) Test your trivia knowledge with host Garrett Lennox. 7 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/ ClassicCityTriviaCo
GAMES: Singo! (Beef O’Brady’s) Win gift certificates and prizes at this music bingo night. Tuesdays, 7–9 p.m. www.beefobradys.com/athens
KIDSTUFF: Brella Art Studio Truck (Oglethorpe Co. Library) Learn about different ways to make art then get to making it yourself. All ages. 10:30 a.m. FREE! www.athens library.org/oglethorpe
KIDSTUFF: Storytime (Oconee County Library) Drop in and join Ms. Jera for rhymes, songs, movement, a story and a craft. Ages 5 & under. 11 a.m. & 12 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/oconee
KIDSTUFF: LEGO Robots Workshop (ACC Library) Learn how to build real, working robots while practicing teamwork skills. Ages 7 & up. Registration required. 2 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org
KIDSTUFF: Crafternoon (Oconee County Library) Drop in for a craft or two. Supplies Provided. All ages. Tuesdays, 3:30–5:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/oconee MEETINGS: Knot Just For Knitters
(Oconee County Library) Bring your own crafting project to work on while chatting with fellow crafters. Tuesdays, 3–5 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/oconee
MEETINGS: Athens Photography Guild (Lyndon House Arts Center) Chuck Murphy will share tips and tricks to help you get great shots of the birds in your backyard and garden. 6 p.m. FREE! www.athens photographyguild.wordpress.com
SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 10 a.m. info@petanque.org, www. athenspetanque.org
Wednesday 24
CLASSES: Salsa Dancing (El Carretonero) Join SALSAthens for Cuban salsa lessons meeting a variety of dance abilities. Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. (advanced), 7:30 p.m. (beginner/intermediate). $10. SALS AthensDancing@gmail.com
CLASSES: Microsoft Word (ACC Library) Learn how to use styles, themes, and templates to create a professional looking document. Registration is required. 6:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org
COMEDY: Gorgeous George’s Improv League (Buvez) Townie improv that invites you to bring suggestions to help create improv magic. Wednesdays, 7 p.m. $5 suggested donation. www.flying squidcomedy.com
EVENTS: Athens Farmers Market (Creature Comforts Brewery) Markets offer fresh produce, flowers, eggs, meats, prepared foods, art and crafts. Live music at 6 p.m. AFM doubles SNAP dollars spent. Wednesdays, 5–8 p.m. www.athens farmersmarket.net
FILM: My Bloody Horrorcast (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Screening of the 1987 horror comedy film Ghoulies 2. 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 (Eddie’s Calzones) Test your trivia knowledge with host Nickalous Benson. Wednesdays, 7 p.m. www.facebook. com/baddogathens
KIDSTUFF: Busy Bee Toddler Time (Bogart Library) Join Ms. Donna for rhymes, songs, puppets and a story. 10 a.m. & 11 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart
KIDSTUFF: Superwoman Meet and Greet (Oconee County Library) Drop in to have a photo taken with the famous superhero. 11 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/ oconee
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: The Great Library Bake Off (Oconee County Library) Show off your culinary skills to become the library’s next baking champion and then enjoy eating your creation. Ages 12–18. 6 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/oconee
OUTDOORS: ‘Normal’ Run (Athentic Brewing Co.) Join the Athens Road Runners for a 1–3 mile run that starts and ends at Athentic Brewing. Every other Wednesday, 6:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenticbrewing.com f
calendar picks arts & culture
MUSIC | WED, JULY 17
AHS Mini-Film Showing
Ciné • 5 p.m. • FREE!
The Athens Film Project is launching its first three short films on Athens history, including Emancipation by Grady School graduate film student Emanu Saucier, The Knox Institute by Jesse Freeman and Industrial Athens I by Georgia Film Academy instructor Phil Bergquist. The films are a project of the Athens Historical Society that began during the pandemic with the goal of creating history lessons for local 11th grade U.S. history classes. Executive producer Cindy Hahamovitch says the films teach world history by making it local: “We started with the standards—the facts and concepts—Georgia teachers have to teach and looked for local stories to illuminate them.” The films have since become an extremely collaborative project involving people from all around Athens, including UGA faculty and local high school teachers, as well as receiving over $100,000 in support from a variety of locals. Future films will cover the founding of Athens, Reconstruction, slavery, the New Deal and more. There will be a discussion with a panel of Athens Film Project members and filmmakers following the viewing. [Mary Beth Bryan]
ART | THU, JULY 18
‘Morphogenesis’ and ‘Scissors, Paper, Art’ Reception
Lyndon House Arts Center • 6 p.m. • FREE! Named for the biological process that causes a cell or tissue to develop its shape, “Morphogenesis” is the newest exhibition by Afro-Cuban, Atlanta-based artist Wilay Méndez Páez. Páez is an artist in residence at Clark Atlanta University Art Museum and has had his work displayed across the world. This exhibition contains pieces made from contrasting recycled materials. Sculptures made from car parts represent resourcefulness and the grit of urban life, while mat board sculptures represent the seeds of new ideas. It will be on view through Aug. 31. “Scissors, Paper, Art” is a collection of collages by Athens residents Jack Burk and Claire Clements. The two artists bring differing approaches to the works, with Clement’s technique focusing on silhouettes and flat planes of color, while Burk focuses on textures and materiality, but they come together to create lush images of nature. The exhibition was originally proposed as part of an open call for artists to display their work, which can still be applied for at accgov.com/lyndonhouse. The exhibit will be on display through Oct. 5. [MB]
MUSIC | FRI, JULY 19
First Annual Athens GA Live Music Fest
40 Watt Club • 8 p.m. (doors) • $10
The Athens GA Live Music Fest was created as a benefit show for a stalwart in the Athens music scene: Gregory Frederick, who runs the Athens GA Live Music channel on YouTube, where he has compiled footage of the city’s vibrant local music
scene for free since 2015. With over 9,000 subscribers and 26,000 videos, the channel is the most substantial archive of Athens’ recent musical and cultural landscape. The show will feature music from Americana roots band Larry’s Homework and postpunk group The Dictatortots, followed by a dance party with DJ Goth Dad. All proceeds will go toward Frederick’s mission to continue documenting and promoting Athens bands and venues. All of the monetization from his channel in turn goes to local music-based nonprofit Nuçi’s Space. [MB]
Dead Beat Club is the ultimate karaoke experience, offering ticket holders the opportunity to perform on stage with backup from Classic City Jukebox, a live band that plays music from the ’60s through the 2000s with a repertoire of over 100 songs. Headliner ticket holders will get the opportunity to reserve a song with Classic City Jukebox, as well as an artist swag bag, access to the green room and the option to rehearse with the band during soundcheck. Featured Artist ticket holders will also be able to reserve a song, in addition to receiving a $6 drink ticket. Groupie ticket holders can perform any song not already reserved, or can feel free to just enjoy the show. The event is being held by Artist2Artist, which will use the funds to go toward unmet needs of artists in the Greater Athens area. [MB]
COMEDY | SAT, JULY 20
‘Eddie’s Boy’
work.shop • 8 p.m. • $10
“Eddie’s Boy” is the autobiographical comedic story of Levi Crumley’s upbringing in Madison County and his experiences with addiction and mental health. Crumley is deeply embedded in the Athens comedy scene, having performed in and produced shows and open mics at many of Athens’ most-loved venues, from Flicker Theatre and Bar to the 40 Watt Club to The Upstairs Bar & Comedy Club, always with a passion for getting a diverse group of local comedians into the spotlight. He also co-hosts “Classic City Creeps” on JOKERJOKERtv and is an accomplished roast master. Crumley’s material is often personal and empathetic, using sharp observational humor and storytelling to bring healing to those who understand his difficult journey. In his hour-long show, he will discuss hard topics like alcoholism and the death of his father, but with a sense of nuance and humor meant to bring his audience together. [MB] f
Levi Crumley
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.
AAAC QUARTERLY GRANT (Athens, GA) The Athens Area Arts Council offers $500 grants to visual and performing artists in any medium to support specific projects that enrich the culture of Athens. Rolling deadlines are Sept. 15, Dec. 15, Mar. 15 and June 15. Apply online. www. athensarts.org/support
ARTIST IN RESIDENCE PROGRAM
(Lyndon House Arts Center) The AIR Program provides participants with a semi-private workspace, access to the center’s seven open studios and a $250 stipend. Rising professional and studio-based artists are invited to apply. Artists will be expected to present their work in a workshop or artist talk and will be invited to take part in a group exhibition with other AIR Program alumni. Applications are reviewed Sept. 20 for residencies beginning Jan. 1 and Apr. 20 for residencies beginning July 1. www.accgov. com/lyndonhouse
BIPOC ARTIST/CURATOR PROJ-
ECT OPEN CALL (Lyndon House Arts Center) Seeking BIPOC individuals residing in Georgia to develop an art exhibition to be on display for 6–8 weeks at the LHAC. A stipend of $1500 is provided. www.accgov. com/9799/ArtistCurator
CALL FOR ART (Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation) Seeking submissions for OCAF’s annual “Southworks” national juried art exhibition. This year’s juror is Bill Eiland. Cash prizes awarded. Submissions due July 19. Exhibition runs Sept. 27–Nov. 1. $30–40/submission
CALL FOR ARTISTS (Terrapin Beer Co.) Design Terrapin’s new bulldog statue. The winning design will receive a $500 cash prize. Submit designs online. Deadline July 26. www.terrapinbeer.com/bulldog CALL FOR COLLECTORS (Lyndon House Arts Center) The LHAC’s “Collections from our Community” series features unique collections of objects found in the closets, cabinets and shelves of Athenians. Email if interested in displaying your collection. shelby.little@ accgov.com
CALL FOR ENTRIES (ATHICA)
Seeking contemporary artwork in all media that explores or references “compulsion,” the theme of this year’s juried exhibition. Juried by Erin Dunn, curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at the Telfair Museums of Savannah. $500 in cash awards. Deadline Aug. 31, 11:59 p.m. www.athica.org/ updates/2024-juried-exhibition-call
CALL FOR EXHIBITION PROPOSALS (Lyndon House Arts Center)
Artists, artist groups and curators can submit original exhibition proposals for consideration in the arts center’s gallery schedule. Arts can also submit images of their work for consideration in larger group or themed shows. Deadline Sept. 20, 11:59 p.m. www.accgov. com/6657/Exhibition-ProposalForm
JOKERJOKERTV CALL FOR ARTISTS (Online) JOKERJOKERtv is actively accepting proposals for collaboration from visual, musical and video artists and curators living
art around town
ACE/FRANCISCO GALLERY (675 Pulaski St., Suite 1500) Jason Thrasher’s exhibition of photographs, “Kashi Washi,” documents his return to a specific street corner in Benares, India 25 years after his first visit in 1998. Closing Reception July 27, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
ATHENS INSTITUTE FOR CONTEMPORARY ART: ATHICA (675 Pulaski St.) The Artist-in-ATHICA residency program presents Benjamin Rouse, who will focus on completing a body of work, “Search for Symmetry,” that ventures into the paper craftsmanship of 3-D printmaking. Open studio hours and paper-making tutorials Saturdays and Sundays, 12–7 p.m. or by appointment. Closing event July 27, 6–9 p.m. Through July.
ATHICA@CINÉ GALLERY (234 W. Hancock Ave.) “Kurt Silvershield: Photographs” presents images taken in the heavily industrial landscape of the River Rouge and Zug Island area near Detroit between 2018 and 2021. Through Aug. 25.
CLASSIC CENTER (300 N. Thomas St.) In Classic Gallery I, “Spotlight” features works by painters William Ballard, Jaci Davis and Ella Hopkins. • In Classic Gallery II, Kristin Roberts’ “The Fables” illustrates Aesop’s Fables with detailed works that are both whimsical and dangerous.
GEORGIA MUSEUM OF ART (90 Carlton St.) “A Perfect Model: Prints after Anthony van Dyck’s Portraits” presents prints that attest to Van Dyck’s lasting impact as a printmaker and portraitist. Through Dec. 1.
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.) The second annual “Together We Dazzle” art show and benefit features artwork by over 20 local artists. A portion of art sales will benefit the Ehlers-Danlos Society. Closing Reception Sept. 21, 3–8 p.m.
LYNDON HOUSE ARTS CENTER (211 Hoyt St.) The Window Works series presents a site-specific artwork by Atlanta artist Michael Reese that questions the perception of the Black Body against cyanotype photography
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 MUSIC AND ARTS EDUCATION GRANTS (Athens, GA) AthFest Educates will award a total of $65,000 to music and arts education programs for local students. Applicants may request up to $5,000. Check website for requirements. Applications accepted through Aug. 24. www.athfest educates.org
OPEN STUDIOS (Lyndon House Arts Center) Studio members have access to spaces for painting, printmaking, photography, ceramics, jewelry, fiber and woodworking. Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. $65/month. www. accgov.com/7350/Open-StudioMembership
PUBLIC ART SELECTION PANELS
(Athens GA) The Athens Cultural Affairs Commission is seeking community members to participate in upcoming public art selection panels. Panels review, evaluate and select from submitted proposals for ACC-funded public art commissions. www.accgov.com/9656/ Public-Art-Selection-Panels
Auditions
ANASTASIA (Quinn Hall) Athens
Creative Theatre hosts auditions for a musical. Prepare one minute of music of your choosing. Email to schedule. Auditions held Aug. 12–13, 6–9 p.m. Rehearsals held Monday–Thursday nights. Perfor-
mances held Nov. 7–10 at the Morton Theatre. act@accgov.com
Classes
A COURSE OF LOVE (Unity Athens Church) Learn a positive path for spiritual living based on A Course in Miracles. Fridays, 10–11:30 a.m. FREE! www.unityathens.com
AQUA AEROBICS (Memorial Park) In this low-impact exercise, participants will experience a variety of stretching, limbering and weight routines set to music. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 6:30–7:30 p.m. Saturdays, 10–11 a.m. $5/session, $20/five classes. 706-613-3580
ART CLASSES (K.A. Artist Shop)
The shop offers a range of fine art classes and workshops for adults, private classes and parties, summer camps, and art clubs for youth. Topics include acrylic, aqua oil, bookmaking, calligraphy, gouache, printmaking, and watercolor. Register online. www.kaartist.com
BLACKSMITHING CLASSES
(Greenhow Handmade Ironworks, Washington) A variety of classes include “Forge a Tomahawk” (July 25), “Forge a Railroad Spike Knife” (July 26) and “Forge a Spear” (July 27). Classes run 10 a.m.–5 p.m. www.greenhowhandmade.com/ blacksmith-classes
CANOPY CLASSES & SCHOLARSHIPS (Canopy Studio) Canopy offers a variety of trapeze and aerial arts classes for children and adults. Scholarships and financial aid are available. outreach@canopystudio. org, www.canopystudio.org/ outreach/scholarships
COOKING CLASSES (Athens Cooks) “Blueberry Bonanza” will be held July 20, 9–11 a.m. $75. “Taco Tuesday” will be held July 23, 6–8 p.m. “Ceviche Celebration” will
popular with architectural blueprints. Through spring 2025. • “Pathways” is a solo exhibition featuring Kristy Bishop’s body of work, “Metaweaves.” Through Aug. 31. • “Traditions Highway” is a presentation of photographs by Irina Rozovsky taken between 2017–2021 along Georgia State Route 15. Through Aug. 31. • Steven L. Anderson’s “Entropy Plan for the Western Fam” was inspired by Joseph Beuys’ 1974 tour of lectures and performances meant to address ecological and spiritual problems of the time. Through Aug. 31. • Led by Martihn van Wagtendonk, the kinetic sculpture “Cupola: A Collaboration” was inspired by Renaissance architect Filippo Brunelleschi. Through Aug. 31. • “Celestial Bodies” is a group exhibition exploring the relationship between the heavens and the earth. Through Aug. 31. • “Morphogenesis” spotlights Wilay Méndez Páez, an Afro-Cuban artist based in Atlanta whose small metal sculptures are made from discarded car parts. Reception July 18, 6 p.m. Currently on view through Aug. 31. • Collections from the Community presents Mac Little’s collection of flying discs. Talk and throwing demonstration held Aug. 1 at 6 p.m. On view July 18–Aug. 31. • Amiri Farris’ paintings and collages blur the lines between contemporary cultures and pop traditions while delving into themes of history, culture, perception and time. Reception July 25, 6–8 p.m. Zine Workshop July 27, 2–4 p.m. Currently on view through Oct. 5. • “Scissors, Paper, Art” is an exhibition of collaged works by Jack Burke and Claire Clements inspired by nature. Artist Reception July 18, 6–8 p.m. Currently on view through Oct. 5.
MAGALLERY (125 W. Jefferson St., Madison) “Earthbound Stories and Skyward Dreams” features artwork by Peter Loose, Selena Schoen and Amy Durant. Through July 20.
MASON-SCHARFENSTEIN MUSEUM OF ART (567 Georgia St., Demorest) Toccoa-based artist Normando Ismay shares recent sculptures made from recycled aluminum. Through Sept. 7.
PORCELAIN AND DECORATIVE ARTS MUSEUM (2450 S. Milledge Ave.)
Two new collections celebrating the connection between art and nature include a complete Jasperware tea set from Wedgewood in England and a series of hand-carved coconut vessels.
OCONEE LIBRARY (1925 Electric Ave., Watkinsville) Members of the Athens Art Association share their work. Through August.
be held July 25, 6–8 p.m. $103. “Crepe Party!” will be held July 27, 9–11 a.m. $75. “Rack of Lamb Dinner” will be held July 31, 6–8 p.m. $103. Register online. www. athenscooks.com
CLASSES (Winterville Center) “Chair Yoga” is held Mondays, Aug. 5–Nov. 11, 9:10–10:10 a.m. (No classes Sept. 6, Oct. 14 or Oct. 28). $10/class. “Botanical Sketchbook is a 12-week class exploring a variety of drawing techniques, basic shading, perspective and directional light sources. Mondays, Aug. 5-Sept. 11, 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m. (No classes Sept. 6, Oct. 14 or Oct. 28). $120. www.wintervillecenter. com
PÉTANQUE CLUB OF ATHENS (5 Alumni Dr.) Learn to play Pétanque. RSVP for a free Wednesday introduction. athenspetanqueclub@ gmail.com, www.athenspetanque club.wixsite.com/play
PINTA SCHOOL OF WINE (Athens Cooks) “Sparkling Rosé: Summerrific Rosé Bubblies” Wine Tasting will be held July 30, 6:15–7:30 p.m. www.athenscooks.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/qpr
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
YOGA AND MORE (Revolution Therapy and Yoga) Revolution is a multipurpose mind-body wellness studio offering yoga and therapy with an emphasis on traumainformed practices. Check website for upcoming classes and programs. www.revolutiontherapyand yoga.com
YOGA CLASSES (Let It Be Yoga Studio, Watkinsville) Classes are offered in Hatha, Vinyasa, Kundalini, beginner, gentle and other styles. Check online calendar for weekly offerings. www.letitbeyoga.org
Help Out
ADOPT AN ANIMAL (Bear Hollow Zoo) Different sponsorship levels are available to “adopt” a zoo resident. Donations are used for exhibits, food and wildlife education. 706-613-3580
ATHENS FILM FESTIVAL (Athens, GA) The inaugural Athens Film Festival, held Aug. 15–17 across multiple venues, is seeking volunteers. See free films, meet filmmakers and help support local creatives. support@athensfilm.com, www. athensfilm.com/volunteer
MULTIPLE CHOICES VOLUNTEERS (Multiple Choices Center for Independent Living) Seeking volunteers to assist a nonprofit agency that serves individuals living with disabilities throughout a 10-country area of Northeastern Georgia. Contact Daniel Myers at 706-850-4025 or dmyers@multiplechoices.us
SEEKING BOARD MEMBERS (Sandy Creek Nature Center) Sandy Creek Nature Center, Inc., is seeking new members for its board of directors. Brochures and applications are available online. scncinc@gmail. com, www.sandycreeknaturecenter inc.org/board-members
SEEKING BOARD MEMBERS (Morton Theatre Corporation) The Morton Theatre Corporation is seeking new members for its board of directors and volunteers. The application is available online. board@morton theatre.com, www.mortontheatre. com/join-the-board
Kidstuff
ATHENS FOREST KINDERGARTEN (Sandy Creek Park) Now enrolling children ages 3–6. AFK is a cooperative preschool that aims to develop initiative, persistence, interdependence, and empathy. www.athensforestkindergarten.org
OCONEE CULTURAL ARTS FOUNDATION (34 School St., Watkinsville) “The Mystic and Mistrial Art of Bob Marable” showcases works by a founding member of OCAF. Through Aug. 2. • The 2024 Members Exhibition includes a variety of artwork created by artists who support the gallery through its membership program. Through Aug. 2.
STATE BOTANICAL GARDEN OF GEORGIA (2450 S. Milledge Ave) Leigh Ellis presents her sixth exhibition at the garden, featuring watercolor nature scenes. Through Aug. 4.
STEFFEN THOMAS MUSEUM OF ART (4200 Bethany Rd., Buckhead) “Peace in Our Time: Steffen Thomas Meisterwerke from the Lowrance Collection” shares works collected by Marjorie and Richard Lowrance over the span of 60 years. Through July 23. • The “Student Art Exhibition” features works by students from five different schools. Through July 27.
TINY ATH GALLERY (174 Cleveland Ave.) In her solo show, “Maverick,” Christina Habibi blends abstract forms with textual elements to create vibrant and layered visual narratives in her paintings. Opening Reception July 18, 6–9 p.m. Closing Reception July 25, 5–8 p.m.
UGA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER LOBBY GALLERY (230 River Rd.) The new gallery debuts with large-scale paintings from Margaret Morrison’s “Paradigm Shift,” a series created after Morrison began questioning historical aspects of her closely held Mormon faith. Through July 26.
UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP OF ATHENS CLEMENTS GALLERY (780 Timothy Rd.) “The Claire and Robert Clements Summer Invitational” features UUFA artists as well as artists who have shown or are scheduled to show in the gallery. Through Sept. 29.
WAYFARER HOTEL (114 N. Broad St., Monroe) Susan Pelham’s collages are inspired by Magic Realism, Surrealism, nursery rhymes, fables and more. Through July.
WINTERVILLE CULTURAL CENTER GALLERY (371 N. Church St., Winterville) On view in the lower exhibition hall, “Pen, Pencil, Paper and Ink” is a group exhibition highlighting different artistic approaches. Through Aug. 8. • “New Beginnings” is a group exhibition held in celebration of the center’s grand opening. Through Aug. 16. • Wildlife photographer Mike Ramy presents “An Intimate Look at Nature.” Through Aug. 16.
BRELLA ACTIVITIES (’BRELLA STUDIO) After-school art lessons for ages 6–11 include drawing and mixed media activities and are held Monday and Tuesday afternoons. Family Playgroups are for ages 0–5 and their caregivers. Check website for descriptions and meeting times. www.brellastudio.com/events
CREATIVE OPPORTUNITIES (Treehouse Kid & Craft) Treehouse offers a variety of art-centric activities for children, such as “Crafty Maker Mondays,” “Storytime with Mr. Doodles,” “Digital Art Designer,” “Baby Artists,” “Toddler Process Art,” “Creative Playtime,” “Saturday Craft” and more. Check website for current schedule. www.treehouse kidandcraft.com
FARM CAMP (Sweet Olive Farm)
This all-outdoor camp for ages 6–12 includes caring for and interacting with the animals, creek time in the woods, outdoor crafts, games, music, art-making, writing and exploring the farm. Mondays–Fridays, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. during the summer. Register online. www. sweetolivefarm.org
GROUPS AT REBLOSSOM
(ReBlossom) A variety of classes, playgroups and support groups are offered for parents and young children. Topics include birth and breastfeeding, prenatal and parent-baby yoga, instrument play, maternal mental health and more. Check website for a schedule. www. reblossomathens.com
LEARN TO SWIM (Multiple Locations) The ACC Leisure Services Department offers swim lessons
for children ages 3 and up at Heard Park, Lay Park, Memorial Park and Rocksprings Park including “Swim School” and “Parent/Tot Swim School.” $33 (residents), $50 (non-residents). The department’s Kinderswim program is offered to five-year-olds at no cost. www. accgov.com/myrec
LIBRARY STORYTIMES (ACC Library) Storytime for preschool aged children and their caregivers is offered every Tuesday and Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. www.athens library.org
MUSIC SUMMER CAMPS (Merit Music Academy) The academy offers small-group summer camps in a cappella, songwriting, ukulele and puppetry. Register online. $120/week. www.meritmusic academy.com/summercamps
NATURE AND FARM SUMMER CAMPS (Foxfire Woods and Farm) Offering three weeks of outdoor summer camp, including a half-day camp for preschoolers ages 3.5–6. Themes include survival skills, kinetics and simple machines, and outdoor exploration. www.foxfire woodsandfarm.com
REPORT CARDS REWARDS PROGRAM (Multiple Locations) Students in Kindergarten through 12th grade can receive a free pool pass by bringing a report card will all A’s or E’s. A report card with all A’s and B’s or all E’s and M’s can earn 10 free swims. www.accgov. com/pools
SUMMER ART CAMPS (K.A. Artist Shop) Art Camps for Promising Young Artists are offered for half or
full days Mondays–Fridays during the summer. Activities range from drawing, painting, collage, printmaking, illustration, calligraphy and character design. www.kaartist.com
SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION (Athens, GA) ACC Leisure Services Department offers camps highlighting art, nature education, sports and theater. Now registering. www.accgov.com/myrec
TREEHOUSE SUMMER CAMPS (Treehouse Kid & Craft) Camps are offered in a variety of themes including “Sweet Treat Camp,” “Digital Art Illustrator and Animation,” “Craft Olympics,” “Book It Camp” and more. Visit the website for details, dates and to register. www.treehouse kidandcraft.com
WHERE’S WALDO IN THE ATH? (Multiple Locations) Avid Bookshop hosts a citywide scavenger hunt held between 15 local businesses. Pick up a passport from Avid and get it stamped or signed for each Waldo figure spotted. Bring the passport back to Avid for prizes. Through July 31. www.avidbookshop.com
WILD EARTH CAMP (Piedmont Preserve) Wild Earth Camp offers summer camps and homeschool programs for ages 4–13. Participants explore the natural environment through games, storytelling, free play and teaching earth skills. Register online. www.wildearth camp.org
Support Groups
ACA ADULT CHILDREN OF ALCOHOLICS AND DYSFUNCTIONAL FAMILIES (Holy Cross Lutheran Church) This support group meets weekly. Tuesdays, 6:30–7:30 p.m. annetteanelson@gmail.com
AL-ANON 12 STEP (Multiple Locations) Recovery for people affected by someone else’s drinking. Free daytime and evening meetings are held several times throughout the week in Athens. Monday meetings, 6:30–7:30 p.m., are held at the Commencement Center. Tuesday meetings, 1:30–2:30 p.m., are held at Watkinsville United Methodist Church. www.ga-al-anon.org
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS (Athens, GA) If you think you have a problem with alcohol, call the AA hotline or visit the website for a schedule of meetings in Barrow, Clarke, Jackson and Oconee Counties. 706-389-4164, www. athensaa.org
ATHENS COUNCIL OF THE BLIND (Athens, GA) Open to people of all ages with vision impairments, their families and friends. Topics include adaptive equipment, recreational and social opportunities, and advocacy. 706-424-2794, dlwahlers@ gmail.com
BRAIN INJURY SUPPORT GROUP (St. Mary’s Hospital, 5th Floor Therapy Room) This support group for survivors of traumatic head injury, their families, friends and caregivers offers friendship, information about resources and opportunities for advocacy. Every third Monday, 4:30–6 p.m. Contact Floretta Johnson, 706-353-1892, floretta. johnson@stmarysathens.org
NAMI FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP (Oconee Presbyterian Church) Peer-led support group for any adult with a loved one who has experienced symptoms of a mental health condition. Second Monday of the month, 6:30–8 p.m. FREE! joannehnamihallga@gmail.com
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. Second and fourth 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. Tuesdays, 12 p.m. Text: 678-7363697
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 the month, 1 p.m. gpnoblet@ bellsouth.net
POLYAMORY SUPPORT GROUP (Revolution Therapy and Yoga) This open support group for adults practicing or considering polyamory or nonmonogamy discusses navigating jealousy, polysaturation, relationships with metamours and polyamorous parenting. Thursdays, 6:30–7:30 p.m. $10 donation. www.revolutiontherapyandyoga.com
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. Six-
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. www.athensrecoverydharma.org
SURVIVORS OF SUICIDE (Nuçi’s Space) SOS is a support group for anyone who has lost a loved one to suicide. Meets the third Wednesday of every month, 5:30–7:30 p.m. www.nuci.org
Word on the Street
BIKE REPAIR STATIONS (Multiple Locations) Over 15 free bike repair stations are located across Athens with tools, an air pump and a QR code for quick guides on basic bike repairs. Visit the website for participating locations. www.accgov. com/10584/Bike-Repair-Stations
DIAMOND HILL FARM CSA (Athentic Brewing Co.) The Community Supported Agriculture program offers a variety of seasonal vegetables, fruits and/or flowers directly to consumers each week. Check website for weekly pickup locations, home delivery details and to register. $15 (flower share), $25–35 (farm box). www.diamondhillfarm athens.com
FALL PROGRAM REGISTRATION (Athens, GA) The Leisure Services Department offers a diverse selection of activities highlighting the arts, environmental science, recreation, sports and holiday events for both adults and children. Online registration begins Aug. 3 at 9 a.m. for residents and Aug. 5 at noon for non-residents. www.accgov.com/ myrec
FASHION DEEP DIVE (Oconee Library) The library will run fashionthemed programs in September and October. Seeking local designers and models to participate in a finale fashion show on Oct. 26, as well as local experts to teach some workshops in fashion design basics, cosmetics, fashion sketching and costume designing. Contact James Mitchell, jmitchell@athenslibrary. org
FREE DENTISTRY DAY (Timothy Road Dental Care) Residents in Athens and surrounding areas can receive free cleanings, fillings or extractions on Sept. 7. No insurance or appointment necessary. First come, first served. www.timothy roaddentalcare.com
LEISURE SERVICES MASTER
PLAN (Athens, GA) The ACC Leisure Services Department is in the process of developing a new com-
prehensive master plan. Share your thoughts online or in person. Check website for pop-up events. www. accgov.com/activateathens
LITTER LEAGUE (Athens, GA) Any individual who tracks litter using the Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful + UGA list on the Debris Tracker app or picks up litter and reports their clean-up between now and Aug. 15 can win prizes. www. accgov.com/litterindex
MALL AREA TAD (Athens, GA) ACCGov and the Mall Area Tax Allocation District (TAD) Advisory Committee will host two open houses (July 18 and July 23, 5–7 p.m. at the Extension Office) and an online survey through July 31 for residents to provide input on community improvements in the district, which is centered around Georgia Square Mall and surrounding commercial areas along Atlanta Highway. www. accgov.com/tads
POOL AND SPLASH PAD SEASON (Multiple Locations) ACC Leisure Services pools and splash pads are now open through July 28. Check website for hours. www.accgov. com/splashpad
RABBIT HOLE EVENTS (Rabbit Hole Studios) Weekly events include Open Mic (Tuesdays, 7–11 p.m.), Acoustic Song Circle (Thursdays, 7–11 p.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
SEEKING MUSIC (Athens, GA) Seeking music submissions for the third season of “View Finders,” a locally produced TV series that will air on national PBS. Music can vary from electronic, ambient, hip hop, folk, Americana, rock, country, blues, classical and beyond. Contact for submission form. chrisgreer photography@gmail.com
SEVENTH GENERATION (Healing Path Farm) Seventh Generation Native American Church hosts gatherings on Sundays at 11 a.m., Men’s Group on Tuesdays at 6 p.m., and Women’s Circle every second and fourth Wednesday at 6 p.m. www.seventhgeneration nativeamericanchurch.org
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
An opening reception for Christina Habibi’s solo exhibition of abstract paintings will be held at tiny ATH gallery on Thursday, July 18 from 6–9 p.m.
classifieds
REAL ESTATE
HOUSES FOR RENT
3BR/2BA House in Norma ltown, quiet interior street. Central heat/air. Furnished. Hwd floors. Washer/dryer. Driveway/on-street parking. No smokers, pets. Calls only! 706-372-1505
3BR/1.5BA, HWflrs., high ceilings, off street parking, at Pulaski and Cleveland. Near Greenway, Downtown and UGA. $1950. Call 706510-7089.
4BR/2BA. CHAC. W/D. Fenced in backyard. Multiple-car private driveway. Deck. Close to downtown Athens. Calls only 706-2558800.
Get Flagpole delivered straight to your mailbox! Weekly delivery straight from the source. Makes a great gift! Only $65 for six months or $125 for one year. Purchase online at www.flagpole.big cartel.com, call 706-5490301 or email frontdesk@ flagpole.com.
Flagpole ♥s our advertisers.
HOUSES FOR SALE
House/Artist Space for sale in New Town/Pulaski Heights. 323 Cleveland Ave. Close to coffee shops, bbq, greenway, and walkable to downtown.
2BR/1BA or 1BR and art/ music rehearsal space. CHAC. Private driveway. Small Yard. Creekside. $200,000. No owner financing. Call 706-201-1919 or 706-247-4513 for info.
MUSIC
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Nuçi’s Space is always accepting and selling used gear and instruments. All profits go toward our mission of ending the epidemic of suicide. Visit nuci.org/ rewired.
INSTRUCTION
Athens School of Music. Now offering in-person and online instruction in guitar, bass, drums, piano, voice, brass, woodwinds, strings, banjo, mandolin and more. From beginner to expert, all styles. Visit www.athens schoolofmusic.com. 706543-5800
MUSIC SERVICES
Instant cash is now being paid for good vinyl records & CDs in fine condition. Wuxtry Records at corner of Clayton & College Dwntn. 706-369-9428
SERVICES
HOME AND GARDEN
We offer garden clean-up/ maintenance, invasive plant removal, raised beds, personalized native/edible gardens for home/business and more! Call/Text: 706395-5321.
JOBS
FULL-TIME
Taste of India is now hiring (Busser, host, to-go specialist, team member). Paid weekly, employee meals, flexible schedules, full-time or part-time. $15–20. APPLY IN PERSON.
Find employees by advertising in the Flagpole Classifieds! Call 706-549-0301 today!
White Tiger is now hiring servers and line cook positions at White Tiger Watkinsville location. No experience necessary. Email work history or resume to jobs@ whitetigerdeluxe.com.
PART-TIME
Join a diverse, inclusive workplace and get paid to type! 12–40 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
