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Flagpole, PO Box 1027, Athens, GA 30603
Hofstetter,
Theatre on July 27. For more info, visit georgiatheatre.com.
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR & PUBLISHER Alicia Nickles
PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Larry Tenner
ADVERTISING SALES Libba Beaucham, Dave Martin
CITY EDITOR Blake Aued
ARTS & MUSIC EDITOR Jessica Smith
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Sam Lipkin
OFFICE MANAGER & DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Jennifer Keene
CLASSIFIEDS Jennifer Keene
AD DESIGNERS Chris McNeal, Cody Robinson
CONTRIBUTORS Gordon Lamb, Ed Tant
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
SELF-PORTRAIT by Tex Crawford (see Art Notes
Saunders, a 17-year employee of
County who has served in a variety of roles, has been named interim assistant manager, ACC Acting Manager Niki Jones announced Friday, July 19. Saunders replaces Josh Edwards, who left in March to take a job as county manager in South Carolina. See “Andrew Saunders Named Interim Assistant Manager of ACC Government” at flagpole.com.
city dope
Transportation Tax Take Three PLUS,
NEW HOUSING PROPOSALS AND MORE LOCAL NEWS
By Blake Aued news@flagpole.com
Athens voters just approved renewing a 1% sales tax for transportation a little over two years ago, but already Athens-Clarke County officials are preparing for the next round.
TSPLOST 2023—approved in May 2022—was set to run until Sept. 1, 2027 or $150 million is collected, whichever comes first. With sales tax collections higher than anticipated, the expiration date is coming much faster than expected, so the tax will be back on the ballot in May of 2026.
The ACC Commission voted at a called meeting July 16 to set project selection criteria and a timeline for TSPLOST 2026. Much like its older sibling SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax), in Athens TSPLOST projects are selected by a citizens committee from among local government and community proposals, with the mayor and commission having final approval.
There could be some changes to the project next year, as it was somewhat chaotic in 2022. The advisory committee did not include any money for road paving on its recommended project list that year, but commissioners had always been counting on using TSPLOST revenue to repave roads instead of the general fund, and was forced to redistribute $22 million on the fly. “It made for a messier process that also made members of our advisory committee feel confused leading up to it, and maybe confused if not disrespected after the fact,” Commissioner Jesse Houle said. Commissioner Ovita Thornton agreed, saying that appointees lacked expertise and were overwhelmed. But Commissioner Mike Hamby pushed back. “Let’s don’t bind ourselves or bind the committee just yet,” Hamby said. “Let’s see what projects come forward and what the community wants to support.”
Eight commissioners—all except Hamby and Wright—voted for Houle’s suggestion that commissioners decide in a work session to set aside funding beforehand for essentials like road maintenance and transit.
The county will start accepting project submissions later this year. Last year, the advisory committee received 91 submissions costing a total of $700 million, which it eventually whittled down to 32. The final list included transit operations, general bike and sidewalk improvements, road maintenance, Firefly Trail, the North Oconee River Greenway, and projects specifically for Atlanta Highway, Lexington Road, Timothy Road, Prince Avenue, Hancock Avenue, East Athens and other corridors.
Last ARPA Money Must Be Spent
The commission is running out of time to distribute the remaining $5.4 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds that Athens-Clarke County received from the federal government in 2022.
All funds—ACC received a total of $58 million—must be allocated to a specific recipient by the end of the year or returned to the U.S. Treasury. The county has $3.4
million remaining previously set aside for youth development and violence prevention, and $1.8 million for workforce development.
“We’re really at a critical juncture. We’re past the point where we can issue [requests for proposals] and have a wide-open application process,” Mayor Kelly Girtz said at a July 16 work session. “We really need to be ready to go with a lot of activities.”
The commission heard a presentation on workforce development from consultant Kara Fresk based on the recommendations of a task force co-chaired by commissioners Carol Myers and Tiffany Taylor. That committee is requesting $1.2 million for grants for local child-care centers; education about worker-owned co-ops, especially as a succession plan and an alternative to selling or closing the business when the owner retires; education about labor rights; and access to capital for “impact businesses.” The commission already approved $1.9 million for the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce to create a pipeline connecting job-seekers and employers.
“In general, I’m inclined to support this,” said Commissioner Jesse Houle, who represents the far Westside. Although the area is now mostly rural, Houle noted that Atlanta Highway is a major corridor. They also suggested that existing residents might benefit if they can tie into the development’s sewer system.
Another proposal would bring about 300 apartments with a total of 500 bedrooms to the fast-growing “Space Kroger” area near Athens Tech—specifically, McClung Road, a service drive just north of U.S. Highway 29’s intersection with 72. “A lot of commercial out there, and the residential is starting to come after that initial wave of commercial,” Lonnee said.
Commissioner Ovita Thornton, who represents northeastern Athens, called for a moratorium on rezonings until an updated land-use plan is in place. “I’m the main one advocating for housing,” she said. “I’m not sure about this one, though.”
“ It’s a mix of unit types, which is something we’ve talked about a good bit in the community.
The planning commission, an appointed advisory board, recommended approval on the condition that a road through the development be a public road to provide a future connection to J.J. Harris Elementary School. Commissioner Melissa Link said the road should have bike lanes and sidewalks for children walking and biking to school, and Commissioner Patrick Davenport urged traffic-calming measures. “When I think cut-through, I think speeding,” Davenport said.
is unbuildable and will be used for trails, Hill said.
Hill lives on Barnett Shoals Road, and “I have no desire to build anything that I would ever be ashamed of, or any of the citizens would be,” he told the commission. He also assured them that nothing will happen to The Reserve.
“I think this is a good project, delving deeper into it,” Commissioner Allison Wright said.
Stepped-Up Security at City Hall
New security measures, including screening for weapons, are now in place after a series of outbursts at commission meetings in recent months.
Visitors during regular business hours must now enter the building at the handicapped-accessible lower-level entrance underneath the steps facing College Avenue. For commission meetings, the entrance above will also be opened. Exits will be through security screening areas as well.
“As we implement these new measures, we ask that visitors who are attending public meetings or appointments plan ahead and allow additional time to enter City Hall,” then-Central Services Director Andrew Saunders said in a news release. (A few days later, Saunders was promoted to interim assistant manager by Acting Manager Niki Jones.) “We expect most screenings to be a relatively quick process, but in some cases, there may be a short wait in line to move through the security area.”
A vote is scheduled for Aug. 6 on designating the remaining ARPA funds.
Commission Will Vote on Housing
The commission is scheduled to vote next month on three rezoning requests that would collectively add more than 600 units to the city’s housing supply.
Near the Caterpillar plant in Bogart, Watkinsville-based SPG Planners + Engineers is proposing 198 townhouses and 29 detached homes, along with 11,000 square feet of commercial space fronting Atlanta Highway. “It’s a mix of unit types, which is something we’ve talked about a good bit in the community,” interim planning director Bruce Lonnee told the commission.
Nearby residents initially opposed the development, but applicant Joseph Bates said that opposition has died down since the company scaled back the density and removed apartments from the plan. “We significantly reduced the density,” Bates said. “In fact, the density we’re asking for now is less than would be allowed by right.” No one spoke against the development, but seven people did oppose it at a June 27 planning commission meeting.
SPG is asking to rezone the 44-acre parcel from commercial-general and RS-8 (single-family residential with lots of at least 8,000 square feet) to CG and RS-5. Granting the request would give SPG more flexibility in arranging buildings within the property, Lonnee said.
Engineers are planning a public road through the development with a light at Dozer Drive to address concerns about traffic. However, the development cannot move forward until engineers find a way to access a nearby sewer line.
A third request would add more density to a parcel off International Drive on the Eastside, but developer Charlie Hill doesn’t plan to use it. The rezoning is necessary because The Reserve apartment complex next door, built in the early 1990s, is denser than what the code currently allows. What Hill is proposing for an undeveloped piece of property is 96 one-bedroom cottages, a type of housing that’s in demand by graduate and veterinary students. That’s all that’s allowed by a covenant on the property, project engineer Frank Pittman said. Due to a creek running through it, much of the land
The measures were in the works long before the recent assassination attempt on former president Donald Trump. Commission meetings included some increasingly heated rhetoric from speakers in the wake of Israel’s October invasion of Gaza and Laken Riley’s murder in February, culminating in April with a speaker who refused to relinquish the podium ripping up a protester’s sign and scuffling with a police officer. Shortly after, Mayor Kelly Girtz announced that commission meetings would be moved to the Clarke County School District’s headquarters, where guns are banned, while new security measures were planned for City Hall. f
Make Assassinations Go Away
By Ed Tant news@flagpole.com
A would-be assassin’s gunfire galvanized this nation yet again on July 13 when Donald Trump narrowly escaped death as he spoke to a crowd in Pennsylvania. A Trump supporter at the rally was killed by the bullets aimed at the former president. Two others were badly injured.
Secret Service snipers killed the rooftop rifleman who fired the shots, but the security lapse brought scrutiny and criticism to the agency. A 2024 presidential contest that was already crazy got even crazier after the sad, surreal, but not surprising assassination attempt.
Adding to the campaign’s craziness were two Republican politicians from Georgia. The ever-irascible congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene hissed that “Democrats wanted this to happen.” Athens-area Rep. Mike Collins also was quick to brandish his Capitol Hill craziness credentials, saying that “Joe Biden sent the orders,” and that Biden should be prosecuted for “inciting an assassination.”
MAGA minions like Greene and Collins conveniently forgot that Trump has long used threats and jokes about political violence during his incessant, raucous rallies, vowing to pay legal bills for Trump supporters who assault protesters, joking about the vicious attack on the husband of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and holding out the possibility of presidential pardons for the Jan. 6 Capitol Hill insurrectionists—criminals that he lionizes as “patriots,” “hostages” and “political prisoners.” Trump’s authoritarian tendencies and his coziness with an unsavory crew of dictators are unprecedented in American politics, but he was headed toward re-election even before the assassination attempt. Just two days after his brush with death, Trump received a hero’s welcome at the GOP convention in Milwaukee alongside his running mate, the ultra-conservative Ohio Sen. J. D. Vance—a former Trump doubter who now genuflects at the altar of Trumpery. The gunshots at a rally in Pennsylvania may take Trump and Vance to Pennsylvania Avenue after November’s presidential election.
Assassinations and attempted assassinations are nothing new. Sometimes the campaign trail is stained with blood. Four U.S. presidents—Abraham Lincoln, James Garfield, William McKinley and John F. Kennedy—have been murdered by gunmen. Other presidents and candidates have narrowly escaped death by assassination in the years since 1835, when President Andrew Jackson was the target of a gunman packing two pistols. Both guns misfired, and Jackson had to be restrained from attacking the would-be killer himself. The gunman was later judged insane and sentenced to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Washington, the same facility that would house would-be assassin John Hinckley after he tried to kill President Ronald Reagan in 1981 in an attempt to gain the attention of actress Jodie Foster.
Two presidents named Roosevelt survived assassination attempts, one while waging a comeback campaign to return to the White House and the other as a president-elect only a few weeks away from inauguration. In 1912, former GOP President Theodore Roosevelt was campaigning in Milwaukee. Roosevelt had left the White House in 1909 but was waging a come-back bid as the Bull Moose Party candidate. Standing in an open car, TR was struck at close range by a pistol shot that was slowed by a folded speech and a glasses case in the pocket of the candidate’s suit jacket. Aides urged him to rush to a hospital, but Roosevelt insisted on giving a scheduled indoor speech to an audience of thousands. Opening his jacket and showing his bloodied shirt, the always dramatic Teddy shouted, “I have just been shot, but it takes more than that to kill a Bull Moose.”
Despite the dramatics, Roosevelt lost the election. The bullet remained in his body until his death in 1919.
Twenty years later, Teddy’s distant cousin, Democrat Franklin Delano Roosevelt, was elected president in 1932. On a Florida trip three weeks before his inauguration, FDR was targeted by a gunman. The assailant missed the president-elect but injured several bystanders and killed Chicago Mayor Anton Cermak, who was with the candidate. FDR went on to lead this country while his would-be killer went to Florida’s electric chair.
FDR’s words that we have “nothing to fear but fear itself” still apply today, as do the words of his predecessor, Teddy Roosevelt, who said, “This country will not be a
for any of us to live in unless we make it a good place for all of us to live in.” f
Celebration of Life
Bobbie McKeller
A Celebration of Life for Bobbie McKeller of Athens, who passed away peacefully on March 10 of this year, will be held from 2:00–4:00pm, Sunday August 4th at the Terrace Room of State Botanical Garden of Georgia, 2450 S. Milledge Avenue. Hors D’oeurves will be served.
Please join Bobbie’s family and friends to celebrate our love for her and the life she led.
Then-President Donald Trump enters the House chamber for his 2020 State of the Union speech.
live music calendar
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.
BOYS LIKE GIRLS Gold-certified rock band that formed in Andover, MA in 2005.
GRAYSCALE Alternative rock band from Philadelphia.
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.
Normal Bar
8–11 p.m. www.instagram.com/ normal_bar_athens
HIGH NOTES OPEN MIC COM-
PETITION Compete for prizes. This weekly series concludes with a season finale on Aug. 6.
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
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.
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/theworldfamous athens
JOELTON MAYFIELD Hard-hitting alt-country from Nashville that blends Wilco-esque musicality with the dynamics and melodic edge of second wave emo.
CANNON ROGERS Local songwriter, guitarist and pedal steel player.
THE FOLK IMPLOSION Indierock duo composed of Lou Barlow (Dinosaur Jr., Sebadoh) and John Davis that was originally active from 1993–2000 and reformed in 2021. Barlow and Davis will each play solo, then together as the iconic duo.
Flicker Theatre & Bar
8 p.m. $10. www.flickertheatreandbar. com
CARDYNAL An eclectic, multifaceted producer, instrumentalist and vocalist intent on wearing their inspirations on their sleeves while delivering hard-hitting, witty bars and unforgettably catchy hooks.
JULIA NYUNT Multi-talented Athens-based violinist, pianist, guitarist and singer.
MAYDA R&B-infused pop artist from Minneapolis who incorporated funkadelic blasts.
Franklin Gun Shop 11 a.m. www.franklingunshopinc.com
RC OUTLAW COWBOY Country and gospel singer with over four decades of experience.
PATTERSON HOOD Prolific writer and performer best known as the frontman of Drive-By Truckers whose character-driven stories are packed with political subtext. Hendershot’s
8 p.m. $10. www.hendershotsathens. com
BIG BAND ATHENS 18-member Athens band whose swinging tunes consist of cover music from the ’40s to the ’70s.
JOKERJOKER Gallery
LIVE In The Studio. 6:30 p.m. FREE! www.jokerjokertv.com/watch SUN GONG JOKERJOKERtv presents a virtual performance. Meditative drones and ambient compositions inspired by the mystical and the mundane.
BLACK CAT RISING Explosive psych rock forged from latent gunpowder in the Atlanta music scene. Nowhere Bar 9:30 p.m. www.facebook.com/ nowherebarathens
BLUES JAM Bring an instrument and join host Big C and The Moonshynes for an open blues jam. The house band includes Scott Nicholson, Derek Warren, Brent Davenport and Bo Hembree.
Prince, Blondie, The Police, Tears for Fears and more. Dress up in your best ’80s garb for a costume contest.
ATLANTA VICE This live ’80s rewind experience features hits by
SUTHERLAND Musical performance in honor of the late John Sutherland. (9:15 a.m.)
HAWK PROOF ROOSTER Local old-time string duo that sings and plays fiddle, banjo, ukulele, guitar and mandolin. (10 a.m.)
MAYBERRY WINE Folk and Americana duo composed of veteran musician Steven Glude and creative alchemist Kristi Casey. (11:15 a.m.)
SONGWRITERS IN THE ROUND
Featuring songs by Jim White, T. Hardy Morris, Don Chambers and Dodd Ferrelle. (12 p.m.)
TRACY & JEFF Jazz, blues and new and old classics from the voice of Tracy Brown and the guitar and harmonica of Jeff Lustig. (12:30 p.m.)
STRING THEORY Local group playing old-time bluegrass and Americana. (1:15 p.m.)
DJ MAHOGANY Popular local DJ spinning for a kids dance party. (1:20 p.m.)
CANDACE & STEPHEN Powerful acoustic duo. (1:45 p.m.)
THE NEW ORLEANS JAZZ
STOMPERS Specializing in the historic “hot” syncopated dance music from the early 20th century. (2:15 p.m.)
THE PG SHOW Join Oklahoma Gretchen and Cowboy Pete for a set of campy, creative rock and roll songs about topics like dinosaurs, shapes, fruits and veggies, and feelings that make kids want to dance. (2:45 p.m.)
Live Wire
7:30 p.m. $5. www.livewireathens.com
2024 SUMMER SLAM Sound
Insight DJs throw a dance party and VIP event.
Oak House Distillery
7 p.m. FREE! www.oakhousedistillery. com
OPEN MIC Every Friday.
The Root
8:30 p.m. FREE! www.instagram.com/ therootathens
QUIG & THE BOYS Multi-genre cover band named after the group’s lead singer, Michelle Quig.
100 WATT HORSE Kindhearted, Philadelphia-based folk and country infused garage-pop outfit led by songwriter George Pettis and producer Graham Tavel. EP release tour!
PSALTERY Angular indie/folk rock from Atlanta, featuring Paris Young of Team Deathmatch.
JERRY GARCIA BAND COVER BAND Formed in Athens in 2012, JGBCB focuses on spirited covers of classic songs pulled exclusively from the repertoire of Garcia’s longrunning side project to the Grateful Dead.
The Root
9 p.m. www.therootathens.com
SILENT DISCO Grab a pair of headphones, choose a music channel and dance the night away.
Southern Brewing Co., Monroe
7–11 p.m. www.sobrewco.com
BACK-TO-SCHOOL BASH Dance the night away to a live DJ or show off your skills with some karaoke.
Monday 29
Flicker Theatre & Bar
8 p.m. $5. www.flickertheatreandbar. com
BLUE MONDAY ’80S DANCE PARTY Dance the night away to the greatest hits of the ’80s. Georgia Theatre
ROSALI North Carolina-based indie rock musician on Merge Records.
HONEYCHILD Eclectic musical project of SJ Ursrey. (3 p.m.)
RICK FOWLER ACOUSTIC BAND
Original, guitar-driven local bluesrock group. (3:20 p.m.)
SMITH & WINKLER Jazz, pop and folk from guitarist Brian Smith and vocalist Marty Winkler. (4 p.m.)
THE HOBOHEMIANS Six-piece acoustic band performing American and European roots music of the 1910s–30s. (4:40 p.m.)
IMMATERIAL POSSESSION Dark psychedelic folk band often incorporating costuming and theatrics. (6 p.m.)
CICADA RHYTHM Captivating Athens duo playing melodic, rootsinfluenced folk-rock. (7:20 p.m.)
THE PINK STONES Local cosmic country band with a lighthearted, twangy charm. (8:45 p.m.)
Flicker Theatre & Bar
8 p.m. $10. www.flickertheatreandbar. com
THE LANES The world’s heaviest easy listening band.
DQE Slacker rock band first formed in Atlanta in 1986.
BOMB TIRES No info available. Hendershot’s 8 p.m. $10. www.hendershotsathens. com
MICHAEL CARNES A blend of pop-punk and indie folk held up by meditative lyrics.
NAMES CHANGE Conscience-rattling folk music with a bite of humor and a pinch of harmonies.
SPITEHOUND Brooding, earnest indie.
Normal Bar
9 p.m. $10. www.instagram.com/ normal_bar_athens
SMALL Atlanta punk trio fronted by comedian Samm Severin.
TABLA ROSA Hard-hitting rock band with shoegaze and post-punk elements.
BREAKUP CLUB Punk band from Greenville, SC.
Tuesday 30
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. 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.
Wednesday 31
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. The World Famous 9 p.m. $10 suggested donation. www. facebook.com/theworldfamous athens
POLLUTE Grinding, distorted and brutally honest hardcore punk from Durham, NC.
BIG TROUBLE New hardcore punk and thrash supergroup featuring members of Weaponized Flesh, Snuki, Pervert and Apparition. REGULATOR New local punk band. f
CARA TOTMAN
The Folk Implosion will play at Ciné on Thursday, July 25.
threats & promises
Cup Stack’s Live Album
PLUS, MORE MUSIC NEWS AND GOSSIP
By Gordon Lamb threatsandpromises@flagpole.com
GET OUTTA TOWN: The Athens Convention and Visitors Bureau, also known as “Visit Athens,” will host Amp It Up on Saturday, Aug. 3 from 11 a.m.–8 p.m. at the development Avalon (400 Avalon Blvd.) in Alpharetta. The idea is to “[bring the] Athens vibe to Alpharetta.” To this end, the CVB promises free Athens-related attractions, pop-ups and different family
activities. At 6 p.m., attendees will enjoy performances from A.D. Blanco and Hotel Fiction. Head to experienceavalon.com/ events/amp-it-up-athens for details.
SPEAKING OF WHICH: The aforementioned Hotel Fiction is celebrating the release of its new album Staring at the Sun which comes out this week. The new 10-track record precedes a pretty huge tour which will see the band occupied on the road for the bulk of September and October. They’re next scheduled to play Athens Nov. 14 at the Georgia Theatre. For all other information, please see hotelfiction.com.
STAY CLASSY: A couple of months ago I mentioned that Quintet Athens would host a performance of local composers playing works inspired by select stories written by local children. Composer Andrew Steck has released his work as of last week, and it’s simply titled Two Quintets. The first, “Rosemary’s Plan,” is a sprightly number with a generally hopeful tone. The second, “The Baby Mummy,” is slightly moodier but not by much. Each of these are wonderful sketches of Steck’s work and as good a place as any to become acquainted. Find this at andrewsteck.bandcamp.com.
METAL CIRCUS: Even though they couldn’t be bothered to actually come up with a decent band name, the ridiculously monikered Cup Stack is so delightfully shambolic and sincere I’ll forgive them this. The band just put out a five-song live EP named Live At Flicker, which should be self-explanatory. Starting with the garage-meets-emo
“Fossil Into Oil,” which has a nice little breakdown beginning at the 1:13 mark, the set is emblematic of a band that hasn’t 100% found its sound yet but is close. “Holy Moly,” for example, is near textbook-level screamo but the recording ends with the Husker-ish experiment “Preacher’s Inquiry.” All of it works, but I’m still betting there’s going to be some tightening up going on. In any case, this is a fine snapshot and you can find it at cupstack. bandcamp.com.
I BEFORE E EXCEPT AFTER
C: Rachel Evans (Motion Sickness of Time Travel, Hooker Vision) curated a nice compilation of writers and players under the title Birds Of A Feather. It features one track each from Evans, Leslie Grove, Lydian Brambila, LeeAnn Peppers and Mandy Mastrovita. This is a formidable collection that’s nicely put together. Peppers opens it up with a click-and-howl style track that, in all honesty, sounds like meditations on a jet engine. Grove is up next with a pulse-y electro exploration. Mastrovita contributes a fantastic trip-hop track that deserves some attention among our hip-hop crowd out there. Brambila’s track is, as expected, heavenly and meditative, and then Evans closes it out with a multi-movement piano and drone sketch that ties the whole thing together in a succinct way. Dig it over at hookervision. bandcamp.com.
WAKE UP: A couple of new songs from Sleep Deficit sneaked out earlier this month. I confess a complete unfamiliarity with this artist or even who she is. I’ve been enjoying her work, though, and there’s a decent amount already released. The first song, “Fourth Of July,” is a gentle indie pop song not unlike The Softies. The second song, “Change,” is a cover of Pennsylvania artist Alex G. The version here maintains the original’s slow tempo but, overall, it’s a heavier presentation. Check this out at sleepdeficit. bandcamp.com.
KEEP IT RUNNING: Parking Garage, another group that clearly spent a lot of time choosing its name, releases its new single “Meathead Olympics” this week. And it’s not a bad tune at all. Sort of like The Ramones meets Cheap Trick even though that’s a little reductive. It is, though, a 1970s-style arena rocker worthy of dropping the top down and cruising out the rest of the summer. Find this after July 26 at parkinggarage.bandcamp.com and all major streaming services. f
FoxSaid Fest
FOLKSY DAY-LONG MUSIC AND ART CELEBRATION
By Sam Lipkin editorial@flagpole.com
The last few hot, sleepy weeks of July have always been a prime opportunity for final townie hoorahs ahead of the bustling fall semester. This year FoxSaid Fest has popped up, a family-friendly music and art festival held Saturday, July 27 from 9 a.m.–10 p.m. at the Athens Cotton Press.
FoxSaid Fest will feature food trucks, a beer garden, an artist market, a community art board, plenty of activities for children, special artist spotlights and about 20 folk-inspired musical acts on three stages. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door, with free admission for children 10 and under. A portion of proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the Clarke County School District art program, and art supply collection box donations are welcome. Organizers hope that attendees will aid in their efforts to help supplement the very limited budgets of art teachers.
“Daniel Epting [of Epting Events] had this crazy art-forward festival idea just three months ago. He grabbed a creative crew of capable folks to throw together FoxSaid in a crazy short amount of time. We think we’ve succeeded in planning something incredibly special for Athens and the surrounding areas,” says Jan Greer, member of the FoxSaid Fest planning committee.
a community collective project held the day of FoxSaid Fest and facilitated by Will Eskridge. The mural will be outside of the ticketed area, so free and open to the public at large,” says Greer.
In addition to the abundance of art-centric activities, there’s a full slate of music scheduled from morning to night. Originally the idea was to create a folk festival, but since Athens already has a long-running folk festival, there was an opportunity to create a more diverse and unique lineup, explains Troy Aubrey, partner of FoxSaid Fest under Aubrey Entertainment. His goal was to look “outside of the normal festival box” for music and acts that were interesting and paired well with the family component of the event.
Main Stage
12:00 p.m. Songwriters-in-the-Round 1:15 p.m. String Theory
2:15 p.m. The New Orleans Jazz Stompers
3:20 p.m. Rick Fowler Acoustic Band
4:40 p.m. The Hobohemians
6:00 p.m. Immaterial Possession
7:20 p.m. Cicada Rhythm
8:45 p.m. The Pink Stones
Jittery Joe’s Acoustic Tent
9:15 a.m. Sutherland
10:00 a.m. Hawk Proof Rooster
11:15 a.m. Mayberry Wine
Inside the Cotton Press there will be an artist gallery with pieces from featured artists, including Didi Dunphy’s pink swing installation, an exclusive sculpture by Noah Saunders never seen before, a python by mosaic artist Krysia Ara, a kinetic art sculpture of an owl by Steve Sweetser and more. Perusing the artwork inside will be a great way to beat the heat, but festival organizers have made a significant effort to keep everyone comfortable outside as well. The outdoor artist market and acoustic stage will be shaded under a huge tent with fans and misters.
12:30 p.m. Tracy & Jeff 1:45 p.m. Candace & Stephan
3:00 p.m. Honeychild
4:00 p.m. Smith & Winkler
Woodlands Stage
10:00 a.m. Daisy the Balloonist 10:15 a.m. Gail Langer Karwoski (storytelling) 11:00 a.m. The Magic of Evan Dupree 12:15 p.m. Bean & Bear (puppeteers)
1:20 p.m. DJ Mahogany 2:15
Trailblazer Tex Crawford, who designed the festival’s logo (see p. 8 for more info), will have small foxes on hand that the community can paint and take home as a souvenir. Peter Loose will be creating a new art car onsite for onlookers to observe. Ara, whose Project Ginkgo public art already includes 20 mosaics around downtown Athens, will have new ceramic Ginkgo leaves that attendees can help glaze. Sweetser will be bringing his “Howlin Art” van covered in chalkboard paint ready for kids to cover in their favorite woodland creatures.
“I was a part of the Athens Downtown Development Art Decko project this year, and I was able to carve off one of the panels and specify it as a community mural project. The painting of the mural will be
“It’s folk-inspired for sure, but we felt strongly that we should delve into other types of music than just folk. We looked to incorporate jazz, blues, folk, Americana, bluegrass, alt-country, classical, singer-songwriters, etc. We worked hard to try to distinguish the festival as something different from other long-running festivals that were mainly genre-driven or heavy on indie rock/college rock,” says Aubrey.
The Main Stage and kids’ Woodlands Stage will be air-conditioned indoors, and the Jittery Joe’s Acoustic Tent will be outdoors. The Woodlands Stage will feature a variety of kid-friendly entertainment, including magic, stories, puppets and more. To close out the festival, The Pink Stones will headline indoors at 8:45 p.m. See the box for the full schedule of performances. For more info or to purchase tickets, visit foxsaidfest.com. f
Tex Crawford
FOXSAID FEST’S THEME ARTIST TURNS JUNK INTO JOY
By Jessica Smith arts@flagpole.com
With a passion for turning junk into joy, self-taught artist Tex Crawford’s curious and creative spirit has led him to transform repurposed materials into works of art for over two decades. His cut tin creations vibrate with bright colors, often detailed with dizzying petroglyph-like illustrations. While his preferred medium is reclaimed roofing tin, he also creates paintings and sculptural assemblages constructed from found objects. His vibrant and fantastical world is one in which wildlife, dinosaurs, flying saucers and creatures of the imagination co-exist.
For Crawford, making artwork has often been about finding a balance between the ups and downs of the human experience. While typically uplifting and exuberant, his artwork recognizes that it’s the trials and tribulations of life that lead to a deeper appreciation for finding happiness or beauty.
“When I was six I found my mother, who had committed suicide, and I think my imagination broke wide open,” says Crawford. “Looking back now, I think doodling and drawing really helped me to cope with her loss. I created an imaginary world through my art that for many years I felt safe inside of.”
Though creative from a young age, it wasn’t until the early 2000s that he began professionally pivoting towards visual art. He and his late wife had just moved further out to Crawford, where they rented a small cottage that stood behind Lamar Wood’s Brick House Gallery. As he passed a giant pile of roofing tin on his daily walk to the mailbox, he began visualizing the silhouettes of giant creatures across the long sheets of tin. With Wood’s blessing, he cut the tin to create his first “Textopians,” totem-like characters that towered 15 feet tall.
Wood encouraged him to create additional pieces for an upcoming exhibition. Before long, Crawford found a new rhythm of balancing his artistic practice with his engineering work for various sound companies, the Local IATSE 824 union, and downtown venues such as Tasty World and Last
Call over the next handful of years. With time, he was participating in enough art festivals and completing enough commissions to sustain himself as a full-time artist.
Drawn in by the city’s flourishing scene, Crawford first moved to Athens in 1991 with the intentions of pursuing a career in the music industry and briefly owned a recording studio. While recording and producing the American Dream album for Dubconscious, he met a saxophone player named George Davidson who was sent to the studio to record a few horn parts. To
Crawford’s surprise, Davidson turned out to be the artist who had made several linocut prints of blues artists—simply signed “GD”—in Crawford’s collection.
“He really taught me a lot about art and finding my unique voice, as well as helping me to understand the cyclical journey of being an artist,” says Crawford. “[He] shared with me insights and wisdom that he had spent a lifetime gathering through his own career and creative path. Without George’s friendship and guidance, I don’t think I would’ve had the understanding and skills to have stayed the path this long.”
Carrying the torch for Georgia’s rich history of self-taught artists, Crawford also cites R.A. Miller and Howard Finster as significant influences on his style. Miller is best remembered for the hundreds of whirligigs and simple, sharp-edged metal cutouts that he covered his lawn with and would sell by the side of the road. Finster, a prolific preacher-turned-artist who churned out tens of thousands of works, developed Paradise Garden—a visionary art environment full of sculptures, mosaics, paintings and all sorts of exquisitely strange structures—over the course of 30-plus years. Both artists relied heavily on repurposed materials and, like Crawford, often used their works as vehicles to relay inspirational or spiritual messages.
“I’ve always been drawn to the fact that a lot of materials I use had a purpose and life before I interact with them to create an artifact,” says Crawford. “I mean, some of the roofing tin I’ve used sheltered livestock through storms and winter, and now it has been transformed into a creature that hangs on someone’s wall, hopefully giving them some enjoyment and happiness, and not rotting in a landfill. It’s not a new concept by any means. However, the message comes through loud and clear with a little ingenuity and imagination. A lot of the materials we’re so quick to toss into the landfill could be repurposed into all types of solutions. When I look at a pile of ‘junk,’ I see opportunity and possibilities.”
Like the creature bearing the message “Sow Seeds of Love” on this week’s cover of Flagpole, Crawford’s work is known to amplify themes of love, joy and hope. Those in his online orbit, and those lucky enough to cross paths in person, are regularly greeted with optimistic messages that radiate with positive energy.
It feels cosmically cruel, then, for Crawford’s life to have been irrevocably changed when his wife and best friend, Donna Marie Crawford, died unexpectedly in February earlier this year. Friends quickly rallied with a GoFundMe campaign to support him as he traveled the rocky road ahead.
“I feel most fortunate for all the love and support I have received from my family, friends and this wonderful community as a whole,” says Crawford. “There aren’t really words that can even come close to expressing the gratitude I feel in my heart from all the acts of kindness and compassion that so many folks, friends and family have
shared with me while I’ve been grieving and dealing with the PTSD I’m suffering from because of the sudden nature of my sweet Donna’s passing.”
Despite his devastating loss, Crawford has slowly begun returning to his studio to create artwork. At first, he’d experience headaches, nausea, feelings of guilt and even panic attacks. But with the guidance of a therapist and his support network, he’s begun taking the time to process his emotions and use art as a tool for coping through tragedy. He notes that Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us, a New York Times Bestseller by Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross, was particularly helpful in presenting research on how art-making can dramatically reduce the effects of PostTraumatic Stress Disorder.
“I think I realized a while back that it’s going to be a long journey of healing that so many other folks unfortunately are having to make or will have to make down the road,” says Crawford. “I was blessed to have found my soulmate, and the cost of true love if we outlive our dearest is to understand in a deep way true loss. However, I’m committed to continuing on Donna’s legacy of love. She taught me how to be grateful for every new day, and to stop and notice the beauty and wonder that surrounds us all. I really miss the way she would look at me with that light in her eyes as if there wasn’t anything I couldn’t accomplish!”
Crawford recently designed the theme artwork for FoxSaid Fest, a new folk-forward music and arts festival that will be held this weekend on Saturday, July 27 at the Athens Cotton Press (see story on p. 7). In addition to an artist market, the festival’s programming emphasizes participatory art experiences led by professional artists. Crawford plans to bring several different sized creatures cut from reclaimed Baltic birch, including a fox, for attendees to paint and take home as mementos. Looking towards the future, Crawford is steadily creating new artwork in anticipation of multiple notable festivals across the Southeast. On Sept. 21–22 in Summerville he’ll return to Finster Fest, an annual festival with a sizable artist market and live music performances that take over the grounds of Paradise Garden. On Feb. 21–23 in Pittsboro, NC, Crawford will participate in the Fearrington Folk Art Show, another long-running staple of the folk art world that’s dedicated to celebrating self-taught artists. To keep up with Crawford, visit instagram.com/tex_s_crawford or texcrawfordcreations.com. f
DONNA MARIE CRAWFORD
event calendar
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 and more. Second and Fourth Tuesdays, 5–8 p.m. FREE! www.athenticbrewing.com
EVENTS: Ballroom and Brews (Athentic Brewing Co.) Learn a new ballroom dance style each month, then dance the night away. Fourth Tuesdays, 6–7 p.m. (lesson). 7–9 p.m. (open dance). 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.athenslibrary.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.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
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
LECTURES & LIT: Mystery Book Club (Bogart Library) Join Dr. Penny Mills to discuss Caleb Carr’s novel The Alienist. 5:30–6:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart
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.athensphotographyguild.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. SALSAthensDancing@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.flyingsquidcomedy.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.athensfarmersmarket.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: Mr. Keith the Magic Man (Bogart Library) Enjoy a show with puppets, magic and ventriloquism. All ages. 3 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/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: Tween/Teen Magic Workshop (Bogart Library) Professional magician Keith Karnok will lead a magic workshop with a bag of tricks for attendees to take home. 4 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary. org/bogart
GAMES: Thursday Trivia (Johnny’s New York Style Pizza) Test your trivia knowledge with host Jon Head. 6:30 p.m. www.johnnyspizza. com
KIDSTUFF: Awesome Animals (ACC Library) Learn about the animals that live around us with Ranger Nick and see them up close. 10:30 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org
KIDSTUFF: Open Play (Oconee County Library) Drop in for playtime that’s focused on encouraging early
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
Thursday 25
ART: Closing Reception (tiny ATH gallery) Works by Christina Habibi will be on view. 5–8 p.m. FREE! www.tinyathgallery.com
ART: Artist Talk (Lyndon House Arts Center) Artist Amiri Farris will discuss the current abstract paint and collage works featured in his exhibition. 6–8 p.m. FREE! www. accgov.com/lyndonhouse
FILM: Tokusatsu Thursdays (ACC Library) Screening of the 1967 Japanese fantasy film King Kong Escapes. 6 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org
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: Adult Dungeons & Dragons (Bogart Library) All skill levels are invited to join the popular role
OUTDOORS: Athentic Cycling Group (Athentic Brewing Co.) Cyclists of all skill levels are invited for a no-drop group ride that starts and ends at Athentic Brewing. Every other Thursday, 6 p.m. FREE! www. athenticbrewing.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 26
ART: Pop-Up Gallery (Big City Bread Café) Artist Michael Lachowski’s exhibition “The media in themselves” features a collection of his drawings. July 26, 5–8 p.m. (reception). July 27–28, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. www.michaellachowski.com
ART: Opening Reception (MAGallery) The 2024 Annual Members Exhibition “It Figures” features 20 MAG membership artists with about 40 pieces of work. 6–8 p.m. FREE! themadisonartistsguild.org
CLASSES: Skincare of the Ancient World (Oconee County Library) Learn how to create skincare products using the oils and spices that the Ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans would have used. 4 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/ oconee
COMEDY: Comedy Night (Foxglove Plantbar) Share some laughs with a lineup of local comedians. 8 p.m. $10. www.foxgloveplantbar.com
KIDSTUFF: Learn To Make Butter (Oconee County Library) Join the GA Soil and Water Conservation Commission as they share a story and demonstrate how to make butter. 1 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/oconee
KIDSTUFF: LEGO Mania (Bogart Library) Drop in to free build and create. All ages. 3–5 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: Insects of the Night (Sandy Creek Nature Center) Go on a night hike and learn about insects attracted with special lights at night. 8 p.m. $5 (ACC residents), $7.50 (non-residents). www.accgovga. myrec.com
LECTURES & LIT: Sound Studies
Reading Series (Buvez) Authors Hannah V. Warren and Gabriel Dozal will read from their debut poetry collections. 7 p.m. FREE! www. facebook.com/buvezathens
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
exhibition “The media in themselves” features a collection of his drawings. July 26, 5–8 p.m. (reception). July 27–28, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. www.michaellachowski.com
ART: Closing Reception (ATHICA) Benjamin Rouse’s exhibition “Search for Symmetry” will be on view. 6–9 p.m. FREE! www.athica. org
CLASSES: Miniature Painting Workshop (Tyche’s Games) Bring your primed miniatures and learn the basics of painting them. $5. 1 p.m. www.tychesgames.com
CLASSES: Zine Workshop (Lyndon House Arts Center) Create a unique zine inspired by the works of exhibiting artist Amiri Farris. Registration required. 2–4 p.m. FREE! www. accgov.com/lyndonhouse
COMEDY: Steve Hofstetter (Georgia Theatre) Author, columnist and comedian with a long list of humor accolades is touring his live show. 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $30. www.georgiatheatre.com
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.athensfarmersmarket.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: Ecstatic Dance (work. shop) This ceremony of rejuvenation and inspiration is a substance-free and inclusive musical celebration. 7–9 p.m. $20. www. ecstaticdanceathen.wixsite.com/ xstaticdanceathensga
GAMES: Chess Club (Winterville Cultural Center) Join others for a weekly chess competition. Fridays, 6–10 p.m. FREE! www.wintervillecenter.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.athenslibrary.org/bogart
KIDSTUFF: Experience Virtual Reality (ACC Library) Learn about and experience the world of virtual reality. Ages 5 & up. Registration required. 2 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org
PERFORMANCE: Athens Showgirl Cabaret Fabulous Fridays (Hendershots) Enjoy a fabulous night of ’90s-themed drag entertainment. Ages 18 & up. 9 p.m. $5. www. athensshowgirlcabaret.com
Saturday 27
ART: Artist Talk (Winterville Cultural Center Gallery) Sharon McDearis will discuss how she created 3D art using found items, then lead a workshop with supplies provided. 10 a.m. FREE! www.wintervilleccgallery.com
ART: Pop-Up Gallery (Big City Bread Café) Artist Michael Lachowski’s
EVENTS: FoxSaid Fest (The Cotton Press) Enjoy live folk-inspired music, food trucks, a beer garden, an artist market, kids activities and more in benefit of the CCSD art program. 9 a.m.–10 p.m. $10 (adv.), $15. www.foxsaidfest.com
EVENTS: Pickle Fest (Tumbleweed Coffee Lounge) Enjoy pickle-themed foods and drinks, tasting flights, vendors, music, games, raffles and more. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. FREE! www. tumbleweedcoffeelounge.com
EVENTS: Storytime with Mr. Evan (Avid Bookshop) The whole family is welcome to enjoy a morning of books, songs, rhymes and puppets. 10:30 a.m. FREE! www.avidbookshop.com
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.athenslandtrust.org/wbfm
FILM: Hot Summer Movie Night (Marigold Auditorium for Arts and Culture) Screening of the 1958 action drama A Night to Remember 6 p.m. $5. www.marigoldauditorium.com
GAMES: Board Game Demonstrations (Tyche’s Games) Drop in, meet new people and try out a variety of new games. 12–6 p.m. FREE! www.tychesgames.com
GAMES: Board Games (Bogart Library) Meet friends or make new ones while playing a variety of games. 2–4 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/bogart
Sharon McDearis will discuss her 3-D art techniques and lead a workshop at the Winterville Cultural Center Gallery on July 27.
KIDSTUFF: End of Summer Reading Bash (Oconee County Library) Participants will hand in Summer 2024 reading logs and enjoy music by the Rebecca Sunshine Band, karate demos, ice cream and games. 11 a.m–1 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/oconee
KIDSTUFF: Adventures in the Wild (Oglethorpe Co. Library) Enjoy crafts and learn about wild animals, plants and more with Ranger Sarah from Watson Mill State Park. 11 a.m.–1 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/oglethorpe
Sunday 28
ART: Pop-Up Gallery (Big City Bread Café) Artist Michael Lachowski’s exhibition “The media in themselves” features a collection of his drawings. July 26, 5–8 p.m. (reception). July 27–28, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. www.michaellachowski.com
COMEDY: Off The Clock Comedy (The Globe) Athens Comedy presents local comedians and improv, this week featuring an improvised version of Top Gun. Sundays, 9–10:30 p.m. $5. www.facebook. com/athenscomedy
EVENTS: Repair Cafe (Solid Waste Office) Bring broken household items and appliances and work with experienced fellow community members to try and fix them. 2–5 p.m. FREE! reuse@accgov.com, accgov.com/repaircafe
GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (Southern Brewing Co.) Test your trivia knowledge with host TJ Wayt. Sundays, 4 p.m. www.facebook.com/baddogathens
SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 10 a.m. info@petanque.org, www. athenspetanque.org
Monday 29
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
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
MEETINGS: Classic City Rotary (Athentic Brewing Co.) The local chapter meets weekly. Mondays, 11:30 a.m. FREE! www.athenticbrewing.com
Tuesday 30
CLASSES: Playing with ChatGPT (ACC Library) Those curious about ChatGPT can learn how create an account and interact with the AI
model. Registration is required. 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
FILM: OLLI Summer Film Festival (Ciné) This weekly film festival featuring women directors sponsored by OLLI presents Chicken With Plums. Tuesdays, 1:30 p.m. $8. www.athenscine.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: Chess and Pizza (Youth Force Hub) Open chess play for all levels with pizza provided. Last Tuesdays, 5–7 p.m. FREE! www. chessandcommunity.org
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: Smokey the Bear Birthday Party (Oglethorpe Co. Library) Celebrate Smokey the Bear’s 80th birthday with the close of the Summer Reading Program and birthday cake. 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
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
LECTURES & LIT: Open Book Club (Oglethorpe Co. Library) Discuss mainstream fiction, thrillers and mysteries with the group. Last Tuesdays, 1 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/oglethorpe
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 31
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. SALSAthensDancing@gmail.com
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.flyingsquidcomedy.com
EVENTS: OLLI Festival (Oconee County Civic Center) Enjoy refreshments, a raffle and information booths about classes, travel, social opportunities and more. 1–3 p.m. FREE! olli.uga.edu
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.athensfarmersmarket.net
GAMES: Shadowfist Power Lunch (Tyche’s Games) Come down with your lunch and play Shadowfist. New players welcome. 12 p.m. FREE! www.tychesgames.com
GAMES: Classic City Trivia (The Local 706) Test your trivia knowledge with host Garrett Lennox. 7 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/ ClassicCityTriviaCo
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: Play-Doh Playdate (Oglethorpe Co. Library) Enjoy stories and songs, and create a Play–Doh design to take home. Ages 5 & under. 10:30 a.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/oglethorpe
KIDSTUFF: Smokey the Bear Birthday Meet and Greet (Oconee County Library) Meet Smokey the Bear, learn about his 80th birthday reading challenge and celebrate with s’mores. Registration required. 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: Summer Reading Medal Ceremony (Oconee County Library) Celebrate the end of summer reading with prizes for the top winner and pizza. Ages 12–18. 6 –8 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary. org/oconee
LECTURES & LIT: Author Talk & Book Signing (ATHICA) Author Tommy Tomlinson will read from his new work Dogland. 7 p.m. FREE! www.avidbookshop.com
MEETINGS: Film Athens (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Meet and network with others in the filmmaking community (actors, directors, etc.) during happy hour. 5 p.m. FREE! www.flickertheatreandbar.com
Down the Line
8/01 Roaming Readers (Oconee County Library)
8/01 Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park)
8/01 Coffee Hour (Oconee County Library)
8/01 Mahjong Club (Winterville Cultural Center)
8/01 Artist Talk & Throwing Lessons (Lyndon House Arts Center)
8/01 BINGO (VFW Post 2872)
8/01 KnitLits Knitting Group (Bogart Library)
8/01 Thursday Trivia (Johnny’s New York Style Pizza)
8/01 Club Ned Anime Society (ACC Library)
8/02 Meet & Play (Bogart Library)
8/02 First Fridays (Southern Brewing Co.)
8/02 Chess Club (Winterville Cultural Center)
8/03 Athens Farmers Market (Bishop Park) f
calendar picks arts & culture
MUSIC | WED, JULY 24
Talib Kweli
Georgia Theatre • 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show) • $29.75 (adv.), $35 Talib, an Arabic name meaning “the seeker or student,” and Kweli, a Ghanaian name meaning “of truth or knowledge,” seem to come together as a portent of the Brooklyn-based MC’s musical identity. Talib Kweli’s albums are known for being full of political and social insight, but as one music journalist writes for Pitchfork, “Even when he confronts the ills of society… there’s a certain optimism and belief that by illuminating the darkness through hip-hop, we can hope to transcend the pain.” Kweli, who began his career in the ’90s with groups Reflection Eternal and Black Star, has a sound that often reflects that era of hip hop, but also includes touches of soul, jazz and R&B. His discography also features collaborations with many other big names in the industry, including Pharrell Williams, Kanye West, J Dilla, Madlib and Mac Miller. New Yorkbased rapper Skyzoo, Atlanta emcee Landon Wordswell and local hiphop group Trvy & The Enemy will be opening his Athens show, which is part of a larger worldwide tour. [Mary Beth Bryan]
MUSIC | THU, JULY 25
Patterson Hood
intricate works. The reception and artist talk for this exhibition will be on July 25 from 6–8 p.m. Farris will also host a zine workshop on July 27 from 2–4 p.m. where participants can create a small book using their own drawings, writings and collages. Registration is required for this event, the link for which can be found at accgov. com/10970/Amiri-Farris. [MB]
ART | SAT, JULY 27
Benjamin Rouse
Closing Exhibition
ATHICA • 6 p.m. • FREE! July’s Artist-in-ATHICA is Benjamin Rouse. Rouse is a self-taught artist based in Athens whose work typically focuses
Though best known for his work in legendary Athens-based band Drive-By Truckers, Patterson Hood’s solo project is defined by its more intimate, personal nature. His lyrics cover his experiences living in the South, resulting in politically-tinged pop and folk reflections rather than the rock stylings of the Truckers. The literary leanings of Hood’s solo music extend to other parts of his career, as well, where he has written for publications like The New York Times and American Songwriter and authored his first short story, which was featured in a crime fiction anthology. His 2012 album, Heat Lightning Rumbles in the Distance, even began as an idea for a semi-autobiographical book, but ended up turning into a collection of over 500 songs pared down into what he calls “the most intimate and personal record of [his] career.” [MB]
ART | JULY 25 & JULY 27
Amiri Farris Artist Reception and Zine Workshop
Lyndon House Arts Center • Times Vary • FREE!
Amiri Farris, a Bluffton, SC interdisciplinary artist who was named the 2023 Penn Center Artist in Residence, creates works involving history, culture, perception and time. His large-scale paint and collage pieces are vibrant and bold, depicting a fusion of both representational elements and abstract objects. A closer look is always rewarded when viewing Farris’ highly
on photography, but his residence with ATHICA has revolved around a 3-D printmaking project called “Search for Symmetry.” For the project, Rouse created his own paper and embossed it by affixing small metal spheres to wooden surfaces. The finished pieces are monochromatic and highly textured, representing the ideas of nuance and meditation. Rouse finds that the embossing process captures a specific moment with pressure just as photography captures a specific moment with light. Aside from using his residency to evolve his creative processes, Rouse has also taken it as an opportunity to share his craft with his community, offering paper-making tutorials and demonstrating his embossing techniques with visitors during his studio hours and by appointment. [MB]
MUSIC | SAT, JULY 27
100 Watt Horse
Bolo Bolo • 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show) • $10
Culminating from a decade-long creative partnership between songwriter and multi-instrumentalist George Pettis and sound engineer Graham Tavel, Okey Donkey is the sixth release of Philadelphia-based band 100 Watt Horse. The band originally formed in Atlanta in 2012, inspired by artists like Elliot Smith, Arthur Russell and Steve Earl. Okey Donkey is its first release since 2020’s Dog is Goob, and comes ahead of its next full-length release, which is currently being recorded. The EP contains a range of songs, from the band’s folky early years to more minimalist country rock songs written in the last year. Its themes are wide-ranging as well, covering friendship, love, loss and grief all in the wider context of post-COVID America and latestage capitalism. The band’s show at Bolo Bolo will be opened by Psaltery, an indie folk rock band from Atlanta. [MB] f
Talib Kweli
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 PROJECT 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 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 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-Proposal-Form
JOKERJOKERTV CALL FOR ARTISTS (Online) JOKERJOKERtv is actively accepting proposals for collaboration from visual, musical and video artists and curators living in Athens. Artists worldwide can also submit music videos, short films, skits and ideas to share with a weekly livestream audience. www. jokerjokertv.com/submit 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
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 Aug. 10, 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.
CASE STUDY ARROW AT BIG CITY BREAD BUILDING (393 N. Finley St.) Michael Lachowski presents “The media in themselves,” a pop-up show of drawings. Opening Reception July 26, 5–8 p.m. Drop-in hours July 27–28, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
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.) “Power and Piety in 17th-Century Spanish Art” includes works by Spanish baroque painters such as Francisco de Zurbarán, Bartolomé Murillo and Pedro Orrente. Through July 28. • “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”
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 at Memorial Park) 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. Performances 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) “Ceviche Celebration” will 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.athens cooks.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. 5Sept. 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@
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 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. 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. Through 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. Through Oct. 5.
MAGALLERY (125 W. Jefferson St., Madison) The 2024 Annual Members Exhibition, “It Figures,” features approximately 40 works by 20 artists. Opening Reception July 26, 6–8 p.m. On view July 25–Aug. 31.
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
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
WHISKY 101 (Tapped Athens Wine Tasting Market) “Whisky 101: A Tour of Scotland” examines the political, geographical and cultural background of whisky as a whole in Scotland, as well as region-toregion and distillery-to-distillery. Aug. 14, Sept. 11, Oct. 9, Nov. 13, Dec. 11 & Dec. 18, 7–9 p.m. $150. www.leagueofgoodspirits.com
Help Out
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
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,
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.
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) 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. 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.
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.treehousekidandcraft.com
WHERE’S WALDO IN THE ATH?
(Multiple Locations) Avid Bookshop hosts a city-wide 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
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
NEW PARENTS AND INFANT FEEDING SUPPORT GROUP (BYL Family Resource Center) Come as you are for community, snacks and feeding advice from professionals. Second and fourth Wednesdays, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. FREE! www.byyour leave.org
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. Sixweek sessions. Wednesdays, 5–6 p.m. tinyurl.com/rnvuhesa
RECOVERY DHARMA (Athens Addiction Recovery Center) This peer-led support group offers a Buddhist-inspired path to recovery from any addiction. Visit the website for details. Thursdays, 7 p.m. www.athensrecoverydharma.org
SEX ADDICTS ANONYMOUS (Athens, GA) Athens Downtown SAA offers a message of hope to anyone who suffers from a compulsive sexual behavior. Contact for location. athensdowntownsaa@gmail.com
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 comprehensive 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 an open house (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/ calendar
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, www. viewfindersontv.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
Michael Lachowski will host a pop-up show, “The media in themselves,” at Case Study Arrow at the Big City Bread building. A reception will be held Friday, July 26 from 5–8 p.m., and drop-in hours will follow on Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 28 from 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
REAL ESTATE
HOUSES FOR RENT
3BR/1.5BA, HWflrs., high ceilings, off street parking, at Pulaski and Cleveland. Near Greenway, Downtown and UGA. $1950. Call 706510-7089.
3BR/2BA House in Normaltown, quiet interior street. Central heat/air. Furnished. Hwd floors. Washer/dryer. Driveway/on-street parking. No smokers, pets. Calls only! 706-372-1505
4BR/2BA. CHAC. W/D. Fenced in backyard. Multiple-car private driveway. Deck. Close to downtown Athens. Calls only 706-2558800.
HOUSES FOR SALE
Looking for a house or a home? Condo or land? Call Daniel Peiken. REALTOR 5Market Realty. Selling in and around Athens for over 20 years. 706-296-2941
Get Flagpole delivered to your mailbox! Only $65 for six months or $125 for one year. Call 706-549-0301.
House/Artist Space for sale in New Town/Pulaski Heights. 323 Cleveland Ave. Close to coffee shops, bbq, green way, 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.
FOR SALE
MISCELLANEOUS
Business Water Solutions offers the cleanest drinking water available through innovative bottle-less water coolers and ice machines. Call 706-248-6761 or visit www.businesswatersolutions.com to set up a consultation.
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.athensschoolofmusic.com. 706543-5800
MUSIC SERVICES
Instant cash is now being paid for good vinyl records & CDs in fine condition. Wuxtry Records at corner of Clayton & College Dwntn. 706-369-9428
SERVICES
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.
Need free papers for your garden? We have plenty here at Flagpole! Call 706549-0301 to place an order.
JOBS
FULL-TIME
Join our growing team of well-paid, motivated, hardworking individuals. Junk South offers starting pay of $15/hr + tips (totaling $22+/hr). Learn more about Junk South at www.junksouth.com and text us at 706-424-4389.
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.
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
A. LaFera Salon seeks parttime Salon Assistant. Hourly pay + tips. Ideal for new licensed stylists. Apply with resume in person or email a.lafera@gmail.com.
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
LOST AND FOUND
Lost dog. Female American Bully. Grey and white markings. Last seen near Red Maple Dr. or Fourth St. Call 772-631-6445. Flagpole ♥s our advertisers.
