FP240731

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

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR & PUBLISHER Alicia Nickles

PRODUCTION

Larry Tenner

ADVERTISING SALES Libba Beaucham, Dave Martin

CITY EDITOR Blake Aued ARTS

EDITOR Jessica Smith

EDITORIAL

OFFICE MANAGER &

CLASSIFIEDS Jennifer Keene

Sam Lipkin

AD DESIGNERS Chris McNeal, Cody Robinson

Jennifer Keene

CONTRIBUTORS Hillary Brown, Gordon Lamb, Lee Shearer

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

Tim Bryant, whose radio program on Cox Media Group’s WGAU 1340 AM ended on June 18, said that he expects to be back on the air “in the next few weeks.” He said he will not be rejoining Cox Media Group, which, he said, terminated his employment and show as a part of corporate downsizing. See “Laid-Off

city dope

Follow the Money ATHENS GOP LEGISLATORS’ HUGE CAMPAIGN HAULS AND MORE NEWS

By Blake Aued news@flagpole.com

Athens’ Republican state legislators have huge fundraising advantages over their Democratic challengers headed into the fall election.

Rep. Houston Gaines (R-Athens) raised a modest $22,825 in May and June, according to documents filed earlier this month with the Georgia Campaign Finance Commission. But he didn’t need much: Gaines had more than $647,000 cash on hand for his re-election campaign as of June 30. Gaines’ top contributors included the Georgia Association of Professional Bondsmen PAC, which gave his campaign $5,000. He was one of the main proponents of a new state law expanding cash bail and restricting charities from bailing out indigent defendants. Critics say the law punishes the poor before they’re even convicted by keeping them in jail before trial if they can’t pay bail.

State Rep. Marcus Wiedower’s campaign coffers are nearly as full at $404,258. The Watkinsville Republican raised $36,600 during the last reporting period. Wiedower—who introduced an unsuccessful bill to legalize gambling on sports in 2023, with revenue going toward education— received $3,300 each from the Sports Betting Alliance and gambling website FanDuel. He also received $1,000 from Koch Industries.

Rep. Trey Rhodes (R-Greensboro) took a small chunk of Athens after Republicans shored up Gaines’ district during the last round of redistricting in 2022. Rhodes raised just $4,389 from May 1 to June 30 and had $55,890 on hand.

Sen. Bill Cowsert (R-Athens) had $288,846 on hand after raising $9,000 and spending $23,123. Sen. Frank Ginn (R-Danielsville) had $74,428 in his campaign bank account. He raised $36,650 and spent $54,898, mostly to ward off a GOP primary challenger. As chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, Ginn’s top donors included Belmont Construction Group ($5,000) and Engineering Management Inc. ($3,500).

Democrats in these races are severely underfunded by comparison. Gaines’ opponent, Andrew Ferguson, raised $4,816 and had $4,538 on hand. In Rhodes’ district, Melanie Miller did better, raising $9,562, but had already spent $7,834. Eric Gisler— who replaced Courtney Frisch on the ballot to challenge Wiedower after Frisch dropped out in late May—raised the not-very-high amount of $420. Conolus Scott Jr. didn’t fly much higher, raising $737 for his race against Ginn, and had $2,165 on hand. Gareth Fenley raised $4,802 to run against Cowsert and had $2,282 on hand.

Why such a wide disparity? The party in power always has a fundraising edge, because lobbyists who want bills passed like to keep the majority party happy. In addition, Athens’ incumbents have been able to amass significant influence over multiple terms in office. And even if they don’t need to spend them, they’re generally happy to take any contributions to ward off serious competition, help colleagues in closer

races and pay for expenses like attending conferences.

Those incumbents also represent districts that were gerrymandered to be a safe shade of red, so they don’t need to spend much to be re-elected. That’s one reason why Democrats struggle to raise money, too—liberal donors often prefer to focus on more winnable races.

A Safer Atlanta Highway?

State and local transportation officials will be coming to the Athens-Clarke County Commission in September with plans for safety improvements on Atlanta Highway.

He said he didn’t have many details yet, but ACC Transportation and Public Works Director Stephen Bailey told the Athens in Motion committee, an advisory board, that the Georgia Department of Transportation wants to make upgrades to traffic signals, improve handicapped accessibility and fill in sidewalk gaps along part of Atlanta Highway and West Broad Street—a state-owned highway also known as U.S. Route 78. The recommendations stem from a safety audit GDOT conducted in 2021, walking the road from Epps Bridge Parkway to Hancock Avenue along with local transportation, school and hospital officials.

Arts Center sponsored by the preservation group Historic Athens.

When she took the job, McCormick said she was surprised to discover that the local group had no affiliation with the national Humane Society of the United States, which was founded in 1984. “With the exception of one small grant from the Department of Agriculture, we don’t receive any government funding,” she said. More than half of the group’s revenue comes from its clinic— staffed by UGA veterinary professors and students—with the rest coming from adoption fees, donations and revenue from summer camps.

The first mention McCormick found of the local humane society in the press was an 1899 article in the Athens Banner, she said. That article described how the “indefatigable” socialite Louise DuBose founded the organization to pressure the mayor for an ordinance requiring better treatment of horses. At that time, horses were the main mode of transportation for both people and cargo. But many owners mistreated their horses, and manure in the streets attracted diseases like typhoid fever, which is spread by flies, McCormick said. When an equine flu epidemic struck, some people even left dead horses to rot in the street, she said.

“ The party in power always has a fundraising edge, because lobbyists who want bills passed like to keep the majority party happy.

The newly formed Athens Humane Society used both a stick, by funding the city’s first animal control officer, and a carrot, by providing feed and shoes for horses. It also pushed back against a proposed ordinance requiring dogs to be muzzled.

viewers about it at the end of every episode of “The Price Is Right.”

The SPCA had a goal of raising $50,000 for a new animal shelter, McCormick said, but by 1983 had only raised $13,000. It wasn’t until 2021 that the AAHS was able to realize the dream, thanks to a $2.6 million bequest from Susan McConnell West—a woman who had never before volunteered for or donated to the organization until she died in 2006.

The Mitchell Bridge Road facility is not a “pet jail,” the way many people think of the pound, McCormick said. “We wanted a place that would really celebrate the bond between people and pets,” she said.

In Your Business

GDOT will be asking the local government for a match of about $3 million to $4 million to fund bike and pedestrian improvements and lighting, Bailey said. The local contribution would bump up the project on GDOT’s list of priorities.

TSPLOST, the voter-approved 1% sales for transportation, could be a source for matching funds. The county set aside $8.9 million for the Atlanta Highway corridor in 2022. Specifically, the project concept calls for a multi-use path along the busy road between Timothy Road/Mitchell Bridge Road and Hawthorne Avenue/Alps Road.

Athens in Motion Chair Lauren Blais called the news “very promising.”

“I’m doing a little dance,” she said.

Atlanta Highway, which is up to eight lanes across in places, is one of the most dangerous roads in Athens due to its width and lack of crosswalks. Pedestrians are routinely killed trying to cross on foot.

Humane Society Turns 125

The Athens Area Humane Society is 125 years old this year, making it one of, if not the oldest charitable organization in the city, according to executive director Cheryl McCormick.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, McCormick took the opportunity to research the history of the Humane Society. “I don’t think people really understand how deeply embedded the then-Athens Humane Society is in this beloved community,” she said during a recent lecture at the Lyndon House

After a flurry of activity, the group grew dormant, and there were few mentions in the press until 1973, when the Athens Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals formed. At the time, 20,000 pets a year were being euthanized in Atlanta, McCormick said, and stories about people poisoning their neighbors’ pets were common. Spaying and neutering became a national campaign—many people probably remember game show host Bob Barker reminding

We don’t know whether it will be sold or renovated or is closed permanently, but Beechwood Cinemas stopped showing movies last week after 62 years in business with no official announcement from owner Georgia Theater Co. Southern Brewing Co. has temporarily halted beer production and laid off staff “due to unforeseen circumstances,” according to an Instagram post, but the taproom will remain open for the time being. The Athens Banner-Herald attributed the halt to a legal dispute between two owners. Cobbham cafe and bar Hendershot’s ran into a spot of trouble with the Georgia Department of Revenue and needed $19,000 on short notice. But the community came to the rescue, contributing $21,500 to a GoFundMe, owner Seth Hendershot announced. After less than a year in the former Zombie Donuts space on the campus side of Broad Street, Philanthropy Fresh has closed. Normaltown Brewing closed its original location in the Chase Park Warehouses on Saturday, July 27 as it prepares to reopen at the former Jittery Joe’s Roaster on Barber Street in mid-to-late August. Creature Comforts submitted plans to Athens-Clarke County to construct a distillery within its downtown taproom. Plans have also been submitted to demolish and rebuild the Prince Avenue Popeye’s f

Remembering Lemuel Penn

OFFICER’S MURDER BECAME A LANDMARK CIVIL RIGHTS CASE

By Lee Shearer news@flagpole.com

Acrowd of a few dozen people gathered in the Madison County Senior Center earlier this month to observe one of our area’s saddest anniversaries—marking 60 years since Athens

Ku Klux Klansmen murdered Lemuel Penn as he and two other Army Reserve officers drove across the Broad River bridge at the border of Madison and Elbert counties.

stopped to change drivers at the UGA Arch in the early morning hours of July 11, 1964. They were headed home to Washington, D.C. from summer training at Fort Benning (now Fort Moore) near Columbus.

The night riders trailed the officers out of Athens for about 20 miles as Lt. Col. Penn drove up Georgia Highway 72 through Hull and Colbert, then turned onto Highway 172 toward Elberton on their way north.

It was just nine days after President Lyndon Johnson had signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964 into law, and was the latest in a string of murders of African Americans and civil rights workers as the South resisted desegregation, said Dena Watkins Chandler, the Madison County woman who organized the event. After Chandler and others spoke to the crowd, the observance concluded about a dozen miles away at the bridge where Penn died, where many drove to drop flowers into the river below.

“I know we’re a lot better than that now,” said Chandler, who worked for years to get state approval to place the historical marker noting Penn’s murder that now stands near the bridge.

“The reason we keep bringing up Lemuel Penn [is] it wounds us in ways we don’t fully understand,” Chandler said. “I think it’s really important to talk about.”

The Klansmen—Cecil Myers, Howard Sims and James Lackey—were night riders, sanctioned by Athens police. The Klan was powerful in Clarke County at the time, with membership in the hundreds. The three had spotted the Black officers, all World War II veterans, in Athens, where they had

As the officers’ Chevrolet Biscayne began to cross the Broad River Bridge, Lackey, driving the Klansmens’ Chevy II, sped to pull up beside the Biscayne. Sims and Myers fired shotguns into the officers’ car, killing Penn, 48, and wounding one of the others. Penn—a school administrator, father of three and Boy Scout leader who had earned a Bronze Star in World War II—was subsequently buried with military honors at Arlington National Cemetery.

The Klansmen were brought to trial on murder charges in Madison County, but an all-white jury, including some Klan members, acquitted them despite damning evidence, including Lackey’s confession.

Former U.S. Rep. Don Johnson, who witnessed the murder trial as a teenager—his father was the prosecuting attorney—had been scheduled to speak at the event but was unable to attend. It was a life-changing experience for Johnson, Chandler told the gathering.

Sims and Myers later did time in federal prison after being convicted of violating the officers’ civil rights—not under the new civil rights law, but a law passed shortly after the Civil War, said retired Western Circuit Superior Court Judge David Sweat, who also spoke to the crowd gathered in the senior center.

“The Klan was just out of control,” Sweat said. “The list of their acts of violence is pages.”

Although the Klan members escaped punishment for murder, the Klan’s power would soon wane in Athens and elsewhere.

As in Madison County, state courts elsewhere had been “largely ineffective” at holding whites accountable for their racially motivated crimes, Sweat said. Fear of the Klan even influenced federal courts. “At that time in the South, federal judges would go to great lengths to avoid the prosecution of Klansmen,” he said.

But the Athens Klansmen’s federal convictions marked a turning point. “That case may have had a tremendous influence on racial violence in the South because it established the authority of the federal government, United States attorneys, to prosecute cases using the Civil Rights Act of 1871,” Sweat said. The 1964 Act did not include the penalties that were authorized in the 19th century law, he explained. f

A Wake-Up Call for Gun Control

The nation is focused on the attempt by a 20-year-old to assassinate a candidate for president of the United States.

In 2024, the nation has experienced 300 mass shootings (four or more people shot and killed, excluding the shooter). We could experience 500 by year’s end. In Georgia, more than 1,900 die and 5,000 are wounded by guns every year. Gun violence is the biggest killer of children in Georgia. Between 2013–2022, gun violence in Georgia was up 56%. Mass killings occur at schools, churches, hospitals, shopping malls, entertainment venues and in our streets.

We have contacted our congressman, state representative and state senator. All are members of the majority party in the Georgia legislature and the U.S. House of Representatives. We provided the horrendous statistics on gun injury and death in our state and nation, and information on measures which reduce gun violence. They refuse to support any of those measures. Why? Because they simply do not care. We can and must elect members of the state legislature and Congress committed to action to end the massacre of the innocents.

Shocked by the assassination attempt at a political rally? Don’t be. You are far safer at a presidential rally than your children at school or you at your place of worship.

It is long past time to elect members of the state legislature and Congress who are committed to attacking this endless cycle of murder and mayhem.

Bruce Menke Athens

Let Me Haul My Own Trash

Now our (formerly) beloved ACC government is going too far! They have over the years encouraged us all to recycle everything possible, and I have been doing it. I compost food scraps, I recycle metal, glass, plastic and (separately) plastic bags, and what’s left goes into a couple of drums that I take to the dump once or twice a year. Recycling is working!

So why do I need to pay for trash pickup? I don’t. Not only do I not have any trash to speak of, but my driveway is a quarter-mile long. It would be quite a chore to roll a cart to the road.

But many folks who do get trash pickup complain (understandably) about all the trash trucks (five commercial haulers) that come through their neighborhoods. The county government proposes instead to assign one hauler to each part of town (fine with me!), and to require all residents in that zone to sign up with that hauler. (Huh? Even if I don’t need trash service?) The rationale for this is that haulers need guaranteed customers in order to figure out what to charge. (Really? Since when?)

Well, no doubt any business would love to have government-mandated customers—competition and service could go out the window. What I don’t understand is, why are the desires of private haulers being placed above the desires of citizens? John Huie Athens

Biden Made the Right Choice

President Biden made a decision that was not for Joe Biden; it was for our country. He had the wisdom and dignity to know when it was time to step aside as candidate for president and concentrate his energy on serving out his term effectively. President Biden will go down in history as one of the best and most dedicated men in the presidency. His honesty and experience will always be the characteristics we can remember him by.

I am thrilled that Vice President Kamala Harris will probably be the nominee in his place, and feel strongly that she will continue President Biden’s calls for calm in a troubled world. She will work tirelessly for women’s rights to self-determination and continue the effort to care responsibly for our planet. Her expertise as a prosecutor, attorney general and U.S. senator will be obvious as she takes on her opponent. Her respect for and understanding of our Constitution is obvious. I hope my fellow citizens will join me in supporting the person most qualified to fill the shoes of President Biden. We now have a clear way forward for all Americans, not just the super-wealthy or the cynics who want to see a reversal of the progress our country has made for the past one hundred years.

Conolus Scott Danielsville

Scott is the District 10 chair for the Democratic Party of Georgia and a candidate for state Senate in District 47.

Get Rid of Mike Collins

We know that Congress needs to enact immigration law reform to restore order to immigration into the United States. Isn’t that what everyone wants?

Last February, a bipartisan group of senators presented a comprehensive immigration law reform bill. The bill was endorsed by the U.S. Border Patrol. Everyone conceded the bill was not perfect. Bills that receive bipartisan support in Congress rarely are. What happened to that bill? Donald Trump knew that if this bill passed, he could no longer stridently insist that the Biden administration and the Democrats in Congress were refusing to address and solve the chaos at the border. Since this has been his main rallying cry, the passage of this bill would be a disaster for his presidential campaign. So, Donald Trump insisted that his supporters in Congress kill the bill. Trump’s supporters, like District 10 Rep. Mike Collins, were only too happy to oblige and refused to consider the bill.

So now what? Trump continues to decry the crisis at the border, falsely claiming the Biden administration and the Democrats in Congress refuse to solve the border problem. Unfortunately, there will be some uninformed voters who believe Donald Trump’s false narrative. Don’t be one of them. We need to elect a member of Congress in November who will finally get the job done. And that is not Mike Collins. Mary Bo Robinson Bogart

A historical marker at the Broad River Bridge between Madison and Elbert counties, where Athens Ku Klux Klan members murdered Lemuel Penn 60 years ago. LEE

live music calendar

Tuesday 30

40 Watt Club

7 p.m. (doors). SOLD OUT! www.40watt.com

JACK WHITE Grammy Award-winning guitarist and vocalist plays an intimate show with his band.

WOLF TWIN Project by Nashville-based artist Heather Gillis. 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 special 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.

Wednesday 31

Creature Comforts

Brewery

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

net REPENT AT LEISURE Celtic pub band playing “Irish rock,” including traditional, punk, modern and original Celtic music.

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. Hendershot’s

Another Cool Summer Night. 7 p.m. FREE! www.hendershotsathens.com

BART KING Local pianist and vocalist Bart King returns for an encore presentation of summertime favorites, this time joined by guest vocalists Tracy Brown, Mary Sigalas, Alys Willman and Anthony Zuniga.

Nowhere Bar 8 p.m. (show)www.facebook.com/

NowhereBarAthens

THE LOW WHITES New side project of Neal Fountain alongside Jeff Reilly, Tom Ryan and AJ Adams. The World Famous 9 p.m. $10 suggested donation. www.facebook.com/theworld famousathens

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.

Thursday 1

40 Watt Club 7 p.m. (doors). $35. www.40watt.com

THE NEW PORNOGRAPHERS

Canadian indie-rock and power pop supergroup formed in 1997.

GUSTAF Art punk band from Brooklyn.

Chibugan Cafe

4:30 p.m. 706-424-4286

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

Ciné

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

BRETHREN HOGG Doom and stoner metal from New Orleans.

JET ENGINE DRAGONS Progressive and technical death metal band from Athens that is influenced by bands like Opeth, Nevermore and Allegaeon.

BIG OAF A rock and roll band hailing from Atlanta with a hard, atomic sound.

Earth Fare

2:55 p.m. www.earthfare.com

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

Franklin Gun Shop

11 a.m. www.franklingunshopinc.com

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

Marigold Auditorium for Arts and Culture

6–8 p.m. FREE! www.marigold auditorium.com

OPEN MIC Bring your instrument, a good joke or your favorite monologue. Hosted by Mayor Dodd

Ferrelle and Adam Poulin.

Southern Brewing Co.

7–9 p.m. www.facebook.com/baddog athens

KARAOKE Every Thursday evening hosted by TJ Wayt. Starland Lounge & Lanes

12–2 a.m. FREE! www.starlandlanes. com

DJ PHILTHROTTLE Phillip Brantley of Terminally Phil, Modern Skirts and Athens meme fame leads a late-night dance party.

Friday 2

Athentic Brewing Co.

8 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.

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 and melodies.

DK Local artist weaving lyrically driven truths together with lo-fi beats.

NONY1 Athens-based rapper who speaks out against injustice and inequality.

KIVE?! Rapper balancing hype and introspective hip-hop tracks.

BLESSTHEPLAYA Rapper and singer creating lit party anthems and smooth R&B tracks.

Ciné

8 p.m. (doors), 9 p.m. (show). $12. www.athenscine.com

NICE DREAM Local Radiohead tribute band.

JEF WHATLEY Member of Brown Dwarf, Normaltown Sound Machine, TaxiCab Verses, Pilgrim, etc. performs a solo set of originals and favorites.

El Paso Tacos & Tequila

6–10 p.m. www.instagram.com/ elpasoathenss

KARAOKE Every Wednesday and Friday evening.

Flicker Theatre & Bar

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

PARKER WIERLING Athens-based upbeat alternative musician blending elements of roots rock, indie pop and Americana.

NATASHA BLAINE Nashville singer-songwriter whose groovy sound fuses elements of neo-soul, pop and R&B.

Hendershot’s Summer Swap-tacular Celebration. 7:30 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $5 suggested donation. www.hendershotsathens.com

CAMP AMPED Young musicians in the Nuçi’s Space Camp Amped program show off what they’ve learned. No. 3 Railroad Street 6:30 p.m. $10 suggested donation. www.3railroad.org

GATHERING OF OTHER BIRDS

Local musicians Brian Smith, Ivan Strunin, Katie Collins and Betsy Scott share songs in the round. Nowhere Bar

9:30 p.m. (show). www.facebook. com/NowhereBarAthensGA DRUG DUCKS Seasoned Athens musicians play covers, originals and space jams.

Oak House Distillery

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

OPEN MIC Every Friday. The Root

8 p.m. www.therootathens.com

REUNION Rock and roll cover band.

VFW Post 2872

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

COUNTRY RIVER BAND Classic western and honky-tonk style country band. Line dancing during the band breaks.

Saturday 3

40 Watt Club

Avid Bookshop Presents. 7 p.m. (VIP meet and greet), 8 p.m. (show doors). $10, $33 (VIP). www.40watt.com

PYLON REENACTMENT SOCIETY Vanessa Briscoe Hay and an all-star cast of locals play the music of Pylon, plus new originals. Tonight’s event is an author signing with McCracken King Poston, Jr., author of Zenith Man: Death, Love, and Redemption in a Georgia Courtroom. VIP includes a copy of the book.

Ciné

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

KILLER LARRY Swamp psychrock from Neptune Beach, FL. SECOND NATURE Athens-based three-piece alternative rock band whose sound is self-described as “psychedelic beach rock.”

TATTOO LOGIC Local funky five piece.

The Cotton Press 7th Annual Hope Gala. 5 p.m. (VIP Cocktail Hour), 6–9 p.m. $150. www.ashtonhopekeeganfoundation. org

ASHLEY RIVERA DUO Live music during the Ashton Hope Keegan Foundation’s annual gala, this year themed “A Golden Evening in Paris.”

Flicker Theatre & Bar

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

LIBBALOOPS Local electronic music and looping artist.

MICHAEL MYERZ Atlanta rapper who incorporates absurdity and surrealism into his sound.

BRYANT PEREZ Multi-genre musician and producer.

GRIM GARDENERZ Three-piece industrial sleaze merchants.

The Foundry

6:30 p.m. (doors), 7:30 p.m. (show). $15 (adv.), $20. bit.ly/TheFoundry

Aug3

THE AIN’T SISTERS Atlanta-based folk group fronted by Arrie Bozeman and Barb Carbon.

RAE & THE RAGDOLLS Atlanta rock and rollers blending folky psychedelia and room rattling rock.

PICKLED HOLLER Matthew and Jessica Williams singing rustic tales.

Innovation Amphitheater

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

GRAINS OF SAND Blending

Carolina Beach, Soul and Motown music, the GOS create a fresh and energetic sound that will have you feeling the sand between your toes.

GOLD STANDARD BAND Big, dynamic party band made up of veteran Atlanta area musicians. Nowhere Bar 9:30 p.m. (show). www.facebook. com/NowhereBarAthensGA

THE PINE BOX DWELLERS American country and roots-rock band from Waycross, GA.

Oak House Distillery

4:30–7 p.m. www.oakhousedistillery. com

OVERNIGHT ANGELS Dave Lee leads covers of classic rock and Americana. Paloma Park

6 p.m. FREE! www.instagram.com/ palomapark.athens

DIRE WOLF Local Grateful Dead cover band.

GIMME HENDRIX Local Jimi Hendrix cover band led by Eric Keaton. PEACH ICE CREAM BLUEGRASS Bluegrass band that blends folk and blues with a carefree dash of improvisation to sooth the soul.

Sunday 4

ACC Library

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

DHANA JEERA North African and Ethiopian inspired group led by Immaterial Possession member and visual artist Jeremy Kiran Fernandes.

Buvez

7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $10. www.facebook.com/buvezathens TEARS FOR THE DYING Longrunning local deathrock and goth group fronted by songwriter Adria Stembridge.

OBSIDIAN Gothic post-punk from Florida that combines a fierce love of rock with darker electronic and esoteric elements.

ASTRAL SUMMER Dreamy, quirky, atmospheric pop and electronic music from David Ferguson and Dave F. Martin.

Oak House Distillery

3:30–6 p.m. www.oakhousedistilery. com

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

Terrapin Beer Co. 5–7 p.m. FREE! www.terrapinbeer. com

JIM COOK High-energy solo acoustic blues, rock and country tunes.

Tuesday 6

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. 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. f

Unearthed Tracks by Limbo District

PLUS, MORE MUSIC NEWS AND GOSSIP

By Gordon Lamb threatsandpromises@flagpole.com

TUBEWAY ARMY: Composer Grant Evans (Quiet Evenings, Hooker Vision) has a new project named Galaxy Tube that already has two releases under its belt. The twotrack self-titled debut is split pretty evenly at about 14 minutes per track. These are each good companion pieces as they are both calmly uplifting, featuring drones with identifiable melodies, and are nearly prayer-like. The second release, “2,” is more immediately aggressive, but I think that’s mainly due to the sound being more compressed and out front. This release features a single half-hour track. I don’t hear distinct

named, would have turned 50 years old in July. In honor of this milestone, the center is hosting a fundraiser whereby folks are encouraged to donate in amounts of 7.21. So, $7.21, $72.10, $721, etc. in recognition of his birth date on July 21. Find all information at nuci.org.

AND HERE’S TWO MORE: Chunklet Industries and its founder-operator Henry Owings has now released a fourth record in its campaign to resurrect the work of short lived early 1980s Athens combo Limbo District

movements in this, though, as much as I hear audio layering. I will allow that there is a slight move to a darker mood around the 16:45 mark. Take some time to enjoy these over at hookervision.bandcamp.com.

THE PEOPLE IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD: A new pop-up supergroup appears on the newest edition of the planned four-volume tribute to Kevn Kinney (Drivin’ N Cryin’), Let’s Go Dancing. They’re named Slightly Famous Somebodies and include Jonathan Spencer and Reid Howland Geisenhof (each of Drum And Wire), Mekenzie Zimmerman (Rumors), actress and singer Laura Slade Wiggins, Vaylor Trucks (yes, Butch Trucks’ son), Kane Stanley (Cosmic Charlie), and Adam McIntyre (The Pinx). While their contribution, “Set In Stone,” is not yet on physical media, all digital files are pointed toward a central repository. The label, Tasty Good Records, is a charitable endeavor that appears to have been created specifically for this project. Other artists of note with tracks now available are Pylon Reenactment Society, Jason Isbell, T. Hardy Morris with David Barbe, Erin Rae with Seth Martin, Patterson Hood with Scott McCaughey and Peter Buck, Parker Gispert, Elf Power and more. Find this all at tastygoodyrecords.com.

TO THE PENNY: It’s difficult to believe, but Nuçi Phillips, for whom our indispensable musician’s resource center Nuçi’s Space is

A new two-song 7-inch single called Bombay was named after the similarly short-lived Smyrna studio where the group recorded these tracks. Specifically, they are “Two Of Screams” and “Fetish This.”

If you’ve never had the chance to enjoy Limbo District, just imagine the following scenario: You’re on a subway platform somewhere in Sovietera Eastern Europe, you can hear a raggedy and unsettling tune coming from street musicians somewhere above, and a hobo is yelling at you the whole time. Which isn’t to say, by any measure, that it’s not musical. But it’s in that particularly John Cage-ian way reflected in the composer’s pondering, “Which is more musical, a truck passing by a factory or a truck passing by a music school?” Find this and more Limbo District at chunklet.bandcamp.com.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YA: Rabbit Hole Studios will celebrate its eighth anniversary, and fourth at its current location, on Thursday, Aug. 1 starting at 6 p.m. This coincides with what would normally be its weekly song circle event. Details for this anniversary celebration are sparse, but I guarantee you it involves both music and food in some way. For more details, please see rabbitholestudios.org and facebook.com/ whiterabbitproductionsllc.

YOU CAN HAVE WHATEVER YOU LIKE: There are two ways you can, um, stream the new album from hardcore rockers Beer Piss named Summer ’24. These are either from the label (Hard Tack) or the band directly. Cassettes are limited to an edition of 25, so don’t sleep on this. However you choose to rock these five songs, though, you’re in for a treat of classic late ’80s/early ’90s hardcore (“Dryer,” “Tucker Song #2” and “You Can’t Grow When You’re Dead”) and a nice couple of unexpected drum and bass tracks (“The Cycle” and “Promo Type”). Find this at beerpiss.bandcamp.com and hardtackk. bandcamp.com. f

feature

Heart of Pine’s Southern Soul Revival VENTURING

DEEPER INTO ’SOUTHEDELIC’ TERRITORY

By Jessica Smith music@flagpole.com

With bluesy swagger and plenty of twang, Heart of Pine’s distinct “Southedelic” roots rock sound bridges the comforting familiarity and inherent strangeness of the region. The band’s style is an amalgamation of wide-ranging influences—the classic rock, blues, country, jam, Americana and funk genres—all battered and deep-fried in psychedelia. Southern Soul Revival, Heart of Pine’s sophomore full-length album slated for release on Friday, Aug. 2, represents the culmination of three years of work and a point at which the band has truly grown into its own sound with confidence.

Heart of Pine was formed in 2015 by Steven Bagwell and Travis Richardson, who grew up in the same small hometown of Thomaston, just west of Macon, before both eventually made their way to Athens. Following their debut Highly Flammable in 2019, the band released its 2020 EP Southedelic, coining the term for its signature blend of Southern and psychedelic rock. The band’s current lineup is Bagwell (electric guitar, vocals) and Richardson (acoustic guitar) alongside Jesse Fountain (piano, organ), Boone Hood (bass) and Todd Headley (drums, percussion).

their standard harmonies. These pieces were later blended together during the mixing stage to create rich, interweaving vocal harmonies that enliven the track with an emotional, soulful depth.

This openness to going with the flow has led to serendipitous outcomes that add interesting details to the album. Before the opening track “Gone” gets moving, the album plants itself firmly in Southern terrain with an all-too-familiar evening chorus of chirping crickets and croaking frogs. It’s the cherry on top for a tune that contemplates a sense of home through riverside imagery.

“As a rowdy kid growing up in the South, I spent my late teen summers rummaging through the cow pastures of my neighbors in search of strange times,” says Bagwell. “This led to a love of all things the counterculture of the ’60s and ’70s had to offer. As you can imagine, my music tastes were significantly impacted by this period of my life.”

Heavyweights from that era, such as Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd, Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin and the Allman Brothers Band, all left lasting impressions on Bagwell’s own musical style. As the band began gradually leaning into heavier, more rock-oriented territory, he knew he wanted to incorporate elements of psychedelia.

“At rehearsals, one minute Todd will be laying down the beat to ‘Black Ice,’ an old Goodie Mob tune, while I do my best to rap the verses, and the next we’ll all be in an impromptu jam with a funk backbone while Jesse lays down a Brent Mydland-ish keys layer. We’re truly influenced by any and everything around us, but I believe the biggest influence is definitely mine and Travis’ hometown of Thomaston, GA and our experiences growing up there, as well as our family and friends.”

Bagwell and Richardson share songwriting responsibilities, typically bringing riffs, chord progressions or melodies to each other to sketch out first. “It starts off with whiskey and usually ends there, too,” jokes Bagwell.

The pair typically write material using two acoustic guitars, keeping ideas in mind for how the rest of the band can layer their own dynamic flourishes into the songs.

“Todd and Boone kinda go together like peas and carrots, which is so important for your rhythm section, and Jesse’s playing is different than most other keys players,” says Bagwell. “He’s completely self-taught, which lends itself to his own unique sound.”

The majority of Southern Soul Revival was recorded over two long days at Japanski Studios with engineer Matt Tamisin. After laying down the core members’ tracks, Atlanta-based saxophonist Jordan Shalhoup (Rumours, Yacht Rock Schooner) contributed horn parts that add bursts of brightness throughout the album.

The band additionally invited Betsy Franck and Ansley Stewart to lend background vocals. Bagwell notes that on a personal favorite, “Movin’ On,” Franck and Stewart were given the freedom to do their own thing after recording

“Jesse and I went down to my pond down in Wilkes County to record the opening of the album the night before heading into the studio,” says Bagwell. “The bullfrog that leads into the music was in the way. We originally had a different BPM in mind for the song, but after hearing the bullfrog, we knew we needed to use the bullfrog to count us in. This is probably one of my favorite parts of the whole thing. I love the thought of having one idea and the music creating its own path.”

Southern Soul Revival’s psych-tinged spin on Southern rock continues a long tradition of regional music, with deep roots that trace back to blues, country, and rock and roll. “Phetamine & Pearls” is a grooving, lightly funky standout track that’s as much fun as the character who inspired it. “Voodoo Leg Bone,” which is accompanied by a hallucinatory claymation music video by Adrian Venti, recalls eerie folklore and cautionary campfire tales. “Hello Heartache” and “Fool’s Game” take on similar subject matter with reflections on love lost but not forgotten.

Heart of Pine will celebrate Southern Soul Revival with an album release party at Nowhere Bar on Aug. 9. After a couple of out-of-town dates—Aug. 24 at MoonShadow Tavern in Tucker and Sept. 13 at Grant’s Lounge in Macon—the band will be back to play at The Foundry with The Jesse Williams Band on Sept. 20. f

WHO: Heart of Pine WHEN: Friday, Aug 9, 9 p m WHERE: Nowhere Bar HOW MUCH: $10 (adv .), $15

event calendar

Tuesday 30

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

GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (Eddie’s Calzones) Test your trivia knowledge with host TJ Wayt. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.facebook.com/baddog athens

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.athens library.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. SALS AthensDancing@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.flying squidcomedy.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 and more. 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

Thursday 1

ART: Artist Talk & Throwing Lessons (Lyndon House Arts Center) Mac Little will discuss his collection in the exhibition “Mac’s

GAMES: BINGO (VFW Post 2872) Join in to play this weekly game of chance. Thursdays, 6 p.m. (doors). FREE! www.facebook.com/vfw2872

GAMES: Thursday Trivia (Johnny’s New York Style Pizza) Test your trivia knowledge with host Jon

Comedy musician Kyle Jarrard will be performing at the Atlanta Weimaraner Club Rescue’s Gray Ghost Gala on Aug. 3.

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

Flying Discs” followed by a frisbee demonstration. 6 p.m. FREE! www. accgov.com/lyndonhouse

EVENTS: 8th Anniversary Party (Rabbit Hole Studios) Celebrate eight years of Rabbit Hole Studios and learn more about the space. 6 p.m. www.facebook.com/white rabbitproductionsllc

FILM: Club Ned Anime Society (ACC Library) Join club members to watch and discuss episodes of “Serial Experiments Lain,” “Kaguya-sama: Love is War” and “Erased.” 6:30–8:30 p.m. FREE! www.animefandom.org

FILM: JOKERJOKERtv Clown Takeover (Online) Sister Slayla the Clown hosts a livestreamed entertainment show for International Clown Week. 6:30 p.m. FREE! www. jokerjokertv.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

Head. 6:30 p.m. www.johnnyspizza. com

KIDSTUFF: Teen Dungeons & Dragons (Bogart Library) Join the volunteer led role-playing adventure where you can fight dragons, join an army, go on a quest in distant lands or find hidden treasure. 6 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/ bogart

MEETINGS: Coffee Hour (Oconee County Library) Drop in to drink some coffee, while supplies last. Thursdays, 11 a.m.–12 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/oconee

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

OUTDOORS: Roaming Readers (Oconee County Library) Enjoy a morning walk around Wire Park, and talk about books (or anything). First Thursdays, 10 a.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. www.athenspetanque.org

Friday 2

EVENTS: First Fridays (Southern Brewing Co.) Kick off the weekend with live music, an on-site food truck and a mini-market featuring local vendors. First Fridays, 5–10 p.m. FREE! www.sobrewco.com

GAMES: Chess Club (Winterville Cultural Center) Join others for a weekly chess competition. Fridays, 6–10 p.m. FREE! www.winterville center.com

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

PERFORMANCE: Xplosion (40 Watt Club) Dance FX presents a dance showcase. 7 p.m. (doors), 7:30 p.m. (show). $8. www.40watt.com

PERFORMANCE: Seven Faces (work.shop) This collaboration between Athens writer J.R. Barner and seven local choreographers incorporates poetry with modern dance, photography, music and film. 8 p.m. $10. www.workshop athens.com

Saturday 3

ART: Artist Talk (Winterville Cultural Center Gallery) Sylvia Dawe will discuss her inspirations behind jewelry making and demonstrate techniques. 10:30 a.m. FREE! www. wintervilleccgallery.com

EVENTS: Athens Farmers Market (Creature Comforts Brewery) Markets offer fresh produce, flowers, eggs, meats and more. Live music at 6 p.m. AFM doubles SNAP dollars spent. Wednesdays, 5–8 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: Comer Community Market (Farmer’s Market Building)

Locally grown produce, eggs, foods, pottery, jewelry and handmade goods. Saturdays, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. www.facebook.com/ComerFM

EVENTS: Bake Sale and Book Sale

(No. 3 Railroad Street) Homemade baked goods and a large selection of books will be for sale in benefit of the Friends of the Oglethorpe County Library. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. www.oglethorpefol.org

EVENTS: West Broad Farmers Market (Rocksprings Park Pavilion) Vendors will be on site with fresh produce, local fare, rare plants, artisan goods and more. Saturdays, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. FREE! www.athens landtrust.org/wbfm

EVENTS: Small Town Saturday (Athentic Brewing Co.) Browse local vendors and connect with small businesses and artists. 1–6 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com

EVENTS: Hope Gala (The Cotton Press) The Ashton Hope Keegan Foundation’s 7th annual gala with a buffet, silent auction, music and more. 6–9 p.m. $125. www.ashton hopekeeganfoundation.org

EVENTS: Gray Ghost Gala (Athens Country Club) The nonprofit Atlanta Weimaraner Club Rescue is hosting a benefit featuring comedian and musician Kyle Jarrard with a silent auction, food and drinks. 6 p.m. $60. www.atlantalovesweims.org

EVENTS: Back-to-School Tailgate Party (Rocket Field) There will be a barbecue competition and bake-off with children’s activities and live music. 6–9 p.m. FREE! www.visit oconee.com

FILM: Haunted Bed Sheet Film Festival (Morton Theatre) Screenings of a wide-range of independent student short films from emerging filmmakers in Georgia. 7–10 p.m. FREE! bit.ly/hbsff24

LECTURES & LIT: Pylon Reenactment Society & Zenith Man (40 Watt Club) Author McCracken King Poston Jr will discuss his nonfiction book Zenith Man, with VIP tickets including a copy of the book and Pylon Reenactment Society meet-and-greet. 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (event). $10, $33 (VIP). www. avidbookshop.com/event/zenith

PERFORMANCE: Athens Showgirl Cabaret Drag For All (Hendershot’s) Enjoy a fabulous night of open drag fun for all ages. 8–11 p.m. $5. www.athensshowgirl cabaret.com

PERFORMANCE: Seven Faces (work.shop) This collaboration between Athens writer J.R. Barner and seven choreographers incorporates poetry with modern dance, photography, music and film. 8 p.m. $10. www.workshopathens.com

THEATER: Legally Blonde (Oconee Youth Theater) A cast of local teens star in this production based on the big screen story of Elle Woods. Aug. 3 & 9–10, 7 p.m. Aug. 4 & 11, 3 p.m. $15–20. www. oconeeyouthplayhouse.com

Sunday 4

COMEDY: Best of Athens Comedy (The Globe) Athens Comedy presents a lineup of local comedians doing their best 8-minute sets. First Sundays, 9 p.m. $7. www.athens comedy.com

EVENTS: Days Between: Grateful Dead Dance Celebration (work. shop) One of the Grateful Dead’s 1978 concerts will be screened while attendees dance, twirl and groove. 6:30–10:30 p.m. Donations suggested. www.workshopathens. com

GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (Southern Brewing Co.) Test your trivia knowledge with host TJ Wayt. Sundays,

4 p.m. www.facebook.com/baddog athens

KIDSTUFF: Backpack Blessing (Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Athens) Join the annual blessing of the backpacks followed by an ice cream social. 10:30 a.m. FREE! www.uuathensga.org

MEETINGS: Crafternoon (Athentic Brewing Co.) Bring your crafting project to work on and connect with other artists in the community. 1:30–3 p.m. FREE! www.athentic brewing.com

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

THEATER: Legally Blonde (Oconee Youth Theater) A cast of local teens star in this production based on the big screen story of Elle Woods. Aug. 3 & 9–10, 7 p.m. Aug. 4 & 11, 3 p.m. $15–20. www. oconeeyouthplayhouse.com

Monday 5

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.athentic brewing.com

Tuesday 6

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 The Farewell Tuesdays, 1:30 p.m. $8. www. athenscine.com

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

GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (Eddie’s Calzones) Test your trivia knowledge with host TJ Wayt. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.facebook.com/baddog athens

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 7

ART: Tour At Two (Georgia Museum of Art) These drop-in public tours feature highlights of the permanent collection. 2 p.m. FREE! www.georgiamuseum.org

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.flying squidcomedy.com

EVENTS: Athens Farmers Market (Creature Comforts Brewery) Markets offer fresh produce, flowers, eggs, meats, prepared foods, art and crafts. Live music at 6 p.m. AFM doubles SNAP dollars spent. Wednesdays, 5–8 p.m. www.athens farmersmarket.net

FILM: Blood Everywhere (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Screening of Dario Argento’s horror film Phenomena 7 p.m. FREE! www.flickertheatre andbar.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: LEGO & Builder’s Club (Bogart Library) Drop in to use LEGOs and other building materials. All ages. 3:30–5:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart

LECTURES & LIT: Word of Mouth (The Globe) Athens’ longest-running spoken word open mic, with this month’s featured reader local poet Steve Scurry. 6 p.m. (signups), 7 p.m. (poetry). FREE! www. facebook.com/athenswordofmouth

MEETINGS: Avid Writers’ Collective (Avid Bookshop) Members critique each others’ pre-submitted writing of all forms. First Wednesdays, 6:15 p.m. FREE! events@ avidbookshop.com

OUTDOORS: ‘Normal’ Run (Athentic Brewing Co.) Join the Athens Road Runners for a 1–3 mile run that starts and ends at Athentic Brewing. Every other Wednesday, 6:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenticbrewing.com f

calendar picks arts & culture

LITERATURE

| WED, JULY 31

Tommy Tomlinson

ATHICA • 6 p.m. • FREE! Dogland: Passion, Glory, and Lots of Slobber at the Westminster Dog Show tells the story of author Tommy Tomlinson’s journey through the world of dog shows, detailing his three-year journey attending over 100 competitions across the country and learning more about the enduring relationship between dogs and humans. The story follows a Samoyed named Striker and his handler, illuminating the relationships and behindthe-scenes happenings of the dog show world with insight and charm. Tomlinson is an accomplished writer, having also authored a memoir called Elephant in the Room about his experience being overweight in America. He’s written for esteemed outlets like Esquire, Sports Illustrated and Forbes, and was a Pulitzer Prize finalist in 2005 for his work with the Charlotte Observer. He now teaches magazine writing at Wake Forest University and runs a Substack page called The Writing Shed. After his welcome event for Dogland, hosted by Avid Bookshop and the UGA Narrative Nonfiction program, Tomlinson will also hold a book signing. [Mary Beth Bryan]

MUSIC | THU, AUG. 1

The New Pornographers

40 Watt Club • 7 p.m. (doors) • $35

The New Pornographers’ decades-long career has cemented the band as an indie rock staple, remaining capable of growth across all nine of its releases since 2000. The band originally formed as a collective in 1997, composed of musicians who were individually prominent in the Vancouver music scene, including Carl Newman, Dan Bejar, John Collins, Kurt Dahle, Todd Fancey, Blain Thurier and Neko Case. Its debut record, Mass Romantic, was met with critical success and won the Juno Award for Best Alternative Album, with Chris Deville of Stereogum calling it “the kind of all-killer no-filler debut that many bands aspire to but few can muster.” 2023’s Continue as Guest is an evolution of their established power-pop sound. Pitchfork writer Ian Cohen calls it a “sleek and subdued” record that “resonates for anyone resigned to participate in the online world without fully surrendering your identity to it.” The show will be opened by Brooklyn-based art punk band Gustaf. [MB]

LITERATURE | SAT, AUG. 3

Pylon Reenactment Society & Zenith Man

40 Watt Club • 8 p.m. (doors) • $10, $33 (VIP) Zenith Man: Death, Love, and Redemption in a Georgia Courtroom is the gripping true story of Alvin Ridley, a man accused of murdering his wife in Ringgold in 1997, as told by author McCracken King Poston Jr., the attorney who was set on freeing him. Ridley

had been an outsider in town, working as a Zenith television seller and repairman, and many did not even know he had a wife until she was found dead in their home. The story observes how Ridley’s neurodivergence intermingled with the complicated case led to him being misunderstood by his peers and the law. It has been described as a humorous yet heartbreaking courtroom drama akin to a John Grisham thriller mixed with Rainman and Just Mercy. Pylon Reenactment Society, led by Vanessa Briscoe Hay of new wave and post-punk band Pylon, will perform a full set at this joint music and literature event. There will also be a reading and book signing with the author. VIP tickets include a copy of Zenith Man and early entry at 7 p.m. for a meet-and-greet with Pylon Reenactment Society. [MB]

THEATER | AUG. 3–4, 9–11

Legally Blonde

Oconee Youth Theater • Times Vary • $15 (students), $20

Legally Blonde is the story of Elle Woods, a sorority girl who defies expectations and enrolls at Harvard Law School in an attempt to win back her ex-boyfriend. It was originally a novel by Heather Hach, but was developed into a film starring Reese Witherspoon in 2001, then a musical in 2007 by Nell Benjamin and Laurence O’Keefe. The cast of this production of the beloved Broadway musical is composed of 40 high school and middle school students from across 10 Athens schools, as well as two dogs named Bruiser and Rufus. It is produced by Oconee Youth Playhouse, which just celebrated its 25th season of local youth theater, having now staged over 60 shows. This show is directed by Terra Hannon, a UGA graduate who founded OYP, and co-directed by Jordan Richley, who also graduated from UGA and was even a member of the company’s 2012 production of Legally Blonde. The musical will be performed at 7 p.m. on Aug. 3, 9 and 10 and at 3 p.m. on Aug. 4 and 11. [MB] f

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

ATHENS CREATIVE DIRECTORY

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

BIPOC ARTIST/CURATOR PROJ-

ECT OPEN CALL (Lyndon House Arts Center) Seeking BIPOC individuals residing in Georgia to develop an art exhibition to be on display for 6–8 weeks at the LHAC. A stipend of $1500 is provided. www.accgov. com/9799/ArtistCurator

CALL FOR 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 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 STEAMROLLER PRINTMAKING WORKSHOP (Lyndon House Arts Center) Workshop participants will carve 4-foot wooden blocks to cre-

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.

ATHICA@CINÉ GALLERY (234 W. Hancock Ave.) “Kurt Silvershield: Photographs” presents images taken in the heavily industrial landscape of the River Rouge and Zug Island area near Detroit between 2018 and 2021. Through Aug. 25.

CLASSIC CENTER (300 N. Thomas St.) In Classic Gallery I, “Spotlight” features works by painters William Ballard, Jaci Davis and Ella Hopkins. • In Classic Gallery II, Kristin Roberts’ “The Fables” illustrates Aesop’s Fables with detailed works that are both whimsical and dangerous.

GEORGIA MUSEUM OF ART (90 Carlton St.) “A Perfect Model: Prints after Anthony van Dyck’s Portraits” presents prints that attest to Van Dyck’s lasting impact as a printmaker and portraitist. Through Dec. 1.

GLASSCUBE@INDIGO (500 College Ave.) Zane Cochran presents “Aurora,” a sculptural interpretation of the aurora borealis using 3D geometric figures and lights.

HENDERSHOT’S (237 Prince Ave.) The second annual “Together We Dazzle” art show and benefit features artwork by over 20 local artists. A portion of art sales will benefit the Ehlers-Danlos Society. Closing Reception Sept. 21, 3–8 p.m.

ate their own relief image on Sept. 14 and Sept. 21 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Printing with the steamroller will take place during public events on Sept. 28 from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. and Sept. 29 from 12–5 p.m.

Auditions

ANASTASIA (Quinn Hall at Memorial Park) Athens Creative Theatre hosts auditions for a musical. Prepare one minute of music of your choosing (bring sheet music for audition accompanist). Actors will be expected to complete a dance/ movement portion. 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. Wednesdays, 10–11:30 a.m. FREE! www.unity athens.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

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) “Rack of Lamb Dinner” will be held July 31, 6–8 p.m. $103. “Breakfast in Bed: Brunch with Benny” will be held Aug. 3, 9–11 a.m. $75. “Spicy Takeout Treats” will be held Aug. 7, 6–8 p.m. $103. “Knife Skills and Sharpening” will be held Aug. 14, 6–8 p.m. $75. “Cheese 101: Basics of Artisanal Cheese” will be held Aug. 17, 6:15–8 p.m. $65. Register online. www.athenscooks.com CLASSES (Winterville Center) “Chair Yoga” is held Mondays, Aug. 5–Nov. 11, 9:10–10:10 a.m. (No classes Sept. 6, Oct. 14 or Oct. 28). $10/class. “Botanical Sketchbook is a 12-week class exploring a variety of drawing techniques, basic shading, perspective and directional light sources. Mondays, Aug. 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@ gmail.com, www.athenspetanque club.wixsite.com/play

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

SPANISH CLASSES (Emmanuel Episcopal Church) Join Casa de Amistad for a 12-week Spanish class. Wednesdays beginning Aug. 21 or Thursdays beginning Aug. 22, 6:30–8 p.m. $360. www.athens amistad.com

TRADITIONAL MARTIAL ARTS CLASSES (Live Oak Martial Arts) Traditional and modern-style Taekwondo, self-defense, grappling and weapons classes are offered for all ages. Classes in Jodo, the art of the Japanese staff and sword, are held Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7 p.m. Visit the

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. 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.

Through Aug. 31. MASON-SCHARFENSTEIN MUSEUM OF ART (567 Georgia St., Demorest)

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.sandycreeknaturecenterinc.org/boardmembers

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

GROUPS AT REBLOSSOM (ReBlossom) A variety of classes, playgroups and support groups are offered for parents and young children. Topics include birth and breastfeeding, prenatal and parent-baby yoga, instrument play, maternal mental health and more. Check website for a schedule. www. reblossomathens.com

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

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. Where’s Waldo Party held Aug. 10, 10–11 a.m. at Avid Bookshop. www.avidbookshop. com

Support Groups

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

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS (Athens, GA) If you think you have a problem with alcohol, call the AA hotline or visit the website for a schedule of meetings in Barrow, Clarke, Jackson and Oconee Counties. 706-389-4164, www. athensaa.org

ATHENS COUNCIL OF THE BLIND (Athens, GA) Open to people of all ages with vision impairments, their families and friends. Topics include adaptive equipment, recreational and social opportunities, and advocacy. 706-424-2794, dlwahlers@ gmail.com

BRAIN INJURY SUPPORT GROUP (St. Mary’s Hospital, 5th Floor

Toccoa-based artist Normando Ismay shares recent sculptures made from recycled aluminum. Through Sept. 7.

PORCELAIN AND DECORATIVE ARTS MUSEUM (2450 S. Milledge Ave.)

Two new collections celebrating the connection between art and nature include a complete Jasperware tea set from Wedgewood in England and a series of hand-carved coconut vessels.

OCONEE LIBRARY (1925 Electric Ave., Watkinsville) Members of the Athens Art Association share their work. Through August.

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.

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.

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.

Therapy Room) This support group for survivors of traumatic head injury, their families, friends and caregivers offers friendship, information about resources and opportunities for advocacy. Every third Monday, 4:30–6 p.m. Contact Floretta Johnson, 706-353-1892, floretta.johnson@stmarysathens.

org

NAMI FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP

(Oconee Presbyterian Church) Peer-led support group for any adult with a loved one who has experienced symptoms of a mental health condition. Second Monday of the month, 6:30–8 p.m. FREE! joannehnamihallga@gmail.com

NEW PARENTS AND INFANT

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

MINDFULNESS & CRAFTS GROUP

THERAPY (Bridge Family Therapy) Ages 14–18 can participate in a four-week therapy group teaching mindfulness techniques through crafts. Tuesdays and Thursdays, Aug. 20–Sept. 12, 4:30-6 p.m. $25/session. sam@bridgefamily therapy.com

OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS (24th Street Clubhouse) Learn to stop eating compulsively or curb other unwanted food-related behaviors. Tuesdays, 12 p.m. Text: 678-7363697

PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP

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

POLYAMORY SUPPORT GROUP

(Revolution Therapy and Yoga)

This open support group for adults practicing or considering polyamory or nonmonogamy discusses navigating jealousy, polysaturation, relationships with metamours and polyamorous parenting. Thursdays, 6:30–7:30 p.m. $10 donation. www.revolutiontherapyandyoga.com

PROJECT SAFE (Family Protection Center) Project Safe hosts a support

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 workshops in fashion design basics, cosmetics, fashion sketching or costume design. 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

food & drink

Korean Cuisine

SATISFYING DOWNTOWN AND CAMPUS-AREA SPOTS

By Hillary Brown food@flagpole.com

group for survivors of domestic violence. Mondays, 6:30–8 p.m. www. project-safe.org

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

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

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

PUBLIC INPUT SOUGHT (Athens, GA) The Capital Projects Department invites residents to provide input on potential improvement projects to help improve connectivity and pedestrian access on the Lexington Road corridor. View project details, reference material, maps and survey online. Through Aug. 11. www.accgov.com/lexingtonroad

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.seventhgenerationnative americanchurch.org

WALK INTO WELLNESS (Dudley Park Picnic Pavilion) Get moving and meet others on a path to wellness. Each walk will focus on a different health topic. Pre-registration required. For ages 8 & up. Aug, 10, 17, 24 & 31, 10–11 a.m. FREE! www.accgov.com/myrec

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

BENTO STOP (142 W. Clayton St., 706850-0350, bentostopathens.kwickmenu. com): If you look at a chart of the thirdmost common language in each state, after English and Spanish, Georgia’s is Korean. The area around Duluth has Korean restaurants and shops of all kinds. But Athens, an hour away, has lagged historically. Yes, you could get a few standards, like bulgogi (beef barbecue), at Choo Choo Grill Express. There was a restaurant at the base of the building where Target is now that did some decent stews once upon a time. Fooks Foods has been going strong as a grocery for two decades. Iron Factory, now closed, broke ground for Korean barbecue in Athens, and D92 bettered it.

Now, as the Korean populations of Gwinnett, Fulton and DeKalb counties continue to grow, and their kids come to UGA, we finally seem to be entering a period of uptick, with bb.q Chicken opening soon downtown and Bento Stop having opened recently at the base of the West Washington parking deck. The latter, owned by the same people as Bubble Cafe, is a quick-service place for mostly Korean food, plus hot wings and french fries. Order at the counter or on a touchscreen nearby, and grab a seat at a light wood table. A bento box comes with your choice of protein (pretty decent beef bulgogi, teriyaki shrimp, hot and spicy tofu, spicy Korean barbecue chicken, teriyaki chicken or soy garlic chicken), fried or steamed rice, two fried pork dumplings and a side: surprisingly good kimchi (with some nice funk), seaweed salad, pickled radish or tteokbokki (a popular snack consisting of chewy cylindrical rice cakes tossed in a sauce that makes much use of gochujang red pepper paste). Bento Stop’s tteokbokki isn’t bad, but it doesn’t have a lot of heat and is a little on the sweet side. So is the “hot and spicy” tofu. The meats and the tofu are appropriately salty, but a lot of other things could use more oomph. The steamed dumplings don’t have as much flavor as the fried ones. The plain stir-fried noodles would be great for days when you need something light and easy on the stomach. The dipping sauces don’t do much, one mayo-based and sweet, the other a ponzu that could use more acid. This sounds negative, but some things are very good. I’d eat a beef bulgogi bento box for a quick meal any day. The Korean hot fried chicken, served over rice, has a pleasing texture and plenty of flavor. The kimchi fried rice may be best of all, a full styrofoam container of tangy fried rice thoroughly tossed with kimchi, plus sauteed carrot, onion and egg. It’s homey and warm and each bite has variety. The fried seaweed rolls are something I don’t think you can get anywhere else in Athens—sheets of nori rolled around glass noodles, then fried until crisp—and

their weird texture (first crunchy, then slippery) keeps one coming back. Prices are decent ($8–12 for an entree), and food arrives quickly.

Bento Stop is open from 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m.–9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

WINGSTER (521 Baxter St., 706-5839611, wingsterathensga.com): Operating next to UGA’s high-rise dorms for years, Wingster is best known for delivering hot wings late at night to college kids. But over the past couple of years, it’s added quite an array of Korean options: Its own bento boxes, or dosirak, which come with protein, rice and a couple of little pan chan sides (sesame green beans, pasta salad); tteokbokki (transliterated as dukbokki in this case, but the same thing) with a variety of sauces (regular gochujang, rose, black bean,

curry, spaghetti); udon noodle soup (comfortingly bland and quite good); kimbap, or kimbob, the Korean version of a maki sushi roll, more focused on vegetables and cooked proteins than the Japanese equivalent; a totally decent bibimbap, or rice bowl topped with veggies and/or meats and a nice fried egg; and Spam musubi, which is Hawaiian, not Korean, but is a neat option, consisting of a sort of rice sandwich that envelops a thick slice of Spam and a comparable slice of omelet-style egg, all wrapped in nori to hold it together. It doesn’t have much in the way of atmosphere, but the kimbob is fresh and good, with lovely, crunchy pickled radish and a tight wrap. The dukbokki is chonky. The Spam musubi is a lot of fun and appealing to children and adults alike. Also a sign outside promises bingsu, a shaved ice dessert, but it doesn’t seem to be available right now. Instead, you’ll find macarons and other desserts in a refrigerated case, none made on premises, plus a selection of instant noodles and snack foods.

Wingster keeps somewhat inconsistent hours, sometimes opening at noon and other weeks not opening until 2 p.m., but open for dinner and late night Wednesday through Monday. You can check its website for the full menu and current orders, plus place an order online. f

Collaged works by Jack Burk are currently on view in “Scissors, Paper, Art: Jack Burk & Claire Clements” at the Lyndon House Arts Center through Oct. 5.

Bento Stop

classifieds

REAL ESTATE

HOUSES FOR RENT

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

3BR/1.5BA, HWflrs., high ceilings, off street parking, at Pulaski and Cleveland. Near Greenway, Downtown and UGA. $1950. Call 706510-7089.

HOUSES FOR SALE

House/Artist Space for sale in New Town/Pulaski Heights. 323 Cleveland Ave. Close to coffee shops, bbq, greenway, and walkable to downtown. 2BR/1BA or 1BR and art/music rehearsal space. CHAC. Private driveway. Small Yard. Creekside. $200,000. No owner financing. Call 706201-1919 or 706-247-4513 for info.

Sell or rent your property in the Flagpole Classifieds. Call 706-549-0301 to place an ad.

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

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

Advertise your musical service in the Flagpole Classifieds! Call 706-549-0301 to place an ad.

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

MUSIC SERVICES

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

MUSICIANS WANTED

Athens 3 piece band looking for a guitarist, keyboardist or other instruments to fill out sound. Check strangetorpedo/ onthebrink/bandcamp. Contact Tom at 706-247-1259.

SERVICES

HOME AND GARDEN

Need old papers for your garden? Call Flagpole at 706-549-0301.

We offer garden clean-up/ maintenance, invasive plant removal, raised beds, personalized native/edible gardens for home/business and more! Call/Text: 706395-5321.

JOBS

FULL-TIME

Taste of India is now hiring (Busser, host, to-go specialist, team member). Paid weekly, employee meals, flexible schedules, full-time or part-time. $15–20. APPLY IN PERSON.

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.

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

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

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.junk south.com and text us at 706-424-4389.

Flagpole ♥s our advertisers, donors and readers! Thanks for your support!