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ADVERTISING DIRECTOR & PUBLISHER Alicia Nickles

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CITY EDITOR Blake Aued

ARTS & MUSIC EDITOR Jessica Smith

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Sam Lipkin

OFFICE MANAGER & DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Jennifer Keene

CLASSIFIEDS Jennifer Keene

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CONTRIBUTORS Jay Bookman, Cy Brown, Hillary Brown, Charles Hayslett, Gordon Lamb, Colin Lecher

CARTOONISTS Missy Kulik, David Mack, Klon Waldrip, Joey Weiser

CIRCULATION Jennifer Bray, Charles Greenleaf, Joe Rowe

EDITORIAL INTERN Mary Beth Bryan

PHOTOGRAPHERS Mason Pearson, Jake Zerkel

SPECIAL AGENT Pete McCommons

Early Voting Hours Set

PLUS, A SHORT AND SWEET COMMISSION MEETING FOR A CHANGE

By Blake Aued news@flagpole.com

The Athens-Clarke County Board of Elections is moving early voting this fall from the cramped downtown election office to the more spacious Lyndon House Arts Center, and will expand voting hours at advance voting locations across the county.

After extensive discussions—mainly around staffing challenges and cooperation with the facilities where early voting takes place—the BOE approved a schedule for early voting. “We want to create a buffet menu and make everybody happy, but we have to keep a lot of things in mind,” Director of Elections and Voter Registration Charlotte Sosebee said.

Early voting will begin Tuesday, Oct. 15 at the Lyndon House with hours from 7 a.m.–5 p.m. through that Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19 and 12–3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 20.

Hours for the second week of early voting will be 7 a.m.–7 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Lyndon House. Four more early voting locations—at the Miriam Moore Community Center, the ACC Library, the Cooperative Extension office and the tennis center at Southeast Clarke Park—will open on Saturday, Oct 26. Hours at all five locations will be 9 a.m.–5 p.m. that day. Only the Lyndon House will be open that Sunday, from 12–3 p.m.

For the third week of early voting, the Lyndon House and the Moore Center will be open from 7 a.m.–7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and until 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 1—the last day of early voting before Election Day Nov. 5. The library, the extension office and the tennis center will be open from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. that Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and until 7 p.m. on Wednesday. In addition, voting will be held at the Tate Student Center on campus from 7 a.m.–5 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 28 and Tuesday, Oct. 29, and from 7 a.m.–7 p.m.

on Wednesday, Oct. 30.

The board also voted to change the dropbox location for absentee ballots to the Lyndon House.

Eastside Projects Top Agenda

Athens-Clarke County Commission had an unusually brief agenda-setting meeting on Aug. 20, taking just an hour and 11 minutes to discuss 25 agenda items the commission will vote on Tuesday, Sept. 4.

A request to rezone a 23-acre parcel on Shadybrook Drive—off of Lexington Road near the Barnett Shoals Road intersection—from RS-8 (small single-family lots) to RM-1 (low-density multifamily) took up about half the brief meeting. Developer Ronnie Kittle is proposing to build 60 cottage-style condominiums, with nature trails on the back end of the property that could link up with the North Oconee River Greenway. While commissioners did not express opposition to the development itself, some were concerned that the plans are not binding, meaning that if the rezone were approved and the property sold, someone else could build something different.

The commission will also vote next week on two related pedestrian projects for Lexington Road. One would fill in a sidewalk gap near East Athens Baptist Church with a multi-use path. The other would create a connection between Firefly Trail and neighborhoods off Lexington Road east of the Loop, fund a shared-use path near Walmart and install several flashing beacons along the busy five-lane corridor for pedestrians to cross.

A $3.7 million construction contract for Firefly Trail is also on next week’s agenda and should pass, although Commissioner Patrick Davenport took it off consent for an individual vote. f

Trump Tries Again

STATE BOARD SMOOTHS THE WAY FOR A 2024 ELECTION STEAL

By Jay Bookman news@flagpole.com

In the aftermath of the 2020 election, Donald Trump mounted a concerted effort to defy the voters’ verdict and remain in office, even if it meant fomenting violence and blocking the peaceful transfer of power.

Yes, he failed, but failure is a very good teacher. Trump and his allies had tested the integrity of our election system in a way that no one in American history had dared, and in the process they discovered where it was weak and where it was strong. They learned how and where to strike the next time, and here in Georgia they have been diligent in putting those lessons to work.

In 2020, for example, Trump and his co-conspirators learned that Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger was more loyal to the Constitution, fairness and the facts than he was to Trump. They also realized that if they couldn’t remove Raffensperger as secretary of state, they could at least strip him of some of his power. So that’s what they’ve done.

Association of Voter Registration and Election Officials, those changes will “create unnecessary confusion among both the public and the dedicated poll workers and election officials who are critical to ensuring a smooth and efficient voting process.”

If those warnings prove valid—if county election officials have indeed been set up for failure through rules they cannot realistically honor—then Trump will have the excuse he needs to challenge the election outcome and delay or halt certification.

Back in 2020, for example, Raffensperger served as chair of the state election board, the appointed body entrusted to help conduct “fair, legal and orderly elections.” He and other members of the board at that time, Republican and Democratic alike, were sane, responsible, fact-based citizens who took the mission of honest elections seriously.

No longer. Thanks to laws passed by Trump allies in the state legislature, Raffensperger has been removed from the election board. Other members were removed as well, eventually handing control of the board to a three-member MAGA majority that is dedicated not to free and fair elections, but to elections that Trump can win. Trump himself, at a recent rally in Georgia, celebrated those three members by name as his “pitbulls” for victory.

In 2020, Trump and his allies also learned the legal significance of certifying an election. Their plot to steal that election by creating fake presidential electors failed because Joe Biden’s victory had already been officially certified. Their plot to get Congress to invalidate Georgia’s election through false claims of fraud was thwarted for the same reason. So this time, using their “pitbull” majority on the state election board, they are trying to ensure that a potential victory for Kamala Harris could not be easily or quickly certified. They are doing so by a two-step process.

First, they are passing a series of last-minute, unnecessary, unrealistic and in some cases illegal rule changes in how elections are conducted. They have done so despite clear warnings from local election officials that they are “setting up 159 counties for failure.” According to the Georgia

Step Two is a direct assault on that process of certification. Back in 2020, county election boards in Georgia had no authority to block final certification of elections. If conservative-dominated county boards were unhappy with an election’s outcome, they had no legal power to challenge, overturn or delay it. All they could do was certify the numbers by the deadline required by law.

State law hasn’t changed in that regard, but the unelected members of the state election board are trying to rewrite it on their own, bureaucratically. Through their rule-making power, they are telling local boards that if they doubt the validity of an election, for reasons real or imagined, they are now free to refuse to certify the results.

If an election can’t be certified, then there is no official winner. If there is no official winner, then alternate electors can come into play, or the state legislature or Congress can be pressured to declare a winner on its own, in effect silencing the voice of Georgia voters. The door to election shenanigans swings wide open.

This is not a tolerable state of affairs.

An important state entity has gone rogue, claiming powers it does not legally have, breaking laws that it finds inconvenient, and consciously, intentionally undermining public faith in elections that are the basis of self-government. And so far, the Georgia Republican leadership that handed control of the state election board to Trump’s pitbulls have been too intimidated by their farright base to take that control away and put it back in responsible hands. f

This column originally appeared at georgiarecorder.com

Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, center, served as chair of the State Election Board until former President Donald Trump’s allies in the Georgia Legislature responded to the 2020 election by removing the Republican from the oversight panel.

Dawgs on Bottom

HALF OF GEORGIA COUNTIES—MOSTLY RURAL—HAVE POOR HEALTH OUTCOMES

By Charles Hayslett news@flagpole.com

One of my objectives with Trouble in God’s Country has been to put Georgia’s performance across a range of socio-economic measures into a national context. As regular readers may recall, I’ve reported that Georgia has hugely disproportionate shares of its geography and population mired at the bottom of the national ladder for various measures.

CHRR gauges county-level health outcomes by stirring together local data for the following measures: premature death rates, the percentage of live births reported with low birthweight, the percentage of adults reporting fair or poor health, and the average number of physically and mentally unhealthy days reported in the past 30 days.

Georgia counties by 2024 national quartiles for health outcomes. Based on analysis of Community Health Rankings & Roadmaps data. Lighter gray = top quartile; darker gray = bottom quartile

In 2020, for example, Georgia had more people living in counties that were in the bottom national quartile for per capita income than any other state in the nation. Likewise, I found in analyzing educational attainment data that the 147 counties outside my 12- county Metro Atlanta region would constitute the second- worst educated state in the nation, behind Mississippi and just a little better than West Virginia. The Atlanta region would constitute the secondbest educated state in the country, behind Colorado and ahead of Massachusetts.

Doing the same thing with health data has always been a little trickier, but a couple of months ago the nonprofit organization County Health Rankings & Roadmaps (CHRR) came to the rescue.

As a little background, CHRR has, for more than a decade now, been collecting and reporting key population health metrics on the vast majority of counties in the nation (there are always some counties you can’t get data for). The program is run by the University of Wisconsin’s Population Health Institute and funded, at least in part, by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

As part of its annual report, it has historically included in- state rankings; with this year’s report, it includes data that makes it possible to rank all counties nationally. Which is just what I needed. So, the question I’d been waiting to get an answer to was simply: Would the same thing hold true with health? The answer, sadly, is… absolutely.

Trying to Fit In CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN, AND THE WOMAN

By Pete McCommons pete@flagpole.com

Eighty- three of Georgia’s 159 counties are in the bottom national quartile for health outcomes, based on the CHRR rankings—more than any other state. This includes all but 20 of the counties south of the Gnat Line.

According to the Census Bureau’s latest population estimates, those 83 counties are home to 2.43 million Georgians. I’m still stitching together the national population analysis, but I’ll go out on a limb and say I’ll be more than a little surprised if we don’t also lead the nation in the number of people living in bottom-quartile counties.

The counties at the top and bottom of the Georgia list won’t come as a surprise to anybody. The top five Georgia counties for health outcomes, per the CHRR report, are (in order): Forsyth County, Oconee County, Cherokee County, Cobb County and Columbia County. The bottom five are: Early County at 155th; Crisp at 156th; Randolph County at 157th; Hancock County at 158th and Miller County at 159th.

One other factoid I can include here is that the Georgia-North Carolina contrast I’ve found with other measures holds true with health outcomes as well. Generally regarded as perhaps Georgia’s closest peer state, North Carolina has somehow managed to do a much better job than Georgia of limiting the number of its citizens who fall into the nation’s bottom tier for economic performance and educational attainment.

The same is true with CHRR’s health outcomes. Only 19 of North Carolina’s 100 counties and 6.7% of its population fell into the bottom national quartile for health outcomes in the latest study. In contrast, 22% of Georgia’s population live in the 83 counties that landed in the bottom quartile for health outcomes.

With both per capita income and educational attainment, I’ve been able to demonstrate that the gap between Georgia and North Carolina developed over time. With both those measures, there was a time when the two states had very comparable data profiles. But over time, North Carolina has done a better job of pulling its citizens out of the bottom national quartile for economic performance and educational attainment. I’ll be surprised if the same pattern doesn’t hold true with health outcomes. f

Now that UGA has reconvened, a slow drive down Milledge—which is the only kind you can do now that UGA has reconvened— reveals an update on current student attire. Women’s shorts, like the Dow Jones average, just keep on going up, even shorter this year than last. The Milledge journey also provides an opportunity to see just how closely men are coordinating their clothing. Khaki trousers are the baseline, and there is apparently still some leeway for slight deviations in the shades of khaki, just as the polo shirts atop the khakis don’t yet have to be a complete match, nor do the sneakers. But the trend is still definitely toward standardization, as if there were a military inspection before leaving the frat house.

“ I thought I knew what casual attire was.

Socialization is an important part of college, and looking just right is an important part of socialization. These students will be judged for the rest of their lives by how they look. The wrong clothing choice can be devastating, can keep them out of their Greek club of choice now, and in the future can mess up a first date, doom a job interview or deny a lucrative marriage.

That’s why fraternities and sororities are so important. If you’ve got other strong enough points, you’re given some wiggle

Burch would call a “one-suit man.”) I met a lot of the brothers, and later in the spring they invited me over for a patio party, with the invitation stipulating “casual attire.” This was a big problem. I thought I knew what casual attire was, but I also knew that I didn’t own any. I wore my suit on Sunday and the rest of the time jeans and some kind of shirt from our family store that immediately announced that I did not fit in, i.e. not buttoned down, no useless little loop on the back nor an alligator or polo player on the front and was in some not-subtle pattern and color. I had seen Bermuda shorts but had never known anybody who wore them, except my don’t-give-a-damn older cousin Miles.

I didn’t know what to do. I considered declining or just not showing up, but I was flattered to be invited and liked some of the brothers I had met. I didn’t have time to drive over to Athens and buy some casual clothes, and wouldn’t have known what to buy.

I did the only thing I could. I wore my suit with a white shirt and tie, ready to pretend I had overlooked the casual-dress injunction. As soon as I set foot on the patio, some of the brothers who had

room when you’re being rushed—especially if you’re one of the few not from Atlanta— but as soon as you are in, it is vitally important to your sisters and brothers that you “fit in,” and they will make sure that you do. You will look like a Chi or your life will be miserable. It’s a tough standard, but it will pay off handsomely in your dating and working life.

I know. The housemother of a fraternity here was from my hometown, and as a high school senior, I accompanied my mother when she was invited to a reception for that housemother at her fraternity house. I was, of course, all dressed up in my suit. (I was what the late, great Athens banker Charlie

befriended me rushed over and got me out of the coat and tie and rolled up my shirt sleeves to make me look as casual as a nonbeer-drinker could look.

Well, it all turned out OK, but I never did feel like I completely fit in, unlike some of the other guys from small towns who hit the downtown mens’ stores and came out cool from shirt to shoes.

It’s easy to view student behavior as strange—as strange as their view of ours— but that’s what Athens has always been about. It’s our town, but it wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for them. And they’re a good reminder that we’re all in our own way still trying to fit in. f

LEE

Facebook Saw Your FAFSA

By Colin Lecher The Markup news@flagpole.com

Anew federal lawsuit accuses the U.S. Department of Education of failing to disclose records of its correspondence with Facebook, after an investigation by The Markup found the department sharing sensitive student information with the tech company.

In 2022, The Markup revealed how the department used a tool called the Meta Pixel to quietly gather names, email addresses and zip codes of prospective college students who filled out the online Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. The pixel transmitted the student data from the FAFSA website—the primary way millions of students and their families apply for financial aid—to Facebook and its parent company, Meta, in a “hashed” or scrambled format that could be easily reversed and potentially used by Meta for targeting advertisements.

After The Markup alerted the U.S. DOE of the tracking practice, the agency stopped using the pixel on the FAFSA, and said that an advertising campaign had “inadvertently” tracked unintended data on applicants and would review the issue. But questions remain about how the student data might have been used or how many people might have been affected. Facebook’s algorithms are complex, and even some engineers at the company have complained that they don’t understand where data the company receives ends up.

Almost immediately following The Markup’s investigation, nonprofit organizations the National Student Legal Defense Network (Student Defense), which provides legal defense for higher education students, and Accountable Tech, which advocates against online surveillance practices, asked

lawmakers to investigate the trackers on the FAFSA website, and requested documents from the Department of Education under the Freedom of Information Act. The groups asked the Department of Education to provide any communications between government officials and Facebook. Their request also asked for any reports or other documents about data being sent to the company through the Meta Pixel.

Facebook did with the students’ information, and whether the department investigated the incident. “I think there’s some real concerns around what’s happening with this data,” Ament said. “Especially if students just went to the government’s website to fill out a FAFSA and their data is sent, what has happened since then?”

He pointed out that large, for-profit higher education institutions have used Facebook ads to reach students through pressure tactics in the past. Despite promises, those colleges may leave students debtridden and with inflated expectations about finding a job. Ament said the organizations were concerned about whether students could be targeted by such schools through the data.

Meta and the Department of Education did not respond to a request for comment

Last month, the organizations alleged in a lawsuit that, more than two years later, they still have not received records from the Department of Education, and are asking the court to force the agency to provide the documents.

Aaron Ament, president of Student Defense, told The Markup that the organizations wanted to learn more about what

on the suit or for more information on how the students’ data was used.

Meta offers the pixel free to businesses and organizations to embed on their websites and track visitors. By using the tool, companies can gather data about users’ interests and later advertise to them on Facebook. If a pixel detects that a person is browsing watches, for example, a business

might purchase Facebook ads to show them other timepieces they might be interested in. The tool is one of the reasons internet users complain about online shopping items haunting them across the web. While businesses can target ads to their customers using the pixel, it’s also a boon to Facebook. The tool entices businesses to spend more on ad campaigns, and Facebook can also use the data it receives to improve its own internal advertising algorithms. Millions of websites use the Meta Pixel, according to the company, but most people never know when they interact with one. To understand the pervasiveness of the code, The Markup launched a project called The Pixel Hunt. Working with Mozilla Rally, we gathered anonymized browsing data from volunteers that showed their interactions with the pixel, and also directly examined network traffic between Facebook and the websites themselves.

The project has revealed the surprising ways data from sensitive industries is provided to Facebook without users’ knowledge. The Markup’s stories have uncovered examples of hospitals, tax preparation companies and mortgage lenders sharing customers’ personal data with Facebook, along with other instances of websites tracking students.

Those investigations have resulted in many businesses removing the pixels, as well as dozens of privacy-related lawsuits and scrutiny from Congressional lawmakers, including in response to The Markup’s FAFSA investigation. Calls for accountability rolled in almost immediately after publication. Two Congressional Republicans, in a 2022 letter to Education Secretary Miguel Cardona, called the tracking “completely inappropriate” and “predatory.” The two North Carolina lawmakers, Sen. Richard Burr and Rep. Virginia Foxx, said they had requested a briefing from Cardona on the issue but had been rebuffed.

Ament said there are “members of Congress that are really interested on both sides of the aisle” on how the data might have been used. “There’s been a lot of questions since your article that really haven’t gotten answered,” he said. f

A New Era

COLLEGE FOOTBALL KEEPS CHANGING

By Cy Brown news@flagpole.com

Part of what I like about college football is the routine. From Labor Day until Thanksgiving, I have my Saturdays planned.

I spend my fall Saturdays one of two ways: seated on my couch watching football until my eyes bleed, or in the parking lot of the Dairy Science Building tailgating and watching football until my eyes bleed, then walking to Sanford Stadium to watch the Dawgs play in person—the occasional wedding or family function notwithstanding.

This sport that I love in part because it is so routine has undergone tremendous change in recent years. Players getting paid and being allowed virtually unrestricted movement through the transfer portal has fundamentally transformed how the sport operates. But those changes weren’t onfield and didn’t affect how we view the game Saturday to Saturday.

This year, though, that Saturday experience will be different. For starters, this is the first year of the most recent realignment boom. Now you have schools from California, famously with a non- Atlantic coast, in the Atlantic Coast Conference. In our neck of the woods, that means the additions of Texas and Oklahoma to the SEC and a jettisoning of divisions in favor of a “two best records” conference championship format.

Which leads to our other major change: the 12- team playoff. For years, I’ve harped on the necessity for Georgia to go undefeated or at least make the SEC Championship Game to guarantee a spot in the playoff. In a 12- team playoff world, we have wiggle room. A loss—hell, even two— will not be the death knell to a team’s title hopes as it was in the past. Whether that’s good or bad, I leave for you to judge.

The extra wiggle room this new format gives us couldn’t have come at a better time, either, as Kirby Smart and the Dawgs are facing down the toughest schedule of his tenure. The season opens on a neutral site in Atlanta against Clemson. The Tigers have slipped from the heights of the Watson/ Lawrence years, but they’re still dangerous, especially in Week 1 when it’s difficult to know what to expect.

The removal of divisions has created a refreshing but dangerous SEC schedule for the Dawgs. We travel to Tuscaloosa at the end of September to see if we can exact some revenge for the SEC Championship

Game last year and come out on top against the Tide in our first meeting of the postSaban era. In October, we head to Austin for a first SEC contest against the Texas Longhorns, who look like potential title contenders in their first season in a new league. Then, in November, we hit the road once more, this time for Oxford, where Lane Kiffin has Ole Miss potentially poised for its best shot at an SEC title since the Archie Manning days. That’s about as dangerous a road schedule as you could ask for.

(On the bright side, we get Alabama, Texas and Ole Miss in Athens next year.)

So, yeah, it’s gonna be a tough row to hoe. But as we’ve all come to expect, we got some certified DUDES on this roster.

Offensively, Carson Beck will lead the way. Oddsmakers have him favored to win the Heisman, which has more to do with him being the starting quarterback for the team favored to win the title than being really, really good, but he is also really, really good. He’ll be working behind an offensive line that, on paper, looks like it could be Smart’s best since coming back to Athens.

At the skill positions, Beck will be aided by a deep receiving corps led by Dominic Lovett, Dillon Bell, Anthony Evans III and Oscar Delp, and bolstered by the additions of Vanderbilt transfer London Humphreys and USC transfer Michael Jackson III. Florida transfer Trevor Etienne could be the workhorse tailback we’ve sorely missed the last few years, if he lives up to expectations.

The defense… well, it’s a Kirby Smart defense. You can expect it to be outstanding and full of future NFL talent. Malaki Starks is the best safety in college football, and he’ll be a perfect role model for Ellis Robinson IV and KJ Bolden, two of the most promising freshmen defensive backs in the country. Mykel Williams has been training more at outside linebacker to give the defense more punch off the edge. As always, our group of inside linebackers, this year led by Smael Mondon and CJ Allen, is the envy of college football. f

Editor’s note: Cy Brown is stepping away from Flag Football this year due to family obligations, but Flagpole is considering continuing the column. Anyone who is interested in taking it over is invited to send writing samples and a cover letter explaining the direction you would take it to City Editor Blake Aued at news@flagpole.com.

Georgia’s 2024 football schedule

AUG. 31: versus Clemson in Atlanta; noon on ABC

SEPT. 7: versus Tennessee Tech; 2 p.m. on SEC Network+

SEPT. 14: at Kentucky; 7:30 p.m. on ABC

SEPT. 28: at Alabama; 7:30 p.m. on ABC

OCT. 5: versus Auburn; time TBD (Homecoming)

OCT. 12: versus Mississippi State; time TBD

OCT. 19: at Texas; time TBD

OCT. 26: versus Florida in Jacksonville; 3:30 p.m. on ABC

NOV. 9: at Ole Miss; time TBD

NOV. 16: versus Tennessee; time TBD

NOV. 23: versus UMass; 12:45 p.m. on SEC Network

NOV. 29: versus Georgia Tech; 7:30 p.m. on ABC

Claws Up

CLASSIC CENTER ARENA, PRO HOCKEY TEAM DEBUT IN DECEMBER

By Blake Aued news@flagpole.com

The new arena at the Classic Center has a name, and so does a minorleague hockey team that will serve as its anchor tenant. Now all that’s left is to put the finishing touches on the arena itself.

The Classic Center announced a 10-year, $6 million naming rights deal with Akins Ford on Aug. 20. In May, the Federal Prospects League team that will play its home games at Akins Ford Arena announced the results of a fan vote: It will be known as the Rock Lobsters, after the 1978 hit by Athens legends the B-52s, defeating several other options like the Classic City Panic (for another world-famous Athens band, Widespread Panic).

he had never set foot in Athens before that day, he already knew the city was going to make recruiting easier. “They’re going to like living here,” he said, then joking: “That gives me a little power, too, because I can threaten to trade them.”

The arena construction project has been beset by cost overruns and other delays, so the team will play its first dozen games on the road before debuting at Akins Ford Arena on Dec. 6. Eight days later, the B-52s will come out of retirement to christen the arena’s stage.

The $151 million project’s cost has doubled since its inception in 2018. In 2020, Athens voters approved a package of sales tax-funded projects that included $33 million for the arena, which was somewhat controversial at the time and nearly left off the list.

But while Rock Lobsters head coach Steve Martinson is a self-professed B-52s fan via its early videos on MTV, “Rock Lobster” is not his hype song of choice. “We always play this at home,” he said at a fan meet-and-greet last month, as a DJ cued up Nazareth’s “Hair of the Dog” (“Now you’re messing with/ A son of a bitch!”). “Think of us when you hear that.”

Unsurprisingly, the man who set the Eastern Hockey League record for most minutes in the penalty box plans to play a physical style. Like any old-school football coach, he believes defense wins championships. And like every football coach in the SEC, he knows that speed kills.

While Martinson acknowledged that the Bulldogs are “the pride of the town,” there are a lot of similarities between football and hockey, he told a crowd of hundreds at Terrapin Brewery after being introduced as the Rock Lobsters’ coach in July. “People who like football like to see skill, and they like to see physicality.”

Although the Rock Lobsters are new, FPHL Commissioner Don Kirnan has said he expects them to compete for the league championship right away. “I have no intention of starting out with a losing team,” Martinson said. “I want to go into every game expecting to win every game.”

At the time, Martinson was still in the process of signing players, but even though

The rest of the funding comes from municipal bonds backed by private sources of revenue, such as naming rights, ticket fees, parking, concessions and leasing government-owned land around the arena (located off Willow Street near the Multimodal Center) for private development. Atlanta-based Mallory & Evans is planning a new entertainment district surrounding the arena, including apartments, a hotel, a parking deck, restaurants and bars, similar to The Battery around Truist Park in Cobb County.

Classic Center Executive Director Paul Cramer “can get blood out of a turnip, and he can get blue out of a Ford,” Akins Ford owner Brad Akins joked at the naming rights announcement.

Cramer said Akins Ford was chosen because it has a history of giving back to the community, and the 400-employee dealership’s market reach is similar to the arena’s. Akins Ford previously sponsored UGA’s club hockey team when it played at the Classic Center’s Grand Hall in a temporary rink with removable bleachers. “Brad had the courage to believe in the [Classic Center] when literally no one else did,” Cramer said.

In addition to hockey and concerts, the arena will host ice shows and other family-friendly events, large conventions and high school sports tournaments. With a capacity of 8,500 for concerts, it will not compete with much smaller local venues like the Georgia Theatre. But it is expected to draw more popular artists, as well as visitors from Metro Atlanta and as far away as North and South Carolina. The arena is expected to create 600 jobs and a $30 million yearly economic impact. “The impact of this facility will be felt in every corner of the community,” said Jennifer Zwirn, chair of the Classic Center Authority, its mayor and commission-appointed governing board. f

TUESDAY,

WEDNESDAY,

Wow Signal Collective’s AI Collaborations PLUS,

MORE MUSIC NEWS AND GOSSIP

By Gordon Lamb threatsandpromises@flagpole.com

THURSDAY,

FRIDAY,

KEEP ’EM COMING: The yet- to-disappoint Julia Nyunt has a new single, “Ballad,” out now on major streaming services. It starts off by immediately diving into a syrupy, slow R&B melody with an attendant rhythm. The track, one of longing and resolution, is pure old school, checkerboard tablecloth, Chianti-bottle- candle-holder lounge music. This will slot well next to any slow jams in your collection. If you missed her earlier this week at Flicker, she’ll next play Athens at Ciné on Friday, Sept. 20. Strange Orchard and Solstice are also on the bill this night. For more information, please see julianyunt.bandzoogle.com.

CALLING OCCUPANTS OF INTERPLANETARY

CRAFT: Explained via a fantastical yet nearly completely fact-based narrative, Wow Signal Collective—the collaborative project between Chris McKay (Critical Darlings) and Robert Schneider (Apples In Stereo)—features both artists “collaborating” with artificial intelligence-generated “bands.” McKay’s band is Devine & Devine, and its track is the deeply soulful and slightly funky mid- tempo “I’ll Be Free (But Not Today).” Schneider’s band is Micropanthers who weigh in with the thumpy disco track “Personal Flight,” which is so authentic sounding it would be completely anachronistic were it not for our heroes in Daft Punk. The story goes that both artists were contacted separately by an entity making reference to the Aug. 15, 1977 transmission receipt by SETI (i.e. Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) radio astronomers. On this date a secret society was supposedly formed to accept, decipher and respond to this transmitted message. Now, 47 years later, McKay and Schneider were among, presumably, many artists contacted to participate. Unless this is all completely made up and just a way to elbow in some heretofore lost love for AI. I dunno, man. The ’77 transmission is real, as is the readout of its intensity–6EQUJ5. The rest of this story? Just ask them, folks. As far as the tunes go, you can find them over at chrismckay.bandcamp.com.

crowded. All in all not a bad first foray into this area, but I’d like to see this tightened up a bit if he wants to continue in this direction. Find this on Spotify.

SHOW WHAT YA KNOW: Newer Athens promoter Jonah Boucher and his business partner Jacob Maldonado, together known as Dawghouse Presents, will host the Road To Breakaway at the Silver Dollar on Friday, Aug. 30. This event is associated with the national event series Breakaway Festival, which hosts events nationwide in multiple college towns. Featured acts on this EDM-heavy night are OTT, Tony Jack, Banjo, JGood and Tribe. There are three different tiers of tickets ($5, $8, $10), but there’s no indication of how these tiers are different. For more information, please see facebook.com/silverdollarathens.

SUMMER’S ALMOST GONE: In the past two weeks songwriter Quentin Love released the cleverly catchy folk-pop/skifflish “The Songs Of Summer,” then immediately turned around and released the full-length Quentin Loves You. It starts with the breezy “Smells Like Rain” which is largely softy psychedelic, but closes with a nice banjo coda. The multi-movement “Honey Get Home Part 1” is structurally similar to the bulk of the of Montreal catalog, but otherwise nondescript. The instrumental “Blossoms” is basically perfect, though, and pulls the listener right back into this. “Honey Get Home Part 2” is a logical continuation of its first part. Stripped down to its parts, what you have here is a style of music so deeply referential that to namecheck specific influences is chasing one’s tail. Placed into the context of the album, what you’ve got is the references transposed such that they’re rendered more as a recognizable, common language than anything working from a checklist. This is quite enjoyable, and you can find it at quentinlove.bandcamp.com.

UP TO SPEED: The style- shifting Bryant Perez has a new track out as of Aug. 30. This one’s named “Dance,” and Perez reports that a video is in the works that’ll feature other locals including Phantom Dan, Molly Tu Hott, P.O. The Priceless One, NateballYall and Nancy Morris. The song itself is a sticky-icky EDM track that has a beat approximating a sponge slapping the floor for the first minute. After this a keyboard riff kicks in and the tempo seems to increase. It doesn’t, actually, but that’s the effect of the arrangement becoming more

MIRROR MOVES: Punk vanguards Beat Up have a new three- song EP, No Great Progress, of songs that didn’t fit on other recent releases. I was warned in advance that these songs were a stylistic departure for the band but, hoo boy, do they fit in well. The first song, the title track, is probably the most spectacular departure, and I’m really enjoying how much this could be an unreleased Leatherface song. Then there’s the street-punk- with- swagger of “Turn Up the Heat” before the whole thing closes with the nearly anthemic “Sound of Revolt,” which turns up its own heat by virtue of its smoldering Dead Kennedys’ guitar- style action. Find this at beatup. bandcamp.com. f

Wow Signal Collective

Back to School Checklist Back to School Checklist

Sunscreen (reapply every 2 hrs SPF 30+)

Sunglasses (eyes can get sunburned too!)

SPF Chapstick (lips get sunburned too!)

Pick up prescriptions; stop by pharmacy

HPV vaccination (it’s cancer prevention!)

Flu shot (flu season is October - April)

COVID-19 vaccination

DID YOU KNOW YOU

DID YOU KNOW YOU CAN VACCINATE AGAINST CANCER? VACCINATE AGAINST CANCER?

What is HPV?

HPV is a common virus that affects all genders, spread through skinto-skin contact, including activities like sports, kissing, or shared surfaces like pools. It isn't solely spread through sexual activity.

Why should I vaccinate?

HPV can cause cervical, throat, and genital cancers among others. Vaccinating your child helps protect them before exposure.

HPV exposure can happen at any age through close contact, like in sports or shared spaces. The vaccine is important for everyone, as it protects against HPV-related cancers and is safe and effective.

When am I eligible for the HPV vaccine?

The best time to receive the HPV vaccine is between ages 9–14 with two doses. If you're 15–45, you can still get vaccinated with three doses, though it's more effective when given earlier.

eastgeorgiacancercoalition.org eastgeorgiacancercoalition.org

Merch Merch fMerch flagpole lagpole New New

A collection of pieces written by Gil Evans, Gerry Mulligan, Miles Davis and John Lewis from 1948-50, that was expanding past the “Be-Bop” hard driving small group Jazz music of the time. Featuring UGA Music Faculty Jazz Ensemble.

Thursday, August 29 at 7:30 p.m. Hodgson Concert Hall, UGA PAC

The Power of Nature: An Evening of Beethoven

Featuring the Coriolan Overture, the 3rd Piano Concerto featuring UGA Faculty Alan Woo, piano; evening closes with his 6th Symphony “Pastoral.”

Thursday, September 12 at 7:30 p.m. Hodgson Concert Hall, UGA PAC

Join D. Ray McClellan for a chamber recital with works by Brahms, Butterworth, and more. Also featuring: Liza Stepanova, piano, James Kim, cello, Zachary Helms, cello Thomas LaMon, cello & Gabriella McClellan, cello BIRTH

Wednesday, September 4 at 7:30 p.m. Ramsey Concert Hall, UGA PAC

RECITAL: Mon. Sept. 9 at 7:30 p.m.

MASTER CLASS: Tues. Sept. 10 at 10 a.m. Ramsey Concert Hall, UGA PAC

Bichos Vivos ATHENS’ OWN FORRÓ BAND TRAVELS TO BRAZIL

By Jessica Smith music@flagpole.com

Creating euphoric, hypnotic music that lures people onto the dance floor, Bichos Vivos breathes life into every party while paying homage to the musical traditions of Northeastern Brazil. After years of sharing their passion for forró music with Athens, Bichos Vivos recently ventured all the way to Brazil with the intentions of not only performing in front of Brazilian audiences, but creating lasting connections that can be built upon for years to come.

For the uninitiated, forró is a popular genre of music and dance in Northeastern Brazil that is essential to the region’s cultural identity. This musical style is traditionally identified as having a base featuring an accordion that plays melodies alongside a rhythm section consisting of a metal triangle that keeps an ongoing pulse and a zabumba (large bass drum) that plays syncopated rhythms. Igniting dancehalls far and wide with its lively rhythm, forró also refers to the events at which the music is played—here, the music and the party itself are virtually synonymous.

The origin of Bichos Vivos dates back to the North Georgia Folk Festival in 2017, when founding member Tony Oscar joined Klezmer Local 42 onstage to play percussion. Following the set, he approached the band’s accordion player, Philip Kohnen, to ask if he might be interested in playing forró music together. After putting a zabumba that had been mailed to him from Sao Paulo into the hands of Todd Mueller, who quickly took a liking to the instrument, Oscar knew he was on his way to establishing Georgia’s first forró band.

With the essential accordion-triangle-zabumba trio finally falling into place, Oscar still needed someone who could sing in Portuguese, so he reached out to Robert Moser, an associate professor of Portuguese, Brazilian, and Lusophone African Literature and Culture at UGA. Rounded out by Lucas Tavares McAuliffe on guitar and William Freeman Leverett on bass, the band was finally ready to play its first gig at Cali N Tito’s on the Eastside in October of 2018.

Since then, the band’s contagious, joyful energy has attracted the additional talents of Natalie Smith on flute and percussion, Keiko Ishibashi on violin and Nicholas Wiles on percussion.

“The band’s goal was very simple,” says Oscar. “Because the audience wouldn’t understand the lyrics, we had to make them dance!”

Crafting a new style of their own, Bichos Vivos fuses elements of genres from Northeastern Brazil such as forró, baião, xaxado, frevo—as well as broader styles like bossa nova and música popular brasileira—with influences from folk and pop music of the U.S. Simply put, the band creates music designed to get people swaying their hips and

clapping their hands, as demonstrated at their previous long-running monthly residency at Hendershot’s.

In June, Bichos Vivos achieved one of its biggest dreams: to travel to Brazil. What at first felt like a faraway fantasy began to take shape when the band, after a successful and very active year, began discussing the trip in realistic terms. Leaning on the help of friends who connected them with a tour manager, they began to create an itinerary and get airfare and lodging locked into place.

“The trip to Brazil was somewhat of an urban legend within the band, like a prophecy that we never believed would come to fruition,” says Kohnen.

Bichos Vivos’ travels to Brazil’s Nordeste were centered around Festa de São João, also known as Festa Junina, an annual celebration adapted from European Midsummer that celebrates rural life through dancing, music and food. Their route took them through a variety of small rural towns and larger cities Gravatá, Caruaru, Bezerros, João Pessoa, Serra da Raiz, Recife, Olinda— revealing a spectrum of gorgeous landscapes, art forms, historical landmarks and cultural traditions.

“The experience of taking the band to Brazil was not only a dream come true but an experience that none of us will ever forget,” says Oscar. “Amazing in every aspect. When we played the last note of the first song in front of a packed house in the state of Paraiba and heard the crowd’s reaction, that was gratifying. It was such a lift.”

Though initially experiencing some apprehension about how the band’s authenticity might be perceived, Bichos Vivos was relieved to be warmly and uniformly embraced by audiences.

“In Athens, there’s a novelty aspect in hearing forró,” says McAuliffe. “In Brazil, however, forró is a very traditional style. The novelty is seeing North Americans playing it… People often got emotional, seeing a band from outside Brazil paying homage to their traditions. Lots of phones went up when we started singing, and there were many teary eyes in the audience after our shows.”

The band’s travels were documented in great detail through “Tour Diary: Bichos Vivos’ Brazilian Odyssey,” an on-the-road journal published by Flagpole that included photos, videos and reflections written by Kohnen and Smith. Their escapades were also captured by filmmaker Erica McCarthy (Damn Good Dog, The Beach Lady) of Nowhere Productions, an Austin, TX and Athens-based production company. Traveling alongside the band, McCarthy kept her camera rolling through a variety of performances, cultural experiences and behind-the-scenes memories, and plans to edit the footage into a documentary style film.

“Believe it or not, the Brazilian crowds basically did the same thing as our crowds in the States,” says Kohnen. “They danced, started conga lines, and had a lot of fun. We were surprised to have such a warm reception from Brazilians. Knowing that we were a proverbial fish out of water, we expected some hesitance or rejection. Neither ever materialized, and instead we were made to feel at home and included at every venue.”

Bichos Vivos will perform at Hendershot’s on Friday, Aug. 30 at 8 p.m., then again at Historic Athens Porchfest on Sunday, Oct. 20. Looking towards the future, the band hopes to continue expanding their reach beyond Georgia’s borders, maybe even one day taking their American twist on Brazilian music to Europe or Asia.

“Playing the gigs in Brazil was just as incredible as our gigs in Athens because music is the most international and frontierless language in the world,” says Oscar. “After all members get over the cultural hangover we will work on new material and hopefully continue to do what we love the most: make people happy through music.” f

AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 8 | 10AM-5PM

RECEPTION: AUG. 23 6PM-8PM

Nancy Mehrpad, Esther Mech, Tammy Josephson

Matthew Sweet A SINGER-SONGWRITERS HONEYED RETURN

By Sam Lipkin editorial@flagpole.com

After a brief yet impactful two years in Athens in the early ’80s, the power pop/alternative rock pioneer Matthew Sweet went on to create MTV hits, gold albums and even go platinum. It’s been four years since Sweet performed locally, but he’s scheduled for a much anticipated return to the 40 Watt Club on Thursday, Aug. 29.

This show is rounding out a short run in continuation of Sweet’s spring tour, during which he’s been accompanied by his friend The Bangles drummer Debbi Peterson. The regular drummer in Sweet’s band, Ric Menck, was unable to join due to health complications and a loss in the family. Sweet says that Peterson has brought a fun and different energy to the live shows.

already. Within two years he left Georgia for New York City with a developmental record deal with Columbia.

Reminiscing on very Athens experiences, Sweet says he was able to meet the B-52s because they were friends with the lady who ran the boarding house where he stayed. So many places have come and gone since he was a resident, and one of his favorites was the Bluebird Cafe. Sweet describes it as a vegan breakfast place where everyone “who was sort of cool” went regularly. Having heard word that there’s now a Target downtown on Broad Street is something Sweet would never have imagined in the context of the Athens he lived in.

However, the 40 Watt Club has remained a constant fixture, albeit with its own changes, in Sweet’s touring life. After this run of shows, he’ll join an “unusual” tour this fall opening for Hanson as an acoustic trio with longtime bassist Paul Chastain and Carter. Naturally, there’s a story behind how this came about.

“She’s more of an ’80s drummer. So it’s a little more new wave and kind of jumpy, and it’s fun. It keeps us all on our toes, and we all get along really well. So it’s a little bit different probably than what most people have seen,” says Sweet.

Another new addition to the backing band is guitarist Adrian Carter. Both Carter and Peterson are capable of providing layered background harmonies, so Sweet says the current live performances feature more complex vocals than he’s been able to do in the past. Altogether, it will be a new and refreshing return to Athens for Sweet.

When Sweet first moved from Nebraska to Athens straight out of high school to attend the University of Georgia at the urging of his pen pal, R.E.M.’s Michael Stipe, he says it was “very exotic.” The heat, humidity and subsequent slower pace seemed “magical and mysterious” to Sweet, but he arrived in the Athens Golden Era with a handful of acquaintances and friends

arts & culture

MUSIC | WED, AUG. 28

Futurebirds

calendar picks

internationally, including in the National Museum for Women in the Arts. [MB]

When the Hanson brothers were still teenagers, Sweet wrote a few songs with them, one of which became the album title track “Underneath.” The musicians have always kept a relationship throughout the years. In celebration of Underneath’s 20th anniversary, Hanson is touring this fall and contacted Sweet to join.

“I’m just getting back out touring, and the idea of playing some kind of trio acoustic shows and having a little more time off appealed to me,” says Sweet. “I’m excited about it because I’m looking forward to seeing them and the tour… I’m kind of looking forward to it as a sort of music vacation, even though it’s really not a vacation. But it’s different. It’s a thing that turned out being able to happen, and it’s goodwill. You know, I like them. They like me. I’ve never really heard them play live, you know? So that’ll be cool just to even see.”

In between shows Sweet will be working on a new album that’s already in progress. It’s entitled Midsommar, inspired by the Ari Aster film of the same name and one of Sweet’s own psychedelic cat drawings. Making art is another of Sweet’s creative outlets, and the new album will be a look inside his combined interests. f

WHO: Matthew Sweet, Abe Partridge WHEN: Thursday, Aug 29, 7 p m (doors) WHERE: 40 Watt Club HOW MUCH: $20 (adv ), $25

Georgia Theatre • 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show) • SOLD OUT!

Athens gem turned nationally acclaimed act, Futurebirds’ music is a charming blend of Southern rock, folk and Americana. Rolling Stone has credited the band with carrying on “Athens, Georgia’s Indie Cool History” and even describes it as “the most captivating rock act touring today.” Futurebirds recently released their fifth studio album, Easy Company, which patches together influences ranging from My Morning Jacket to Neil Young. The release has 12 tracks–four apiece from each of the band’s frontmen, Daniel Womack, Thomas Johnson and Carter King–and it features artists including Waxahatchee’s Katie Crutchfield and Drive-By Truckers’ Patterson Hood. This hometown show is part of Futurebirds’ larger U.S. tour., which includes support dates with other big names in Americana including Shakey Graves and Nathaniel Rateliff. [Mary Beth Bryan]

ART | WED, AUG. 28

Curator Talk

Georgia Museum of Art • 2 p.m. • FREE!

“St. Petersburg as Franz Liszt Saw It” is an exhibition of large lithographic prints of cityscapes and small, hand-colored scenes of St. Petersburg from the Georgia Museum of Art’s permanent collection. The pieces are meant to show what Russia looked like at the time of the acclaimed composer’s visit in the 1840s. Both types of works contain the life of the city, depicting its coachmen, porters, water carriers, innkeepers and street peddlers. The exhibition is being held in partnership with the American Liszt Society Festival at UGA’s Hugh Hodgson School of Music and is curated by Asen Kirin. Kirin is an author and professor of art history at UGA whose research focuses on changing perceptions of Byzantine art and different ways in which Europeans and Americans engage the ancient and medieval cultural heritages. [MB]

ART | THU, AUG. 29

Kelsey Wishik

Closing Reception

tiny ATH gallery • 5–8 p.m. • FREE!

“Multiplicity” is a series of abstract representations of nature that artist Kelsey Wishik created to reflect how interactions between multiple small parts create a collective microcosm. The works are formed from metallic pieces—some silver and others muted natural tones—that curve and spiral around each other, reflecting things like the leaves and stems of their natural counterparts. The sculptures explore the outer world, including these flora, fauna and fungi, but also Wishik’s inner world of personal experience, dreams and emotions. These ideas are brought together through her distinctive sense of composition, color and shape. Wishik’s multimedia work explores many other themes such as consciousness, identity and spirituality, and has been exhibited both nationally and

MUSIC | FRI, AUG. 30

CupcakKe

Georgia Theatre • 7:30 p.m. (doors), 8:30 p.m. (show) • $27.75

CupcakKe is the stage name of Chicago rapper Elizabeth Eden Harris, whose career took off after finding viral success on YouTube in 2015. Though her music is known for its hypersexual and often humorous nature, she first got into music as a child through singing at church. She took an interest in rap music at the age of 13 when a fellow member of her congregation recommended she turn to the genre. Harris became infatuated with artists like 50 Cent, Lil’ Kim and Da Brat, citing them as influences for her own music. Her debut album was released in 2016 and hit the media hard, earning her the number 23 spot on Rolling Stone’s Best Rap Albums List for that year. Since then, she has self-released four more albums, most recently 2024’s Dauntless Manifesto, which maintains her scandalous persona, but also addresses topics like racism, poverty and the LGBTQ+ community. [MB]

LITERATURE

| WED, SEPT. 4

Athens Word of Mouth

The Globe • 7 p.m. • FREE!

Athens Word of Mouth has functioned as an opportunity for community members to develop their poetic skills in a casual environment for the past 15 years. Shows include an open mic portion where attend-

ees can simply listen in or volunteer to read their work, with signups beginning at 6 p.m. in the bar area. This Word of Mouth event also features a special reading by Athens 2024–2026 Poet Laureate Mikhayla Robinson-Smith, a poet, author, spoken word artist and essayist originally from Atlanta. Robinson-Smith graduated from UGA’s English program in 2020 and went on to become a first grade teacher in the Clark County School District. Viewing poetry as a necessity, her work is deeply rooted in the tradition of Black female poets who came before her, and she uses her words to be a bridge for the community. [MB] f

Mikhayla Robinson-Smith

live music calendar

Tuesday 27

Flicker Theatre & Bar

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

CHATTERTON Dreamy lo-fi indie rock from Oxnard, CA.

HILL VIEW #73 Trash tape bedroom pop from Atlanta.

JOHNNY FALLOON Deranged local band with hard-hitting songs and complex theatrics.

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 Luca Lombardi, Seth Hendershot and various guests.

Ramsey Hall

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

FACULTY CHAMBER RECITAL

James Kim, assistant professor of cello, gives his first UGA performance. With special guest Kenn Wagner, a violinist in the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.

WUOG

Live in the Lobby. 8 p.m. FREE! www. wuog.org

CRIMSON FEVER Swing by the radio station or tune in to 90.5 FM.

Wednesday 28

Athentic Brewing Co.

7–10 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com

KARAOKE WITH DJ GREGORY

Every second and fourth Wednesday.

Creature Comforts

Brewery

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

MARY & THE HOT HOTTY-HOTS

Hot jazz and swing band offering music from the 1910s, ’20s and ’30s. (6 p.m.)

David’s 105 Listening Room

7:30–11 p.m. FREE! www.davids105. com

OPEN MIC NIGHT Held every Thursday. Sign up online.

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.

Georgia Theatre

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

FUTUREBIRDS Psychedelic Southern rock group whose career is defined by its twangy yet fun rhythm.

Georgia Theatre

Rooftop

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

SUNSET HONOR UNIT Sentimental pop from Atlanta comprised of dueling songwriters Drew Kirby (Mothers, CDSM) and Jake Chisenhall (Delorean Gray).

Hendershot’s

New Faces Night. 8 p.m. FREE! www. hendershotsathens.com

KATHLEEN SULLIVAN Folkinspired singer branching into songwriting with Southern influence.

RICHIE AMDORFER Indie folk singer-songwriter from the Midwest.

HOPE COCHRAN Singersongwriter and Georgia native playing country, folk and songs to make you cry at the bar. Nowhere Bar 8 p.m. www.facebook.com/Nowhere BarAthens

THE LOW WHITES New side project of Neal Fountain alongside Jeff Reilly, Tom Ryan and AJ Adams.

Thursday 29

40 Watt Club

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

MATTHEW SWEET Alternative rock and power pop singersongwriter who was part of the burgeoning music scene in Athens during the 1980s.

ABE PARTRIDGE Folk artist from Mobile, AL whose songs range from earthy to surreal.

Flicker Theatre & Bar Volumes Presents. 8 p.m. (doors), 9 p.m. (show). $10. www.flicker theatreandbar.com

96VIZION Versatile hip-hop artist balancing hype tracks and storytelling.

MILES STONE Classic hip-hop sound with deep reflections on life and social issues.

BRYANT PEREZ Multi-genre musician and producer emphasizing rap and wordplay.

JIIG Electronic artist and producer with a flair for dub and hip hop.

Georgia Theatre

7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $17. www.georgiatheatre.com

RAY FULCHER UGA alum and country singer whose songwriting is CMA award-winning.

JORDAN ROWE Christian country artist from Adel who has shared stages with artists like Luke Combs and Cody Johnson.

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

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

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

Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall

Thursday Scholarship Series. 7:30 p.m. $3 (w/ UGA ID), $20. music. uga.edu

BIRTH OF THE COOL Encore performance by nine UGA performance faculty of pieces written by Gil Evans, Gerry Mulligan, Miles Davis and John Lewis from 1948–1950.

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.

Nowhere Bar

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

NowhereBarAthens

BLUES JAM Bring an instrument and join host Big C and The Moonshynes for an open blues jam. The house band includes Scott Nicholson, Derek Warren, Brent Davenport and Bo Hembree.

Friday 30

40 Watt Club

8 p.m. (doors). $10 (adv.), $12. www.40watt.com

MAPLES CROWN Cover band that performs songs from across four decades of rock music.

Athentic Brewing Co.

7–9 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com

SEEKING APPROVAL Athensbased psych-funk band performing a mix of originals and covers.

Bolo Bolo Athens

7 p.m. $12. www.instagram.com/bolo. bolo.ath

THE RISHIS Psych-folk featuring members of The Olivia Tremor Control, Elf Power and The Apples in Stereo.

a memer of the comedy collective Variety Shac.

KARMA KAT Athens local band with sounds of rock, pop and funky jazz. They’ll rock your whiskers off!

CLARE O’KANE NY-based comedian, writer and actor.

SPITEHOUND Brooding, earnest indie.

Flicker Theatre & Bar

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

HATCH Psych-tinged garage rock led by songwriter Garett Hatch.

CARDYNAL AND THE FLOCK An eclectic, multi-faceted producer, instrumentalist and vocalist delivering hard-hitting, witty bars and catchy melodies.

MANNEQUIN PARTY Athens alternative musician playing a funky

BLAKE HORNSBY Psychedelic folk musician born and raised in Chattanooga, currently based out of Western North Carolina.

JOHN KIRAN FERNANDES, ARIANNA PETERSEN, FRANKLIN RUSSELL Clarinet, cello and baritone saxophone trio. Buvez

8 p.m. $10. www.instagram.com/@ buvez_athens

KIT New Athens-based kaleidoscopic rock band expanded from the eponymous solo project Catt Malonius.

ROCCO AND HIS BONES Psychpunk and indie pop from Greer, SC. INFINITEFREEFALL Experimental pop project from Charleston, SC that leans into shoegaze, krautrock, postpunk and psychedelic tendencies.

TREPID New local grungegaze.

Ciné

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

SHONALI Indie artist from New York who fronts Tigers and Monkeys, runs the independent record label Little Lamb Recordings and is

Oak House Distillery

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

OPEN MIC Every Friday.

Silver Dollar Dawghouse Presents. 8 p.m. $5–10. www.instagram.com/dawghouse_ productions

ROAD TO BREAKAWAY An evening of EDM featuring OTT, Tony Jack, Banjo, IGood and Tribe.

Saturday 31

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

POND GIRL Athens singersongwriter known for her raw vocals and emotional lyricism. Album release show!

MARIE MARIE ’60s pop-inspired group in the songwriting vein of The Beatles and Brian Wilson.

SLEEP JOHN B Ethereal indie.

JULIA CATHERINE Melancholic acoustic singer-songwriter from Athens.

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

FIDDLEBONE New old time project with members of Packway Handle and String Theory. (10 a.m.)

Flicker Theatre & Bar Primordial Void Presents. 8 p.m. $10. www.flickertheatreandbar.com

NICK HARLEY Alternative lo-fi garage rock artist with a mellow sound and lyrics exploring lighthearted angst.

DIVIDERS Los Angeles cosmic country shredders signed to Primordial Void. For fans of lo-fi jangle rock and mangled tape collages.

BURLY IVY Psyche art rock band with loungy space sounds and midnight choirs featuring Jim Willingham, Bryan Poole, Dain Marx and Ryan Bousquet.

Georgia Theatre

7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $50.50. www.georgiatheatre.com

NEEDTOBREATHE Grammy Award-nominated rock band from Seneca, SC known for the Christian themes in its music.

Georgia Theatre Rooftop

fingerstyle amalgamation of folk, indie rock and Americana.

Georgia Theatre

7:30 p.m. (doors), 8:30 p.m. (show). $27.75. www.georgiatheatre.com

CUPCAKKE Rapper from Chicago known for her hypersexualized, brazen tracks.

Georgia Theatre

Rooftop

10 p.m. $7. www.georgiatheatre.com

BOOTY BOYZ DJ power trio that creates a hot, sweaty dance party mess.

Hendershot’s 8:00 p.m.

www.hendershotsathens.com

BICHOS VIVOS Local band playing forró, an accordion, zabumba and triangle-driven genre of party music from Brazil.

Nowhere Bar 9:30 p.m. www.facebook.com/ NowhereBarAthens

THE RELICS Atlanta band performing catchy originals, as well as rock hits ranging from The Beatles to Green Day.

Sunday 1

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

DEVON FLAHERTY AND GRAYSON McGUIRE Old-time banjo and fiddle duo from NC. Oak House Distillery 3:30–6 p.m. www.oakhousedistillery. com

TRACY AND JEFF Jazz, blues and new and old classics from the voice of Tracy Brown and the guitar and harmonica of Jeff Lustig. Terrapin Beer Co. 2–5 p.m. FREE! www.terrapinbeer.com JIM COOK High-energy solo acoustic blues, rock and country.

Monday 2

Flicker Theatre & Bar

Attaboy Tapes Presents. 8 p.m. (doors). $10. www.flickertheatreand bar.com

ROWAN NEWBY Poetic and humorous Americana music inspired by ’60s and ’70s songwriting. ISRA & THE PAISLEYS No info available.

PSALTERY Angular indie/folk rock from Atlanta, featuring Paris Young of Team Deathmatch.

Tuesday 3

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. Georgia Theatre Rooftop

7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $8. www.georgiatheatre.com WILL SLATER Honesty paired with melodic sounds. LUKE BROWN & THE JUBILEE Country rock and roll from Atlanta. THOMAS GAY Local acoustic country singer-songwriter.

Wednesday 4

Ciné

8 p.m. (doors), 9 p.m. (show). $13. www.athenscine.com

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

DADDY’S BEEMER Dreamy, buoyant indie rock from Charleston, SC. Nowhere Bar 9:30 p.m. $10. www.facebook.com/ NowhereBarAthens

NINEVEH’S GARDEN Progressive metal and jazz fusion out of Athens.

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

GIANT ENEMY CRAB Ncore band with a mix of metalcore and deathcore ready to devastate the local scene.

Oak House Distillery

7–9 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/ McHanIxBand

MCHANIX Husband and wife duo Allen and Laura McHan perform pop, rock and country acoustic and electric arrangements.

DION LUNADON Rock musician from New Zealand known for his high energy and often unpredictable stage presence. El Paso Tacos & Tequila 6–10 p.m. www.instagram.com/ elpasoathenss

KARAOKE Every Wednesday and Friday evening.

Georgia Theatre

Rooftop

8 p.m. FREE! www.georgiatheatre.com

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

HATCH Psych-tinged garage rock led by songwriter Garett Hatch. Ramsey Hall Faculty Artist Series. 7:30 p.m. FREE! music.uga.edu

D. RAY McCLELLAN UGA professor of clarinet with “a remarkable technique, tone and lyricism.”

f

Shonali will play at Ciné on Friday, Aug. 30.

JASON CAMPBELL

event calendar

Tuesday 27

CLASSES: iPad/iPhone Basics (ACC Library) Learn the basics of navigating your device. Registration required. 10 a.m. FREE! www.athens library.org

CLASSES: ESOL (Bogart Library) Learn or polish your English skills using Mango languages online and in-person basic conversation and vocabulary. 12:30 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/bogart

EVENTS: Tiki Taco Tuesday (Live Wire) Enjoy live music, craft cocktails and a taco pop-up from Don Carne. Tuesdays, 5–10 p.m. www. livewireathens.com

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

EVENTS: Ballroom and Brews (Athentic Brewing Co.) Learn a new ballroom dance style each month, then dance the night away. Fourth Tuesdays, 6–7 p.m. (lesson). 7–9 p.m. (open dance). www.athentic brewing.com

FILM: This or That: Adventure Movie (Bogart Library) Screening of an adventure movie voted on by attendees. Second and fourth Tuesdays, 6 p.m. FREE! www.athens library.org/bogart

GAMES: Lunch and Learn New Games (Tyche’s Games) Come down with your lunch and try out some new games. 11:30 a.m. FREE! www.tychesgames.com

GAMES: Mahjong Club (Winterville Cultural Center) Learn to play the ancient Chinese game of Mahjong. Tuesdays & Thursdays, 1–4 p.m. $1. www.wintervillecenter.com

GAMES: 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/baddogathens

LECTURES & LIT: Open Book Club (Oglethorpe Co. Library) Discuss this month’s book Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe by Heather Webber. Last Tuesdays, 1 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/oglethorpe

LECTURES & LIT: Mystery Book Club (Bogart Library) Join Dr. Penny Mills to discuss D.J. Palmer’s novel Saving Meghan. 5:30–6:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart

MEETINGS: Knot Just For Knitters (Oconee County Library) Bring your own crafting project to work on while chatting with fellow crafters. Tuesdays, 3–5 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/oconee

MEETINGS: Athens Photography Guild (Lyndon House Arts Center) Kidd Fielteau will give a talk on “Getting Started with DSLR Video–Lessons from the Teen Media Arts Club.” 6 p.m. FREE! www.athens photographyguild.wordpress.com

SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled days are Tues-

days, Thursdays and Sundays at 10 a.m. info@petanque.org, www. athenspetanque.org

Wednesday 28

ART: Curator Talk (Georgia Museum of Art) Asen Kirin, curator of the exhibition, will give a gallery talk on “St. Petersburg as Franz Liszt Saw It.” 2 p.m. FREE! www.georgia museum.org

ART: Artist Talk (Lamar Dodd School of Art) Hong Hong will discuss her exhibition “Hong Hong: Inland” featuring large-scale paintings made from hand-formed paper with natural elements. 5:30 p.m. FREE! art.uga.edu

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. 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: Ghastly Horror Society (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Screening of the 2022 horror film Bubblegum. 7 p.m. FREE! www.flickertheatreand bar.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

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

Thursday 29

ART: Closing Reception (tiny ATH gallery) Multi-media artist Kelsey Wishik’s exhibition “Multiplicity” will be on view featuring abstracted representations of nature. 5–8 p.m. FREE! www.tinyathgallery.com

ART: Opening Reception (Lamar Dodd School of Art) View new exhibitions featuring work from stu-

dents, faculty and Margie E. West Prize recipient Hong Hong. 6–8 p.m. FREE! art.uga.edu

COMEDY: Comedy in the Cellar (Onward Reserve) Athens Comedy presents a lineup of touring and local comedians. Thursdays, 8 p.m. $7. www.instagram.com/ athenscomedy

EVENTS: Musical Theater Trivia (Athentic Brewing Co.) Test your musical theater knowledge and compete for prizes while listening to classic show tunes. 7 p.m. FREE! www.athenticbrewing.com

FILM: Tokusatsu Thursdays (ACC Library) Screening of the 1967 Japanese sci-fi film Gamera vs. Guiron. 6 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org

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

GAMES: Mahjong Club (Winterville Cultural Center) Learn to play the ancient Chinese game of Mahjong. Tuesdays & Thursdays, 1–4 p.m. $1. www.wintervillecenter.com

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

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

LECTURES & LIT: UGA Creative Writing Program (The Globe) This new student reading event will feature the work of 10 Ph.D. students with a reception to follow. 6 p.m. FREE! english.uga.edu

LECTURES & LIT: Author Talk & Book Signing (Avid Bookshop) Author John Vercher will discuss his book Devil is Fine with Sabrina Orah Mark. 7 p.m. $5 www.avid bookshop.com

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

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

Friday 30

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

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

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

MEETINGS: Athens Brew and Bull Artists’ Society (Creature

Comforts Brewery) The inaugural meeting bridging working artists and the community, featuring a live conversation between Noah James Saunders and the Athens Area Arts Council. 6–8 p.m. FREE! www. creaturecomfortsbeer.com

Saturday 31

ART: Pottery Making Demonstration (OCAF) As part of the annual “Perspectives: Georgia Pottery Invitational,” there will be a pottery making demonstration. 1 p.m. FREE! www.ocaf.com/perspectives

CLASSES: Miniature Painting Workshop (Tyche’s Games) Bring your primed miniatures and learn the basics of painting them. $5. 1 p.m. www.tychesgames.com

COMEDY: Comedy Night (Foxglove Plantbar) Share some laughs with a lineup of local comedians. 8 p.m. $10. www.foxgloveplantbar.com

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

EVENTS: Danielsville Farmers Market (Danielsville City Hall) Browse vendors with an array of homemade, handmade and stategrown products. 8 a.m.–12 p.m. www.danielsvillemarket.wixsite. com/farmersmarket

EVENTS: 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: 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

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

GAMES: Board Games (Bogart Library) Meet friends or make new ones while playing a variety of games. 2–4 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/bogart

OUTDOORS: Walk Into Wellness (Dudley Park) Get moving alongside and meet others in the community, with each walk focusing on a different health topic. Ages 8 & up. Registration required. 10 a.m. FREE! www.accgov.com/myrec

Sunday 1

COMEDY: Classic Comedy Showcase (The Globe) Athens Comedy presents a lineup of local comedians hosted by Lanny Farmer. First Sundays, 9 p.m. $7. www.athens comedy.com

KIDSTUFF: Sonny Angel Trading Party (Treehouse Kid & Craft) Bring your Sonny Angel collections to trade or browse the store’s specials, and enjoy giveaways and more. 2 p.m. FREE! www.treehouse kidandcraftcom

MEETINGS: Crafternoon (Athentic Brewing Co.) Bring your crafting

project to work on and connect with other artists in the community. First Sundays, 1:30–3 p.m. FREE! www. athenticbrewing.com

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

Monday 2

COMEDY: Queer Comedy (Gyro Wrap) Local comedians perform with surprise guests. First Mondays, 8 p.m. $7 (adv.), $10. www.instagram.com/athenscomedy

COMEDY: Open Mic (Wonderbar) Hosted by Owen Hunt, this is a traditional show up and go up comedy open mic. Mondays, 9 p.m. (list opens), 9:30 p.m. (show). FREE! www.instagram.com/athenscomedy

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 (Epting Events) The local chapter meets weekly. Mondays, 11:30 a.m. FREE! www.athenticbrewing.com

Tuesday 3

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

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: 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 4

ART: Curator Talk (Georgia Museum of Art) Nelda Damiano, curator of European art, will give a gallery talk on “A Perfect Model: Prints after Anthony van Dyck’s Portraits.” 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. SALS AthensDancing@gmail.com

COMEDY: Gorgeous George’s Improv League (Buvez) Townie improv that invites you to bring suggestions. 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) An heiress’ death sets off a murder spree in A Bay of Blood. 7 p.m. FREE! www.instagram.com/bloodeverywhere.athens

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

KIDSTUFF: Teen Prism Club (Oconee County Library) Hang out in the library to play games, do crafts and build friendships in an inclusive and welcoming space. Grades 6–12. 6–8 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/oconee

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

Down the Line

9/05 Roaming Readers (Oconee County Library)

9/05 Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park)

9/05 Coffee Hour (Oconee County Library)

9/05 Mahjong Club (Winterville Cultural Center)

9/05 BINGO (VFW Post 2872)

9/05 KnitLits Knitting Group (Bogart Library) 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

BIPOC ARTIST/CURATOR PROJECT OPEN CALL (Lyndon House Arts Center) Seeking BIPOC individuals residing in Georgia to develop an art exhibition to be on display for 6–8 weeks at the LHAC. A stipend of $1,500 is provided. www.accgov. com/9799/ArtistCurator

CALL FOR ART (Winterville Cultural Center Gallery) Seeking artworks

13”x13” or smaller and priced under $250 for a group exhibition of small works. Submissions accepted Sept. 10–Oct. 1. FREE! www.wintervilleccgallery.com

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 OCAF HOLIDAY MARKET CALL FOR ARTISTS (Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation) The 30th annual

art around town

ATHENS INSTITUTE FOR CONTEMPORARY ART: ATHICA (675 Pulaski St.)

“How to Measure an Ocean: Enos & Machacek” features a site-specific installation of large floor sculptures and wall-based reliefs, drawings and prints by James Enos and Jess Machacek. Through Sept. 29.

ATHICA@CINÉ GALLERY (234 W. Hancock Ave.) “Garden of Dreams” features photographs by Austin Emerson, whose darkroom-based practice centers the alchemy of the process in the resulting images. Reception and musical performance Sept. 23, 7 p.m. On view Sept. 1–Oct. 25.

BOGUE GALLERY AT ACC LIBRARY (2025 Baxter St.) Real estate broker Cindy Karp’s solo show, “Portraits Through My Eyes,” consists of portraits shot using her iPhone and various phone apps. A portion of art sales will be donated to Bigger Vision of Athens. Through Sept. 22.

COMMUNITY (260 N. Jackson St.) Paintings by Andy Cherewick. Through September.

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.

DODD GALLERIES (270 River Rd.) In “Trick Mirror,” Dodd professor and recent retiree Diane Edison examines through portraiture the complexities of platonic, professional, and romantic relationships. Through Sept. 26. • The 2024 Margie E. West Prize Winner Exhibition, “Hong Hong: Inland,” examines the body as a closed ecological system, where various materials continually interact to sustain and regenerate itself. Artist Talk Aug. 28, 5:30 p.m. Opening Reception Aug. 29, 6–8 p.m. Through Nov. 7.

DONDEROS’ KITCHEN (590 N. Milledge Ave.) Susan Pelham’s collages are inspired by Magic Realism, Surrealism, nursery rhymes, fables and more. Through October.

GEORGIA MUSEUM OF ART (90 Carlton St.) Sol LeWitt’s wall drawings #869 and #1038 will be created in real time over a two-week span, Aug.19–30, using instructions provided by the late artist. Museum educators and curators will be on hand to answer questions Tuesdays–Fridays, 1–2 p.m. • “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.

• Organized in conjunction with the American Liszt Festival at UGA’s Hugh Hodgson School of Music in October 2024, “Saint Petersburg as Franz Liszt Saw It” features works on paper that show Russia at the time of the Hungarian composer and pianist’s visits there in the 1840s. Through Dec. 1.

holiday market is seeking original handmade works like pottery, paintings, fiber art, stained and fused glass jewelry and more.The market will be held Nov. 22 from 4–8 p.m., Nov. 23–10 a.m.–5 p.m. and Nov. 24 from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. www.ocaf. com/ocaf-annual-holiday-market 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 AND INSTALLATION ART CLASS (Athens, GA) Triangle ArtWorks presents a six-week online course for professional artists seeking public art opportunities. Deadline Sept. 10. Classes held Thursdays, Oct. 3–Nov. 7, 6–8 p.m. FREE! www.triangleartworks.org/ athensclarkeco2024

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 create 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. www. accgov.com/lyndonhouse

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

BLACKSMITHING CLASSES (Greenhow Handmade Ironworks, Washington) A variety of blacksmithing classes include “Forge a Bottle Opener” (Aug. 30), “First Time at the Forge” (Sept. 13), “Forge Basic Blacksmith Tongs” (Sept.

• Shot through the windows from inside Waffle House restaurants across the Southeast, Micah Cash’s photographs in “Waffle House Vistas” contemplate the built and natural environments. Through June 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.

HOTEL INDIGO (500 College Ave.) Vivian Liddell shares “Athens Landscapes,” a series of monotypes based on photographs taken around town over the past several years. Through November.

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

THE NEST (523 Prince Ave.) Susan Pelham’s collages are inspired by Magic Realism, Surrealism, nursery rhymes, fables and more. Through Sept. 14.

14), “Forge a Railroad Spike Knife” (Sept. 20) and “Forge a Fire Poker” (Sept. 21). Classes held 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $150. www.greenhowhand made.com/blacksmith-classes

CANOPY CLASSES & SCHOLARSHIPS (Canopy Studio) Canopy offers a variety of trapeze and aerial arts classes for children and adults. Scholarships and financial aid are available. outreach@canopystudio. org, www.canopystudio.org/ outreach/scholarships

COOKING CLASSES (Athens Cooks)

“Down-home Crab Cake Dinner” will be held Aug. 28, 6–8 p.m. $103. “Thinking Thai: Tom Yum + Cashew Chicken Edition” will be held Aug. 29, 6–8 p.m. $103. “Mommy and Me Brunch Edition” will be held Aug. 31, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. $75. “Summer Knock-Out: Ultimate Smash Burger and Fixins” will be held Sept. 12, 6–8 p.m. $103. Register online. www.athens cooks.com

DANCE CLASSES (East Athens Educational Dance Center) The center offers classes in ballet, hip hop, jazz, modern and tap. Lunch time classes are available for adults including “Pilates & Dance Conditioning” on Wednesdays at noon. www.accgov.com/myrec

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

RUBBER PEOPLE SOUL YOGA (work.shop) Cal Clements teaches classes that include gratitude, breath, flexibility poses, strength

building and some chanting of Om. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 10–11:30 a.m. Donations accepted. www.rubberpeoplesoulyoga.com

SALSA CLASSES (Multiple Locations) UGA Salsa Club hosts “Level 1: Foundational Movements & Partner Work” for students with no prior dancing experience. No partner required. Held in Adinkra Hall (Memorial Hall 407). Sundays through Nov. 24, 3–3:45 p.m. (No class Sept. 15, Nov. 3, Nov. 17.) FREE! www.ugasalsaclub.com

TIMBAthens hosts “Level 2: Partner Work & Foundations of Rueda I” for students who want to learn Cuban style. Held at YWCO Sundays through Dec. 15, 4:30–5:25 p.m. (No class Sept. 15, Oct. 20). $10/ class. www.timbathens.com

TRADITIONAL MARTIAL ARTS

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

YOGA AND MORE (Revolution Therapy and Yoga) Revolution is a multipurpose mind-body wellness studio offering yoga and therapy with an emphasis on trauma-informed practices. Check website for upcoming classes and programs. www.revolutiontherapy andyoga.com

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

YOGA CLASSES (Shakti Yoga Athens) This body-neutral and traumainformed space in Normaltown offers heated and unheated classes. Classes are offered in Power Yoga,

OCONEE CULTURAL ARTS FOUNDATION (34 School St., Watkinsville) The 22nd annual “Perspectives: Georgia Pottery Invitational” presents thousands of works by 50 potters from across the state. Through Sept. 8.

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.

STATE BOTANICAL GARDEN OF GEORGIA (2450 S. Milledge Ave) “Tiny Wonders” presents macro photography of local plants, insects and other tiny creatures by Heather Larkin, Don Hunter, Diego Huet, Bill Sheehan, Sandy Shaul and Rosemary Woodel. Through Nov. 12.

STEFFEN THOMAS MUSEUM OF ART (4200 Bethany Rd., Buckhead) “Queer Perspectives” is a juried exhibition featuring work by 13 Georgia-based artists including Yousef Bousheri, Perrine Gaudry, Rial Rye, Ezra Witkowski and Clint Zeagler. Through Jan. 4.

TINY ATH GALLERY (174 Cleveland Ave.) Multi-media artist Kelsey Wishik presents “Multiplicity,” a collection of abstracted representations of nature inspired by both outer and inner worlds. Closing Reception Aug. 29, 5–8 p.m.

UGA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER LOBBY GALLERY (230 River Rd.) In “Low Anchored Cloud/Spring Hoax,” Joseph Peragine, director of the Lamar Dodd School of Art at UGA, explores themes of life and death through two distinct bodies of work. Through Dec. 21.

UGA SPECIAL COLLECTIONS LIBRARIES (300 S. Hull St.) “Athens Potluck” revisits Jason Thrasher’s 2017 book that includes portraits of 33 musicians at home or in the studio.The exhibition includes photographs, stories, loaned items from the featured musicians and items from the music collections of the Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library. Curator Talk Sept. 21, 3 p.m. Through December. • “Bulldog Olympians” celebrates over 200 UGA athletes who have competed for Team USA or their home countries through photographs and artifacts. Curator Talks Sept. 6, Oct. 5, Oct. 11, Nov. 15 and Nov. 22.

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) “First Annual Juried Exhibition” featuring selections from the gallery’s inaugural juried show. Aug. 31–Oct. 30. Opening Reception Sept. 6, 6–8 p.m. • “Wonders of Watercolor” including works from the W.O.W. OCAF artists group. Aug. 31–Oct. 30. Opening Reception Sept. 6, 6–8 p.m.

Gentle Yoga, Yin and Restorative Yoga. New student offer: four weeks of unlimited yoga for $40. shakti yogaathens.com

Help Out

ACC ANIMAL SERVICES ENRICHMENT DRIVE (Animal Services Adoption Center) Donate items like KONG dog toys, snuffle mats, lick mats, Nylabones, peanut butter, catnip and toilet paper rolls through Aug. 31. www.accgov.com/animal services

ATHENS RIVERS ALIVE (Athens, GA) Help remove litter from streams, creeks and rivers as part of a continuing statewide campaign to clean and preserve over 70,000 miles of Georgia’s rivers and streams. Registration begins Sept. 16. Georgia Waterway Cleanup held Oct. 19. www.accgov.com/ RiversAlive

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 (Bigger Vision of Athens) The nonprofit homeless shelter Bigger Vision of Athens, Inc. is seeking new members for its board of directors. The application is available online. the biggervisionshelter@gmail.com, www.bvoa.org/boardmember

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

TRAIL GUIDING (Sandy Creek Nature Center) Volunteers lead small groups of children on hikes around the nature center trails and emphasize the lesson for the day by incorporating things found on the hike. Register online. accgov. givepulse.com/event/379177-TrailGuides-Training

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

BATON (Bishop Park) Classic City Majorettes offer instruction in dance-twirling, strutting, marching technique and more. Students have opportunities to participate in community performances. For ages 5–17. Tuesdays, Sept. 10–Nov. 12. $65 (ACC residents), $97.50 (nonresidents). www.accgov.com/myrec

BEGINNER GUITAR CLUB (Lay Park)

“Youth Guitar Club” is for ages 8–11. Mondays, Sept. 9–Oct. 28, 5:30–6:20 p.m. $10–15. “Teen Guitar Club” is for ages 12–17. Mondays, Sept. 9–Oct. 28, 6:30–7:30 p.m. $10–15. www.accgov. com/myrec

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

JUNIOR BOARD (Athens, GA) The Athens Chapter of the WatsonBrown Foundation Junior Board is accepting applications from students in grades 10–12. Members give out historic preservation grants in the Athens area. Deadline Sept. 13. bit.ly/wbfjb 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

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 CAR SHOW ENTRIES SOUGHT (Sandy Creek Park) The ACC Leisure Services Department is seeking car entry applications for the inaugural Sandy Creek BBQ, Blues & Cruise-In. Entries will compete for trophies in a variety of categories including “Best in Show” “Best Interior” and “Most Unique.” $15/ car. Registration deadline Oct. 7, 12 p.m. Event held Oct. 13, 2–7 p.m. www.accgov.com/sandycreek carshow

DIAL-A-POEM (Athens, GA) Call 762-400-POEM (or 762-400-7636) to hear selections from Athens current Poet Laureate Mikhayla Robinson Smith and inaugural Poet Laureate Jeff Fallis. www.athens culturalaffairs.org

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. Now registering. 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

MACORTS (Athens, GA) The Madison Athens-Clarke Oconee Regional Transportation Study has prepared the Draft 2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan. Materials accessible online. Taking public comments through Sept. 13. www.macorts.org

RABBIT BOX (VFW Post 2872) The 13th season of Rabbit Box is seeking storytellers to share true short tales. Upcoming themes include “Birth of a Parent” (Sept. 24), “Scared Stiff” (Oct. 2) and “Bad Advice” (Nov. 19). Pitch your story idea online. rabbitbox.org/tell 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

SEEKING POLL WORKERS (Athens, GA) The Elections Department is seeking residents to serve as poll workers for the Nov. 5 general election. www.accgov.com/pollworker

SEVENTH GENERATION (Healing Path Farm) Seventh Generation Native American Church hosts gatherings on Sundays at 11 a.m., Men’s Group on Tuesdays at 6 p.m., and Women’s Circle every second and fourth Wednesday at 6 p.m. www.seventhgeneration nativeamericanchurch.org

SPLASH PAD (Walker Park) The splash pad will remain open on weekends, 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m. through Sept. 2. $1/person. 706613-3589

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. 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

Support Groups

ACA ADULT CHILDREN OF ALCOHOLICS AND DYSFUNCTIONAL FAMILIES (Holy Cross Lutheran Church) This support group meets

Diverse Indian and Pakistani Menu PLUS, MEXICAN FOOD WITH ATMOSPHERIC FLAIR

By Hillary Brown food@flagpole.com

MITTI DESI CUISINE (2024 S. Milledge Ave., 706-215-9239, @mitti_athens): This low-slung building just before you get to Al Huda Islamic Center and the shopping center that contains Fooks Foods has been a variety of things over the years, including a car wash that also contained an Indian grocery, an Indian restaurant that was delicious but dysfunctional (Koyla), Athens Pizza (now across the street) and Iguana’s Mexican Grill. Now, wonderfully, it’s Achachi Market on the left and Mitti, serving Indian and Pakistani food, on the right, both owned by the same folks.

Achachi is a great place to pop in for whole spices, dried dal, fresh produce (the okra is particularly good) and more. Mitti, which opened in May, sometimes calls itself a food court, but really it’s a restaurant with a steam table, not a collection of different eateries. It’s not as full of creature comforts as Taste of India, but it also has a possibly bigger and different menu, giving rise to the hope that Athens could once again have two Indian restaurants. Figure out what you want from the menu above the counter as you jam to a ’90s R&B playlist, then order and grab a seat inside or out. Umbrella-ed tables just outside the door can seat crowds and often do at dinner, when some of the crowd from the Islamic center tucks in. Your food will arrive more or less speedily, depending on what you order, packaged in Styrofoam. The standards are available: frankly delicious tandoori chicken, both chicken and cauliflower 75 (spiced nuggets, essentially, served with a little cup of cool raita), saag paneer (thinner than usual but not less good), samosas that were sitting in a case and didn’t look very exciting. But where Mitti excels is in its offerings that you can’t get elsewhere in Athens: absolutely lovely Indian coffee (sweet, strong and milky), bhindi masala (an okra dish fragrant with spices), fish tawa fry (thin filets of white fish coated in spices, citrus and aromatics, then pan-fried), sukka varuval available with chicken or goat (dry fry with loads of fresh ground spices), biryani (a rice dish with goat, chicken, egg or just veggies, also available at Taste of India but more flavorful here, with each grain of rice infused with heat, flavor and ghee), dosas (hooray! Big, thin, crepe-like pancakes made with tangy lentil flour, browned then wrapped around any number of wonderful fillings, mostly vegetarian, possibly the best thing on the menu). There is naan in a wide variety of configurations, including bullet naan laced with a ton of fresh green chilis, but it’s a bit thin, less poofy than ideal. You can also get idli—springy, saucer-shaped cakes made from ground rice and lentils that you can dunk in sambar, a lentil-and-veggie stew scented with coriander, cumin, pepper and

mild chilis. Go with a friend so that you can try more things.

Mitti is open 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Wednesday through Monday (closed Tuesday) most days, but takes a midday break from 2–4 p.m. No booze, but plenty of other choices.

SAN ANGEL COCINA AND CANTINA (2226 W. Broad St., 706-850-0977, @ sanangelcocina): I know, I know—another Mexican restaurant. But this one is an improvement over an abandoned Applebee’s. Per usual with the Lopez Restaurant Group (which also owns Lalo’s in Wire Park and La Cabaña in Watkinsville), both the atmosphere and the menu are a little more upscale than the usual chips and margs. They’re perfectly capable of executing a standard chicken

enchilada, topped with green sauce, and they do standards well, but they also push the envelope more than they have to on the menu. San Angel is no different. The interior features fancy light fixtures, lots of tile, bright-yellow banquettes, a large bar and murals. On a date? Want to get something flambeed tableside? You can have some drama with your cheese dip, sprinkled with tequila then set aflame. The pulpo a las brasas has comparable “look at me” energy, neatly arranging several long octopus tentacles, grilled, atop a plate of roasted corn and potatoes with queso fresco. The side dish actually beats the main attraction, which is a little bland, but both are fun. Garden fajitas present a panoply of grilled produce and are a relative deal at $13.99. It is a very different experience from getting superlative tacos in a gas station, but not necessarily worse. There are more vegetarian options, for one thing. The menu can be pricey, but the atmosphere is nice, and there are lunch specials. Street tacos run $4 each a la carte but are made with ingredients like rectangular prisms of panela cheese or pork belly, as well as regular fillings. The tlalpeño soup (chicken, lots of vegetables, strips of tortilla, avocado) feels nourishing as well as tasting good. A Mexican restaurant on every corner sounds like heaven. San Angel is open from 11 a.m.–10 p.m. most days (9 p.m. on Sundays, 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays). f

Mitti Desi Cuisine

SAM LIPKIN

REAL ESTATE

APARTMENTS FOR RENT

3BR/2BA Apt. in Scarborough Place avail. Sept. 1st. $1,800/month. 1600 sq. ft. w/sunroom. Call 706-2271326.

Aval. now 2BR/1BA on Milledge. Close to campus. HWflrs., vaulted ceilings. lrg. deck, HVAC, W/D incl. Super cute. $1500/month. Call Andrew 706-714-1164.

Avail. now! 2BR/1BA ( 5 Pts. 1 block to UGA campus ). CLEAN, quiet. W/D, HVAC, 2 car parking. $1680/month. Call Alan 706-296-2966. www.athbest rentals.com

HOUSES FOR RENT

165 Sylvia Circle. 2BR/1BA brick cottage w/ all amenities. HWflrs, CHAC, DW, W/D, fenced-in backyd, covered patio. Perfect for grad students or professionals. On busline & only 2 mi. from Dwntn. Pets OK w/ dep.! Lawn and pest control inc. $2,000/mo.+ dep. (706) 372-3383.

3BR/2BA house in Normaltown, quiet interior street. Central heat/air. Furnished. Hwd floors. Washer/ dryer. Driveway/on-street parking. No smokers, pets. Calls only! 706-372-1505

4BR/2BA. CHAC. W/D. Fenced in backyard. Multiple-car private driveway. Deck. Walkable/close to downtown Athens. Calls only 706-255-8800.

HOUSES FOR SALE

Looking for a house or a home? Condo or land? Call Daniel Peiken. REALTOR 5Market Realty. Selling in and around Athens for over 20 years. 706-296-2941

Sell or rent your property in the Flagpole Classifieds! Call 706-549-0301 or email class@flagpole.com to place your ad!

FOR SALE

ESTATE SALE

Walk through the decades. Antiques & collectibles. Reasonable prices or OBO. Sep. 14-15 & 21-22. 9-5 p.m. 2921 Hwy 98 East. Comer, Ga.

Need old papers? We have plenty here at Flagpole! Call ahead and we’ll have a crate ready for you. Please leave current issues on the stands. 706-549-0301

MUSIC

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Nuçi’s Space is always accepting and selling used gear and instruments. All profits go toward our mission of ending the epidemic of suicide. Visit nuci.org/ rewired.

INSTRUCTION

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

MUSIC SERVICES

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

SERVICES

HOME AND GARDEN

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

MISC. SERVICES

Efficient Personal Assistant for Hire! Expert in scheduling, organization, and multitasking. Reliable, discreet, and dedicated to making your life easier. Contact for a free consultation today! 706-296-2062

Get Flagpole delivered straight to your mailbox! Weekly delivery straight from the source. Makes a great gift! Only $65 for six months or $125 for one year. Purchase online at www.flagpole.big cartel.com, call 706- 5490301 or email frontdesk@ flagpole.com.

Advertise your service in the Flagpole Classifieds! Call 706-549-0301 today!

JOBS FULL-TIME

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

PART-TIME

Join a diverse, inclusive workplace and get paid to type! 12–40 hours, Mon–Fri. NEVER be called in for a shift you didn’t sign up for. Must type 65+ wpm. Make your own schedule and work independently with no customer interaction. Starts at $13 with automatic increases. www.ctscribes. com

NOTICES MESSAGES

There will be an early deadline for upcoming print Classifieds Ads: Fri, Aug. 30 at 11 a.m. for the Wed, Sep. 4 issue. Our office will be closed on Mon, Sep. 2. Know someone special with an upcoming birthday, anniversary or important milestone? Give a public shout through Flagpole! Call 706549-0301 or email class@ flagpole.com.

ORGANIZATIONS

Love pottery? Volunteer for OCAF’s Perspectives Georgia Pottery Invitational in Watkinsville. Visit ocaf. com to find out more.

by Margie E. Burke