Daily use of sunscreen can reduce your risk of skin cancer by 50% (even when it’s cold or cloudy)
Use SPF 30+ sunscreen every day and reapply every 2 hours (even when it’s cloudy and regardless of your skin tone)
Wear sunglasses- Eyes can get sunburned too
Use a chapstick with SPFLips can get sunburned too
PUBLISHER & ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Alicia Nickles
PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Larry Tenner
ADVERTISING SALES Dave Martin, Isabella Williams
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Sam Lipkin
CITY EDITOR Blake Aued
MUSIC EDITOR Sam Lipkin
ARTS & CULTURE COORDINATOR Libba Beaucham
OFFICE MANAGER & DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Jennifer Keene
CLASSIFIED ADS & CALENDAR COORDINATOR Jennifer Keene
AD DESIGNERS Chris McNeal, Cody Robinson
CONTRIBUTORS Erin France, Gordon Lamb, Rebecca McCarthy, Robbie Sequeira
CARTOONISTS Missy Kulik, David Mack, Klon Waldrip, Joey Weiser
CIRCULATION Jennifer Bray, Charles Greenleaf, Joe Rowe
EDITORIAL & OFFICE INTERN Mary Beth Bryan
PHOTOGRAPHERS CJ Bartunek, Kat Wood, Jake Zerkel
SPECIAL AGENT Pete McCommons
Slumbering
Athena Studios Yells ‘Cut!’
STUDIO SLATED TO BECOME DATA CENTER AS FILM INDUSTRY CHANGES
By Blake Aued and Rebecca McCarthy news@flagpole.com
When Athena Studios were announced in 2021, it was supposed to mean that Athens was ready for its closeup. At the time, film and television production was a $4 billion business in Georgia, but union travel rules and a lack of studio space meant Athens was mostly missing out, despite a wide variety of location types and a university ready to churn out workers.
After a downturn in the industry, however, the facility near Ben Epps Airport is transitioning from the silver screen to the phone screen, generating AI chatbot responses as a data center. Reynolds Capital, the company that opened Athena Studios, recently submitted plans to Athens- Clarke County for a data center on the site.
“It was conceived at a time when you couldn’t find a soundstage. Everything was booked,” said David Sutherland, a film producer and senior lecturer at the UGA Terry College of Business who studies the creative economy. “Post- COVID, the dynamic changed.”
Last year, Georgia revenue dropped to $2.3 billion as a writer’s strike halted productions and streaming services reined in spending. Only about a quarter of the 5 million square feet of studio space in Georgia is currently in use, according to Sutherland. Not long ago it surpassed Hollywood, but the state now ranks No. 7 in productions, behind five countries outside the U.S., with Hollywood coming in sixth. “The industry has taken a dip because people are going offshore to film,” he said. Marvel moving its movies from Atlanta to the U.K.—which has low labor costs and a tax incentive program similar to Georgia’s—was a particularly big blow.
So, studios are being forced to diversify. For Athena, that means turning most of the studio—with the exception of a UGA soundstage—into a 1.3 million square- foot data center. Joel Harber, founder of the commercial real estate company Reynolds Capital, did not respond to a request for comment, but Jon Williams, president and CEO of Athens-based W&A Engineering, discussed the project with Flagpole Data centers, popping up all over Georgia to handle the computing demands of artificial intelligence, can be controversial because they generally consume an enormous amount of water and power. Several cities and counties, mostly in metro Atlanta, have passed moratoriums or regulations on data centers in the past couple of years. The Georgia Department of Community Affairs also passed new criteria for regional development commissions like the Northeast Georgia RDC to evaluate data centers, although whether to permit them remains entirely up to local governments. In the case of Athens, Williams and Athens- Clarke County planners believe that data centers fall under ACC’s employmentindustrial zoning category. Since Athena Studios is already zoned E-I, the data center could be built by right, without approval from the ACC Commission, as long as it meets requirements for buffers, setbacks
and mitigating noise, light and traffic. A traffic study has yet to be done, but Williams estimated that the data center would generate about 200 peak-hour car trips and an equal number of jobs.
Williams emphasized that the data center will use a new type of “closed loop” cooling system that, once it’s filled, will only require enough water to replace whatever’s
ment raised the rent in 2022. There were 25 charter members of the Athens Junior Assembly—which later became associated with the national Junior League organization—who were determined to improve the lives of Athenians when they got together during the Great Depression.
By 1945, the Athens Junior Assembly was providing most of the county’s charity maternity and baby care. From 1935–1955, it had a fund to pay charity maternity cases. It also operated a well-baby clinic and a prenatal clinic, with cooperation from local doctors and nurses. To pay for its activities, the Junior Assembly had children’s movies, fashion teas, contests and follies.
According to the Junior League’s website, by 1960, the “Junior Assembly was financing and operating weekly health
evaporated. “This is a lot of reuse and recirculation of water, as opposed to just moving it through there,” he said.
Meanwhile, the local film community is having discussions about smaller, more sustainable studios like one that recently opened at Wire Park in Watkinsville, Sutherland said. Athena Studios hosted feature-length films like American Deadbolt (which recently found a distributor), The Woman in the Yard and three recent James Franco productions. But the industry is moving toward smaller- scale and independent productions. For example, “microdramas” are growing in popularity. Those are chopped into bite- sized episodes of 5–7 minutes long and often filmed vertically for viewing on a cellphone, although they can also be filmed horizontally at the same time for assembling into a feature. One microdrama was recently made at the Bulldog Inn, and Winterville Mayor Dodd Ferrelle is working on another.
“There’s been some good things happening, and this [Athena’s closure] kind of came out of the blue,” Sutherland said. [Blake Aued]
Junior League Turns 90
The Junior League of Athens is celebrating its 90th birthday this year. Unlike the Junior League of decades gone by, today’s members have full- time careers. Somehow, they make time to participate in what has become a service organization, not simply a social one, as many people believe.
The Junior League is credited with maintaining the Taylor-Grady House and keeping it from falling into disrepair for decades, until the Athens- Clarke County govern-
league’s 90 years of service, its leadership and that of the endowment fund have started a 90-90-90 fundraising drive. The goal is to have 90 donors give $90 to honor the 90 years of the league’s existence and to grow the endowment fund. [Rebecca McCarthy]
Odds and Ends
The ACC Transportation and Public Works Department is seeking public input on updating the Athens in Motion bike and pedestrian plan. Learn more at accgov. com/athensinmotion. The survey is open through Sunday, Dec. 7.
The Mayor and Commission appointed Christine Howard as the new clerk of commission, replacing Jean Spratlin, who retired after 51 years with ACC and the City of Athens. Howard served as deputy clerk of commission from 2015–2022 before becoming Mayor Kelly Girtz’s administrative assistant. She also previously worked as a secretary and records technician with the Clarke County Sheriff’s Office.
Reminder: The House District 121 special election pitting Democrat Eric Gisler against Republican Mack “Dutch” Guest IV to replace resigned state Rep. Marcus Wiedower (R-Watkinsville) is Tuesday, Dec. 9, with early voting running through Friday, Dec. 5. The district covers a slice of southeastern Clarke County and most of Oconee County, with the exception of the Epps Bridge Parkway area. To find out whether you live in House District 121, visit Georgia’s My Voter Page at mvp.sos.ga.gov
clinics with 5,708 annual patient visits, plus some 600 annual sessions in nursing homes, children’s theater groundwork, and other aid programs.”
In 2011, the Junior League of Athens Endowment Fund was chartered by 40 members and was fully funded in 2017. Today, it has grown to more than $350,000, generating enough income for the league to distribute $63,800 to nonprofits in Athens.
To celebrate and commemorate the
Heather M. Fletcher, a real estate broker and UGA instructor, announced that she will be seeking the District 5 seat on the Clarke County Board of Education that Tim Denson is leaving to run for mayor. Fletcher previously taught at Cedar Shoals High Schools and served on its local school governance team, as well as on the ACC Historic Preservation Commission. She is currently a Books for Keeps literacy mentor and runs the nonprofit dance troupe TIMBAthens. She stated that her top priorities are “supporting literacy initiatives, increasing student exposure to trade skills and removing smartphones from classrooms.” f
The grand opening of Athena Studios in 2023.
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Meg Hayes, MSW (She/Her)
Amica Hamm, MSW (She/Her)
Is College Accrediting Too Woke?
GEORGIA AND OTHER SOUTHERN STATES SPLIT OFF, FORM NEW AGENCY
By Robbie Sequeira rsequeira@stateline.org
When six Southern public university systems this summer formed a new accreditation agency, the move shook the national evaluation model that higher education has relied on for decades.
The news wasn’t unexpected: It arrived a few months after President Donald Trump issued an executive order in April overhauling the nation’s accreditation system by, among other things, barring accreditors from using college diversity mandates. It also came after U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon in May made it easier for universities to switch accreditors.
The accreditation process—often bureaucratic, cumbersome and time consuming—is critical to the survival of institutions of higher education. Colleges and their individual departments must undergo outside reviews, usually every few years, to prove that they meet certain educational and financial standards. If a school is not accredited, its students cannot receive federal aid such as Pell grants and student loans.
Some accreditation agencies acknowledge the process needs to evolve. But critics say the Trump administration is reshaping accreditation for political reasons, and risks undermining the legitimacy of the degrees colleges and universities award to students.
Jan Friis, senior vice president for government affairs at the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, which represents accrediting agencies, said the century-old system is in the midst of its most significant changes since the federal government tied accreditation to student aid after World War II.
venting the wheel and it pulls faculty and staff away from teaching and research.”
Harrison estimates it will take five to seven years for the new accreditor to be fully up and running, and that institutions will need to maintain dual accreditation to avoid risking Pell Grants and federal loans.
The commission is busy assembling peer review teams made up primarily of current and former public university leaders such as governing board members, system chancellors, provosts, chief financial officers, deans and faculty. In contrast to regional accreditors, which typically draw reviewers from both public and private institutions, the new commission is prioritizing reviewers from public universities.
“Ultimately, we want to be a true nationwide accreditor,” Harrison said. “Not a regional one. Not a partisan one. Just one that is organized around sector and peer expertise.”
Trump said during his campaign that he would wield college accreditation as a “secret weapon” to root out DEI and other “woke” ideas from higher education. He has made good on that pledge. Over the summer, for example, the administration sent letters to the accreditors of both Columbia and Harvard universities, alleging that the schools had violated federal civil rights law, and thus their accreditation rules, by failing to prevent the harassment of Jewish students after Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, terror attack on Israel.
The administration’s antipathy toward DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) has prompted some accreditors to remove diversity requirements. The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, for instance, removed diversity and inclusion language from its guiding principles earlier this year. Under White House pressure, the American Bar Association this year suspended enforcement of its DEI standards for its accreditation of law schools and has extended that suspension into next year.
But state legislatures laid the groundwork for public university accreditation changes even before Trump returned to the White House. In 2022, Florida enacted a law requiring the state’s public institutions to switch accreditors every cycle—usually every few years—forcing them to move away from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, known as SACSCOC. North Carolina followed suit in 2023, with a law prohibiting the 16 universities within the University of North Carolina system and the state’s community colleges from receiving accreditation from the same agency for consecutive cycles. Then, the consortium of six Southern university systems this summer launched its new accreditation agency, called the Commission for Public Higher Education. The participating states include Florida and North Carolina, along with Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas.
Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis said in a news release that the commission will “break the ideological stronghold” that other accreditation agencies have on higher education. Speaking at Florida Atlantic University, he said the new organization will “upend the monopoly of the woke accreditation cartels.”
“We care about student achievement; we care about measurable outcomes; we care about efficiency; we care about pursuing truth; we care about preparing our students to be citizens of our republic,” DeSantis said.
“If the student picks a school that’s not accredited by a recognized accreditor, they can’t spend any federal aid there,” Friis said. “Accreditation has become the ‘good housekeeping seal of approval.’”
What’s Next
Dan Harrison, who is leading the startup phase of the Commission for Public Higher Education, described accreditation as “the plumbing of the whole higher ed infrastructure.”
“It’s not dramatic. It’s not meant to be partisan. But it’s critical to how schools function,” said Harrison, who is the University of North Carolina System’s vice president for academic affairs.
Though the founding schools of the new commission are all in the South, Harrison said he expects accreditation to shift away from the long- standing geography-based model. In the past, universities in the South were accredited by SACSCOC simply because of location. In the future, he said, public universities across the country might instead be grouped together because they share similar governance structures, funding constraints and oversight.
“In 2025, if you were designing accreditation from scratch, you wouldn’t build it around geography,” Harrison said. “Public universities have more in common with each other across states than they do with private or for-profit institutions in their own backyard.”
The Commission for Public Higher Education opened with an initial cohort capped at 10 institutions within the first six states. Harrison said that based on the interest, the group could have accepted 15–20.
“I thought we’d be at six or seven. We reached 10 quickly and across a wider range of institutions than expected,” he said. “We already have an applicant outside the founding systems. That’s well ahead of where I thought we would be.”
That early interest, he said, reflects frustration among public institutions around finances. In particular, public universities are mandated to undergo audits from the state, but also feel burdened by audits required by accreditors.
“Public universities already undergo multiple audits and state budget oversight,” he said. “Then accreditation requires them to do the same work again. It feels like rein-
While the creation of a public university accreditor is new, the concept of sectorspecific accreditation exists in other parts of higher education, including for two- year colleges.
Mac Powell, president of the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, said that tailoring accreditation to a sector can make the peer-review model more meaningful, because reviewers can identify with similar challenges. He said reviewers have been moving away from measuring resources and bureaucratic compliance toward assessing what students actually get out of their education.
“The big shift was moving from counting inputs to asking, ‘Did students actually learn what we said they would learn?’” said Powell, whose organization accredits 138 colleges across Arizona, California, New York and the Pacific.
The most important metric all accreditation models should value is how they transition their students into the workforce, he said.
“Every accreditor today is paying much more attention to retention, persistence, transfer, career outcomes and return on investment,” Powell said. “It’s becoming less about how many books are in the library and more about whether students can find a pathway to the middle class.”
An Evolving Institution
Stephen Pruitt is in his first year as the president of SACSCOC, the accreditation organization that the halfdozen Southern state university systems just left. Pruitt, a Georgia native, jokes that his “Southern accent and frontporch style” has helped him break down the importance of accreditation to just about anyone.
In simple terms, he said, accreditation is the system that makes college degrees real. But he feels he has to clarify a misconception about the role of accreditation agencies like SACSCOC.
“There’s this myth that I’m sitting in Atlanta deciding if institutions are good or not,” he said. “That’s not how American accreditation works. Your peers evaluate you. People who do the same work you do.”
At the same time, Pruitt isn’t dismissing the concerns that prompted states such as Florida and North Carolina to explore alternatives to SACSCOC. According to Pruitt, institutions have long raised concerns about slow turnaround times, redundant paperwork and standards that have not always adapted quickly to the evolving landscape in higher education.
“Some of the frustration is real. Institutions want less redundancy and more responsiveness. Competition isn’t something we’re afraid of,” he said. “We’re doing a full audit of our processes. We have to be more contemporary. Faster approvals, more flexibility, more transparency. Accreditation shouldn’t just be the stick. It should be the carrot, too.” f
This story was originally produced by Stateline, which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network that includes Georgia Recorder, and is supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity.
UGA students at Spring 2025 commencement.
ANDREW DAVIS TUCKER / UGA MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS
Avid Digs In
BOOKSHOP FIGHTS TO SUCCEED IN NEW LOCATION
By Pete McCommons pete@flagpole.com
The report of Avid Bookshop’s death was an exaggeration, although most anybody running a small local business has had a neardeath experience at some time. A couple of months ago Reddit lit up with posts about missed payrolls and heavy criticism of owner Janet Geddis’ management of the book store.
In recent years, Avid moved from its location on Prince Avenue to a primo spot in the Five Points commercial node just in time for the pandemic to slow things down. Now, Avid has jumped back to the Boulevard area among the Atlas North complex of local businesses on Barber Street, down the hill behind Buvez (RIP), right next door to the Hidden Gem bar.
inventory, reduced staff, a debt load and inadequate capital.
What Avid does have going for it is that it’s just down the hill from Boulevard in the coolest commercial district in town—amid bars, coffee shops, kids stuff, food products, breweries, a climbing wall, etc., adjacent to the culture-rich Warehouse District and its condos, and across the street from Habitat’s intown ReStore. The business analyst would assess the area as less affluent than Five Points but more hip: A good location for Avid and bound to get better if it can hang on while people figure out where it is.
And, it is still Avid. Even with its reduced stock, there’s still the pleasure of browsing and finding books you never heard of but must have, like a used Queen of Bohemia/The Life of Louise Bryant, which “connects a constitutionally unconventional woman to an era of stunning transformations.” She was the wife (in a very open marriage) of the radical journalist John Reed. The 1981 movie Reds was about them, and Dianne Keaton played Louise. Ah, the serendipity of the local bookshop! It doesn’t happen online.
At the time of the most intense complaints about her business acumen, Geddis was in the hospital recovering from an operation to correct a debilitating condition that had sapped her strength for months. And yes, the money for payroll was in the wrong account, and yes there were staff problems while she was out sick. A GoFundMe got them through the gap of closing the old store and opening the new.
Geddis is back to something like full strength now, after running the store by herself for a while, and is aided by assistant Mal Tucker and always encouraged by her father, Duke Geddis. There’s more space than either the Prince or the Five Points location afforded, and they’re gradually filling it with books, plus there’s room for a spiffy green sofa and a couple of chairs, with free coffee and tea and free reading for those in the mood to hang out rather than shop.
“We wanted to have our grand opening in August,” Geddis says, “but we missed that. So maybe we can have our baby grand opening soon.”
She is upbeat as usual, though a business analyst might say she faces steep odds. After a third move, Avid is off the beaten path, with little walk-in traffic, depleted
calendar picks arts & culture
EVENT | THU, DEC. 4
Downtown Parade of Lights
Downtown Athens • 7 p.m. • FREE! Athens’ annual Christmas parade is returning this year with the theme “Cooking up a Great Holiday.” As such, local restaurateur Peter Dale will serve as the 2025 parade marshal. Dale began his culinary career at local favorite Five & Ten and is now the establishment’s owner. He has also opened restaurants and other businesses around town, including Condor Chocolates, Maepole, The National and Seabear Oyster Bar. This year’s cooking- themed parade floats will begin their route on the corner of Hancock Avenue and Pulaski Street and continue through downtown, ending with Santa Claus lighting the Christmas tree in front of City Hall. Awards will be given for Most Original Float, Best Use of Theme, Best Use of Lights and more. [Mary Beth Bryan]
PERFORMANCE | DEC. 4–5
“The prices of books have skyrocketed,” Janet says, “and that’s why we include these good quality, lightly used books: almost like new, but at much lower prices.”
Anybody who is overstocked at home can bring their used books in good shape to Avid and either donate them or trade them for store credit so they can go home with more books.
During a chat with Janet, the UPS guy wheels in eight cartons of books from Arcadia Publishing, and Janet claps her hands in delight. That’s the company that puts out those slick, lushly illustrated paperback histories of places and happenings in Georgia and every other state: Athens in Vintage Postcards, Murder and Mystery in Atlanta, Watkinsville From the Collection of Bobby Gordon, etc., etc. You know them. Something for everybody. Janet and Mal immediately start digging into the fresh supply.
Browsing with friends and family (and self) in mind is one of the delights of the holiday season, and in addition, Avid also has T- shirts, note cards, refrigerator magnets (“Cats don’t tell police where your drugs are”), enamel pins, stickers, puzzles, coffee, coloring books. Avid also has frequent book readings and signings by local authors and others passing through.
Janet says, “We want to continue doing things with the other places here like Treehouse, Hidden Gem… and the others.”
Can Avid hold on in this new location? Is the third place the charm? Will the churn of the already popular places buoy the bookshop while its clientele reestablishes? Or will sinister business forces doom yet another small local business? The outcome is still a mystery. It could make a book. You could buy it at Avid: The Clue Hidden Between the Lines. f
Next is singer- songwriter Kate Morrissey, who is known for the idiosyncratic humor she injects into her performances. Finally, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young tribute band Déjà Vu will complete the bill. [MB]
THEATER | DEC. 5–7, 12–14
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Oconee Youth Theatre • Times Vary • $15–20
A cast of players from 17 local elementary, middle and high schools will be per-
Cirque Dreams Holidaze
The Classic Center • 6:30 p.m. (doors), 7:30 p.m. (show) • $33–126
Aerial circus acts, sleight-of-hand jugglers, acrobatics and more will be a part of the annual Cirque Dreams Holidaze performances. Cirque Dreams is a global entertainment brand that has been producing a variety of stage shows since 1993 and is known for its world-renowned performers and whimsical storytelling. This event mixes Broadway- style production with its circus acts, including original music and new takes on holiday classics. It also incorporates the magic of the holidays with toy soldiers and reindeer, along with wintery sets and intricate costumes. Event organizer Broadway World says Cirque Dreams Holidaze is not only fun for children, but is also an opportunity to “lose yourself for 90 minutes and go back to those wonderful dreams you had as a kid.” [MB]
Strung Out Like the Lights at Christmas is a night of music hosted by local promoter Aubrey Entertainment, with proceeds benefiting the Athens Area Homeless Shelter and Nuçi’s Space. Acts from a variety of genres will be performing. First is Athens rock legend Five Eight, which originally formed in 1989. The band has been performing alongside showings of Marc Pilvinsky’s 2024 documentary Weirdo: The Story of Five Eight, named after the 1994 album of the same name. Next on the bill is multi-generational Americana band Grassland. Jazz and swing band Mary and the Hot Hotty-Hots will continue the show with tunes from the 1910s, ’20s and ’30s.
forming a production based on the classic children’s book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, written in 1964 by Roald Dahl. The story follows a group of children who win entrance into the factory of eccentric candymaker Willy Wonka. Two popular movie adaptations from 1971 and 2005 predate the stage version of the story, with the original live production premiering in London in 2013. This production is directed by Jordan Richey, starring Clarke Central senior Nate St. Onge, who has been performing with Oconee Youth Players since third grade, in the role of Willy Wonka, and Oconee County Elementary School fifth grader Max Hinton in his OYP debut as the titular Charlie Bucket. Friday and Saturday shows will take place at 7 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 3 p.m. on both weekends. For each performance, the lobby will be transformed to match the show, featuring an Oompa-Loompa photo booth, a variety of candy stations and the chance to win a Golden Ticket. [MB]
WILLIS is a blues- and surf rockinfluenced indie band based in Nashville known best for its hit single, “I Think I Like When It Rains,” which has amassed hundreds of millions of streams since its release in 2017. The band’s members—Murphy Billings, Glenn O’Steen, Will O’Steen, Edward Armstead and Trey Murphy—first met in high school in their hometown of Florence, AL and began making music together in a bedroom. Their first official release came in 2016, marking the beginning of the Locals EP series, which now has four entries. WILLIS’ debut album I Can’t Thank You Enough came out last year, and its sophomore release, Locals 5, is set to release on Jan. 23. Local indie-pop band Hotel Fiction will open WILLIS’ Athens stop on its ongoing U.S. tour. [MB] f
(l-r) Mal Tucker and Janet Geddis open a new shipment.
Downtown Parade of Lights
CJ BARTUNEK
Spreading Musical Cheer
HOLIDAY CONCERTS SCHEDULED FOR DECEMBER
By Sam Lipkin editorial@flagpole.com
The signalling of the winter holiday season seems to be marked by the call of Mariah Carey singing “All I Want For Christmas Is You,” a phenomenon that creeps earlier and earlier each year. But there really is nothing like music to get people into the holiday spirit, and there are plenty of holiday concerts taking place around Athens this month to indulge in. Find updates and other holiday festivities on Flagpole’s Calendar at flagpole.com.
UGA Presents has booked four diverse performances at Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall, located within the UGA Performing Arts Center, as part of its 2025 Holiday Music Series. The 11-member a capella group Voctave’s “It Feels Like Christmas” program will deliver a versatile performance drawing on classic carols, contemporary holiday favorites and Disney selections. The concert will take place Friday,
The Classic Center Theatre will host two holiday concerts, in addition to other festive programming. The Athens Symphony Orchestra will hold its Christmas concert on Saturday, Dec. 13 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 14 at 3 p.m. At the time of print, tickets had not yet gone on sale. Grammy and Emmy Award- winning singer- songwriter John Berry returns for his 29th annual “Christmas with John Berry” tour. The concert will take place on Thursday, Dec. 18 at 7 p.m. with tickets ranging from $37–$72.
The Athens Master Chorale group’s Christmas concert is titled “The Gloria That Got Away,” performing works by composers Vivaldi and Handel. The show will take place at First Baptist Church Athens on Sunday, Dec. 14 at 4 p.m. Aubrey Entertainment is presenting a “Blue Ridge Mountain Christmas” featuring The Solstice Sisters at The Foundry on Sunday, Dec. 21 at 7 p.m.
Dec. 5 at 7:30 p.m. with tickets ranging from $52–$74. The Irish supergroup Lúnasa’s “An Irish Solstice Celebration” will share the storytelling heart of Irish music through a blend of styles featuring fiddle, pipes, whistles, guitars, bass and flute. Set for Wednesday, Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m., tickets are $42–$74. Béla Fleck & The Flecktones’ “Jingle All the Way” is based on the group’s Grammy Award- winning holiday album of the same name that blends jazz improvisation, bluegrass roots, classical flair, world-music textures and rhythmic playfulness. See it yourself Thursday, Dec. 18 at 7:30 p.m. with $64–$106 tickets. An annual Christmas tradition, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra’s “Handel’s Messiah” will take place on Sunday, Dec. 21 at 3 p.m. Tickets are available for $52–$106. Unaffiliated with UGA but also taking place at the Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall are two community-based choral concerts. The Georgia Children’s Chorus will perform “Where the Light Begins” on Tuesday, Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. The selection of songs seeks to inspire peace and connection across cultures, languages and generations. Tickets are $18. The Classic City Community Chorus will perform holiday favorites in its “Christmas in the Classic City” fall program. The free concert will take place Monday, Dec. 15 at 7:30 p.m.
Reserved tables are sold out, but advance tickets are still available for $13.58–$19.41. Aubrey Entertainment also hosts the annual Basketball Team Christmas Revue that features a holiday market and festivities in addition to the concert. The free event is held on Saturday, Dec. 20 at 5 p.m.
For something a little different, Town & Gown Players is hosting “Winter in Boulevard: A Festive Musical Revue” directed by Harriet Anderson and Julianne Merritt. Show dates run Dec. 5–6, 11–13 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 7 and 14 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 for members, seniors and students or $20 for adults.
Athens has some talented musicians who take their holiday-inspired acts “on the road” around the area. The Holiday Hustle Club, led by local writer and musician Bart King, will perform on Thursday, Dec. 18 at 6 p.m. at the Marigold Auditorium in Winterville, then do it all again the next night on Friday, Dec. 19 at 6:30 p.m. at The Rialto Club at Hotel Indigo. The popular Good Grief Trio has a run of shows already sold out, but in case you want to make a deal with someone who’s already snagged a ticket, the jazz-inspired group will perform at Marigold Auditorium on Monday, Dec. 15 then at Hendershot’s Dec. 18–21. Start the bargaining now. f
Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
song-by- song as if it could be so easily unpacked. Just go listen to it, and note that it’s available on compact disc and vinyl. Turn your inclinations toward annerichmondboston. bandcamp.com for the full experience.
By Gordon Lamb threatsandpromises@flagpole.com
EVERYBODY GET TOGETHER: Y’all didn’t really think Rubber Udder was going to let the year lapse without cranking out another album, did you? Well, it didn’t, and it’s named Laryngeal Bacterium Foamage Up the Spitwad Crux of the PostNasular Region, which will now and forever be colloquially referred to as simply “Laryngeal” because no one is going to remember all that. That said, this is the first collection by the band to solidly occupy any space inside what we call the rock tradition. Indeed, from the first blues inclinations of opening song “Sick Again” to the Mudhoney homage—my words—“Supermuff Bigfuzz,” this is the sound of a band who fell out of the sandbox, took a look around then accidentally fell back in. The psych-Devo in “Species/Feces” leads straight into the weirdo dreamscape “The Beef Industry” and, when taken together, the former seems much more traditional even while not really being anything all that close. And for your sludge dollar you can’t do much better this week than “Hitting Concrete at 138 Miles Per Hour.” Find this at rubberudder. bandcamp.com.
CAN’T KEEP A GOOD BRAND DOWN: There are some organizations that, no matter how much bruising they undergo, continue to rise from their depths for another run at the sun. Think Atari, Motown, Polaroid, etc. Now you can add Kindercore to that list. Comin’ at ya phoenix-like for 2026 the label, used as an umbrella term here as the brand has had multiple iterations and activities, will bring you Expo2026: 30 Years Of Kindercore. This three-day mega event echoes its previous Expo2000 event as well as its multi-day fests of the 1990s. This new event happens May 7–9 at the 40 Watt Club. Presented by record pressers Echo Base, this threeday whopper features beloved Athens legacy acts, as well as a handful of newer ones. There’s not room to list them all, but specific highlights include Maserati, I Am The World Trade Center, Japancakes, The Agenda, Elf Power, Joe Christmas, Shehehe and Vincas. Tickets are an incredibly reasonable $25 per night in advance ($30 at the door) or $60 for all three nights in advance. You can purchase these
through 40watt.com. It’s too early yet to know if this will sell out, but it’ll be crowded in any case.
THE DEEP END: Anne Richmond Boston released her first solo album 35 years ago. She released her second last month, courtesy of Atlanta’s DB Records. Always a master of melody as well as possessing an incredibly steady vocal
presence free from shrill or needless dramatic infusion, this new album has a credit list that reads like a Who’s Who Among Legendary Area Musicians. The pop tones of opening song “I Should Be Happy” are incongruous to both its title and lyrics in much the same way certain songs by, say, Randy Newman and Sheryl Crow can be. And for every emotion that first tune shields, the second, “Give In,” lays them bare. Boston, known in the musical world for her time spent with Atlanta’s notable Swimming Pool Q’s, guides the 14 tracks here with an insurmountable sense of strength that includes both resolve and acceptance. It’s honestly a disservice to attempt to break this down
KLING, GLÖCKCHEN: Left to its own devices, the Athens music scene is going to make its own thing out of your thing and, in the process, perhaps wind up with an entirely new thing. To wit, Womannheim Steamroller—an all female tribute to neo- classical powerhouse and late 20th century Christmas miracle Mannheim Steamroller—has three shows coming up soon. First, the group performs two sets at Buvez on Friday, Dec. 5 (a 6 p.m. “family friendly” show and then again at 8 p.m. and followed by Insanity Claus). Then, on Friday, Dec. 19 the band will play again at the group’s barn which sits in the Boulevard neighborhood on Nantahala between Wynburn and Beulah. Just arrive around 7 p.m. when it’s slated to begin and follow your ears. They’ll be joined by the Athens Cowboy Choir opening. For more information, please see womannheimsteamroller.my.canva.site.
SITTING ’ROUND AT HOME: Somewhere along the way your grandparents probably mentioned that Christmas used to be a much bigger deal in our music scene. So much so that there were actually multiple volumes of the Flagpole Christmas Album released. While some have tried, there’s simply been no replacing those essential snapshots of our scene at different times. However, while the collective spirit may have diminished somewhat, stalwart rockers—and veterans of the above-mentioned records—Five Eight have a new Christmas single out this Friday, Dec. 5. It’s a collaboration with James Hall (Mary My Hope) and is a nicely executed R&B- styled song titled “Christmas Without You.” Find it wherever you’re finding your music online these days, and let ’er rip.
AND, RELATEDLY: The annual Strung Out Like The Lights at Christmas benefit happens this year on Friday, Dec. 5 at the Marigold Auditorium in Winterville (373 N Church St.). This event, created by Winterville mayor and longtime Athens musician Dodd Ferrelle, will feature Ferrelle & The Wintervillains, Five Eight, Grassland, Mary & The Hot Hotty-Hots, the CSNY tribute Deja Vu and Kate Morrissey. Tickets are $19.41 (inclusive of fees) in advance or $20 at the door. This show is a benefit for Athens Area Homeless Shelter and Nuçi’s Space, and starts at 7 p.m. For more information, please see facebook.com/ AubreyEntertainmentAthensGA. f
If your partner objects when you use the phone, limits your everyday contact with family and friends, and you restrict yourself to avoid angry, aggressive confrontations, you need to step back and take another look. How can you cope once you are involved with a controlling partner? Call Project Safe for help. Our hotline is confidential, and counseling is free. Get your life back. Get help.
Five Eight
Flagpole’s 2025 Holiday Market Roundup
CRAFT FAIRS AND STUDIO SALES FEATURING LOCAL ARTISTS AND MAKERS
By Libba Beaucham arts@flagpole.com
Need to find unique gifts for the holidays? There are plenty of opportunities to treasure hunt and support local artists and artisans this December in and around Athens. From craft fairs to studio open houses, shopping local and connecting with the community is sure to spark the holiday spirit. Here’s our annual Holiday Market Roundup to help guide your shopping list, with updates online at flagpole.com.
Athens
Find locally made jewelry, accessories, art, home goods and handcrafted gifts at the Tribe Hair Company Holiday Market on Dec. 5 from 3–7 p.m. at 1238 Prince Ave. More details can be found at instagram.com/tribehaircompany.
Creature Comforts’ Holiday Artists Market will take place on Dec. 5 from 3–10 p.m. at the downtown taproom. There will be more than 25 local vendors at the market, live music, the Cafe Racer food truck, a food drive benefitting the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia and a visit from Santa between 6–8 p.m. Learn more at creaturecomforts beer.com.
Handcrafted soaps, sculpture, ceramics, batik, watercolor, mixed media, jewelry, weaving and folk art will be for sale at the Woodhill Artists Market opening on Friday, Dec. 5 from 4–8 p.m., followed by market days Dec. 6–7 and Dec. 13–14 from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. at 4745 Bob Godfrey Road.
The Southern Star Studio Holiday Sale will have a variety of pottery styles for sale from intricately designed painted works to simple wood and soda fired pots. Enjoy sweet treats, coffee and live music while you shop Dec. 6–7 and Dec. 13–14 from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. at 180 Cleveland Ave. Learn more at southernstarstudioathens.com.
Maria Dondero’s annual Marmalade Pottery holiday sale will offer multiple ways to shop this year. Browse in person during Southern Star Studio’s (180 Cleveland Ave.) Dec. 6 sale from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. An online sale at mariadondero.com will take place Dec. 7 starting at 12 p.m., with a preview up Dec. 4. Her popular mugs, planters, platters and pots are often decorated with illustrations of flowers, animals and faces.
Potter and painter Shawn Ireland will open his Athens studio for a one-day holiday sale on Saturday, Dec. 6 from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. featuring Ireland’s functional and sculptural pottery alongside his newest oil paintings. The sale also includes colorful handmade pillows by Jo Frayne and a return appearance by guest potter C. Parker Robinson. The studio is located at 180 Hidden Hills Lane. Head to shawn irelandpottery.com for more information.
Handmade Hollyday at Treehouse Kid & Craft celebrates its 15th year Dec. 6–7 from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. at 585 Barber St. with regional artists, youth makers and food vendors in addition to the variety of unique toys, games and activities for kiddos inside the shop. Visit treehouse kidandcraft.com.
Hosted by Indie South, the Abnormal Bazaar is typically held the third Saturday of every month, but it will take place earlier on Dec. 6 from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. at 470 Haw -
Road. Visitors can enjoy handmade crafts, holiday treats, face painting and free photos with Santa from 1–5 p.m. Head to elcarretonero.com for details.
Ceramicist Rebecca Wood and her team of artists at R. Wood Studio will host two separate events. The Holiday Open House on Dec. 6 will feature an exclusive in-store selection of pottery by Rebecca Wood and other holiday gifts. The entire store will be discounted for last-minute candlelit shopping during the annual Solstice Sale, which will be held two days this year Dec. 20–21. R. Wood Studio is located at 450 Georgia Drive. Visit instagram.com/rwood studioceramics for updates on times.
This year the Rook & Pawn is hosting a Crow Market at its location at 294 W. Washington St. Artists and makers will set up on Dec. 7 from 11 a.m.–5 p.m. There will also be a food drive, and attendees who donate to a nonprofit will receive one coupon to redeem at the market. Questions can be directed to aceofcupsathens@gmail.com.
Taylor-Grady House will hold a Holiday Open House on Dec. 7 from 1–4 p.m. at 634 Prince Ave. There will be a market with local vendors, holiday carolers, guided tours, light refreshments, photos with Santa and more. Head to taylorgrady.com for details.
If you’ve got art waiting on a frame, check out the annual Frame Sale at the Georgia Museum of Art when the
The UGArden Holiday Market returns on Dec. 6 from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. with houseplants, herbal teas, spice blends, salves and small-batch garden goods grown using organic practices at 2510 S. Milledge Ave. Visit facebook.com/ ugardeners.
McEachin Farm at 600 U.S. Highway 29, Danielsville, will have a Christmas market on Dec. 6 from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. featuring local vendors with holiday photo-ops and food. Check out mceachinfarm.com.
thorne Ave. Vendors offer a mix of treasures from vintage and vinyl to crafts and collectibles. Visit theindiesouth.com for details.
Step inside the Christmas Market at Foxglove Plantbar to shop in a world of botanical beauty. This market will showcase handmade goods by local artisans, a free kids crafting station and refreshments at 1063 Baxter St. on Dec. 6 from 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Learn more at foxgloveplantbar.com.
The 2nd Annual Christmas Market at El Carretonero will take place Dec. 6 from 11 a.m.–5 p.m. at 124 Rowe
museum sells its surplus inventory. Located at 90 Carlton St., the sale will be held on Dec. 9–10 and Dec. 12–14 from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. and Dec. 11 from 10 a.m.–9 p.m. Check out georgiamuseum.org.
The Athens Holiday Market at Big City Bread Café takes place Dec. 11–12 from 5–9 p.m. and will have over 50 artists selling their works on the outdoor patio at 393 N. Finley St. For more details, visit facebook.com/athensholidaymarket.
Bear Hollow Zoo, located in Memorial Park at 293 Gran Ellen Drive, will host Deck the Hollow on Dec. 11–14 from
Mbare’s Africa in Athens Holiday Shop
5:30–7:30 p.m. Under twinkling lights, there will be local artist vendors, animal encounters, live music and entertainment provided by the Athens Creative Theater. Admission is $5, but children ages 2 and under can enter for free. Visit accgov.com/holidayevents for other festive activities.
Beechwood Shopping Center’s Holiday Market & Carnival will be held on Dec. 12 from 6–9 p.m. with local craft vendors, rides and visits with Santa at 196 Alps Road. More details can be found at shopbeechwood.com.
Michele Dross Ceramics will host its Holiday Studio Sale on Dec. 13 from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. featuring one of a kind porcelain ceramics inspired by nature at 197 Normal Ave. Visit micheledross.com.
The Athens Area Vendors Group Christmas Stop & Shop will have over 50 local vendors with a variety of art and handcrafted goods. Dec. 13 from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. at East Athens Baptist Church, 4325 Lexington Road.
Indie South’s Holiday Hooray is the biggest holiday market in town. This year’s event will be held at a new location—General Time at 100 Newton Bridge Rd.—on Dec. 13–14 from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. The market will have more than 150 regional artists, vintage sellers, food vendors and live entertainment. Head over to theindiesouth. com for details.
The 13th annual Artists Holiday Market that benefits local nonprofit Campus Cats/Cat Zip Alliance will be held Dec. 13 from 5–9 p.m. at Little Kings Shuffle Club, at 223 W. Hancock Ave. Items will range from puzzles, paintings, pottery, woodwork, candles, clothing, jewelry, baked goods and handmade catnip toys. The nonprofit works to promote humane community cat management through a trap, neuter, return approach. To learn more, visit catzip.org.
Buvez will host a Last Minute Market on Dec. 20 from 9 a.m.–2 p.m. at 585 Barber St. featuring a variety of local vendors ready to fill your last minute shopping needs. Check instagram.com/ buvez_athens for updates.
The Hotel Abacus Holiday Market will host local vendors, kids activities and a special Christmas concert produced by Aubrey Entertainment with the band Basketball Team on Dec. 20 at 295 E. Dougherty St. Doors open at 5 p.m. Find more info at bit.ly/ BasketballTeamDec20.
decorating for the kids and live music. Visit farmview market.com for more information.
The Nancy Green Ceramics Group has its annual holiday sale Dec. 6–7 from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Guests can shop a wide range of traditional and contemporary pottery by regional artists from functional wares to expressive sculptural pieces, all displayed throughout the Watkinsville studio at
Mathew Meunier will host his annual Ceramics Open Studio & Holiday Sale on Dec. 6–7 from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Meunier’s functional soda- fired works are known for earthy surfaces, geometric forms and craftsmanship rooted in Meunier’s background as a carpenter. The studio is located at 440 Laurel Ave. in Comer. Visit mathew meunier.com.
1500 Tappan Spur Road. Visit nancygreenceramics.com for more information.
Beyond Athens
The Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation’s Gallery Shoppe features original works by over 40 local artists, including a Young Artists’ Corner, priced at $200 or less. Open Tuesday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. through Dec. 20. Learn more at ocaf.com.
Now in its seventh year, the Madison Artists Guild’s Holiday Market offers a festive, gift-ready selection of handcrafted works by over 30 regional artists. The market runs through Dec. 31 at 125 W. Jefferson St. in Madison. Learn more at themadisonartistsguild.org.
Instead of a weekend sale, Mbare will open its warehouse for the Africa in Athens Holiday Shop on Thursdays Dec. 4, 11 and 18 from 1–7 p.m. Browse fair- trade goods like baskets, wall decor, textiles, glassware and more handcrafted by artisans in Zimbabwe, Senegal, Swaziland, South Africa, Tanzania, Mali, Ghana and beyond at 160 Mill Center Blvd. in Bogart. More details can be found at mbare.com.
Farmview Market’s open-air holiday market takes place on Saturday, Dec. 6 from 9 a.m.–2 p.m. at 2610 Eatonton Road in Madison. The market will have local artisan vendors, a Letter to Santa station, a petting zoo, cookie-
The Portico in Good Hope at 5822 Highway 189 is hosting its third annual Christmas market on Dec. 6 from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Local vendors will be selling fine art, pottery, paper crafts, candles, plants, terrariums, soap, ornaments, jewelry and more. Details are at instagram.com/portico_highshoals.
The Rose Creek Pottery Holiday Sale offers a wide selection of handcrafted functional pottery, featuring new patterns and fresh glaze surfaces for the season. The open house runs Dec. 6–7 from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. at 1051 Rose Creek Drive, Watkinsville. Head to facebook.com/rosecreek pottery for more information.
The Comer Christmas Vendor Market will take place at Yarbrough Park on Dec. 6 from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. with handmade goods, local food and seasonal treats ahead of the city’s Christmas parade at noon. After the parade, families can stop by the park for photos with Santa. The market is part of a full day of holiday festivities in downtown Comer that can be found at facebook.com/ComerChristmas.
The Friends of the Oglethorpe County Library’s annual Christmas Bazaar and Book Sale will be held Dec. 6 from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. at No. 3 Railroad St. in Arnoldsville. Browse themed gift baskets, handmade ornaments and décor, homemade potpourri and spa items, and a fill-a-bag-ofbooks sale for $5. Cash or check only. Check out oglethorpe fol.org.
Bendzunas Glass will host an open house of glass and pottery works and live glass-blowing demonstrations Dec. 6–7, 13–14 and 20–21 from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. at 89 W. South Ave. in Comer. Those unable to attend in person may schedule appointments for demonstrations or gallery viewings. Check out bendzunasglass.net.
Artist and silk painter Margaret Agner will host an Art Wearables Pop-Up Boutique Sale on Dec. 6 from 11 a.m.–7 p.m. Check out wearable art by four makers including felted coats and scarves, beaded jewelry and vintage designs at Agner’s home studio at 145 Yorkshire Road in Bogart.
Winterville’s Holiday Craft Market at Sunrise Nursery returns Dec. 7 from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. with plants, local makers, food trucks and handmade seasonal goods at 550 Athens Road. More details can be found at sunrisenursery.info.
Twisted Moon Studio’s Holiday Market will take place on Dec. 9 from 6–8 p.m. at 2421 Malcom Bridge Road, Bogart. Shop handcrafted goods from local artists and kid entrepreneurs. You can also take a photo with Santa, paint an ornament, enjoy festive activities and more. Find all the details over at facebook.com/twisted moonstudios.
The Malcom Bridge Shopping Center Holiday Market will be held Dec. 9 from 6–8 p.m. at 2421 Malcom Bridge Road in Bogart, featuring free photos with Santa and the Grinch, ornament painting and extended shopping hours. Learn more at oconeechamber.org.
Artist Dortha Jacobson will host an open house at her historic home in Winterville on the Firefly Trail. Showcasing seven local artists, works include paintings, beaded jewelry, pottery, glasswork and more. The event runs Dec. 12 from 6–8 p.m. and Dec. 13–14 from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. at 265 Athens Road, Winterville.
The Marigold Farmers Market will host its annual Winter Wonderland Christmas Festival in Winterville on Dec. 13 with a variety of local vendors from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. and family activities through 6 p.m., including visits with Santa and live entertainment. Get all the info at marigoldcollective winterville.com.
Farmington Pottery will hold its annual December Open House Pottery Sale on Dec. 13–14 from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. with a wide range of wood- fired and gas- fired pottery, handmade soaps and botanical skincare products made with herbs grown on site. The recommended address for GPS is 1171 Freeman Creek Road, Bishop. Head to pickett pottery.com for details.
Tanger Outlets in Commerce will host its Athens Winter Wonderland Craft & Vendor Market Dec. 13–14 with small businesses, artisans and food trucks. For more information, visit facebook.com/hometownvendormarket.
The Winterville Cultural Center Gallery’s “Small Works 2025” is on view through Dec. 18. and showcases 85 original pieces by 60 regional artists all for sale at 371 N. Church St. in Winterville. Visit wintervilleccgallery.com.
The 1818 Brewery Holiday Market will be held Dec. 21 at 2 p.m. at 71 State St. in downtown Commerce. The event includes local artisans, last-minute gift shopping and seasonal craft beer. More details can be found at 1818brewing. com. f
Work by Geoff Pickett at Farmington Pottery
presents presents
The Grinch The Grinch
December 12, 7pm
December 13, 1pm & 7pm
December 14, 1pm
UGA Fine Arts Theatre
USE CODE “FLAGPOLE” FOR $1 OFF TICKETS!
live music calendar
Tuesday 2
Cheba Hut
8 p.m. FREE! www.chebahut.com
KARAOKE Every Tuesday. Hendershot’s No Phone Party. 7 p.m. www.hendershotsathens.com
KENOSHA KID The brainchild of guitarist Dan Nettles performs two sets of adventurous new music each week from his ever-expanding catalog that exists “somewhere in the Schrödinger’s nexus of jazz, post-rock and improvised music.”
Hugh Hodgson School of Music Edge Hall. 6 p.m. FREE! music.uga. edu
SOUTHERN WIND QUINTET
Graduate chamber music ensemble that represents some of the finest instrumental musicianship on campus.
Normal Bar
8–11 p.m. FREE! booking@rudy montayremusic.com
OPEN MIC All musicians welcome. Every Tuesday.
Ramsey Hall
3:30 p.m. FREE! music.uga.edu
REPERTORY SINGERS A mixed chamber choir directed by graduate student conductors.
Wednesday 3
Athentic Brewing Co.
7–10 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com
KARAOKE WITH DJ GREGORY
Every Wednesday. Flicker Theatre & Bar
9 p.m. FREE! www.flickertheatreand bar.com
DR. FRED’S KARAOKE Featuring a large assortment of pop, rock, indie and more. Hendershot’s
7:30 p.m. FREE! www.hendershots athens.com
OPEN MIC Hosted by Liz Farrell the first Wednesday of every month. Sign up online.
MAIKAI OPEN MIC Share your music, comedy and poetry every Wednesday.
Porterhouse Grill
7 p.m. www.porterhousegrillathens. com
JAZZ NIGHT Longest running jazz gig in Athens featuring a rotating cast of familiar faces performing American songbook, bossa nova classics and crossover hits.
THE SEVEN TWO Indie rock to country, classic rock to folk music and everything in between from four UGA students.
WARREN HOLLOW Local Southern rock band with a sound that hasn’t been heard since the 1970s Jacksonville scene.
LIGHTWATCH Band from Muscle Shoals, AL with a sound heavily influenced by the ’90s and 2000s rock movements, from alternative to grunge to even some heavier metal bands.
OHMU Winston Parker’s ambient compositions are simultaneously meditative and chaotic, invoking apocalyptic feelings at times but not without an element of hope.
RAUNCHER Project blending electronic, house and bass music.
IXIAN Experimental metal/industrial/noise music.
The Globe
7:30–10 p.m. www.facebook.com/ globe.athens
MARY & THE HOT HOTTY-HOTS
Hot jazz and swing band offering music from the 1910s, ’20s and ’30s.
ROBERT LESTER FOLSOM Soft psych singer-songwriter and guitarist from Georgia whose 1976 record Music And Dreams found cult success decades after its original release.
T. HARDY MORRIS Singersongwriter and guitarist plays twangy, reflective folk-rock.
COREY SMITH A native of Jefferson, this Americana/country music artist has an 11-album catalog, most recently 2023’s Suburban Drawl
Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall
7:30 p.m. $10 (w/ UGA ID), $52–74. pac.uga.edu
VOCTAVE Eleven powerhouse singers return to Athens with a collection of special gifts wrapped up in thrilling vocal harmonies: favorite tunes from the Disney catalog, anthems from the Broadway stage and chestnuts from the holiday songbook.
Marigold Auditorium for Arts and Culture
6 p.m. (doors), 7 p.m. (show). $15 (adv.), $20. Proceeds benefit Athens Area Homeless Shelter and Nuçi’s Space. www.facebook.com/ AubreyEntertainmentAthensGA
FIVE EIGHT Legendary Athens band known for its boisterous, thoughtful rock and roll.
GRASSLAND Seven-piece Americana band that crosses generations, crosses genres and will cross your soul.
MARY & THE HOT HOTTY-HOTS
Jazz and swing band offering music from the ’10s, ’20s and ’30s.
DODD FERRELLE & THE WINTERVILLAINS Winterville singer-songwriter who has explored
Saturday 6
Athentic Brewing Co.
8–11:30 p.m. $10. www.athentic brewing.com
NOCHE DE BAILE TIMBAthens and SALSAthens host a monthly dance social with the latest Latin music, tonight’s event being a fundraiser. The evening kicks off with a dance class.
BACHATA CONEXIÓN Special dance performance.
LUCHITO MUÑOZ Peruvian producer and arranger/ Boutier Winery & Inn
Oliver Domingo’s electronic spacethemed act, which utilizes primitive drum machines and synthesizers to create disco-pop, jazz and easy listening inspired compositions. IRON HORSE No info available.
acoustic folk, alt-country, pop rock and Americana over the course of his career.
KATE MORRISSEY Singersongwriter with an offbeat sense of humor.
DÉJÀ VU Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young tribute band.
Normal Bar
Attaboy Presents. 8 p.m. $10. Proceeds benefit The Food Bank of Northeast Georgia. www.instagram. com/normal_bar_athens
NICHOLAS MALLIS AND THE BOREALIS Local synth-pop act claiming a diverse array of supposed corporate sponsors.
HUNLO Electrified, soulful artist with a soft, inspiring sound.
WILLIS Nashville-based indie band with psychedelic soundscapes and a touch of indie, alternative blues and surfer rock.
HOTEL FICTION Indie pop led by Jessica Thompson and Jade Long.
Hendershot’s
3–5 p.m. FREE! www.hendershots athens.com
CLASSICAL REVOLUTION Open classical play by local musicians. Hidden Gem
8 p.m. www.instagram.com/hidden gemglobalhq THE PINK STONES Local cosmic country band with a lighthearted, twangy charm.
Normal Bar
Attaboy Presents. 8 p.m. Proceeds benefit The Food Band of Northeast Georgia. www.instagram.com/ normal_bar_athens
MAGNUM NORM Music by Aidan Lyerly of Bayou Princess.
new songs for feedback. Cheba Hut
8 p.m. FREE! www.chebahut.com
KARAOKE Every Tuesday. Flicker Theatre & Bar Attaboy Presents. 8 p.m. (doors). $10. www.flickertheatreandbar.com
BRADLEY THOMAS TURNER Composer playing soundtrackinspired music.
NIGHTOUT Dusky monastic plur; asks you to dance.
JOHN KIRAN FERNANDES Local Elephant 6 stalwart and multi-instrumentalist who works his improvisational magic on the clarinet and loop pedal. Hendershot’s No Phone Party. 7 p.m. www.hendershotsathens.com
KENOSHA KID The brainchild of guitarist Dan Nettles performs two sets of adventurous new music each week from his ever-expanding catalog that exists “somewhere in the Schrödinger’s nexus of jazz, post-rock and improvised music.” Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall
7 p.m. $18. pac.uga.edu
GEORGIA CHILDREN’S CHORUS Singers age 7–18 from the greater Athens area who are trained inresidence at Hugh Hodgson School of Music performing a special program called “Where The Light Begins.”
Normal Bar 8–11 p.m. FREE! booking@rudy montayremusic.com
OPEN MIC All musicians welcome. Every Tuesday.
Wednesday 10
Athentic Brewing Co.
7–10 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com
KARAOKE WITH DJ GREGORY Every Wednesday.
Flicker Theatre & Bar 9 p.m. FREE! www.flickertheatreand bar.com
DR. FRED’S KARAOKE Featuring a large assortment of pop, rock, indie and more.
BART KING, MARTY WINKLER AND SALLY ANN NICHOLS Pianist with guest vocalists playing popular secular holiday tunes.
Monday 8
Athentic Brewing Co.
The Christmas Hoot. 7:30–10 p.m. FREE! www.athenticbrewing.com
CHRISTMAS CAROL SING-ALONG Athens Folk and Dance Society hosts a sing-a-long with Tommy Jordan and Dick Daniels. Participants can make requests and lyrics are provided. Porterhouse Grill
7 p.m. www.porterhousegrillathens. com
JAZZ NIGHT Longest running jazz gig in Athens performing American songbook, bossa nova classics and crossover hits.
Tuesday 9
Athentic Brewing Co. 6:30–9:30 p.m. www.athenticbrewing. com
SONGWRITERS ANONYMOUS A rotating cast of songwriters sharing
OPEN MIC Emcees, poets, rappers and freestylers of all styles are invited to perform with the backing band playing the tempo of their choice.
Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall
7:30 p.m. $10 (w/ UGA ID), $42–74. pac.uga.edu
LÚNASA Acoustic group formed nearly 30 years ago by musicians from some of the greatest Irish groups of the previous decade. Performing a festive musical tapestry that will transport you back to their Irish homeland for the winter holidays.
MaiKai Kava Lounge
7:30 p.m. (sign-ups). FREE! www. instagram.com/bulaatmaikai MAIKAI OPEN MIC Share your music, comedy and poetry every Wednesday.
Porterhouse Grill
7 p.m. www.porterhousegrillathens. com
JAZZ NIGHT Longest running jazz gig in Athens performing American songbook, bossa nova classics and crossover hits. f
Robert Lester Folsom will perform at Flicker Theatre & Bar on Friday, Dec. 5.
Presented by the UGA Office of the President, Winter WonderLights at the State Botanical Garden in Athens is a festive way to celebrate with friends and family this season. Visit the Winter Wondercave, purchase a hot chocolate or other beverage and continue your stroll along Jingle Bell Lane. Stop to purchase a sweet treat at the s’more roasting stations and see why this was voted Best Local Event four years in a row.
JAN. 2-3 AND 9-10
event calendar
Tuesday 2
ART: Tuesday Tour (State Botanical Garden of Georgia) Join a docent led tour of the State Botanical Garden’s Porcelain and Decorative Arts Museum. Every Tuesday, 2 p.m. $5. botgarden.uga.edu
CLASSES: ESL (Bogart Library) Learn and improve English skills including speaking, listening, reading and writing. 12 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart
COMEDY: Flying Squid Open
Improv Jam (Flying Squid Comedy) Improvisors of all skill levels are invited to practice and play together. 8 p.m. $5 suggested donation. www.flyingsquidcomedy. com
GAMES: Lunch & Learn (Tyche’s Games) Bring your lunch and learn new games. 11:30 a.m. FREE! www. tychesgames.com
GAMES: Music Bingo (Johnny’s New York Style Pizza) Join in to play music BINGO. Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m. FREE! www.johnnyspizza.com
GAMES: UnPhiltered Trivia (Mellow Mushroom) Test your trivia knowledge with host Phil. 7 p.m. www. facebook.com/MellowMushroom Athens
GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (Amici at The Falls) Test your trivia knowledge with host Miles Bunch. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/ baddogathens
GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (Paloma Park) Test your trivia knowledge with host TJ Wayt. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/baddogathens
GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Winghouse Grill Hull) Test your general trivia knowledge. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia
GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Akademia Brewing Co.) Test your general trivia knowledge with host
GAMES: Singo! (Beef O’Brady’s) Win gift certificates and prizes at this music bingo night. Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m. www.beefobradys.com/athens
GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Magnolias of Athens) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Benjamin. Tuesdays, 8 p.m. www. instagram.com/classiccitytriviaco
LECTURES & LIT: Bogart Bookies (Bogart Library) Pick up a copy of A Christmas Memory by Truman Capote and discuss it with the group. 1 p.m. FREE! www.athens library.org/bogart
LECTURES & LIT: Book Reading (Ramsey Hall) Finnish-American author Hanna Pylväinen will read from her historical novel The End of Drum-Time with a reception and book signing. 6 p.m. FREE! pac. uga.edu
MEETINGS: West Broad School Public Info Session (Clarke County School District) The Clarke County School District will present its vision for the future of the historic West Broad School complex. 10 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. FREE! www. youtube.com/clarkecoschools
SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. info@athenspetanque. org, www.athenspetanque.org
Wednesday 3
ART: Tour At Two (Georgia Museum of Art) These drop-in public tours feature highlights of the permanent collection. 2 p.m. FREE! www.georgiamuseum.org
CLASSES: Pétanque Class (Lay Park) Learn the basics of the lawn game pétanque. RSVP required. 1
art around town
ACE/FRANCISCO GALLERY (675 Pulaski St., Suite 500)
Heaven4theYoung presents “The Uncanny Valley” featuring ceramics, oils and watercolors by Frances Thrasher. Through January 2026.
AMICI AT THE FALLS (8851 Macon Hwy., Suite 501) Works by artist Camille Hayes on view through Dec. 7 with new works by Marissa Mustard going up. Closing/opening reception Dec. 7.
ARTS + ATHLETICS (130 The Plaza) Atlanta artist Paige Adair’s exhibition “The Swan’s Chamber and Other Enchanted Portals” features paintings, printmaking and works on paper. Public opening reception Dec. 6, 4–6 p.m. On view by appointment only through Mar. 21, 2026.
ATHICA@CINÉ GALLERY (234 W. Hancock Ave.) “Halloween Forever” by artist Judah Cannerella features poster-style illustrations inspired by the pop culture of Halloween. Through Dec. 25.
ATHENS-CLARKE COUNTY LIBRARY (2025 Baxter St.) In the Bogue Gallery, “Over and Under: Woven by the Athena Weavers” features textile arts. Through Jan. 11.
AURUM STUDIOS (125 E. Clayton St.) Works by local painter Mary Sams on view through December.
BMA DESIGNS (1354 South Milledge Ave.) Abstract botanical art by Seanne Woodall is on display through December.
GEORGIA MUSEUM OF ART (90 Carlton St.) asinnajaq’s “Three Thousand” combines archival videos from the National Film Board of Canada with animations, soundscapes and contemporary video footage. Through June 28, 2026. • “Looking Through a Sewn Sky: Rachel B. Hayes” is a commissioned installation in the Jane and Harry Willson Sculpture Garden that blends sculpture, painting and craft. Through Jul. 30, 2027.
LAMAR DODD SCHOOL OF ART (270 River Rd.) “INCANDESCENCE: BFA Fall 2025 Capstone Exhibition” showcases new work by graduating BFA students across drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, printmaking and digital media. Through Dec. 4.
LYNDON HOUSE ARTS CENTER (211 Hoyt St.) In the West Gallery,
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: Salsa Night (Pancho’s Tacos & Tequila) Enjoy an evening of social dancing. Wednesdays, 7 p.m. www.panchostacosandtequila. com
FILM: Athentic Holiday Movie Series (Athentic Brewing Co.) Double feature screening of Jingle All The Way and Die Hard. 6 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com
FILM: Blood Everywhere (Flicker Theatre & Bar) A series of gruesome decapitations of college coeds are committed by a helmeted, blackleather clad maniac in Night School 7 p.m. FREE! www.instagram.com/ bloodeverywhere.athens
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: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (South Main Brewing) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 6 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzu nottrivia
GAMES: Trivia Night (Hotel Indigo) Test your trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 6–8 p.m. FREE! www. indigoathens.com
GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Normal Bar) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia
GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (La Fiesta) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia
GAMES: Classic City Trivia (The Local 706) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Garrett.
GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Locos Grill and Pub Eastside) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 8 p.m. www.instagram.com/ shihtzunottrivia
KIDSTUFF: Story Time (Oconee County Library) Drop in for songs, fingerplays and early literacy skills. Ages 3–7. Wednesdays, 10 a.m. & 11 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary. org/oconee
KIDSTUFF: Ready, Set, Grow (Aaron Heard Community Center) An active program for toddlers and preschoolers with a weekly theme. Ages 2–5. 10 a.m. $3 (ACC resident), $4.50 (non-resident). www. accgovga.myrec.com
KIDSTUFF: Gingerbread with Santa (Athens Cooks) Decorate a gingerbread house to take home, take photos with Santa and listen to him read stories. 4–7 p.m. $100. www.athenscooks.com
KIDSTUFF: Teen Prism Club (Oconee County Library) Hang out in the library to play games, do crafts and build friendships. Grades 6–12. 6–8 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/oconee
MEETINGS: Greater Athens Libertarian Party (Akademia Brewing Co.) Fellowship with others of likeminded politics. First Wednesdays, 7–9 p.m. FREE! www.athenslp. square.site
OUTDOORS: December Star Watch (Sandy Creek Nature Center) Enjoy a guided tour of the night sky that highlights various astronomical events throughout the year. 8 p.m. $2. www.accgov.com/myrec
Thursday 4
CLASSES: Ladies Only Line Dancing (Boutier Winery & Inn) Line
“Interwoven Narratives: Caul and Response” is a collaborative work by twin sisters Sachi Rome and Tokie Rome-Taylor. The exhibit explores southern folklore surrounding the caul and the concept of double consciousness. Through Jan. 24. • In the lower and upper atrium, “Seams to Be: New Approaches to Textile Techniques” highlights innovative uses of needle and thread by 13 Georgia artists. Guest curated by Didi Dunphy. Through Jan. 24. • The Lobby Case features Susan Perry’s small-scale sculptures created from handmade paper and bamboo. Through Dec. 6. • In the Atrium Cases, Artist Katie Kameen recontextualizes plastic pieces to create new forms in her exhibit “Plastic Tense.” Through Jan. 24. • A two-person exhibition featuring the abstract sculptural paintings of Sebastian Garcia Huidobro alongside the brutalist architecture-inspired sculptures of Rachel Lea Seburn will be on display in the South Gallery. Through Jan. 24. • In the Nancy Lukasiewicz Gallery, “Shawn Ireland: Arts Center Choice Award Winner” showcases colorful still-life paintings by the Athens-based artist. Through Jan. 3. • In the Lounge Gallery, “Public Works: Athens Public Art Behind the Scenes” highlights the mockups, engineering drawings and design proposals behind Athens’ public art installations. Guest curated by Tatiana Veneruso. Curator talk Dec. 11, 5:30 p.m. Through Jan. 3.
MADISON-MORGAN CULTURAL CENTER (434 S. Main St., Madison) “Emergence – In Black & White” features charcoal works and figure studies by Gary Hudson. Through Jan. 25.
OCONEE CULTURAL ARTS FOUNDATION (34 School St., Watkinsville) “Art to the Max” pop-up exhibition features artwork inspired by OCAF’s beloved orange cat, Max. Opening reception Dec. 9, 12–1:30 p.m. Through Dec. 20.
PINEYWOODS ARTISANS OPEN HOUSE (265 Athens Rd., Winterville)
An open house at a historic home in Winterville features seven local artists Dortha Jacobson, Margaret Agner, Elizabeth Barton, Caroline Montague, Babs Kall, Bonnie and April Montgomery. Includes fiber arts, paintings, pottery and jewelry. Dec. 12, 6–8 p.m., Dec. 13 and 14, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
STEFFEN THOMAS MUSEUM OF ART (4200 Bethany Rd., Buckhead) “Steffen Thomas: Exploring His Brotherhood Credo.” Through Jan. 3.
dancing led by Amy Sudy with a buffet-style dinner and two glasses of wine. 6:30–9:30 p.m. $20. www. boutierwinery.com
EVENTS: Open House (Memorial Park Administration Building) Learn more and provide input about the proposed historic landmark designation of the Fairhaven Tuberculosis Sanitarium. 10 a.m. FREE! www. accgov.com
EVENTS: Athentic Farmers Market (Athentic Brewing Co.) Weekly market featuring vendors Diamond Hill Farms, Normaltown Bread Company, Katie Bee Honey, Flossie May Forage and Grand Designs Woodworking. Thursdays, 4–7 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com
EVENTS: Holiday Open House (Historic Athens Welcome Center) Tour Athens’ oldest historic house and enjoy hot cider, cookies, toys and games of the early 1800s, traditional holiday music and more. 4–7 p.m. FREE! www.athenswelcome center.com
EVENTS: Ladies Night Out (Boutier Winery & Inn) Enjoy a night of dancing with wine, beer and a buffet. First Thursdays, 6:30–9:30 p.m. $20. www.boutierwinery.com
EVENTS: Downtown Parade of Lights (Downtown Athens) The annual family-friendly holiday parade celebrates this year’s theme “Cooking up a Great Holiday” with a variety of floats and performances. 7 p.m. FREE! www.accgov.com/ parade
GAMES: BINGO (VFW Post 2872) Join in to play this weekly game of chance. Thursdays, 5 p.m. (doors). FREE! www.facebook.com/vfw2872
GAMES: Bad Dog BINGO (Amici at The Falls) Play BINGO with host TJ Wayt. Thursdays, 6 p.m. www. instagram.com/baddogathens
library staff for an in-depth lesson on a core D&D mechanic. First Thursdays, 6 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org
GAMES: Thursday Trivia (Johnny’s New York Style Pizza) Test your trivia knowledge with host Todd Henderson. 6:30 p.m. www.johnnys pizza.com
GAMES: Love.Craft Bingo Night (Athentic Brewing Co.) A bingo event benefiting the nonprofit organization Love.Craft Athens. 6:30–8 p.m. $3–5. www.lovecraftathens. org
GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Terrapin Beer Co.) Test your general trivia knowledge. Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzu nottrivia
KIDSTUFF: Little Learners: Holiday Pattern Parade (Howard Park & Community Center) Explore numbers, colors, letters and holiday patterns through hands-on activities, creative play and social time with new friends. Ages 2–5. 10 a.m. $2 (ACC residents), $3 (non-residents). www.accgovga. myrec.com
KIDSTUFF: 123 Toddler & Me (Lay Park Community Center) Bond with your toddler using fun gym games, arts and crafts, and kitchen goodies. 10 a.m. $3 (ACC residents), $4.50 (non-residents). www.accgovga. myrec.com
KIDSTUFF: Toddler Thursday (OCAF) Drop in for a mix of staffled and self-led activities or to look at art. Ages 5 & under. 10 a.m. FREE! (members), $5 (nonmembers). www.ocaf.com
KIDSTUFF: Gingerbread with Santa (Athens Cooks) Decorate a gingerbread house to take home, take photos with Santa and listen to him read stories. 4–7 p.m. $100. www.athenscooks.com
• “Tribute to Richard “Ole” Olsen.” Through Jan. 3. • “Steffen Thomas Through the Eyes of Young Adults” on display in the Educational Gallery. Final date TBA. • “1972 Trip to Germany” highlights art inspired by Thomas’ trip overseas. Final date TBA.
TIGER’S EYE GALLERY (675 Pulaski St.) “Animal Spirit” features prints, drawings and paintings by local artists David Hale, Tatiana Kiselyova, Valley StipeMaas, Jeffrey Whittle and more that are inspired by the animals both mythological and real. Noah Mendelson of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico will also show several new paintings. Through Jan. 15. TINYATH GALLERY (174 Cleveland Ave.) Local artist Caitlin La Dolce’s multimedia exhibition “Thing Church” is on view through December.
UGA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER LOBBY GALLERY (230 River Rd.) “Living Legends of Georgia Music,” an exhibition by Georgia-based watercolorist Jackie Dorsey, pays homage to eight iconic musicians. Through Jan. 5.
UGA SPECIAL COLLECTIONS LIBRARIES (300 S. Hull St.) “From Farms to Fast Fashion: Unraveling the Need for Sustainable Style.” Through December. • David Zeiger’s photography project “Displaced in the New South” explores the cultural collision between Asian and Hispanic immigrants and the suburban Atlanta communities in the 1990s. Through December. • “Captain Planet: The Power Is Yours” explores the origins and impact of the TV series. Through May 2026. • “Sustained Excellence: A History of UGA Swim & Dive” explores the program’s history through photographs and artifacts. Through May 2026.
UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP OF ATHENS (780 Timothy Rd.) “Brush and Lens” features watercolors by Barb Schell paired with photography by John Schell in the Claire and Robert Clements Gallery. Through December.
WINTERVILLE CULTURAL CENTER GALLERY (371 N. Church St., Winterville) “Small Works” features 85 works all under 14 inches contributed by 60 different community artists. Through Dec. 18. • “Duets by Claire & Bob: A Lifetime of Sharing Creativity” showcases work by the Clements. Claire founded the Athens Plein Aire Painters group and was known for her cut paper botanical creations. Bob is a multidisciplinary artist known for his landscape paintings and community sculptures. Through Dec. 18. ➤ continued on next page
Event Calendar
KIDSTUFF: Morning Makers (Bogart Library) Join Ms. Hali to make themed crafts. Ages 4–7. 10:30 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/ bogart
KIDSTUFF: Teens Dungeons & Dragons (Bogart Library) Join the volunteer led role-playing adventure where you can fight dragons, join an army, go on a quest in distant lands and more. 6 p.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org/bogart
KIDSTUFF: Cookies and Cocoa with Santa (Big Blue Marble Academy) Enjoy delicious cookies, hot cocoa, sensory activities, crafts, games and family photos with Santa. 6–8 p.m. FREE! www. bbmacademy.com/location/athens
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: Disco Hills Skate Club (Firefly Trail, Winterville) Join the group to socialize or exercise while skating outdoors. Thursdays, 5:30 p.m. FREE! Find Disco Hills Outdoor Skate Club on Facebook
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
MEETINGS: Oconee Rivers Audubon Society (Sandy Creek Nature Center) Guest speakers present on topics ranging from conservation to paleontology. First Thursdays, 7 p.m. FREE! www.oconeerivers audubon.org
PERFORMANCE: Cirque Dreams Holidaze (The Classic Center)
A cirque holiday theatrical event featuring an ensemble of aerial acts, sleight-of-hand jugglers, acrobatics and more. Dec. 4–5, 6:30 p.m. (doors), 7:30 p.m. (show). $33–126. www.classiccenter.com
SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. www.athenspetanque.org
Friday 5
ART: Morning Mindfulness (Georgia Museum of Art) Instructor-led meditation, movement and mindfulness techniques in the galleries. Email to RSVP. 9:30 a.m. FREE! gmoatours@uga.edu
ART: Art in the Park (Sandy Creek Park) Join staff to create animal masks inspired by nature. All ages. Registration required. 10 a.m. $5 (ACC resident), $7.50 (nonresident). www.accgovga.myrec. com
COMEDY: The Unteachables Comedy Tour (40 Watt Club) National tour of school teachers performing comedy sets. 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $15. www.40watt.com
COMEDY: Be Kind, Rewind Improv Show (Flying Squid Comedy) Flying Squid is jumping back in time to bring you scenes from bygone eras. 8 p.m. $10. www.flyingsquid comedy.com
EVENTS: Adult Trips (Howard Park & Community Center) Leisure Services offers roundtrip travel to the Monastery of the Holy Spirit. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $15 (ACC resident), $22.50 (non-resident). www. accgov.com/myrec
EVENTS: Pet Photos with Santa (Comer Veterinary Hospital) Drop in with your pet for photos with Santa and treats. 3–6 p.m. FREE! www. comervethospital.com
EVENTS: One Night Stand (Revolution Therapy and Yoga) A monthly edu-taiment event featuring short presentations hosted by Amanda Auchenpaugh of Shameless Sexuality. 18 & up. Registration suggested. 6–8 p.m. $10. www. revolutiontherapyandyoga.com
GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Oak House Distillery) Test your general trivia knowledge. Fridays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia
GAMES: Friday Night Initiative (Tyche’s Games) Learn how to play a new roleplaying game. New players welcome. 7 p.m. FREE! www. tychesgames.com
KIDSTUFF: Fantastic Friday (Bishop Park) An instructor supervises while a parent/caregiver leads their little ones through obstacle courses. Ages 1–4 years. Register online. 10–11:30 a.m. $7.50 (ACC residents), $11.25 (non-ACC residents). www.accgovga.myrec.com
PERFORMANCE: Cirque Dreams
Holidaze (The Classic Center)
A cirque holiday theatrical event featuring an ensemble of aerial acts, sleight-of-hand jugglers, acrobatics
and works on paper. 4–6 p.m. FREE! www.artsathletics.com
CLASSES: Metal Enameling Ornament Workshop (Lyndon House Arts Center) Leslie Litt will lead a hands-on workshop transforming glass and metal into colorful ornaments. 10 a.m. $30. www.accgov. com/myrec
CLASSES: Clay Handbuilding Workshop (Southern Star Studio) Learn how to create a piece of pottery and decorate it. All supplies provided. Ages 12 & up. First Saturdays, 2 p.m. $60. www.southern starstudioathens.com
EVENTS: The 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: Oconee Farmers Market (Wire Park) Local farmers and
PERFORMANCE: Athens Showgirl Cabaret Drag For All (Hendershots) Enjoy a fabulous night of Christmas drag show fun for all ages. 8–11 p.m. $5. www.athens showgirlcabaret.com
THEATER: A Tuna Christmas (The Elbert Theatre) Encore Productions presents a holiday comedy about radio personalities bringing yuletide spirit to a small Texas town. Dec. 5–6 & 12–13, 7 p.m. Dec. 7 & 14, 2 p.m. $9–17. www.elberttheatre. org
THEATER: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Oconee Youth Theater) Based on the classic story by Roald Dahl, the cast is drawn from schools around the area. Dec. 5–6 & 12–13, 7 p.m. Dec. 7 & 14, 3 p.m. $15–20. www.oconeeyouth playhouse.com
Sunday 7
ART: Closing/Opening Reception (Amici at The Falls) Works by artist Camille Hayes will be on view for the last time with new works by Marissa Mustard going up. 6–8 p.m. www.facebook.com/amiciat thefalls
satsu TV episodes. 2:30 p.m. FREE! clubtoku@gmail.com
GAMES: SIM Race Sunday (ACC Library) Drive for fun or compete for fastest lap at the Road Atlanta Course. Ages 12 & up. Registration required. 3 p.m. FREE! www.athens library.org
GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (The Globe) Test your trivia knowledge with host TJ Wayt. Sundays, 6 p.m. www. instagram.com/baddogathens
LECTURES & LIT: Holiday Book Swap (Athentic Brewing Co.) The Silent Book Club is hosting a swap and taking donations for Books for Keeps. 3–5 p.m. www.athentic brewing.com
MEETINGS: Crafternoon (Athentic Brewing Co.) Bring your crafting project to work on and connect with other artists in the community. First Sundays, 2:30–4 p.m. FREE! www. athenticbrewing.com
SPORTS: Classic City Roller Derby Tournament (Fun Galaxy Athens) Watch skaters from all over the Southeast go head-to-head. 9:30 a.m. (doors). $15. www.classiccity rollergirls.com
SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled days are
and more. Dec. 4–5, 6:30 p.m. (doors), 7:30 p.m. (show). $33–126. www.classiccenter.com
THEATER: A Tuna Christmas (The Elbert Theatre) Encore Productions presents a holiday comedy about radio personalities bringing yuletide spirit to a small Texas town. Dec. 5–6 & 12–13, 7 p.m. Dec. 7 & 14, 2 p.m. $9–17. www.elberttheatre. org
THEATER: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Oconee Youth Theater) Based on the classic story by Roald Dahl, the cast is drawn from schools around the area. Dec. 5–6 & 12–13, 7 p.m. Dec. 7 & 14, 3 p.m. $15–20. www.oconeeyouth playhouse.com
Saturday 6
ART: Happy Paw-lidays (Lyndon House Arts Center) Enjoy petthemed crafts and art-making activities for all ages during this open house. 12–3 p.m. FREE! www. accgov.com/lyndonhouse
ART: Opening Reception (ARTS + ATHLETICS) Atlanta artist Paige Adair’s solo exhibition “The Swan’s Chamber and Other Enchanted Portals” features paintings, printmaking
EVENTS: Community Bites & Arts Market (Little Kings Shuffle Club) Browse local art and food vendors with the entry fee benefiting Project Safe. 5–8 p.m. $5. www.instagram. com/communitybitesandarts
GAMES: Learn to Play Shadowrun RPG (Tyche’s Games) Join others to learn about the science fantasy tabletop role-playing game. 12 p.m. FREE! www.tychesgames.com
GAMES: Kids vs. Adults Trivia (B&B Theatres) Test your holiday movie knowledge in this family battle. 4 p.m. www.bbtheatres.com
KIDSTUFF: Family Day: Winterlight (Georgia Museum of Art) Enjoy the cozy glow of winter with festive Art Cart activities and a take-home art project inspired by light, color and holiday magic. 10 a.m.–12 p.m. FREE! www.georgiamuseum.org
MEETINGS: African American Genealogy Shared Interest Group (ACC Library) Learn and share research stories, problemsolving techniques, and tools that are focused on African American genealogy. 10 a.m. FREE! www. athenslibrary.org
CLASSES: Mah Jongg (Oconee County Library) Adults of all skill levels are invited to learn and play American Mah Jonng. Every Sunday. 2–4 p.m. FREE! www.athens library.org/oconee
COMEDY: Comedy Open Mic (MaiKai Kava Lounge) Show up and go up with your stand-up material. 6–8 p.m. FREE! www.instagram. com/bulaatmaikai
COMEDY: Off the Clock Comedy (The Globe) Athens Comedy presents a lineup of local and touring comedians. 8:30 p.m. (doors), 9 p.m. (show). www.facebook.com/ athenscomedy
EVENTS: Holocaust Memorial Garden Event (ACC Library) Guest speaker and Holocaust survivor Hershel Greenblat will give a presentation before 250 daffodil bulbs are planted as part of The Daffodil Project. 2 p.m. FREE! www.daffodil project.net
EVENTS: Queer Speed Dating (Athentic Brewing Co.) A fun evening of speed dating for those looking to meet and mingle with LQBTQ+ folks in the community. Registration required. 5–8 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com
FILM: Tokusatsu Club (ATHICA) A screening of three late-1970s toku-
class on the basics of Vietnamese. 6–7 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary. org/oconee
CLASSES: Coyote Hendy (Hendershot’s) The Dancing Ruth leads a line dancing class. Second Mondays, 6 p.m. www.hendershots athens.com
EVENTS: Marigold Farmers Market (100 North Church Street) Vendors offer organic produce, prepared foods, agricultural products and artisanal goods. Mondays, 10 a.m.–7 p.m. www.marigoldcollectivewinterville.com
GAMES: BINGO (No. 3 Railroad Street) Raises funds for a local charity with a game of BINGO. 6 p.m. (doors), 6:30 p.m. (game). $20 suggested donation. www.3railroad.org
GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Fully Loaded Pizza Kitchen (Normaltown)) Test your general trivia knowledge. Mondays, 7 p.m. www. instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia
GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Pancho’s Tacos & Tequila) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Ian. Mondays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/classiccitytriviaco
GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Dooley’s Bar and Grill) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Garrett. Mondays, 7 p.m. www.instagram. com/classiccitytriviaco
GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Grindhouse Killer Burgers) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Benjamin. Mondays, 7:30 p.m. www.instagram.com/classiccity triviaco
KIDSTUFF: Storytime with Miss Harli (Bogart Library) Build early literacy skills through songs, letters, language fun, stories and STEAM. Ages 3–7. Mondays, 10:30 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart
MEETINGS: Classic City Rotary (1430 N Chase St) The local chapter meets weekly. Mondays, 11:30 a.m. FREE! www.classiccityrotary. org
MEETINGS: Pen Pals Writing Group (Oconee County Library) Meet other writers, share your writing experiences and get feedback on your work. Second & fourth Mondays, 5 p.m. FREE! www.athens library.org/oconee
Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. info@athenspetanque. org, www.athenspetanque.org
THEATER: A Tuna Christmas (The Elbert Theatre) Encore Productions presents a holiday comedy about radio personalities bringing yuletide spirit to a small Texas town. Dec. 5–6 & 12–13, 7 p.m. Dec. 7 & 14, 2 p.m. $9–17. www.elberttheatre. org
THEATER: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Oconee Youth Theater) Based on the classic story by Roald Dahl, the cast is drawn from schools around the area. Dec. 5–6 & 12–13, 7 p.m. Dec. 7 & 14, 3 p.m. $15–20. www.oconeeyouth playhouse.com
Monday 8
CLASSES: Grinchmas Ornament Workshop (Howard Park & Community Center) Create your own holiday themed ornament to take home. Ages 6 & up. Registration required. 10 a.m.–12 p.m. $5 (resident), $7.50 (non-resident). www. accgovga.myrec.com
CLASSES: Vietnamese Class (Oconee County Library) Instructor Martine Thy Nguyen will lead a
MEETINGS: Legion Pool Complex Public Hearing (Complex Carbohydrate Research Center) The University of Georgia will receive comments regarding the proposed redevelopment of the Legion Pool Complex. 5:15 p.m. (speaker sign-in), 5:30 (hearing). FREE! fouche@uga.edu
Tuesday 9
ART: Opening Reception (OCAF) The pop-up exhibition “Art to the Max” features artwork inspired by OCAF’s beloved orange cat, Max. 12–1:30 p.m. FREE! www.ocaf.com
ART: Tuesday Tour (State Botanical Garden of Georgia) Join a docent led tour of the State Botanical Garden’s Porcelain and Decorative Arts Museum. Every Tuesday, 2 p.m. $5. botgarden.uga.edu
CLASSES: Smart & Safe Online
Shopping (ACC Library) Learn how to find the best deals online while protecting your personal and financial information. 10 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org
CLASSES: ESL (Bogart Library) Learn and improve English skills including speaking, listening, reading and writing. 12 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart
CLASSES: Family Craft Night: Ugly Christmas Sweaters (Lay Park Community Center) Bring the family and old sweaters to create the
Shawn Ireland Studios will host a holiday sale on Dec. 6 from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. See the Holiday Market Roundup on pp. 12–13 for a full list of upcoming craft fairs and studio sales.
Improv Jam (Flying Squid Comedy) Improvisors of all skill levels are invited to practice and play together. 8 p.m. $5 suggested donation. www.flyingsquidcomedy. com
EVENTS: Gym Free Play (Heard Park & Community Center) A program for all ages with cognitive and developmental disabilities to experience new sports, skill development and cooperative play. 11:30 a.m. FREE! www.accgov.com/myrec
FILM: Athens in Our Lifetimes (Ciné) Screening of the documentary examining the evolution of the personality of Athens as a community over the past six decades. 5:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenscine.com
GAMES: Lunch & Learn (Tyche’s Games) Bring your lunch and learn new games. 11:30 a.m. FREE! www. tychesgames.com
GAMES: Music Bingo (Johnny’s New York Style Pizza) Join in to play music BINGO. Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m. FREE! www.johnnyspizza.com
GAMES: UnPhiltered Trivia (Mellow Mushroom) Test your trivia knowledge with host Phil. 7 p.m. www. facebook.com/MellowMushroom Athens
GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (Amici at The Falls) Test your trivia knowledge with host Miles Bunch. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/ baddogathens
GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (Paloma Park) Test your trivia knowledge with host TJ Wayt. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/baddogathens
GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Winghouse Grill Hull) Test your general trivia knowledge. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia
GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Akademia Brewing Co.) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Garrett. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/classiccitytriviaco
GAMES: Singo! (Beef O’Brady’s) Win gift certificates and prizes at this music bingo night. Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m. www.beefobradys.com/athens
GAMES: Classic City Trivia (Magnolias of Athens) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Benjamin. Tuesdays, 8 p.m. www. instagram.com/classiccitytriviaco
KIDSTUFF: Toddler Tuesday, Happy Holidays (Georgia Museum of Art) Enjoy art and storytime in the galleries, then complete an art activity. Ages 18 months to 3 years. RSVP by email. 10 a.m. FREE! gmoa-tours@uga.edu
MEETINGS: Athens Fibercraft Guild (Lyndon House Arts Center) Bring a dish and a handmade gift for a covered dish luncheon and exchange of handmade fiber arts. 12:30–2:30 p.m. FREE! www.athens fiber.org
MEETINGS: Memoir Writing Group (Bogart Library) During this monthly group, hear memoirs from others and learn tips on how to write your own. 5:30 p.m. FREE! www.athens library.org/bogart
SPORTS: Classic City Pétanque Club (Lay Park) New players welcome. Scheduled days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. www.athenspetanque.org
Wednesday 10
ART: Art Works: Grinchmas Candle Holder (Howard Park & Community Center) Persons with developmental disabilities are invited to express themselves through a creative art activity. 10:30 a.m. $4 (ACC residents), $6
(non-residents). www.accgovga. myrec.com
ART: Tour At Two (Georgia Museum of Art) These drop-in public tours feature highlights of the permanent collection. 2 p.m. FREE! www.georgiamuseum.org
ART: Ornament Crafting Night (Athentic Brewing Co.) Join the Peach City Sapphics to build holiday ornaments. 5–7 p.m. www. athenticbrewing.com
CLASSES: Pétanque Class (Lay Park) Learn the basics of the lawn game pétanque. RSVP required. 1 p.m. FREE! athenspetanqueclub@ gmail.com, www.athenspetanque club.wixsite.com/play
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: Salsa Night (Pancho’s Tacos & Tequila) Enjoy an evening of social dancing. Wednesdays, 7 p.m. www.panchostacosandtequila. com
FILM: Athentic Holiday Movie Series (Athentic Brewing Co.) Double feature screening of How The Grinch Stole Christmas and Muppet Christmas Carol. 6 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com
FILM: Pachinko Pop (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Screening of the Japanese action comedy film The Wild Trucker. 7 p.m. FREE! www.flicker theatreandbar.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: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (South Main Brewing) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 6 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzu nottrivia
GAMES: Trivia Night (Hotel Indigo) Test your trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 6–8 p.m. FREE! www. indigoathens.com
GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Normal Bar) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia
GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (La Fiesta) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia
GAMES: Classic City Trivia (The Local 706) Test your general trivia knowledge with host Garrett. Wednesdays, 7:06 p.m. www.instagram.com/classiccitytriviaco
GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Locos Grill and Pub Eastside) Test your general trivia knowledge. Wednesdays, 8 p.m. www.instagram.com/ shihtzunottrivia
KIDSTUFF: Story Time (Oconee County Library) Drop in for songs, fingerplays and early literacy skills. Ages 3–7. Wednesdays, 10 a.m. & 11 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary. org/oconee
MEETINGS: C3 to End Homelessness (Hendershot’s) A roundtable discussion regarding housing and homelessness to educate, identify issue and plan steps to solutions.
Second Wednesdays, 5–7 p.m. FREE! www.athenshc.org/coc
MEETINGS: Athens Psychedelic Society (ACC Library) Meet likeminded individuals interested in topics related to expanded states of consciousness. 6 p.m. FREE! www. athenspsychedelicsociety.com
Down the Line
12/11 Athentic Farmers Market (Athentic Brewing Co.) 12/11 Disco Hills Skate Club (Firefly Trail, Winterville) f
THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE LOCAL FOR THE HOLIDAYS THIS
WEEK’S MARKETS
Woodhill Artists Market
Dec. 5, 4-8p.m, Dec. 6-7 & Dec. 13-14 10am-5p.m.
4745 Bob Godfrey Road
Tribe Hair Company Holiday Market
Dec. 5, 3-7p.m. 1238 Prince Ave.
UGArden Holiday Market
Dec. 6, 10a.m.-2p.m., 2510 S. Milledge Ave.
2nd Annual Christmas Markey at El Carretonero
Dec. 6, 11a.m.-5p.m., 124 Rowe Rd.
Christmas Market at Foxglove Plantbar
Dec. 6, 11a.m.-4p.m., 1063 Baxter St.
Abnormal Bazaar
Dec. 6, 11a.m.-3p.m., 470 Hawthorne Ave.
Maria Dondero’s Marmalade Pottery Holiday Sale
Dec. 6, 9a.m.-5p.m., 180 Cleveland Ave.
Africa in Athens Holiday Shop at Mbare
Dec. 4, 11, and 18, 1-7p.m., 160 Mill Center Blvd.
Shawn Ireland Studio Sale
Dec. 6 10a.m.-4p.pm, 180 Hidden Hills Lane
Handmade HOLLYDAY at Treehouse Kid & Craft
Dec. 6-7, 10a.m.-4p.m., 585 Barber St.
Southern Star Studio Holiday Sale
Dec. 6-7 and 13-14, 9a.m.-4p.m., 634 Prince Ave.
Taylor-Grady House Holiday Open House
Dec. 7, 1-4p.m., 180 Cleveland Ave.
bulletin board & classifieds
Classifieds
FOR SALE (Estate Sale) BLOWOUT
ESTATE SALE! Friday, Dec. 5 12–6 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 6/Sunday, Dec. 7 9 a.m.–4 p.m. 450 Riverbottom Rd. Vintage clothes, vinyl records, handwoven rugs, antiques and more. Follow @magnolia.esc for info.
FOR SALE (Sporting Goods) Bicycle seat for sale! BROOKS (England) B 135 (COMFORT) Leather, hand made, springs. $125 (lists for $250). 404-295-8876
JOBS (Full-time) Life insurance agents wanted! Uncapped income, flexible hours, no experience needed, training provided. Build your own future while helping others. Apply today! rcprosperitas@ gmail.com, 770-725-8220
JOBS (Full-time) Pancho’s Tacos & Tequila is seeking a reliable and motivated bartender. Also seeking reliable and motivated individuals to join our team for TV and sound device installation work. Call or text 706-621-8280.
MUSIC (Instruction) Athens School of Music. Now offering in-person and online instruction in guitar, bass, drums, piano, voice, brass, woodwinds, strings, banjo, mandolin and more. From beginner to expert, all styles. Visit www.athensschoolof music.com. 706-543-5800
MUSIC (Musicians Wanted) 2 dope boys plus a man with an axe. Hip hop band in search of rhythm section. Must keep tight pocket. Influences include OutKast, The Roots, Rage Against the Machine. Contact Whisper clncmmngs@yahoo.com, 706-254-5960.
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
REAL ESTATE (Art Studio) Join 8 potters in Community Clay Studio. 75 ft.² private studio space plus access to Kilns, slab-roller, shared working table & utilities. $275/mon www.southernstarstudioathens.com
SERVICES (Health) JAMES HILTON HYPNOSIS. Help with smoking, vaping, exercise motivation and confidence issues. Harvard trained health professional. 678-895-4278, www.hiltonhypnosis.org
SERVICES (Home & Garden) Fall is here! Let’s tackle those invasives!
Woman-Run Gardening Services: We offer garden maintenance, invasive plant removal, personalized edible & native gardens for your school, home or business! For more info call/text 706-395-5321.
SERVICES (Home & Garden) Hi! I’m Pablo, an expert gardener offering personalized care for your landscape. I specialize in lowmaintenance, native gardens that
support pollinators and biodiversity. Find me @pablofromseed, email pkozatch@gmail.com or call 631903-4365.
SERVICES (Travel) Retired professional driver available to deliver your vehicle or truck, one-way or round-trip, anywhere in U.S. Available locally with my vehicle, up to six passengers, on an hourly basis. Call Bob Andrews 706-608-2288 or email AthensBob5@gmail.com
Arts
AAAC QUARTERLY GRANT (Athens, GA) The Athens Area Arts Council offers $500 grants to visual and performing artists. www.athensarts. org/support
ARTIST IN RESIDENCE PROGRAM (Lyndon House Arts Center) The AIR Program provides participants with a workspace, access and a stipend. www.accgov.com/lyndonhouse
ATHENS CREATIVE DIRECTORY (Athens, GA) The ACD is a platform to connect creatives with patrons. www.athenscreatives.directory
BIPOC ARTIST/CURATOR PROJECT OPEN CALL (Lyndon House Arts Center) Seeking BIPOC individuals to develop an art exhibition for LHAC. www.accgov.com/9799/ ArtistCurator
CALL FOR ART (Amici at The Falls) Seeking artists to share artwork in
monthly exhibitions. careywelsh20 @gmail.com
CALL FOR ART (Donderos’) Seeking new artists to exhibit works. contact@donderoskitchen.com
CALL FOR ART (Oconee County Library) Seeking local artists to share their artwork in monthly exhibitions. adial@athenslibrary.org
CALL FOR ART (Winterville Library) Apply to be a featured local artist in the Front Room Gallery. The library accepts all 2D mediums. swatson @athenslibrary.org
CALL FOR ARTISTS (ACCGov) The Leisure Services Arts Division is seeking artists to create temporary light sculptures for display during the Flight of the Fireflies Lantern Parade. Submission deadline is Friday, Jan. 17 at 5 p.m. Event is Mar. 7, 2026.
CALL FOR ARTISTS (MAGallery) Now accepting artist applications. MAGallery is a nonprofit cooperative gallery. Gallery Artists work one day a month and participate on a committee. www.themadisonartists guild.org/call-for-artists
CALL FOR ARTISTS (OCAF) Artists invited to submit work for “Tiny Worlds,” a curated exhibition exploring the meaning of scale. All media and approaches welcome. Deadline Dec. 12. www.ocaf.com/exhibitions
CALL FOR ARTISTS (Online) JOKER JOKERtv is accepting proposals from artists and curators living
in Athens. Artists worldwide can submit ideas. www.jokerjokertv. com/submit
CALL FOR ARTISTS (Winterville Marigold Festival) Submit artwork to be featured on the 2026 Marigold Festival posters, T-shirts and more. Deadline Jan. 1. www.marigold festival.com
CALL FOR COLLECTORS (Lyndon House Arts Center) The LHAC’s “Collections from our Community” series features objects found in the closets, cabinets and shelves of Athenians. shelby.little@accgov. com
CALL FOR MUSICAL PERFORMERS (AthFest) Applications for AthFest 2026 now open. Selection based on musical talent, following and draw, self-promotion and previous AthFest experience. Submission deadline Feb. 14, 2026. www. athfest.com/athfest-music/
CALL FOR MUSICAL PERFORMERS (Marigold Collective, Winterville) The Marigold Market is seeking musicians for upcoming market events. All acts considered. bradley@marigoldcollective winterville.com
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS (Athens Homeless Coalition) Seeking submissions for street newspaper. Poetry, short stories, visual art, song lyrics. enagementcoordinator @athenshc.org
LIFE DRAWING (Winterville Cultural Center) Open studios for artists 18 & up to draw unclothed models. Every third Wednesday of the month, 1–4 p.m. A muscle in movement study with authentic Olympic banner backdrop Dec. 6 & 17. Registration required for all events. www.drawathens.org
OPEN STUDIOS (Lyndon House Arts Center) Studio members have access to spaces for photography, ceramics and more. www. accgov.com/7350/Open-StudioMembership
PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST (Firefly Trail Inc.) Submit black and white or color photography for the categories “people enjoying the Firefly Trail” and “scenes of the Firefly Trail.” Photos will be judged by professional photographers, and winning entries will be displayed at the Winterville Cultural Center. Deadline Jan. 8, 2026. Winners will be announced February 2026. www. fireflytrail.com
POET LAUREATE (ACCGov) The Leisure Services Arts Division’s Poet Laureate program is now accepting applications. Application deadline Friday, Dec. 5 at 5 p.m. www.acc gov.com/11626/Public-Art
PUBLIC ART SELECTION PANELS (Athens, GA) The Athens Cultural Affairs Commission is seeking community members to participate in upcoming public art selection panels. www.accgov.com/9656/ Public-Art-Selection-Panels
Auditions
DECK THE HOLLOW (ACT) Seeking actors, storytellers, musicians and singers for event at Bear Hollow Zoo. Auditions held Dec. 4, 4–7 p.m. Event held Dec. 11–14. act@ accgov.com, 706-613-3628 MAD SCIENTISTS IN LOVE (Town & Gown) Auditions for this romantic comedy will be held Dec. 7–8. Performances held Feb. 6–15, 2026. info@townandgownplayers. org, www.townandgownplayers.org/ auditions
OPEN AUDITIONS (Athens Master Chorale) Seeking new members in all voice parts including high sopranos, tenors and basses. Scheduled auditions held at St. Gregory the Great Church. athmcdirector@ gmail.com
OPEN AUDITIONS (Athens Symphony) The Athens Symphony is holding auditions for qualified musicians. www.athenssymphony. org/openings THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES (The Cottage) Open to all ages, backgrounds, those who identify as women or those who identify with having a vagina. Auditions held Dec. 4 and 9, 6:30–8:30 p.m. and Dec. 7, 2–7 p.m.. Performances Feb. 5–7, 2026. www.northgeorgia cottage.org
Classes
ACCENT REDUCTION CLASS (Covenant Presbyterian Church) Improve your American English pronunciation skills. For ages 18 & up. Tuesdays, 12 p.m. marjoriemiller@ gmail.com
BASIC CROCHETING (Winterville Cultural Center) Learn the basics of crocheting. Materials provided
during class session. Every Thursday, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. or 6:30–8:30 p.m. $100 for project series, $20 drop-in. www.wintervillecenter.com
CANOPY CLASSES & SCHOLAR-
SHIPS (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
CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS
(Athens, GA) The Athens Land Trust hosts a variety of virtual and in-person classes. Topics include “Affordable Housing Info” and “Homebuyer Education Course.” www.athenslandtrust.org/classesevents
CUBAN MUSIC & MOVEMENT (The Studio Athens) TIMBAthens offers multiple classes for different skill levels. Sundays, 3 p.m. (Level 1), 4 p.m. (Level 2 & 3), 5 p.m. (Advanced). Through Dec. 7. $10 drop-in. timbathens@gmail.com, www.timbathens.com
CUBAN SALSA LESSONS (El Carretonero) SALSAthens offers multiple classes for different skill levels. Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. (advanced) and 7:30 p.m. (beginner/intermediate). $10 drop-in. www.SALS AthensDancing@gmail.com
DANCE CLASSES (East Athens Educational Dance Center) The center offers classes in ballet, hip hop, jazz, modern and more for all ages and skills. www.accgov.com/myrec
FREE CLASSES (The Athens Free School) Learning network for community centered around compassion, autonomy and playfulness. Visit @athensfreeschool on Instagram.
GUIDED GARDEN TOURS (UGA Botanical Garden) Learn about various plants at a guided walk for groups of less than 10. Every Tuesday–Friday, 11 a.m. $5 per person. botgarden.uga.edu
OPEN ICE SKATING (Akins Ford Arena) Athens GA Figure Skating Club offers open ice skating for all skill levels every Monday through Thursday, 4–5 p.m. $10 students, $15 general admission. RSVP required. Athensgafigureskating@ gmail.com, athens_ga_figure_ skating_club
Help Out
ANIMAL SERVICES VOLUNTEERS (Animal Services Adoption Center) Volunteers needed for daily interactions with the shelter dogs. Sessions run Monday through Friday; training session required. Individuals under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. www.tidycal.com/animalservices volunteer
ATHENS REPAIR CAFE (Solid Waste Office) The repair cafe is seeking volunteers comfortable fixing a variety of items including: clothing, small appliances, tools and more. Fourth Sundays. reuse@accgov. com, www.accgov.com/RepairCafe
ATHENS SKATEPARK PROJECT
(Athens Skate Park) Seeking volunteers and community input. Third Sundays. www.athensskatepark project.org
BRAS FOR A CAUSE (Grail Bra Specialists) Seeking donations of gently-used bras for distribution to local shelters, recovery centers and communities in need. Contact Athens Area Bra Bank at 706-8500387. support@grailbras.com
DIAPER DONATIONS (Athens Area Diaper Bank) Diaper donations needed for local infants. All sizes and open packs/boxes are accepted. www.athensareadiaperbank.com
MEDICAL EQUIPMENT (Friends of Disabled Adults and Children) Free home medical equipment provided to those in need. Athens locations for pickup at Northeast Georgia Area Agency on Aging and Multiple Choices. Donations also accepted. www.fodac.org
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. 706-850-4025, dmyers@ multiplechoices.us
PET FOOD PANTRY (Animal Services Adoption Center) The Animal Services community pet food pantry provides pet food to ACC residents at no cost. Donations always welcome. Monday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Sundays, 12–3 p.m. www.accgov.com/adoptioncenter
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 biggervisionshelter@gmail.com, www.bvoa.org/boardmember
SEEKING BOARD MEMBERS (Moms Adopting Moms) Local nonprofit seeks board members, including a chair and treasurer, to support foster children and families through mentorship and reunification. momsadoptingmoms@ gmail.com
SEEKING DONATIONS (The Cottage) Seeking donations of singleserving, non-perishable snacks to help children and adults navigating interviews, therapy sessions and court hearings. To arrange a dropoff please call 706-546-1133, ext 223.
SEEKING DONATIONS (Hands of Hope) Local homeless ministry accepting donations of winter clothing for their free distribution program. Other donations accepted for fundraising yard sale with proceeds benefiting program. Pick up available. 706-207-5172
SEEKING HOLIDAY VOLUNTEERS (Athens Area Humane Society) Temporary fosters and volunteers needed to help care for animals during Nov. and Dec. Applications available online. www.athens humanesociety.org
SEEKING VOLUNTEERS (Historic Athens) Volunteers needed for the annual Tour of Historic Homes on Dec. 14. bit.ly/galahelp25
SEEKING VOLUNTEERS (KACCB) Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful has volunteer opportunities that include roadside cleanups, adopt-a-ramp and more. www. keepathensbeautiful.org
SEEKING VOLUNTEERS (Marigold Collective, Winterville) Volunteers needed for community food distribution events including weekly food kitchen, meal deliveries and more. Also accepting donations of canned and dry goods. wwwmarigold collectivewinterville.com
SEEKING VOLUNTEERS (Meals on Wheels) Currently recruiting volunteers to deliver meals, engage in safety checks and more. eschley@ accaging.org
SEEKING VOLUNTEERS (Shoal Creek Sanctuary) Volunteers needed for variety of events including invasive plant removal, plant adoptions and more. First Sundays, 1–3:30 p.m. www.shoalcreek sanctuary.org/volunteer
SEEKING VOLUNTEERS (St. Mary’s Home Health & Hospice) Seeking volunteers to provide companionship or to help with simple tasks for those in hospice care. Training provided. 706-389-2273
SHARE THE WARMTH BLANKET
DRIVE (Clarke County Sheriff’s Dept.) Collecting new blankets and throws to distribute to seniors at select nursing homes and children in foster care. Deadline Dec. 15. ccsocommunity@accgov.com
TEACHER SUPPLIES (Teacher Reuse Store) Educators can access free creative supplies at the store. Please bring credentials. www. accgov.com/trs
TOWELS FOR ANIMALS (Animal Services Adoption Center) Seeking donations of gently used bath towels and hand rags for bathing animals and cleaning kennels. Donations can be dropped off at the door after hours. www.accgov.com/ animalservices
VOLUNTEER NETWORK (Community Works, Watkinsville) A nonprofit organization that connects volunteers of all ages to events, resources and training opportunities. CWorksOC@gmail.com
Kidstuff
KIDS YOGA (Oconee Library) Free yoga classes led by certified yoga instructor. Registration required. Tuesdays, 5 p.m. www.athens library.org/events
YOUTH MENTORSHIP (Waymaker) Registration open to match teens with one-on-one flexible tutoring services. Focus on academics, confidence building, life skills and more. Volunteers are also welcome to apply. www.way-makers.org
YOUTH PROGRAMS (Sheats Social Services) Registration now open for a variety of weekly programs that provide educational and community support for K-12 students. Volunteers are also needed. www. sheatssocialservices.org
WINTER PROGRAM REGISTRATION (Athens, GA) The Leisure Services Department offers a diverse selection of activities highlighting the arts, environmental science, recreation, sports and holiday events. Now registering. www.acc gov.com/myrec
Word on the Street
COMMUNITY RUNNING GROUPS
(Athens Road Runners) Weekly community runs for all skill levels including “Speed Workout” (Wednesdays, 5:30 a.m.) and “Fun Runs” (Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. & Saturdays, 7:15 a.m.). www.athens roadrunners.org
ESCAPE ROOM (Sandy Creek Nature Center) Register for a themed escape room event designed for ages 5 & up. Multiple sessions on Dec. 31 and Jan. 2-3. $20. www. accgov.com/myrec
MEDICAL ASSISTANCE (Nuçi’s Space) Direct connections to mental healthcare like counseling and psychiatry, medical care for physical concerns and more. www. nuci.org, 706-227-1515
MINDFUL BREATH SANGHA MEETING (Healing Lodge) In the Zen tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh. Sundays, 1–2:30 p.m. Newcomers welcome. Free. www.mindfulbreathsangha.org
MICROCHIP SCANNING STATIONS
(Multiple Locations) Connect lost pets with their owners via scanning stations. Available 24 hours. Located at ACC Animals Services, Memorial Park Dog Park and Southeast Clarke Park. Instructions provided at each location.
SEVENTH GENERATION (No. 3 Railroad Street, Arnoldsville) Seventh Generation Native American Church hosts various gatherings on Sundays, 11 a.m. 706-340-7134 f
Sunday December 14 7:00 p.m.
Athens First United Methodist Church 327 N. Lumpkin Street, Athens, GA 706-543-1442 | athensfirstumc.org
good growing
O Christmas Tree
CHOOSING AND CARING FOR YOUR HOLIDAY TREE
By Erin France news@flagpole.com
Maybe you’re an early bird, or possibly you’re just now getting around to buying a Christmas tree. Either way, here’s a few tips for finding and keeping that evergreen sapling all spruced up.
REAL VS. PLASTIC: The Nature Conservancy says real trees have a smaller carbon footprint than their plastic doppelgangers. They are grown in managed forests, and often cut only if the farmer has a buyer. The remaining trees continue growing, providing habitat for critters and slowly sequestering carbon. Due to their perishable nature, Christmas trees can only be shipped so far, limiting their overall footprint. Plastic versions usually come from half a world away. If plastic trees work better for you, it’s best to buy something that will last. Avoid single-use plastic trees. I prefer live trees. I like the way they smell and the way they look. I like supporting Christmas tree farmers.
get home is important, even if you don’t have time to fiddle with the stand. Just stick your tree’s trunk in a bucket of water ASAP. Your sapling hasn’t had a drink while waiting for you to find it and bring it home. Don’t drill holes in the trunk or whittle the bark down. Neither of those techniques will help this thirsty plant absorb more water. Keeping your tree away from major heat sources will help it stay fresh. Avoid placing it next to a fireplace, heater or HVAC vent.
OTHER GREEN BITS: A trend I saw this year is mixing greenery like cedar, white pine, Fraser fir and leyland cypress together for wreaths, centerpieces and garlands. I saw this at Cofer’s, as well as examples at
PICKING A REAL TREE: There’s a surprising number of spots in town to get a live tree from. If you need to shoot for the least amount of money, a big box store will have the best deal. That said, local outlets, like Cofer’s and Cornerstone Church Athens’ “Buy a Tree—Change a Life” drive, are just slightly more expensive. The difference can be as low as an extra $10–$20, but the gap does increase with taller trees. If giving back to the local economy or supporting charities is important to you, that might be the way to go. The most expensive option is the pop-up Christmas tree spots in Athens and Watkinsville from Cullowhee Mountain Farms. Their trees look amazing, but they are pricey. There are a few Christmas tree farms in the Athens area where you can go and pick your own tree. Be forewarned: Most of these are not Fraser firs, which prefer chillier climes than what we have in the Georgia Piedmont. What makes it a Christmas tree is that it’s decorated and loved, not that it’s a particular variety of evergreen.
No matter where you go to get your tree, be sure to give it a gentle rustle to see how many needles fall off. Avoid buying trees that drop a bunch of needles—that’s a sign it’s already getting crispy.
TAKING CARE OF YOUR TREE: Keeping your Christmas tree watered will keep it looking good. Check it daily, when possible. It’s worth investing in a good tree stand that’s easy to monitor and refill.
The National Christmas Tree Association suggests cutting a fresh half inch off the trunk before securing it in the display stand. Getting your tree in water after you
national outlets. At least one big box store is selling off cuts ($10 a bundle) so customers can make their own living creations at home. The mixture of seasonal greenery is a great idea, but maybe find a friend, neighbor or relative with a trimmable evergreen before paying that much for a handful of branches. That said, I plan on tackling garland-making again this year, and I’ve got plenty of fun inspiration after seeing what’s for sale locally.
AFTER THE HOLIDAYS: Some folks burn their Christmas trees after the holidays. If you’re already planning a bonfire, crunchy branches make great kindling. Some people place old trees outside and give them a second life as a winter home for wildlife. If neither of those options appeal to you, Keep Athens Clarke County Beautiful will host its annual “Bring One for the Chipper” event. Residents can bring live, undecorated trees for the county to turn into mulch. For more about dates and locations, visit accgov.com/ chipper. f
Sleigh the Christmas decor this year with a real tree. Be sure to check water levels regularly to keep it looking tree-mendous.
