Assad will perform a 60th anniversary farewell tour of their blend of Latin American music and European
at the Ramsey Concert Hall on Tuesday, Mar. 10. For more info, visit pac.uga.edu.
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 Makenna Carlton, Erin France, Gordon Lamb, Ed Tant
CARTOONISTS Missy Kulik, David Mack, Klon Waldrip, Joey Weiser
CIRCULATION Jennifer Bray, Charles Greenleaf, Joe Rowe
EDITORIAL & OFFICE ASSISTANT Mary Beth Bryan
EDITORIAL INTERN Lily Thomas
PHOTOGRAPHERS CJ Bartunek, Kat Wood, Jake Zerkel
SPECIAL AGENT Pete McCommons
Howdy, Fellow Traveler! released its debut demo tape Snow Day Demos, featuring a four-song introduction to the project ahead of its full-band release due this fall via Athens label Indecent Artistry. Howdy, Fellow Traveler! is the project of songwriter, farmer and “overall sweetheart” Isaac Johnson. See “Flagpole Premieres: Howdy, Fellow Traveler!; Snow Day Demos” at flagpole.com.
Brazilian-born brothers Sérgio
Odair
classics
city dope
Mayoral Money
CAMPAIGN DONATIONS AND MORE LOCAL NEWS
By Blake Aued and Lily Thomas news@flagpole.com
Almost a dozen developers, landlords and business leaders each gave the maximum $3,300 contribution to Dexter Fisher’s campaign for mayor, campaign contribution disclosure reports show.
Among them were John and Susan Barrett of Barrett Club Properties; Burton & Burton balloon company owners Robert and Maxine Burton; James Hopkins of consulting firm Strategic Ventures Group; Watkinsville resident Mark Jennings of The Leaven Group, which unsuccessfully tried to redevelop Georgia Square Mall, and his wife Delores; Zaxby’s CEO Zachary McElroy of Watkinsville; construction company CEO Quaison Payne and his wife Carla; Cindy and Robert Scott of RAC Properties; and retirees Thomas and Lori Scott.
Fisher, who represents District 5 on the ACC Commission, reported raising $115,211 through Dec. 31. He spent $25,375 and had $89,835 left on hand.
Other prominent contributors to Fisher’s campaign included former commission candidate and current school board candidate Carl Blount; Republican Watkinsville Mayor Brian Brodrick; Tim Burgess, a retired UGA administrator and Watkinsville resident who worked with Fisher; Piedmont Athens Regional CEO Michael Burnett of Watkinsville; UGA Police Chief Jeffrey Clark; ACC Commissioner John Culpepper; Hathaway Properties owner Richard Hathaway; Christopher Joiner of Joiner Realty; 2006 mayoral candidate Charlie Maddox and wife Linda; Carl Parks, a former GOP political strategist and Clarke County school board member; Grant and Holly Whitworth of Whitworth Land Corp.; Western Circuit District Attorney Kalki Yalamanchili; and the Inner East Athens Neighbors Association.
Tim Denson had the second-highest haul at $17,414. He spent half that amount and
had $8,865 left on hand at the end of last year. No contributor gave Denson’s campaign more than $1,000—most were $100 or less, which he listed on his disclosure form despite not being required to under the law.
Denson’s financial supporters included commissioners Melissa Link, Patrick Davenport and Carol Myers; former commissioner Jesse Houle; well-known artist Eleanor Davis; Shellby Branch, chair of the ACC Democratic Committee; state Rep. Eric Gisler (D-Watkinsville); planning commissioners Matthew Hall, Sara Beresford and Alice Kinman (also a former county commissioner); and UGA professor Richard Dien Winfield, also a former candidate for U.S. House and Senate.
Mara Zuniga, who filed an election- year report Jan. 31, raised $8,100 that month and $17,365 total dating back to 2025. She had spent $5,347, with a balance of $12,017. Former Athens GOP chair John Elliott; Asia Thomas and Sydney Waters, who ran conservative campaigns for ACC Commission in 2022 and 2024, respectively; and Republican candidate for state House of Representatives Kris Kendrick were among the contributors to Zuniga’s campaign, along with Quaison Payne (who previously maxed out for Fisher).
LaKeisha Gantt reported raising $4,405, spending $2,265 with a balance of $2,139. Her most prominent supporter was Deborah Gonzalez, the progressive former DA who lost to Yalamanchili in 2024.
A fifth candidate, Sharon Miller, filed a declaration of intent to accept campaign contributions in October, but has not filed a disclosure.
The qualifying period for candidates to officially put their names on the ballot started Monday and ends Friday, Mar. 6.
Denson Meets With Students
Mayoral candidate Tim Denson visited the University of Georgia on Feb. 24 for a Q&A hosted by the campus’ Young Democratic Socialists of America chapter.
Students introduced Denson as a grassroots candidate with 15 years of involvement in Athens politics, 10 of those being in office as county commissioner or school board member.
“I kind of fell into politics and organizing backwards, which was never what I intended to do, but I honestly love it,” he said. “I love this community. Athens has been my home.”
Denson said he was instrumental in establishing Athens- Clarke County’s farefree bus system, decriminalizing possession of less than one ounce of marijuna, and passing the 2035 Clean and Renewable Energy Plan.
Former democratic socialist district commissioners, including Denson, have backgrounds in music. Facilitators asked what he believes the tie is between artists and progressivism. Denson replied, “it helps you get over stage fright” and allowed him to be around large diverse communities of people, in addition to being “broke all the time.”
Following Athens’ music legacy, facilitators asked how Denson would support musicians and historical venues, if elected. Denson proposes an entertainment district in Athens, where open containers are allowed in cups sold to establishments by the county government. The extra fee paid by drinkers would fund improvements downtown. He also supports the ACC Cultural Affairs Commission giving grants to artists.
Athens’ 26% poverty rate—double the state average—was discussed. Denson said that major employers are not paying a living wage, and as a commissioner he helped instate a living wage ordinance for the Classic Center and Akins Ford Arena. He proposed a “Mayor’s Living Wage Award,” where businesses meeting a threshold receive stickers and logos to incentivize supporting businesses paying fairly, because mandating wages citywide is restricted by state law.
Another pressing concern for students was the ACC Police Department’s Flock
camera system. Denson stated he would reduce such surveillance programs, echoing that many people across the political spectrum are worried about data from the Flock cameras being controlled by the corporation, not the county. He shared that crime rates, violent and nonviolent, are both trending down.
On immigration enforcement, Denson said he is the only candidate to state plainly that “ICE has no place in Athens.” He referenced past local ICE activity and said, if elected, he would work to reinstate communication channels that previously alerted local officials to federal enforcement actions. While the county cannot bar ICE agents from operating locally, Denson said Athens can prohibit them from using county property or coordinating with local officials.
Housing affordability also drew attention. With nearly 60% of Athens residents renting and UGA enrollment steadily increasing, Denson argued that restrictive zoning has effectively outlawed “missing middle” housing such as duplexes and small multifamily units. He called for zoning reforms, inclusionary housing policies, and the potential use of SPLOST funds to build publicly subsidized housing to create competition in the market and drive prices down.
Only two of five mayoral candidates have reached out to students, despite making up 30% of Athens’ population. Denson added that “Athens isn’t Athens without the university and students.”
While he’s not relying on a large percentage of student voters in the race, Denson said, “I’m going to be the mayor for everyone, no matter what… I think it’s still very important that I am engaging with everyone.
“I want to make sure that everybody else who comes here to Athens, Georgia has the same opportunity to really be able to feel like Athens is home,” he said. [Lily Thomas]
Bottoms Addresses Affordability
Former Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms made a campaign stop in Athens on Feb. 26, emphasizing her local roots and commitment to making the cost of living more affordable.
“Affordability is not a hoax,” Bottoms said, referring to a comment by President Donald Trump. “Every single place we go, people are talking about the cost of living.”
Check flagpole.com for the latest news. [Blake Aued]
Keisha Lance Bottoms (right) poses with Athens-Clarke County Commissioner Stephanie Johnson during a Bottoms campaign event at Ted’s Most Best.
If elected governor, Bottoms said, she would crack down on corporate landlords, push to expand Medicaid and “create a pathway” for free higher education at technical and community colleges. She also pledged to restore the abortion rights in place before the Supreme Court overruled Roe v. Wade
One option that is likely off the table, though, is rent control. Georgia law favors property owners over tenants, Bottoms said, and she does not see that changing as long as Republicans control the legislature. “Quite honestly, I don’t know what the appetite would be for that,” she said.
However, Bottoms said that during her administration the city invested $700 million in public and private funding to build or preserve 7,000 affordable homes, including creating a $28 million affordable housing fund. That approach could be “scaled up” statewide, she said.
Bottoms met with about 20 voters at Ted’s Most Best, including former district attorney and state representative Deborah Gonzalez, Athens- Clarke County Commissioner Stephanie Johnson and Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement cofounder Mokah Jasmine Johnson. Asked by Gonzalez about criminal justice reform, Bottoms said that, as mayor of Atlanta, she gave raises to firefighters and police officers. “But I also believe you should hold public safety accountable,” she said.
Bottoms was serving as mayor during the George Floyd protests of 2020, when she condemned rioting and told constituents to vote if they wanted change. During that time she also feuded with Gov. Brian Kemp over COVID-19 restrictions, opposing Kemp’s effort to reopen businesses.
Bottoms criticized Kemp for reversing many of the criminal justice reforms implemented at the state level by his predecessor, Gov. Nathan Deal. As mayor, she said the Atlanta police department adhered to the Obama administration’s 21st century policing policy, and trained inmates at the Atlanta jail to work for the city water department upon their release. The jail population also declined significantly because she eliminated cash bail for nonviolent offenses and did not cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, she said. “Incarceration is not always the answer,” she said. “It becomes a revolving door.”
Asked by Flagpole about data centers—a high-profile issue locally in recent months—Bottoms called for a pause.
“It’s a big issue across the state. People are concerned about data centers, because across the state we are experiencing an increase in utility bills, and many people are connecting that with data centers and then just the unknown. We are one of the top three states in terms of expansion of data centers and with the amount of money and incentives that have been put in have made the state very attractive,” she said. “I think we need to take a beat and assess where we are and determine if we are on a path that is healthy for the state as a whole. I’m concerned about the rapid growth, and I’m concerned about its impact on our environment and our communities.”
Bottoms said one of her greatgrandfathers hailed from Athens, and she could trace her ancestry back five generations to a plantation in nearby Crawfordville. She is competing in the Democratic primary against Michael Thurmond, among others—an Athens native and the first
Black man to represent Athens in the state legislature since Reconstruction, who went on to become state labor commissioner, then school superintendent of Dekalb County and later its chief executive.
“What separates me are a number of things. One of them is my executive experience, experience that I’ve had in leading our capital city, my service in the White House assisting the president of the United States [in the Obama administration] and being able to get things done under the most challenging of circumstances,” she said. “I served as mayor of Atlanta under the first Trump administration, so I’ve read this book before, and even in the midst of those monumental challenges, we were able to balance the budget, provide affordable housing, we were able to leave our budget intact, we didn’t raise property taxes, and these are issues facing cities and towns across the state.”
In addition to Bottoms and Thurmond, other Democratic candidates for governor
to support the measure. The bill has passed out of committee and could advance with the public’s pressure and support.
Transparency bills are also on the table.
SB 421 and House Bill 528 would require data centers to disclose annual reports detailing water usage, energy consumption and community impacts, while preventing companies from entering nondisclosure agreements with local governments.
HB 1012 proposes a year-long statewide moratorium on new data centers. The Athens- Clarke County Mayor and Commission are currently considering extending a local three-month moratorium. That vote is expected at their Mar. 3 meeting.
SB 408 would sunset tax incentives currently benefiting data center developments. It currently holds broad support after Gov. Brian Kemp vetoed a similar effort in 2024.
Gisler emphasized that 600,000 households in the state are considered “energy burdened,” spending more than 6% of their income on electricity.
in the May 19 primary include former Republican Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan, former state Sen. Jason Esteves of Columbus, Olu Brown and Derrick Jackson. Gwinnett County state Rep. Ruwa Romman ended her campaign last week. [BA]
Data Center Regs Proposed
Athens Democrats held a town hall meeting on data centers Feb. 26, including newly elected state Rep. Eric Gisler (D-Watkinsville) and Public Service Commissioner Peter Hubbard, who warned residents that Georgia’s rapid data center expansion can increase utility bills and water usage unless state legislation changes course.
Gisler outlined several major bills under consideration this legislative session. The key bill is SB 34, which aims to ensure large tech companies pay for the infrastructure upgrades required to power data centers, rather than shifting costs to Georgians. Considered the most likely to pass, Gisler noted that it was weakened under pressure from Georgia Power and now gives the Public Service Commission more influence over implementation.
Another proposal is Senate Bill 94, which would reestablish a consumer utility counsel, or a public advocate within the attorney general’s office to represent Georgians before the PSC. Gisler urged citizens to call members of the local legislative delegation
Hubbard advocated for greater transparency, solar expansion and requiring data centers to subsidize renewable energy or battery storage. He also encouraged citizens to participate in PSC hearings, acknowledging that regulatory change is “slow by design.”
However, Hubbard said, “There is always hope. We can always reverse these bad decisions.” Remaining informed about the 2026 PSC elections and staying engaged with state and local legislation will be crucial for Athenians to voice their opinions on data centers and their future in Georgia. [LT]
Website Details Urban Renewal
Mayor Kelly Girtz, Historic Athens and a University of Georgia professor unveiled a new website last week with information about the R-51 urban renewal project, which dramatically reshaped the area just north of downtown Athens.
The R-51 area was larger than the betterknown Linnentown—a neighborhood off Baxter Street that was demolished to make way for UGA dorms—which was documented by local author Hattie Thomas Whitehead and UGA geography professor Jerry Shannon. R-51 included about 400 homes and dozens of businesses in neighborhoods known as Lickskillet (on the western bank of the North Oconee River) and The Bottom (which became Bethel Homes, now being redeveloped as The View at NoDA).
Approximately 60% of the displaced residents were Black. They received a median payment for their property of less than $100,000 in today’s dollars, and a quarter of homeowners were not able to buy a new house, instead moving into public housing.
At the town hall, community leaders and residents raised concerns about environmental justice. Many data centers are being placed in historically Black and low-income neighborhoods. Speakers referenced water contamination issues near Pittard Road and construction beginning on a new facility on Voyles Road with no notice. Calls for a community benefits agreement and stronger zoning protections were echoed by the public.
ACC Commissioner Carol Myers spoke, too, sharing her support of a moratorium extension on data center development and encouraging concerned citizens to speak to the ACC Planning Commission about what a data center amendment should entail.
Hubbard, one of five members of the PSC, said the commission recently voted to certify 10,000 megawatts of new energy generation, roughly enough to power every household in the state, largely through natural gas. Hubbard opposed the decision and filed a motion for reconsideration, which failed.
“I’m not convinced yet that data centers are paying their fair share,” Hubbard said, warning that ratepayers could be left “holding the bag” if projected economic benefits do not actually occur. He pointed to the permanent 25% bill increase following the completion of Plant Vogtle and $912 million in storm recovery costs from Hurricane Helene.
“My priority from the beginning has been to highlight the impact that R-51 had on Athens at the individual level. This census starts with resident names rather than addresses and attempts to paint an honest picture of each person using the limited information available in the archives,” Claire Hagan, a mayoral fellow at Historic Athens, said in a news release announcing the project. “We also encourage viewers to keep in mind that this data may not tell the full story of R-51. Our bias as researchers and the urban renewal agents’ interpretation of each household may not match up with how these Athenians would have described their own experiences. We’ve done our best to show the information that’s there and make space for what isn’t.”
The project started with Charlene Marsh and Ammishaddai Grand- Jean, who digitized Linnentown records in 2019. Historic Athens mayoral fellow Dale McCaller started researching R-51 in 2023, work that was continued by Hagan. The Community Mapping Lab at UGA, led by Shannon, became involved in 2024.
“While we know we still need more voices at the table to tell the story of R-51,” Shannon said, “the work done thus far is a great example of collaboration between the ACC government, Historic Athens as a nonprofit, and my group at UGA. We’re excited to present the initial phase of this work.”
The website, which includes maps, photos, Census records and other information, is at communitymappingarchive. org/s/athens_r51. It also includes a form where former residents can submit information. [BA] f
Legion Pool in Peril
UGA SWIMMING SPOT MAKES STATEWIDE LIST
By Blake Aued news@flagpole.com
For Athens residents, Legion Pool on the UGA campus has been in danger of being demolished for almost 15 years. A statewide historic preservation group recognized it last week, at a point when it’s likely too late to save it.
Over the objections of UGA faculty and staff members and other community members with fond memories of the Great Depression-era pool, as well as historic preservationists, the university officially announced its decision on the day after Christmas to demolish Legion Pool and its clubhouse. The University System Board of Regents ratified the decision three weeks later. So did Gov. Brian Kemp, who issued an executive order last month, the last step before UGA could send in the bulldozers.
year on Aug. 1, before the fall semester starts.
UGA’s initial plan called for a parking lot where the pool now stands, as well as an expansion of nearby Legion Field. However, the most recent proposal now calls for sand volleyball courts.
“Places in Peril is about awareness and opportunity,” said W. Wright Mitchell, president and CEO of the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation. “This is the trust’s 21st annual Places in Peril list, and we hope it will continue to bring preservation solutions to Georgia’s imperiled historic resources by highlighting ten representative sites.”
“ It was once the largest swimming pool between Richmond, Virginia and Miami.
An affiliated group, Historic Athens, has released a list of local Places in Peril since 2020, including Legion Pool in its 2021 edition. Flagpole detailed Historic Athens’ most recent list in the Feb. 25 issue.
Other sites on the Georgia Trust list are:
• the Civilian Conservation Corps Camp at Hard Labor Creek State Park in Morgan County, established in 1934.
• the Boggs Rural Life Center in Burke County, a boarding school for African American students founded in 1906.
Coleman Barks 1937–2026
THE POET CONTINUES HIS SPIRITUAL JOURNEY
By Pete McCommons pete@flagpole.com
Coleman called me up on the telephone and asked me if I knew where Po Biddy, GA was. I didn’t, but I was a little ahead of him on the internet back then, so I looked it up and found an aerial photograph of Po Biddy— actually Po Biddy Crossroads—down in Talbot County, in Middle Georgia. I printed it out and dropped it by Coleman’s house, and he was delighted. It turns out that he was going to interview his friend and fellow poet, Mary Oliver, and wanted to ask her about her poem, “In Pobiddy, Georgia.” You can see the interview at: vimeo. com/11367099.
to be released from their cages,” Bly told Coleman.
That encounter propelled Coleman into using his skills to emancipate Rumi’s words and make them sing to the extent that he unleashed a fervent love of Rumi that catapulted Coleman to international fame as he published books of Rumi’s writings and gave readings all over the world.
“Opened in 1936, Legion Pool is a Works Progress Administration-era recreational facility located in the heart of the University of Georgia campus. Built through a partnership between the WPA, the American Legion and the City of Athens, it was once the largest swimming pool between Richmond, Virginia and Miami,” according to the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation, which placed Legion Pool on its 2026 “Places in Peril” list. “For decades, the pool has served UGA students and the broader Athens community, becoming a beloved campus and civic gathering place. UGA’s own historic study identifies Legion Pool as eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.”
Such arguments failed to sway UGA administrators in December, when about 40 students and Athens residents spoke at a legally required public hearing to oppose Legion Pool’s demolition. University officials said that students were not using the pool, despite student fees subsidizing its operations, and it was leaking water. Opponents countered that the pool could be repaired. They also noted that its existence was poorly publicized, and it closed for the
• Eggleston Hall at All Saints Episcopal Church in Atlanta. The horseshoe- shaped 1918 Gothic Revival building reflects the “Akron Plan,” which allows for flexible instruction via movable partitions around a central hall.
• the McCranie Turpentine Still in Atkinson County, the last intact wood-burning turpentine still in Georgia in its original location, threatened by damage from Hurricane Helene.
• Orange Hall in Camden County, a mid19th century Greek Revival landmark that the Georgia Trust calls the most architecturally significant in the coastal town of St. Mary’s.
• Salem Campground in Newtown County. It was established in 1928, making it one of Georgia’s oldest religious camp meeting sites. The campground includes a tabernacle built in 1954 and a family tent dating back to 1840.
• Thomas L. Bell Memorial Ballpark in Americus, a rare wooden baseball stadium built in 1938.
• Union Brothers and Sisters Mission Hall in McIntosh County, a burial hall founded by formerly enslaved African American members of the Gullah Geechee community in 1887.
• the Wayne County Courthouse in Jesup, a 120- year-old Romanesque Revival landmark damaged by fire in 2025. f
If you didn’t know Coleman and wonder about the outpouring of feeling for him occasioned by his death last week, the interview will give you a sense of Coleman, his wit and his probing delight in people and in ideas, and especially in words, and especially in words that reveal flashes of the infinite in people and in nature and in the oddities like Po Biddy that crack the veil of ordinariness and invite us into a dimension of wonder.
We used to consider stealing one of the garden club’s “Yard of the Month” signs and planting it in Coleman’s front yard. He lived on a prominent corner in Five Points in a home left over from his earlier days as a UGA English professor, husband and father, and his yard was untouched, left to grow however nature intended, an affront no doubt to his neighbors and to real estate values in general, but as time passed his yard attained a wild beauty, and his back driveway looked just like a mountain lane. With his vision and discipline, Coleman could have earned Yard of the Month every month, but his eyes were elsewhere.
You can just imagine what this handsome, witty, thoughtful, erudite guy was like in the classroom, and students say his were the best classes they had. Of course, in addition to his day job, Coleman was a poet whose words are so plain and accessible that you don’t have to be an English major to take delight in them because, like Coleman, they are about everyday life and the nature around us and people, and they are like putting on a new pair of glasses and seeing whole new dimensions in the shapes before our eyes.
Early on, Coleman’s poet- friend Robert Bly introduced him to the poems of the 13th century Persian poet Rumi, telling Coleman in effect that the available translations failed to convey the depth and beauty of Rumi’s poems. “These poems need
So Coleman became a rock star and had to deal with fame while continuing to live in his adoptive small town. Nope, same old Coleman—on his corner stool at the Manhattan and in his place at the Five Points Waffle House, until they tore it down for more pizza. It probably helped that his fame was literary, so that he wasn’t instantly recognizable like some of his famous musician friends. Maybe it was his innate spiritualism and his seeing the world through Rumi’s eyes, but also for sure it was the fact that he was Coleman, who went right on enjoying the people he knew and the people he met, finding joy in others and in the oddities and infinite delights of the world around him.
In the introduction to his book The Soul of Rumi, Coleman wrote, “That’s how the collaboration feels. It’s also a form of healing, a way to play and praise, to feel grief and gratitude, and an unfolding friendship with a teacher. Or say these poems are love poems, the intimate conversation of self with deep self… Rumi’s poetry is God’s funny family talking on a big open radio line.”
That’s a pretty good summary of Coleman, too. He loved and celebrated and reveled in being a member of God’s funny family. A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Thursday, Apr. 23, at 4 p.m. in the UGA Chapel, with a gathering afterward perhaps at The Manhattan or Little Kings. f
Jesse Jackson Kept Hope Alive
CIVIL RIGHTS ICON WORKED FOR UNITY UNTIL HIS DEATH
By Ed Tant news@flagpole.com
He was loved and hated, revered and reviled, lionized and lambasted, but when civil rights icon Jesse Jackson died on Feb.18 at the age of 84, he was remembered as a Black leader who called for racial unity and as a fiery orator who could leaven soaring rhetoric with earthy humor.
Jackson began his political activism as a college student in the early 1960s, just as the civil rights movement focused the eyes of America on the segregated South. Jackson was a college football star, but he showed courage on the streets instead of on the gridiron when he told his protest followers, “I’ll go to jail, and I’ll go to the chain gang if necessary.”
only–major party convention in Atlanta. Thunderous applause, throaty cheers, and a sea of red and white “Jesse!” signs filled the arena as Jackson took the stage. He introduced activist Rosa Parks as “the mother of the civil rights movement,” then launched into what turned out to be one of the best political speeches in American history, a speech that will never be forgotten by those who were there to hear it.
“When I look out at this convention, I see the face of America,” he said. “Red, yellow, brown, black and white, we are all precious in God’s sight.” With rhythm, rhyme and his preacher’s cadence, Jackson reminded his audience that, “There are differences of religion, region and race… but the genius of America is that out of many we become one.”
Unity was the underpinning of his 1988 speech to the Democratic convention. “I challenge you tonight, my friends. Let’s be bigger and better as a nation and as a party,” he told them.
Excitement surged like electricity in the Omni as Jackson roared to his conclusion. “Never stop dreaming,” he cried. “Don’t stop with the way things are. Dream of things as they ought to be.” Cheers rose to a crescendo as Jackson shouted, “I was born in the slum, but the slum was not born in me… We must never surrender. America will get better and better. Keep hope alive!”
In 2001, more than a decade after his historic speech in Atlanta, Jackson spoke to a large crowd at the downtown Human Rights Festival here in Athens.
HOPE and DREAMS
NEED-BASED COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS MOVE FORWARD
By Makenna Carlton news@flagpole.com
Georgia’s first comprehensive needsbased college scholarship came closer to becoming reality last week after the state House and Senate approved a budget plan that would fully fund the endeavor.
Gov. Brian Kemp proposed the DREAMS scholarship in his State of the State Address last month with a price tag of $325 million. Then the House and Senate cut $25 million and $200 million, respectively, from that fund, leaving only $100 million.
Lawmakers restored the proposed funding after Kemp increased the revenue estimate for the current budget year by $1.4 billion dollars, which includes $145 million in state lottery funds for the DREAMS scholarship program. Georgia Lottery funds are exclusively earmarked for education, mostly for the merit-based HOPE Scholarship and pre-K programs. In a letter to the House and Senate budget chairmen this week, Kemp said that he remains “fully committed to funding” the program.
“This one- time allocation of reserves will not impact HOPE and pre-K in any way, and we will be revising the statutory lottery reserve to further protect those reserves,” said House Appropriations Committee Chair Matt Hatchett (R-Dublin).
Supporters of the scholarship, such as Georgians for College Affordability and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, had warned that reductions to the proposal would hinder long- term efforts to improve college affordability.
While investing in merit-based aid such as the HOPE and Zell Miller scholarships, Georgia is one of two states that does not currently offer comprehensive need-based financial aid. Merit-based scholarships can leave some students behind, said Hamida Labi, senior policy counsel for the NAACP Legal Defense Fund.
“Black students enroll in state schools at far lower rates than their counterparts, yet have the highest rates of student loan debt,” Labi said. “Black students also receive HOPE and Zell Miller scholarships at a rate vastly lower than students from other racial backgrounds.”
Jackson became a disciple and friend of freedom fighter Martin Luther King Jr., even though the two men sometimes disagreed over Jackson’s style and tactics in the movement. Jackson was with King in Memphis on Apr. 4, 1968 when King was gunned down by an assassin. No one could replace King, but Jackson became a prominent figure in U.S. politics after King was murdered.
Jackson angered many people—Jews and Gentiles—when he called New York City “Hymietown” because of its high Jewish population. That remark hung over Jackson for years, but it did not stop him from making groundbreaking campaigns for the presidency in 1984 and 1988—campaigns that called for unity among religions, races and regions.
In 1988 I was in the crowd inside the Omni Coliseum in Atlanta when Jackson made a barn-burning, rafter-rattling speech at the Democratic National Convention. It was the first national political convention I attended, and the first–and so far,
Looking out at the multitude that packed College Square, Jackson exulted that, “Dr. King would rejoice. This is the Georgia of our dreams: a multiracial coalition respecting everyone’s rights. This is America at its best.”
Emphasizing his theme of unity and alluding to a line from folk singer Woody Guthrie, Jackson told his Athens audience, “Slavery is behind us, segregation is behind us. One America! One flag! This land is our land.” Harking back to his roots as a Baptist minister, Jackson said, “We come together as sinners saved by grace, not divided by race.”
Athens was abuzz with excitement as Jackson finished his speech here 25 years ago. “I know change is coming, because the change is in you,” he said. “When young America comes alive, you have the power.” Jackson brought power to protest and excitement to politics. In these times of anger and divisiveness, he kept hope alive with his wish that “conservatives and liberals can find common ground.” f
As proposed, $25 million would go to college students in need for the school year starting in the fall of 2026, with the remaining $300 million launching a longterm endowment to sustain the DREAMS program. Eligibility would be based on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and eligible students could receive up to $3,000 per academic year for up to eight semesters, according to the University System of Georgia. To be eligible, students must be Georgia residents with unmet financial needs after all other scholarships, grants and loans are accounted for, and they must either be employed or volunteer at least part time.
The revised budget allots $180 million from state general funds and $145 million from lottery reserves, raising the endowment back to the governor’s originally proposed $325 million. The DREAMS scholarship and endowment fall under the Georgia Student Finance Commission, which also oversees HOPE and Zell Miller scholarships.
Ashley Young, a senior policy analyst at the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute, said having the program under the commission will allow for more transparency on how the program is being run each year. “[DREAMS] will be centrally located and disseminated through Georgia Student Finance Commission, which will be very helpful in terms of ensuring that students that qualify for the funds at all institutions will be able to receive them,” Young said. “And that we will have transparency and important data on who receives the needbased aid.”
Kimberly Morris, a higher education consultant, said students often look to her to answer how they can fund their college journeys. “It breaks my heart when I can only offer them student loans,” Morris said, “knowing that statistically, the loans can change the trajectory of their life that they haven’t even begun to live.”
Labi also said some Georgia students need as little as $3,000 a year to be able to graduate without student loans. House Bill 1413, introduced by Rep. Chuck Martin, an Alpharetta Republican and chair of the House Higher Education Committee, outlines program eligibility and formally establishes the program.
Scholarships like DREAMS can be the difference between getting a degree or dropping out, said Georgia high school graduate Kamore Campbell. “Two of my closest friends started at Georgia Southern,” Campbell said. “Like me, they were strong, hardworking students. They both had the HOPE scholarship and the maximum Pell grant, but the financial gap was too hard, and they never made it to their second year.”
Campbell said her best friend went to Georgia State University and worked fulltime to fund her education. Her friend took two days off of work to study and was fired from her job, rendering her unable to pay her spring education costs. The DREAM scholarship would bridge the financial gap and take the strain off of working students. f
This article was originally published at georgia recorder.com.
Jesse Jackson in 1988, the year he gave the keynote address at the Democratic National Convention in Atlanta
Classic City Roller Derby
CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF MAYHEM WITH A STRONG TEAM
By Sam Lipkin editorial@flagpole.com
When the Classic City Rollergirls (since rebranded as the more inclusive Classic City Roller Derby) were featured on the cover of Flagpole’s Mar. 11, 2020 issue, the league was gearing up for a season that would never happen. Then, after the nearly two- year shutdown of the sport caused by COVID19, when the team came together for its first outdoor practice, only a handful of players showed up—and maybe three that had ever played a bout before.
However, the Classic City Roller Derby has rebuilt itself over the last few years and is entering its 20th anniversary season with confidence. The league’s traditional Green vs. Black scrimmage that serves as the season opener will be held on Sunday, Mar. 8 at The Classic Center, which will be the first time in 10 years that their skates have touched the Grand Hall’s floors. Team captain and jammer Ethel Murderz says that this will also be the first year post- COVID that the team has enough members to split down the middle and play each other without a significant amount of subs from other areas joining.
“We’re really excited to have that many bouting skaters that we can do that. It’s always our most profitable bout because every skater in the league is playing, all their friends and family are coming,” says Murderz.
“Because we know each other, it’s a more exciting game because we know every single trick that the players on the other team are doing,” says Sylvia Wrath, a blocker and pivot who has been on the CCRD for 10 years.
Now that the team’s roster of bout-ready players has grown, Murderz says that it gives them the ability to create more skating opportunities for everyone. CCRD can schedule more games at different skill levels. However, the league is still navigating some leftover challenges from the pandemic.
CCRD used to hold its games at the now- closed Athens Arena, and with The Classic Center and Akins Ford Arena being too costly, the only space available is where the league also practices: Fun Galaxy. While Fun Galaxy does have a lot of nostalgic charm, it’s also not up to code as a sanctionable space for the home games to count towards CCRD’s national ranking. For now, home games exist as a way for the league to raise some money, entertain its local audience and just have fun.
“Because we had so few people, we were like, ‘Oh my God, you came back to skate outside with us in this very not optimal condition where we can’t even offer you the ability to scrimmage yet.’ So we had to think about how do we keep these people with us, and how do we have another boot camp while we’re still outside, and convince those people this is something they want to do? It really propelled us towards being extra concerned about the ways that we interacted with our community and with the kinds of people that were coming to us. Saying, ‘How do I make this person feel accepted and a part of things?’ And it just made us realize that that should be a double underlined part of our mission,” says Wrath.
Member Fish Fear Me joined CCRD about a year ago, and although they are not in bouting shape yet, they are a non- skating official (NSO) who is also learning to referee. When Fish signed up for skate camp, they were relatively new to Athens and had not made any friends yet. Their prior knowledge of roller derby came down to knowing there was a movie called Whip and having read a roller derby themed graphic novel.
But it’s also very inclusive for people who have disabilities. If your body doesn’t work the same as someone else’s, OK, let’s find a way to make this skill work for you,” says Wrath. “If your body is having trouble with that, someone else’s body is also probably having trouble with that, and they might not feel as comfortable saying it. Also just enforcing boundaries is really good here.”
Much like other sports, though, the CCRD members encourage audience members who are new to the sport to read up a little online before judging if it’s something they enjoy watching or not. Or just ask around once you’re there.
The team hopes that the season opening game at The Classic Center will draw a larger audience that will come out to the Fun Galaxy home games, which might generate enough money to leverage a new home game venue next year. Although the process of rebuilding can be a lot of work with setbacks, it can also create some new opportunities.
“When I showed up, everybody who knew each other was helping each other, and if you didn’t know them, they were still trying to help you. If on my first day of skate camp Wrath hadn’t been so nice to me, I probably wouldn’t have come back,” says Fish. “I could not stand on wheels to save my life. I kept falling over, and Wrath kept coming over and telling me that I was doing a great job.”
Roller derby culture has always been driven by inclusivity, for women of all backgrounds but also for the LGBTQ+ community. Wrath says that the roller derby community does a really good job of polic-
ing itself and keeping an eye on situations where members might feel uncomfortable. In the sports world, it often draws people who feel outcast in other athletic areas.
“I always feel like half of the battle of skate camp and when we get new skaters in here is literally just convincing people to take up space. A lot of times they’re people who are part of marginalized communities. We’ll be teaching them a skill, and the whole time they’re apologizing because they don’t know the skill. And it’s like, what do you think we’re here for?” says Murderz.
“I think roller derby also gets this reputation of being hard hits and stuff like that.
“If you ask the people around you what’s going on, like, ‘Hey, I’ve never done this before, what’s going on?’ You’re going to have a lot more fun talking to the person next to you who might know, or theorizing about what’s going on with someone who also doesn’t know what’s going on,” says Fish.
For tickets to the Mar. 8 game and info about the rest of the season, visit classiccityrollerderby.com. f
WHAT: Green vs Black Season Opener
WHEN: Sunday, Mar . 8, 4:30 p m (doors), 5 p m (bout) WHERE: The Classic Center HOW MUCH: $15 (adv ), $18
JOHN BLOOD
MONDAY, MARCH 23 at 7:30 p.m. Ramsey Concert Hall. FOR TICKETS:
$15 - Adults
$3 UGA students music.uga.edu 706-542-4400
Closing out the season of Faculty Chamber Ensembles are four of our UGA string and piano faculty presenting an evening of piano quartets by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Johannes Brahms. Pictured clockwise from top: Shakhida Azimkhodjaeva, viola; Levon Ambartsumian, violin; James Kim, cello; and Alan Woo, piano.
THURSDAY, MARCH 26 at 7:30 p.m. Hodgson Concert Hall. FOR TICKETS:
$15 - Adults
$3 UGA students music.uga.edu 706-542-4400
The upcoming “Fan Favorites” program includes suite composed by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov in 1888 and based on Nights. see if we picked your favorite piece!
TUESDAY, MAR. 17 at 7:30 p.m. Ramsey Concert Hall
WEDNESDAY, MAR. 18 at 7:30 p.m. Hodgson Concert Hall
FRIDAY, MAR. 20 at 3:30 p.m. Ramsey Concert Hall
RESTAURANT SECTION
MUSIC | FRI, MAR. 6
Dom Flemons
Madison-Morgan Cultural Center • 6:30 p.m. (doors), 7:30 p.m. (show) • $35
With a repertoire covering over 100 years of American roots music and expertlevel skill in eight instruments, Dom Flemons has earned his title as “The American Songster.” Born in Arizona, Flemons grew up consuming a steady diet of his parents’ Bob Dylan, The Beatles and Chuck Berry records. This led to him finding the music of folk pioneers like Woody Guthrie and Tom Paxton. Inspired by these artists, he soon became a regular in the Arizona busking and performing scene. In 2005, Flemons co- founded the Carolina Chocolate Drops with some musicians he met at the first Black Banjo Gathering, later beginning his solo career in 2007. Now based in Chicago, Flemons has since received an Honorary Doctorate from Northern Arizona University, won and been nominated for several Grammy Awards and Emmy Awards, won the International Acoustic Music Award Grand Prize and served as a United States Artists Fellow. Outside of his work as a songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, he is a music scholar, historian, actor, narrator, host, slam poet, record collector, podcaster and the creator/host/producer of the American Songster Radio Show on WSM in Nashville, TN. [Mary Beth Bryan]
MUSIC | FRI, MAR. 6
The Howdies
Flicker Theatre & Bar • 8 p.m. (doors) • $10
Outlaw country act The Howdies is named after not only the cowboy greeting, but also the Athens townie term for half a shot. Vocalist Austin Darnell says, “It’s a wink and a nod to something that feels so specific to this place… a small college town with a big music scene.” The band’s two frontpeople, Darnell and Shoni Rancher,
set of folk rock for this gig, and Atlanta/ Athens-based band Coyote Holler will also perform. [MB]
MUSIC | SAT, MAR. 7
Infinite Favors
Dead Beat Club • 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show) • $10
Athens band Infinite Favors is the home recording project of brothers Andrew and Nathan Prater. Andrew Prater is also known for his work in the band Pride Parade, which was active in the late 2000s and early 2010s, though Infinite Favors’ sound is on an entirely different plane from Pride Parade’s loud, gruff riffs and shredded vocals. It’s melodic and minimal in comparison, filled with nostalgic instrumentals and cozy vocal harmonies. The project debuted with the 2017 EP I Am a Bird and has released three additional EPs since then. The brothers also now perform with several other local musicians, including members of Cars Can Be Blue, Daffodil and Weaponized Flesh. Joining Infinite Favors will be singer- songwriter Johann Greco, whose record Hopelessness came out last year, and noise-punk band Bursters. [MB]
MUSIC | SUN, MAR. 8
HARD TACK Show
The World Famous • 9 p.m. • $5 Local zine-maker, tape label and DIY show promoter HARD TACK—which is known for hosting a large portion of the Athens punk community from Rubber Udder to Bone Bag to Crying Form—has invited in a few out-of- towners to play alongside local bands Big Trouble and Arms Dealer. The latter local band recently released a new record, Mutually Assured Destruction, which is streaming now via HARD TACK’s bandcamp page. Tapes will also be available for purchase at the show. Hailing from Richmond, VA will be punk bands YANKEE BASTARD and UAV. Finally, Kentucky-based hardcore band Abuse SS will finish the bill. As is typical for HARD TACK, the show has an entry fee, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds. [MB]
bonded while working together at a pizza shop. Darnell had a musical background as a member of Darnell Boys, while Rancher, a philosophy professor, had never played in a band before, but the two shared a love for classic country songwriting. They eventually added Seth Barham, Rob Hibbs, Tyler Key and Johnny Watson to their ranks and played their first show in 2021. The Howdies’ debut record, 2023’s Howdies All Around, pays homage to its name, inspired by late nights spent in Athens’ extensive local bar scene with a sound the band characterizes as “a rambunctious yet thoughtful brand of honkytonk.” Key will play his own
Considered one of modern electronic music’s pioneers, Londonborn musician Gary Numan rose to fame in the late ’70s through his new-wave band Tubeway Army. Its final album, 1979’s Replicas, featured UK No. 1 single “Are ‘Friends’ Electric?” Following the band’s split, Numan began his solo career with The Pleasure Principle, producing another No. 1 hit in “Cars.” Numan’s signature sound is defined by heavy synth hooks fed through guitar pedals. He’s also known for the android persona that he adopted for live appearances throughout the ’80s. While he no longer uses this persona, he remains very active in his career, having released many extended editions of his past records in the few years since his latest studio album, 2021’s Intruder. Numan is on tour across the U.S., Canada and the UK through August. [MB] f
ATHENS IN OUR LIFETIMES
Recalling the evolution of our town over the last six decades
A Documentary Produced and Directed by Kathy Prescott and Grady Thrasher Filmed and Edited by Matt DeGennaro • Associate Producer Michelle Castleberry Presented by Sunnybank Films In Association with Suprislingly Professional Productions 2017 • www.suprislinglyprofessional.com For Showtimes go to www.athenscine.com
Gary Numan
live music calendar
Tuesday 3
Dead Beat Club
Craig Topple Meet & Greet. 5:30–7:30 p.m. FREE! www.deadbeatathens. com
HEAVY PETTY Live karaoke band performing with a drop-in to ask the District 5 commissioner candidate questions.
ALEXSUCKS LA-based band fronted by Alex Alvarez influenced indie rock acts like The Strokes, but with a dance-punk approach.
DOGMA SOCIETY Band with a DIY sound that fuses hip hop, indie and pop punk.
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
7:30 p.m. $6 (w/ UGA ID), $18. music.uga.edu
HODGSON SINGERS SPRING
CONCERT Talented vocalists showcase their precision and artistry, often performing a demanding and thoughtfully curated program that spans diverse styles, cultures and musical traditions.
Ramsey Hall
5:30 p.m. FREE! music.uga.edu
GUEST ARTIST RECITAL Featuring Renee and Joe Skerik with Susan Snyder.
UGA Tate Student Center
Live in the Lobby. 8 p.m. FREE! www. wuog.org
STRUMBRUSH Twinkly and effect heavy DIY art rock from Atlanta.
Wednesday 4
40 Watt Club Aubrey Entertainment Presents. 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $21 (adv.), $26. www.40watt.com
ROBERT JON & THE WRECK
Blues rock and Southern rock band formed in Orange County, CA in 2011 whose live performances are known for being communal and life-affirming.
SAM MORROW LA-based musician playing his own version of modern-day American roots music: a mix of roadhouse rock and roll, bluesy R&B and country-fried funky-tonk, driven forward by groove, grease and guitars.
Dancz Center for New Music
6 p.m. FREE! www.facebook.com/ UGAcomposers
WILLIAM AND WILLIAM An evening of new experimental music. Dead Beat Club
8 p.m. $10. www.deadbeatathens.com
SERF LORDS Local surf band offering a post-apocalyptic view of the empire that was, set to heavy riffage at high tide.
WOAH NELLY Three-headed rock and roll outfit based out of Atlanta blending punk, prog, new wave and indie rock.
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.
Nowhere Bar
9 p.m. www.instagram.com/nowhere barathensga
THE CROWDED TABLE Blues, jam, rock and funk band from Portland, ME.
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.
THE SQUATCHES Cover band and jams.
AIRBALL No info available. Dead Beat Club
8 p.m. $12. www.deadbeatathens.com
BICHOS VIVOS Local band playing forró, an accordion, zabumba and triangle-driven genre of party music from Brazil.
Flicker Theatre & Bar
8 p.m. $30. www.flickertheatreandbar. com
THE DESLONDES Gritty New Orleans-based Americana band on New West Records that blends influences of folk, blues, country and gospel.
SABINE MCCALLA Artist who spins stories of heartbreak and hope through intimate arrangements and honest inflections, combining elements of gospel, folk, soul, blues and Americana.
WINYAH Nashville-based indie and Southern rock band.
THE OCHO A multi-genre band that focuses on classic rock, alternative, funk and country.
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.
Hendershot’s
8 p.m. www.hendershotsathens.com
KARAOKE WITH DJ GREGORY
Enjoy singing and dancing for all.
Normal Bar
Attaboy Tapes Presents. $10–20 (benefiting Support for Immigrant Families in Crisis). www.instagram. com/normal_bar_athens THE THINGS Alternative country noise for sweetie pies.
JOSEY Athens-based indie pop artist, incorporating audience participation and off-kilter comedy into her sets.
DERBY Corporate music for business bugs.
CGI JOE AND THE DOO-DAD
CREW Psychedelic power pop ensemble featuring Joe Kubler (CGi Joe), Greg O’Connell (Half-Acid) and Charlie Wilson (Eternal, The Skippers).
Nowhere Bar
9:30 p.m. www.instagram.com/ nowherebarathensga
DOG (IN HUMAN COSTUME)
Alternative rock band based out of Alpharetta and influenced by acts like The Pixies, Radiohead, Queens Of The Stone Age and Jeff Buckley.
Salem, NC who cites The Beatles, John Mayer, Hall and Oates and The 1975 as inspirations for his sound.
KIT Athens-based kaleidoscopic rock band expanded from the eponymous solo project Catt Malonius. Flicker Theatre & Bar
ATHENS ALL-STAR SONGWRITERS IN THE ROUND Some of the city’s finest tunesmiths together on one stage, sharing original songs. Featuring Todd Cowart, Kimberly Morgan York, Fester Hagood, Joshua Walker & Brodye Brooks, Adam Poulin, Curt Spell and Bo Hembree with special guest Travis Porterfield.
Live Wire
Aubrey Entertainment Presents. 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $13.58–118.69 (benefiting Artist2Artist and Daily Groceries Co-Op). www. facebook.com/AubreyEntertainment AthensGA
BOB WEIR TRIBUTE Members of Cosmic Charlie, Dire Wolf, Mr JordanMrTonks and more perform the music of the late Grateful Dead co-founder.
Madison Morgan Cultural Center
7:30 p.m. $35. www.mmcc-arts.org
DOM FLEMONS Grammy Award-winning member of the Carolina Chocolate Drops and multiinstrumentalist.
INFINITE FAVORS Project of brothers Andrew and Nathan Prater that trades in the sludgy, punishing riffs of previous projects for vocal harmonies, melodic basslines and hand percussion to create unforgettable, minimal bedroom pop. BURSTERS Noise punk whimsycore attack.
JOHANN GRECO Singer-songwriter from Northeast Georgia. Flicker Theatre & Bar
DJ TOMB LILY Adria Stembridge of Tears For The Dying spins deathrock, post-punk, goth and more. TWIN POWERS Local DJ who is also a member of DJ trio Booty Boyz.
DJ GOTH DAD Dustin Gannon formerly of Vision Video leads a dance party spinning goth, post-
Middle Eastern inspired outfit that focuses on the musical culture of Egypt, Turkey, Israel, Syria and more.
DRÍ & THE VIOLENCE Project of singer, percussionist and songwriter Adriana Thomas.
JACKIE HALES Singer-songwriter of Your Ex’s Pets.
KIT Athens-based kaleidoscopic rock band expanded from the eponymous solo project Catt Malonius. Nowhere Bar 9:30 p.m. www.instagram.com/ nowherebarathensga LOS CANTARES Stoned desert rock and roll band from Athens.
NORMALTOWN SOUND
MACHINE Athens quintet featuring Jamie Reynolds, Ben Spraker, Jef Whatley, Eli Truett and Phil Weed perform asymmetrical pop rock reminiscent of The Sea and Cake, The Cardigans, Herbie Hancock and LCD Soundsystem.
CAMP AMPED AFTER SCHOOL FINALE Campers show off what they’ve learned. The Root
10 p.m. FREE! www.therootathens. com
SILENT DISCO Grab a pair of headphones, choose a music channel and dance the night away.
South Main Brewing Community Fueled Festival. 2–9 p.m. FREE! www.southmainbrewing.com
JOSH BRICKER Country singersongwriter.
TRIPP AND THE BREAKERS Atlanta-based blues band.
CLAUDIA HOYSER Country singer-songwriter from Rochester, NY.
Andovia is playing at Nowhere Bar on Friday, Mar. 6.
Sunday 8
Athentic Brewing Co.
5–7:30 p.m. www.athenticbrewing. com
JEREMY WELLS AND THE DALIS Ever evolving with over 30 years sellin’ syllables and seeding dreams.
Boutier Winery & Inn Wine Down. 3–5 p.m. www.boutier winery.com
RAILTOWN Performing ’70s soft rock, Americana, country, pop and current tunes.
Comer Coffee Company
11 a.m.–1 p.m. www.comercoffee.co
DAN NETTLES & LONELY
ORCHESTRA Dan Nettles presents radiant solo guitar interpretations ranging from the unique originals you know and love to melted funhouse mirror reflections of David Bowie, Willie Nelson and Aaron Copland. The Globe
4–7 p.m. www.facebook.com/globe. athens
TRADITIONAL IRISH SESSION
Easy listening traditional Irish music. Hendershot’s
SHEHEHE Local band that draws from old-school punk and arena rock to create a fist-pumping atmosphere.
WOLVESX4 Four-piece band hailing from the Winston-Salem, NC punk scene.
BADKILL Baddest, deadest local punk rock band.
No. 3 Railroad Street 6 p.m. $10 suggested donation. www.3railroad.org
MOJO CONFESSIONAL SONGWRITER SHOWCASE Every second Sunday. Bring a dish to share at the potluck. The World Famous 9 p.m. $5. www.facebook.com/the worldfamousathens
YANKEE BASTARD Richmond, VA punk band that released its album, FUCKING USA, in 2024.
MONDAY FUNDAY FUNK JAM Will Shine hosts this open jam with a house band made up of rotating local musicians.
Tuesday 10
Hendershot’s No Phone Party. 7 p.m. www.hendershotsathens.com
KENOSHA KID The brainchild of guitarist Dan Nettles performs two sets from his catalog that exists “somewhere in the Schrödinger’s nexus of jazz, post-rock and improvised music.”
Nowhere Bar
8 p.m. www.instagram.com/nowhere barathensga
DD ISLAND Psych-infused, twangy folk rockers from Brooklyn.
HONEYPUPPY Four-piece indie rock band self-described as a “menace to society.”
DERBY Corporate music for business bugs.
BALACLAVA NYC trash rock.
Ramsey Hall
7:30 p.m. $84 (discount w/ UGA ID). pac.uga.edu
SÉRGIO AND ODAIR ASSAD
Brazil-born brothers and guitarists whose performances feature a compelling blend of musical styles, periods and cultures.
GARY NUMAN English musician who entered the music industry as frontman of the new wave band Tubeway Army and reached peak popularity in the ’70s and ’80s, maintaining a strong cult following ever since.
YOUR EX’S PETS Haunting, groovy, soft-loud songs with rich vocal harmonies and layered arrangements.
MIRACLE HOUSE Collaborative project of Marcel Sletten and Oliver Domingo.
BABYBABY_EXPLORES Art rock project from Providence, RI playing danceable songs that pay homage to musique concrète, European underground synth punk of the late ’70s through the ’80s, anthem music, dada and the Providence DIY & noise scene.
HIBBS FAMILY BAND Quartet of family members combining the textures and rhythms of bluegrass and folk music with alt-rock melodic sensibilities and lyricism. (6 p.m.)
Flicker Theatre & Bar
9 p.m. FREE! www.flickertheatreand bar.com
DR. FRED’S KARAOKE Featuring pop, rock, indie and more. Hendershot’s
ALL STITCHED UP: Grassland releases its first album in over three years this week on Wednesday, Mar. 4. It’s titled Patches, runs 13 songs and is available as a digital download and a double vinyl LP. I’m pretty sure I’ve never used the term “down home” to describe a record, but dammit if this doesn’t call for it. Grassland excels in creating modern Americana that draws from a deep ocean of influences and even leans into some 1970s styles such as the Fleetwood Mac-ish “Damn This Rain.” For my tastes I’m most partial to the slower, moodier stuff here, like the aforementioned, as well as “Needle and Thread” and “Hands.” Upcoming live dates include May 9 at Winterville’s Marigold Auditorium and July 11 at the 40 Watt Club. You can stream the record on the major services and grasslandstringband1. bandcamp.com, and to grab a copy on vinyl, please see echobase.com/projects/ patches.
GOIN’ TO A TOWN: The second Dex Fest, coordinated in loving memory and in celebration of the late Dexter Romweber (Flat Duo Jets), is slated for June 25–28 in Romweber’s original stomping ground of Carrboro, NC and Chapel Hill, NC. Advance tickets go on sale this Friday, Mar. 6. While the lineup is not yet announced, performances will happen in the following locations: Cat’s Cradle, Local 506, The Cave and Lapin Bleu. For ongoing information and tickets, please see facebook.com/DexFestNC and instagram.com/dexfestnc.
the Cynical, Depressed and Disaffected. In keeping with this theme, the two new songs cover Valentine’s Day and Mardi Gras with the songs “Coverup Tattoo” and “Oh Chérie,” respectively. The former is a lighthearted alt- Americanapop, and the latter is a slightly swampy zydeco tune. You can find the tunes at tremblingearthorchestra.bandcamp. com, and for more information, please see tremblingearth orchestra.com.
BACK ON THE BEAT: It’s been a long minute since we heard anything from Echobass Records, who kept Athens bathed in dub, reggae and associated styles for several years. Now,
GRAND PRIZE WINNERS: Let’s face it, most band names aren’t very good. Every now and then, though, someone really nails it. So, let’s hear it for the best name I’ve heard this year so far. This honor goes to Greater Tri- County Area (aka GTCA). These guys, Byron Adams and Gabe Slagle, released a demo a few weeks ago that has four songs and a completely refreshing earnestness that basically says, “this is what we do.” There’s an ostensible country influence here, but it’s not overwhelming, and indeed, most of these songs could fall more easily into a folk category. Specific highlights here are “Shadowboxing Man” as well as the opening song “Blue Mountains.” Find this at greatertricountyarea. bandcamp.com.
HANGING AROUND: Hendershot’s and Aubrey Entertainment will host an Athens All- Star Songwriters in the Round show Friday, Mar. 6. Featured artists are Todd Cowart, Kimberly Morgan York, Fester Hagood, Joshua Walker and Brodye Brooks (Holman Autry Band), Adam Poulin, Curt Spell and Bo Hembree (with guest Travis Porterfield). Doors open at 7 p.m., and music starts at 8 p.m. Advance tickets are $10, but it’s $15 at the door. For tickets, please see bit. ly/HendershotsMarch6 and for more information, please see facebook.com/hendershots.athens and hendershots athens.com.
CRAPPY NEW YEAR: Trembling Earth Orchestra doesn’t produce much music, but is certainly committed to what it does produce. The band—composed of Joseph Willey (Joe Willey & The Moving Men), Thomas Willey and Thomas Terrell, aka Dr. T—just released the first two songs of a planned year-long series of songs that will ultimately compile the entirety of A Whole Fuckin’ Year: Seasonal Songs for
it has roared back a little with the new album by Ricky B.E. (Becoming Everything) titled The Art Of Becoming This is a straight-up hip-hop record with clever production courtesy of Medicus_x, LZYBU+, Boomerang Kid Beats and Killa Cabbi. The record really starts to develop its personality with the second track, “The Ballad Of The Smoking Man,” which is mid- tempo and direct in a way reminiscent of People Under The Stairs. By the same token, “The Goodtimes”—mostly due to its production—has a nice 1970s-era R&B feel about it. Dig this at echobassrecords. bandcamp.com.
JUST IN TIME FOR SPRING: Preorders are now open for HHBTM Records’ vinyl re-release of Black Swan Network’s Early Music Volume 1. Black Swan Network was a semi- collaborative project by the late W. Cullen Hart undertaken during the time between when Olivia Tremor Control went on hiatus and the formation of Circulatory System. Prices range from $20 for the LP itself and up to $25 for deluxe preorder packages. This edition is limited to 550 copies. To order, please see hhbtm.com.
COVID-1980: I feel like Athens foundational punk band The Plague has released its archives multiple times over the years, but maybe it’s just been a series of collections of stuff and not comprehensive. Honestly, no real clue here. I know that I have both CD and cassette collections on my shelf, though. At any rate, Chunklet Industries is helping distribute The Plague’s new collection, which is a four- CD set referred to as Box Set. Each set is hand-assembled by band founder Link Souter and contains a whopping 52 songs. I agree with Chunklet’s head honcho Henry Owings in his assessment that this stuff is more proto than hardcore, which isn’t exactly surprising given the band’s birthdate of 1980. The whole thing costs just 10 bucks and can be had by heading over to chunklet.bandcamp.com. f
Grassland
IAN MCFARLANE
event calendar
Tuesday 3
EVENTS: Mara Zuniga Meet & Greet (ACC Library) Drop in to ask the mayoral candidate questions, share ideas and concerns, and discuss priorities. 5:30–7:30 p.m. FREE! www.maraformayor.com
EVENTS: Craig Topple Meet & Greet (Dead Beat Club) Drop in to ask the District 5 commissioner candidate questions or discuss his position, with live karaoke band Heavy Petty performing. 5:30–7:30 p.m. FREE! www.deadbeatathens. com
EVENTS: Bachata Conexión Athens Latin Night (Social Dance Preserve) Bachata and salsa dancing with special performances by the UGA Ballroom Performance Group and Salsa Passion. 7 p.m. (dance class), 8–10:30 p.m. (social dance). $10. www.bachataconexion athens.com
GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (Amici at The Falls) Test your 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: Bingo & Sip (MaiKai Kava Lounge) Play BINGO with a chance to win prizes. Every other Tuesday, 7 p.m. FREE! www.athenskava.com
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: Historic Athens History Hour (Lyndon House Arts Center) Learn about the life and legacy of Dr. Ida Mae Hiram, Georgia’s first Black female dentist and a beloved figure in Athens. 12–1 p.m. FREE! www.historicathens.com
LECTURES & LIT: Environmental Ethics Spring Seminar (UGA Founders Memorial Garden) This seminar explores ethical conflicts in invasive species management using feral cats and urban Muscovy ducks as case studies. 5:45 p.m. FREE! ced.uga.edu
LECTURES & LIT: From Georgia to the World (State Botanical Garden of Georgia) Dorinda G. Dallmeye will discuss William Bartram’s botanical legacy and highlight five of his Georgia discoveries. 6:30 p.m. FREE! botgarden.uga.edu
LECTURES & LIT: Normal Talk (Normal Bar) A discussion about AI and its impact on global technology, the economy, education, creative work and social media. 7:30–9 p.m. FREE! www.normal talk.org
Wednesday 4
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 around town
ATHICA (675 Pulaski St. Ste. 1200) “New in Town” features works from first year graduate students of the Lamar Dodd School of Art including sculpture, photography, jewelry, painting and video. Through Mar. 14. ATHENAEUM (287 W. Broad St.) “Beverly’s Athens” is a concurrent exhibition with the Georgia Museum of Art featuring works by Beverly Buchanan. The exhibition includes sculptures, drawings, photographs, print multiples, autobiographical ephemera and research materials alongside examples of her well-known “shacks.” Closing symposium Mar. 20–21. Through Mar. 21. • Prompting artists to create the “wildest bathrooms in Athens,” artists Amanda Burk and Elinor Saragoussi designed installations for the Athenaeum bathrooms. Burk’s installation is titled “Mars: a color study,” and Saragoussi’s is titled “threshold (true): finding comfort in hidden worlds.” 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. On view by appointment only through Mar. 21.
DODD GALLERIES (270 River Rd.) On the third floor landing, Derek Larson’s “Made in Mexico” features animated films produced in Mexico City between 1952–1956 by the studio Dibujos Animados S.A. • In the Margie E. West Gallery are animations by Derek Larson titled “Très Mall, Episodes 1–8” that are inspired by the decay of American shopping malls. • MFA candidate Phoebe-Agnès Mills’ paintings in “Ekstasis” consider how the spiritual might be sensed within the material world. • The 35th Annual Student Scientific and Medical Illustration Juried Exhibition features illustrators from UGA and Augusta University. • “the green glass door” is a collaboration by Jon Vogt’s digital printmaking class. • “Quantum Castle” is an interactive and immersive exhibition featuring ceramic characters by Adah Bennion, Eve J. Brown, Brian George, Jana Ghazawi, Clara-Beth Hamill, Jeanne Marie Martineau, Maddy Underwood and others. Through Mar. 20.
DONDERO’S KITCHEN (590 N. Milledge Ave.) Photography by Jennifer Keene featuring the symbolism of gravestone art and cemetery monuments will be on display through March.
GEORGIA MUSEUM OF ART (90 Carlton St.) Drawing on Ada Limón’s poem “In Praise of Mystery,” “We, Too, Are Made of Wonders” explores humanity’s fascination with the cosmos through poetry, science and visual
CLASSES: Microsoft Powerpoint (ACC Library) Learn how to create slides, enter content, change layouts, and use styles and themes. 6 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org
EVENTS: Opening Reception (Historic Athens Welcome Center) The exhibition “The Women Who Changed Athens” will be on view celebrating eight women in the fields of medicine, education, journalism and the arts. 4–6 p.m. FREE! www.athenswelcomecenter.com
FILM: Blood Everywhere (Flicker Theatre & Bar) After witnessing a bloodbath in a neighbor’s apartment, a young reporter must attempt to solve the mystery in Sisters. 7 p.m. FREE! www.instagram. com/bloodeverywhere.athens
GAMES: Shadowfist Power Lunch (Tyche’s Games) Drop in and play Shadowfist. All skill levels. 11:30 a.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: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Normal Bar) 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
LECTURES & LIT: Word of Mouth (The Globe) Athens’ longestrunning spoken word open mic, with this month’s featured reader
CLASSES: Lantern Making Workshop (Lyndon House Arts Center) Drop in to build your own lantern to carry in the Flight of the Fireflies Lantern Parade. Supplies provided. 5:30–7:30 p.m. FREE! www.accgov. com/lyndonhouse
COMEDY: Icebreakers Comedy Fundraiser (Athentic Brewing Co.) The Athens Area Democratic Socialists host Athens-area comedians with proceeds directly supporting the Athens Immigrants Rights Coalition. 8 p.m. www. athenticbrewing.com
EVENTS: Ladies Night Out (Boutier Winery & Inn) Enjoy a night of line dancing with wine and a buffet. First Thursdays, 6–9 p.m. $20. www. boutierwinery.com
GAMES: Dancing With the Athens Stars Fundraiser & Trivia (Terrapin Beer Co.) Test your trivia knowledge with proceeds benefiting Project Safe. 5–9 p.m. www.terrapinbeer.com
GAMES: Bad Dog BINGO (Amici at The Falls) Play BINGO with host TJ Wayt. Thursdays, 6 p.m. www. instagram.com/baddogathens
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
art from the museum’s collection. Through June 28. • “Shacks, Stories and Spirit: Beverly Buchanan’s Art of Home” is a concurrent exhibition with the Athenaeum featuring works by Beverly Buchanan. The exhibition includes sculptures, drawings, photographs, print multiples, autobiographical ephemera and research materials alongside examples of her well-known “shacks.” Through June 28. • asinnajaq’s “Three Thousand” combines archival videos from the National Film Board of Canada with animations, soundscapes and contemporary video footage. Through June 28. • “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.
LAST RESORT (174-184 W. Clayton St.) Known for her surreal and whimsical themes of magic realism, Susan Pelham’s mixed media works will be on display through Mar. 8.
LYNDON HOUSE ARTS CENTER (211 Hoyt St.) The 51st Juried Exhibition will take place Mar. 19–May 16 featuring 130 works by 91 artists selected by Michelle Yun Mapplethorpe of the Katonah Museum of Art in New York. Opening reception Mar. 19, 5:30–7:30 p.m. • In the Ronnie Lukasiewicz Gallery, “Creative Tracks: Artwork from Inside the Athens-Clarke County Jail” presents art created by participants in the Creative Tracks studio art program taught by Kristen Bach at the ACC Jail. Through Mar. 21. • In the Lounge Gallery, “hold still, please” features abstract landscape paintings by Kate Kaiser, exploring memory, space and quiet presence through oil on wood panels. Through Mar. 21. • In the North Gallery, “En mi mente” features charcoal and wax pastel works by Sebastian Granados. Through Mar. 21. • A new Lobby installation by artist and STEAM educator Maria Nissan, “18,443 Souls: A Metamorphosis of Coffee Culture,” features works inspired by the multicultural connections to coffee that are composed using coffee and tea filters touched by 18,443 people in Athens. Through May 8.
MAGALLERY (125 W. Jefferson St., Madison) “Nature Mirrored in Silk” features a series of hand-painted silk wall hangings by Athens-based artist Margaret Agner through April 18. Opening reception Mar. 13, 6–8 p.m.
MADISON-MORGAN CULTURAL ARTS CENTER (434 South Main St., Madison) “Color Resonance: Gary Hudson in Full Hue” presents vibrant abstract artwork by Gary Hudson through Mar. 27.
OCONEE CULTURAL ARTS FOUNDATION (34 School St., Watkinsville) In the Main Gallery, “A Way Among Ways” is curated by Director Beth Malone and features artists whose work explores labor, material and improvisation. Through Mar. 7. • In the Members Gallery, “This Beautiful Tangle” includes
GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Butt Hutt) Test your general trivia knowledge. Thursdays, 7 p.m. www. instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia
KIDSTUFF: Lego Builder’s Challenge (Oconee County Library) Drop in to free build and create, or do one of the fun LEGO challenges. Ages 5–12. First thursdays, 3:30–5:30. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/ oconee
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
THEATER: Scripts & Sips (OCAF) All skill levels can drop in for script reading of Bonnie Roberts’ A Brush With Murder. 6 p.m. $10 (member), $15 (non-member). www.ocaf.com
Friday 6
COMEDY: Off the Cuff Comedy (Dead Beat Club) Hosted by Miles Bunch, an evening of impromptu and stand-up local comedy featuring Peyton Johnson, Lanny Farmer, Allen Teems, Cori Isla and Ngozi. 8 p.m. $10. www.deadbeatathens. com
COMEDY: The Ensemble Super Show (Flying Squid Comedy) Ensemble improv comedy from some of Flying Squid’s best. 8 p.m. $10. www.flyingsquidcomedy.com
EVENTS: Spring Forward Wine Tasting (Tonique Bottle Co.) Drop in to try four wines from lesser known, underrepresented regions across the globe. 5–7 p.m. $10. www.shoptonique.com
GAMES: Friday Night Initiative (Tyche’s Games) Learn how to play a new roleplaying game. 7 p.m. FREE! www.tychesgames.com
LECTURES & LIT: Open Mic Poetry (ATHICA) Read something you love or share something you wrote. Snacks provided. 7–8 p.m. FREE! www.athica.org
Saturday 7
ART: Art & Maker Show (Oconee Presbyterian Church) Local art from the Firefly Homeschool Community will be on view and for sale. 1–4 p.m. www.fireflyhomeschoolcommunity.org
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: Community Fueled Festival (South Main Brewing) Celebrate new beer releases with a day of live music and games. 2–9 p.m. FREE! www.southmainbrewing.com
EVENTS: Oyster Fest (Athentic Brewing Co.) Enjoy some Get Shucked Oyster Stout beer with the SeaBear Shuck Truck and special guests from Shell to Shore. 3–6 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com
GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Oak House Distillery) Test your general trivia knowledge. Fridays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzunottrivia
paintings and illustrations by Jeffrey Whittle alongside prints and paper works by Melissa Harshman. Through Mar. 7.
OCONEE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (2601 Hog Mountain Rd., Watkinsville) View and purchase local art from the Firefly Homeschool Community during the Art & Maker Show and Sale on Mar. 7, 1–4 p.m.
STATE BOTANICAL GARDEN OF GEORGIA (2450 S. Milledge Ave.) “Nature Escapes” features hyper-realistic watercolor works of nature by Athensbased artist Jackie Dorsey. Opening reception Mar. 8, 2–4 p.m. Through Apr. 19. • “Reimagine: Contemporary Georgia Artists” presents 20 works from Georgia’s State Art Collection alongside pieces by local and regional artists including painting, ceramics, fiber, sculpture, photography and works on paper. Presented by the Georgia Council for the Arts as part of a statewide touring exhibition through May 29.
STEFFEN THOMAS MUSEUM OF ART (4200 Bethany Rd., Buckhead) “Steffen Thomas Through the Eyes of Young Adults” is on display in the Educational Gallery. Changes quarterly.
TINYATH GALLERY (174 Cleveland Ave.) Works by sculpture artist Martijn van Wagtendonk on view through Mar. 5.
UGA SPECIAL COLLECTIONS LIBRARIES (300 S. Hull St.) “Captain Planet: The Power Is Yours” explores the origins and impact of the TV series. Through May. • “Sustained Excellence: A History of UGA Swim & Dive” explores the program’s history through photographs and artifacts. Through May. • “Fashioning the Classic Bride: The Life and Career of Anne Barge” features 33 dresses from the UGA alumna. Through July. • “Beyond the ’96 Games: Atlanta’s Olympic Legacy” features an original torch from the opening relay and other authentic memorabilia. Through October.
UGA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER (230 River Rd.) In the Lobby Gallery on the mezzanine level outside Ramsey Concert Hall are large-scale paintings by Christopher Hocking with themes of pop culture, history, literature and more.
WINTERVILLE CULTURAL ARTS CENTER (371 N. Church St., Winterville) Six new exhibitions will run through Mar. 24. Gallery 1 features plein air works by the Athens Area Plein Air Artists depicting the Winterville Trestle and local scenes. Gallery 2 features modern quilted wall pieces by Sarah Hubbard and complex sculptures by Kelly King. The Narrow Gallery features resin works by local author and artist Anita Eberhart Shaw. The Foyer Gallery features paintings by Sherre Watwood. The Garden Gallery features fusedglass works by Babs Kall. • The Firefly Trail photo contest winners will be displayed through Mar. 26.
Drop in to sample the new whiskey release along with cigars from The Amber Belle. 6–8 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com
EVENTS: Flight of the Fireflies Lantern Parade (Dudley Park) The community is invited to light up the winding paths to Dudley Park together with lanterns, flashlights or other light sources. 7 p.m. FREE! www.accgov.com/lanternparade
FILM: Saturday Cinema (Bogart Library) Join a fellowship of fantasy fans for an extended movie adventure and the official launch of Middle-Earth March. 2 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/bogart
FILM: View Finders Season 4
(Rocket Hall) Screening of the season premiere with proceeds benefitting Rocket Hall improvements. 6 p.m. $75. www.ocaf.com
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: Chess Tournament (Oconee County Library) Informal play led by instructor Bryce Dejno open to all skill levels and ages. 3 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org/ oconee
LECTURES & LIT: On Tyranny Book Study (Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Athens) Discuss lessons in resistance to authoritarianism and protection of democracy based on the book by Timothy Snyder. 9 a.m. FREE! www.uuathensga.org
LECTURES & LIT: Educational Plant Care (Foxglove Plantbar) Plant experts will share practical guidance on using beneficial insects for natural pest control and how artificial lighting can support healthy indoor plant growth. 2 p.m. FREE! www.foxgloveplantbar.com
PERFORMANCE: Athens Showgirl Cabaret Drag For All Drag Show (Hendershots) Enjoy a fabulous night of open drag fun for all ages. 8–11 p.m. $5. www.athensshow girlcabaret.com
Sunday 8
ART: Opening Reception (State Botanical Garden of Georgia) Artist Jackie Dorsey’s paintings in the exhibition “Nature Escapes” will be
on view. 2–4 p.m. FREE! botgarden. uga.edu
ART: In Awe of Existence (Madison Morgan Cultural Center) Matthew Georgia Demarko will present a photo lecture on what photography has to teach every human about living well. 4 p.m. FREE! www. mmcc-arts.org
ART: Paint & Sip (Terrapin Beer Co.) Drop in for a guided painting session. 6:30 p.m. $15. www.terrapin beer.com
COMEDY: Comedy Showcase (The Globe) Athens Comedy hosts themed and general showcases of local and regional comedians. Sundays, 9 p.m. www.athenscomedy.com
EVENTS: ICE Detention Center Rally (Walton County Courthouse) A rally opposing the ICE Detention Center the Department of Homeland Security is planning to locate in Social Circle. 2–4 p.m. FREE! www. indivisiblega10.org
GAMES: Bad Dog Trivia (The Globe) Test your trivia knowledge with host TJ Wayt. Sundays, 6 p.m. www. instagram.com/baddogathens
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
SPORTS: Classic City Roller Derby (The Classic Center) The first bout of the season celebrating CCRD’s 20th anniversary. 4:30 p.m. (doors), 5 p.m. (game). $15 (adv.), $18. www.classiccityrollergirls.com
Monday 9
CLASSES: Coyote Hendy (Hendershot’s) The Dancing Ruth leads a line dancing class. Second Mondays, 6 p.m. www.hendershots athens.com
GAMES: Chess and Community (ACC Library) Drop in for open chess play to learn the game, challenge skills and engage with other enthusiasts. Mondays, 3:30–5:30 p.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.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 (Dooley’s Bar and Grill) Test your general
trivia knowledge with host Garrett. Mondays, 7 p.m. www.instagram. com/classiccitytriviaco
GAMES: General Trivia (Athentic Brewing Co.) Test your general trivia knowledge. Mondays, 7 p.m. www.athenticbrewing.com
GAMES: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Pancho’s Tacos & Tequila) Test your
make art in the studio classroom. All skill levels welcome. Ages 55 & up. Registration required. 10 a.m. FREE! gmoa-tours@uga.edu
CLASSES: Introduction to ChatGPT (ACC Library) Learn what ChatGPT is, how it works, and how it can be used in a writing and research. 10 a.m. FREE! www.athenslibrary.org
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. Mondays, 7 p.m. www.instagram.com/shihtzu nottrivia
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
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
Tuesday 10
ART: Creative Aging Art Workshop (Georgia Museum of Art) Join teaching artist Toni Carlucci to discuss art in the galleries and to
GAMES: Lunch & Learn (Tyche’s Games) Bring your lunch and learn new games. 11:30 a.m. FREE! www. tychesgames.com
GAMES: Rock ’n Roll Trivia (Athentic Brewing Co.) Test your trivia knowledge with host The Music Man. Second Tuesdays, 6 p.m. FREE! www.athenticbrewing.com
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 Benjamin. Tuesdays, 8 p.m. www. instagram.com/classiccitytriviaco
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 11
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
EVENTS: The Athens Farmers Market (Creature Comforts Brewery) Markets offer fresh produce, flowers, eggs, meats, prepared foods, arts and crafts. Live music at 6 p.m. AFM double SNAP dollars
FILM: Pachinko Pop (Flicker Theatre & Bar) Screening of the 1976 Japanese action drama film Machine Gun Dragon. 7 p.m. FREE! www. flickertheatreandbar.com
GAMES: Shadowfist Power Lunch (Tyche’s Games) Drop in and play Shadowfist. All skill levels. 11:30 a.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: Shih Tzu Not Trivia (Normal Bar) 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
MEETINGS: C3 to End Homelessness (Hendershot’s) A roundtable discussion regarding housing and homelessness to educate, identify issues and plan steps to solutions. Second Wednesdays, 5–6:30 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
PERFORMANCE: Swan Lake (The Classic Center) International Ballet Stars present this classic performance featuring hand-painted sets and over 200 custom-designed scenery elements. 6 p.m. (doors), 7 p.m. (show). $45–107. www. classiccenter.com
Down the Line
3/12 Queering the South (UGA Special Collections Library)
3/12 The Long Table (UGA Special Collections Library)
3/12 The Holy Mountain (Ciné)
3/13 80s Prom (Athentic Brewing Co.)
3/13 Friday Night Initiative (Tyche’s Games) f
An opening reception for Jackie Dorsey’s “Nature Escapes” will be held at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia on Sunday, Mar. 8.
bulletin board & classifieds
BULLETIN
Classifieds
HELP WANTED (Part-Time) Join our growing team of well-paid, motivated, hardworking individuals. Junk South offers starting pay of $15/hr-$20/hr + Tips. Learn more about Junk South at www. junksouth.com and text us at 706424-4389.
HELP WANTED (Seasonal) Summer Opportunity - Nationwide FF&E Installation. Hiring Project Manager w/starting pay of $300-$400/day. Online www.classiccityinstallation. com, email rnichols@classiccity installation.com or text/call 470866-8777.
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 (Instruction) Now offering electronic music lessons. Specializing in Ableton Live, VCV Rack, vintage synths, and modular systems. 706-495-6416 Instagram: @ microsoundathens
MUSIC (Musicians Wanted) BAND: 20 yr. old male guitar player looks to form or join an alternative rock band. Check out my originals and DM me on IG @gmarkey2024
MUSIC (Services) Instant cash is now being paid for good vinyl records & CDs in fine condition. Wuxtry Records at corner of Clayton and College Dwntn. 706-369-9428
REAL ESTATE (Room for Rent) Lovely furnished room w/BA. Decatur area. Just north of I-20 & south of Glenwood. Looking for someone who has to commute from Athens area during the week. As I did for years! Very reasonable rate. Serious inquiries only please. 706424-1866
SERVICES (Home & Garden) Brrr… winter is here! A perfect time to tackle those invasive plants!
Woman-Run Gardening Services: We offer garden maintenance, invasive plant removal, personalized edible and native gardens for your school, home or business! 706395-5321
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 with vehicle for hire. Can transport up to six passengers where needed; anytime. Will drive your car or truck one-way or roundtrip anywhere in U.S. 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 free 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 (OCAF, Watkinsville) Now accepting submissions for the 31st annual SouthWorks National Juried Art Exhibition. Juried by Beth
Malone. Awards include a $2,500 prize Best-in-Show and $2,500 Prize Member’s Choice. Deadline Apr. 4. Submit up to 3 pieces. www.ocaf.com/exhibitions
CALL FOR ART (Oconee County Library) Seeking local artists to share their artwork in monthly exhibitions. Contact adial@athens library.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 (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 (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 Cultural Center Gallery) Now accepting submissions for Third Annual Juried Exhibit. Deadline Mar. 14 with notification of acceptance Mar. 25. $25–35 fee. Prizes for top three artists. Rules, regulations and submission form online. www.instagram.com/winterville centergallery
CALL FOR STORYTELLERS (Rabbit Box) Rabbit Box seeks story ideas for upcoming shows. www.rabbit box.org/tell
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS (Athens Homeless Coalition) Seeking submissions for street newspaper. Poetry, short stories, visual art, song lyrics. enagementcoordinator @athenshc.org
CALL FOR VENDORS (Foliage Festival, Jefferson) Applications now open for nature-centric artists, crafters and other vendors for annual outdoor festival. Deadline Mar. 13. Event held Mar. 21. www.jefferson ga.gov/382/Foliage-Festival, communications@cityofjefferson ga.com
CALL FOR VENDORS (Marigold Collective, Winterville) Applications for artists, crafters, community services and more. The 2026 Marigold Market season will run Saturdays from Apr. 11 through Nov. 21. www. marigoldcollectivewinterville.com
COMMUNITY TOURS (Georgia Museum of Art) A variety of tours open to the public including “Student Perspectives” which runs Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays throughout the month. www.georgia museum.org
LIFE DRAWING (Winterville Cultural Center, Winterville) Open studio for artists 18 & up to draw unclothed models. Two models, Mar. 6. $25. Male model Mar. 26. $20. Registration required. www.drawathens.org
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
OPEN AUDITIONS (Georgia Children’s Choir) GCC serves singers in grades 2–12. Auditions for placement across five ensembles currently available for all skill levels. www.georgiachildrenschorus. org/about/audition
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
Classes
A COURSE OF LOVE (Unity Athens Church) Learn a positive path for spiritual living based on A Course in Miracles. Wednesdays, 10–11:30 a.m. www.unityathens.com
ACCENT REDUCTION CLASS (Covenant Presbyterian Church) Improve your American English pronunciation skills. For ages 18 & up. Tuesdays, 12 p.m. marjoriemiller@ gmail.com
CLASSES, PROGRAMS & TOURS (State Botanical Garden of Georgia) Various ongoing weekly events including Guided Plant Walk (Tuesdays–Fridays), Porcelain and Decorative Arts Tour (Tuesdays), Free Sketch (Fridays) and more. botgarden.uga.edu
CLASSES & 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.athens landtrust.org/classes-events
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). $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.
NETWORKING, LESSONS AND MEETINGS (Integrative Medicine Initiative) Free events for those in
the local wellness sector seeking support and educational opportunities. admin@integrativemedicine initiative.org
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
VARIOUS ONGOING CLASSES
(Winterville Cultural Center, Winterville) The Basics of Crocheting (Thursdays), Yoga in the Gallery (Tuesdays and Wednesdays), Tai Chi (Wednesdays) and more. www. wintervillecenter.com
Help Out
ANIMAL SERVICES VOLUNTEERS
(Animal Services Adoption Center) 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 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. 706-8500387 or support@grailbras.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
MEDICAL EQUIPMENT EXCHANGE
(Silver Lace) Open registration for consideration for free mobility and daily living medical items. Donations also accepted. www.silver laceinc.org, info@silverlace.org
MICROCHIP SCANNING STATIONS
(Multiple Locations) Connect lost pets with their owners. Available 24 hours. Located at ACC Animals Services, Memorial Park Dog Park and Southeast Clarke Park. Instructions provided at each location.
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 (Athens Area Arts Council) The council is accepting applications from individuals who can commit to monthly meetings and have a passion for the arts. www.athensarts.org
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 COMMITTEE MEMBERS (CCSD) The Clarke-County School District is seeking additional members for the West Broad School Building committee. Ideal candidates would be interested in historic preservation. qrco.de/ wbroadbuilding
SEEKING DONATIONS (The Cottage)
Seeking donations of single-serving, 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 NEW MEMBERS (ACAC)
The Athens Cultural Affairs Commission is seeking new members. Deadline to apply is Mar. 13. www. athensculturalaffairs.org
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
VOLUNTEER NETWORK (Community Works, Watkinsville) A nonprofit organization that connects volunteers of all ages to events, resources and training opportunities. CWorksOC@gmail.com
Kidstuff
CALL FOR ART (ACC Waste) AthensClarke County PreK-12 students are invited to create paintings, sculptures, photographs, poetry or other art about “Hometown Heroes” for 2026 Green Life Exhibition. Deadline Mar. 4. Exhibition will be displayed at Lyndon House. www. accgov.com/GreenLife
CALL FOR ART (State Botanical Garden of Georgia) Seeking original art submissions from students 9th grade and above attending school full- or part-time in Georgia. Winning art may be used for promotional materials and merchandise. Prizes include $1,000 for 1st place, $500 for 2nd place and $250 for 3rd place. Application deadline Mar. 27. www.botgarden.uga.edu/ student-art-competition
CLASSES & PROGRAMS (Bogart Library) Various ongoing weekly events including LEGO Mania (Wednesdays), Storytime with Miss Harli (Mondays) and more. www. athenslibrary.org/bogart
CLASSES & PROGRAMS (Oconee Library) Various ongoing weekly events including children’s yoga (Tuesdays), “Story Time” and “Tween Cocoa Club” (Wednesdays), and more. www.athens library.org/oconee
GUITAR CLUB (Lay Park Community Center) Monday classes run through Apr. 27. Ages 8–11, 5:30 p.m. Ages 12–17, 6:30 p.m. $10. Registration required. www. accgovga.myrec.com/ POSTER CONTEST (Athens, GA)
Georgia DNR, The State Botanical Garden of Georgia and TERN encourage K-5 students to submit works to the 36th annual Give Wildlife a Chance Poster Contest. Part of the “Kids for Conservation” initiative, the 2026 theme is “Welcome to the Wild World, Little Ones!” Deadline is Mar. 6. www.georgia wildlife.com/PosterContest
SPRING & SUMMER CAMP
(Canopy Studios) Registration for a variety of day camp dates for grades K-12 is now available. www. canopystudio.org/class-schedule/ camps/
SUMMER CAMP (Nuçi’s Space) A production, engineering, mixing and live sound curriculum added to the two week summer Camp Amped sessions. Registration now open. Financial aid available. www.nuci. org/camp
SUMMER CAMP (Athens Area
Humane Society) Registration is now open for “Humane Heroes” and “Junior Vet” summer camps in June & July. Ages 6–14. www. athenshumanesociety.org/summercamp
SUMMER PROGRAMS (Athens, GA)
The Leisure Services Department offers a diverse selection of activities highlighting the arts, environmental science, recreation, sports and special events. Now registering. www.accgov.com/myrec
YOUTH FLAG FOOTBALL LEAGUE
(ACCGov) Registration now open for ages 5 to 14 to learn about the sport, develop their flag football skills and learn social interaction skills. Season begins Mar. 16. www.accgovga.myrec.com
Word on the Street
CITY TOURS (Historic Athens Welcome Center) A variety of guided tours available including a daily shuttle tour, walking tour of the downtown area and local music tour. Schedule in advance. www. athenswelcomecenter.com
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
FRIDAY EVENTS (Multiplechoices Center for Independent Living) The organization hosts ongoing Friday gatherings. Tech discussions, support groups, movies and games. www.multiplechoices.us/youreinvited
FOL BOOK SALE (Madison County Library) Open to the public Mar. 6–14 during regular library hours. Member preview sale Mar. 5, 5–8 p.m. All proceeds benefit the FOL. www.athenslibrary.org/madison
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.mindfulbreath sangha.org
SUMMER JOBS (ACCGov Leisure Services) Now hiring for more than 100 summer positions including camp counselors, counselors in training, lifeguards and more. $15.60–$17.94 an hour. www. accgov.com/jobs
VHS DIGITIZATION (Athens, GA) Seeking previously recorded concerts and events on VHS, VHSC, Hi8, MiniDV and DVDs to digitize and archive. www.vhsordie.com
VOTER REGISTRATION
RESOURCES (ACC Library Atrium)
Economic Justice Coalition community volunteers assist Georgia residents with registration, confirm prior registration and update voter registration information as needed. www.economicjusticecoalition. org f
Flight of the Fireflies
LANTERN PARADE LIGHTS UP DUDLEY PARK
By Libba Beaucham arts@flagpole.com
When the sun sets on Saturday, Mar. 7, Dudley Park will transform into a glimmering wonderland during the Flight of the Fireflies Lantern Parade, organized by Athens- Clarke County Leisure Services. Arrive at 6 p.m. to enjoy live music, illuminated art installations, dance performances and more before the parade through the park at 7 p.m.
“We really transform Dudley Park into this magical place overnight,” said Stephanie Raines, arts administrator for ACC Leisure Services. “Everyone who brings their light contributes to that beauty, and that’s what makes it a really special event.”
Many attendees bring a picnic to enjoy during the golden hour before the official festivities. “There’s lots of different ways to enter the park, so we’ll have plenty of people posted around the park to help guide you,” said Raines. Consider biking to the park and take advantage of the free bike valet offered during the event. Once you arrive, you’ll know the event has begun when you hear drumming by the Palms of Fire, a West African drum circle group from the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Athens. “One of the really important things about this event, and for me as the arts administrator, is to think about how we can
A big part of the experience is the spectacle of twinkling lights from simple DIY lanterns to extravagant, glowing costumes. “A lot of people have not only brought a lantern, but they also wear illuminated crowns and even light up shoes, light up earrings… I love seeing what people bring,” said Raines. This is the fourth year of the event, which has grown significantly to nearly 1,500 attendees. Over the years, groups have worked together to create elaborate lanterns and illuminated art. It’s not a requirement to bring a lantern, and there are many easy ways to participate and help illuminate the landscape. Raines suggests using battery-operated string lights and everyday objects. “You can place those in an old two-liter bottle or a milk jug… take a beautiful, sheer scarf, wrap the lights, and carry them on a stick.” Turn flashlights into torches with construction paper and tape. Transform party decorations into lanterns with LED tea lights. “People also have adapted solar rechargeable camping lights as the base for something they’ve made with paper or cloth, so that’s really fun and easy to carry,” said Raines.
On Thursday, Mar. 5, the Lyndon House Arts Center will host a free community lantern-making workshop from 5:30–7:30 p.m. with all materials provided. The workshop is open to all ages and is a great way to connect with other parade attendees.
The full event is three hours, from 6–9 p.m., but all are welcome to arrive early.
highlight the creativity of the people who live here,” said Raines. Enjoy a performance by the East Athens Educational Dance Center in illuminated costumes, groove to live music, check out large- scale art works, and marvel at the creativity and beauty of lanterns and lights in all their forms. “Our poet laureate reads a poem just before we step off on our journey together into the forest… It’s always a really nice way to start the parade,” said Raines. Last week Amanda Dzimianski was announced as the new Athens Poet Laureate. and the Firefly Lantern Parade will be her first official appearance in the role. The parade route is a leisurely 30 minutes starting from the center of Dudley Park. Alternative routes are available for those with mobility challenges. A map is available on the ACC Leisure Services webpage with parking, accessible routes, entrances, restrooms and bus access noted. Wear comfortable shoes for the varying terrain throughout the park, bring a flashlight in addition to your lantern, and enjoy being an Athens “Firefly” for the night. f
WHAT: Flight of the Fireflies
Lantern Parade
WHEN: Saturday, Mar 7, 6–9 p m WHERE: Dudley Park HOW MUCH: FREE!
MASON
PEARSON
good growing On Your Mark
START SEEDS NOW FOR THE SPRING
By Erin France editorial@flagpole.com
If you don’t have a greenhouse, now is a great time to start seeds for your garden. Planting somewhere between Valentine’s Day and the Ides of March gives warmer weather plants a chance to germinate in the protected indoors without becoming too unruly and attracting pests. Starting your own seeds gives you the chance to grow exactly what you want. It also costs less than buying the same number of transplants. If you’re starting seeds this year, here’s my essentials list of what you’ll need.
SEEDS: I buy from reputable seed catalogs including Johnny’s, Kitazawa, High Mowing and Southern Exposure Seed Exchange. You can trade seeds with a neighbor, or even find seeds at the local library. Avoid Etsy shops or other small outlets online that could be a scam. Pick plants you’re excited about growing, cooking, eating or enjoying. Not all seeds benefit from the indoor coddling environment. Some seeds don’t do well with transplanting and shouldn’t be started indoors (like dill and carrots); others are big hardy seeds and don’t need the extra care and attention (peas and beans). I start my tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers at this time because they respond well to transplanting and because I’m desperate to have some homegrown goodness back in the kitchen. I also like to start some of the leafy greens indoors like kale and lettuce because I can grow them big enough to survive any cutworms lurking in the garden soil.
starting bagged mix. Otherwise, I stick to buying a few bags of potting soil, then use a sieve (made from old wood and hardware cloth) to shift out any larger bark chunks. You can germinate seeds in compost or your own garden soil—but there will be weed seeds, diseases and possibly pests included. I have cutworms lurking in my garden, so I only use garden soil in seed trays where I have a ton of seeds to germinate and can easily replant.
GROW LIGHT: If you have a large, perfect, South- facing window with generous room for your seeds, you won’t need this. I’m not sure how many people actually have such a window. A grow light—one that is long and can be mounted on a shelving unit—does
CONTAINERS: I prefer the 72- cell seed starting trays. I’m familiar with them and can accurately predict when they need water. They’re easy to clean and store. Some are sturdy enough to be used multiple years in a row. If you want to DIY your containers, you can use egg cartons or yogurt cups. Be sure to poke a few holes for drainage. I’d also suggest keeping to roughly the same size and shape—this makes keeping up with watering much easier.
TRAYS: For bare bones budget- watchers, like myself, this tends to get left by the wayside. Learn from my mistakes. Purchasing a few trays to catch the drips underneath your seeds is worth it. Containing the inevitable mess will keep pests and cleaning frustrations in check.
GROWING MEDIUM: If you have a plant you love yet struggle with germination rates, shell out the extra cash for the specific seed
the job well and is easy to put up and take down as needed. The single grow lights, ready to fit into almost any lamp, are good for a few plants. The single bulbs don’t emit a large area of concentrated light and can be difficult to use for numerous trays. Nonlabeled grow lights are less expensive and still get the job done. Look for something in the 4,500–6,500 Kelvin range to grow seedlings.
DIFFUSED WATER: Whether you use a mister, a watering can or a simple plastic water bottle with a few holes punched in the lid, make sure your chosen watering device does not flow into a single stream. One concentrated blast of water can dislodge little roots or break tender stems.
NOT NECESSARY: I think humidity domes and heat mats are overrated. They both can help germinate seeds, but are often detrimental when used past a certain point. I’ve fried a few rounds of pepper plants on seed mats myself. I’ve seen a few people, excited about their humidity domes, come home to droopy, pale seedlings after a first flush of growing success. If you decide to use these tools, beware of overuse. f
Starting seeds inside now can give tender plants a chance to thrive in the garden later in the season.
by Margie E. Burke
Margie E. Burke
student perspectives
Tuesday, March 3, 17, 24 and 31_______3 p.m.
Thursday, March 5, 19, 26 _________1:15 p.m.
Saturday, March 21, 28_______________noon
Sunday, March 15, 22, 29_____________2 p.m.
Join one of our student guides for a conversational tour of the permanent collection.
