Athfest 2013: the ever-insane Flagpole Athens Music Awards

Thursday, June 20th, 2013 

 Flagpole Athens Music Awards show 

Zombies and bands and ghosts, oh my!  Nobody does it like Athens when it comes to award shows.

The Flagpole Athens Music Awards 2013 kicked off the festivities with an eerie and awesomely theatrical performance by Brett Vaughn and the Miracle of Human Sound starring local musican Kayez along with several ghostly dancers and featuring Modern Skirts drummer John Swint and local folk rockers The Skipperdees.  What a sight!  Lights flickered in the darkness as a young woman, dressed in white and covered in blood, rose from the dead as the night began, setting the tone for what would be a haunting, wild, and utterly unique show.

Jazz masters and house band Kenosha Kid played us through the night, winning the first of the coveted awards for yet another year in a row.  And just when we weren't expecting it, punk zombies came out in full force as T. Hardy Morris leapt off a balcony to accept Dead Confederate's award for Heavy Rock.  Later on, the Barlettas proved themselves a band to watch when they nabbed Upstart of the Year.  And New Madrid cleaned house, getting both Album of the Year and Artist of the Year.

When it came to music, it was impossible to pick a favorite set of the night!  Soft and sweet Dream Boat gave us a taste of their amazing, soothing tunes. Then Jubee and the Morning Afters blew us away with their soulful hip hop layered over smooth rock. After that, Dead Confederate's ever-talented singer T. Hardy Morris brought his slow and sorrowful sound into the mix.  Man, I just can't get enough of his voice!

Hands down, the best segment of the show, though, was the unveiling of the two Music Video Award winners.  If you haven't seen Obvious Signs by Grape Soda yet, you've got to check this one out!  Live action, animation, and ghosts... What could beat that?  And Audience Choice Video went to Flames of Love by Spencer.  With a twist you'll never be able to anticipate, this video had the crowd practically bawling with laughter.  Great stuff!

All in all, it was a celebration of our town and of all of our unbelievable local talents, both big and small.  What a night!

For all of our massive coverage of Athfest 2013, from preparation guides to articles on some of the best featured bands and shows, click here! More entries on all the bands and madness of the festival will be posted daily, so be sure to check back often. Plus, soon you can check out our show footage and Athfest vlogs up on the Echoreyn of Athens YouTube channel as well!