And so it goes: Deaf Judges' final show with Bambara and Gift Horse

Purple fingers. Frozen. Searing pain. But sometimes even frostbite is worth it.

Truth be told, it seems that I have a penchant for attending Bambara shows in the throes of some wild illness or absurd medical problem. Remember that time I had swine flu? This time it just might be internal bleeding (and mild frostbite)... but no matter my ailment, this band manages to cure it all with their mad awesome skills every time. Indeed, I could write hundreds of pages on the righteous and rad rocking of Bambara (and probably have at this point), but I'll try to keep it short this time. Really, though, this band's music never ceases to transport me to an alternate universe. The chords, the yelling, the beats, the noise... I just can't get enough of their sound! And I'm not alone. They nearly blew the heads off my two friends who had never seen them before. Oh, these guys will always be among my top favorites!

Minutes later, Gift Horse set foot onstage to give us a bit of a softer take on the rock. Much more subdued than their Athfest show, this set featured a video of a classical composer projected on the wall behind them, quite like the very first show of theirs that I saw way back in the day. I've also gotta say that I just loved the basist's eyeless Mickey Mouse tee. Hey, I can't help it. I'm a sucker for unique fashions!

As the night crept beyond the midnight hour, it was Deaf Judges turn for their last hurrah. One of Athens' favorite hip hop/rap groups and winner of the Flagpole Athens Music Award in that category several years running, it could have been something of a tearful farewell. That not how the Judges wanted to go out, though! These guys have made a name for themselves with their insane antics and their beyond clever lyrics. Repetition really isn't their style. They've got wit down to an art form. I think one of the members said it best when, as the microphone crackled with static, he said that their words were so hot, they were blowing up the mic. Oh yeah!

These guys started off the night wearing sunglasses, bandanas, and hard hats, and that was only the beginning! One of the rappers hopped down into the middle of the crowd and dropped some lyrics right there as the fans danced around him. Then, as the band rapped its way through their tunes including a few blasts from the past, the members began throwing out what they called artifacts: old tees, signed records, and more. And the prizes just kept coming! Near the end of their set, the crowd got a hold of the bright Teddy Bear piñata that had hung over us throughout the show. Violently exuberant, the fans quickly dismembered the bear which rained candy all over the floor. One enthused crowd member even insisted on wearing the bear's skin as a hat as the Judges finished their set. As the fans bobbed and bounced, the Judges rapped through some of the most popular songs of the nineties before giving us one last taste of their original tunes. And then, it was over. What a show! Though the members will continue to share the beat through their other musical projects, Deaf Judges will undoubtably be missed!

More than Music: the Fans

There'a no doubt about it... the fans make the show! You could be the best band that ever lived, but if there's no one there to hear you, did you really make a sound? Some bands go above and beyond to make sure that their fans know just how much they're loved and to keep them always coming back for more. These bands' fans are much more than simple spectators. They become part of the show itself! And often, the fans respond in turn with some rather wild displays of affection of their own.

About a year ago, the Warm Fuzzies brought their tunes to some concert newbies at UGA Freshman night and totally made the show an all-encompassing experience! Their smile-inducing songs already had the crowd pumped, and to top it off, they brought some girls from

the audience onstage to hold up cue cards to let everyone know just when to yell the title words of the song, "HEY MILUNKA!" That sure is one way to get the fans involved and make some new fans in the process!

Bands like Excali Brah, Deaf Judges, the Athens band, and Reptar drive their fans wild by essentially throwing parties during their shows. At their Athfest 2009 concert, Excali Brah threw an outdoor rave party in mid-daylight complete with glowsticks for every fan. They also had us move up and down in unison to different parts of their songs. We were all in the show! Similarly, Deaf Judges, the Athens band, and Reptar have all been known to toss inflatables into the crowd to keep them on their toes. Exciting (and a little frightening) indeed!

And Reptar even takes it a step further. Their love for the fans truly knows no bounds. After this year's Athfest performance, they passed around handmade band shirts to all of the fans

they could reach. And when I say handmade, I'm not kidding. These were t-shirts of all kinds of styles and designs, handpainted and embellished for all of their beloved Reptards. And with these guys, the love isn't just one-sided either. Fans come to their shows decked out in all sorts of costumes and covered in war paint in support of their favorite crazy band!

Now you want to know about something truly original? Aman Amun's got a way to make the crowd a part of his act that's totally unique. Bordering on antics, his innovative method's got everyone yearning to touch him! Using the iPhone strapped to his chest that enables him to control his entire performance, he can manipulate the music and add interference with just his fingers. More recently, he's chosen to take it to the next level by jumping off the stage and letting the fans alter the music themselves. Sometimes it causes some hilariously awkward moments when the fans don't quite understand where they're supposed to put their fingers though. Ah, fun times!

And finally, a discussion of fan love just isn't complete without mentioning Doctor Squid. I still have never seen a fanbase more loyal than theirs. When the fans sing along to their every word, Doctor Squid will often let them take over the song. And their love for the fans doesn't just stop with the tunes. They bring fun to every aspect of their show. Last Halloween, they hosted a show where fans got in cheaper just for arriving in costume. And who can forget their Squidmas celebrations? They give their fans some amazing treats with their festive tunes that blend original songs with holiday favorites, and the fans respond joyously, dressing the part with absolute glee!

These are just some of the ways the bands of Athens spice up their shows and shower love upon their listeners. It's clear to see why fans just can't get enough of these bands! But fan love isn't the only thing that makes a show an unforgettable experience. Keep a look out for the next entry of More than Music!

To read about all of the ingredients that make up a live show to top all others, click here!

Echoreview: Deaf Judges' High Honorable

All hail the Deaf Judges, one of Athens' best known rap/ hip hop groups! It's crazy to think that, as close as we are to Atlanta, groups of this genre are actually incredibly rare in this town. But even if they were surrounded by a huge crowd of rappers, Deaf Judges would certainly stand out. Their sound differs markedly from most of the hip hop and rap artists that pepper the pop music charts today. The Judges' intelligent and sometimes introspective lyrics put focus on the story and poetry of the words rather than just on one repeated line set to a dance beat. Their unique style always leaves fans begging for more at their shows.

In late June, they released the first of three albums this year that will showcase their talents. So how does the High Honorable stack up?

Kill Creek starts off the trend of smart aleck lyrics, intermixing these words with cool sound effects and borrowed lines from other mediums. Then Time Bandits flies in on the wings of a haunting ghostly chorus backed by sci-fi style melodies. Filled with amusing pop culture references, this one is definitely my favorite on the album.

Ghost Trap comes next with an old-time sound which hearkens back to days long past. How fitting for a song about the so-called death of hip hop! This tune transitions effortlessly into Women Got Weapons, a song which brings us straight back to the present day and to more common subjects. After all, what is a hip hop album without one track dedicated to all of the sexy women on the dance floor?

Now I'm not sure if The Big Heist is supposed to be a follow-up track to Weapons, but I have to say, as a short composition of violent and sexual human sounds mixed with piano and hints of an assortment of other instruments, it was really quite terrifying. That Ain't a Knife, on the other hand, returns to the storytelling style found earlier in the album, layered over a movement-inducing beat. I very much enjoyed this tune. Then Louie adds another old time track to the mix, influenced by several different genres and infused with sound bites from all kinds of songs.

The aptly-named tune The Getaway Beat finishes off the album with an uplifting track of ambient sounds set to an endless beat. Quite the compilation, I must say! I eagerly await the release of the other two albums. And if you'd like to check out High Honorable for yourself, don't hesitate to visit the Deaf Judges' website right here!

Athfest 2010: Don't miss those Deaf Judges!

Saturday, June 26th, 2010

Deaf Judges

A thrill of excitement electrified the massive crowd as they gathered before the Lumpkin Street Stage, waiting for Deaf Judges to appear. And then suddenly, there they were, the explosive rappers known as some of Athens' finest! Now I didn't think that it was possible for them to beat the awesomeness of last years' Athfest show with their deliciously dark theme and spectacular vampire stunts. But (can you believe it?) this show topped even that one!

Their songs and beats were purely amazing, and they had the crowd with them the whole time as they leapt around the stage. And then Deaf Judges totally amped up the party by hurling things into the crowd as they moved. The luckiest audience members snagged free copies of their latest CD The High Honorable, and someone even got the king's crown worn by one of the Judges. Others got drenched by giant water balloons, though I still count them among the lucky as well. After a day in that kind of sun stroke-inducing heat, I'm sure the cool water was wonderfully refreshing! As darkness fell, the Judges continued to give us hit after hit till we could dance no more. Oh, the unbelievable fun! There's definitely a reason I never miss their Athfest shows!

For all of our coverage of Athfest 2010, click here! I'll be blasting you with updates regularly, so be sure to check back often. Also, look out for Athfest concert videos and vlogs, coming soon to http://www.youtube.com/echoreynofathens!

Kristen's Concert Picks: April showers us with tunes

Wow, this year is going by so fast I can hardly keep up. It's already April! Almost exactly a year ago, I wrote the very first Kristen's Concert Picks and put it up on my facebook page. Now the month that started is all is back with a very nice menu of bands and acts. I can't wait to jump ears-first into this spectacular selection of shows!

Fridays in April: Local Bands Live @ 10 AM to 2 PM @ Tate Plaza stage
Bands, bands everywhere! How exciting! No news yet who's playing, but I've heard a whisper that Doctor Squid just might be on the lineup one of those Fridays. Who wouldn't want to get a nice, FREE taste of some local tunes every week?

• April 16: Doctor Squid
  
• April 23: Blueswater Bridge
  
• April 30: Burns Like Fire
  

Fri, April 2: Bambara & Gift Horse @ 9 PM @ The Caledonia Lounge
Gift Horse is a band I've been dying to see, and Bambara's a band I just can't get enough of. Mmm, I can't wait for this show!

Fri, April 2: Hope for Agoldensummer @ 9 PM @ 40 Watt Club
Opening for Corduroy Road, Athens' soft-sounding songstresses are back! Don't be shy. Check out their tunes for yourself!

Sat, April 3: Sursievision @ 9 PM @ Tasty World Uptown
Yay, it's a CD release party! Rumor has it, Sursievision's smooth electronic funk will take you back through time. Ah, yes! Sounds like a party.

Mon, April 5: Arctic Monkeys @ 8 PM @ 40 Watt Club
I truly hope you've already got your tickets for this show because, word is, they disappeared as quickly as they came! Here's to all the lucky ones who get to see these famous guys in action.

Thurs, April 8: The Whigs @ 9 PM @ 40 Watt Club
This is indeed the month of famous bands. Athens' big time rock band The Whigs is coming back to town to give our ears a treat!

Fri, April 9: Ska show! @ 9:30 PM @ The Caledonia Lounge
Remember the wildly fun skancert this past January? Well, ska bands 50:50 Shot and Taj Motel Trio are coming back to Athens to get us dancing again. Come shake every part of your body at this show!

Sat, April 10: The Black Lips @ 9 PM @ 40 Watt Club
What did I say about all those famous bands coming here? Notorious rockers known for doing everything and anything onstage are back to wreak havok on the Athenians. The insanity awaits you!

Fri, April 16: Blueswater Bridge @ UGA Night at Six Flags
I was ever so excited to go to UGA's Six Flags night, but I have to admit I was a bit sad about missing an evening of Athens music. Well, blues rock band Blueswater Bridge is here to save the day! Take your ears on a rollercoaster ride of awesome tunes while you frolic through the park on your way to the next attraction. I know I will.

Fri, April 16: Reptar & Deaf Judges @ 9:30 PM @ The Caledonia Lounge
If you're not going to Six Flags, you just HAVE to go to this show. Reptar and the Deaf Judges at once? It's going to be unbelievable!

Fri, April 23: Novanauts @ 8 PM @ Outside UGA's Creswell Hall
Whee, just found out that Luke Galloway, creator of the purely spectacular band Kalvinova, will be playing a free show on the UGA campus to debut his latest electronic musical project, Novanauts! Great news.

Fri, April 23: Modern Skirts @ 10 PM @ The Caledonia Lounge
Modern Skirts at the Caledonia Lounge? Is that even possible? Apparently, it is! Be sure to get there early for this one since the place is pretty much guaranteed to fill up fast with this band's excited fans!

Mon, April 26: Stephen Lynch @ 8 PM @ Tate Grand Hall
Wanna be a superhero? University Union's bringing comedic musician Steven Lynch to Tate just for us! What fun!

Thurs, April 29: Chris McKay and the Critical Darlings @ 8:30 PM @ Max Canada
And they're back! It's been FOREVER since I've seen the Critical Darlings share their rockin' old school style tunes. Let's make the most of their triumphant return to our town!

Fri, April 30: Aman Amun @ 10:30 PM @ Ciné
It's Aman Amun time once more. Finish out your month with his tasty electronic tunes!

Don't forget. If there's a show in Athens you want the world to know about, comment below and let us know! And of course, I'll continue to keep you updated on all the local shows that you've just got to check out. There's no doubt about it. April's going to blow us away!

More than Music: the Antics

Last week, you read about the silly banter that keeps live shows constantly exciting. But what else do bands do to make the time between (and sometimes during!) songs less like waiting and more like some sort of wild party? Welcome to the circus, my friends! It's time for some crazy antics. From acrobatics to unexpected appearances to pure jungle madness, you simply won't believe your eyes at these shows!

Last Athfest, Deaf Judges gave us an insane spectacle when, dressed in full vampire garb, one of the members of the band leapt up and scaled the balcony inside of Morton Theatre to rap while perched atop the ledge, high above the crowd. What a sight! Talk about an experience I'll remember forever! And that's not all. At the award show the night before, they threw beach balls into the audience and rapped from chairs throughout the venue as the balls flew overhead. Wow! Just wow.

Speaking of playing in the midst of a crowd of fans, bands 50:50 Shot and Matt Kurz One know that there's nothing more exciting than bringing the music to the people. Just a few weeks ago, the trombone player of 50:50 Shot appeared amongst the crowd and began to play right beside me while the band rocked the Caledonia. How cool is that! And Matt Kurz One did his one man show thing in the round at Ciné during Athfest so that everyone could see the crazy mix of instruments and techniques he used to make his music. Awesome, indeed.

Local rockers Coco Rico and Doctor Squid get into their tunes so much that they've been know to burst into interpretive dance on occasion. It's so much fun to watch! Coco Rico's show at Tasty World in December was simply full of madness as they writhed and moved in an intense dance that almost resembled some highly amusing animal mating ritual. Doctor Squid, on the other hand, took it the literal route with some incredibly comical hand motions that fit the words of the song perfectly. I can't help leaving with a smile on my face after shows like these!

If physical feats are your thing, Crumbling Arches will give you an unforgettable night. Jumping from speakers straight into a rockin' guitar segment? They've done that! Playing their instruments blindfolded? They've done that too! Strumming their guitars while locked in some sort of ridiculous music-infused embrace? Yup, they've done that! And, I've mentioned my favorite of their antics before: the flip. Seeing them crawl over, around, on top of, and through the legs of each other without touching the floor is just totally mind-boggling!

And any conversation about band antics is incomplete without a mention of Kite to the Moon. Their off-the-wall costumes and unimaginably-shaped instruments are wild enough, but with the help of the Tiger Girlz of Athens, they put on a show that is almost literally like a circus. The Tiger Girlz, dressed in impossibly high heels and an array of unexpected costumes picked for each song, actually swing, climb, and fly on a trapeze right beside the audience during the music! It's an absolutely unbelievable spectacle!

These are just some of the completely insane things bands do to make sure their name sticks in your mind. You know you'll tell your friends about the outrageous antics you've seen these crazy musicians engage in downtown! But what else makes a show an all-encompassing experience? Don't miss the next segment of More than Music!

To read about all of the ingredients that make up a live show to top all others, click here!

Kristen's Concert Picks: January's tunes heat things up

It's 2010, you guys.... Another year, another year. Oh, holy platypus! That means it's another month, too! Well, luckily I managed to round up some delicious concert picks for January just in time. These shows are definitely worth braving the icy weather to experience. Enjoy!

Thurs, Jan 7: Dead Confederate @ 9 PM @ Tasty World Uptown
Old favorites Dead Confederate return to our little town to drive our ears wild! The last show I saw of theirs was probably the greatest show I've ever seen in Athens. You just can't miss this one!

Fri, Jan 8: Aman Amun @ 9 PM @ Tasty World Uptown
It's guaranteed to be a different kind of rockin' electronic experience with the massively talented Aman Amun this time around. Prepare yourself for the Eurotrash III party which, rumor has it, will be completely unforgettable!

Fri, Jan 8: Venice is Sinking @ 11 PM @ Farm 255
You know you've been missing them... Now Venice is Sinking's back to fill your ears with sweet melodies once more! And it's free too! Awesome.

Fri, Jan 8: Madeline @ 9 PM @ The 40 Watt
Remember when she opened for Dead Confederate and the Meat Puppets with a set full of dark and southern tunes? This girl's quite the singer. You've got to check out her songs.

Mon, Jan 11: Geronimo! @ 9 PM @ Tasty World Uptown
Hailing from Chicago, Geronimo!'s gearing up to share their loud, indie rock tunes with us here in Athens. And with their use of a keyboard instead of a bass guitar, it's likely to be quite an original experience!

Tues, Jan 19: Futurebirds @ 9 PM @ Tasty World Uptown
If you missed them last week, catch them now! Their southern rock sound definitely riles up the crowd, and their energy takes over the entire room.

Thurs, Jan 21: Doctor Squid & Leading Edge @ 9 PM @ The 40 Watt
The dream team joins together again, this time for a great cause! Help out the Children's Miracle Network while you jam to the tunes of four bands, each with members in the Redcoats. Pure joy!

Fri, Jan 22: Carolina Ridge @ 10:30 PM @ Rye Bar (Postponed till Feb 6)
Remember Pholksinger Josh? He and his band rocked their "gangsta folk" for us several times last year, and now he's finally returned to the Ath-town with a new name and a fresher folk sound too. Don't miss this!

Sat, Jan 30: Deaf Judges, @ 9 PM @ Caledonia Lounge
Deaf Judges will give you an experience unlike any other. Creativity abounds with these rappers! I wonder what they'll do next...

Sat, Jan 30: Modern Skirts & Reptar @ 9:30 PM @ The 40 Watt
Athens just can't get enough of these guys! Hear the buzz-worthy Modern Skirts take over the 40 Watt once more. And I've heard nothing but amazing things about Reptar. It's the cherry on top of a scrumptious month of music!


Well, it looks like January's going to rock. Yay! As always, I'll be adding more awesome shows as I hear about them so keep checking back often. Also, if you're just dying to tell everyone about a show that I didn't mention here, comment below and let the world know about it!

Now, don't forget your coats and scarves, my friends. Hope to see you again in all of our favorite Athens haunts!

Kristen's Concert Picks: December brings frosty tune-filled delights!

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! I hope you're truly enjoying this day of food, family, and football too. So, what are you thankful for? Me? Naturally, I'm thankful for the unbelievably rockin' Athens music scene. More specifically, I'm thankful for the absolutely amazing lineup of bands that December has in store for us! Your ears certainly won't be in any danger of freezing off with all of these nonstop music-filled experiences.

Tues, Dec 1: The Ha's Neptica Atlas & Matt Daniel from Leading Edge @ 9 PM @Tasty World Uptown
Start off the month with the public debut of The Ha's Neptica Atlas. You will not want to miss this! And Matt from Leading Edge will be performing too. Brilliant! And best of all, it's a benefit concert so you'll be helping people while you party!

Wed, Dec 2: Allison Weiss @ 10 PM @ The Caledonia Lounge
Oh yes, a CD release party! Don't miss your chance to check out the latest tunes from one of Athens' reigning queens of the music scene. I recently had the pleasure of seeing her sing her heart out for the WUOG listeners , and I can tell you, she truly pours her soul into these songs!

Thu, Dec 3: Madeline @ 10 PM @ The Caledonia Lounge
Madeline's soft dark rock is infused with a taste of southern rock as well. Something for everyone! She has quite a sound. She and her White Flag band are definitely worth your time!

Thu, Dec 3: Venice is Sinking @ 9 PM @ The 40 Watt Club
Ah, Venice is Sinking! After disappearing from the Athens music scene for a few months, they're back to treat our ears to some beautiful, soothing tunes. Excellent!

Fri, Dec 4: Efren @ 9 PM @ Flicker Theatre
Wow, December's full of CD releases! The ever-mysterious Efren is dropping his first album "Thunder and Moan" at this show. Delightful! Stay tuned for my Echoreview of his new tunes, coming soon!

Fri, Dec 4: A Postwar Drama @ 10 PM @ The Caledonia Lounge
The list of bands I'm dying to see keeps getting shorter, and nothing makes me happier. Here's another band I've been hoping to check out since my Athfest research days. Soft, acoustic roots-type music is their style. Very nice!

Sat, Dec 5: Bambara @ 9 PM @ Farm 255
This ever-talented trio of loud, hard rockers is playing a free show at Farm 255. Yay! I mean, let's be honest. Their sound is just plain sexy. Everyone who's had a chance to experience their tunes agrees. And they've got some brand new ones too! Trust me. You'll want to be there.

Tues, Dec 8: Aman Amun @ 10 PM @ The Caledonia Lounge - **Postponed till January 7th**
This guy brings new meaning to the words "musical genius" every time he plays. Prepare yourself for a wonderfully impressive and creative display of art and technology intertwined with deep, soul-searching electronic rock.

Thurs, Dec 10: Doctor Squid @ 10 PM @ 40 Watt
MERRY SQUIDMAS! It's time to don your holiday-themed costumes, and get ready to rock the season in style! From what I've heard, last year's Squidmas was epic. And this year, they're playing with Romanenko, and Leaving Araby. I'm definitely not missing this one!

Sat, Dec 12: Hammer No More the Fingers & Gift Horse @ 10 PM @ The Caledonia Lounge
HNMtF will give you a reason to dance! This North Carolina band knows how to make rock truly fun. With Gift Horse, another band I've heard great buzz about, on the bill, this show should be quite something!

Sat, Dec 19: Excali Brah @ 10 PM @ The Caledonia Lounge
And the Caledonia does it again with another awesome December show! Excali Brah is hilarity at its finest. These costumed guys embrace the unexpected in their shows. At Athfest, outdoor rave parties were their thing. Who knows what they're going to do next?

Thu, Dec 31: Deaf Judges @ 10 PM @ The Caledonia Lounge
Here's another band that's up for anything! These rappers will definitely capture your attention and keep it. There's no doubt about that! And, whoa, look at the date. This will certainly be a great show to ring in 2010!


Thu, Dec 31: The Constellations @ 9 PM @ Tasty World Uptown
Back in Athens just in time to usher in the new year, it's THE CONSTELLATIONS! This show's 18+, so all you kids who've been missing out on their amazing tunes, this is your chance. No matter where you are during break, be sure get yourself to Athens for this!

Have you got a show you think should be added to this list? Comment, and let me know! Also, I'll be giving you even more shows to look forward to as I find them, so check back often. Have a truly lovely December, my pals!

Kristen's Concert Picks: Are your ears ready for November?

Golden leaves are falling, carpeting the ground with their brilliant color. Cool breezes make them dance across the earth just once more before they lie still. Without a doubt, November has arrived! So which shows are worth braving this month's unpredictable weather to experience? Here are my picks!

Tues, Nov 3: Augustana @ 8 PM @ Tate Grand Hall on UGA Campus
Ok, I'll admit, I only know of them through their hit song, "Boston," but this band's been all over! This month, they're coming to our very own UGA campus. The best part? It's free for students! ($10 advance for non-students)

Wed, Nov 4: Fire Zuave @ 9 PM @ Tasty World Uptown
Just plain great alt rock... That's what Fire Zuave is. They're another one of that bands I've been wanting to see since Athfest. Yay!

Thurs, Nov 5: Deaf Judges @ 9 PM @ 40 Watt Club
These wild performers thrive in the realm of the unexpected. I've seen them throw a crazy interactive beach party one day and a fog-filled vampire fest the next. What will these rappers do this time? I guess we'll have to be there to find out!

Thurs, Nov 5: Betsy Franck @ 9:30 PM @ The Caledonia Lounge
Blues and southern rock fans, I've got a show for you! Betsy Franck's incredibly strong and wonderful voice will blow you away. Another talent I first saw at Athfest, she's one to hear!

Fri, Nov 6: Aman Amun @ 9 PM @ New Earth Music Hall
A comedy show followed by astounding visual displays and groundbreaking musical stylings? A weird mixture to be sure, but it sounds like a winner from all sides. Oh yes, it's time for another delicious Aman Amun set!

Fri, Nov 6: The Goodfight @ 8 PM @ Seney Stovall Chapel
Rockin' for a good cause with Leaving Araby, Pilot Coat, and the Wellreds, this free show should be quite the experience! For more info, check out this entry.

Mon, Nov 9: Doctor Squid @ 9 PM @ Tasty World Uptown
Wow, Doctor Squid has been busy these past few months! If you haven't yet seen these upbeat rockers, you've definitely been missing out. If you've caught one of their shows before, I know you're dying for more. Well, you're all in luck! They're playing at Rye Bar on the 6th and at Tasty World on the 9th! Nice.

Fri, Nov 13: Kristen's Fake Eighteenth Costumed Concert Birthday Bash @ Time TBA @ Pineview
2-3 band lineup... More on this later. :) I can't wait!

Sat, Nov 14: The Constellations @ 9 PM @ Tasty World Uptown
And they're back! I was so worried that I'd never have another chance to see them, but here they are. What amazing fortune! Want to see a band with style, attitude, and a uniquely awesome sound? Well, you've got to check out the Constellations!

Wed, Nov 18: Aman Amun @ 11 PM @ Rye Bar
This guy just keeps getting better and better. I can't wait to see what he does next! If you haven't checked this electronic rock genius out yet, this show's a must! And hey, it's free too. Zesty!

Fri, Nov 20: Hope for Agoldensummer @ 10 PM @ Caledonia Lounge
Oh, I love this band's sound. They've got a quieter, folksy style that just leaves you feeling wonderful. And they play the musical saw! You can't get much better than that.

Sat, Nov 21: DJRX @ 11 PM @ Sideways
Dance time! This DJ's spinning the tracks and mixing like crazy. Get ready for a party with this guy's selection of jammin' tunes.

Fri, Nov 27: Birds & Wire @ 9 PM @ New Earth Music Hall
By some terrible conflict of fate, I've never managed to see this group in action, but my insane plans can't keep me from telling you to check out this soft and southern pop band. One day, it'll happen! I truly hope that day comes soon!

Hm, curiously enough, there seems to be a decided lack of shows on this list scheduled for the later half of November. I'm sure this will be remedied as the month goes on, though. As always, let me know if there's a show you think should be mentioned here! Also, if you want to check this list again to help you make your plans as the month goes on, press the "Monthly Concert Picks" button on the sidebar. All you need to know will be right there!

Alright, hope this month's musical adventures take you on a ride. Enjoy!

Kristen's Concert Picks: Back to Athens edition

For a lot of us, August means it's time to return to Athens. However, whether you've been there all along or you've never set foot in the great music city of the southeast, this is the perfect opportunity to check out some new tunes! After quite a bit of extensive research, I've compiled a list of musical treats guaranteed to caress even the most discerning of eardrums. And now, without further ado, I give you my recommendations for the lovely little month of August. Please do enjoy!

DATE: BAND/ EVENT @ TIME @ PLACE

Wed, Aug 12: Doctor Squid & Venice is Sinking @ 9 PM @ The Melting Point
-Two of my favorites playing together on one night? Amazing! Most tragically, I won't yet be in Athens then, but please go see them if you can so that I can live vicariously through you! With both bands sharing a mixture of their familiar and their brand new songs, this show is going to be nothing short of wonderfully delicious!

Thurs, Aug 13: Wormsloew @ 9 PM @ The 40 Watt Club
-I have yet to see this band live, but they passed my Athfest-Myspace test quite awesomely, so be sure to check them out!

Fri, Aug 14: Deaf Judges @ 9 PM @ WUOG.com
-The Deaf Judges, known in this blog for their climbing stint during Athfest, will be rapping up a storm on UGA's own student run radio station, WUOG. Go to http://www.wuog.org to listen in!

Fri, Aug 14: DJRX @ 11 PM @ Sideways
-Our favorite pop music DJ is back to send us dancing into the next school year. I can never get sick of that Free Credit Report Dot Com song!

Tues, Aug 18: The Winter Sounds @ 9:30 PM @ Caledonia Lounge
-These guys played last year after my very favorite band, and they still managed to impress me with their sound; quite a hard feat, I assure you! Lend them your ears for the night. They'll treat them well!

Sat, Aug 22: Rachel O'Neal @ 5:30 PM @ Terrapin Beer Co.
- Rachel's soft and beautiful acoustic tunes will help you start your evening off right!

Sat, Aug 22: Death on Two Wheels @ 8:00 PM @ Tasty World
-These rockers from Atlanta sure know how to put on a show! Let them satisfy your hunger for true rock.

Sat, Aug 22: Excali Brah @ 8:30 PM @ Flicker Theatre
-Remember the glow stick rave party at Athfest? I promise you, you're in for a night full of fun with these guys!

Thurs, Aug 27: Aman Amun @ 9 PM @ the 40 Watt Club
-Opening for Boombox, Aman Amun will give you one of the most amazing immersive experiences you'll ever have! His incorporation of technology into his acoustic music is sure to engage all of your senses at once. Both his sound and his show can only be described as unforgettably spectacular!

Fri, Aug 28: Wilx @ TBA @ Terrapin Beer Co.
- If you want to rock with a band whose songs and covers will get you dancing, look no further than Wilx. I've never seen a band get the audience so enthused!

Sat, Aug 29: Efren @ 8:30 PM @ Flicker Theatre
-For beautiful folk-infused indie rock, look no further than Efren. His acoustic songs have such a calming effect, they could relax even the most agitated person in the world. There's a refreshing earthy quality to them as well that makes you want to listen to them while sitting on a lone hilltop. Check out his latest tunes here!

Sat, Aug 29: Modern Skirts & Excali Brah @ 9:30 PM @ the 40 Watt Club
-Whoa! A double punch of awesome from some of the biggest up-and-coming groups in Athens! The Modern Skirts are well on their way to becoming Athens royalty, and Excali Brah sure knows how to throw a party. This is definitely going to be epic!

Mon, Aug 31: Sean Astin @ 7:30 PM @ Tate II on the UGA campus
-Okay, so you caught me. This isn't a band. But seriously, it's freaking Sean Astin, Samwise Gamgee from Lord of the Rings! My inner nerd wouldn't let me finish writing this blog without mentioning this too. Oh yeah!

And that's all I've got so far... I'll be updating this list regularly as I find out about new shows, so keep checking back often. After all, I know you don't want to miss anything! Oh, and if you happen to think that I've made some grievous error or if you know of a show or band that you believe should most certainly be on this list, comment and tell me so!

Hope this helps you usher in a brand new, fantastically exciting school year!

More than Music: the Fashion

Ian and Zachary of Crumbling Arches
sporting their show attire with style

Why do people go to live shows? For the music, of course! Right? Well, technically the answer is yes, but with a good stereo and a few high quality recordings, you can pretty much recreate the same effect at home. There must be more to it.

I think most people go to live shows for the experiences, for the chance to see and be a part of something awesome and unforgettable, something they can't have at home. The music is important, yes, but it's only a small part of what makes a live show an event worth traveling through downtown (or even across a few states) to enjoy. So what else makes a show bridge the gap between good and FREAKIN' SPECTACULAR? Hold your breath with me now... I'm about to plunge right in.

Since I just spent the past day sewing up a storm in the hopes of having double the "downtown wardrobe" by the time I get back to Athens, I'll start with the subject at the forefront of my mind: fashion! Or, more specifically, band member fashions. Now the key thing to remember when picking a rockstar outfit as a member of a band or a clever imposter is to stand out. Wearing your normal, everyday t-shirts and jeans just won't cut it. Take a cue from your favorite Halloween costume or eccentric, established rocker icon, and go wild! Remember you can't go wrong with bright colors and crazy patterns.

Take it from Ian of Crumbling Arches. From what I've seen of his onstage fashions, his closet must be full of shirts with hypnotising designs, artfully ripped jeans, and multicolored pants. Alex of the same band keeps everybody's eyes on him with his array of curiously interesting and slightly ridiculous hats. Brian and Zachary generally keep it simple and classy with their dressy/casual take on suits - always a good choice. The members of this band and Doctor Squid too have also been known, at other times, to don some rather spectacular costumes as well, among them phantom masks, kitty suits, santa hats, and even full-face squid masks. And while we're on the subject, I can't forget to mention bands like Deaf Judges and Excali Brah. For them, costumes are mandatory show wear. It totally works, too. Nothing makes me more gleeful than seeing a bunch of fully grown men wearing capes and vampire fangs!

Sometimes, though, fashion choices directly relate to the music being played. The members of Chris McKay and the Critical Darlings take it old school all the way with their sound and their threads. Basist Frank DeFreese definitely does it right with his shiny, eye-catching clothing. In fact, just before I saw the Critical Darlings perform for the first time, I noticed him wandering by in the semi-darkness. Without knowing anything about the guy, I instantly knew that he must be a member of one of the featured bands. That's the way it should be! His clothes totally tipped me off. He had to be more than just an average bystander. And you can't miss Carly Kane, lead singer of Stellate, when she's rocking the house either! Her brightly-colored clothing smacks of fun just like her music. You'd know she was a star from a mile away!

Other whole bands choose to rock their looks uniformly. No, I'm not talking about the matching outfits worn by the boy bands of the nineties. I'm sure we all want to forget about those! I'm talking about a small hint of color coordination like the matching red glitter eyeshadow worn by all of the members of Casper and the Cookies (especially the men). Things like this ensure that these groups won't be forgotten in a sea of bands trying to stand out and make a name for themselves.

So, now that you've got a handle on some of the fashions of Athens and Atlanta bands, what's next? A live show has to be more than just a rockstar outfit, right? Well, naturally. As always, stay tuned for more!

To read about all of the ingredients that make up a live show to top all others, click here!

Athfest 2009: Of skulls, vampires, and Deaf Judges

Friday (late night), June 26th 2009

Deaf Judges

By midnight, we were back in the Morton Theatre for another Deaf Judges performance. After the beach ball-filled party at the Flagpole Athens Music Awards, all of us were dying to see what this incredibly original hip hip/ rap group would do next. Apparently, my friends and I weren't the only ones looking forward to the show; the theatre was packed! It's easy to see why, though. Deaf Judges is more than just a musical act. They're a spectacle! You haven't really lived until you've seen them live.

This time, they aimed for a darker, more gothic theme. A skull with glowing red eyes watched over the performance amidst a great deal of fog, and a gigantic pirate flag loomed behind the band members as they rapped. Most wonderfully eye-catching, though, was the member of Deaf Judges dressed as a vampire in a long flowing cape. Together, he and his fellow band members filled our ears with unique tunes and beats which made everyone in the audience begin to dance gleefully and unrestrainedly. And then the most amazing thing happened. The man dressed as a vampire leapt from the stage in the middle of a song and scaled the balcony inside the theatre before our eyes! It was a breathtakingly spectacular feat and such a sight to see! Honestly, I must say that their performance was pure awesome - some of the most fun I've ever had.

For more blogs about Athfest 2009, click here! I'll be updating regularly, so be sure to check back often. Also, don't forget to check out concert videos from Dreams So Real, Venice is Sinking, Dead Confederate and many more at http://www.youtube.com/echoreynofathens!

Athfest 2009: And the winner is...

Thursday, June 25th 2009
Flagpole Athens Music Awards Show

Ah, Athens! It was great to finally be back in my favorite city!

My friend Sheila and I got into downtown just about half an hour before the Flagpole Athens Music Awards started. As we waited in the lobby for another friend to arrive, I noticed several people dressed in an array of eye-catching clothing milling around in a side room just beside us. These, I assumed, would be the celebrities of the night. Even though I'm still a relative newcomer to the Athens music scene, I could sense that the members of this group were the people to watch. I'll admit, it helped that I caught a glimpse of Hardy Morris, the lead singer of Dead Confederate walking around back there just before Trent Allen of the band Dreams So Real paused next to us to ask some of the workers where the presenters were supposed to be. Sightings like these merely fueled my anticipation for the show and the days ahead.

Having never attended an official awards show in my life, I was eager to see what would happen once the presenters and bands stepped onstage. We managed to get seats relatively close to the front but still far left enough that I had to crane my head a bit to get a good view. However, it transpired later in the evening that we had some of the best seats in the house. Little did I know that a majority of the winning bands were seated in the dark area just beside us. Also, I could never have guessed that the distinguished-looking gentleman right behind us was one of the presenters for the night. The best was yet to come though.

Pretty soon after the show began, Deaf Judges, a local hip hop and rap group, took the stage. Well, I say "took the stage," but in reality, they made the whole theatre their stage. They tossed beach balls into the audience before they started so that the air was filled with flying spheres during (and following) their performance. These balls even played a hilarious part in the awards proceedings when the Half Dozen Brass Band got a beach ball chucked at them good-naturedly as they were giving their acceptance speech for the Best Jazz Band award. Then, during the perfomance, one of the members of Deaf Judges ran into the audience and jumped on a chair right behind my friend Diana to rap to the crowd in close quarters. I told you we had great seats!

Another highlight of the night was when American Cheeseburger won for Best Punk/Hardcore Band. Unlike the other winning bands, their acceptance speech didn't include any speaking at all. Instead, one of the members donned a rubbish-filled trash can for a hat, mumbled some sort of incoherent sound into the microphone, and then poured water onto his head before leaving the stage. What a sight! My favorite moment of the night by far, though, actually happened because of a glitch. During the presentation of the finalists' videos for the Best Music Video category, the film started skipping which disrupted the music horribly. Kenosha Kid, the band playing music in the pit for the awards show, filled in the gaps of the Dead Confederate glitching video with an impromptu performance of the missing parts of background music. There's nothing better than seeing a band make something awesome out of a problem like that!

The only thing that really put a damper on the evening was this guy, Clay Leverett, who kept making jokes at the expense of recently deceased king of pop, Michael Jackson. The jokes were in bad taste, and it wasn't long before he was booed off the stage. Also, a few times during the show, I felt like an outsider at an exclusive party. Inside jokes that only longtime citizens of Athens could understand ran rampant throughout, but luckily, these were harmless.

However, on a more positive note, some of the biggest cheers of the night went to those who really deserved them. The second biggest cheer was for my fellow blogger and friend Jordan of AthensMusicJunkie who's become a sort of celebrity around these parts for her extensive and dedicated blogging about the bands of Athens. Don't tell her that, though! She'll deny it completely. But truly, the girl did a great job presenting a special award to the man in charge of UGA's music business program. The loudest, most heartfelt cheer, though, was also a bittersweet one for Wilmot Greene, owner of the recently destroyed Georgia Theatre. When he walked onstage, everyone in the theatre gave him a standing ovation. It was wonderful seeing all of the people of Athens join together in their earnest determination to see the theatre rebuilt and the years of memories maintained!

Then soon after all of this, the show was over, but for my friends and I the night had just begun. The awards show after party had already started, and we weren't about to miss that!

Check back regularly for more blogs about Athfest 2009, and don't forget to check out the concert videos at http://www.youtube.com/echoreynofathens!