Kristen's Concert Picks: Dance your way through December!

As the year comes to an end, our ears will ring joyfully with the final songs of 2013.  Come dance your way through December!

Tue, Dec 3: UGA Holiday Concert @ 8 PM @ Classic Center Theatre
Kick off the month and get yourself into the holiday spirit with a Holiday Concert courtesy of the UGA Symphony Orchestra!

Tuesdays in November: Kenosha Kid @ 9 PM @ Hendershot's Coffee
Every year Kenosha Kid wins the honor of best jazz band in town. If you haven't grooved to them yet, it's about time.  See them live at Hendershot's every Tuesday in December!

Wed, Dec 4: Cicada Rhythm @ 8 PM @ Melting Point
You'll just love the unique folk stylings of Cicada Rhythm!

Thu, Dec 5: SQUIDMAS @ 9 PM @ Caledonia Lounge 
WOW!  Doctor Squid, The Warm Fuzzies, AND The Skipperdees? With a lineup like this, it'll be a very Merry Squidmas indeed. You definitely won't want to miss this show!

Thu, Dec 5: Efren @ 10 PM @ Nowhere Bar
I've been following Efren's gritty sound since the beginning, and they're always worth a listen.  Check 'em out over at Nowhere Bar!

Thu, Dec 5: Yo Soybean, Madeline @ 10 PM @ Flicker Theatre
Yo Soybean will bring the rock and Madeline will add a touch of darkness to the night's southern-twinges tunes at the Flicker Theatre!

Fri, Dec 6: Abbey Road Live @ 9 PM @ Melting Point
Hey, all you Beatles fans out there…  You may have missed seeing the original band play a show, but Abbey Road Live keeps their sound going strong.  Catch these guys at the Melting Point on the 6th!

Sat, Dec 7: Holiday Yard Sale @ 11 AM - 5 PM @ 40 Watt
Ok, this may not be a show per say, but nothing says Athens like a yard sale at the 40 Watt while the bar is taking orders. Save money, schmooze, and booze at the Watt's Holiday Yard Sale this year!

Sat, Dec 7: Easter Island @ 10 PM @ The World Famous
Easter Island mixes drum beats and sweet vocals to create and awesome soft rock sound!

Sat, Dec 14: Thayer Sarrano @ 10 PM @ The World Famous
Thayer Sarrano weaves words into music in an incredibly unique and beautiful way.  Be sure to check out her show at the World Famous!

Thu, Dec 19: Dangfly @ 11 PM @ Georgia Theatre
One of my top Athfest favorites from this year, Dangfly's quality rock will definitely leave you dancing.  Best of all, this show is part of a free after-wedding celebration at the Georgia Theatre, so everyone is sure to be in a festive mood!

Sat, Dec 28: Brothers @ 10 PM @ Flicker Theatre
Classic meets indie when Brothers takes the stage.  See 'em over at Flicker near the end of the month!

Tue, Dec 31: The Whigs @ 8 PM @ Georgia Theatre
The Whigs have got New Year's Eve covered with their hardcore southern rock sound!

Tue, Dec 31: New Year's Eve with Ghost Owl @ 10 PM @ The Green Room
Ghost Owl's powerful tunes and commanding beats will usher in the New Year like no other.  This show is sure to to be an awesome way to ring in 2014!

What a month this will be!  I can't believe it's almost 2014 already.  Just like always, if you've heard of another local show not listed here that you can't wait to attend, don't hesitate to comment below and let the world know all the details.  Make the most of this month, and I'll catch ya around town, my friends!

Kristen's Concert Picks: September brings the tunes!

September has arrived, full to the brim with incredible shows.  Take a break from school and work to rock out to these awesome bands!

Wed, Sep 4: Kyshona Armstrong @ 8 PM @ The World Famous
Kyshona's powerful voice and soulful sound will blow you away!

Wed, Sep 4: Jubee and the Morning After @ 9 PM @ Georgia Theatre
Hip hop meets soul when these talented musicians hit the stage. Check them out at the Georgia Theatre!

Fri, Sep 6: The Gold Party @ 10 PM @ Caledonia Lounge
The Gold Party's got an electronic indie pop sound like no other.

Sat, Sep 7: Efren & Dangfly! @ 8 PM @ Georgia Theatre
Between Dangfly!'s trumpeting folk rock and Efren's gritty sound, this show features some of Athens' very best!

Sat, Sep 7: John French and the Bastilles @ 8 PM @ 40 Watt
John French and the Bastilles will serve up some quality southern rock over at the 40 Watt.

Sun, Sep 8: Viking Progress @ 7:30 PM @ The World Famous
Sweet distortion is Viking Progress's style.  You won't want to miss this show!

Tuesdays in September: Kenosha Kid @ 8 PM @ Hendershots
Without a doubt one of the best jazz bands in town, Kenosha Kid will be filling our ears with their awesome tunes every Tuesday of the month!

Thu, Sep 12: Yo Soybean @ 8 PM @ Georgia Theatre
Craving some badass southern rock?  Look no further than Yo Soybean!

Fri, Sep 13: Yip Deceiver @ 9 PM @ The World Famous
Yip Deceiver has arrived... Get ready to party!

Sat, Sep 21: Easter Island Vinyl Release @ 9 PM @ Georgia Theatre
What a night this will be!  Not only will soft rockers Easter Island be releasing their latest record, but they're also teaming up with Brothers and John French and the Bastilles to give us what is sure to be an unbelievable show!

Sat, Sep 21: Lullwater @ 10 PM @ Caledonia Lounge
Hard rock spiced up with a touch of folk, Lullwater is definitely one to see!

Mon, Sep 23: Little Tybee @ 9 PM @ The World Famous
People have been buzzing about these guys for a long time.  Check out the soft rock and indie style of Little Tybee!

Tue, Sep 24: The Skipperdees @ 7 PM @ The Melting Point
The twangy folk sound of the Skipperdees will rock the Melting Point's last Terrapin Tuesday of the month!

Fri, Sep 27: Powerkompany @ 9 PM @ The World Famous
Powerkompany will serenade you with their  ethereal electronic melodies as September approaches its end.

Wow, what a lineup of amazing shows!  Excited for another band playing locally that's not on this list? Go ahead and share the details with all of us in the comments below.  Hope you have a spectacular September on the scene, my friends!

Kristen's Concert Picks: Blast off your summer with May's rockin' tunes!

Summer is coming. Prepare yourself... And get your party on with this month's lineup of awesome bands!

 Sat, May 4: Thayer Sarrano @ 10:00 PM @ Caledonia Lounge 
Take a break before finals and check out Thayer Sarrano's set.  You'll just love her unique voice and incredible sound!

 Sat, May 4: Athens Band @ 8:30 PM @ Melting Point

I hope you've already got your tickets for the Athens band because these young local favorites are playing a sold out show at the Melting Point on the 4th!

 Mondays in May 6 - 27: Kenosha Kid @ 8:30 PM @ The World Famous

My favorite jazz band in Athens takes up residency at the World Famous every Monday in May!  Trust me, you'll love the fun, upbeat, and sometimes quirky sound of the ever talented Kenosha Kid.

Fri, May 10: Easter Island @ 9:00 PM @ 40 Watt

Easter Island's smooth vocals and rhythmic drumming drive their sweet, melodic rock sound.  Catch them over at the 40 Watt!

Sat, May 18: White Violet & Brothers @ 9:00 PM @ 40 Watt

From soft rock to indie tunes, this lineup has it all.  Make the most of the end of the school year with a White Violet and Brothers combo!

Sat, May 18: Efren @ 9:30 PM @ Green Room

Efren's southern style rock will take over the Green Room on the 18th.  Don't miss them in action!

Thu, May 23: Powerkompany CD release @ 9:00 PM @ The World Famous

The otherworldly strength of Powerkompany's tunes sets them apart from the rest.  Hear their latest songs at their CD release party at the World Famous!

Thu, May 23: Cicada Rhythm @ 9:00 PM @ Georgia Theatre rooftop

A free Cicada Rhythm show on the rooftop of the Georgia Theatre? Awesome.  Sounds like the perfect time to check out their unique folk style!

Fri, May 31: Manray @ 10:00 PM @ Caledonia Lounge 

Of course, there's no better way to finish the month than with those crazy noise rockers, Manray!

Are you guys ready for this?  Wow, May looks like it's going to be amazing!  As always, if you're totally pumped for another local show not listed here,  give the world all the details in the comments.  Have fun and go wild, my friends!

Kristen's Concert Picks: October's bringing some scary good tunes!

It's the month of spooks and ghouls and things that go bump in the night!  There's no need to fear though.  The rock will keep your spirits high!

Fri October 5: Easter Island @ 8 PM @ 40 Watt

You'll just love kicking off the month with Easter Island's solid and uplifting soft rock along with their smooth vocals and rhythmic drumming!

Fri October 5: Here We Go Magic @ 8 PM @ Georgia Theatre

The last time I caught this Brooklyn band in action, they were a wild mix of lights, drumbeats, and surreal rock.  Don't miss your chance to dance it up at this show!

 Sat, October 6: Tumbleweed Stampede @ 9 PM @ 40 Watt

Make sure you're at 40 Watt for Tumbleweed Stampede's set! These guys will have you grooving in no time.  

Wed, October 17: Lullwater @ 9 PM @ Melting Point

Craving some hard rock tunes infused with a folk sound? Then Lullwater's the band for you! Be there for their mid-month show over at the Melting Point.

Thu, October 18: Boycycle @ 8 PM @ WUOG

I happened upon this band at the last Athfest and fell in love with their ever-changing style and sound.  Check out Boycycle for an experience beyond definitions!

 Sat, October 20: Lera Lynn @ 8 PM @ Georgia Theatre

There's no doubt that Lera Lynn's powerful voice and indie folk style will blow you away!

 Sat, October 20: Lazer/Wulf @ 10 PM @ Caledonia Lounge
Lazer/Wulf will blast your ears with a heaping serving of instrumentally-driven melodic metal.  Pure awesome!

Thu, October 23: Powerkompany @ 8 PM @ WUOG

Let yourself be absorbed into the strong yet ethereal melodies of Powerkompany.  See them at UGA's own student radio station, WUOG, or tune in online!

Thu, October 25: The Constellations @ 8 PM @ Georgia Theatre

The Constellations are back!  I've been a fan of these guys for years, long before they blew up the Atlanta scene and then took the country by storm.  Catch their gritty, sexy party rock at the Georgia Theatre near the end of the month!

 Sat, October 27: Wild Rumpus After Party @ 8 PM @ Georgia Theatre

It's time for the annual Wild Rumpus parade.  And how better to get into the Halloween spirit than with a rockin' afterparty featuring the always spectacular Of Montreal!   Along with Velveteen Pink and Kite to the Moon, they'll be surrounding us with their crazy, larger than life style.  What a show this will be!

Wow, October's shaping up to be deliciously spooky and brimming with amazing tunes!  Heard a whisper of another local show you're just dying to attend?  Tell the world all about it in the comments.  Have a wonderfully dark and rockin' month, my friends!

Kristen's Concert Picks: January's tunes will knock your socks off!

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The cold winds of January are blowing deliciously fresh tunes our way.  Get ready to brave the cold for these incredible bands!

Fri, Jan 6: Tumbleweed Stampede @ 9:30 PM @ Caledonia

Kick off 2012 with some soulful dance tunes from Tumbleweed Stampede.  This show is definitely going to be tons of fun!

Wed, Jan 11: Yo-Yo Ma @ 8 PM @ UGA Performing Arts Center

Known the world over, famed cellist Yo-Yo Ma will be sharing his musical gifts with us to start off the spring semester!  If you haven't gotten tickets yet, though, don't get too excited.  Unfortunately, this once-in-a-lifetime show sold out very quickly so you might find it rather difficult to get your hands on one.

Thurs, Jan 12: Futurebirds @ 8 PM @ 40 Watt

You won't want to miss southern rockers Futurebirds as they take the stage with the Drive By Truckers during the first day of their three-day 40 Watt takeover.  This is the only DBT show that hasn't sold out yet, so grab your tickets while you can!

Wed, Jan 18: Lullwater @ 9:30 PM @ Caledonia

Craving a bit of hard rock with a folk edge?  Sounds like Lullwater's your band!  Check them out over at the Caledonia.

Fri, Jan 20: Bambara @ 9:30 PM @ Caledonia

Bambara is back!  Our favorite noise rockers are finally making their triumphant return to Athens near the end of the month.  Be there to catch them in action once again!

Sat, Jan 21: Easter Island @ 10 PM @ Caledonia

Easter Island is bringing us another taste of their soft, melodic rock on the 21st.  Excellent!

Thurs, Jan 26: Yo Soybean @ 8 PM @ WUOG

Yo Soybean's southern rock adds a hint of badass to every occasion.  Sample their sound on WUOG 90.5's Live in the Lobby radio show or even venture out to UGA's Tate Center to see them rock it out!

Sat, Jan 28: Packway Handle Band @ 8 PM @ Georgia Theatre

From what all of my friends tell me, Packway Handle Band is bluegrass with a side of amazing.  This is certainly a worthy band to finish out the first month of 2012!

What a January this promises to be!  If you've heard a hint of any other unbelievable Athens shows coming up, be sure to let everyone know about them in the comments below.  Hope you all have a spectacular month to start off an incredible new year!

Kristen's Concert Picks: The sounds of November waft in

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Golden leaves flutter past your window as cool breezes pull them from their trees. Coats and boots become a fashion staple, and the scents of fall waft through the air. November has arrived, my friends, and with it comes an awesome selection of tunes!

Tues, Nov 1: Betsy Franck & Klezmer Local 42 @ 4 PM @ Little Kings
Powerful southern rock and a fun take on Hebrew-inspired tunes? What a mix!

Thu, Nov 3: Kenosha Kid & Grogus @ 8 PM @ Georgia Theatre
Kenosha Kid, one of the best jazz bands in Athens, teams up with the dance-inducing sound of Grogus at the Georgia Theatre. Here's another can't-miss lineup!

Thu, Nov 3: Manray @ 9 PM @ Caledonia
Craving some dark, noise rock-flavored melodies? Then you'll definitely want to check out Manray at the Caledonia!

Wed, Nov 9: Spring Tigers @ 9:30 PM @ Caledonia
The electro-pop of the Spring Tigers will have you dancing in no time!

Wed, Nov 9: Magical Athens Talent Show @ 10 PM @ Go Bar
Our town is full of talent, and this show's got feats and acts of all kinds! Check out these crazy displays of skill, and help 'em raise a bit of money for Nuçi's Space while you're there!

Thu, Nov 10: Groove Tangent @ 8:30 PM @ 40 Watt
You've been missing the awesome covers and the classic 50s style original tunes of Groove Tangent, haven't you? It's the 'Watt to the rescue! This Thursday, join the band for a Redcoat Band benefit that's sure to be tons of fun!

Fri, Nov 11: White Violet @ 9 PM @ 40 Watt
You won't be able to get enough of the solid, soft rock tunes of White Violet. Don't miss them over at the 40 Watt!

Sat, Nov 12: Powerkompany & Gold Party @ 9 PM @ 40 Watt
The sweet, ethereal melodies of Powerkompany join with the awesome electronic indie sound of the Gold Party to create yet another amazing lineup!

Thu, Nov 17: Perpetual Groove @ 8 PM @ WUOG
Headliners of last year's Athfest, you can catch this band at WUOG and then on the Georgia Theatre stage the very next day!

Thu, Nov 17: Gift Horse @ 9 PM @ 40 Watt
Soft, dark rock complete with artsy projections is Gift Horse's way. Enjoy!

Thu, Nov 17: Sam Sniper @ 9:30 PM @ Caledonia
One of my current Athens favorites, Sam Sniper's funky take on southern rock will blow your mind. Head on over to the Caledonia to catch these guys in action!

Sat, Nov 26: Easter Island @ 9 PM @ Caledonia
When you return from your celebrations of food and family, Easter Island will be taking the Caledonia stage to serve up some rhythmic, soft rock melodies. Perfect!

What a November this will be! If you know of another rockin' Athens show that isn't on the list, comment below and tell the world all about it. Also, don't forget to check back often to see what new shows are added to the list throughout the month. Catch ya at the shows!

Athfest 2011: Easter Island and Oryx & Crake start things off

Friday, June 24th, 2011

Easter Island & Oryx and Crake

Late Friday afternoon, I headed downtown through the waning heat, positively brimming with excitement and ready to bask in the awesome tunes of this year's Athfest. Local 5-piece band Easter Island was the first to rule the main stage with their uplifting take on soft, melodic rock. The inspiring power of their rhythmic drumming had a cohesive strength that molded and guided each of their songs, and their smooth and sweet vocals lent an airy yet driven feel to the tunes. Truly, Easter Island was a wonderful way to begin the festival.

Then, just before it was time to head over to the Hull Street stage for Oryx & Crake, I was summoned over to the backstage area and asked, to my great surprise, if I would introduce one of the bands playing later that weekend. Being the generally shy creature that I am, it took a bit of convincing, but finally I agreed to announce Lingo on Sunday morning. Then my pals - who had managed to sneak up behind me while I was absorbed in the set - hightailed it over to the Hull Street stage with me, just a block away. I've got to take this chance commend those who set up Athfest this year for switching the layout back to what it was during Athfest 2009 where the Kidsfest area owned the street between Hull and Lumpkin, and the main stage and second stage were easily accessible from one another. I've also got to give a virtual pat on the back to the person who decided to alternate sets between the stages instead of having two bands play longer sets at the same time forcing us, the fans, to choose which amazing band to see.

Up and coming Atlanta band Oryx & Crake were just setting up as we arrived, so we took seats near the front in anticipation of the tunes. I've been lucky enough to see this band before, way back in November, and their soft, indie psych rock was just as I'd remembered it. Cello, keys, acoustic guitar, and drums blended to create such a beautifully unique style of melody! As dark clouds rolled in above us, and thunder echoed in the distance, the band responded in turn, drumming with a power that sounded just like nature's own rhythm. Then the wind picked up, cooling off the crowd as one of the members of the band whipped out a musical saw. Too cool! Only moments later, though, Oryx & Crake's very first Athfest set ended, just before a scattering of raindrops began to fall. Athfest 2011 was certainly off to a great start, but with these dubious weather conditions, would our time on the scene be cut short?

For all of our massive coverage of Athfest 2011, 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, get ready for show footage and Athfest vlogs coming soon to the Echoreyn of Athens YouTube channel as well!