Kristen's Concert Picks: You'll go mad for February's tunes!

Ah February!  It's the month of love, change, and unpredictable weather... well, at least in Athens.  Let's jump into the music, and make the most of it!

Thu, February 7: Sean VanMeter@ 7 PM @ Melting Point

Rock your Mardi Gras style at this tribute to New Orleans piano greats, featuring the young and amazingly talented Sean VanMeter!

 Fri, February 8: Tealvox @ 10 PM @ Caledonia Lounge
Longtime blog favorites Tealvox will be taking over the Caledonia with their awesome alt rock sound.  Catch 'em on the 8th!

Sat, February 9: Betsy Franck @ 8 PM @ 40 Watt

I'll never cease to be impressed by Betsy Franck's strong southern vocals.  You won't want to miss her set!

Sat, February 9: Chris McKay @ 9 PM @ Flicker Theatre

You've heard and rocked out to the Critical Darlings, but this time the man's going solo.  Head on over to Flicker and get yourself ready for Chris McKay's awesome sound!

Tue, February 12: Grass Giraffes @ TBA PM @ Caledonia Lounge

Ready for some fun?  You'll go wild for the Grass Giraffes' brand of indie rock!

Wed, February 13: Brothers @ 11 PM @ Farm255

Brother's unique sound is the lovechild of indie pop and classic rock.  You've gotta check them out!

 Thu, February 14: The Powder Room @ 10 PM @ 40 Watt

Go hardcore on Valentine's Day with the incredible explosive noise of the Powder Room!

 Fri, February 15: Sister Hazel @ 8 PM @ Georgia Theatre

Big name rockers Sister Hazel returns to Athens this month to bring joy to your ears.  Buy your tickets early for this one!

 Fri, February 15: Bit Brigade @ 10 PM @ Caledonia Lounge

If you're craving an experience like no other and you miss the games of your childhood, then Bit Brigade is your band!  Join them for a rousing rock n' play session as you delve into a pre-digital world.

 Sat, February 16: Emily Hearn @ 8 PM @ 40 Watt

You'll fall head over heels for the lilting sweetness of Emily Hearn.  This singer/songwriter is one of my absolute favorites from last year's Athfest!

 Sat, February 16: White Violet and Thayer Sarrano @ 10 PM @ Caledonia Lounge

The soft rock of White Violet joins with the sweet speech-like vocals of Thayer Sarrano to form an awesome lineup.  What a combination!  

Mon, February 18: Bertis Downs Conversation @ 4 PM @ Caledonia Lounge

Now this one's no show, but if you're a fan of R.E.M., you're definitely want to check out this talk given by their manager Bertis Downs.  With them through their whole 30-year career, he's sure to have some amazing stories to tell!

This is certainly going to be quite a month of shows!  As always, if you've heard of another local lineup that you love hitting the stage this month, tell everyone about it in the comments.  Hope you all have an incredible February!

Kristen's Concert Picks: Get ready for a rad September!

September has already rocked its way into our lives, but this tune-filled month certainly isn't finished with us yet!  The music awaits you...

Fri, September 7: Saint Francis & The Breaks @ 8 PM @ New Earth Music Hall

I caught both of these rockin' southern style bands for the first time at this year's Athfest.  See 'em for yourself over at New Earth!

Mon, September 10: Yo Soybean @ 9:30 PM @ Caledonia Lounge 

Craving a different sort of southern rock?  Then Yo Soybean's your band!

Tue, September 11: Turf War @ 9:30 PM @ Caledonia Lounge

You'll just love Turf War's fun rock sound!

Fri, September 14: Betsy Kingston and the Crowns @ 9 PM @ 40 Watt

You haven't seen passion until you've caught Betsy Kingston and the Crowns in action!  Get yourself to this show!

Sat, September 15: The Orkids @ 9 PM @ 40 Watt

The Orkids are back!  You know you've been dying for another taste of their upbeat pop sound.  Don't miss this blog favorite over at the 40 Watt!

Sat, September 15: Cicada Rhythm @ 11:30 PM @ Farm 255

Cicada Rhythm's folk vocals have a unique lilt that you'll just love!

Mon, September 17: Thayer Sarrano @ 9 PM @ Caledonia Lounge 

You've never heard anything like Thayer Sarrano's sweet speech-style vocals.  Bask in her awesome sound!

Thu, September 20: Ruby Kendrick @ 10 PM @ Caledonia Lounge

Ruby Kendrick always serves up some sweet pop rock melodies.  See her at the Caledonia Lounge!

Fri, September 21: Viking Progress @ 10 PM @ Caledonia Lounge

These indie rockers bring their sound to a whole new level with some wild acoustic distortion.  Excellent!

Sat, September 29: Grass Giraffes @ 9:30 PM @ Caledonia Lounge

Ready to end the month with some insane fun?  Head on over to the Caledonia for a nice, heaping dose of Grass Giraffes!

Wow, what a month this will be!  If you're eagerly awaiting any other awesome local shows, let the world know about 'em in the comments below.  Happy listening, everyone!

Kristen's Concert Picks: August rocks the fans back to Athens!

You feel a strange yearning coming over you. The soft winds of August are urging you back into the Athens town.  The rock awaits you!

Thu, August 2: Manray @ 10 PM @ Caledonia Lounge

Get your fill of noise rock with Manray.  This town just can't get enough of these guys!

Thu, August 2: Yo Soybean @ 11 PM @ Farm 255

Need some solid southern rock in your life?  Of course you do!  Yo Soybean is bringing it to Farm 255 at the beginning of the month.

Fri, August 3: Boycycle @ 9 PM @ Flicker Theatre

Boycycle, the undefinable but undeniably awesome band we caught at Athfest this year, will be releasing a brand new album this Friday. You won't want to miss this show!

Sat, August 4: Viking Progress @ 10 PM @ Caledonia Lounge

You'll love the distorted acoustic rock of Viking Progress, for sure!

Wed, August 8: Indie Songwriter Summit @ 7:30 PM @ Melting Point

Relish in the talents of singer/songwriters Marie from Powerkompany/Venice is Sinking, Jay from Modern Skirts, Patrick from the Viking Progress, and more as they play the crowd into the inception of some of their most delectable songs.  This one's going to be quite a show!

Wed, August 8: Betsy Kingston and the Crowns @ 9 PM @ Georgia Theatre rooftop

These guys are the physical manifestation of passion.  Get sucked into their incredible southern rock!

Fri, August 10: Brothers & Dead Confederate @ 10 PM @ 40 Watt

Brothers mixes it up with an indie pop take on classic rock while Dead Confederate knows how to serve up some amazing soft southern rock.  Catch 'em both over at the 40 Watt!

Sat, August 11: Stokeswood @ 9 PM @ Georgia Theatre rooftop

I saw Stokeswood for the first time at this year's Athfest, and let me just say, I LOVE THIS BAND!  Don't miss your chance to catch these rockers in action.

Sat, August 11: Sam Sniper @ 9 PM @ 40 Watt

Are you a fan of southern rock?  Well, then, you need to get yourself to the 40 Watt for the unique and quality stylings of Sam Sniper!

Sat, August 11: Tealvox @ 9:30 PM @ Caledonia Lounge

Wow, this weekend's tunes are almost too spectacular to be believed.  For some of the best rock in town, you'll want to make your way to the Caledonia where Tealvox will be ruling the stage.

Mon August 13: Adron & Little Tybee @ 8 PM @ Melting Point

A free show over at the Melting Point featuring the massively talented singer Adron and the tunes of Little Tybee?  Sign me up!

Thu, August 23: Thayer Sarrano @ 8 PM @ WUOG 90.5FM 

I always revel in the unique, and Thayer Sarrano certainly sings her way into this category with her spoken melody.  Listen to her live in the radio station lobby or tune into 90.5 to hear her over the airwaves!

Sat, August 25: Cicada Rhythm @ 8 PM @ Georgia Theatre

Cicada Rhythm's lilting folk sound will fill your soul with joy.  See 'em over at the Georgia Theatre!

Tue, August 28: Grass Giraffes & Abandon the Earth Mission @ 11 PM @ Georgia Theatre rooftop

Get ready to enjoy yourself with Grass Giraffes' brand of indie rock and the ethereal style of Abandon the Earth Mission!

Wed, August 29: Emily Hearn @ 8 PM @ Melting Point

One of the best singers I've heard in years, Emily Hearn is definitely a musician you'll want to hear!  I was just blown away by her sweet voice at Athfest this year.

Wow, looks like Athens has got some incredible tunes in store for us this August! Pumped for any other local shows this month?  Leave a comment below and tell us all about them.  Have an awesome month, my friends!  

Kristen's Concert Picks: July's tunes keep it cool

For optimal viewing of these picks on a mobile device, click here!

Is all of this intense heat getting you down? Let these rockin' tunes cheer you up!

Wed, July 4: The Skipperdees @ 5 PM @ Athens Farmer's Market

These girls infuse their southern folk with heart and soul. Celebrate the Fourth of July with the Skipperdees!

Thu, July 5: Qurious @ 9:30 PM @ Caledonia Lounge

Ready for an almost mystical experience?  Playing with Thick Paint, Reptar singer Graham's DJ act, Qurious is sure to deliver the insanity!

Thu, July 5: Cicada Rhythm @ 10 PM @ Georgia Theatre rooftop

You'll love Cicada Rhythm's blend of unique folk voices!  Catch 'em up on the Georgia Theatre rooftop.

Thu, July 5: Showtime with Lowdive @ 10 PM @ Max

If you're craving some awesome hip hop and rap, look no further than this year's Flagpole Award winner Showtime with their pals Lowdive rocking it out along with them! 

Fri, July 6: Thayer Sarrano @ 9:30 PM @ Caledonia Lounge

I caught Thayer Sarrano at this year's Athfest, and she's got a sweetness in her voice that makes her certainly worth a listen!

Sat, July 7: Tealvox @ 9 PM @ 40 Watt

Tealvox is the definition of pure, incredible rock.  Trust me, you'll want to be at this show!

Thu, July 12: Betsy Franck & the Bare Knuckle band @ 9 PM @ Georgia Theatre

Let Betsy Franck's strong, soulful voice inspire you!

Sat, July 14: The Viking Progress @ 8 PM @ 40 Watt

What a lineup! With the acoustic distortion of the Viking Progress along with solid rockers Easter Island and John French & the Bastilles, this will be a show to remember!

Thu, July 19: Sam Sniper @ 10 PM @ Georgia Theatre rooftop

Southern tunes with a unique rock flavor, Sam Sniper has long been one of my favorites.  Be sure to get a taste of their tunes!

Thu-Sat, July 19-21: Slopfest @ 7 PM @ Little Kings Shuffle Club

Are you ready for another spectacular music festival?  Catch a bunch of your favorites from Athfest and many more including Bambara, Life Coach, and the much buzzed about Manray at this three day fest!  Don't forget to make the most of this wild lineup with a multiday wristband bought at the door.

Fri, July 20: White Violet @ 7:30 PM @ Georgia Theatre

Is soft rock what you crave? White Violet is pure quality sound!

Fri, July 20: The Athens Band @ 8 PM @ 40 Watt

Youth rockers take it old school with a sound that's miles beyond their years.  Always a sight to see!

Fri, July 20: Grinnin Bear @ 10 PM @ Caledonia Lounge

In the mood to enjoy yourself with some awesome folk tunes?  The members of Grinnin Bear don't take themselves too seriously, but I can promise that you'll just love them!

Fri, July 27: Grass Giraffes @ 10 PM @ Caledonia Lounge

These guys are way too much fun.  Don't miss their set!

Tue, July 31: Reptar DJ Set @ 11 PM @ Georgia Theatre rooftop

Dying to hang with the members of Reptar? End the month with them, and dance it up to their DJayed tunes!


Looks like July's going to be extremely exciting!  Know of any other shows you think everyone should see?  Comment below, and give us all the details.  And have a good one, you guys. See ya around town!

Athfest 2012: the always wild Flagpole Awards!

Thursday, June 21st, 2012 

Flagpole Athens Music Awards show

Dancing bananas?  Waving octopus arms?  Clowns throwing glow sticks?  No, you're not having a bad trip... it's the Flagpole Athens Music Awards 2012!

We've come to expect all sorts of ridiculous shenanigans at the Flagpole Awards ceremony every year, and this year's show was certainly no exception.

Traveling by time machine to get to the Morton Theatre, the wildly costumed band Like Totally kicked off the night with a short set of quirky tunes and enough glow bracelets for everyone in the crowd.  And that was only the beginning. Truly, the night was rife with classic Athens madness!  Hope for Agoldensummer accepted a win for Best Folk Group via speakerphone, presenter Jeff Tobias had an unnamed assistant give his speech for him, and Reptar insisted on Texas two-stepping across the stage to collect their second award of the night for Best Live Band.  Pure, beautiful insanity!

And the night got even more ridiculous from there.  Between house band and multiyear Best Jazz Band winners Kenosha Kid's pitch perfect covers of hits from every award winner to the impromptu rap performance and Humpty Hump dance from presenter/WUOG DJ Akeeme Martin, the show had me smiling from beginning to end.  I just loved having a small second taste of the sounds from indie rockers Viking Progress and masters of fun the Grass Giraffes, and I certainly enjoyed Cicada Rhythm's soft lilting folk vocals as well.  And the Sprocket's music video and audience choice winning videos?  Hilarious and awesomely made!

Undoubtably, one of the coolest parts of the night, though, was musician Kishi Bashi's incredible and fascinating performance!  Like an art installation for the eardrums, he created unique and complex melodies with just his voice and a violin, melodies that left the audience enthralled and in utter awe.  What an experience!  It was really no surprise that some guy yelled out, "Holy shit!" just before the audience got up to give Kishi Bashi a well-deserved standing ovation.  Indeed, the whole crowd, led by the show's host, joined together for a collective "holy shit" after that set!

And then, once Flagpole editor Michelle Gilzenrat Davis had introduced her successor Gabe Vodicka with a series of amusing quips and the band the District Attorneys had swept the awards including Band of Year, the Flagpole Athens Music Awards 2012 came to an end.

But, of course our first night of Athfest wouldn't be complete without the 40 Watt Kickoff Party!  White Violet, a band I've loved since the first time I saw them and who seem to just get more and more incredible as time goes on, were finishing up their set as I stepped in the door.  Then Texas act Buxton jumped onstage to give us a bit of their awesome southern rock before it was time to go home and rest up for the first official day of Athfest 2012!

For all of our massive coverage of Athfest 2012, 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! Also, for a complete list of winners of the Flagpole Athens Music Awards 2012, check out the AMJ blog!