Kristen's Band Picks: Active Favorites Edition

Wondering what bands you've just got to catch in action this year?  Who's still rocking' stages around town and where can you find them? Here at Echoreyn of Athens, we decided to do something a little different this time around.  Presenting our local active band favorites!

Band: The Athens Band
Status: Active
Usually plays at: various venues
Description: These guys started out as some of the youngest rockers around town, but they've long since come into their own with a sound that hearkens back to classic hard rock and sets full of quality original tunes!

Band: Bambara
Status: Active
Usually plays at: the Caledonia Lounge
Description: They may live in New York now, but these melodic noise rockers always stop by Athens once or twice a year to blast our ears with their intense, eardrum exploding sound!

Band: Chris McKay
Status: Varies
Usually plays at: various venues
Description: Chris McKay's band the Critical Darlings inspired me to create this blog years ago with their energetic show and classic soft rock sound.  Since then, Chris has been a part of many local bands, including popular Beatles cover band Abbey Road Live.  No matter the venture, Chris McKay always creates quality music!

Band: Doctor Squid
Status: Plays at Squidmas
Usually plays at: various venues
Description: With a sound chock full of happiness and shows that are fantastically fun, Doctor Squid has remained a longtime favorite.  Best known for their festive Squidmas shows, their pop rock sound is positively infectious!

Band: Dangfly!
Status: Active
Usually plays at: various venues
Description: Dangfly! rocks every show with their dance-inducing folk style, infused with a gleeful mix of trumpet and fiddle.

Band: Efren
Status: Active
Usually plays at: various venues
Description: Gritty folk at its best, Efren's sound holds within in it the strength and sorrow of a full life lived.

Band: Emily Hearn
Status: Active
Usually plays at: various venues
Description: If you haven't heard her sing yet, you'll fall in love with Emily Hearn's unbelievably sweet voice the moment you hear her first note. Her sound will blow you away!

Band: Feather Trade
Status: Active
Usually plays at: Go Bar
Description: Bright lights intermix with Feather Trade's dark alt-rock style tunes to create a fully immersive rock experience!

Band: Kenosha Kid
Status: Active
Usually plays at: Hendershots
Description: If jazz is your thing, Kenosha Kid is the band for you!  Voted best jazz band in town year after year, these guys infuse their sound with style and a sense of fun.

Band:  Lera Lynn
Status: Active
Usually plays at: various venues
Description: Lera Lynn's strong, quality melodies and her band's twangy style always make for an awesome show!

Band: Sam Sniper
Status: Active
Usually plays at: various venues
Description: Unique southern rock with a touch of folk and a sense of humor, Sam Sniper's got it all.  Don't miss your chance to dance along with the crowd and rock out to their tunes!

Band: Seven Handle Circus
Status: Active
Usually plays at: various venues
Description: Every Seven Handle Circus show is a fun, one-of-a-kind experience.  Be sure to check out their bouncy, upbeat folk tunes!

Band: The Skipperdees
Status: Active
Usually plays at: various venues
Description: These talented twin folk singers serve up some of the best folk tunes around. You'll just love their soft, tangy sound!

Band:  Thayer Sarrano
Status: Active
Usually plays at: various venues
Description: Nothing can match up to Thayer Sarrano's sweet spoken word style melodies!

Band: The Warm Fuzzies

Status: Active

Usually plays at: various venues

Description: Take a step outside of the norm with the fun, indie style of the Warm Fuzzies! 

Band: Yip Deceiver
Status: Active
Usually plays at: the Georgia Theatre
Description: Nobody throws a party like Yip Deceiver.  Get ready to go wild and have fun!

Be sure to click the links above to visit each band's Facebook page and to find out about all of their upcoming shows!  Looking forward to a particular local show happening soon?  Share the details with the world in the comments below.   See ya around town, my friends!

Athfest 2013: A stormy but awesome grand finale with Lera Lynn and Dangfly!

Sunday, June 23rd, 2013 
 Lera Lynn
Dangfly!

Going to Athfest Sunday every year is like savoring a few sweet bites of dessert after a very filling meal.  That afternoon, I headed downtown to catch a couple bands I knew would not disappoint.  The first, Dangfly!, I had discovered during my forays into the thick internet jungle of local band websites, and I knew after sampling their online tunes that this band was one I just had to see.  Their quality rock entered my ears as I stepped over to the Hull Street Stage.  Fiddle and trumpet sounds soon joined the mix, and I've gotta say, I was just loving it!  Not much later, Betsy Franck, a singer whose powerful voice I've raved about ever since my first Athfest, stepped up to play a tune with the band.  What a combination!  The crowd, too, was fully enjoying the show, and one little girl up front was even air guitaring to the songs as if her life depended on it.  It was all just so good!

Heading back down to the Pulaski Stage, I weaved my way through the Sunday afternoon Athfest-goers, most of whom seemed to be with their families.  It's so awesome to see all these kids growing up with live music!  Seating myself in the shaded wristband area beside the stage, I saw a bit of Bloodkin's southern rock set and just had to smile as I watched one guy in the crowd dancing exuberantly to the music.

A while later, it was time for yet another musician I've heard and loved during Athfests past, Lera Lynn!  This singer always knows how to rock, and her strength of tune knows no bounds. Although I was totally pumped to see her, I couldn't help but experience a bit of trepidation as storm clouds rolled in overhead.  People who've been on the scene for a couple of years will remember that the last time she played Pulaski Stage, her tunes were punctuated by a lighting strike that hit a local restaurant just a few yards away.  Sure enough, it soon began to rain on her Athfest 2013 set, but nothing could stop her band this time around.  Wind rustled through her hair like it was meant to happen as the band rocked through the storm, the pattering rain melding beautifully with their sweet, twangy sound.  Despite the raindrops, the crowd refused to seek shelter, not willing to miss a second of their tunes.  Cheering on the crowd for being such incredible fans, Lera Lynn declared "you guys deserve some whiskey" as she and the band launched into the second half of their set. And wow, their songs just kept getting better and better.  No one has a voice like hers!  As the rain slowly eased away, members of the crowd began to groove.  Among them, a couple beside the stage started swing dancing and a little girl wearing pink headphones and holding a banana, went spinning across the sidewalk in time with the music.  Young and old alike, the people of Athens weren't going to let a little thing like rain stop them from basking in the beauty and joy of Lera Lynn's set.

It was truly a perfect finish for Athfest 2013!

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'll be able to check out our show footage and Athfest vlogs up on the Echoreyn of Athens YouTube channel as well!

Kristen's Concert Picks: April rocks its way in!

As the weather gets warmer, the shows get even more insane.  End your semester with these rockin' lineups!

Thu, April 4: Efren @ 7:00 PM @ The World Famous

Gritty Americana at its best, you'll want to start off your month with Efren!

Thu, April 4: Lazer/Wulf @ 9:30 PM @ Caledonia Lounge
Lazer/Wulf's melodic noise will drive you wild!

Fri, April 5: Modern Skirts @ 8:00 PM @ 40 Watt

An era in Athens music is coming to an end.  Don't miss the Modern Skirts' final 40 Watt show!

Sat, April 6: Brothers & Thayer Sarrano @ 9:30 PM @ Caledonia Lounge

With Brothers' indie take on a classic rock sound and Thayer Sarrano's one-of-a-kind singing style, this is a lineup you'll definitely want to catch!

Sun, April 7: Kyshona Armstrong @ 8:00 PM @ Hendershots

A weekly staple at Hendershots, Kyshona Armstrong's soulful sound will blow you away!

Wed, April 10: Adron @ 8:00 PM @ The World Famous

Adron's incredible voice dances delightfully through her band's fresh indie rock sound. Be sure to check them out at the World Famous!

Thu, April 11: The Peaks @ 8:00 PM @ The World Famous

One of my longtime favorites on the scene, The Peaks (formerly Tigerbird) will be taking the stage to share their jazzy folk sound with us.  Opening for Kite to the Moon, you've just got to see this show!

Thu, April 11: Betsy Kingston and the Crowns @ 8:00 PM @ 40 Watt

I still remember Betsy Kingston's powerful voice from last Athfest.  Catch Betsy and the rockin' Crowns at the 40 Watt!

Fri, April 12: Sam Sniper @ 11:00 PM @ Green Room

Another one of my Athens favorites, Sam Sniper's unique take on southern rock is one to hear!

Tue, April 16: Yip Deceiver @ 9:00 PM @ New Earth Music Hall

I can't see a Yip Deceiver show without dancing.  It's just not possible.  Get your groove on with them in the middle of the month!

Thu, April 18: Groove Tangent @ 9:00 PM @ Caledonia Lounge

I've been following this band's sound since the beginning.  Their time-travelling style will have you rocking through history!

Fri, April 19: Kishi Bashi @ 8:00 PM @ The World Famous

If you think that violin-playing can't be exciting, you've clearly never seen Kishi Bashi in action!  His amazing talent will leave you breathless.

Sat, April 20: Dead Confederate @ 9:00 PM @ 40 Watt

Gritty southern rock tinged with darkness, Dead Confederate always puts on a great show!

Sat, April 27: Lera Lynn @ 10:00 PM @ Georgia Theatre

Part of our town's Twilight Americana festival, Lera Lynn will headline Georgia Theatre's Saturday show with her strong and undeniably awesome rock sound!

Sun, April 28: John French and the Bastilles @ 7:00 PM @ Melting Point

Celebrate the final night of the Twilight Americana festival with the dark southern rock style of John French and the Bastilles!

Looks like this April's going to be a wild one.  Heard of any other awesome local shows happening this month?  Comment below, and tell the world about 'em.  See you around, my friends!

Kristen's Concert Picks: March's shows will blow you away!

March breezes its way in, bearing gifts in the form of some absolutely incredible lineups and shows.  

Fri, March 1: Abbey Road Live! @ 8:00 PM @ Georgia Theatre
Are you a fan of the Beatles?  Well, then, kick off your month with the best Beatles cover band in town, Abbey Road Live!  This show will feature the always awesome Chris McKay as well, so be sure not to miss it!

Fri, March 1: Of Montreal, Yip Deceiver @ 9:00 PM @ 40 Watt
If you're in the mood for fun, this is the show for you.  With both Of Montreal and Yip Deceiver on the bill, you're guaranteed an insane, dance-filled celebration!

Sat, March 2: Efren @10:00 PM @ Green Room
Efren's gritty southern sound speaks volumes.  Catch his show at the newly redone Green Room!

Mon, March 4: The Skipperdees @ 10:00 PM @ Flicker Theatre
These girls have such talent!  Their brand of twangy folk is certain to put a smile on your face.

Wed, March 6: Ruby the Rabbitfoot @ 8:00 PM @ Georgia Theatre
Some of Athens' best, including the sweet Ruby the Rabbitfoot, will be taking the stage on the sixth to play one last big show before they all make their way to Texas for SXSW!

Wed, March 6: Little Tybee, Adron @ 8:00 PM @ Melting Point
Don't miss Little Tybee's CD release party at the Melting Point featuring the unique, indie rock of singer Adron!

Thu, March 7: Brothers @ 8:00 PM @ WUOG
From classic sounds to indie style tunes, this band's got it all!  Hear them on the radio at WUOG 90.5 FM or see 'em live at UGA's Tate Center in the WUOG station headquarters.

Thu, March 7: Sam Sniper @ 11:00 PM @ Farm255
Southern rock with a side of fun, Sam Sniper show is one to see!  Get yourself to Farm255 on the 7th.

Fri, March 8: Lera Lynn @ 8:00 PM @ The World Famous
Powerful rock and an incredible voice make every Lera Lynn show an amazing experience!  And be sure to check out her new PledeMusic campaign as well.  Let's make sure we keep the great tunes coming our way!

Fri, March 8: Feather Trade @ 9:00 PM @ Flicker Theatre
Misfortune500's newest incarnation, Feather Trade's got a deliciously dark, alt rock sound you're sure to love!

Fri, March 15: Madeline @ 8:00 PM @ The World Famous
A touch of darkness makes Madeline's melodies a great listen every time!

Fri, March 15: Viking Progress @ 11:30 PM @ Farm255
Check out Viking Progress's unique distorted sound over at Farm255 in the middle of the month!

Wed, March 20: Dangerous Ponies @ 11:00 PM @ Farm255
What are Philadelphia's Dangerous Ponies like?  Indie pop goes old-school with tunes that are sure to make you dance.  Pure beauty!

Fri, March 22: Bambara, Manray, Powder Room @ 9:30 PM @ Caledonia Lounge
Our favorite New York imports from our own town join some of the best wild local rockers on the scene. Bambara's noise rock will leave your ears screaming in ecstasy while Manray and the Powder Room will blast you into nonbeing with their sound.  What a lineup this is! 

Sat, March 30: Meat Puppets @ 9:00 PM @ 40 Watt
The nineties rock legends, Meat Puppets, return to the 40 Watt again to drive everyone nuts.  I saw them take the stage a few years ago, and I've never forgotten it!

Wow, what a month we've got in store for us!  There's no doubt about it... March is going to be awesome!  Know of any other rockin' local shows happening this month?  Comment below, and let the world know about them.  See ya downtown, 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: December's tunes light up the night

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

Whispers of snowfall swirl through the cold air as the final month of the year dawns on us.  December comes to Athens bearing gifts in the form of tons of incredible shows.  Enjoy!

Fri, Dec 2: Yo Soybean @ 10:30 PM @ Farm 255

If irreverent southern rock is your style, you'll definitely want to start off your month with Yo Soybean over at Farm 255!

Sat, Dec 3: Athens @ 8 PM @ Bad Manor

There's no doubt about it, the Athens band's pure rock style will leave you in awe.  Don't miss their sure-to-be awesome show at Bad Manor!

Mon, Dec 5: SQUIDMAS @ 8 PM @ Melting Point

It's a Squidmas miracle, you guys!  An incredible lineup of three of our blog favorites - Doctor Squid, the Warm Fuzzies, and Groove Tangent - will be rocking the Melting Point stage this year in celebration of the fourth annual Squidmas.  Plus, Doctor Squid will be releasing their latest album Changes the Channel at the show!  Trust me, you'll want to be there!

Tues, Dec 6: Groove Tangent @ 9 PM @ Caledonia Lounge
Craving even more Groove Tangent?  They'll be sharing their sweet 50s style with the crowd at Caledonia the day after Squidmas!

Tues, Dec 6: Futurebirds @ 8 PM @ 40 Watt

This one's for anybody who loves southern rock.  Headliners of this year's Athfest, the Futurebirds return to rock the 40 Watt early in the month!  Then they take the stage again at the Georgia Theatre on the 30th!

Fri, Dec 9: Modern Skirts & Lera Lynn @ 8 PM @ Georgia Theatre

This show's got some of Athens' best!  Don't miss powerful singer Lera Lynn as she joins pop rockers Modern Skirts and Easter Island for a show that is guaranteed to be memorable!

Sat, Dec 10: Manray & Lazer/Wulf @ 9:30 PM @ Caledonia Lounge

Hard and darkly melodic noise rock will rule the night as Manray and Lazer/Wulf take the Caledonia!

Sat, Dec 10: Venice Is Sinking @ 9 PM @ 40 Watt

It's time for another helping of soft and sweet tunes from Venice Is Sinking.  Can't wait!

Fri, Dec 16: Abbey Road Live @ 9 PM @ Melting Point

Beatles fans rejoice!  Abbey Road Live is back to give you all your favorite covers in the middle of the month.

Sat, Dec 31: The Whigs @ 9 PM @ 40 Watt

These local rockers have made quite a name for themselves, and now they're back to ring in the new year with style!

Sat, Dec 31: Reptar @ 8 PM @ Georgia Theatre

Want an absolutely insane New Year's Eve?  Well, then, you'll want to head on over to the Georgia Theatre bash featuring one of Athens' wildest bands, Reptar!  Be sure to buy your tickets early for this one!

Wow, that looks like quite a December!  As always, check back often for even more can't-miss shows as the month progresses, and be sure to let the world know about any other great upcoming concerts in the comments below.  Happy winter, you guys!

Kristen's Concert Picks: September is full of incredible tunes!

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

The Athens music scene is back in full force for the month of September! Tons of our local favorites are taking stages all over town to rock the tunes we've been dying to hear. Get ready for a spectacular list of shows!

Thurs, Sept 1: Of Montreal @ 8 PM @ Georgia Theatre

What a way to kick off September! Of Montreal will be bringing their pop music circus of insanity to the Georgia Theatre stage for the first time since it reopened at the beginning of this month. Oh, the feather, the glitter, the spaghetti... I can't wait to see what unforgettable things they'll do this time!

Sat, Sept 3: Tealvox @ 9:30 PM @ Caledonia
Purely awesome rock is Tealvox's way. Don't miss them over at the Caledonia on the first Saturday of the month!

Sat, Sept 3: Modern Skirts @ 9:30 PM @ 40 Watt
It's the Modern Skirts, back to rock for us again! Longtime fan favorites of the scene, if you haven't caught them in action yet, you just need to head on over to the 40 Watt this Saturday.

Sat, Sept 3: Ye Olde Sub Shoppe @ 8:30 PM @ Flicker Theater
Craving a hilariously surreal experience? You will hardly believe the madness that is Ye Olde Sub Shoppe, I can promise you that!

Sat, Sept 3: The Corduroy Road @ 8 PM @ Georgia Theatre

Another free show at the Georgia Theatre? YES! Right after the UGA/Boise State football game, the Theatre will treat us to a show featuring Americana band the Corduroy Road with appearances from members of Packway Handle Band, Efren, Klezmer Local 42, and more. Wow, this is going to be exciting!

Sun, Sept 4: Grogus @ 8 PM @ Georgia Theatre
Love grooving to a latin beat? Grogus will have you dancing in no time over at the Theatre. Too much fun!

Tuesdays in Sept: Kenosha Kid @ 8 PM @ Highwire Lounge
Continuing their residency at the Highwire Lounge, one of the best jazz bands in Athens, Kenosha Kid, will be playing every Tuesday night in September. So many chances to catch them! Brilliant.

Thurs, Sept 8: Green Gerry @ 10 PM @ Little Kings
The unique sound of Green Gerry's indie rock left me craving more after this year's Athfest. Don't miss his set at Little Kings!

Fri, Sept 9: Futurebirds @ 8 PM @ Georgia Theatre
Headliners of Athfest 2011, southern rockers Futurebirds are on their way up! Check 'em out on the Georgia Theatre stage.

Fri, Sept 9: Lazer/Wulf @ 10 PM @ New Earth Music Hall
Largely instrumental metal tunes characterize Lazer/Wulf's sound. Gotta love their all-encompassing style!

Sat, Sept 17: The Orkids @ 10 PM @ Melting Point
One of my absolute favorites in the Athens scene, the Orkids are giving our town another taste of their infectious pop rock tunes. Get ready to go wild!

Tues, Sept 20: Madeline @ 8:30 PM @ Flicker Theater
Soft dark rock is Madeline's forte, and Flicker is the perfect place to enjoy her sound!

Tues, Sept 27: Come What May @ 7:30 PM @ Caledonia
Looking for something a bit more hardcore? Then Come What May is your band. Their indie rock style and explosive energy will combine to give you an awesome show!

Sat, Sept 30: Lera Lynn & Ruby Kendrick @ 9 PM @ 40 Watt
Powerful vocals and beautiful melodies will engulf you as you end your month at the 40 Watt with Lera Lynn and Ruby Kendrik!

Wow, this month is going to be wild! Have a bit of insider knowledge about another awesome show that you want to share with the world? Be sure to post about it in the comments! Also, remember to check back often to see if we've added any more can't-miss shows to the list. Have an incredible September, my pals!

Athfest 2011: Videos!

Do you want to relive the fun and the tunes of Athfest? Did you miss out on some of the action? Well, up on the Echoreyn of Athens YouTube channel, we've got 14 videos of song footage from Athfest 2011 as well as tons of videos from past Athfests and other rockin' shows! Some of our very favorites from this year's festival are below.

Lera Lynn plays Gasoline through the wind

The Athens band rocks their tune She'll Wait

The Orkids perform Social Heroin for a pumped crowd

Remember, you can check out all of the videos on our YouTube channel right here. Dying to see some pictures? We've got over 100 from this year's Athfest festivities up on our Facebook page as well.

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.

Athfest 2011: Lera Lynn vs. the lightning strike

Friday, June 24th, 2011

Lera Lynn

As the sky opened up and rain poured down upon the eager fans standing before the main stage, local singer-songwriter and this year's Flagpole Awards winner for Best Americana, Lera Lynn, began her set accompanied by a rockin' full band. The southern indie folk sound, led by her lovely powerful voice and a great beat, entranced the crowd as she played through the growing storm. Strong winds and the ever-approaching thunder became part of the set as it blended with her music almost seamlessly. The rain began to fall in torrents as lightning flashes illuminated the cloud-covered sky, but still we stayed to see this girl play. Then, in what is simultaneously my favorite moment from Athfest 2011 as well as the most overwhelmingly terrifying event I've witnessed in a while, the drummer lowered his drumstick towards the drum to create the final beat of a song when an insanely loud crack of thunder echoed through the air. For a moment, everyone froze in time, consumed by shock at Zeus's own contribution to Lera Lynn's tune... And then, the crowd ran for cover, utterly frightened but wildly energized by the experience.

Along with many of the fans, I huddled under the 40 Watt marquee, determined to keep all of my electronics dry as I watched the festival's volunteers rush to cover all of the amps and equipment on stage with plastic. It was not long before news came to us of the source of that inexplicable crash. Apparently, the roof of Trapeze, a bar right next to the Hull Street stage, was struck by lightning, sending bricks flying through the air. Mercifully, there was only one person who sustained minor injuries (so minor that they refused medical help) which is a miracle considering the thousands of people in the vicinity. We, the people of Athens, are indeed a lucky bunch!

Waiting for the sky to clear and hoping to avoid any more incidents with the vicious lightning, I remained by the door of the 40 Watt for quite a while as the Athfest volunteers began sweeping the water off the main stage to prepare for the next band. Turns out, my choice of location was just brilliant because, through the door, I had the chance to feed my ears a taste of 'Powers' incredible tunes as they did their soundcheck inside the venue. Tragically, I've never seen this band with my own two eyes yet, but now having heard their sound and having missed their unbelievable shows two Athfests in a row, they top my list of bands to catch in action as soon as I can! Finally, after what seemed like an hour but was probably not nearly that long, the storm ceased, leaving behind it the coolest temperatures we've had at Athfest in over three years. Making my way out of the cozy little alcove, I headed for the main stage, eager to find out just what would happen next!

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!

Athfest 2011: Putting the pole in the Flagpole Awards

Thursday, June 23rd, 2011

Flagpole Athens Music Awards show

Visualize the scene. Darkness falls over the Morton Theatre as people rush to find seats while an amusing animated video plays on the giant screen before them. As the video fades, two men walk onstage bearing an extremely large pole. The crowd waits in silence, anticipation flooding the room, while the men attach the pole to the stage and disappear. Moments later, the audience erupts in applause as two girls sporting our town's trademark colors of red and black leap onto the pole and spin, stripper-style, to kick off 2011's Flagpole Athens Music Awards show. Oh Athens, I would expect nothing less from you!

Following this wild display, our MC for the night, Luke Fields, took to the stage to give us his hilarious take on all things in the scene. Man, I hope he hosts every Flagpole Awards show from now on! It was truly comedy at its finest. And most awesomely, Kenosha Kid, the Flagpole Awards' resident house band and winners of Best Jazz Band two years running, was back to fill every gap in the show with their fun and upbeat tunes. These guys just never cease to be amazing!

Seated between my friends from WUOG, UGA's student-run radio station, and Jordan of Athens Music Junkie fame, I was in the prime spot to relish in the sheer music scene madness of the show, and I loved every minute of it. Highlights of the first half of the show included a few soft and sweet acoustic melodies from Ruby Kendrick, an adult puppet show featuring sock puppets that redefined the concept of "dirty socks," and a short set of ethereal ambient tunes from Abandon the Earth Mission who were truly at the top of their form for the Awards. Best of all, though, were the two winning music videos shown right before a short intermission, the Athens band's "Animals (Mama Said)" for Audience Choice Video and "The Fear" by Lovett for Best Music Video. Wow, were they incredible! Readers of the blog will have already seen the laugh-inducing "Animals," but the awe-inspiring video for "The Fear" flew completely under my radar until the show. If you haven't seen these videos yet, be sure to check them out now!

Then just after the intermission, a followup animated video detailing the hilarious misadventures of a touring band, courtesy of local comic masters Flick Skinny, ushered in the second half of the show. After the video ended and more winners were announced, the influx of music began once more. Between Timmy Tumble's summersault during the band's super loud indie rock set, Lera Lynn's taste of soft, folk-twinged tunes, and the Gold Party's wonderfully unique, rolling tunes infused with strength and accompanied by the members of Powerkompany, the ear-engaging section of the show was just brilliant!

Comedy was rife throughout the conclusion of the show as well, thanks to Matt Hudgins and His Shit Hot Country Band. From the awarding of Grossest Athens Beard to Matt Hudgins while another bearded individual looked on sadly to the announcement of Best Upstart Band as "It's Woodfangs, assholes" when the band didn't garner the appropriate amount of applause, the Shit Hot Country Band guys were just made for this kind of thing! I'm definitely not much of a country fan, but I'd see one of their shows just for their banter, that's for sure. Then, after a dig at Stomp & Stammer courtesy of our MC, the 2011 Flagpole Athens Music Awards were over. All in all, I'd consider this year's show a raging success! Representatives from all but one of the winning bands were in attendance to accept their awards this time around, and the show lived up to its insanity quotient in a big way.

Once the Awards ended, we finished out the night at the 40 Watt's official Award Show After Party featuring a lineup of bands from Houston thanks to New West Records. We caught the last few soft rock tunes from Buxton before dancing up a storm to the upbeat pop rock of fog-covered band Wild Moccasins. What an awesome way to kick off Athfest 2011!

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! Also, for a complete list of winners of the Flagpole Athens Music Awards 2011, check out the AMJ blog!