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: 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: 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: March will be a month to remember!

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On the tail of a stormy raincloud, March dances in, bringing us warmer temperatures and fresh, new tunes!

Thu, Mar 1: Tealvox @ 9 PM @ Georgia Theatre

There's no better way to kick off the month of March than with Tealvox's strong, quality rock. Catch them as the opening act on the Georgia Theatre stage!

Fri, Mar 2: Lera Lynn @ 8 PM @ Georgia Theatre

Lera Lynn's powerful vocals will captivate you from the start.  Best of all, she'll be releasing her new 7" vinyl and EP at this show, so you'll have a chance to get your hands on her latest tunes!

Fri, Mar 2: T. Hardy Morris & the Outfit @ 8 PM @ 40 Watt

The first time I saw T. Hardy Morris and the Outfit, their soft indie folk songs blew me away. Don't miss this one!

Fri, Mar 2: White Violet @ 10 PM @ Caledonia Lounge

You're sure to love White Violet's soft rock tunes, tinged with darkness!  Check 'em out at the Caledonia.

Sat, Mar 3: the Athens band and Showtime @ 8 PM @ Nuçi's Space

Our town can't get enough of the Athens band!  These young rockers will be sharing the stage at Nuçi's with rap act Showtime.  Nice!

Sat, Mar 3: Manray @ 10 PM @ Caledonia Lounge

Craving a bit of dark, noise rock?  Manray will satisfy your needs over at the Caledonia!

Mon, Mar 5: Little Tybee and Viking Progress @ 9:30 PM @ Caledonia Lounge

Little Tybee joins the Viking Progress at the Caledonia for a night of soft indie tunes and sweet melodies.  Quite a combination!

Wed, Mar 7: Tumbleweed Stampede @ 8 PM @ Georgia Theatre

Dance it up with Tumbleweed Stampede at the Georgia Theatre.  Looks like this show's going to be tons of fun!

Sat, Mar 10: Grogus @ 8 PM @ Georgia Theatre

Want to add a dash of spice to your life? Athen's own Latin band Grogus will have you grooving to a delicious beat in no time!

Sat, Mar 17: The Donner Party @ 7 PM @ Melting Point

Just in time for St. Patrick's Day, the Donner Party is back to give us some festive tunes for the occasion.  Get your green on and enjoy!

Thu, Mar 22: Powerkompany @ 8 PM @ WUOG 90.5

It's time for another helping of Powerkompany's strong yet ethereal sound.  Tune into WUOG 90.5 or hear them live at UGA's Tate Student Center!

Tue, Mar 27: Reptar @ 11 PM @ Georgia Theatre Rooftop

Did you miss last month's unbelievable Reptar event, a night that will go down in Athens music history?  Don't miss out again!  These guys are on fire!

Fri, Mar 30: Abbey Road Live @ 9 PM @ Melting Point

Beatles fans, rejoice!  Abbey Road Live is back again to quench your thirst for those old school tunes.  Plus they're doing an all-request show, so be sure to submit your favorite tunes to info@abbeyroadlive.com to be included in the setlist!  

Sat, Mar 31: Dangerous Ponies @ 9 PM @ Farm 255

Dying for something totally different?  How about a bit of old school-flavored indie dance pop?  That's just the sort of exciting madness you'll get from Philadelphia band Dangerous Ponies!  These guys are always worth seeing.  

Sat, Mar 31: Oryx & Crake and Viking Progress @ 10 PM @ Caledonia Lounge

Don't miss the Viking Progress's album release at the end of the month.  You'll never forget this musician's unique style, and as an added bonus, you'll get a taste of Oryx and Crake's gorgeous pop rock sound as well!

Wow, what a month of album releases and incredible bands!  And don't forget, if you know of another awesome show rocking Athens this March, tell us about it below in the comments. Have fun, my pals!

Kristen's Concert Picks: Take a break from it all with July's tunes!

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After the hundreds of bands and the insanity that has been and will continue to be this June, July sure seems pretty quiet. The shows we’ve got to look forward to, though, are guaranteed to be incredible! Weirdly enough, it looks like Sundays are joining the Fridays and Saturdays of the month to make these upcoming weekends chock full of rock. Exciting!

Fri, July 1: Hans Darkbolt @ 11 PM @ Farm 255
I’ve been searching far and wide for another theatrical alt rock band, and from what I’ve heard online of these guys, it seems I’ve hit the jackpot. Can’t wait to catch them live! And, if you miss this show, they’re also rocking the Caledonia stage on the 14th as well.

Sun, July 3: Yo Soybean @ 2 PM @ Melting Point
Got music festivals on the brain? Well, you’re in luck! The American Music Festival is giving us an incredible lineup of band after band on one ticket. Some of the highlights are sure to be Yo Soybean, Lera Lynn, Patterson Hood, and Packway Handle Band. Buy your tickets now on the Melting Point website: http://www.meltingpointathens.com

Fri, July 8: Little Tybee @ 9 PM @ 40 Watt
Little Tybee's soft indie sound has garnered all sorts of buzz lately. Check 'em out for yourself at the 40 Watt!

Sat, July 9: The Orkids, Tealvox, & Chris McKay @ 10 PM @ Caledonia Lounge
WOW, what a combination! The awesome rock of Tealvox and the newest incarnation of Chris McKay & the Critical Darlings meets the unbelievable pop sound of the Orkids for a show that’s sure to blow everyone away. Don’t miss this lineup of some of Athens’ best!

Sun, July 10: Vincas @ 8 PM @ Highwire Lounge
I just caught noise rock band Vincas in action for the first time last week, and I definitely liked what I heard!

Fri, July 22: the Athens band @ 8 PM @ New Earth Music Hall
Much buzzed about young rockers, Athens, will be ruling the stage at New Earth on Friday. If you haven't seen one of their shows yet, trust me, you won't wanna miss this one!

Fri, July 22: Sam Sniper @ 9:30 PM @ Flicker
A little bit country, a little bit rock with a funky style that that's all their own, blog favorite Sam Sniper's show is a must-see!

Fri, July 22: Turf War @ 10 PM @ Caledonia Lounge
If you're looking for a fun, rock-filled show this Friday, Atlanta's Turf War is your band! You can see them at the Caledonia with rockers the Agenda.

Fri, July 22: the Shut-Ups @ 10 PM @ 40 Watt
Over at the 40 Watt, you can catch the fun, electronic stylings of the Shut-Ups with another purely rockin' set from Chris McKay and the Critical Darlings. What a lineup!

Thurs - Sat, July 21 - 23: Slop Fest @ 6 PM @ Little Kings
You haven't heard the last of the music festivals yet! Slop Fest 2011 will kick it in Little Kings Shuffle Club on this late weekend in July with a lineup of over 30 bands including awesome melodic noise rockers Xavii and Manray plus insanity-filled experience Ye Olde Sub Shoppe. Can't wait!

Sat, July 23: Camp Amped Session 2 Finale @ 7 PM @ Nuçi's Space
Want another taste of the future of the Athens music scene? Catch a glimpse of the youngest and newest emerging bands in our town at Camp Amped's Session 2 Grand Finale showcase. And since it's a free, all-ages show, bring your family and friends along too!

Sat, July 23: Daddy Lion @ 10 PM @ Flicker Theatre
I've heard a few tunes from South Carolina's indie musician Daddy Lion online, and now you can check them out too at Flicker on Saturday!

Fri, July 29: Bambara & Dead Confederate @ 8 PM @ Max Canada
Noise rockers Bambara join southern rockers Dead Confederate for a show that's going to be several different kinds of amazing! I've seen these two blog favorites perform together before, and I was blown away by the sheer incredible rock I experienced. Plus, Five Eight is on the bill as well. Trust me, you'll want to be there!

Well, it looks like July's got a few sure-to-be awesome shows in store for us! Don't forget, if you hear of a show that you want the world to know about, post in the comments and share it with us. And as always, check back often for any new shows that just might appear on this list throughout the month. Happy listening, you guys!

Get a Clue! WUOG's Mystery Party

What a weekend! Even now, several days later, I'm still recovering from the excitement that some of our favorite local bands gave us. However, I just couldn't let the week go by without mentioning this awesome little show.

In celebration of the end of Spring semester, UGA's student run radio station WUOG hosted a rather exciting Clue-themed party complete with costumed guests, cookies, and, of course, the board game itself. Local band Grey Milk started off the night with some sweet indie tunes highlighted by clever and ridiculous lyrics that put a sure smile on my face. This band caught my attention with their unique approach to songs and stage presence from the acoustic guitar player rocking out while seated in the crowd to the moment they prefaced a song by telling us to pretend we were in a barn listening to owls. Also, nearly every other song included some sort of unexpected noise or shout which caused a few hilarious situations, and they even got the audience to join in on their stomp-based rhythm with snaps and claps during one of their tunes. I've gotta say, it was quite a fun set! After all, who doesn't love passionate songs about zombies?

A bit later in the night, the much-buzzed-about band Little Tybee stepped onstage. I've heard great things about these guys, and their soft, indie sound certainly lived up to the hype. There was a pretty awesome turnout by this point, and the crowd really got into into their style in a big way. Some guys even started waltzing across the room. Nice.

Then it was Wowser Bowser's turn to give it all they've got. Now, since the first time I saw these guys a year ago, I've been dying to catch them again, and soon they'd proved that my fond memories were certainly well-deserved. Their bouncy and energetic indie dance pop had the crowd grooving like crazy and tons of people sang along to every word of their tunes. In the middle of their set, they even got all of the listeners to go down low and then leap up in unison to one of their songs. And their energy! Wow! All of their tunes were overflowing with joy and fun, and best of all, they weren't afraid to jump out into the crowd and dance along with the fans. At one point, the drummer even gave us his rhythm from the middle of the dance floor. Just too cool. And, to add to the happy madness, balloons floated and hopped over the fans to the beat. Reminiscent of the always wild band Reptar, Wowser Bowser is this band's less life-threatening counterpart, complete with their own amazing and unique style. Every time I see them, I love them more! Man, what a show!