Athfest 2012: Free Tomorrow and Packway Handle Band make it exciting!

Saturday, June 23rd, 2012

Free Tomorrow & Packway Handle Band

I've always loved bands that flat out refuse to be pigeonholed into a single genre.  Free Tomorrow, the next band to take the Hull Street Stage, didn't let anyone tell them how to shape their sound. First they gave us a bit of jazzy rock along the line of Atlanta's the Constellations, but not long after that, they were droppin' some wild hip hop beats and overlaying them with violin melodies.  Then they slipped a couple of covers into their set.  Excellent!

Moments later, it was Packway Handle Band's chance to show their skills.  My friends have been talking up this band for years now, so I was quite excited to get finally catch them in action.  Almost immediately, it became clear these guys also refused to adhere to a genre label.  While they had an overarching folk sound, they brought insanity into the mix with hints of nearly every type of music imaginable. One song about American music involved operatic crooning layered over rap and country folk tunes.  What madness it was!  I could only describe their style as clowning around for the super talented.  I've truly never heard anything like it!  Before the end of their set, they gave us a really nice cover of Take You There, proving that when it comes down to it, they've definitely got incredible music chops.  And then it was over... or so I though.  Without warning, the band stepped offstage and ran into their audience with reckless abandon, playing their instruments while falling into members of the crowd.  After clearing a suitable space, they rocked one final song as the fans gathered in a circle around them.  It was definitely one of the craziest, most exciting experiences I've had in the scene!

  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, check out our show footage and Athfest vlogs up on the Echoreyn of Athens YouTube channel as well! 

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

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

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: February's tunes will drive you wild!

Happy February, everyone! Ready to fall in love with some tunes? Well, you're in luck. This month's bands have totally got you covered!

Tues, Feb 1: Pillage & Plunder @ 9 PM @ Max Canada

Long before the thought of writing a music blog had even entered into my mind, I caught a show with these guys in Atlanta. Playing their first ever set in Athens (their last date up here was snowed out), you definitely won't wanna miss this one!

Sat, Feb 5: Pholksinger Josh @ 10 PM @ Rye Bar

Pholksinger Josh's own personal brand of "gangsta folk" mixes spoken word with a southern twang to give listeners a taste of the truth. You must check it out for yourself!

Mon, Feb 7: Jimmy Eat World @ 7 PM @ 40 Watt

40 Watt's pulling out the big guns with Jimmy Eat World. Although, honestly, I don't recall much from them since "The Middle," I still just love that song! It reminds of childhood and carefree days!

Tues, Feb 8: Kenosha Kid @ 8 PM @ Highwire

Need to chill? As one of the best jazz bands in Athens, Kenosha Kid'll help you out.

Thu, Feb 10: Reptar @ 8 PM @ WUOG

REPTAR! For free? Yes, it's possible! WUOG's Live in the Lobby at the UGA Tate Center is where dreams come true!

Sat, Feb 12: Valentine 80's Prom @ 10 PM @ 40 Watt

Dance partyyyyyyyyyyy! Featuring a couple of Athens' favorite DJs and a band or two, this one looks like fun.

Thu, Feb 17: Groove Tangent @ 10 PM @ Caledonia Lounge

Who doesn't love a mix of classic covers and original tunes? These guys rock with a sense of humor too! I can promise you'll have fun at their show.

Sat, Feb 19: Spring Tigers @ 9:30 PM @ Caledonia Lounge

Get ready for some awesome rock... Give your ears a treat with the Spring Tigers' sound!

Sat, Feb 19: Matt Joiner @ 9 PM @ The Melting Point

If you want to get your blues rock on, Matt Joiner's the one to see! He's on my list of bands to catch in action soon.

Fri, Feb 25: Packway Handle Band @ 9 PM @ New Earth Music Hall

Every single one of my friends who has seen this bluegrass band can't stop raving about them. I'd say this is another must see!

Sat, Feb 26: Lazer/Wulf @ 10 PM @ Caledonia Lounge

Speaking of bands my friends just love, if you haven't experienced Lazer/Wulf's wall of sound yet, you've got to give them a listen now! What fun!

Wow, this month's shaping up to be an amazing one! Don't forget, if you know of any other sure-to-be-rockin' shows that you want to share with the world, post about them in the comments and let us all know. And as always, be sure to click the Monthly Concert Picks button often for updates and new shows. See you around town, my friends!