Kristen's Concert Picks: Getting back to the August rock!

August is a time of change, so let our town's tunes be your rock in a sea of uncertainty.  Prepare your ears for this awesomeness!

Thu, Aug 1: Cicada Rhythm @ 8:30 PM @ Georgia Theatre

There's no better way to kick off the month than with Cicada Rhythm's unique lilting harmonies!

Thu, Aug 1: Brothers @ TBA PM @ Flicker Theatre

Old school-style rock with an indie pop angle, you'll love Brothers' sound!

 Fri, Aug 9: Lazer/Wulf @ 9:30 PM @ Caledonia Lounge 
Lazer/Wulf's noise rock melodies will blast your ears with joy!

Sat, Aug 10: Efren @ 7:30 PM @ The World Famous

Folk rock at its gritty and raw best, Efren is always worth a listen!

Tue, Aug 13: The Viking Progress @ 8 PM @ WUOG

Head on down to the WUOG student-run radio station at Tate Center on the UGA Campus or tune in to 90.5 FM to catch the sweet distorted rock of the Viking Progress.

Fri, Aug 16: Ken Will Morton @ 4:30 PM @ Georgia Theatre
If you're craving a bit of an americana sound, Ken Will Morton is your guy!  Check out this daytime show during the middle of the month.

Fri, Aug 16: Seven Handle Circus @ 8 PM @ Georgia Theatre

I've never heard another band like Seven Handle Circus.  Their bouncy, upbeat folk tunes are sure to put a smile on your face!

Fri, Aug 16: T. Hardy Morris and the Outfit @ 9 PM @ Caledonia Lounge
T. Hardy Morris is one of the most talented musicians in Athens, no doubt.  Get on over to the Caledonia Lounge for this show!

Sat, Aug 17: Dangfly! @ 10 PM @ Caledonia Lounge 

There's no doubt you'll love Dangfly!'s trumpeting folk rock sound!

Thu, Aug 22: Powerkompany@ 9 PM @ 40 Watt

Electronic and ethereal, Powerkompany's melodies will blow you away!

Thu, Aug 29: Emily Hearn @ 7 PM @ Georgia Theatre

Nothing is sweeter than Emily Hearn's voice.  If you haven't caught one of her shows yet, now is the time!

Thu, Aug 29: Feather Trade and Death on Two Wheels @ 10 PM @ Green Room

What a wild combination!  Feather Trade and Death On Two Wheels both have dark alt rock sounds that should complement each other perfectly.  Best of all, this show is free!  You won't want to miss this one.

School may be starting soon, but with this lineup of bands, the fun of summer is showing no signs of slowing down!  Pumped for another local show not on this list?  Be sure to comment below and tell everyone all about it. Hope you have a wild one, 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: April brings the rock!

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Don't let work and classes and all this crazy weather get you down.  When it comes to rockin' tunes, April's not fooling around!

Tue, Apr 3: Tumbleweed Stampede @ 11 PM @ Georgia Theatre Rooftop
Get your dance on with Tumbleweed Stampede at the beginning of the month as part of the Georgia Theatre's new Get Up Get Down concert series!

Fri, Apr 6: Ruby Kendrick @ 9:30 PM @ Caledonia Lounge

If sweet melodies tickle your fancy, you'll definitely want to catch Ruby Kendrick's set at the Caledonia!

Fri, Apr 13: Hope for Agoldensummer @ 8 PM @ New Earth Music Hall

Hope for Agoldensummer was one of the very first acts I saw in Athens, and their sweet, folksy sound still gets me every time.  Beautiful!

Sat, Apr 21: Futurebirds @ 9 PM @ Georgia Theatre 

That's right! Southern rockers Futurebirds will be taking the Georgia Theatre just after the middle of the month to give everyone the sound they've been craving.

Sat, Apr 21: Manray and Lazer/Wulf @ 10 PM @ Caledonia Lounge

Is dark, melodic rock your tune style of choice?  Well, then, have yourself a nice delicious dose of Manray and Lazer/Wulf. Excellent!

Tue, Apr 24: Gringo Star @ 11 PM @ Georgia Theatre Rooftop 

If you're dying for a spectacle and yearning for a band that sounds like no other, don't miss Gringo Star's rooftop set!

Wed, Apr 25: The Skipperdees @ 9:30 PM @ Caledonia Lounge

Want a bit of soulful folk and southern style?  Look no further than the Skipperdees.  What talent these girls have!

Fri, Apr 27: Dreams So Real @ 8 PM @ Melting Point

Remember back in 2009 when Dreams So Real reunited to headline Athfest?  Well, it looks like luck has shined down on us once again!  Another rockin' show?  It's a dream come true!

Sat, Apr 28: Powerkompany @ 10 PM @ Caledonia Lounge

The strong, otherworldly sound of Powerkompany is just what you'll need to end the month.  Enjoy!

No doubt, April will be an incredible month of tunes!  As always, if you've heard of another awesome Athens show you think everyone should know about, give us all the details in the comments below.  Happy listening, my friends!

Kristen's Concert Picks: February

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The month of strength and heart is upon us, dear Athenians.  February is filled with tunes you're sure to love!

Thu-Sat, Feb 2-4: Athens Business Rocks @ 8 PM @ 40 Watt

In Athens, nearly everybody's a musician.  Most likely, that server at the restaurant rocks the guitar like nobody's business in his free time, and that store owner plays a mean bass on the weekends. Athens Business Rocks is a 3-day show that celebrates these hidden musical talents and raises money for Nuçi's Space at the same time. You can't beat that!

Fri, Feb 3: the Athens band @ 8:30 PM @ Melting Point

Over at the Melting Point, the young super rockers of the Athens band will be taking the stage with heavy metal band Anvil. You won't want to miss this show, that's for sure!

Mon, Feb 6: DJ Mahogany @ 8 PM @ Georgia Theatre

Dying to catch another show at the Georgia Theatre, but running low on cash?  Well, then, I've got good news for you.  DJ Mahogany will be spinning the beats at the FREE Betsy Kingston and the Crowns album release party. Awesome!

Thu, Feb 9: Doctor Squid @ 9:30 PM @ Caledonia

What's this? Doctor Squid is back to bring their joy-filled rock to the Caledonia once more?  Amazing news!

Fri, Feb 10: Abbey Road Live @ 8 PM @ Georgia Theatre

Beatles fans of Athens, Abbey Road Live is back to rock the Georgia Theatre!  

Tue, Feb 14: Kishi Bashi @ 8 PM @ WUOG 90.5

As seen at past Of Montreal shows, this guy's got mad skills on the violin!  Check him out live on UGA's student run radio on Valentine's day. Perfect!

Thu, Feb 16: Modern Skirts @ 8 PM @ WUOG 90.5

Craving some Modern Skirts?  Great news!  You can hear their latest tunes live on WUOG 90.5 in the middle of the month.  Can't wait!

Fri, Feb 17: Of Montreal @ 8 PM @ Georgia Theatre

The magical insanity you'll find at Of Montreal shows is unequalled.  Get yourself to the Georgia Theatre, and have a ridiculous time!

Fri, Feb 17: Lazer/Wulf @ 10 PM @ Caledonia

Need more dark noise rock in your life?  Lazer/Wulf is here to fulfill that need!

Sat, Feb 18: Athens Business Rocks Finale @ 8 PM @ 40 Watt

It's time for the Athens Business Rocks Finale. Excellent!

Sat, Feb 18: T. Hardy Morris & the Outfit @ 8 PM @ Melting Point

I've been yearning to hear more of T. Hardy Morris and the Outfit since their show at last year's Athfest.  Add in the Modern Skirts, and this show is a definite can't-miss!

Sat, Feb 18: Efren, Sam Sniper @ 11 PM @ Farm 255

Gritty, folk rock and southern jungle madness of the folk variety under one roof?  That's right!  Get yourself some Efren and Sam Sniper at Farm 255 on the 18th.

Tue, Feb 21: Grinnin Bear @ 8 PM @ WUOG 90.5

Folk tunes with a sense of fun, Grinnin Bear will be taking over the airwaves over at WUOG. Don't forget, you can catch 'em play live at the station in UGA's Tate Student Center!

Tue, Feb 21: Half Dozen Brass Band @ 8 PM @ Georgia Theatre

The Half Dozen Brass Band knows how to have a good time.  Don't miss them!

Fri, Feb 24: Powerkompany @ 9 PM @ 40 Watt

If strong but ethereal tunes are your style, Powerkompany's the band for you!

Wed, Feb 29: Androcles and the Lion @ 9:30 PM @ Caledonia

Celebrate the leap day with a spectacular lineup of rockers featuring Androcles and the Lion, the Winter Sounds, and Sleepy Eye Giant.  Wow, what show this will be!

This is going to be quite a month!  As always, if you've heard of another incredible show happening in Athens this February, let us know all about it in the comments.  Have a wild time, my friends!

Of Montreal: the most deliciously insane dream I've ever had

Thursday night was, without a doubt, a night of remarkable experiences. Not only did I get to see Of Montreal again for the first time in a year and a half, but I also had the chance to step across the threshold of the Georgia Theatre for the first time... ever. Shocking, I know, but it was utterly and completely worth the wait. What a truly unbelievable night!

Now, I'll save my description of the amazing Georgia Theatre for another time as the events of the night were so awe-inspiring, I can hardly do justice to everything in just one post. Suffice it to say, my ridiculous habit of getting to shows much too early finally paid off with this one. Minutes before the masses were let in, a few determined fans and I were lucky enough to find ourselves already at the foot of the stage, fully prepared for the night's festivities. To conserve our energy, we sat under the convenient stage overhang, not budging from our highly coveted (and as past experience has taught us, likely dangerous) positions. To my great surprise and joy, I soon discovered that my particular chosen space was one of the best in the house.

When a cheer arose from the standing crowd, we, the understagelings, emerged from beneath the overhang to claim our spots as the music began. The Gold Party, a band I've seen and enjoyed at many an Athfest, kicked off the show with with their electronic and unique indie tunes. Straight away, they had the crowd bobbing and clapping their hands in time as the band played. About halfway through, guest musicians Karolyn (sporting yet another gorgeous dress - I swear, I am obsessed with her wardrobe) and Andrew of Powerkompany added a lovely taste of the strings to Gold Party's biggest hits. What a great hint of the fun that was to come!

Moments later, the eager, glitter-covered masses greeted the soft, funk-tinged, electro-indie sound of Yip Deceiver. A side project featuring Of Montreal's Davey Pierce, Nicolas Dobbratz, and Clayton Rychlik with Paul Nunn, they knew just how to keep the crowd enthused. Between their hilariously ridiculous banter, their high energy, mood-boosting tunes, and their penchant for rocking the extreme edge of the stage right in front of their fans, the crowd was wild for their style, leaping about with great zeal. Then, to top off all the madness, the lead singer instructed the fans to imagine what he would look like naked before jumping off the stage to sing in the middle of the dance floor packed with people. Utterly awesome, indeed.

After Yip Deceiver finished their set, the sea of fans arrayed in feathers, sequins, and hats in every style awaited the grand finale of the night, the surreal dessert to complete the unbelievable feast of tunes, Of Montreal. Changing it up from the last time I saw them, the band launched immediately into their first tune the moment they stepped onstage, forgoing any sort of fanfare... for a second, at least. Then bright displays of red, white, and blue exploded onto the screen behind them as flag-garbed players danced, leapt, and fought their way onstage. They followed this with their iconic hit, "Wraith Pinned to the Mist [etc]" before tossing ribbons of long balloons and handfuls of glitter into the crowd. As winged birds and angels fluttered through the air, the band members began playing at the very edge of the stages, touching our hands as they wove their unique tunes and lyrics into sustenance for our desiring ears.

Hands down, one of my favorite parts of the show was the defeat of the dragon-like monster. Monster, you ask? I kid you not. During one of the songs, lead singer Kevin Barnes killed a long, many-footed giant of a monster with a bit of fancy swordwork before being subsequently knighted by a man sporting a long white wig. Wow, how's that for unexpected? But that certainly wasn't the last of the surprises. Stripping seemed to be an unofficial theme of the night, with a few glittery caped creatures revealing massive fake boobs beneath their cloaks, bushels of fake money being thrown to the fans, and two girls in tiny little outfits dancing suggestively over the faces of those at the very front of the crowd during a song about a crazy girl. In fact, that particular performance was dripping with lust as Mr. Barnes and the girls simulated a delightfully shocking threesome as he sang. Even better of a moment though, was when, a short while later, he took the hand of a girl three people down from me in the audience and sang just to her as she mouthed the words right back to him. It was quite touching (and for someone who attends as many shows as I do, that's saying something)! Then, after a few pigs showed up, some idol worshipping went down, a wrestling match happened, and a burst of streamers flew threw the air, the show was over... Right? No, of course it wasn't! You can't forget the encore.

Ushered back onstage by what could only be described as skeletal aliens in pajamas, the band began their three song encore set with "For Our Elegant Caste," one of my very favorites. Hey, don't judge me. As the band approached the end of their spectacular musical adventure, fire worshippers pranced around and a raft holding several members of the band floated across the crowd before returning to the stage. Finally, the whole band transferred their powers to their violinist K Ishibashi, who was to play an after-show set, as the members kneeled in awe of his skills.

Wow, I honestly cannot believe that they succeeded in creating an even more surreal and unbelievable show than the one I saw so long ago, but indeed, they surpassed themselves magnificently. Theirs is a live show and an experience and a memory that every band should aspire to create. I'm already dying to see them again!

Kristen's Concert Picks: April's tunes thrive

It's April already? The year's passing by so quickly! The cold, dreary weather of early Spring will soon give way to days of warmth and sunshine, and everything around us will bloom and thrive. For those of us in the scene, this month's tunes are thriving too! There's just so many shows to pick from, and we love it that way!

Fri, April 1: Venice is Sinking @ 10 PM @ Caledonia Lounge

Always a favorite, Venice is Sinking's soft but strong melodies are the perfect way to start off the month!

Fri, April 1: Futurebirds @ 9 PM @ 40 Watt

In the mood for some righteous Southern rock? The Futurebirds have got ya covered with their April Fools set at the 'Watt!

Wed, April 6: Chris McKay and the Critical Darlings @ 8 PM @ The Melting Point

It's Chris McKay and the Critical Darlings 3.0! Chris's long-awaited return with the Darlings is sure to fill the Melting Point with awesome classic rock and boundless energy. Best of all, its proceeds go toward the relief effort for those affected by the disasters in Japan. What a great cause!

Fri, April 8: Bambara @ 10 PM @ Caledonia Lounge

Bambara is, by far, one of my absolute favorite bands in the scene! Their raucous, noise rock style will awaken something native and carnal in your very being, and your soul will beg for more.

Thurs, April 14: Powerkompany @ 9:30 PM @ Caledonia Lounge

Powerkompany is an ethereal serenade traipsing through darkness and light. Your ears are dying to experience their sound, trust me!

Thurs, April 14: The Orkids & Tealvox @ 9 PM @ 40 Watt

The Orkids and Tealvox in one night? This is undoubtably one of those shows where the lineup alone promises an unbelievable night! Infectiously joy-inducing pop will dance through the 40 Watt with solid rock tunes. Excellent!

Fri, April 15: Sam Sniper CD release @ 10 PM @ Caledonia Lounge

Sam Sniper's delectably intense country rock has made it one of my most recent Athens favorites. Releasing their very first album We're Not Coming Back This Way on the 15th with free copies for all who attend, this show is definitely a must!

Sat, April 16: the Athens band @ 8 PM @ The Office Lounge

Awesome youth rockers Athens (the band) are back to help raise funds for Nuçi's Space. Such a worthy cause! You won't want to miss this show!

Sat, April 16: The Shut-Ups @ 10 PM @ Caledonia Lounge

I loved the Shut-ups' joy-filled, electronic style when I saw them at the last Athfest, and I've been yearning to catch another set of theirs. Enjoy!

Sat, April 16: Pholksinger Josh CD release @ 10 PM @ Go Bar

So many bands I love are taking the stage this month! Pholksinger Josh's unique style of folk-insfused spoken word will most certainly make this show one to catch. Also, the band is releasing their newest album Watermelon Mountain that night too! Nice.

Sat, April 16: The Beat Geeks @ 10 PM @ Bad Manor

Get ready to move! The Beat Geeks are back to make you lose control on the dance floor. Don't miss your chance to catch these guys in action before they blow up big time!

Thurs, April 21: Taj Motel Trio @ 9:30 PM @ Caledonia Lounge

Ska returns to Athens in the form of the Taj Motel Trio. Get ready to skank till you drop to their fast-paced, classic tunes!

Fri, April 22: Dead Confederate @ 9 PM @ 40 Watt

I'm actually listening to Dead Confederate on my iPod right now. Why? Because their songs are just unbelievably awesome, and they never get old. If soft rock with a Southern twinge tickles your fancy, Dead Confederate is your band!

Oh man, Caledonia and the 40 Watt are serving up show after incredible show this April! What a month of music! Just like before, if you know of another rockin' Athens show you think the world should see, post in the comments and tell us all about it. And, of course, don't forget to keep checking the Concert Picks link at the top of the page throughout the month as we add new must-see shows to the list. Have an amazing April, you guys!

Powerkompany lights the way

Last night, I felt like a butterfly emerging from a soundless cocoon. My ears yearned for live music, having been starved for tunes since early December. Tragic, I must say. Through downtown, my friend and I passed street after silent street until, finally, we reached the comforting warmth of Farm 255. Now, my pals, there's no doubt about it! The Farm was the place to be on this fine Thursday night. Crowds of people packed the room, eager for some awesome tunes. As it was Karolyn Troupe of Venice is Sinking's birthday party as well, friends and fans alike were there in full celebration mode, sipping free champagne and munching on what could quite possibly be the most delicious fruit-filled cake known to man. I truly hope she thoroughly enjoyed the night. I know I did!

The entertainment for the night, Karolyn and her husband Andrew Keaton from Packway Handle Band sang and played their way into our hearts with their latest musical creation, Powerkompany. At times even more ethereal than masters of the art, Venice is Sinking, this brand new band gave us powerful yet sweet melodies woven together with the dark, heavy, and sometimes even discordant strumming on the violin and guitar. Drum beats also lent an exciting rhythm to many of the songs. My friend Amina described their style wonderfully, calling it a mix between a serenade and a Lord of the Rings type elven song. Then, as they edged their way towards their final note, they sang an intense melody, eerie yet beautiful, that moved and grew to a wildly satisfying end. I honestly don't think I've ever heard anything so badass! That song was... just brilliant! I'd say Powerkompany is definitely off to an auspicious start.