Kristen's Concert Picks: Rock your November!

Winds whisper of the changing season as they rustle the brilliant leaves from the trees.  Twisting melodies dance through the branches as well, eager to fill your ears with the sounds of November...

Fri, Nov 1: White Violet @ 10 PM @ Caledonia Lounge
Soft rock with a touch of darkness, White Violet's show is an awesome way to kick off the month!

Sat, Nov 2: Dangfly! @ 10 PM @ Nowhere Bar
Even Dangfly!'s name is exciting.  Don't miss their fiddle- and trumpet-infused rock over at Nowhere Bar!

Mon, Nov 4: Thayer Sarrano @ 9 PM @ The Green Room
You've never heard anything like Thayer Sarrano's soft and sweet spoken melodies!

Tuesdays in November: Kenosha Kid @ 9 PM @ Hendershot's Coffee
People often call Kenosha Kid one of the best jazz bands in town.  That's because it's true.  See them live at Hendershot's every Tuesday in November!

Sat, Nov 9: Talkingto. @ 9 PM @ Echo
I've followed most of the members of Talkingto through their various incarnations over the years because they're all just so damn talented. Their mad skills shine through every name and style they adopt.  Hear their latest sound at Echo, the brand new venue in Farm255's former spot!

Sun, Nov 17: Ruby the Rabbitfoot @ 9 PM @ The World Famous
Ruby the Rabbitfoot's sweet and upbeat sound never fails to please!

Thu, Nov 21: Seven Handle Circus & The Skipperdees @ 8 PM @ 40 Watt
What a combination!  Both Seven Handle Circus and the Skipperdees will be serving up their best movement-inducing folk tunes at the 40 Watt on the 21st.  You won't want to miss this one!

Sat, Nov 23: Lullwater @ 9 PM @ 40 Watt
Hard rock with a folk twist, you're sure to love Lullwater's sound!

Wow, there's no doubt this month's shows will be amazing!  Eagerly awaiting another local show in November not listed here?  By all means, please share all the details in the comments below.  See you around town, my friends!

Kristen's Concert Picks: Forget the heat with July's wild tunes!

Finally recovered from all of June's insane shows and yearning to fill your ears with more spectacular tunes?  Well, July's got some wild shows in store for us too.  Don't miss these awesome bands!

Mondays in July: Kenosha Kid @ 8 PM @ World Famous

The ever-amazing jazz band Kenosha Kid continues its residency over at the World Famous every Monday in July.  Kick off your weeks with these guys!

Sat, July 13: Ruby the Rabbitfoot @ TBA @ Caledonia Lounge
Upbeat and sweet, Ruby the Rabbitfoot's sound is sure to satisfy your cravings!

Fri, July 19: Dangfly! & Efren @ 8 PM @ 40 Watt

Efren's gritty folk rock style has made them a longtime blog favorite, and after catching Dangfly!'s incredible eclectic rock set at this year's Athfest, we certainly can't wait to see them again.  What a lineup!

Fri, July 19: Stokeswood & Jubee and the Morning After @ 10 PM @ Georgia Theatre Rooftop

Hands down, our favorite discovery of Athfest 2012 was the mind-blowingly awesome Atlanta rock band Stokeswood, and the soulful hip hop act Jubee and the Morning After left us cheering our heads off at this year's festival.  Awesome combination (and FREE show too)!

Sat, July 20: Camp Amped Grand Finale @ 7 PM @ Nuçi's Space

Bring your whole family and friends out to support some of Athens' emerging musicians at Camp Amped's free July session Grand Finale!

Sat, July 20: John French and the Bastilles @ 8 PM @ World Famous

Soft pop mingles with quality southern rock in every show featuring John French and the Bastilles.  Check 'em out!

Mon, July 22: The Skipperdees @ 10 PM @ Flicker Theatre

Oozing with talent, the Skipperdees soft, twangy tunes are sure to leave you begging for more!

Fri, July 26: Tealvox @ TBA @ Caledonia Lounge 

Head on over to the Caledonia near the end of the month for some undeniably amazing rock courtesy of blog favorites Tealvox!

Wow, this month has got a whole bunch of can't-miss shows!  Got news of another rockin' local set you're just dying to see?  Comment below, and let everybody in on the details.  Have a crazy one, you guys!

Kristen's Concert Picks: Get your fill of November's tunes!

Don't let the cool weather get you down!  Warm up with the delicious sounds of November.

Thu, November 1: Futurebirds @ 8 PM @ Georgia Theatre

Start the month the right way with some quality southern rock from the always great Futurebirds!

Fri, November 2: Cicada Rhythm @ 8 PM @ Melting Point

Craving something different?  You'll just love the lilting folk vocals of Cicada Rhythm!

Fri, November 2: Sam Sniper @ 11:30 PM @ Farm255

One of my favorites in the Athens scene, the unique southern rock of Sam Sniper will have you dancing in no time!

Wed, November 7: The Peaks @ 8 PM @ Go Bar

One of my newest favorite bands on the scene, the Peaks' dark and soulful tunes will no doubt entrance you!  

Wed, November 7: Blue Man Group @ 8 PM @ Classic Center Theatre

It's the Blue Man Group! Yeah, you've heard of them...  The lights. The insanity.  This time they're on your doorstep!

Thu, November 8: Brothers @ 9:30 PM @ Caledonia Lounge
Classic rock meets indie pop when Brothers plays.  You can catch 'em on the 29th of the month as well!

Thu, November 8: Life Coach @ 10 PM @ Little Kings

Life Coach will blast you away with their sound.  Be there!

Fri, November 9: Reptar @ 8 PM @ Georgia Theatre

It's REPTAR!  Get your tickets early because this outrageous band's show will surely sell out fast.  Prepare for the insanity!

Sat, November 10: Manray @ 10 PM @ Caledonia Lounge

Brace yourself for Manray's explosive noise rock sound!

Sun, November 11: The Skipperdees @ 9 PM @ Flicker Theatre

A spectacular mix of talent, heart, and southern folk makes every Skipperdees show just incredible!

Fri, November 16: Lazer/Wulf @ 9:30 PM @ Caledonia Lounge

Melodic rock infused with instrumental metal tunes, you'll love Lazer/Wulf's strength of sound! Plus, you can catch our town's latest noise rock addition, The Powder Room!

Sat, November 17: Ruby the Rabitfoot @ 9 PM @ Caledonia Lounge

You know her as Ruby Kendrick, but now she's Ruby the Rabitfoot.  With her sweet pop style, she's taking the town once again!

Fri, November 23: Young Benjamin @ 9 PM @ Flicker Theatre

Ambient and ethereal, Young Benjamin's melodies with transport you to another world.  Can't catch him on the 23rd?  Well, you're in luck!  He'll also be filling Flicker with his unbelievable sound on the 28th.

Sat, November 24: Velvet Runway @ 9 PM @ Melting Point

One of my favorite college memories is throwing a spontaneous dance party outside a rockin' Velvet Runway show.  Check out this quality 80s cover band!

Thu, November 29: The Viking Progress and John French & the Bastilles @ 9:30 PM @ Caledonia Lounge

Don't miss the innovative indie rock of Viking Progress and the dark, polished sound of John French and the Bastilles over at the Caledonia.  What a mix!

Thu, November 29: Qurious @ 9 PM @ 40 Watt

Wow, Qurious, Brothers, AND Thick Paint?  Catch the indescribable experience that is Qurious as they join indie pop rockers Brothers and Thick Paint, Graham of Reptar's DJ act at the 40 Watt.  This is going to be just wild!

Well, we've got an incredible month of tunes in store for us!  Totally pumped about an Athens show not listed here?  Post about it below so everyone can get the details.  Have an awesome November, you guys!

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!

Athfest 2012: to the shade and back again with Ruby Kendrick and Atlas Sound

 
Friday, June 22nd, 2012 
Ruby Kendrick & Atlas Sound

Stepping into the much-need shade of the Caledonia Lounge, I prepared myself for a whole new array of sounds.  During the past few years, the venue has hosted the Dirty Athens show, a lineup of short sets from a bunch of solid bands, perfect for when you need a small break from the sun's death rays.

As I walked in, I caught the tail end of a set of some good rock tunes from a band I assume was Golden Brown.  Then it was Ruby Kendrick time!  I always like it when I get a chance to hear her.  The sweet pop rock she and her full band provide was a perfectly refreshing addition to my music-filled evening.  Full of joy, I soaked in her upbeat and sometimes almost tropical-sounding melodies for a while until it was time to head back out into the light once more for yet another Pulaski Stage show.


Atlas Sound was prepping for his set as I arrived and planted myself before the stage. I knew things were about to get quirky when he introduced himself and made a point of thanking the hospital he was born in for their part in his existence. Indeed I was right.  First, though, he masqueraded as your average southern musician with a guitar and a harmonica, playing a sort of folk song.  Then, just as I wondered if I had already figured him out, he layered in a recorded background and altered his style until I was nearly overwhelmed by the unique and ethereal quality of his soft rock sound.  Yup, that's what I was hoping to hear! It was a rather nice way to usher in the evening.

  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! 

Kristen's Concert Picks: May heats things up

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Summertime is almost here.  Let's celebrate freedom, joy, and sunny days with some incredible tunes!

Tue, May 1: Reptar DJ set @ 11 PM @ Georgia Theatre Rooftop

Want to get your dance on with the members of Reptar?  Kick off the month with DJs from one of Athens' favorite bands!

Thu, May 3: Dead Confederate @ 9:30 PM @ Caledonia Lounge
Quality dark rock is Dead Confederate's way.  Don't miss this longtime favorite in action!

Fri, May 4: Reptar @ 9 PM @ 40 Watt

It's time for Reptar's brand new album! Start your summer off the right way with this mad crazy dance party.  Trust me, this will be an unforgettable night!

Sat, May 5: Hope for Agoldensummer @ 7 PM @ Whole: Mind. Body. Art.

Soft folk band Hope for Agoldensummer is also releasing an album this weekend.  Catch the band as they perform with the ever-talented songstress Madeline!

Sat, May 5: Manray @ 10 PM @ Caledonia Lounge

For all your dark noise rock needs, Manray is your band.  Let them devour your ears!

Tue, May 8: Switchfoot @ 7 PM @ Georgia Theatre

If you've been craving some big name bands, the Georgia Theatre's got you covered.  Reminisce over the past few decades with Switchfoot, creators of such songs as "Dare You to Move" and "Meant to Live"!

Tue, May 8: Ruby Kendrick @ 9:30 PM @ Caledonia Lounge

Ruby Kendrick's sweet and soft melodies will bring a smile to your face, for sure!

Wed, May 9: Lullwater @ 8 PM @ Caledonia Lounge

Ready for some good solid rock?  Lullwater will deliver over at the Caledonia Lounge!

Fri, May 11: White Violet @ 10 PM @ Caledonia Lounge

You'll love the soft rock sound of Nate Nelson's band White Violet.  Head to the Caledonia to hear their quality tunes!

Wed, May 16: Turf War @ 10 PM @ Caledonia Lounge

Mix it up mid-month with fun rock band Turf War.  These guys have a bit of a nineties style and tons of personality!

Tue, May 22: Dead Confederate @ 8 PM @ Georgia Theatre

Just in case exams got in the way earlier in the month, you can catch Dead Confederate again, this time over at the Georgia Theatre!  Excellent.

May is going to be wild!  As always, if you know of a rockin' show happening in Athens this month, let the world know about it in the comments below. Hope these tunes are just the the beginning of a spectacular summer!

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: October creeps in with some spectacular songs!

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The sweet smell of pumpkins and candy corn wafts through the air on the wings of a cool breeze. Leaves dress themselves in reds and golds as whispers of Fall echo in the dusk. October has arrived indeed, and the month comes bearing musical treats of all kinds!

Sat, Oct 1: Efren @ 10 PM @ Farm 255
Efren's gritty and honest take on folk rock is a refreshing way to start off the month. It'll be wonderful to hear their melodies again!

Thu, Oct 6: Kyshona Armstrong @ 8:30 PM @ Flicker
Don't miss your chance to catch Kyshona Armstrong's powerful and soulful vocals over at the Flicker Theater!

Thu, Oct 6: Shallow Palace & Sleepy Eye Giant @ 6 PM @ Max
I caught both of these bands a while back when they played with Misfortune500, and I just loved their rockin' sound. Trust me, you'll want to see 'em too!

Fri, Oct 7: Monahan & Ruby Kendrick @ 5:30 PM @ Nuçi's Space
Take Monahan's great indie rock with a southern flair, add Ruby Kendrick's soft and sweet melodies, and put them together in a lineup at Nuçi's Space, and you've got one awesome show!

Fri, Oct 7: Manray @ 10 PM @ Little Kings Shuffle Club
The dark, melodic rock of Manray is sure to blow you away. Check 'em out over at Little Kings!

Sat, Oct 8: Hope for Agoldensummer @ 8 PM @ Hendershots
In the mood for a few sweet melodies? Then Hope for Agoldensummer's your band!

Fri, Oct 14: Betsy Franck @ 9 PM @ New Earth Music Hall
Powerful songstress Betsy Franck is taking the stage again to give us more awesome southern rock tunes! Nice.

Wed - Sat, Oct 12-15: Popfest @ 1 PM @ Caledonia

Dying for another incredible festival? Then you're in luck! Popfest, a four-day event full of amazing bands, is taking over the Caledonia in the middle of the month. Some of our favorites on the lineup are Gold Party, Easter Island, Gift Horse, Buxton, Ruby Kendrick, and Viking Progress. Enjoy!

Wed - Sat, Oct 12-15: Popfest @ 7 PM @ 40 Watt

Guess what! Popfest isn't just confined to the Caledonia either. 40 Watt's got their share awesome bands playing as well. Our favorite will probably be rocker Madeline's set on Friday!

Sat, Oct 15: Abbey Road Live @ 8 PM @ Georgia Theatre
Looking for something to satisfy your inner Beatles fan? Then this cover band was made for you! At the ever-incredible Georgia Theatre, you can soak in the sounds of Abbey Road Live.

Thu, Oct 20: Sam Sniper @ 8 PM @ WUOG
On the radio again! Sam Sniper's unique style of rebellious folk rock is an absolute must. Listen in!

Fri, Oct 21: Lazer/Wulf @ 8 PM @ Caledonia
If dark, instrumental metal is the sound you've been seeking, look no further than Lazer/Wulf!

Fri, Oct 21: Efren, Charlie Garrett Band @ 8:30 PM @ the Melting Point
Folk rocker Efren's back for another show this October, and the Charlie Garrett band joins them with their own quality southern rock tunes! Excellent.

Sat, Oct 22: Dead Confederate @ 8 PM @ Georgia Theatre
Dead Confederate! Their thousands of fans can attest to the fact that their dark, southern rock is unequalled. See 'em and fall in love with 'em just like I do every time they play!

Fri, Oct 28: Jason Isbell @ 8 PM @ Georgia Theatre
Headliners at the last Athfest, Jason Isbell returns to Athens for another round of great tunes!

Sat, Oct 29: Wild Rumpus afterparty @ 8 PM @ Georgia Theatre
Halloween is Athens' holiday, and we celebrate it in a huge, ridiculous way! Don't miss the annual Wild Rumpus Parade through the streets of town, and then be sure to catch Packway Handle Band, Kite to the Moon, and much more at the Georgia Theatre afterparty!

Sat, Oct 29: Of Montreal @ 9 PM @ 40 Watt

Another helping of Of Montreal? How did we get to be so lucky! Since a regular show with this band features insane costumes and tricks on any old day, you'd better believe a show this close to Halloween will be nothing less than spectacular! Buy your tickets early!

Mon, Oct 31: STS9 @ 8 PM @ Georgia Theatre
Speaking of big shows, this one's going to be huge! Now, I've never seen STS9 myself, but judging from the reactions I've seen, this is definitely big news. What a Halloween we'll get this year!

Wow, I'm extremely excited for all of the amazing shows October has in store for us! As always, if you know of another Athens show that's going to rock everyone's faces off this month, let the world know about it in the comments. Also, don't forget to click the "Monthly Concert Picks" button above to see any updates we'll add to this list as the weeks go by. See you guys, gals, and ghouls around the scene!

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: 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!