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: Saint Francis and Sean VanMeter rock us into Sunday

Sunday, June 24th, 2012

Saint Francis & Sean VanMeter

Athfest Sunday morning is always the hardest.  After two days of exposure to the harsh sun's rays, it takes some incredible motivation to get back out.  Truly, the lure of awesome tunes is the only thing that keeps me coming back for more.

Journeying to the festival, I headed straight for the Pulaski Street Stage to catch the first act on my list, Saint Francis.  Within minutes, the band's upbeat country rock sound had the crowd up and dancing despite the killer heat.  I even saw a little baby groovin' to the tunes.  These guys were definitely good at what they do.  It was great way to start off the day!

Then it was time to head up the street to see what the kids were up to.  A lot of people just walk on by the Kidsfest stage without a second glance, but sometimes you can find some real talent there.  After a rather adorable father-son group finished their set, piano prodigy Sean VanMeter and his band Death of the Peanut King took the stage. Man, that kid can play!  He started off with a bit of Chopin and then launched into a medley of upbeat and classical melodies.  He followed this by changing up the genre and giving us a wonderful cover of John Lennon's Imagine.  It was all just incredible.  Then his band Death of the Peanut King rocked an awesome cover of Pat Benatar's Heartbreaker.  I'm so glad I chose to check out the Kidsfest stage!

  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!