Kristen's Concert Picks: December ends the year with a bang!

Get pumped for the end of the year (or the end of the world if that's the way you kick it) with these awesome December shows.  Let's rock our way into 2013!

Sat, December 1: The Peaks @ 9 PM @ The Nest (170 Riverdale Dr.)

Hands down, one of my favorite bands right now, you've got to get yourself to The Peaks' music and arts show this month.  Throw yourself into some of the best tunes and works of art this town has to offer at December's incarnation of their monthly celebration!

Sat, December 1: Tumbleweed Stampede @ 11:30 PM @ Farm255

Craving another serving of fun at the start of the month?  Be sure to catch the groove-worthy sounds of Tumbleweed Stampede over at Farm255.

Mon, December 3: Emily Hearn @ 7:30 PM @ Melting Point 
Without a doubt, Emily Hearn was one of my absolute favorite acts at this year's Athfest.  Her incredible, sweet voice will blow you away!

Tue, December 4: Stokeswood @ 8 PM @ Georgia Theatre

Ready to rock your way through UGA's Reading Day?  Then don't miss Stokeswood, another one of the most awesome acts from this year's Athfest, as they take the stage at the Georgia Theatre.  It's time to party!

Fri, December 7: Hope For Agoldensummer @ 8 PM @ 40 Watt
Longtime staples in the Athens scene, Hope for Agoldensummer will be sharing their soft yet soulful folk melodies with the crowd at 40 Watt for Flagpole's Poverty Is Real benefit!

Sat, December 8: Tealvox @ 9:30 PM @ Caledonia Lounge
A favorite of mine since I first saw them four years ago, Tealvox has always had some of the most solid and awesome rock in this town's scene!

Sun, December 9: Beat Cancer Bash @ 6 PM @ Melting Point 

Good causes always make me want to dance.  Help fight cancer with an incredible lineup of some of Athens' most talented bands and musicians including Young Benjamin, The Skipperdees, and Kyshona Armstrong!

Thu, December 13: The Breaks @ 8 PM @ Georgia Theatre

Love yourself some southern rock and powerful female vocals?  Well, then, the Breaks is your band.

Fri, December 14: The Shut-Ups @ 10 PM @ Caledonia

Indie pop with an electronic vibe, the Shut-Ups know how to have fun!

Mon, December 31: Yip Deceiver, Kishi Bashi, Modern Skirts @ 8 PM @ Georgia Theatre

Wow, what a jaw-dropping lineup the Georgia Theatre has in store for us this New Year's Eve!  Local darlings Modern Skirts join the breath-taking violinist Kishi Bashi and wild party boys Yip Deceiver for what is guaranteed to be an unforgettable show to ring in 2013.  Don't miss this one!

This is the Athens scene at its very best, my friends! It looks like some of the most talented and amazing local acts will be taking the stage this December, and this list includes more than just a few of my favorites.  Eagerly awaiting another show this month?  Share the details with everyone in the comments.  Let's make this the most memorable December yet!

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: 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: January's tunes will knock your socks off!

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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!