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!

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!

Athfest 2011: Chilling with the tunes of Hot Cha Cha and Turf War

Saturday, June 25th, 2011

Hot Cha Cha & Turf War

After being outside in the sunlight nearly all day, stepping into the Caledonia was like getting sucked into a black hole. For a few moments, all I could see was pure darkness. My ears, however, relished in the loud, hard rock blasting forth from the band before me. With elements of noise rock entered into the mix as well, the whole effect was rather awesome. When my eyes finally adjusted to the light, I took a good look at the Ohio-based group that called themselves Hot Cha Cha. Wow, three out the four members were female, including the wild lead singer/screamer! It's so refreshing to see women rocking this tune style. I've gotta say I like this band!

Back outside, Atlanta's upbeat 5-piece Turf War gave us a taste of their fun rock sound. With a slight bit of a nineties feel to them, their tunes resonated with the crowd, even drawing kids from outside the venue to watch them from above in the Farm 255 courtyard. These guys definitely had some personality too! When one guitarist leaned too close to the other, the second pretended to kiss him, adding a touch of humor to their set. And I can't forget to mention the drummer's awesome musical note tattoo! Cool band, way cool show.

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, you can visit the Echoreyn of Athens YouTube channel for show footage and Athfest vlogs as well!