Kristen's Band Picks: Active Favorites Edition

Wondering what bands you've just got to catch in action this year?  Who's still rocking' stages around town and where can you find them? Here at Echoreyn of Athens, we decided to do something a little different this time around.  Presenting our local active band favorites!

Band: The Athens Band
Status: Active
Usually plays at: various venues
Description: These guys started out as some of the youngest rockers around town, but they've long since come into their own with a sound that hearkens back to classic hard rock and sets full of quality original tunes!

Band: Bambara
Status: Active
Usually plays at: the Caledonia Lounge
Description: They may live in New York now, but these melodic noise rockers always stop by Athens once or twice a year to blast our ears with their intense, eardrum exploding sound!

Band: Chris McKay
Status: Varies
Usually plays at: various venues
Description: Chris McKay's band the Critical Darlings inspired me to create this blog years ago with their energetic show and classic soft rock sound.  Since then, Chris has been a part of many local bands, including popular Beatles cover band Abbey Road Live.  No matter the venture, Chris McKay always creates quality music!

Band: Doctor Squid
Status: Plays at Squidmas
Usually plays at: various venues
Description: With a sound chock full of happiness and shows that are fantastically fun, Doctor Squid has remained a longtime favorite.  Best known for their festive Squidmas shows, their pop rock sound is positively infectious!

Band: Dangfly!
Status: Active
Usually plays at: various venues
Description: Dangfly! rocks every show with their dance-inducing folk style, infused with a gleeful mix of trumpet and fiddle.

Band: Efren
Status: Active
Usually plays at: various venues
Description: Gritty folk at its best, Efren's sound holds within in it the strength and sorrow of a full life lived.

Band: Emily Hearn
Status: Active
Usually plays at: various venues
Description: If you haven't heard her sing yet, you'll fall in love with Emily Hearn's unbelievably sweet voice the moment you hear her first note. Her sound will blow you away!

Band: Feather Trade
Status: Active
Usually plays at: Go Bar
Description: Bright lights intermix with Feather Trade's dark alt-rock style tunes to create a fully immersive rock experience!

Band: Kenosha Kid
Status: Active
Usually plays at: Hendershots
Description: If jazz is your thing, Kenosha Kid is the band for you!  Voted best jazz band in town year after year, these guys infuse their sound with style and a sense of fun.

Band:  Lera Lynn
Status: Active
Usually plays at: various venues
Description: Lera Lynn's strong, quality melodies and her band's twangy style always make for an awesome show!

Band: Sam Sniper
Status: Active
Usually plays at: various venues
Description: Unique southern rock with a touch of folk and a sense of humor, Sam Sniper's got it all.  Don't miss your chance to dance along with the crowd and rock out to their tunes!

Band: Seven Handle Circus
Status: Active
Usually plays at: various venues
Description: Every Seven Handle Circus show is a fun, one-of-a-kind experience.  Be sure to check out their bouncy, upbeat folk tunes!

Band: The Skipperdees
Status: Active
Usually plays at: various venues
Description: These talented twin folk singers serve up some of the best folk tunes around. You'll just love their soft, tangy sound!

Band:  Thayer Sarrano
Status: Active
Usually plays at: various venues
Description: Nothing can match up to Thayer Sarrano's sweet spoken word style melodies!

Band: The Warm Fuzzies

Status: Active

Usually plays at: various venues

Description: Take a step outside of the norm with the fun, indie style of the Warm Fuzzies! 

Band: Yip Deceiver
Status: Active
Usually plays at: the Georgia Theatre
Description: Nobody throws a party like Yip Deceiver.  Get ready to go wild and have fun!

Be sure to click the links above to visit each band's Facebook page and to find out about all of their upcoming shows!  Looking forward to a particular local show happening soon?  Share the details with the world in the comments below.   See ya around town, my friends!

Kristen's Concert Picks: Dance your way through December!

As the year comes to an end, our ears will ring joyfully with the final songs of 2013.  Come dance your way through December!

Tue, Dec 3: UGA Holiday Concert @ 8 PM @ Classic Center Theatre
Kick off the month and get yourself into the holiday spirit with a Holiday Concert courtesy of the UGA Symphony Orchestra!

Tuesdays in November: Kenosha Kid @ 9 PM @ Hendershot's Coffee
Every year Kenosha Kid wins the honor of best jazz band in town. If you haven't grooved to them yet, it's about time.  See them live at Hendershot's every Tuesday in December!

Wed, Dec 4: Cicada Rhythm @ 8 PM @ Melting Point
You'll just love the unique folk stylings of Cicada Rhythm!

Thu, Dec 5: SQUIDMAS @ 9 PM @ Caledonia Lounge 
WOW!  Doctor Squid, The Warm Fuzzies, AND The Skipperdees? With a lineup like this, it'll be a very Merry Squidmas indeed. You definitely won't want to miss this show!

Thu, Dec 5: Efren @ 10 PM @ Nowhere Bar
I've been following Efren's gritty sound since the beginning, and they're always worth a listen.  Check 'em out over at Nowhere Bar!

Thu, Dec 5: Yo Soybean, Madeline @ 10 PM @ Flicker Theatre
Yo Soybean will bring the rock and Madeline will add a touch of darkness to the night's southern-twinges tunes at the Flicker Theatre!

Fri, Dec 6: Abbey Road Live @ 9 PM @ Melting Point
Hey, all you Beatles fans out there…  You may have missed seeing the original band play a show, but Abbey Road Live keeps their sound going strong.  Catch these guys at the Melting Point on the 6th!

Sat, Dec 7: Holiday Yard Sale @ 11 AM - 5 PM @ 40 Watt
Ok, this may not be a show per say, but nothing says Athens like a yard sale at the 40 Watt while the bar is taking orders. Save money, schmooze, and booze at the Watt's Holiday Yard Sale this year!

Sat, Dec 7: Easter Island @ 10 PM @ The World Famous
Easter Island mixes drum beats and sweet vocals to create and awesome soft rock sound!

Sat, Dec 14: Thayer Sarrano @ 10 PM @ The World Famous
Thayer Sarrano weaves words into music in an incredibly unique and beautiful way.  Be sure to check out her show at the World Famous!

Thu, Dec 19: Dangfly @ 11 PM @ Georgia Theatre
One of my top Athfest favorites from this year, Dangfly's quality rock will definitely leave you dancing.  Best of all, this show is part of a free after-wedding celebration at the Georgia Theatre, so everyone is sure to be in a festive mood!

Sat, Dec 28: Brothers @ 10 PM @ Flicker Theatre
Classic meets indie when Brothers takes the stage.  See 'em over at Flicker near the end of the month!

Tue, Dec 31: The Whigs @ 8 PM @ Georgia Theatre
The Whigs have got New Year's Eve covered with their hardcore southern rock sound!

Tue, Dec 31: New Year's Eve with Ghost Owl @ 10 PM @ The Green Room
Ghost Owl's powerful tunes and commanding beats will usher in the New Year like no other.  This show is sure to to be an awesome way to ring in 2014!

What a month this will be!  I can't believe it's almost 2014 already.  Just like always, if you've heard of another local show not listed here that you can't wait to attend, don't hesitate to comment below and let the world know all the details.  Make the most of this month, and I'll catch ya around town, my friends!

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: March's shows will blow you away!

March breezes its way in, bearing gifts in the form of some absolutely incredible lineups and shows.  

Fri, March 1: Abbey Road Live! @ 8:00 PM @ Georgia Theatre
Are you a fan of the Beatles?  Well, then, kick off your month with the best Beatles cover band in town, Abbey Road Live!  This show will feature the always awesome Chris McKay as well, so be sure not to miss it!

Fri, March 1: Of Montreal, Yip Deceiver @ 9:00 PM @ 40 Watt
If you're in the mood for fun, this is the show for you.  With both Of Montreal and Yip Deceiver on the bill, you're guaranteed an insane, dance-filled celebration!

Sat, March 2: Efren @10:00 PM @ Green Room
Efren's gritty southern sound speaks volumes.  Catch his show at the newly redone Green Room!

Mon, March 4: The Skipperdees @ 10:00 PM @ Flicker Theatre
These girls have such talent!  Their brand of twangy folk is certain to put a smile on your face.

Wed, March 6: Ruby the Rabbitfoot @ 8:00 PM @ Georgia Theatre
Some of Athens' best, including the sweet Ruby the Rabbitfoot, will be taking the stage on the sixth to play one last big show before they all make their way to Texas for SXSW!

Wed, March 6: Little Tybee, Adron @ 8:00 PM @ Melting Point
Don't miss Little Tybee's CD release party at the Melting Point featuring the unique, indie rock of singer Adron!

Thu, March 7: Brothers @ 8:00 PM @ WUOG
From classic sounds to indie style tunes, this band's got it all!  Hear them on the radio at WUOG 90.5 FM or see 'em live at UGA's Tate Center in the WUOG station headquarters.

Thu, March 7: Sam Sniper @ 11:00 PM @ Farm255
Southern rock with a side of fun, Sam Sniper show is one to see!  Get yourself to Farm255 on the 7th.

Fri, March 8: Lera Lynn @ 8:00 PM @ The World Famous
Powerful rock and an incredible voice make every Lera Lynn show an amazing experience!  And be sure to check out her new PledeMusic campaign as well.  Let's make sure we keep the great tunes coming our way!

Fri, March 8: Feather Trade @ 9:00 PM @ Flicker Theatre
Misfortune500's newest incarnation, Feather Trade's got a deliciously dark, alt rock sound you're sure to love!

Fri, March 15: Madeline @ 8:00 PM @ The World Famous
A touch of darkness makes Madeline's melodies a great listen every time!

Fri, March 15: Viking Progress @ 11:30 PM @ Farm255
Check out Viking Progress's unique distorted sound over at Farm255 in the middle of the month!

Wed, March 20: Dangerous Ponies @ 11:00 PM @ Farm255
What are Philadelphia's Dangerous Ponies like?  Indie pop goes old-school with tunes that are sure to make you dance.  Pure beauty!

Fri, March 22: Bambara, Manray, Powder Room @ 9:30 PM @ Caledonia Lounge
Our favorite New York imports from our own town join some of the best wild local rockers on the scene. Bambara's noise rock will leave your ears screaming in ecstasy while Manray and the Powder Room will blast you into nonbeing with their sound.  What a lineup this is! 

Sat, March 30: Meat Puppets @ 9:00 PM @ 40 Watt
The nineties rock legends, Meat Puppets, return to the 40 Watt again to drive everyone nuts.  I saw them take the stage a few years ago, and I've never forgotten it!

Wow, what a month we've got in store for us!  There's no doubt about it... March is going to be awesome!  Know of any other rockin' local shows happening this month?  Comment below, and let the world know about them.  See ya downtown, my friends!

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: 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: July's tunes keep it cool

For optimal viewing of these picks on a mobile device, click here!

Is all of this intense heat getting you down? Let these rockin' tunes cheer you up!

Wed, July 4: The Skipperdees @ 5 PM @ Athens Farmer's Market

These girls infuse their southern folk with heart and soul. Celebrate the Fourth of July with the Skipperdees!

Thu, July 5: Qurious @ 9:30 PM @ Caledonia Lounge

Ready for an almost mystical experience?  Playing with Thick Paint, Reptar singer Graham's DJ act, Qurious is sure to deliver the insanity!

Thu, July 5: Cicada Rhythm @ 10 PM @ Georgia Theatre rooftop

You'll love Cicada Rhythm's blend of unique folk voices!  Catch 'em up on the Georgia Theatre rooftop.

Thu, July 5: Showtime with Lowdive @ 10 PM @ Max

If you're craving some awesome hip hop and rap, look no further than this year's Flagpole Award winner Showtime with their pals Lowdive rocking it out along with them! 

Fri, July 6: Thayer Sarrano @ 9:30 PM @ Caledonia Lounge

I caught Thayer Sarrano at this year's Athfest, and she's got a sweetness in her voice that makes her certainly worth a listen!

Sat, July 7: Tealvox @ 9 PM @ 40 Watt

Tealvox is the definition of pure, incredible rock.  Trust me, you'll want to be at this show!

Thu, July 12: Betsy Franck & the Bare Knuckle band @ 9 PM @ Georgia Theatre

Let Betsy Franck's strong, soulful voice inspire you!

Sat, July 14: The Viking Progress @ 8 PM @ 40 Watt

What a lineup! With the acoustic distortion of the Viking Progress along with solid rockers Easter Island and John French & the Bastilles, this will be a show to remember!

Thu, July 19: Sam Sniper @ 10 PM @ Georgia Theatre rooftop

Southern tunes with a unique rock flavor, Sam Sniper has long been one of my favorites.  Be sure to get a taste of their tunes!

Thu-Sat, July 19-21: Slopfest @ 7 PM @ Little Kings Shuffle Club

Are you ready for another spectacular music festival?  Catch a bunch of your favorites from Athfest and many more including Bambara, Life Coach, and the much buzzed about Manray at this three day fest!  Don't forget to make the most of this wild lineup with a multiday wristband bought at the door.

Fri, July 20: White Violet @ 7:30 PM @ Georgia Theatre

Is soft rock what you crave? White Violet is pure quality sound!

Fri, July 20: The Athens Band @ 8 PM @ 40 Watt

Youth rockers take it old school with a sound that's miles beyond their years.  Always a sight to see!

Fri, July 20: Grinnin Bear @ 10 PM @ Caledonia Lounge

In the mood to enjoy yourself with some awesome folk tunes?  The members of Grinnin Bear don't take themselves too seriously, but I can promise that you'll just love them!

Fri, July 27: Grass Giraffes @ 10 PM @ Caledonia Lounge

These guys are way too much fun.  Don't miss their set!

Tue, July 31: Reptar DJ Set @ 11 PM @ Georgia Theatre rooftop

Dying to hang with the members of Reptar? End the month with them, and dance it up to their DJayed tunes!


Looks like July's going to be extremely exciting!  Know of any other shows you think everyone should see?  Comment below, and give us all the details.  And have a good one, you guys. See ya around town!

Kristen's Concert Picks: June will blow you away!

For optimal viewing of these picks on a mobile device, click here!

June is the month for tunes.  From Athfest to the many smaller shows happening this month, your ears will have a veritable feast of sounds to enjoy in the coming weeks!

Sat, June 2: Manray @ 10 PM @ Caledonia Lounge

Kick off your June with a blast of noise and rock courtesy of Manray.  It's quite a way to start the month!

Tue, Jun 5: The Skipperdees @ 7 PM @ Melting Point
A southern twang and a great helping of talent make the Skipperdees a must see.  Check 'em out at the Melting Point.

Tue, Jun 5: Wowser Bowser @ 11 PM @ Georgia Theatre rooftop
If fun is what you desire, look no further than Wowser Bowser.  Their crazy tunes will have you dancing in no time!

Wed, Jun 6: Rachel O'Neal @ 6:30 PM @ Melting Point
I greatly enjoyed Rachel's soft acoustic guitar and lovely voice at my very first Athfest years ago, and it will no doubt be wonderful to hear her sweet melodies again!

Thu, Jun 7: Grinnin Bear & Death On Two Wheels @ 9:30 PM @ Caledonia Lounge
Folk tunes with a sense of fun, Grinnin Bear is always worth a listen.  And pairing them with heavy rockers Death On Two Wheels?  That'll be one amazing set!

Fri, June 8: Sam Sniper @ 8:30 PM @ 40 Watt

Gotta love the unique southern folk rock of Sam Sniper!

Mon, Jun 11: Madeline @ 9 PM @ Caledonia Lounge
You'll truly enjoy Madeline's dark melodies with a southern touch.  Catch her over at the Caledonia!

Tue, Jun 12: The Gold Party @ 11 PM @ Georgia Theatre rooftop
What do you get when electronic indie tunes have a fling with 80s era pop?  The Gold Party, of course!  Soak in their sound up on the Georgia Theatre rooftop.

Thu, Jun 14: Lullwater @ 9:30 PM @ Caledonia Lounge
Would you like a hint of folk with your hard rock?  Lullwater will be serving up some awesome sounds in the middle of the month.

Thu, Jun 14: Lera Lynn @ 8:30 PM @ Melting Point
Lera Lynn channels a power and a passion into her dark melodies that makes every one of her shows an experience. You won't want to miss her set!

Wed, Jun 20: Powerkompany, Little Tybee @ 8:30 PM @ Melting Point
The ethereal Powerkompany and the soft indie sound of Little Tybee are sure to complement each other perfectly at this Melting Point show.

Thu-Sun, Jun 21-24: ATHFEST @ All Day @ Downtown Athens
Athfest 2012!  Over 150 bands, many of them awesome blog favorites, will be gracing stages all over downtown for this multi-day event.  Get your advance wristbands right here before it's too late, and stay tuned for prep guides, coverage of the event, and a special version of our concert picks coming in the next few weeks!

Well, we knew Athfest was going to be amazing, but who could have guessed so many other incredible shows would be taking place in Athens during the rest of the month?  Got a show you're dying to share?  Comment below, and tell the world all about it.  Can't wait for all these tunes.  June is going to be wild!

Kristen's Concert Picks: April brings the rock!

For optimal viewing of these picks on a mobile device, click here!

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!

Rye, Doctor Squid, & the Skipperdees: Friends Old and New

Sometimes, after a slew of brand new bands, it's nice to take a step back into familiar territory, and see some rockers you know you love. Wednesday night, I had the lovely chance to catch Rye again for the first time since I checked out their latest album. Now, Rye this time around was missing two of the three band members, so it was quite a different experience than ever before. Even so, I've gotta say I enjoyed David Fallis's solo take on their southern soft rock songs. And, of course, any musician who mixes it up with covers of I Heard It Through the Grapevine and the original Toy Story's Strange Things is awesome in my book! Who doesn't dig a taste of Disney with their rock?

Next up were Tennessee natives the Skipperdees. Playing their first Athens show ever, they filled the room with soft, twangy tunes born from a mixture of voice, guitar, and banjo. The members themselves, though, were quite a surprise. It's a rare thing in Athens to find a true all-girl band, but twins Catherine and Emily Backus certainly made it work.

Then it was time for the final act of the night... Doctor Squid! It's been so long since I've seen most of my original top five bands, so this had me totally excited. After Nuci's Space came to the rescue during a bit of an issue with a dead bass, they rocked all of my favorite tunes, just like old times. Their fun pop sound had my newbie pals dancing all over the place. Ah, good times! They also debuted quite a slew of new songs, all with their unique Doctor Squid style. Sounds good! I especially loved their second-to-last brand new tune. That one was made for dancing! And then, of course, they ended the night on the highest of high notes with their hit On My Way. I will never get sick of that song! What a Wednesday!