Some of the area’s best acoustic-based bands will be showcased Saturday at the inaugural Red, White & Brewgrass Festival, hosted by the Packway Handle Band and the Melting Point. And while there’s a derivative of “bluegrass” on the marquee, the day’s events figure to be much more than untold versions of “Foggy Mountain Breakdown” or “Orange Blossom Special.” READ THE STORY
You have to figure it can’t be easy - getting a group of band members together for a publicity photo, arranging them for the inevitable standing: hands in pockets, a look of cool detachment conveying the gravity of the rock. For more than a decade, Jason Thrasher has managed gracefully to bring his creative eye to the lens, pulling from the standard press photo an artistry that reflects the subject it holds. READ THE STORY
Stuart Murdoch, founder and frontman of Glasgow’s Belle & Sebastian, never has shied away from referencing his reverence for God and pop (or, perhaps, in this case “Pop”). Both have shaped his personal life and songwriting aesthetic - his online journals and song lyrics are replete with mentions of both. READ THE STORY
10 tonight, Caledonia Lounge
This local seven-piece band plays a laid-back blend of Americana and folk rock inspired by Gram Parsons, Otis Redding and The Rolling Stones. www.myspace.com/helendodge.
8:30 p.m. Friday, The Melting Point
This fun-loving Jimmy Buffett cover band features members of The Tony Pritchett Band and offers an “All You Can Party Buffett.” Tickets are $10 in advance and $13 at the door. meltingpointathens.com.
9 p.m. Saturday, 40 Watt
Tommy Valentine presents five hours of hip-hop. Valentine will be joined by Richie Rich with Hot Ham and Str8 Jacket, Profound Breath, Brian Walker of Future Ape Tapes, Bear, Elite Tha Showstoppa, Keelan ‘Fresh’ Knox, RedKlay, Gus D and Mikey P. Tickets are $5 in advance. www.40watt.com.
3 p.m. Sunday, State Botanical Garden of Georgia
Wind down your holiday weekend with the Classic City Band. Founded in 1976, the Classic City Band is one of the oldest acts in town, but that doesn’t mean they’ve forgotten how to rock. The band plays selections from jazz, pop, show tunes, traditional and classical music. Free. www.uga.edu/botgarden.
8 p.m. Monday, Little Kings
If rock ‘n’ roll is your area of expertise, head to Little Kings. Put all the hours you’ve spent listening to records and pouring over liner notes to good use. Free. www.myspace.com/littlekingsshuffleclub.
8 p.m. Tuesday, Ciné
This summer, Ciné will offer movie trivia each Tuesday. Show off your cinematic knowledge and compete for prizes. Signup begins at 7:30. Free.
9 p.m. Wednesday, The Melting Point
Southern rockers WILX combine elements of blues and funk with the improvisational style of jam bands. Eddie and the Public Speakers play rock inspired by funk and the blues. Tickets are $5. www.myspace.com/thewilxband or www.myspace.com/thepublicspeakers.
Proving the title of their latest record holds true, veteran rockers Bloodkin nabbed the Album of the Year Award for “Baby They Told Us We Would Rise Again” at Thursday night’s Flagpole Athens Music Awards. The band, formed in 1986 by members Daniel Hutchens and Eric Carter, has long been respected on the music scene, though it hasn’t enjoyed the larger success of Widespread Panic and Drive-By Truckers, who count it as an influence. Aquarium Drunkard has called Hutchens a “national treasure,” while Glide magazine said with the new album, the band had “set the benchmark for artistic rediscovery in 2009,” and Rolling Stone’s David Fricke declared the band “at a hot peak in their odyssey.” READ THE STORY
Performers not designated with Main Stage will perform on the Hull Street Stage. SEE THE SCHEDULE
Please note that shows scheduled after midnight are noted on the day that the lineup starts. For example, while 1 a.m. on Saturday is technically 1 a.m. Sunday, it would be listed as Saturday since it is part of the Saturday night showcase. SEE THE LIST
Although a significant portion of the musical heritage of the Classic City took a major blow last week with the fire at the Georgia Theatre, the Athens Music History Driving Tour is set to roll again this week as part of the AthFest celebration. READ THE STORY
Athens has plenty to show on its outdoor main stages during the day, but the clubs tend to be relatively quiet till the evening hours. READ THE STORY
Each year, news reporter Blake Aued finds a bevy of bands worth checking out at AthFest. So here’s where you’re likely to have a Blake spotting this weekend, as these are his picks for the ‘Fest. SEE THE LIST
