Local musician-entrepreneur-artist-writer-doorman Ryan Lewis has played in his share of bands, with the Agenda and the Sunshine Fix among them. But Lewis’ latest musical endeavor is something that reaches far beyond anything he’s done before. Guitarist Lewis and his drummer brother Mat have joined forces with bassist-illustrator Lauren Gregg and keyboardist-animator Craig Sheldon to make up the Buddy System, a consortium blending sci-fi instrumentals - particularly the bewitching tune “Return from Horse Mountain” - with inventive animated shorts to create a unique entertainment form.

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It’s so hard to be incognito in Athens - when you’re the B-52’s. Last spring, you could hardly walk downtown without hearing word of “a B-s sighting” - or having a sighting of your own. “I just saw Fred (Schneider) in a bucket hat buying tofu at the grocery!” Or, “Guess what! I heard the B-52’s practicing at Chick Piano and saw them come out of one of the rehearsal rooms - they were amazing!” Mmm hmm. If there’s one thing you know if you know the B’s, it’s that the band loves Athens.

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THIS WEEKEND IN THE CLUBS: Who’s playing where this weekend in Athens, featuring a song from Lake City.

Friday:
• 40 Watt: a.armada, Boats-Dock’s Party, Dan Hole Pond, Dead Elephant Bicycle, Deaf Judges, Mouser, Nomenclature, Paper Tanks.
• Allen’s: Lucas Cates & Kenny Leiser.
• Caledonia: The Empties, Lake City, J-Roddy Walston and the Business.
• Classic Center: Decemberadio, Third Day, Sanctus Real.
• Flicker: Angi West, My Unborn Children, Nerdkween.
• Georgia Theatre: Heavy Petty, ZZ Topless.
• Go Bar: Jeremy Wheatley.
• Little Kings: Breathlanes.
• Melting Point: Bobby Lee Rodgers & the Codetalkers, Papi Mali.
• Mercury Lounge: The Peabodies.
• No Where Bar: Dr. Louis Sullivan.
• Rye Bar: Gift Horses, Hardy Morris & Brantley Senn.
• Wild Wing Cafe: Grayson Hill.

Saturday:
• 40 Watt: The Buddy System, Folklore, Iron Hero, King of Prussia, Puddin’ Tang, Sea of Dogs, Sleeping Friends.
• Allen’s: Rollin’ Home.
• Caledonia: Michael Guthrie Band, Misfortune 500, Young Antiques.
• Downtown Athens: Hope for Nicaragua Benefit, 2 p.m. to midnight: Dodd Ferrelle, Ted Franklin, Full Fathom Five, The Happy Are Dead, Pilot Coat, That’s What She Said.
• Flicker: Cortez Garza, Nick Light, Marry A Thief.
• Georgia Theatre: Stars, Martin Royle.
• Gnat’s Landing: Avery Dyland Project, Josh Taylor.
• Go Bar: Nightingale News.
• Little Kings: Black Dominoes, The Cubs, Christopher Henderson.
• Melting Point: Betsy Franck & the Bareknuckle Band, Charlie Garrett Band.
• Nuci’s Space: Nathan Beaver, Mike Killeen and the Sweethearts, Chris Moore.
• Tasty World: Ben Stevens & Nolan Terrebone, The Bros. Marler, Elite the Showstoppa, Figaro, King Hill, Kosher Beets, Kowboy, Mr. Nasty, The Rattlers.
• Wild Wing Cafe: Lullwater.