Sam Lipkin

Athens Uncovered, an annual nonprofit fundraiser that supports Nuçi’s Space’s mission to prevent suicide and provide services for musicians, is hosting a special “Revival” edition this year in early celebration of the organization’s upcoming 25th anniversary. The lineup aims to showcase Athens’ legendary music scene, featuring an opener by Camp Amped’s Noodle Soup Group and a surprise “Athens Music Royalty” supergroup including members of R.E.M., Camper Van Beethoven, Randall Bramblett Band, Drive-By Truckers, Five Eight, Cracker and more. “Athens Uncovered is one of my favorite annual events on the local music calendar,” says David Barbe, director of the UGA Music Business certificate program and chief engineer at Chase Park Transduction. “Athens Uncovered brings people together to support Nuçi’s Space and its critical mission. It is very rewarding to me to see the generosity of my fellow Athenians.” Proceeds of the event go toward lifesaving services like therapy and psychiatry appointments in addition to suicide prevention and wellness programs.

No generation has yet to escape the powerful pull of nostalgia, and millennials have embraced a rebirth of alternative styles like emo and pop-punk. There’s not only a large market of music listeners, but also people seeking community around this resurgence. Athens transplant Dan Lacasse has successfully navigated this landscape to bring together his personal interests, meet like-minded people and create music under the Phantom Dan moniker.

As the cold weather drives most people indoors, it’s a wonderful time to explore the offerings of the Athens-area theater groups and productions. The winter season is lively with a mix of traditional plays, ballets and more. Town & Gown Players is closing out its year with the holiday-themed musical A Spell for Winter, an original by locals Derek Adams (book, lyrics and direction) and Jonathan Sparks (music and music direction).

As the cold weather drives most people indoors, it’s a wonderful time to explore the offerings of the Athens-area theater groups and productions. The winter season is lively with...

Washed-up ping-pong star Don Toberman enters on stage, hyped up and ready to make his comeback after a mental breakdown and multiple rehab stays. But nothing can stop Toberman this time, right? He exhibits his prowess by challenging audience members to rounds of invisible ping pong, until absurdity derails his story.

“A found footage horror stand-up comedy special” is the tagline for the new feature film 119.MP4 produced by Gonzoriffic, Athens’ only underground filmmaking collective that leans into experimental and feminist works. It debuts with a free screening at Ciné on Sunday, Jan. 19, followed by a Q&A with Gonzoriffic founder and producer Andrew Shearer and director, writer and actor Florence Ugh.

Drawing from the storytelling roots of hip hop and embracing a classic sound, Athens-born rapper Chris Elder has been making music under the name Eli Eternal for a decade. He’s been a regular performer at community events like the annual Hot Corner Festival despite a few starts and stops with projects over the years, but it’s all come together for a proper introduction with the EP Eli Eternal: The Experience, to be released Jan. 30.

ATHfactor-Liberty Entertainment has curated a Black History Month celebration, Hip-Hop Canvas, showcasing the diverse spectrum of Black creativity and culture in Athens. On Saturday, Feb. 8 at Ciné, the event will feature a rich variety of musical genres, dance performances, poetry, live art and fashion. “It’s about highlighting Black excellence. Each artist brings a unique attitude and flavor, showcasing different sectors of Blackness, from hip hop and reggae dancehall to poetry, visual art and soulful singing,” says Montu Miller, chief operating officer of ATHfactor-Liberty Entertainment. With Miller at the helm hosting and DJ Chief Rocka setting the vibe—both duties that are cultural elements of hip hop—doors will open to The Lab at 9 p.m. The night will begin with live […]

Closing out January with a television debut performance of the single “Homewrecker” on “The Late Night Show” with Stephen Colbert following the release of her Atlantic Records debut album Southern Belle Raisin’ Hell, contemporary country singer-songwriter Willow Avalon’s next stop this week is the 40 Watt Club. She’ll be dropping in to her honorary hometown along an international tour celebrating the album’s release. Gathering powerful momentum in the country music world, Avalon was recently named a 2025 Artist to Watch by The Tennessean and Holler. Living in New York City with rural Georgia roots has contributed to Avalon’s blend of Americana, folk and classic country with notable pop and rock influences. However, Avalon’s main inspiration comes from her own personal […]

The nonprofit esp (extra special people) offers advocacy, support and inclusive programs for individuals of all abilities. Its mission states that it “exists to provide transformative experiences for people with disabilities and their families, changing communities for the better.” The organization’s annual Big Hearts Talent Show gives participants of all ages the opportunity to share their unique talents with the community. Executive Director for esp Athens Craig Portwood says, “Our families look forward to performing all year long and have put some creative thought into each act. They love being on stage and hearing the cheers of the crowd.” In addition to the event’s fundraising efforts, Portwood says it also “serves as a way to break down barriers to unify […]