Sam Lipkin

After a brief yet impactful two years in Athens in the early ‘80s, the power pop/alternative rock pioneer Matthew Sweet went on to create MTV hits, gold albums and even go platinum. It’s been four years since Sweet performed locally, but he’s scheduled for a much anticipated return to the 40 Watt Club on Thursday, Aug. 29.

Longtime Athens hip-hop artist and entrepreneur Squallé is celebrating the release of his album Uptown Baby 2, which is the follow up to his EP Uptown Baby that was released in 2023. The album was recorded at two local studios, Altar Media Studios with engineer Oso and Ga Pro Studios with engineer Kxng Blanco. Squallé has a substantial discography that ranges from lyrical storytelling to braggadocious trap raps and energetic party anthems, and he won the 2024 Athens Hip Hop Awards category for Best Male Hip Hop Artist. For the album release party performances, Squallé will be joined by Kxng Blanco, Mizz Pretty Pink, 82Chapo, Shalyse, Brodagod and more.

Director Esther Carrillo (right) and a young member of Dignidad Inmigrante en Athens. Credit: Jason Gaona

Part of the charm of the Athens area and its creatives is the willingness to experiment and enduring DIY spirit—even when breakthrough success falls short, there’s a great story and inspiration to share. As Spaceball Bazaar, the collectively shared art and music space at 130 N. Church St. in Bogart, faces the end of its year-long lease this month, co-organizer of the space Gary Autry expresses mixed sentiments.

As we bounce between the cooling of false fall in the South and the last sunny days of summer, it’s not too late to enjoy the last of the summertime vibes. Today, gospel hip-hop group The Brothers N Christ share the release of its music video “Summertime,” featuring TR Thompson, P.O. The Priceless One and Molly Tu Hott.

The 39th annual North Georgia Folk Festival, celebrating a broad cross-section of folk culture, will take place Saturday, Sept. 28 at Sandy Creek Park from 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Festivities include music, art, vendors, food and family activities. The event is produced by volunteers from the Athens Folk Music and Dance Society (AFMDS), a local nonprofit, in partnership with Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services. AFMDS is dedicated to celebrating, sharing and sustaining traditional arts and music, hosting monthly contra dances throughout the year in addition to the festival. “What truly sets this festival apart is the way it allows us to reconnect with our roots. It’s not just about performing and entertaining; it’s about honoring the deep history and culture that have […]

Sitting together at a table with a versatile backdrop in matching black shirts that read “Game Gang,” Eugene Willis Jr. (Blacknerdninja) and Carlos Jones (Lo Down, aka Lou Morningstar) explain that they’re “like-minded collaborators” of Creative Space—co-founders on paper.

Sitting on the patio of Hendershot’s sipping a latte on one of those anticipatory not-quite-fall days, multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter Randall Bramblett gives a warm hello to the owner, his good friend and drummer of 15 years Seth Hendershot. Bramblett begins his interview with many praises of Hendershot and his brick-and-mortar, and in fact, he goes on to express admiration and thankfulness for his friends and colleagues in Athens from beginning to end.

The neighborhood is alive with the sound of music once again for Historic Athens’ sixth annual Porchfest, the local nonprofit organization’s largest fundraiser to aid its mission of historic preservation and heritage conservation. More than 200 performances will take place on porches and in yards across seven neighborhoods—Boulevard, Buena Vista, Cobbham, Newtown, Normaltown, Pulaski Heights and Reese-Hancock—on Sunday, Oct. 20 from 1–8 p.m.

The annual Wild Rumpus Parade & Spectacle that transforms downtown Athens into a whimsical Halloween wonderland is one of the few places where standing out means fitting in. For the creatively inclined, it’s the perfect time of year to show off sewing, crafting and building skills. Among the diverse crowd of townies and travelers, you’re likely to spot some truly creative, impressive and magical costumes and cosplays. Of course store-bought and trendy costumes, or even just a sweatshirt and jeans, is all fair game to participate by walking in the parade or standing stage-side to catch the performances. Everyone is welcomed. Parade-goer Nelita Willey discussed her Wild Rumpus costume plan with Flagpole, which is to go as Pandora from the […]