Sam Lipkin

There’s a perspective on life that can only be cultivated through lived experiences and venturing outside your bubble, and this point-of-view helped to shape songwriter Hunter Morris’ new album, Nowhere, NW, released under the name Mountain of Youth via Strolling Bones Records. Leaning into a more organic process for this project, Morris came through the other side with lessons learned and a new voice—the meaning, ultimately, at the heart of Mountain of Youth.

This spring was full of restaurant and bar openings, closings and changes. As we move into the slower summer months, it’s important to remember to support your local favorites and get them through to the fall.

The Town & Gown Players have a run of shows for the musical She Loves Me, a classic romantic comedy that follows the tropes of secret pen pals and unexpected love. The tale is told through a fast-paced and high-energy production, where the stage is described by the theater troupe as being transformed “into a vibrant, living pop-up book.” This production is directed by Michael Fulford with musical direction led by Andrea Barry. Performances are scheduled for June 5–6 and 11–13 at 8 p.m. with 2 p.m. matinees on June 7 and 14. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for members, seniors and students.

Psychedelic country rock band Futurebirds has gained a lot of lift since it started nearly two decades ago in Athens. And if the band’s past album releases have left you wanting more, you’re in luck. Futurebirds is releasing its first double album, Far Out Country, this Friday, June 5 via Dualtone Records.

Thirty years ago the artistically compelling pop band of Montreal was birthed from the Athens music scene, landing in the arms of the iconic Elephant 6 collective. Although frontperson Kevin Barnes says he’s not one to get sentimental about milestones, the band’s album releases have become an interesting way of telling time through his life.

For decades The Original Splitz Band has been adding atmosphere and getting people up off their feet at festivals, special events, venue residencies, parties and more. The group is self-described as “a mixed drink of the classic Motown sound, part 1970s funk and disco flavor, a dash of the old-school and contemporary R&B, and a guaranteed good time.” The “guaranteed good time” part of the description should come double underlined. Veteran of the band, lead guitarist and vocalist Stanley Stroud says that his vision for The Original Splitz Band has always simply been, “I like to have fun, just everyone have a good time.” Stroud was a member of the Common People Band before it divided into two groups in […]

On the cusp of its 10-year anniversary, Akademia Brewing Co. has announced that it will be closing after service finishes on Sunday, June 28. A heartfelt message posted on social media explains the decision was made due to the same challenges in the industry that many are facing, like rising costs and shifts in the market.

Although Juneteenth was signed into law as a federal holiday just five years ago, it’s a date long commemorating the end of slavery in the United States—hence being known as the Second Independence Day. Juneteenth celebrations date back to more than 100 years ago, when African Americans were still often prohibited from using public facilities for their festivities. Now Athens has multiple events and festivals honoring the history and traditions of Juneteenth for everyone to enjoy. These celebrations encourage understanding the past while building a brighter future. A Day of Celebrating Our Black HeritageJune 19, 9:30 a.m.–7 p.m. • Morton Theatre Presented by Charlie Maddox with the Athens Downtown Development Authority, there will be a full day of activities that […]

This weekend, the 28th annual three-day AthFest Music & Arts Festival takes place June 26–28 across several blocks of downtown. With more than 100 performers of various genres and styles filling three outdoor stages and 14 club crawl venues, there’s something for all ages and musical tastes. The free festival also features an artist market, vendors, food trucks, kids’ activities and more.

The AthFest Music & Arts Festival is taking place downtown this weekend, June 26–28, with three outdoor stages, an artist market, a kidsfest area, 14 club crawl venues and more. For the full schedule of events and descriptions of each performer, see below. You can also view all of the live music events in Flagpole‘s online calendar by using the “event category” filter “AthFest.” For more information and details about the festival as a whole, see “Flagpole’s Guide to the AthFest Music & Arts Festival.”