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Getting into the
local Music scene
I t's the greatest college music town in
the world. It's also damn intimidating for
anyone new to town. Welcome to Athens,
where the weirdest day of your life is known
as a regular Tuesday. Why is there a guy play
ing bagpipes on the corner? Because he can.
Did I just get served a sandwich by the drum
mer I saw last night? Probably.
Athens is a tight-knit music community,
full of history and busting at the seams with
new talent. But you don't have to
be a musician to be a part of it.
Bands are constantly looking for
fans to organize street teams,
help find gigs, or even film
videos and design cover art.
WUOG, the student-run radio
station, is always looking for
new deejays, and roving bands
sometimes need a couch to
crash on. If you're really big
into the music industry, UGA
has a music business pro
gram that will get you an
internship with some of the
most respected business
people around town. But
sometimes, just being a fan
is enough. Support those in
the scene, and they'll sup
port you. The easiest way to
do that is to get out there and
see some shows.
Each venue has its own musi
cal leanings. The Caledonia
Lounge is usually your best bet
to hear hard-rock, punk and
any of the heavier types of
bands as well as bands whose
sound just fits better in a
small space. Think echoes and
soundscapes and you're getting
there. Tasty World Uptown is a
new band's first stop in town.
You'll find a mix of everything
from pop to rock to country and
everything in between played by
bands that you may not have heard
of yet. It's a great place to find a
new favorite act. But if you're crav
ing your bigger acts of rock and
pop, head to the 40 Watt. With
the Georgia Theatre out of com
mission after the accidental fire
this past summer, this is your best
spot to find the most popular Athens bands
and a few legendary acts, too. Don't count
other venues out, though. Some lesser known
places downtown like Little Kings and Rye
Bar host special music that you won't want
to miss. If cold beer, Southern rock and cover
bands are more your thing, head out to the
Eastside to bars like Alibi and Fat Daddy's.
If you're anything like the rest of us,
your pockets ain't exactly lined with money,
either. Well, there'are plenty of ways to find
good music for free. Several venues around
town offer free concerts or "donation" shows
that can bring relief to your wallet. Places
like Farm 255 and Nugi's Space are great for
catching your favorite bands for littte or no
cash. And even though some avoid the UGA
campus like the plague, free shows happen all
the time at the Tate Plaza or inside the local
radio stations. WUOG (90.5 FM) has a "Live in
the Lobby" show every Tuesday and Thursday,
while WUGA (91.7 FM) hosts local and touring
bands on "It's Friday," every Friday at 4 p.m.
You can simply tune in or drop in to catch a
show for free! WUOG also offers free passes
for local shows to those with quick
dialing fingers, so listen for your
chance to pick up a ticket for you
and a buddy.
But how do you decide where to
go and who to see? Well, if you're
reading this, you've got your main
resource in front of you. Flagpole
will keep you up to date with any
shows or events that are going
on during the week, with late-
breaking updates posted on our
blog Homedrone at www.flag-
pole.com or sent via tweet at
www.twitter.com/FlagpoleMusic.
You may also want to check out
any of the numerous websites
or blogs dealing with Athens
music. Don't be afraid to take
a chance on a new band. Sure,
you may have been a twee-core
fan since forever, but maybe you'll
hear that one industrial/new wave
act that will change your life.
Once you get your location bear
ings, you'll be able to hop from
venue to venue if there are a lot
of bands you want to see in one
night. It's called club crawling
and, yes, nearly everyone does
it. You'll meet some interesting
people along the way...
No, you're not dreaming. That
is indeed Michael Stipe standing
10 feet away from you. Stipe-
sightings are actually pretty
common, seeing as how the
R.E.M. frontman lives here in
Athens for some of the year.
In fact, there's a ton of rock
royalty who spend their free
time in town. Just remember
that while it is very cool to see
someone who wrote your favorite
song hanging out in your favorite bar, it's not
cool to stare. Or stalk. That one's definitely a
no-no. . , *.
There's a reason why Athens music has
continued to be such a driving force. Some
like to blame it on the water but, really, it's
the people. Some very nice ones live here
and dedicate their time to making others feel
welcome. We'd love to "have you along. Simply
put, love your bands, try new things and get
ready. If you're up for an adventure, you've
got one waiting for you. Welcome to Athens.
. Jordan Stepp
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AUGUST 12,2009 • FLAGPOLE.COM 25