AthFest officially kicks off today with a comedy concert at the 40 WattNew Earth Music Hall, but it really gets going Friday night when the streets of downtown open up with two live stages along Washington Street followed by a Friday night pub crawl which envelops the entire city.
I was hoping for some long-lost Athens band to get back together for a one-off, which is a usual occurance during AthFest, but haven’t been able to come across one of note. Last year saw The Agenda! and Dreams So Real reunite for AthFest, and The Agenda! has continued to play in the year since (and will be back again at this year’s festival).
I wanted to see A.Armada with a show, but it would appear the great postrock band is no more, for now, though Cinemachinica is set to play the Watt Friday night (always a must see).
So then here is my list of intriguing shows to go to at this year’s festival, though it is impossible to get to them all:
Spring Tigers, Friday main stage 8 p.m.: For those who enjoy UK pop-rock, Spring Tigers fit the bill. Lead singer Kris Barrett, who once led UK band The Capes, writes inventive songs with good hooks. Nice slot on the bill, too, as Modern Skirts take the stage after them.
Powers, Friday, 40 Watt, 10 p.m.: Four guys with guitars surround a drummer in the middle of the club and hammer out a calvalcade of righteous sound. A perfect start to a great night at the Watt.
Creepy, Friday, Go Bar, 10 p.m.: An all-female band with a relentless sound.
Supercluster, Saturday, Main stage, 4 p.m.: It’s going to be hot, but this supergroup of Athens musicians led by Pylon’s Vanessa Hay is certainly worth the steamy climes.
Five-Eight, Saturday, Lumpkin Stage, 6:20 p.m.: A band with such ferocity on the small stage will be a wonder. These Athens legends are always a must-see.
Venice is Sinking, Dead Confederate, Saturday, 40 Watt, midnight: Two of Athens most venerable acts back-to-back, both boasting new albums. The bands are at different ends of the sound meter, but this promises to be an eventful night.
Werewolves, The Agenda!, Saturday, 10 p.m., Cine: Werewolves are an up-and-comer, and The Agenda! a ferocious band to see live. Last time I saw them, the drum set went over, by Mat Lews kept on playing.
Dirty Mind (members of Quiet Hooves & The Dream Scene covering Prince’s Dirty Mind), Saturday, Go Bar, midnight: How cool does this sound. Halloween comes early
Madeline & the White Flag Band, Saturday, Little Kings, midnight: If you haven’t seen Madeline Adams, you should. Her songs are perfectly paced and her voice is a dream.
Cracker, Sunday, main stage, 7 p.m.: David Lowry and the boys return to Athens for a Sunday afternoon treat. While I’ve always been more a Camper fan myself, Cracker has grown on me over the years. It’s a good way to end the festival.
i thought the comedy show was at New Earth Music Hall? that’s what it says on the athfest website.
So it is, thanks for pointing that out
There is a long-lost band reuniting!! Engineering is playing at Go Bar! They were AWESOME although short-lived.