The 15th annual music and arts festival ATHFEST will be held in downtown Athens, GA,June 22nd through June 26th, 2011.  For the past 14 years, ATHFEST has showcased the best in local, regional, and nationally recognized Athens-based talent.   The festival includes live music, KIDSFest, a juried artisan market, film events, a comedy showcase, Flagpole Music Awards, Wired Dance Festival and more!  From 2005-2010, ATHFEST has been included in the “TOP 20 Events for June” by the Southeast Tourism Society.

This year’s headlining artists on the three outdoor stages include: FUTUREBIRDS, CENTRO-MATIC, GUADALCANAL DIARY, CHICKASAW MUDD PUPPIES, KEVN KINNEY BAND, and JASON ISBELL & THE 400 UNIT.   Other performers include: Nappy Roots, Bruce Hampton and The Pharaoh Gummitt, Jim White, Don Chambers, Bloodkin, Thomas Hardy (of Dead Confederate), Easter Island, Oryx and Crake, Lera Lynn, Woodfangs, Klezmer Local 42, The Charlie Garrett Band, The Welfare Liners, Dodd Ferrelle, Monahan, The Knockouts, The Whiskey Gentry, Free Mountain, The John King Band, Rachel Farley Band, Lingo, Grogus, Dank Sinatra, Dr. Arvin Scott, and Rick Fowler Blues Band.

All performances on the outdoor stages are open to all ages and are FREE of charge to the public.

The evening’s “club crawl” takes place on the Friday and Saturday nights of the festival and includes the 40 Watt Club, The Melting Point, Little King’s, Flicker Theatre, Ciné, New Earth Music Hall, Caledonia Lounge, Bad Manor, Rye Bar, Farm 255, The Globe, and The Go Bar.   Bands and artists of all genres will perform, including:  Reptar, Washed Out, Modern Skirts, Five-Eight, Kuroma, Cinechanica, The Jompson Brothers, The Orkids, The Corduroy Road, Jazzchronic, Ken Will Morton, and more.  Wristbands may be purchased for $15.00 in advance or for $20.00 at the festival.  Venue age and capacity restrictions will apply.   Select shows will require the ATHFEST wristband for entry.  Details and a full schedule of bands may be found at www.athfest.com.

AthFest, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization located in Athens, Georgia. The organization is dedicated to music and arts education and produces annual events such as the Athens Music & Arts Festival, AthFEAST, and the Athens GA Half Marathon. Proceeds from these events and other fundraising efforts support AthFest Educates!- a year-round effort to bring music and arts education to local schools through a variety of different programs.   For more information go to:  www.athfest.com