Athens is a music town, plain and simple. The hometown of college rock legends R.E.M., the B-52s, Widespread Panic – the list of homegrown high-profile acts is large and still growing. There are dozens of live-music venues, and hundreds of bands in the area. Some days it seems that everyone you meet in this town is a musician. The downside? Athens’ thriving music scene is so packed with performers that it’s often frustrating for out-of-town bands to generate a good draw. Still, the scene is open and welcoming to newcomers. There are locals willing to help book gigs and share bills, and resources in place to help you find your way around. Athens is a great place for an anchor gig, or as a stop on your Southeast tour on the way to and from Atlanta. Below you’ll find some good places to start.
VENUES
40 Watt Club
285 W. Washington St.
Athens, GA 30601
706-549-7871
During its 30-year history, the venerable 40 Watt Club has been one of Athens’ premier venues. With standing room for up to 500, it’s a big club that’s been a launching point for high-profile Athens bands. It continues to host both local and national talent. While leaning towards rock and indie sounds, all genres have been featured. 18+
Flicker Theatre & Bar
263 W. Washington St.
Athens, GA 30601
706-546-0039
Full bar, big comfy sofas, and free popcorn. Flicker is a hip, intimate club. Shows are eclectic, ranging from acoustic singer/songwriter to the most industrial of experimental noise. 21+
Little Kings Shuffle Club
223 W. Hancock Ave.
Athens, GA 30601
706-369-3144
www.myspace.com/littlekingsshuffleclub
A comfortable, laid-back club with a corner stage, overstuffed chair, full bar, and a courtyard/patio for outdoor shows. Americana, folk, and rock shows. 21+
Rye Bar
140 E. Clayton St.
Athens, GA 30601
706-354-6629
Athens’ underground (literally) music club. Small, basement venue, ideal for new bands, or a first-gig-in-Athens. Rock, Americana, and the odd jam band. Full Bar. 21+
The Melting Point
295 E. Dougherty St.
Athens, GA 30601
706-254-6909
A plum Athens gig. Raised stage, multi-tiered balcony seating, sophisticated atmosphere and superb food. Local songwriters and nationally touring acts frequent the club. Monthly “Hoot’” put on by the Athens Folk Music and Dance Society. 18+
New Earth Music Hall
227 W. Dougherty St.
Athens GA 30601
706-543-8283
Black lights and hand-painted murals give this new club an atmosphere of surreal coolness. Spacious venue with full bar and a large stage. Eclectic mix of music blasts through this place – from DJs and electronica to exotic world music and stand-up comedy. 18+
PRESS
Flagpole
112 South Foundry St.
Athens, GA 30601
706-549-9523
The Athens Entertainment Weekly.
Red and Black
540 Baxter St.
Athens, GA 30605
706-433-3000
Student newspaper of the University of Georgia.
Athens Banner-Herald
1 Press Place
Athens, GA 30601
706-208-2300
Daily news, serving Athens and the surrounding areas.
GEAR/REPAIR
Musician’s Warehouse
150 Crane Dr.
Bogart, GA 30622-1800
706-548-7233
Chick Piano
240 West Clayton St.
Athens, GA 30601
706-543-4348
OTHER RESOURCES
Nuci’s Space
396 Oconee St.
Athens, GA 30601
706-227-1515
Nuci’s is a non-profit space for Athens musicians, and a revered part of the music scene. A complete musician’s resource center, Nuci’s provides practice space, gear rental, education and counseling, a performance venue, and bulletin boards filled with announcements of the “musician seeking band” variety. Indispensable.
The Flagpole Music Directory
Part of Flagpole Magazine’s website, this resource is comprehensive enough to warrant its own entry. Separate listings for Venues, Music Services (from Recording Studios to Graphic Designers), and Athens bands hoping to hear from visitors (or booking agents).
This month’s Tour Stop compiled by Frank Williams.
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