Athens Rocks

Bulldogs grace the UGA campus and downtown.

It’s no secret that Athens, Georgia, has fostered one of the country’s cutting-edge music scenes since the 1970s. (R.E.M. and The B-52’s hail from here.) From acoustic guitar-strumming singer-songwriters to indie rock bands to alternative country acts, you can walk into numerous venues and find what you like. What’s happening now?

Venues

The Classics

40 Watt Club: An Athens legend since 1978. The bigger bands play this smaller venue when they seek a closer audience connection. The quality of music you hear here will be high. 285 West Washington Street; www.40watt.com or (706) 549-7871.
Georgia Theatre: The iconic marquee remains the flashiest thing in this big, smoky club, but major national acts land here when they’re passing through. 215 North Lumpkin Street; www.georgiatheatre.com or (706) 549-9918.

The Newcomers

Melting Point: Housed in an old foundry, this intimate performance space features weeknight shows including jazz and bluegrass. 295 East Dougherty Street; www.meltingpointathens.com or (706) 254-6909.
Farm 255: Small outdoor stage and excellent organic food. Regular jazz trios and songwriters perform here throughout the week. 255 West Washington Street; www.farm255.com or (706) 549-4660.

Three Things You Need To Know

Pick up a Flagpole. This free rag found all over town lists weekly performance schedules. www.flagpole.com.
Think college-town casual for dress. Truly, the town’s diversity means you’ll fit in wearing anything.
Catch an afternoon snooze. Many places don’t get really cranking until 10 p.m. at the earliest. That’s the biz, man. Did we mention this was a college town?

When You Want To Buy

Wuxtry Records: The best little indie music store in town features rare vinyl and an excellent Athens music section. 197 East Clayton Street; www.wuxtryrecords.com or (706) 369-9428.

The Athens Sound
We asked Steve LaBate, associate editor for national entertainment magazine Paste, about the town’s music.

“There isn’t really an ‘Athens Sound’ these days,” he says. “Stylistically, the bands are all over the map. The sound of Athens, I suppose, is the musical diversity.” Steve recommends five area bands to watch.

Up-and-Comers

Modern Skirts―indie pop/rock
Hope for Agoldensummer―acoustic/experimental folk
Venice Is Sinking―orchestral rock/ballads
Still Small Voice and the Joyful Noise―roots rock
Don Chambers and Goat―roots/Americana

Best-Known Athens Bands

R.E.M.
The B-52’s
Widespread Panic
Drive-By Truckers
Of Montreal

"Athens Rocks" is from the March 2008 issue of Southern Living. Because prices, dates, and other specifics are subject to change, please check all information to make sure it's still current before making your travel plans.

Here's a look at some of the places to catch great live music in town.|Tanner C. Latham