Venues, Media, and Independent CD Retailers
America's #1 College Music Scene, according to Rolling Stone magazine. "The density and diversity of bands still teeming in downtown Athens keep it the alpha and omega of the college music scene." (Feb. 20, 2003). There are 33 clubs and a host of independent music stores. Plus one of the nation's best entertainment weeklies (The Flagpole) which was very helpful in compiling the information you'll read below). Getting a show in Athens is somewhat competitive (there are about 600 bands based there). On the other hand there are so many venues and the demand for live music is so high –if you have a good sound, a convincing promo kit, and a little good timing, you can book your date and have a great show.
In addition to booking your show, don't forget to contact the radios and magazines shown below to get your date listed on their Event Calendars and hopefully line up some interviews. Don't overlook the possibility of an in-store CD store performance –not just to sell CDs but to help promote the show.
If you need assistance in putting together any of your promotional materials including photography, CD design, or CD replication, please visit our website, where you can navigate to contact pages for other Midsouth cities. –Christian Lange
1902 OCAF ARTS CENTER & ROCKET HALL
34 School St., Watkinsville, GA 30677
For dance, music, theatrical productions, film. main events include Performance Series and Southworks All Ages,
Capacity: Rocket Hall, 300; Member Gallery, 50; Main Gallery, 120
Payment Policy: varies.
Contact: Vicky Moody, Performing Arts Coordinator
Email: info@ocaf.com
www.ocaf.com
40 WATT CLUB
285 W. Washington St., Athens, GA 30601
The best national, international, regional and local music out there! 18+,
Capacity: 500
Payment Policy: varies
Contact: Velena Vego
Email: fortywatt@athens.net
www.40watt.com
ANNEX
164 E. Clayton St., Athens, GA 30601
Leans toward DJs and dance with occasional bands. 18+
Capacity: 200+
Payment Policy: cut of door.
www.annexathens.com
AROMAS
1235 S. Milledge Ave., Athens, GA 30605
Quiet, small, upscale bar primarily hosting small, local acts. Mondays, occasionally other days. All Ages.
Capacity: 50.
Payment Policy: bar tab.
Contact: Christy, 706-208-0059
BOAR'S HEAD
260 E. Washington St., Athens, GA 30601
Groove-oriented rock, folk and funk. Weekly shows. Local acts only. 21+
Capacity: 150, inside; no cap, outside.
Payment Policy: flat rate.
Contact: Chris, 706-369-3040
CALEDONIA LOUNGE
256 W. Clayton St., Athens, GA 30601
Small music hall booking the best local and touring underground bands. 18+
Capacity: 200
Payment Policy: varies.
Contact: Coley Dennis, 706-549-5577
THE CLASSIC CENTER
300 N. Thomas St., Athens, GA 30601
Grand Hall for concerts, parties, conferences, etc. Theater: concerts, Broadway shows and more. All Ages.
Capacity: Grand Hall, 3200; Theater, 2053
Payment Policy: varies
Contact: Leigh Smith, 706-357-4415
Email: leigh@classiccenter.com
www.classiccenter.com
COUNTRY ROCK CAFE
1720 Commerce Rd., Athens, GA 30606
DJ spins Country, Dance, Classic Rock and R&B, 18+
Capacity: 500
Payment Policy: flat rate.
Contact: Stephen Sawyer, 706-369-7625
DT's DOWN UNDER
140 E. Clayton St., Athens, GA 30601
Singer-songwriters, groove rock, acoustic. Longest running Open Mic Night in GA. 21+ Capacity: 100
Payment Policy: varies.
Contact: 706-543-9276
EASTWOOD PUB
4030 Lexington Rd., Athens, GA 30605
Acoustic oriented, early start time, easy on the ears. 21+,
Capacity: 99
Payment Policy: flat rate.
Contact: David Lee
Email: darolee@yahoo.com
FARM 255
255 W. Washington St., Athens, GA 30601
Live music at local and sustainable restaurant. Full bar & Outdoor Stage.
Contact: Kate
Email: kate at farm255.com
www.farm255.com
FLICKER THEATRE & BAR
263 W. Washington St., Athens, GA 30601
Neighborly place, full bar. Local music and films in an intimate setting, 21+.
Capacity: 140.
Payment policy: varies.
Contact: 706-546-0039
GEORGIA THEATRE
215 N. Lumpkin St., Athens, GA 30601
National acts, local/regional bands. The history of the theatre speaks for itself, 18+ Capacity: 620,
Payment Policy: varies.
Contact: Wil Greene, 706-353-3405
Email: georgiatheatre@hotmail.com
www.georgiatheatre.com
GO BAR
195 Prince Ave., Athens, GA 30601
Features DJs and bands occasionally. 21+
Capacity: 75
Payment Policy: varies.
Contact: 706-546-5609
HEALING ARTS CENTRE
834 Prince Ave., Athens, GA 30606
The raised ceiling (20 ft.) offers the sound space to mix with the sacred vibe of the place. All Ages.
Capacity: 150
Payment Policy: varies.
Contact: Meghan Burke, 706-613-1142
Email: meghan@healingartscentre.net
HOT CORNER CAFE
269 N. Hull St. Athens GA 30601
Mostly acoustic, mellow shows. Folk, bluegrass, country, blues, jazz, etc., All ages.
Capacity: 50.
Payment: tips.
Contact: Katie Collins
Email: untrodden1@yahoo.com
INSOMNIA
131 E. Broad St., Athens, GA 30601
DJs spinning dance music Thu.–Sat. Capacity: 350+. Payment Policy: varies. 18+.
Contact: 706-316-1000
J. R.'S BAIT SHACK
142 N. Jackson St., Athens, GA 30601
Booking all kinds of bands nightly. 21+, Capacity: 80, Payment Policy: cut of bar.
Contact:
Rob Dinwiddlie, 706-208-9100
Email: dinwiddieiii@hotmail.com
420 E. Clayton St.,Athens, GA 30601
Local and national acts. Dance nights and restaurant. Focusing on the jam music scene. 18+
Capacity: 600
Payment Policy: varies.
Contact: 706-353-8869
LOCOS (S. Harris St.)
581 S. Harris St., Athens, GA 30605
Outdoor courtyard, covered deck. Live music, special catered events. Age restriction varies, Capacity: 250+
Payment Policy: varies.
Contact: 706-548-7803
LUNCH PAPER
235 W. Washington St., Athens, GA 30601
Showcasing local acts only. 21+
Capacity: 140
Payment Policy: door.
Contact: Shannon
www.myspace.com/lunchpaper
THE MELTING POT
295 E. Doughtery St., Athens, GA 30601
Small theater, fine dining/drinks. Early shows (8 p.m.). National folk, bluegrass, blues, rock. Sounds good. 21+.
Capacity: 230–400.
Payment: varies.
Contact: Scott Orvald
www.meltingpointathens.com
MERCURY LOUNGE
254 W. Clayton St., Athens, GA 30601
Intimate environment with occasional live acts. 21+.
Capacity: 50.
Payment policy: varies.
Contact: Chip, 706-583-8510
MIKE'S DOWN UNDER
30 Sycamore St., Jefferson, GA 30606
We have live music, pool tables, great food and lots of fun.
Contact: Sarah Farrier, Mike Carron
Email: sfarrier14 at yahoo.com
Phone: 706-367-9609
www.mikesdownunder.com
THE MORTON THEATRE
195 W. Washington St., Athens, GA 30601
Circa 1910, Athens' only black-built, owned, operated Vaudeville theater. Carefully restored. All Ages.
Capacity: 500.
Payment Policy: varies.
Contact: Robert Herman, Megan Rocks
Email: admin at mortontheatre.com
Phone: 706-613-3770
NOWHERE BAR
240 N. Lumpkin St., Athens, GA 30601
Live bands. 21+, Capacity: 180
Payment Policy: door.
Contact: George, 706-546-4742
NUCI'S SPACE
396 Oconee St., Athens, GA 30601
A non-profit musician's resource center, rehearsal/performance space, counseling referrals. Age restriction varies.
Capacity: 180
Payment Policy: varies.
Contact: Bob Sleppy, bob@nuci.org
706-227-1515
THE RITZ
346 Broad St., Athens, GA 30601
One of the most spacious & nicest venues in Athens.
Capacity: varies by event.
Payment Policy: varies. 18+.
Contact: Mark E.P. Woods, 706-227-2124
SAFARI
189 W. Athens St., Winder, GA 30680
Southern rock, rock and roll. Stand-up comedy also.
Capacity: 550
Payment: varies. 21+.
Contact: Jerry Jameson, 706-543-8081
TASTY WORLD
312 E. Broad St., Athens, GA 30601
Live music nightly in a great location. All genres welcome. 18+
Capacity: 200
Payment Policy: varies.
Contact: Murphy, Claire, Julian
Email: tastyworld@mindspring.com
www . tastyworld . net
UGA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
212 River Rd., Athens, GA 30602
Wide variety of performances and concert music. Local, national and international acts. All Ages.
Capacity: Hodgson Hall, 1100; Ramsey Hall, 360.
Payment Policy: varies.
Contact: Bobby Tyler, 706-542-4400
www.uga.edu/pac
WILD WING CAFE
312 E. Washington St., Athens, GA 30601
Athens #1 spot for cover bands with the occasional original thrown in.
Contact: Nomad Artists, Troy (booking)
Email: nomadartists@msn.com
706-354-6107
X-RAY CAFE
261 W. Washington St., Athens, GA 30601
Cozy bohemian café regularly hosting experimental music, both local and international. All Ages.
Capacity: 50.
Payment Policy: varies.
Contact: Paul Thomas
PRINT MEDIA
FLAGPOLE
112 South Foundry Street
Athens, Georgia 30601
Athens weekly entertainment newspaper as well as a great source of information about local news, happening, reviews, band interviews, etc.
Music Editor: Chris Hassiotis
Editorial: 706-549-9523
Fax:706-548-8981
Music Dept.: music@flagpole.com
REDANDBLACK
540 Baxter Street
Athens, GA 30605
University of Georgia student newspaper
706-433-3000
706-433-3033 (fax)
ATHENS BANNER-HERALD
One Press Place, Athens, GA 30601
Athens’ Daily Newspaper
Julie Phillips
Arts & Entertainment Editor
julie.phillips@onlineathens.com
RADIO MEDIA
WUGA 91.7, 97.9 fm
University of Georgia
1197 South Lumpkin Street
Athens, GA 30602
National Public Radio featuring a mix of Classical (50% of programming) with Jazz, Latin, African, Folk, and World Music.
Robb Holmes, 706-542-6743, rholmes@uga.edu
Special Shows:
It’s Friday (local & visiting bands), wuga@uga.edu
Just Folks (Folk Music) Maggie Hunter,
Just Off the Radar (Electronica), Joe Silva, silva_uk@yahoo.com
Night Music, David Ferguson, dfer530@uga.edu
Salsa Music, Raul Rosales,
World Tour with Andrew Reissinger, dromedary@earthlink.com
Web site: http://www.wuga.org
WUOG, 90.5 fm
Box 2065 Tate Student Center
University of Georgia
Athens, Georgia 30612 USA
The completely non-commercial, student-run, 26000 watt FM radio station at the University of Georgia.
Music Directors:
Phillip Buchan and Max Martin, md@wuog.org, 706-542-8466
INDEPENDENT CD STORES
ALWAYS BUYING CD's LP's & DVD's
197 E Clayton St, Athens, GA
706-369-9428
ATHENSMUSIC.NET
On-line record store for Athens
224 College Ave, Athens, GA 30603
706-354-1230
BARNES & NOBLES
Classical, jazz, world music. Local artists & in-store performances.
3650 Atlanta Hwy., Athens, GA 30606
706-354-1195
BERT'S DISCOUNT RECORDS
151 Nellie B Ave # 8, Athens, GA
706-353-2817
BORDERS BOOKS & MUSIC
Local & naional music.
196 Alps Rd, Athens, GA 30606
706-583-8647
CD SWAP
269 N Hull St, Athens, GA
706-549-1011
LOW YO YO STUFF RECORDS
Local, Jazz, Noise, Out-of-Print
285 W Washington St, Athens, GA 30601
706-227-6199
NARD'S MUZIC STORE
401 North Ave, Athens, GA
706-583-9177
SCHOOLKIDS RECORDS
Local & national, used and vinyl
264 E Clayton St, Athens, GA 30601
706-353-1666
WUXTRY RECORDS & CD EXCHANGE
Athens' premiere record store for 30 years
197 E Clayton St, Athens, GA 30601
706-369-9428