Athfest: Lighting up Athens, GA


Few college towns can throw a party to celebrate the local arts, and then stack the bill with innovative, world class musicians like Athens, Ga. And they have done it for 13 years.

Athfest, the annual music and arts festival, has been pulling back the curtains to this sleepy town, and showing off its music scene – one that has birthed R.E.M., Widespread Panic, Of Montreal, and countless other prime acts – since 1997. Founded by Jared Bailey, the festival was inspired by the much-heralded South By Southwest in Austin, Texas. The goal? To support Athens’ vibrant music scene.

It is safe to say that the festival has achieved this goal, growing and morphing over the years, and continuing to shine a light on music through outdoor stages, a pub crawl, and the Flagpole Athens Music Awards. This year’s festival boasts sets by Patterson Hood and the Screwtopians, the Black Lips, Dead Confederate and Bloodkin on the outdoor stage, and Casper and the Cookies, Modern Skirts, and Hayride in the clubs.

And for those unable to make to Athfest, the annual Athfest Compilation CD showcases artists slated to perform each year. This year’s release features Patterson Hood’s “Pollyanna,” The Corduroy Road’s “Love is a War,” and a new, unreleased (and yet-to-be-played live) Widespread Panic track, “Misdirection.”

Athfest takes place June 25-27.

Learn:
Athfest Online

Listen:
The Corduroy Road - Love is a War

Buy:
Athfest Tickets
Athfest 2009 Compilation