Page 20 - Athens Chamber Guide 2015
P. 20
LEISURE Music, Arts, Recreation Athens’ ‘Art and Soul
Athens is where fun begins How appropriate that the city named
for the goddess of reason, art, and
AthFest literature radiates all those amazing
features. From the beautiful hues of
While Athens may not be the original From major concert and theater nature on the manicured lawns of
“city that never sleeps,”the phrase venues like The Classic Center, to smaller the UGA campus and the blossoms
certainly fits the spirit of our city well. independently-owned boutique venues springing to life in parks to the canvases
Athens is filled with musical, artistic, like the Georgia Theater, Athens is sure to showcased in art centers and the music
and theatrical experiences to ignite offer something to suit your taste. heard wafting down the city streets, art
In a city also known for athletic in all forms abounds in Athens.
the aesthetic nature in us all. ventures, there are plenty of physical Choose from several venues for
competitions to enter or support. inspiring and entertaining musical,
Widespread Panic plays at The Classic Center For example, the Twilight Criterium dramatic, and uproariously comedic
combines art, athleticism, and performances: The Classic Center, UGA’s
community spirit. Established in 1980, Performing Arts Center, The Morton
the Twilight Criterium is the first night Theatre, Athens Creative Theatre, and
cycling race in the United States in more East Athens Educational Dance Center.
than 60 years. For those not interested in For fans of cinema (not just Hollywood
joining the cyclists in the race, the streets hits), Ciné presents a diverse mix of art
are filled with vendors specifically for house, foreign, documentary, and indie
the occasion and other family friendly films that go much deeper than the B
activities abound as colorfully clad movies so often produced today.
cyclists whoosh by on their bikes. People have been recreating the
Athens is home to countless festivals magnificence of the universe through
and spirited parades. If your taste leans sculptures, paintings, and architecture
toward an eclectic musical appreciation, from the beginning of time, and Athens
AthFest features more than 200 bands is no exception to that aesthetic tradition.
and musicians who appeal to music Some of the world’s most talented artists
lovers of all genres; it is a festival you as well as local talents who explore
won’t want to miss. In a city full of and inspire host exhibits in the Georgia
life and entertainment, you’ll never Museum of Art on the UGA campus and
experience a dull moment in Athens. in the Lyndon House Arts Center, which
also inspires local artists to get involved in
festivals, workshops, and classes.
Music is the art that speaks not only
to Athenians, but also the world. The
sweet melodies carry through the streets
– strong base beats from clubs, soft
acoustic sounds from street musicians,
and magnificent crescendos seemingly
issued from the tip of a conductor’s wand.
Home to an estimated 400 bands
and solo musicians and clubs such as
the 40 Watt Club and The Foundry, both
named Top 40 venues by Paste Magazine,
Athens’ music scene exploded in the
1970s with such bands as the B-52s and
R.E.M. and continued to nurture such
musicians as: Widespread Panic, Matthew
Sweet, Dreams So Real, The Method
Actors, Love Tractor, Pylon, Danger
Mouse (of Gnarls Barkley), John Berry, Vic
Chesnutt, Elf Power, Jucifer, Azure Ray,
Olivia Tremor Control, The Woggles, The
18 Athens Area Chamber of Commerce • w w w.athensga.com • 706.549.6800
