Anna Hall-Edwards is the epitome of graceful. She is sweeter than a summer night, and her style is just the same; laid back, easy going, and bohemian. She’s also an extremely talented jewelry designer and maker. You can always catch her working hard in the studio, and you can always count on her looking flawless, even with goggles on and a torch in her hand.
This week we had a chance to do something a little new and different for our style profile. That’s right, folks – it’s the Wedding Edition!
Once we found out that Anna was goin’ to the chapel, we knew we would have to find out how this lovely hippie-chic lady would style herself for the big day…and we can still hear the bells ringing! Read on to see Anna looking flawless for the wedding, and also to find out about her inspirations in life and in the studio.
1) How would you describe your personal style and/or your method of dress?
The way that I dress has been really funny looking back. I always dressed differently from other people, especially growing up – not necessarily in a good way! In retrospect, I realize how crazy I dressed as a kid, but hey, I felt like I looked good then! I think I have always just worn what I love…as a kid, that was bright colors, crazy patterns, and big plastic jewelry. Now, it is usually a dress with jeans and clogs or combat boots! My method of dress these days is definitely influenced by my work in the studio: dark colors so that you can’t tell that I’m dirty even when I am, closed toe shoes, and my golden rule: long and loose!
2) Can you talk about your approach to jewelry making – what is your process like, and what inspires you?
I find so much inspiration in nature. I am a sucker for a good floral pattern, and once I find one, I hang on to it for a long time, using it over and over again. I feel like the Lord has created nature to be one of the most beautiful parts of the world – awe-inspiring and breathtaking – so I never want to miss out on admiring it while I am working. It is my way of bringing the beautiful wonders of outside into a smelly studio…usually, I do a lot of experimenting, and when I find a form or composition that I love, I work it into a wearable piece of jewelry. Usually, I just make things that I personally love and then hope that other people love it, too!
3) What is one of your most treasured pieces or jewelry or clothing ?
My most special piece of jewelry that I have is definitely my wedding ring. My sweet and wonderful husband designed it for me – all a total surprise. He has always pegged me from day one when it comes to picking out things that he knows I will love. It has a series of bands, but they are all actually one big ring. It is really textured, because I don’t love shiny things, and it is even asymmetrical, which is a characteristic of things I love! Later, I found out that my diamond was his great-grandma’s diamond in her wedding ring. I knew his Mema growing up and visited her often, so I was so blessed and honored by that! When he proposed, I was stunned by how absolutely beautiful the ring was. But more than its beauty, the ring is a sweet constant reminder of the covenant that I have been so blessed by in getting to be married to the man of my dreams!
4) What was special to you about what you wore on your wedding day?
I didn’t have anything that I wore on my wedding day that was extremely sentimental, but I had so much fun coming up with what to wear and what my girls would wear! I found my dress online from Free People and loved it immediately. Prior to that, I had gone into a few wedding dress boutiques, and my mom, my sister, and I just laughed every time that I put on a dress. They all looked silly on me and were totally not my style. I was officially on the hunt for an inexpensive and “different” wedding dress. Little did I know that the combination of inexpensive and unique were few and far between. Finally, I got the idea that I could look for white dresses online at my favorite stores, and then I could change it to be what I wanted. When I was in high school, my mom let me design both of my prom dresses, because when else do you get to do that for fun? Prom was a great excuse! So I went back to the drawing board with my sweet relative who is a costume designer, who had helped me years before. When I saw the white gown on Free People, I freaked and ordered it immediately on a whim! It came in the mail in a bag the size of a gallon ziplock bag. My mom sent me a picture of the tiny bag with the dress balled up inside; we got a good laugh out of that! Needless to say, I think it is one size fits all. It fit like a nightgown and was the most comfortable thing I had ever put on. I knew I wanted flowers (my favorite thing in the world) on my dress, so I shopped for dainty and elegant stems to incorporate into the design, as well as some different laces and beading. Pam, my seamstress relative, and I had a blast, and she helped me create the dress of my dreams!
5) Why was it important that the two of you designed each others rings? Can you tell us about that design and process?
I actually had no idea that Christian was going to design my ring, although it didn’t surprise me a bit when he did. He has always been a romantic and a darn good one at that…I found out later that he actually had a drawing and a diagram (better than most of my ring designs!). He took it to our hometown jeweler and had them make it for him. Now it is just a constant reminder of how special he is. It was really important to Christian that I designed and made his ring. I guess just because its technically “what I do.” I was so nervous, because it’s kind of an important ring. I thought about lots of designs but knew to keep it really simple. Finally, I just went to work on a wax. I used some recycled gold that his parents gave me and embedded a piece of steel in it, to make it more manly. There is a teeny tiny diamond in the middle just for fun! I knew that he wanted it matte with no shine, so I filed the wax ring before casting it!
6) In what ways did you incorporate your personal style or the “feeling” of the day you wanted into your wedding?
Our hearts for our wedding day were that it wouldn’t be about the “wedding.” There are so many details that go into a wedding – all of which I absolutely LOVE – but those details can get crazy and overwhelming if you let them! We wanted our wedding to be centered on what a wedding actually is, which is an expression of the gospel that we believe. We kept it really simple and called on a lot of people to make it happen. My dad sells antiques and has a lot of doors, so he and his friend made all of the tables out of doors. My roommate, Jenna Gridley, who is a local potter here in Athens, made tons of pots, and we set them on the tables. And then I told our family friend to have her way with the flowers and do lots of greenery. Flowers are one of my favorite things in the world. Everyone chipped in, and my friends and I decorated a couple of days before. It was really fun, and I wouldn’t change a thing looking back.
My bridesmaids were also a huge part of incorporating the feeling of our wedding day. Their dresses were all different. I really wanted them to look like themselves, because they are all so cool and unique and beautiful.
7) What inspires you artistically, and what do you want your jewelry to say or do for the people who wear it?
As I said before, I am super inspired by nature and flowers and patterning. I love raw, uncanny aspects of nature and its spontaneity. It is always changing, always transforming, and always awe-inspiring. As for my jewelry, I really just want people to love it when they wear it. I want them to feel special and unique and love to put it on!
8) Do you have any exciting things happening or future plans that are exciting to you?
Yes! My husband and I are working to launch our jewelry business. It is called Dustmade, and we cannot wait to get started! We will be launching within the next month on both a private website as well as Etsy!
9) Lastly, do you have any tips for us? How do you stay creative and inspired?
I stay the most creative and inspired when I am around the people that I love. I have a precious group of friends who have so much input into what I make. My husband and my family also love me so well and give some of the best advice and encouragement. When I have a creative block, I chill. I spend time with the people that I love and enjoy rest. An idea is sure to come when you are filled up with joy and laughter.
Keep an eye out for Anna and Christian’s new project, Dustmade. For personal jewelry commissions or if you want to be on the Dustmade mailing list, shoot an email to annahall@uga.edu!
You can also follow her personal instagram @annamarieedwardz to look out for more information regarding Dustmade. There will be lots of giveaways and exciting things happening in the next month!
Also, be sure to give a listen to Anna’s wedding playlist below – and grab a listen to Jason Gridley, who played her reception!
The energy remains in Ghostland Observatory frontman Aaron Behrens’ solo project, Aaron Behrens and The Midnight Stroll. The EP’s first single, “Keep On Rising” features Behrens’ familiar and passionate vocal vibrations. The single previews a more pop rock style in comparison to Ghostland Observatory’s electro pop sound.
The small change introduces Behrens’ signature style and elicits a high-energy listener response (aka rhythmic spasms of the extremities) just as much as Ghostland Observatory’s sound. “Keep On Rising” opens with mellow guitar riffs and explodes into vigorous beats with Behrens’ elevating lyrics and loud, gut wrenching voice. Behrens’ solo debut also signals the release of Behrens’ new label, Skeleton Farm Records, on September 16th.
Along with a fresh album and label, Behrens also plans on a cross-country tour this fall. The singer-songwriter wastes no time in getting his new sound out there, and for that we are thankful. Behrens’ solo break away from Ghostland Observatory has been long awaited, and not patiently I might add. If you can’t wait until September 16th, go to Applauze.com where all your wildest dreams will come true…and also there’s a free download of “Keep On Rising” waiting for you there.
The tour will start sooner than you think, so get your tickets now at the previously mentioned website. You’re gonna be real sorry when you drive by the Georgia Theater and see Aaron Behrens and The Midnight Stroll in small block letters on the marquee without a ticket to get in.
Canadian-based Austra have released a cover of Duran Duran’s “American Science,” and it’s perfect and fresh and…so Austra. The single comes from the upcoming Duran Duran tribute, Making Patterns Rhyme: a tribute to Duran Duran, out in August.
We are of the belief that covers should be more like reinterpretations of songs – otherwise, what’s the point? Remaking a song without adding your own creative stamp seems like a waste of time, and Austra seems to agree. Though the song sounds nothing like the original, we’re not complaining.
We’re finally hearing more than whispers about Stuart Murdoch’s upcoming Belle and Sebastian movie, God Help The Girl – starring Emily Browning as Eve, Olly Alexander as bandmate James, and Hannah Murray (Gilly on Game of Thrones!!) as bandmate Cass.
Though we still have to wait until September for the release, we’ve got a kick-ass title track to keep us company until then. Grab a listen to the track below. I dare you to try to only listen to it once.
We’ve already marked our calendars for the July 29 release of The Voyager, her first solo album since 2008’s Acid Tongue.
Today, she’s released a music video for “Just One of the Guys.”
While we usually have trouble watching anything involving Kristen Stewart or Anne Hathaway trying to look cool (so anything involving them at all)…well, actually, that’s still true here. All about some Brie Larson though. That girl is fantastic. Plus, though poor Tennessee Thomas gets almost no face time in this video, we heart her, too.
Check out the video below, full of couldn’t-be-girlier rainbow suits and couldn’t-be-cuter Jenny Lewis with a beard square. Enjoy!
You know it’s coming. You love your friend and (hopefully) their long-term partner. You – along with the rest of Facebook – saw the engagement ring photos, which will remain on the top of your feed for the next month while every single person they know insists on posting a comment of heart emojis. You avoid your mailbox like the plague, but there’s no denying it. Sooner or later, you are going to have to open your invitation and send back an RSVP with the plus one box unchecked.
Whether you’ve just ended a relationship or have been splendidly single for a while now, there’s just something about weddings that magnify everyone’s relationship status, and being single at one is like having the plague. Here’s the playlist to help you circumvent the wave of pity that’s coming your way. Let’s just hope you don’t get seated at the kid’s table.
Imagine a place where you can immerse yourself in total freedom. A place where responsibilities of the daily grind are abandoned and your inner child is encouraged to come out a play. Inhibitions, judgements, and preconceptions dissolve away with every smile and hug exchanged with a stranger. And that worldly concept of “stranger” fades as old and new friends become a part of this forest family and community.
Envision a world where Mother Nature’s beauty is enhanced by the audible and visual delights of artistic wizards; an environment where all human senses are stimulated and the concept of time is nearly nonexistent. Whether a newcomer or Electric Forest veteran, this festival is something special to all of those touched by its magic.
Over the four days at the Double J Ranch, we were truly treated to the splendor of such a treasured venue and special event. It is a challenge to fully describe what is experienced at Electric Forest and although many times impressive, photographs do not do this festival justice. Days later we are still taking everything in and we have comprised a list of our top favorite moments from this year’s Electric Forest.
Sensational Covers: Some of our favorite covers of the weekend came from Umphrey’s McGee, The String Cheese Incident and from the ever surprising Ms. Lauryn Hill Incident. Umphrey’s orchestrated the party Thursday night at the Sherwood stage with their stellar two-set show that included their concoction of “Come As Your Kids”-Nirvana’s “Come as Your Are,” and MGMT’s “Kids”- and Dead or Alive’s “You Spin Me Round” during the second set. The following day, and first night of three of Cheese’s Electric Forest performances, Cheese served up a funky danceable rendition of Chromeo’s “Bonafied Lovin.” Bob Dylan’s “Just Like Tom Thumb’s Blues,” The Police’s “Spirits in the Material World,” Fela Kuti’s “Zombie,” and Talking Heads’ “Crosseyed and Painless were also performed by Cheese over the weekend. When it came time for the Ms. Lauryn Hill Incident, we came with an open mind and we were impressed with the collaborative efforts that produced some of the best covers of the weekend including Stevie Wonder’s “For Once In My Life,” The Beatles’ “Something,” along with some Bob Marley and, of course, some Fugees throwbacks.
Totems/Rage Sticks: Love them or hate them, totems are here to stay. There seemed to be a lot more totems this year than previous years and the more the totems the more chance for creativity. Some of the top totems seen this year included one with Bubbles (from Trailer Park Boys) with some kitties which read “God, this place makes me frisky.” Another which spoke the honest truth read, “F**k Real Life,” and we cannot forget to mention the totems that read “CARL??” Props to everyone who got their creativity on with these, sometimes annoying, rage sticks and brought a smile to our faces.
Not All Who Wander Are Lost: Some of the best moments of the weekend were spent wandering in the Sherwood Forest both during the day and at night. A headliner in its own right, the forest is a pleasure for the senses. From getting lost in the art instillations, to the conversations with new friends, to (the occasional) losing track of time laying in our hammocks staring up at that blue Michigan sky peaking through the tree tops, to just sitting and watching the ever changing visuals make the forest come to life every night, and to even stumbling upon Super Tall Paul’s show after that second night of STS9 and hearing him break out in The Jungle Book’s “I Wanna Be Like You,” the forest is a magical universe all on its own. Differing worlds between day and night, taking time to explore and fall in love with Sherwood Forest alone is enough to make you never want to leave.
Wish Upon A Star: Now, this may be more of a personal favorite moment for us at Vinyl but one late night walking through the “secret” exit of the forest heading back to camp we happened to look up at the night’s sky and see a shooting star over head. If that doesn’t validate how enchanting this place is, we don’t know what else does.
Havarti Party: The String Cheese Incident knows how to throw a party or two and their performances at this year’s Electric Forest were no different. Going into their sets you know a spectacle is coming, but to what extent, that’s something you just have to wait and see. It was Saturday night, the second night of Cheese, and the second set started off with “Outside Inside” and ‘Valley of the Jig” while a video gamed themed extravaganza raged on, complete with gigantic inflatable Mario coin cubes, floating UFOs above, Pac Man stuffed characters on poles, full costumed dancers, butterfly confetti, lasers, smoke, and, oh, fireworks of course. This sensory overload of a party was ridiculous, insane, and unlike any other of that weekend. Everyone at this performance adorned a smile and there was not one still body in the Ranch Arena. The positive and electrifying energy of the crowd and the collective jaw dropping awe everyone was sharing in seemed to only fuel the band. Positive hoots and remarks could be heard throughout the crowd, we even heard someone calling this display a “Havarti Party”- that brought a smile to our faces. It’s moments and such celebrations of life like this that new and old Cheese fans don’t forget from a weekend like this.
Be Anything, Be Anyone: There is almost this sense of a judgement free zone when you step on the property that houses Electric Forest. This is a place to be free; a safe place to be whoever and whatever you wish. There is no dress code and being yourself is not only encourage but respected. If you want to let your freak flag fly, do it. If you want to wear nothing but body paint, you’re welcome to. This is a place where the mutual respect, acceptance, and support of fellow festival goers is almost unlike anywhere else.
Matt and Kim: First off, we cannot remember a time when an artist so openly talked about her lady parts…and we mean talked about it A LOT. From talking about shoving things up there to rubbing balloons on it before throwing them into the crowd…you get the picture. Shock value and apparent openness was there but it did not overshadow the afternoon party this duo brought to the Ranch Arena on Sunday. Matt and Kim’s intensity, vivaciousness, and love of what they do translated into a responsive crowd that fed off every word and action of Matt Johnson and Kim Schifino. It was hard to not be entertained from the two jumping around stage, Kim standing on her drums, throwing 300 balloons out into the crowd for them to blow up and even getting all the individuals with totems to move to one side. Fan favorites and the band’s hits were played, of course, and became a giant sing-a-long with the crowd singing every words back to them.
Until Next Year…: When was the last time you left an event, concert, anything really, where you exited and a collective cheer with clapping and happy yelling erupted? We couldn’t remember a time either… After Cheese’s third and final performance of the weekend we headed to catch Moby’s DJ set at the Tripolee Stage by the main entrance. While our minds were being blown by the fact that the DJ up there on stage was indeed Moby, we’re not talking your 1999 Play Moby, his set was interrupted by the news that a fierce storm was headed our way and everyone needed to leave the venue. It was an abrupt way to end the music that weekend, but the heads up to batten down our camp’s hatches was appreciated, aka throw everything in our cars and sleep in them for our final night. Leaving the venue was bittersweet; we were a tad solemn that the weekend was in fact over, but we were so grateful and extremely happy to have experienced such a magical event. The crowd as a whole seemed to be going through similar emotions and as the mass of attendees walked their final exit through the gates of Electric Forest, unified cheering and clapping broke out. The outburst was a shared thank you to everyone who had been involved in the weekend.
Imagine a group like Young The Giant on 80’s dance steroids. That’s kind of what comes to mind when I try to describe the incredible and unique sound of five-piece Atlanta rock group Stokeswood.
I had the opportunity to sit down with the guys before their set this weekend at AthFest, and let me tell you – they’re awesome. Sometimes speaking with bands makes you realize that the people you thought were cool aren’t actually that cool.
But man, these guys are cool. After a long buffalo wing and World Cup filled discussion, we got down to business discussing their newest single, their killer logo, and of course, Smashmouth.
VM: So, how did you guys meet? Jon Joiner: A couple of us went to school together, you know, college years.
Justin Mullinix: Adam, Jon, and Mark went to college together, and technically Mike, too. So I’m the only one. I did go to elementary school with Adam, though.
VM: So you guys have a new single out – “Our Streets” – and a video. Tell me about the song.
Mike Roman: We were just writing songs one night. We’d just get together and say, ‘cool, we’re going to write songs on Wednesdays.’ We’d just clown out chords, hum along, and have our Pro Tools rig open. The song actually came together pretty naturally in one night.
VM: That must be super convenient when something just comes together like that.
MR: Yeah, the best songs always do.
Mark Godwin: They don’t always happen that way.
VM: So is this single leading up to a new Stokeswood album, perhaps?
MR: It is. But no official, ‘hey, we’re putting out an album’ or anything. We’re just writing and recording.
MG: We have enough songs for a new EP definitely, but we’re still working and writing. We also had the opportunity to go film the music video [for “Our Streets”] out in LA with Eli Berg, which was great timing.
MR: This single was just ready, and we hadn’t put anything out in a long time. We actually did the whole song as a ruse to get us to California.
VM: Will the new album sound a lot like the old one, or are you all moving in a new direction?
MG: It’s definitely like the next evolution of the last album. It’s going to have the same soundscape that the new single does.
JJ: The first album was more rock-y, but it had some leanings into dance music, and we’re now even more on the dance side.
MR: We’re all 80’s kids, so I feel like it’s always going to have that 80’s retro vibe.
VM: Random technical question, but where did your logo come from? Because it’s awesome.
MG: We did that on a night we got together and decided to come up with a logo.
Adam Patterson: Show her your tattoos.
MG: On the first album, we had this song called “The Extraordinary Mr. Hit,” and this is back when Justin wasn’t in the band, and the song was written by Adam before we went into the studio. Justin had produced some hip hop tracks and was showing us some production techniques, and the sound wave image ended up resembling this guy which I tattooed on my forearm.
AP: The images are vocals, so it’s technically our sound waves.
MG: It wasn’t completely planned, but it turned out nicely and worked well.
MR: [Stoner voice] We all got together and-
MG: [Sarcastically] Oh yeah, we were all on meth!
VM: Oh, great! [Laughs] A lot of artists outsource that kind of thing, so it’s cool that it’s something you all came up with organically!
MR: Sean Kaminsky, he actually goes to UGA [University of Georgia], came up with the final draft of the one we use now though.
VM: So you all played Party in the Park, and now you’re playing AthFest. What’s your favorite part about playing festivals?
MG: I think the fans. Festivals are unique, because people save up money, they plan around it, and they’re there for one reason, and that’s to see live music. That’s the best part for me anyway, because you really get a group of people who are there for the same reason as you.
AP: Yeah, the campout festivals versus the one-day festivals are really awesome, because people are there to really let loose for two to three days in a row. We were lucky enough to play Aura Fest the last couple years in North Florida; we played the inaugural CounterPoint Festival, and the campout vibe is awesome.
VM: So this is a question I love to ask everyone, but if you could plan your ideal musical fest with any artists, dead or alive, who would play?
MG: Smashmouth and Sugar Ray!
MR: We were playing a show with Papadosio, and our third show with them, there was a guy who was very clearly on substances, and he wanted to bring a festival to Brazil, and he wanted it to be ‘avant garde and retarded,’ and he was going to call it ‘Avantarded.’ He was onto something, I think. He wanted us, Paul McCartney, Daft Punk, Papadosio, and U2, and I’m just going to go with him, because I think he is a visionary. Avantarded 2020, we’ll see you in Brazil.
MG: I think on my festy of the dead people I’d say Mozart, Whitest Boy Alive, Talking Heads in their heyday.
[Whole table laughs for about 10 minutes talking about Stokeswood’s hypothetical new side project, MethMouth]
VM: To wrap up, what’s in store for you guys in the future? Obviously, you’re working on an album.
MR: We want to expand our touring to get over to the west coast. But at least for now is making sure we can just put together the best album we can.
VM: What’s the number one west coast city you guys want to play?
MR: LA.
MG: Portland.
AP: Oh, Portland [laughs].
JM: Seattle!
MG: All of them – ‘City of the West Coast.’
Stokeswood on Tour!
Jul 06 PARK TAVERN w/ Radio Birds Atlanta, GA
Jul 17 River Jam Concert Series Charlotte, NC
Jul 18 New Mountain Theatre Asheville, NC
Jul 19 Play it Forward Music Festival Atlanta, GA
Jan 24 The Rock Boat XV w/ Michael Franti &… Cozumel, Mexico
Jan 25 The Rock Boat XV w/ Barenaked Ladies Cozumel, Mexico
Jan 26 The Rock Boat XV w/ Scars On 45 Cozumel, Mexico
Jan 27 The Rock Boat XV w/ Sister Hazel Cozumel, Mexico
Jan 28 The Rock Boat XV w/ The Mowgli’s Cozumel, Mexico
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Reptar at AthFest 2014. Photo by Miranda Feneberger.
In the summer, Athens is almost a ghost town in comparison to its usual hustle and bustle that makes it the Classic City. Most of the parking lots are empty, restaurants are slow, and the bars and music scene are practically nonexistent.
Then, for five days over a weekend in June, Athens gets its sparkle back. With two outdoor stages, 14 participating bar and music venues, comedy and an outdoor artist market, Athfest has something for all ages, shapes, and sizes.
The outdoor artist market featured a wide array of different vendors; from handcrafted jewelry, clothing and ceramics, to paintings, posters, and prints by local artists. What was especially appealing was that the majority of the booths seemed very DIY-esque and tumblr-y, in the best way possible. It was like a Pinterest board come to life, full of things you wish you were talented enough to craft yourself.
If you’ve been to Terrapin Brewery, you know Streets Café, Athens’ first food truck. Usually they’re parked on the grass somewhere, and after just a few too many pours of Hopsecutioner, I cannot resist the Street Fries (French fries perfectly smothered with cilantro mayo, Korean BBQ sauce, and Okinomi). After walking past all the other local food booths and trucks – i.e. Your Pie, Kelly’s, etc.), I once again couldn’t resist. Nothing like munching on Street Fries while watching Kishi Bashi at dusk on Saturday.
What makes AthFest so fantastic is that, during the day, you get to walk around the streets of downtown Athens and see beautiful art you can buy, eat delicious food, and enjoy amazing live music. Then, your favorite bars and music venues host even more amazing live music well into the night. Best yet – as Powerkompany’s Marie Davon said, it’s like a “family reunion.”
Roadkill Ghost Choir
Walking into the Georgia Theatre on Friday night was, as usual, nothing short of pure bliss. It was a very long, muggy, crowded, yet fabulous first day of AthFest. With most of the AthFest crowd still outside for Reptar, the Georgia Theatre was a spacious air-conditioned oasis, and Florida’s Roadkill Ghost Choir was setting up to take the stage for their 9:45 p.m. slot for the night.
I had first heard Roadkill Ghost Choir on Bonnaroo’s playlist for its 2014 lineup. The song featured on the playlist, “Beggar’s Guild” off their debut EP Quiet Light, caught my attention for its folksy, Fleet Foxes/Band of Horses-esque sound, yet it still packed a harder, more raw rock sound due to the Andrew Shepard’s rough but crooning vocals. Due to the usual festival frenzy, I didn’t make it to their set and so was very excited to see them perform at AthFest and be introduced to the rest of their music.
With “Beggar’s Guild” being my only exposure to the band, I was pleasantly surprised with their stage presence and energy. I was expecting a mellow half hour of bearded, flannel-clad men, to be honest. Instead, frontman Andrew Shepard’s thrashing, headbanging, stomping around in combat boots and impassioned vocals brought a loud and demanding energy to the growing Georgia Theatre crowd alongside Stephen Garza on lead guitar. Andrew’s brothers, Maxx on drums and Zach on the bass deliver the same kind of oomph, while Kiffy Meyers on the pedal steel, banjo, and guitar played into the bluegrassy, Tom Petty influenced sound that makes Roadkill Ghost Choir an indie folk-rock band.
They played with my emotions. At times, I was bouncing around dancing to the high-energy tunes of the set, then the lights dimmed, and they asked for the crowd to settle and Andrew’s vocals were swoony and perfect and graceful. Then he said, “Where’s our sax man?,” and I stifled a schoolgirl squeal due to my undying love for the saxophone. A flower headband-adorned New Madrid band member came up with his saxophone whilst draped in an American flag cape and blessed the crowd for a short-lived feature.
I left the Theatre almost glad I missed their Bonnaroo set. I got to see them at one of my favorite venues and in a much clearer state of mind (and a lot less dirty and grimy after a weekend on the farm). With a slot on Letterman early this year, an upcoming debut album, In Tongues (produced by Dr. Dog and Tokyo Police Club’s Doug Boehm and recorded in Athens – eep! – set to release by the end of the summer), and a festival-packed summer tour, Roadkill Ghost Choir is a band to watch. – JN
Family and Friends
Being a UGA student, I had already heard a lot of buzz about Athens’ own Family and Friends. So, when they took the Pulaski Street Stage late Friday afternoon, I was excited to see if they lived up to the hype — and they did.
Having only been putting on performances since April of 2013, they already had a comfortable stage presence and fed off of each others charismatic energies. The stage was packed with vocalists, guitars, a violin and upright bass, two dueling drummers, and the occasional what looked like flour bombers running across the stage. At 5′ 3″ it was nice to be able to still see someone playing something as I tip-toed over the heads of the huge crowd watching them — and by watching them I mean almost the entire crowd was dancing and singing along to Casey Harper and Mike MacDonald’s beautiful and inviting vocals.
Just in the 45-minute-or-so set that they had, the band exuded genuiness and pure humilty. I could tell that they were thrilled to be on stage and so thankful for their dedicated and hyped up fans in the immense crowd. Family and Friends is all about the fans. Their first album, Love You Mean It, came out in January of this past year and was funded by a Kickstarter campaign.
As I stood in the crowd, I was in awe of the energy they put forth — especially considering the lovely heat Athens offers us mid-June. They kept the energy of the mostly exhausted and overheated crowd alive the entire time while doing their own shenanigans on stage. F&F changed up the pace throughout their set and finished it off with a cover of The Jackson 5’s “I Want You Back.” Members of another Athens band, Programs, ran on the stage by the end of the song yielding what looked like makeshift smoke machines/flour bombs. F&F finished off their set with as big of a bang as they played by stage diving into the ever so accepting crowd.
Family and Friends is an eccentric group of former/current Bulldawgs who have an obvious genuine love and talent for performing. Their individual eclecticness meshes together well as a whole and creates an exciting and lively performance. – JN
Judah & the Lion
By the time 6:30 p.m. rolled around, I didn’t expect many people to be willing to continue to brave the typical Georgia summer heat. That was until I experienced Judah & the Lion.
A large crowd of eager fans filled the space in front of the Pulaski Street Stage to see the Nashville, Tennessee natives. Soon the air was filled with hits such as “Sweet Tennessee” and “Love Your Love,” and there wasn’t a single person not tapping along to the beats. As the vocals, banjo, and mandolin combined, it became apparent this would definitely be a crowd favorite of AthFest.
Their stage presence was undeniably joyous and spontaneous. At first you were submerged into folksy music, but then Brian Macdonald decided to surprise us all with a rap during their unique cover of Eminem’s “Lose Yourself.” These guys rocked out and were jumping all over the stage, including up on the speakers. With all that being said, I will definitely be seeing them again when they return to Athens in the fall, as well as look out for their new album in September. – KM
New Madrid
Once again the Georgia Theatre was a temple to music. This year, it housed New Madrid for AthFest 2014 as one of its late night acts.
As a veteran group to AthFest, they once again brought a large group of fans out into the night, myself included. Soon enough, the group—consisting of Phil McGill, Graham Powers, Ben Hackett, and Alex Woolley, dove into their music as it echoed around every fan screaming around the stage.
Between the red velvet curtains, New Madrid stayed true to their original sound. It was inevitable that you would begin to sway to the strums of the guitars and the soft beats of the drums. Nevertheless, these Athens natives continue to keep their fans begging for more and never disappoint. – KM
Jubee and the Morning After
It is safe to say that Jubee and the Morning After was a surprise favorite of mine during AthFest. From Macon, Georgia, this band combines high-energy funk with the smooth sound of vocals.
Taking the Pulaski Street Stage to a loud roar of approval from their fan, both local and distant, Jubee and The Morning After wasted no time in getting everyone moving. Soon Jubee in his American flag-printed vest began rapping to an undeniable funky beat. No one in the crowd could have possibly stayed still.
Soon a crowd favorite “Whatcha Made Of” was played. It was amazing to see all four band members create an energetic stage presence. Jumping, bouncing, swaying, or a combination of both emerged when the crowd roared with its approval of this song. I think Athens will agree that we hope Jubee and the Morning After will come back real soon. – KM
Kishi Bashi
On Saturday night, after the temperature had dropped and the numbers in the crowds began to rise, Kishi Bashi took the Pulaski Street Stage with his violin in hand.
A large crowd of eager fans and newcomers filled the space in front of the Pulaski Street Stage to see the composer. As the stage glowed in an array of blue and pinkish hues on top of the white draped fabric, Kishi Bashi played. I have never seen a violinist sing while playing his instrument, but I can’t think of anyone who would top this performance, in skill or in atmosphere.
Playing songs from his newly released album Lighght, Kishi Bashi gave the entire on-looking crowd something unique to remember and experience. I can definitely say that this was by far the most unique performance I saw, and it left me wanting more. – KM
Radiolucent
Once again Athens, Georgia continues to produce great bands that create even better music. Radiolucent, a group of “Georgia Boys” took over the Pulaski Street Stage to rock out with their Georgia fans.
As the performance continued, I found myself caught in between waves of gospel, rock n’roll, country and a whole lot of soul – no complaints here. The fans sang every word of nearly every song that the five-man group played.
Their stage presence was undeniably fun. Everyone could not help but enjoy the environment that was created as these guys rocked out and continued to keep the energy high throughout the entire show. That being said, I will definitely be seeing them again when they return! – KM
Don Chambers
When listening to Don Chambers, two words come to mind: Rock. Star.
Hull Street Stage provided the perfect area for Don Chambers to stun his fans under the Georgia sun. After every song, more and more people crept over into the streets, arriving out of curiosity and staying due to the mesmerizing performance.
The band in its entirety showed natural talent as well as a love for performing. Their stage presence was that of a band that has been playing together for over 20 years and creating hits for nearly as long. As the show slowly closed, I found myself surprised at how short the performance seemed. Even though it was the typical hour, I – along with many other – let out a sad sigh. Guess we all will have to wait till their next performance to hear the rock star sing. – KM
Reptar
Reptar is one of those groups that Athens locals just know about. It’s like the first word of any little baby Athens music lover. The group is made up of frontman and guitarist Graham Ulicny, bassist Ryan Engelberger, drummer Andrew McFarland, and keys player William Kennedy. I had the pleasure of seeing Reptar a year or so ago at CounterPoint Music Festival and that show was insane. AthFest, however, was my first time seeing them play in their homeland, and I was blown away. I imagine that the passion Athenians have for Reptar is greater than or at least equal to that of Brazilians for soccer. And that may be an understatement.
The show started up after fans had been crowding the edge of Pulaski Street for thirty or forty minutes chanting and cheering. Ulicny was wearing a long wig, and the rest of the group was decked out in varying prints and bright colors. The group also had a saxophone and trumpet player on the stage. They opened up with a crowd favorite and people were jumping and pushing into the barriers as Ulicny’s crazy tongue preached to them. The religious experiences I saw people having at Reptar were unbelievable. Clothing was being removed, shoulders were climbed, crowds were surfed, and people were slowly becoming insane.
The group played a lot of new music, which was received well by the crowd, and then “Rainbounce” started. Security rushed in to hold the crowd back and the performers were going crazy. Everyone was jumping and what felt like an earthquake to me was surprisingly just the passion of the incredibly devoted Athenians. The best part of the show (not really, but really) was the little girl sitting on the edge of the stage. She had huge noise canceling headphones but she was clapping and bouncing along to the beat and she looked absolutely adorable. Bassist Engelberger acknowledged her a few times, and she looked overjoyed. Reptar is a crazy-awesome band to see live, and if you’ve never done it you need to go find their next show ASAP. I saw a whole new side of this town that night and let me tell you, I’ve never been prouder to be an Athenian. – MF
An Evening at Ciné
Everyone knows that Athens is home to some incredible entertainers. We Athenians love a good, sweaty show and know how to find one. Nestled just on the edge of town, however, I stumbled into one of the nicest little shows I’ve seen in Athens in a long time.
It was Friday night, and we’d all just danced our brains out at Reptar when we made our way over to the local theater, Ciné. The lineup was posted, and we walked in to find Little Chief on the stage. When I say stage, I mean they were set up on one side of the room, and we were standing on the other. The vibes in the room were surreal. There were about 35-40 people there, and everyone was crowded towards the front of the cool, darkly lit room. It felt like we were in a little coffee shop or in that scene from Inside Llewyn Davis where they’re in the dark little open mic lounge (if you haven’t seen that movie, see it).
Little Chief had taken the stage moments before we entered, and the crowd was already getting into it. Apparently, what “began as a few friends wanting something more” turned into a full fledged cross-country tour for these guys. The six of them were on the stage strumming mountain-sounding melodies and singing raspy, soft harmonies, and after the complete insanity that was Reptar, I felt like I’d died and gone to heaven. Standing in the crowd, waving and singing along to the words I could pick up on, and I was loving every second of it. They reminded me of something, but I was not entirely sure what. I got little pieces of Mumford and Sons, then Of Monsters and Men, then Fleet Foxes, but no comparison quite fits. The group closed their set with a gorgeous rendition of “Hey Jude” that had the crowd hollering at the top of their lungs. The whole experience was weirdly spiritual in a good way.
The crowd took a minute to settle down after the boys get a roaring applause, and the next act began to set up. It was Sam Burchfield, usually a solo artist, with a backing band. The band geared up, and the night took a decidedly sexy turn. Burchfield started singing bluesy, soulful love songs, and I was so surprised. I’d never heard them before, and I certainly did not expect that voice to come out of him. The band was great as well; I think they should become a permanent feature if they aren’t already. They have this incredible guy on the keys who periodically pops in with a killer trombone solo. The whole show was like Ray LaMontagne on motown steroids, and it was awesome. The crowd got into a soulful cover of R.Kelly’s “Ignition (Remix),” and Burchfield told us he probably should have closed the show with that. We didn’t even care – we just “toot-toot”ed and “beep-beep”ed, and nothing could bring us down from that high.
These two artists secured my place at next year’s Ciné show, for sure. The evening was an incredible accident for me, and I wish I had gotten some t-shirts to express my affection. Hopefully the two groups will return to AthFest, or even Athens in general, soon, because I did not get my fix. Next time you go to a festival, try going to see an artist you’ve never heard of before – maybe, like me, you’ll find a new favorite. -MF
Kelly’s Favorites:
Favorite Venue: Georgia Theatre
Least Favorite Venue: Hull Street Stage
Favorite Live Performance: New Madrid
Best Band Discovered: Judah and the Lion
Favorite Athens Band: New Madrid
Favorite Non-Athens Band: Judah & the Lion
Overall Favorite Band: Judah & the Lion
Jasmin’s Favorites:
Favorite Venue: The World Famous
Least Favorite Venue: Outdoor Stages (lots of technical difficulties this weekend!)
Favorite Live Performance: Family and Friends
Best Band: Powerkompany
Favorite Athens Band: Woodgrains
Favorite Non-Athens Band: Roadkill Ghost Choir
Overall Favorite Band: Family and Friends!
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Reptar at AthFest 2014. Photo by Miranda Feneberger.
In middle school, I remember learning about the founding fathers and the Revolutionary War and thinking, “wow, this is completely irrelevant to my life.” These men shaped the America we have today and all, but I could probably recite the chapters of those American History textbooks by heart. Sure, I understand the obvious implications of their existence, and I am thankful for my oh-so American freedoms, but I never quite understood why the education system felt the need to drill that information into my head year after year. However, on sweltering Georgia days like today, I am thankful for the great American holiday at my patriotic fingertips, the Fourth of July.
Thankfully, the World Cup has re-instilled within we humble Americans a sense of patriotism that was previously buried below the tricky political landscape of the US. Enjoy our rare and predictably short-lived camaraderie this week, and go hard for the Fourth.
Here’s to barbecues, beach days, and the family and friend time that comes with the holiday that has for so long marked the mid-point of summertime life. We’ve created a playlist that will let you unwind, as well as celebrate the little things in life.
Take this playlist to the beach, to the BBQ, or to your cozy dark room and bask in your American independence. And if you’re not American, well, we’ll let it slide this time.
