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Athfest providing Southern education
Published June 18, 2006
Having been born in New Jersey and raised in Western New York, my stereotype-based impression of Southern music up until I was 20 years old consisted of images of a screaming Hank Williams Jr., on the intro to Monday Night Football and Willie Nelson.
Not that there is anything wrong with those guys, but country music is a novelty up North.
Then I listened to a record by Hank’s father and was blown away.
Never before had I heard such passion in a singer’s voice.
Never before had I heard such emotion come from a song that seemed so simple.
Not simple as in stupid, but simple like appreciating minimalist art.
It doesn’t look like much, but it says a whole lot.
When I moved south and found out I’d be working in Monroe, sandwiched between Atlanta and Athens, I was excited to get a chance to taste the true flavor of Southern music.
I knew of Atlanta’s rap scene and remembered R.E.M and the B-52s were from Athens, but I was eager to get a look at Southern music in person.
I have yet to get a better taste than the one I had at last year’s Athfest.
It is at Athfest that traditional Southern music blends with contemporary sounds in a weekend packed with musicians unique to the area.
This year’s Athfest will take place June 21-25 with Modern Skirts, Now It’s Overhead and Drivin’ N’ Cryin’ set to headline.
When I was a mullet-sporting teen trying to slam out Metallica riffs, it was Drivin’ N’ Cryin’ that showed me you didn’t have to play 1,000 m.p.h. and that lyrics could contain hints of raspy poetry.
But, the big bands aside, Athfest gives a forum to some of the more unique groups in the area.
The Whigs, Kill Will Morton & The Wholly Ghosts and Drive By Truckers are just a few.
More than 50 artists in all are slated to play during the 5-day event at venues like The 40 Watt, Georgia Theater, Tasty World and Lunch Paper.
Information about all these bands and venues can be found at www.athfest.com.
Tickets are $15 for the whole weekend.
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