3-Day Athens Alternative Music Getaway
The B-52s and R.E.M. may have put Athens on the musical map, but this charming college town is so much more than a monument to rock luminaries. Athens is alive. It’s a thriving, changing, fertile scene that is constantly cultivating new talent.
Touring musicians flock to Athens for music festivals like AthFest in June and Wildwood Revival in September. And many visit to pay homage to their heroes — whether that’s Widespread Panic, The Drive-by Truckers, Pylon, of Montreal, Vic Chesnutt, Neutral Milk Hotel or another one of the town’s influential exports — but they often find it hard to leave. Why? Well, rent, drinks and food are cheap. There is live music seven nights a week. Breweries are industry (and artist) employers. Townies are real. And art is an easy-going, accepted way of life.
So, sure, come have a Stipe sighting. Come see where musical history was made and then be inspired to create your own. That’s what this Classic City is really all about. Use this sample guide to experience Athens’s alt rock scene and indie music spirit.
Friday
Follow Their Footsteps
Take in the enormity of the past to present music scene with the Athens Music History Walking Tour. The walking tour can be self-guided through a downloadable brochure via the Athens Welcome Center, or a guided tour can be arranged with Classic City Tours. Guided tours are given by Paul Butchart, an authentic Athenian and music stalwart who was there and has the stories to prove it. Sites include the landmark “Murmur Trestle,” the R.E.M Steeple, various nightclubs, historic vaudeville halls, the Georgia Theatre, Wuxtry Records and almost all past and present locations of the 40 Watt.
Dine on the Rooftop of a Landmark
One of Athens' world-famous live music venues, the historic Georgia Theatre is a keystone of the Athens music scene. As a live music venue, the Georgia Theatre has hosted prominent national and local acts across all genres, including rock, folk, country, indie, alternative, hip hop and electronic. It’s been the setting for music videos by R.E.M. and John Mayer and the location for live album recordings by Corey Smith and the Derek Trucks Band.
The Georgia Theatre has converted its rooftop into an open-air restaurant and bar overlooking downtown. Enjoy a delicious menu offering traditional American dishes, as well as unique drink specials, before catching a show below in the world-class concert venue that has space for 1,000 of your fellow music-lovers.
Saturday
Go Automatic for the People
The sign says it all: Automatic for the People. Dexter Weaver, owner of Weaver D’s Delicious Fine Foods (closed Sunday), came up with the slogan to advertise prompt customer service. Little did he know, it created a cult following ready for an “Automatic!” ever since. Established in 1986, Weaver D’s became a favorite for R.E.M., and in 1992, the band named its eighth studio album after the slogan. The Grammy-nominated album created so much buzz that Weaver got an 800-number and hired a publicist to handle the increased attention.
Weaver D’s is still serving up meat-and-three-style soul food fare, which includes fried chicken, boiled peanuts and skillet cornbread, and remains popular with Athens musicians, including Mike Cooley (Drive-by Truckers) and Michael Lachowski (Pylon). After filling up at Weaver D’s, walk it off to Dudley Park, where you can stand among what is lovingly referred to as “Murmur Trestle,” pictured in R.E.M’s debut album.
Nurture Musician Outreach
Not far from the “Murmur Trestle,” Nuçi’s Space was created by Linda Phillips to honor the life of her son Nuçi, a young musician who took his own life. Nuçi’s Space is a non-profit organization that offers practice spaces, equipment rental, youth programs and mental healthcare for musicians. This is a sacred space where artists can unwind, create and heal. There is also a coffee bar and lounge, where you can stop in to learn more and donate to the cause that tends to creative hearts and artistic brilliance.
Dive into a Dinner Bar
The World Famous is a funky, quirky and totally local restaurant and performance venue that is a mainstay of the Athens town and gown scene. From poutine to pork steam buns, the local pub grub gets you ready for a night of club hopping and live music revelry, where bands have been known to sing for their supper in the side room that occasionally hosts live music, usually of the local variety.
Stand in the Shadow of the 40 Watt Light
The 40 Watt Club is one of the world's most famous, Athens’ most beloved and music’s most iconic venues. Nearly every weekend, it plays host to some of the nation's top acts. The historic nightclub has served as a music home base for many of Athens’ most notorious over the last 35 years, including R.E.M., the B-52’s, Pylon, Love Tractor, Vic Chesnutt, Olivia Tremor Control, Five Eight, Neutral Milk Hotel, Jucifer, Drive-by Truckers, of Montreal, The Whigs, Maserati and more. The history of the “fabulous” 40 Watt Club is being made every night the doors are open, so expect to experience some of the best local and national bands in town.
Sunday
Brunch Off the Morning After
The Grit may not have live music at its sought-after Sunday brunch, but that’s because the musicians need to eat, too. Drawing loyal musicians from Georgia like Michael Stipe (R.E.M.) and Jennifer Nettles (Sugarland) and beyond, like Kristin Hersch (Throwing Muses), the Grit serves up vegetarian and vegan fair. In the last 30 years, the Grit has garnered quite a following for its quintessential boho vibe, Golden Bowl, meatless soul food, baked goods, Sunday Brunch and even an accoladed cookbook. As the Grit touts, they owe much of their personality to its association with the local music scene, with a 99 percent staff who have been or are in Athens bands.
Refine the Encore
If dingy dives aren’t your style, you might prefer the more sophisticated atmosphere, historic detail and old iron foundry craftsmanship of The Foundry. The multi-tiered concert hall has it all -- stages, venues, restaurant, bar, coffee shop, spa and even an adjoining hotel (The Graduate) to sleep it off. Over the years, The Foundry has hosted the Indigo Girls, Nappy Roots, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Blind Boys of Alabama. In addition to nationally renowned bands, The Foundry is now living room to local and emerging artists alike and frequented by Georgia artists Shawn Mullins and Randall Bramblett. For food and drink, grab a candlelit table, order a locally sourced plate, and enjoy local beer, wine and spirits while you enjoy the show.
