The best season of the year is slowly approaching and no, I'm not just talking about Autumn. Although who doesn't love that? I am talking about the season of live music here in Athens, GA!
As all the University of Georgia students return back to campus for school and bulldog fans start rushing into town, the venues around Athens fill up their calendars with incredible performances from local artists and chart topping bands. To help you figure out what shows you can't miss, we have compiled a list of this fall's top music events.
The Georgia Theatre
The most sought after music venue in Athens, the Georgia Theatre tends to draw many visitors to the area. The Georgia Theatre was once known as the Elite Theatre back in 1935 and before that, served a wide array of purposes, from a furniture store to a hotel and even a Methodist Church. The original theatre burned down in June 2009 and has been completely restored to what we all see and love today.
You can catch shows at the Georgia Theatre almost every night of the week and from a variety of bands, artists, and genres. Listed below are the top concert events happening in the next couple of months.
AUGUST
- August 19: RUNAWAY GIN
- Genre: Phish Tribute Band
- August 22-23: MOON TAXI
- Genre: Indie- Progressive Rock
- August 24-25: COREY SMITH
- Genre: Country
- August 26: THE CADILLAC THREE
- Genre: Southern Rock
- August 31: CODY JOHNSON
- Genre: Country
SEPTEMBER
- September 1: JON LANGSTON
- Genre: Country
- September 7: THE GRATEFUL BALL - JEFF AUSTIN & THE TRAVELIN' MCCOURY'S
- Genre: Bluegrass
- September 9: WHISKEY MYERS
- Genre: Southern Rock/Country
- September 15: FUTUREBIRDS
- Genre: Indie Rock
- September 20: ELECTRIC GUEST
- Genre: Pop
- September 25: COLD WAR KIDS W/ JOYWAVE
- Genre: Indie Rock
- September 27: DREW HOLCOMB & THE NEIGHBORS W/ DEVON GILFILLIAN
- Genre: Americana
- September 30: WHITNEY W/ KWEKU COLLINS
- Genre: Indie Rock
OCTOBER
- October 23: BLIND PILOT
- Genre: Indie Folk
Want even more shows and pricing for the Georgia Theatre? Check out their music calendar!
The 40 Watt
The 40 Watt has been an Athens staple for over 35 years. Relocated a few times throughout the Downtown Athens area, the venue now sits at 285 West Washington Street. In its early years, the 40 Watt stage featured some of Athens most famous groups and bands, including REM and the B-52s. To this day, the venue is known for its eclectic music and style and is a must-see for visitors. Here are a few of the performances scheduled from August to November.
AUGUST
- August 25: THE RECORD COMPANY W/ STOP LIGHT OBSERVATIONS
- Genre: Contemporary
SEPTEMBER
- September 22: RADIOLUCENT W/ THE WHISKEY GENTRY AND THE PONY LEAGUE
- Genre: Rock
OCTOBER
- October 5: SUNSQUABI W/ NAUGHTY PROFESSOR
- Genre: Electronic
- October 13: MANDOLIN ORANGE
- Genre: Americana/Folk
- October 14: CONOR OBERST W/ THE FELICE BROTHERS
- Genre: Indie
- October 25: SPAFFORD
- Genre: Funk Rock
NOVEMBER
- November 8: JAPANDROIDS W/ CLOUD NOTHINGS
- Genre: Rock
For more information on these 40 Watt concert events and to check for more upcoming shows, head to their online calendar!
The Foundry
This music venue dates all the way back to the 1850's, where it was originally used as an iron foundry (hence the name). Hosting many famous acts and local newbies over the years, this space is also used for large events and weddings. The exposed brick throughout the building also adds an amazing backdrop to any special night. Located on the outskirts of Downtown Athens, this spot is right in the heart of Athens and will soon find a place in yours.
AUGUST
- August 19: SHAWN MULLINS W/ CLAIRE CAMPBELL
- Genre: Folk Rock
- August 25: SONS OF SAILORS
- Genre: Jimmy Buffett Cover Band
SEPTEMBER
- September 8: TRIBUTE
- Genre: Celebration of The Allman Brothers Band
- September 14: DAVID COOK
- Genre: Rock
- September 15: THE DIRTY DOORS
- Genre: Tribute Band, Blues/Classic Rock
- September 22: DRIVIN' N' CRYIN W/ MICHELLE MALONE AND DRAG THE RIVER
- Genre: Hard Rock/Southern Rock
OCTOBER
- October 6: MIKE DEKLE, LEVI LOWREY, & ABBY OWENS
- Genre: Country
- October 13: THE SWINGIN' MEDALLIONS
- Genre: Beach Music
NOVEMBER
- November 16: HUMMING HOUSE W/ BECCA MANCARI
- Genre: Americana, Bluegrass
- November 17: SUNDY BEST
- Genre: Country/Folk/Bluegrass/Rock
For times, prices, and more shows at the Foundry, please visit their online calendar.
Live Wire Athens
Live Wire Athens (LWA) is a music fanatics dream location. With three stages and a huge dance floor, it makes for the perfect party night. Grab your friends and head to a few of the amazing shows lined up for this fall season.
SEPTEMBER
- September 16: EL TEN ELEVEN W/ SEGO
- Genre: Rock
OCTOBER
- October 25: SAN FERMIN
- Genre: Indie Rock
For further information regarding Live Wire and to keep an eye out for more upcoming shows, visit their site!
The Classic Center
The Classic Center not only welcomes performances by award winning plays, but also well-known and loved musical guests. The performing arts theatre has become a beloved venue by all in Athens.
OCTOBER
- October 7: THE STEELDRIVERS
- Genre: Bluegrass
NOVEMBER
- November 11: RAY LAMONTAGNE
- Genre: Acoustic
What more Classic Center concerts and shows? Check out their calendar for more music additions.
Caledonia Lounge
If you like Indie-Rock, then this is the perfect place for you! Caledonia Lounge features up-and-coming local and national acts almost every night of the week. The venue space was also one of the spots were the former 40 Watt Club sat. Its history and authentic feel make this place a music must-see.
AUGUST
- August 3: DANGFLY! W/ CREE MO AND CONVINCE THE KIDS
- Genre: Rock
- August 10: OAK HOUSE W/ EASTER ISLAND
- Genre: Rock/Indie
- August 15: MONSOON W/ LUNG AND VINCAS
- Genre: Punk-Pop Rock
- August 24: THE BROOK & THE BLUFF W/ DESIGN COMPANY AND TYLER KEY
- Genre: Indie/Acoustic
- August 25: GOOD LOOKS W/ ZALE, STIR, BOF, AND OWM
- Genre: Rock
SEPTEMBER
- September 7: THE HERNIES W/ MATERIAL GIRLS, DICAPRIO, AND DEEP STATE
- Genre: Rock
For more Caledonia concerts later in the fall season, check out their facebook page!
I hope you've fallen for a few of these amazing concert events! Here's to the best music season yet.
