Echoreyn of Athens: All About the Music

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Athfest 2012: EoA's Guide to Athfest: Kristen's Concert Picks

Ever since my very first Athfest years ago, I've thrown myself ears first into the massive list of bands playing the festival to narrow down a schedule of sets to see. However, when confronted with a lineup of nearly 200 bands, I hardly expect anyone else to be as insane as I am. That's why, this year once again, I'm giving you a list of tried and true favorites that you've just got to catch live if you haven't seen them yet.

Thurs, June 21:

Flagpole Athens Music Awards @ 7:30 PM @ Morton Theater

For me, Athfest always begins with the Flagpole Athens Music Awards! I'll give you more info about this show tomorrow, so stay tuned.

Athfest Kickoff Party @ 10:30 PM @ 40 Watt

Free with a wristband or Flagpole Awards ticket stub and just $3 ($5 for under 21) without, this jammin' party will feature the solid soft rock tunes of White Violet and the unique, country rock sound of Buxton along with sets from Ponderosa and DJ Immuzikation as well. What a way to end the first night!

Fri, June 22:

Efren @ 5:45 PM @ Hull Street Stage

It's been a while since we've seen Efren, one of our favorite folk rockers, in action, and we can't wait to hear them all again!

Yip Deceiver @ 8:30 PM @ Hull Street Stage

If you're a fan of Of Montreal, you'll like Yip Deceiver. These guys are full of fun!

Reptar @ 9 PM @ Pulaski Street Stage

Current rulers of the Athens music scene, Reptar is always a good time. At last year's Athfest, they filled the 40 Watt to capacity in minutes, and this year, they're rightfully headlining the main stage. If you haven't experienced one of their shows yet, don't miss your chance to see what all of the hype is about!

The Orkids @ 9 PM @ Go Bar

It's been nearly a year since we last saw blog favorites The Orkids onstage, and we've truly missed their awesome, upbeat pop tunes. This one is definitely a must!

Sam Sniper @ 10 PM @ Flicker Theatre

Up for several Flagpole Awards this year, these unique folk rockers are always worth a listen!

The Shut-ups @ 10 PM @ The Melting Point

Two Athfests ago, I just loved the Shut-ups' new wave indie pop sound and fun electronic style. So glad we get the chance to check 'em out again!

Holly Belle @ 11:30 PM @ Little Kings Shuffle Club

It's a rare thing when a musician I've never heard of blows me away with the just the sound of their voice when I'm conducting my annual online Athfest research. What a sound! I'm dying to see this girl in action!

Lera Lynn @ 12 AM @ 40 Watt

Lera Lynn's powerful voice and indie folk rock combine to make every show of hers just spectacular!

Sat, June 23:

Emily Hearn @ 1:30 PM @ Pulaski Street Stage

I've never seen this girl live, but several of my friends are crazy about her, and from what I've heard, her voice is just incredible! This'll be a show to remember.

Packway Handle Band @ 4 PM @ Pulaski Street Stage

After all the amazing things I've heard about this bluegrass folk band over the years, it's shocking that I've never truly had a chance to see them until now. Playing the main stage this year, I'm sure Packway Handle Band's show will be amazing!

Ruby Kendrick @ 6:30 PM @ Pulaski Street Stage

Ruby Kendrick's soft and sweet melodies will, no doubt, bring joy to your ears!

Bambara @ 9 PM @ Caledonia Lounge

Blog favorite Bambara returns to the Ath-town for one night only to give us that delicious noise rock sound we've been craving! They may be Brooklyn boys now, but they know Athens is always pumped to let them melt our faces off with their tunes once more.

Mad Axes @ 10 PM @ Little Kings Shuffle Club

If rap and hip hop's your thing, Mad Axes is your band. As the latest incarnation of former Flagpole Award winners Deaf Judges, you'll love their style!

Sun, June 24:

Sean VanMeter @ 2:20 PM @ Kidsfest Stage

Yup, this one's from the Kidsfest Stage, but you've got to recognize talent when you hear it! From what I can tell online, this kid's something of a piano prodigy, and his show sounds like it'll worth checking out. Always gotta keep an ear towards the future!

Want to see these show picks on the go? If you've got an iPhone or other mobile device, here's how you can download our web app: All you need to do is visit http://www.echoreyn.com/ofathens (which differs slightly from our blog url) on your device and add the link to your home screen. Now you can take our show suggestions with along with to the festival!

** Remember: exploration is key. I encourage you to check out all the bands you can find at Athfest 2012. Let this list just serve as a starting point to help keep you from getting lost in the massive sea of sights and rockin' sounds!

Also, we've got videos from Athfests past of many of these bands up on our Echoreyn of Athens YouTube channel if you want to get a feel for their sound.

And hey, if you like what you see, feel free to subscribe! We'll be putting up footage from some of the best shows we see at Athfest this year once the festival ends.