Five things to do on Memorial Day weekend: Live poetry, hip hop, 1970s soul music and more
Each week, the Banner-Herald will publish a list of five options for things to do in the Athens area. Though there's never a shortage of concerts, theater and other art happenings in the Classic City, we've chosen to spotlight these events for the weekend of May 26-29.
Beats, Lyrics & Rhythm: A Poetry and Hip-Hop Experience
WHERE: Ciné (234 W Hancock Ave.)
WHEN: Saturday, May 27 at 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. (Donations accepted at the door)
DETAILS: An all-star roster of Athens-based poets, musicians and hip hop artists are scheduled to perform at this "pay what you can" benefit show for Travis Williams. The lineup includes spoken word artists Life The Griot, The Arsonist, and Maxim Debonair, followed by hip hop performers Son Zoo, Nony, Ant Da Ripper, Farin, and LB. Event will feature a duet with DJ Chief Rocka and drummer Scott Sutton.
APQC Operation Transformation: A Drag Benefit for the Trans Surgery Scholarship
WHERE: 40 Watt Club (285 W. Washington St.)
WHEN: Friday, May 26 at 10 p.m. ($25 admission)
DETAILS: This drag show is a fundraising event for the Trans Surgery Scholarship, for which all profits will go toward providing Athens community members with necessary affirming surgeries and medical care. Featured entertainers include Santana, Cola, Karmella, Diamond Dupree Sanchez, Tucker Bleu and Semaj. For tickets, visit eventbrite.com/e/operation-transformation-tickets-599397783907.
Athens Surf Stomp 2023
WHERE: Southern Brewing Company (231 Collins Ind. Blvd.)
WHEN: Sunday, May 28 at 1 p.m. ($10 admission)
DETAILS: All ages are welcome at this day-long surf rock festival featuring live music by such bands as The Rumtones (Savannah), The Creature Preachers (Warner Robbins), Kinky Waikiki (Athens), The Spectre of Surf (Athens), Outersea (Athens), Genki Genki Panic (Chattanooga), The Mystery Men? (Atlanta), Frigidaires (Atlanta)and Current Rage (Athens/Atlanta).
IGB Concert Series with The Splitz Band
WHERE: International Grill and Bar (1155 Mitchell Bridge Rd.)
WHEN: Friday, May 26 at 7 p.m. (Free admission)
DETAILS: Long-running and hard-working Athens group The Original Splitz Band is described as "a mixed drink of the classic Motown sound, part 1970s funk and disco flavor with a dash of old-school and contemporary R&B. The multi-piece band is known for their high-energy performances of covers and originals.
Re-Potted Workshop with Potted Athens
WHERE: Athentic Brewing Company (108 Park Ave.)
WHEN: Sunday, May 28 at 2 p.m. ($10 donation)
DETAILS: Athens greenery enthusiasts will dig this class dedicated to houseplants, husbandry, questions, and community. Attendees are invited to bring their own plants, pots or both. Soil is included in the donation cost for the class, and there will be plants and pots for sale. Sliding scale donation is $5 suggested to cover materials, $10 standard for material/labor, and $20 to donate additional seats. For ticket info, visit facebook.com/events/261168049623728.
This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Five things to do in Athens on Memorial Day weekend (May 26-29)
