Say Good-Bye to July: Athens, GA This Weekend: July 29-31

Well Friends, the time has come to begin bidding farewell to the glorious summer season as July comes to an end this weekend in Athens, GA. The heat may stick around a while longer, but the days of summer freedom are dwindling quickly... so let's make the most of them! Athens, GA is up for one last fun, free adventurous weekend of July- are you?

If you answered yes, proceed to the following paragraphs for details of the excitement awaiting you this weekend in Athens, GA:

1) Veer off the beaten path and take a culinary adventure to Roots Farm this Saturday and Sunday, July 30-31, for the Beaverdam SlowDown Dinner beginning at 7:00 p.m. each night. Discover the source of all your favorite Athens dining. Roots Farm is dedicated to growing fresh and delicious fruits and vegetables through natural and sustainable methods- they aim to distribute mainly to local establishments and to Community Supported Agriculture (kind of like a season pass to the farms produce- pay predetermined amount at beginning of season and receive fruit and vegetables throughout the year accordingly) The Beaverdam SlowDown Dinner at Roots Farm consists of two hour gourmet five course meal prepared by local chefs using locally grown foods, a short tour of the farm, and an open discussion about sustainable farming.

2) Stay up late at Terrapin for a late night tour and movie on the lawn beginning at 9:00 p.m., Saturday, July 30th, for a cause benefiting Film Athens- a non-profit dedicated to supporting and encouraging video production and digital media arts in the Athens community. The percentage night at Terrapin this Saturday night will cost $12, but will include eight ticket vouchers for 4-ounce brews and invitation to view "Planet 9 From Outer Space" on the lawn. So gather your friends and your favorite summer picnic blanket and prepare for lift-off at Terrapin Brewery!

3) Experience the signature sounds of the Athens, GA music scene this Friday and Saturday at The Melting Point with musical events like The 30th Anniversary Reunion of Phil and the Blanks (Friday) and Nomad Artists Present: Bomber City, Klezmer Local 42, and Ken Will Morton (Saturday). Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. for food and drink service, so best show up early and make an entire evening of food, drink, and music fun!






But of course, these are just a few of the many other happenings taking place around town- so venture on to your final July hurrah and check out some of these other events as well:

Live! at the Library with The Triskelion , July 31 3 p.m., free concert of Celtic music on Sunday- after Saturday's Family Fun Day and End of Summer Party, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. at the ACC Library 

Frontier UPFRONT presents final days of Byram Family local artwork, July 29 & 30, 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. 

Concerts on the Lawn : Sons of Sailors: Jimmy Buffet tribute, Saturday, July 30, 5:00 p.m. at Ashford Manor

If this weekend is approached correctly and fully, saying goodbye to July will be a breeze because summer adventure will have been fulfilled in Athens, GA!

Happy Birthday, R.E.M.!

April 5, 1980 marked the very first time Bill, Peter, Mike and Michael took the stage together in Athens, GA. It has almost been 30 years since R.E.M. made its debut, and the Classic City is ready to celebrate with two very special events!

To commemorate the 30th anniversary of R.E.M.'s first performance, the Athens Welcome Center & Classic City Tours are offering an Athens Music History Tour this weekend only! The Tour, beginning at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday and again on Sunday, will depart from the Athens Welcome Center. Local "scenester" Paul Butchart will lead the tour, exploring the sights and sounds that cultivated Athens' rich musical heritage, with an emphasis on R.E.M.'s early days in Athens. Stops will include the Murmur trestle, the "Sidewalk of the Stars," among other musical points of interest. Tickets are $15 per person. Space is limited! Please call 706.208.8687 (toll free: 866.455.1820) to make your reservation.

The Melting Point is hosting a "birthday party" this Friday night called R.E.M. 30, and you are invited! Acquaintances and long-time friends of R.E.M. will perform R.E.M. songs that mean the most to them. Musicians including Casper & the Cookies, Supercluster, John Keane, VieTNam and the HEAP will grace the stage. Mitch Easter, a huge contributor to the band's earliest recordings, and B-52 members Cindy Wilson and Dana Downs will also perform. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door.

Happy 30th boys- we look forward to celebrating in your honor!

Athens Cine Turns Two

Birthday and anniversary wishes are in order this week as Cine, Athens downtown, art house cinema celebrates its second anniversary.

The cinema not only features film, but also contains a bar and cafe. This week the they will be showcasing a variety of foreign films representative of the films usually shown.

This week's festivities includes a line up of film's including: SILENT LIGHT with an introduction by Dr. Diego Del Pozo on Tuesday, March 31 at 4:15, 7:00 and 9:45; OUR CITY DREAMS with an introduction by Judith McWillie Wednesday, April 1 at 5:00, 7:00 and 9:30; and IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE with an introduction by Dr. Ari Levine Thursday, April 2 at 5:00, 7:00 and 9:30 on the theater's actual anniversay.

If you have not yet made your way to Cine, this is the perfect opportunity. With its unique European feel, out of the box movie selections and charming atmosphere, Cine is the perfect place to learn all about Athen's hidden gems. Click here for more information about this event.

To learn more about Cine's past, present and future, watch the clip below. You may be surprised to find the eclectic history behind its walls.