Athens this Weekend: April 9 - 11

This weekend in Athens is filled with art, athletics, culture, music and wine! Don't miss out on the great events and annual festivals the Classic City has to offer.

Friday, April 9:

• It's time to Celebrate the Arts! The Athens Area Arts Council presents the biggest fundraising event of the year, where material-world art meets the runway to support the artist-designed bus shelters. The celebration will be held at Hotel Indigo and will include a runway of wearable art featuring exotic creations from local and emerging artists. The event is free and open to the public, but VIP runway seats are on sale for $40.

Saturday, April 10:

• Georgia Football is back in action! Come get a preview of the great things that lay ahead for the 2010 Bulldogs at the G-day Spring Football Game! The game annually features the Bulldog team split into the Red and Black squads. Tickets can be ordered at 12:30 p.m. on the day of the game at Sanford Stadium Gates 2, 4, 6 and the Main Gate located below the Sanford Drive Bridge. Kick-off benefits Hope Haven and starts at 2 p.m.

• The 12th Annual International Street Festival, presented by UGA's International Student Organizations, will feature colorful cultural displays from around the world, traditional costumes, dances and international bands. Collect "Passport" Stamps, watch musical and dance performances, and participate in hands-on activities with your children. Door prizes and giveaways will be available from local businesses.

• Enjoy a cold one after the 2nd Annual Terrapin Beer 5K Plus One More Mile. The race begins at 3:30 p.m. and will end at the brewery with a tour. Only $25 to compete!

Sunday, April 11:

• The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra heads to Athens! The UGA Performing Arts Center presents this program which features two of Tchaikovsky's great masterpieces. Russian guest conductor Vasily Petrenko, pianist Barry Douglas, and the ASO will bring excitement to these melodic treats.

Ongoing Events:

• Calling all aficionados and novice wine lover alike! Athens Wine Weekend will be a treat for the senses featuring seminars with wine experts including Master Sommelier Brett Zimmerman, a Grand Tasting showcasing wines from around the world, and a gourmet seven-course meal with multiple wine pairings. The event benefits The Classic Center Cultural Foundation.

• This weekend presents the newest addition to the Bike MS cycling series in Georgia! Bike MS: Deloitte. Atlanta to Athens Ride is a two-day, fully-supported bicycle ride that will raise money to fight multiple sclerosis and help the Georgia Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

• Fashion, music, arts and fun - what else do you need for the perfect weekend in Athens? Don't miss blvd. Magazine's three-day fashion extravaganza, A Weekend Fashion Affair, showcasing local art and fashion with runway shows, music events and dance parties!

"The Wedding Singer" Brings Back '80s

I have always heard there was "just something about the '80s". I wish I could have experienced the days when pastel and neon were "hip", big hair was in style and fun songs like "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey were released. I look forward to events like the "The Wedding Singer" broadway musical where I can see the decade come to life. After all, who doesn't love '80s music?

"The Wedding Singer" broadway musical is bringing back the '80s to Athens on Wednesday, January 27 at the Classic Center. This Tony-nominated show is based on the film "The Wedding Singer" starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore. It is a romantic comedy set in 1985- it will make you want to dance.

Not only will this event be a fun and exciting way to spend your Wednesday night, it is the perfect PTO/PTA fundraising opportunity! Gather a group of 15 or more people to attend the January 27 performance at the Classic Center and your group will receive a 10% discount off every ticket. PLUS your PTO/PTA will receive ten dollars for each ticket your group purchases!

When: Wednesday, January 27

Where: Classic Center Athens, Ga

Time: 7:30 p.m.

For ticket information, visit www.classiccenter.com

LA Times features the Georgia Theatre

In last Sunday's LA Times, The Georgia Theatre fire and rehabilitation efforts were covered in a Hometown U.S.A. feature.

The article, (click here to view) profiles owner Wilmot Greene as he begins to rebuild the music venue that once played host to R.E.M. and the B-52's.

Among the things mentioned in the article, what I found most compelling was the reporter's comment that donations and fundraising ideas poured in even before Greene had time to set up the necessary legal apparatus to accept them.

Athens is always noted for its' music scene, parties, and football. But beyond that it serves as host to citizens (and students) who truly care about the history and preservation of their home (or home away from home).

It is nice to see that sense of concern was noticed by the LA Times reporter.