Although a Fat Man showcase sounds cruel, the Georgia Theatre will host just that.

Fat Man Booking, headed by Jimmy Hughes, vocalist and guitarist in local band Folklore, said for a group of smaller bands, playing the Theatre is a unique and privileged opportunity.

The result will be an eclectic night of music from all-local Athens micro-bands Folklore, Madeline and Venice is Sinking, along with friends Quiet Hooves and Dark Meat.

“There won’t be as much goofing around (as with smaller venues),” Hughes said. “I’d want to do something that makes sense at the Theatre.”

Because there are five bands playing within a short period of time, Fat Man has arranged for a second stage within the venue.

“This way, there will be a lot less downtime between sets,” Hughes said. “Three bands will play on the (main) stage, and two (in between sets) on the smaller stage.”

This also will create much needed space for all of the bands, Hughes said, especially Dark Meat, which tours with as many as 21 members.

“(The Georgia Theatre) is the only stage in town where we can all fit comfortably,” said Ben Clack, bass player for the band.

Clack said although elaborate costumes, varied song style and a plethora of instruments have come to be expected of Dark Meat, “everyone does whatever they want, however they feel, so we never know what will happen.”

The band will have a light show produced by Down With the Woo’s Winston Parker, who also did the group’s lights at the 40 Watt’s Christmas party, he said.

“I think that members of every band plays with at least one person in another band, but we’ve never all played a show together. Does that make sense?” Clack said.

“The point is, we’re all really good friends, and we’re going to have a great time.”

Madeline Adams, the 22-year-old folk-rock-country soloist, better known as simply Madeline, is looking forward to the show for this reason as well, she said.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve played with Dark Meat. That’s always nice because, you know, even if no one comes it’s still a party,” she said. “I’m also a fan of playing with Folklore. Fun dudes.”

Although the Theatre prompted the idea for the showcase, the bands have also made it a cause for celebration. Both Folklore and Quiet Hooves will use the showcase as an album release party for each of their LPs.

“The Georgia Theatre draws a lot of UGA students that maybe haven’t been to any house shows or to the 40 Watt or The Caledonia yet,” Adams said.

Hughes explained why this is important.

“I feel like it’s difficult for locals to meet the student community, and that’s why we love having this opportunity,” he said. “This is a great showcase of the richness of the Athens music scene.”