Pick of the Week: Athens GA: Inside/Out

, GA: Inside/Out” is exactly what it implies, a documentary about the music scene in Athens in the 1980s. Directed and written by Tony Gayton, this film features interviews with several prominent bands and performers based in Athens at that time.

R.E.M., Pylon and The B-52’s all make debuts in the film, along with several less-known but just as talented bands.

R.E.M. formed in Athens in 1980 with members Michael Stipe, Peter Buck, Mike Mills and Bill Berry. This band, even today, is one of the most popular alternative rock bands to hit the music stage. Pylon got its start in 1979 with a catchy jangle pop sound. With the help of R.E.M. and The B-52’s, both of which attended many of their shows, Pylon was able to get its music to all corners of the country.

The B-52’s formed in 1976 with a 1960s rock ‘n’ roll style with several other genres thrown in the mix. All of the local bands are national favorites.

In the documentary, each band’s story is told and their history highlighted. Among the other bands featured in the film are Flat Duo Jets, Time Toy, Dreams So Real, Love Tractor, the Bar-B-Que Killers and Kilkenny Cats. There is also an interview with Howard Finster, a well-known local folk artist.

The documentary is narrated by local storytelling legend William Orten Carlton, or simply Ort as he likes to say. His rich voice and friendly demeanor helps the documentary remain interesting and flow smoothly from one story to another. “Athens, GA: Inside/Out” is a very successful documentary, being featured several times on MTV’s “The Cutting Edge” and was the pick of the week video in “People” in 1988. In 2008, this film kick-started AthFest and was followed by a question answer session with Ort and Pylon.

Where: ACC Library

When: Monday, July 26 at 6:30 p.m.

Price: Free

Contact: 706-613-3650

Thursday July 22

Events

What: Mayor and Commission Agenda Setting Session

Where: City Hall

When: 7 p.m.

Price: Free

Contact: (706) 613-3031

What: Taste Your Place Restaurant Contest & Silent Auction

Where: Ciné

When: 6-8:30 p.m.

Price: $10

Verdict: Bid in a silent auction while you taste tapas from local restaurants.

Contact: www.localplace.org

What: Casino for a Cure

Where: Lucky Dawg Billiards

When: 6 p.m.

Price: $20

Verdict: Come and celebrate Darius Weems’ 21st birthday! Black jack, roulette, three-card poker and ring tables. All proceeds benefit Muscular Dystrophy research.

Contact: (706) 613-7237

Live Music

What: Tyler Stenson

Where: The Rialto Room

When: 8:30 p.m.

Price: Free

Verdict: Emerging Artist Series presents Tyler Stenson, an acoustic songwriter who plays in the style of the Old West.

Contact: http://www.tylerstenson.com

What: Sweet Knievel

Where: 283 Bar

When: 10 p.m.

Price: Free

Verdict: Twang doesn’t usually mix with jazz and soul but Sweet Knievel makes it work.

Contact: (706) 208-1283

What: Henry Barbe, Eric Brendo and Native Kid

Where: Caledonia Lounge

When: 10 p.m.

Price: $5 for 21+ and $7 for 18+

Contact: www.caledonialounge.com

What: The Jake Mowrer Trio

Where: DePalma’s Italian Cafe on Timothy Road

When: 6-8:30 p.m.

Price: Free

Verdict: Jake Mowrer entertains audiences with internationally influenced jazz and his trusty guitar.

Contact: (706) 552-1237

Friday July 23

Events

What: Darius Goes West Day Carnival

Where: Old Farmer’s Market at 2152 W. Broad St.

When: 5-9 p.m.

Price: Free

Verdict: Come out and celebrate Darius Weems’ 21st birthday with the sixth DGW carnival. There will be concessions, face painting, games, a mechanical bull and a t-shirt making workshop. Live music provided by DJ Kevin Cheek. All proceeds go to Muscular Dystrophy research.

Contact: www.dariusgoeswest.org

Live Music

What: Tift Merritt

Where: The Melting Point

When: 8:30 p.m.

Price: $15.50

Verdict: Doors open at 6 p.m. This Houston, Texas native comes to Athens to entertain audiences with her blend of rock, pop, country and alternative music.

Contact: (706) 254-6909

What: Forest Magic, Ramble Horse, Tribal Zine

Where: 40 Watt Club

When: 9 p.m.

Price: $6

Contact: www.40watt.com

What: A Tale of Two Caleys, The Blue Eyed Goodbyes ad Efren

Where: Flicker Theatre

When: 8:30 p.m.

Price: $5

Verdict: A Folk music, Southern gothic and local indie rock band headline tonight’s show.

Contact: www.myspace.com/flickerbar

What: Nathan Sheppard

Where: Gnat’s Landing

When: 6:30 p.m.

Price: Free

Verdict: Harmonica plus guitar plus the revamping of classic tunes equals Nathan Sheppard’s signature musical style.

Contact: (706) 850-5858

Saturday July 24

Events

What: Democratic Caucus Election

Where: ACC Library

When: 9:15 a.m.

Price: Free

Verdict: Join the Democratic Party of Georgia State Convention in electing delegates.

Contact: (706) 202-7515 and ksolheim@hotmail.com

What: 2010 Athens Local Food Awards

Where: Bishop Park

When: 10 a.m.

Price: Free

Verdict: Come explore the Athens Farmers Market while listening to the award show for the Taste Your Place competition.

Contact: www.localplace.org

What: Darius Goes West: The Roll of His Life

Where: Ciné

When: TBD

Price: $5

Verdict: Watch the documentary and participate in a Q&A with the cast and crew. Call or e-mail to reserve a spot.

Contact: (706) 613-7237 and dariusgoeswest@gmail.com

What: Gulf Benefit: Sacred Music Event

Where: Healing Arts Centre

When: 3-11 p.m.

Price: Free; donations are welcome

Verdict: Sky Island performs at this money raising yoga class for the Gulf Coast cleanup effort.

What: Latin Dance Bootcamp Day 1

Where: Athens Wellness Cooperative

When: 12:30-4:30 p.m.

Price: $55 advance, $60 at the door

Verdict: Come out and learn how to salsa and bachata! Music and refreshments included. Partners are encouraged but not required.

Contact: (706) 369-8855 and www.latindanceclassathensga.com

Live Music

What: Smooth Jazz & Soul Part 2

Where: Morton Theatre

When: 7:30 p.m.

Price: $15-25

Verdict: A night of smooth jazz and famous faces! Joey Sommerville entrances audiences with his trumpet playing and is joined by vocalist Phillippia, both from “Madea’s Family Reunion.”

Contact: (706) 613-3771 and http://mortontheatre.tix.com

Sunday July 25

Events

What: Latin Dance Bootcamp Day 2

Where: Athens Wellness Cooperative

When: 12-3:30 p.m.

Price: $55 advance, $60 at the door

Verdict: Come out and learn how to salsa and bachata! Music and refreshments included. Partners are encouraged but not required.

Contact: (706) 369-8855 or www.latindanceclassathensga.com

What: Closing Reception

Where: ATHICA

When: 3:30 p.m.

Price: Free

Verdict: The ending reception for “Emerges IV: Uncertainty.” This art show features four artists’ renditions of uncertainty in life.

Contact: www.athica.org

Live Music

What: Matt Hudgins & His Shit-Hot Country Band

Where: Farm 255

When: 9:30 p.m.

Price: Free

Verdict: Brand new! This local country group will play two sets for audiences at Farm 255..

Contact: www.farm255.com

Monday July 26

Events

What: Film: Kick Ass

Where: Tate Student Center Theatre

When: 7 p.m.

Price: Free for students who have paid fees, $2 for non-students

Contact: (706) 542-6396 and www.uga.edu/union

What: Last Monday Book Group

Where: ACC Library

When: 6 p.m.

Price: Free

Verdict: The Long Goodbye by Raymond Chandler is this month’s reading material.

Contact: (706) 613-3650

Live Music

What: Full Moon Party

Where: Square One Fish Co.

When: 8 p.m.

Price: TBD

Verdict: An island style buffet, cool drinks and Kinky Waikiki playing live music.

Contact: www.squareonefishco.com

What: Raw Ass Temple

Where: Flicker Theatre

When: 10:30 p.m.

Price: Free

Verdict: Come out to hear experimental music from Derek Almstead, Heather McIntosh, John Fernandes and Kris Deason.

Contact: www.myspace.com/flickerbar

Tuesday July 27

Events

What: Bawling Comedy Showcase

Where: Last Call

When: 8:30-10:30 p.m.

Price: $3

Verdict: A local comedy competition. Among tonight’s lineup: Dan Weeks, Paul Gallois and Gilbert Lawand.

Contact: www.lastcallathens.com

What: Brown Bag Lunch

Where: ACC Library

When: 12:15 p.m.

Price: Free

Verdict: Dr. Jim Brousse, a local veterinarian, discusses parasites your pet could have and how to prevent them. Bring a lunch to eat during the discussion.

Contact: (706) 613-3650

Live Music

What: Leaving Countries

Where: Little Kings Shuffle Club

When: 4-7 p.m.

Price: Free

Verdict: A violin, harmonica and guitars make up this local folk rock group.

What: The Silverbird Duo

Where: The Melting Point

When: 7 p.m.

Price: $3

Verdict: A mix of country, rock and folk covers from David Leinweber and Bob McMillan.

Classes

What: Argentine Tango Essentials

Where: Athens Elks Lodge

When: 6-9 p.m.

Price: $5

Verdict: Clint Rauscher and Shelly Brooks instruct this tango class for beginners and experts alike.

Wednesday July 28

School Stuff

Last day of classes for Summer Thru Session

Last day of classes for Extended Summer Session

Events

What: Film: Kick Ass

Where: Tate Student Center Theatre

When: 7 p.m.

Price: Free for students who have paid fees, $2 for non-students

Contact: 706-542-6396 and www.uga.edu/union

What: Potluck Night

Where: Ciné

When: 7-9 p.m.

Price: Free

Verdict: Have a story in mind when you come out, because ten people will have their names drawn to share a life story. The crowd decides the best and the winner gets a prize!

Contact: www.athenscine.com

What: Wine Dinner

Where: La Dolce Vita

When: 7 p.m.

Price: $50

Verdict: John Givens Wines representative Anne-Catherine Givens will host a wine pairing dinner at La Dolce Vita. This four course meal features four different wines for each.