originally published November 15, 2006

Oh, man, I’m not gonna make you guys read a big introduction this week. Jump off here…

Where Opinions Matter: WUOG 90.5 FM has set up a listener survey which I imagine is to be used as not just a way to gather demographics but perhaps influence the station's operations. Or maybe it was just someone’s homework project. Either way, a bunch of questions relating to your listening habits, preferences and suggestions are located over at www.wuogsurvey.vze.com, so let your voice be heard.

Talkin’ About Stuff:  The University of Georgia’s Lanier Speaker Series and the Creative Writing Program will host author and music critic Craig Werner on Friday, Nov. 17. Werner, a professor at the University of Wisconsin, will deliver his talk “Love and Happiness: Eros According to Octavio Paz, John Donne and the Reverend Al Green” at 3:30 p.m. in Room 265 of UGA’s Park Hall.  So, y'know, go see him. Werner will also be reading from his fiction at Tasty World upstairs on Thursday, Nov. 16 at 7 p.m. (See Out There! for more info.)

Crunk Lineup: The final 2006 edition of “Crunk in the Lobby” will broadcast from the WUOG 90.5 FM studios on Friday, Nov. 17 at 10 p.m. Featured live performers include Badkat, SouthWest Click, Nobody Famous, Son 1, Travis Williams and North East Posse Boyz. Live phone interviews are to be conducted with Tanya Morgan and GLC from Kanye West's G.O.O.D. Music. Tune in, yo.

Having A Ball: Local promotion company Mantooth Music will host “Ball In The Fall” over at The Ritz on Friday, Nov. 17. The hip hop event will benefit the Loran Smith Center for Cancer Support. Hosted by Dr. Sparkles and Whisper, the event will feature DJ Killacut (see story in this issue), Dead Fresh Squad, Big John Burton, Elite tha Showstoppa and Mantic. The evening also features a producer battle for cash prizes; show up at 8:30 p.m. to sign up. For more information, please see www.myspace.com/mantoothmusic.

Winter Healing: Local blues fans can rejoice this week and celebrate the reunion of The Healers. Reformed under the auspices of original member Donny Ray Simonds (harmonica and vocals), the local group includes Jimmy Bolman (guitar), John Davis (guitar) and Jeff Gill (drums). The band played out a good bit in the '90s, and this first gig back will take place Friday, Nov. 17 at Little Kings. The Healers will play two sets; the first one starts at 9:30 p.m., but I have a feeling you’ll want to stay for the second set, too.

Jerkin' Back And Forth: After all the hoopla surrounding the will-they-or-won’t-they question as far as having live music, new local bar Repent (formerly Lunch Paper) has firmly planted its flag in the "YES" territory, and here's one upcoming live event to take note. On Saturday, Nov. 18, the bar will host The Dumps and Music Hates You as part of a “décor party." Anyone who brings something with which to decorate the bar receives free admission. Just think of what the possibilities would have been if the place had booked Brown Frown to take on this responsibility. But, hey, anything that will get rid of those horrible Red Bull tables is okay by me.

It’s Christmas Time Again: Local musician Amanda Kapousouz and her band Tin Cup Prophette will undoubtedly see their profile rise to unprecedented heights after this Christmas season. R.E.M. has decided to feature the Prophette's version of the R.E.M. song “Tongue,” recorded live at the 40 Watt's R.E.M. tribute show back in September, on this year's fan-club-only Christmas single. The annual Christmas single is one of the most highly anticipated events of the year for ardent R.E.M. fans, and has already been the subject of much speculation on various Internet message boards. Well, the cat's outta the bag now.

Raaaadio: In other Prophette news, the band’s performance for radio show "Mountain Stage" will broadcast via National Public Radio. In fact, the whole show, featuring Vic Chesnutt, Garrison Starr, Carbon Leaf, Aslyn and Modern Skirts, recorded at UGA's Hodgson Hall in August, can be heard via WUGA 91.7 FM on Sunday, Nov. 19 at 2 p.m.

Dude, That’s Like An Album A Month: Local rapper Frosty is keeping in line with the work ethic that is pretty much a requirement to succeed in the overcrowded world of music. Specifically, he’s making four new tracks available each week via MySpace. Beyond this, there doesn’t seem to be much information about the guy, so if anyone can provide some, please get in touch. Meanwhile go check him out over at www.myspace.com/triflinentfrosty.

Show Your Skills: A new local hip hop podcast called "Hip Hop Inzone" is planned to showcase the ever-increasing scene here in Athens. The plan is for the initial episodes to be broadcast over Athenscast.com and run for approximately 10 minutes each, with an open-ended goal that could see future shows running longer. All types of production folks, technicians and volunteers are needed to help out, so for more information, contact executive producer Tara Neely - who may be familiar to some of you as vocalist Kauzmoz - at 678-787-0355 or hiphop.inzone@yahoo.com.

They Make Their Plans Earlier On The Coast: According to the promoters of the Savannah Music Festival, ticket sales are going like gangbusters even though the event won’t be held until late March, 2007! The lineup for the event is packed with world-famous acts such as Dianne Reeves, Susan Tedeschi, Anoushka Shankar, Al Jarreau and the Borodin Quartet, along with famous Georgians Randall Bramblett and Shawn Mullins. I can’t really describe how stunning this event looks, so you probably want to go ahead and check out www.savannahmusicfestival.org and, if compelled to do so, purchase your tickets.

Congratulations: Tracie Brown, local musician and assistant to the director of the UGA Performing Arts Center, recently took top honors at the 2006 U.S. National Scottish Harp Championship. The event, which took place at the Stone Mountain Highland Games, judged competitors on Scottish style, arrangement, ornamentation and knowledge of history and tradition - in addition to just their raw harp skills. Brown previously won this honor back in 1987, and you can catch her talents when she next performs with her stellar local Celtic group Banish Misfortune. Congrats!

Okay, folks, as always, be sure to keep your news coming in and always mention either Threats & Promises or my name in the subject line of all emails. All the livelong day via email to music@flagpole.com, voicemail at 706-549-9523, ext. 203, or by post at P.O. Box 1027, Athens, GA 30603.

Gordon Lamb