originally published May 23, 2007

If aliens were to land in Athens during the summer, they would think all we ever do here is throw festivals. And they’d sorta be right. At any rate, here’s this week's news. Get it below…

Festify, Y'all: With AthFest coming up one month from now, Flagpole's putting out the call to the Athens music scene: You have anything interesting or out-of-the-ordinary planned for your AthFest sets? In the past, bands have used the annual festival to play around with song choices, debut new tunes or try out interesting collaborations. Drop a line to Flagpole music editor Chris Hassiotis at music@flagpole.com and let him know what's up! We're in the midst of planning our festival coverage and want to highlight as much that's special about our scene as possible. Word.

Speaking of Festivals: Even though the news has leaked all across the free world by now at least a few of you will read it here first. The line-up, so far, for this year's PopFest has been announced. The festival, which will run August 8-11, will host the timeless, and seemingly ageless, too, Ted Leo and the Pharmacists and God’s gift to songwriters Daniel Johnston. I don’t think I need to tell you how exciting this is. Other acts of note, and more are forthcoming, include local marching band Dark Meat, Japan’s superb Elekibass, Circulatory System, Robert Schneider’s new project Thee American Revolution, Indiana’s Jerk Alert and many more to be announced. Ticket details and all other whatnot can be found at www.hhbtm.com/popfest2. Just like every year, this will sell out. Plan ahead. Like now.

Busy, Busy, Busy: There’s a certain class of musician that just can’t sit still. Such would be the case with Bryan Howard (Kevn Kinney’s STAR, Slackdaddy, Jackpot City, etc.). Howard has just formed The H.E.A.P. Project and the band features Howard and Jeff Reiter (Diet Rockstar) on bass, Ian Werden (Slackdaddy, Vinyl Strangers) on drums, Jeff Crouch on trumpet, Marcus Gilley on saxophone, Chris Herron (Sci-Fu, Garbage Island) on kalimba and Jim Wilson (Mother Jackson) on drums. The H.E.A.P. Project will release its first track “Watchin’” on the AthFest digital compilation due later this summer. Musically the band treads the waters between jazz and funk, without ever slipping into strictly one or the other. The guys will make their live debut opening for Kevn Kinney’s Sun Tangled Angel Revival on Friday, May 25, over at The Melting Point. Check 'em out here www.myspace.com/gaheap.

Go See ‘Em: Baltimore, MD band J. Roddy Walston & The Business will return to Athens on Friday, May 25 when they will perform with Hank Vegas and Lona over at Tasty World. Managing to somehow grab all the best bits of classic 1970’s pop without any of the classic rock baggage and bloat, J. Roddy is the best thing this side of NRBQ. And, yes, I really mean that. Go see ‘em.

Don’t Get All Confused: Those of you planning on leaving the house on Friday, May 25 and heading down to the 40 Watt should be informed that there are two separate lineups that night, and the twain do not meet. The early show is at 7:30 p.m. and features Acworth, GA’s pride Moros Eros whose album I Saw The Devil Last Night And Now The Sun Shines Bright on Victory Records is starting fires underneath the feet of scenesters everywhere. The late show will have doors open at 10 p.m. and features Oakland, CA metal/art hounds Totimoshi and Jennifer Herrema’s (ex-Royal Trux) truly rocking RTX.

Or You Could Do This: Never let it be said that I can’t jump a bandwagon. To this end, everyone is invited out to Go Bar on Friday, May 25 when I make my debut deejay appearance alongside Adam Stroupe (SIDS) who will appear as Billy Ruben. We’ll be playing a variety of tunes ranging from the contrarian (me) to the confrontational (him). Following us will be an all-punk and power-pop DJ set by Justin Robinson (ex-Agenda). The whole things starts at 10 p.m., so drink up.

But Will There Be Corndogs?: A variety of local promoters, side-show men and raconteurs will host Mr. Blank's Carnivale of Black Hearts at the fabulous 40 Watt on Friday, July 13 and they’re actively seeking out performers. Basically, any type of freak-show, gross-out, odd-ball, hilarious, scary, musical, magical, astounding physical feats, strange or otherwise entertaining acts will be considered. As they say, “performers of all kinds.” Get your act together and then get full details over at www.myspace.com/carnivaleofblackhearts.

Change The Name: Just to keep everyone up to date on who to contact and where for your various what-not, if you’re looking to get booked over at the Flicker Theatre & Bar, the person to contact now is Flicker owner Angie Grass, as former guy Eric Harris has permanently left the place. Drop an email to grass@flickerbar.com - it’s just that simple!

Have You done This Yet?: The polls are still open at the ‘Pole. That is, there’s still time to cast your vote for the 2007 Flagpole Athens Music Awards. You don’t have to vote in each category, so that lets you off the hook if you don’t know your local bluegrass from hip hop but really want your favorite jam band to win something. You don’t have to vote for any of the nominees, either. You can simply write in whomever you think is more worthy in any category. A paper ballot is in this issue, and you can vote electronically over at www.flagpole.com/Awards. the deadline is Wednesday, May 30, so go do the thing!

Okay dudes and other folks, be sure to keep your news coming in and always mention either Threats & Promises or my name in the subject line of all emails. I don’t like your girlfriend 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