Oh boy, that swine flu is really starting to get around Athens! At least two music writers have been out with the (probably swine) flu, and I am getting a little nervous about leaving the house. I know, "it's just like any other flu," but I've had regular old flu and it ain't exactly a walk in the park, either. But still, we must soldier on! H1N1 will not come between me and these fine shows, and it shouldn't stop you either. Just make sure to wash your hands often in between songs, and if you're feeling sniffly, try not to breathe...on...people.

I Have a Dreamcast Party: This is the nerdiest event Athens has seen in a while. Local gamers and musicians will be celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the Sega Dreamcast game console on Wednesday night. There will be three or four Dreamcast systems set up: two projected against the walls, one inside the club and another outside on the patio. There will also be an Internet streaming station with a camera set up so people at home have a chance to chat it up with everyone at the club. You know, for those too busy playing "Soul Caliber" or something to come out and be social. Your sweet tooth will be tantalized by cookies and cakes baked in the Dreamcast's likeness and, if all goes to plan, you'll be able to check on other Dreamcast parties going on around the world at a "Streaming Other Dreamcast Parties Station." Musical entertainment will be provided by Bicycles & Gravel, Captain #1, Gemini Cricket, Grey Milk, and I Have Read Other Books Besides The Catcher in the Rye. All of these bands are featured on the Dreamcast EP compilation which will be available at the bar as well. In between sets and gaming competitions, DJ Other Voices, Other Rooms will be spinning. For streaming and more info, check out www.ihaveadreamcast.com. (Go Bar, Wednesday 9)

Bodhi Zaffa: Landlocked Atlanta doesn't exactly conjure images of palm trees and big kahunas, but the music of local band Bodhi Zaffa often does. This group plays an aggressive sort of surf rock that pummels you like the white waters of a crashing wave. But before you can say "punk rock," Bodhi Zaffa releases these thick, funky funky grooves like some kind of island dwelling jam band. It's a genre hopping experience to be sure, so fans of The Ventures, The Shadows and other more traditional '60s surf rock instrumentalists will only find marginal cross-over interest. I am also a big fan of the credits as listed on the band's MySpace page. Sean Peiffer plays the "bompidy bow," Brian Morrison rocks the "squeedely dee," and drummer Jeff Snider takes care of the "ratatat tat." That pretty much says it all. (Caledonia Lounge, Thursday 10)

Benjy Ferree

Benjy Ferree: The songs on D.C. musician Ferree's latest record are all tied to a central theme: a eulogy to forgotten Disney child star Bobby Driscoll. Outside that, Ferree's music is bounded by no parameters—genre or otherwise. His voice is phenomenally elastic and expressive, morphing in tone and texture from one track to the next along with the music. He can mimic the glammy bombast of Marc Bolan one minute and the throaty blues of Jack White the next. I see Ferree as the next Beck in a lot of ways—a singular artist with infinite potential. (Caledonia Lounge, Tuesday 15)

Simone: It's a rock show and a recycling drive! I am probably showing my age here, but remember those big, easily scratched compact discs we used to listen to? "CDs" we called 'em. Anyway, if you've got all the coasters you can use and your music library has all been burned, downloaded and/or uploaded, bring your unwanted CDs to Go Bar on Tuesday and Florida rockers Simone will have them recycled. The band has teamed up with CD Recycling Center of America and is on a mission to recycle 2,000 pounds of unused compact disc materials throughout the remainder of the year. Since Aug. 12, Simone has already received over 250 pounds of materials. "We did some research on (compact discs in landfills) and found out that it is estimated to take over one million years for a CD to decompose," said Simone Starr, lead singer of the band. Look for the green recycling bin on stage and bring your old, unwanted CDs, CD-ROMs, DVDs and video games. Oh yeah, the music is aiight, too. Simone features Ms. Starr up front backed by lots of classic rock riffage. (Go Bar, Tuesday 15)

For more great picks this week, tune into our podcast!

Michelle Gilzenrat