This week I've been reminded in a big way of why I moved here in the first place. Many Thanks to Athensmusic.net for bringing the documentary Athens, Ga.: Inside/Out to the Georgia Theatre this past week. This film more than anything else solidified my resolve to move to Athens years ago. I've never regretted it. But folks, always remember that the best stuff is yet to come and, no matter how great the old Athens scene was, the most exciting stuff is always what's going on currently. Live in the moment. See below for the current schedule of moments...

Okay, Now Everyone Turn Left: Local musician Chris Cates, of Mealtime Brown Studios and local band Parakeet Nelson just finished up production on The Ox Family album. The North Carolina-based R&B/rap group counts rapper 50 Cent and Luther Vandross among its fans so, you know that means they either rule or are a total bore. The album is slated for a December 16 release. In other news, Parakeet recently performed at a fundraising event for Democratic presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich in Asheville, NC. Word is that the "radical" views of Kucinich are inspiring other Democratic candidates to move further away from the center and embrace more patently liberal platforms.

Did I Say Left? I Meant Far Left!: Not to be outdone by the guys in Parakeet Nelson, R.E.M. member Mike Mills has teamed up with British legend Billy Bragg and songwriters Steve Earle and Jill Sobule to perform on the "Tell Us The Truth" tour that's criss-crossing the States. The tour, which is essentially an anti-FTAA (Free Trade Area Of The Americas) and anti-FCC deregulation rally, is a high profile event which seeks to educate people on the issues of fair trade vs. free trade, media consolidation and direct democracy. Also on the bill are former Rage Against The Machine guitarist and Zapatista wannabe Tom Morello and Marxist rapper/activist Boots Reily (from the lyrically flawed but musically infectious act The Coup). The tour, which is co-sponsored by Common Cause, Axis Of Justice and The Future Of Music Coalition, recently wound its way through Atlanta and if you missed that show you can catch it again if'n you wanna make the trip up to the big finale in Washington, DC on November 24. Trade expert Janeane Garofalo will be hosting so at least there'll be something to laugh at. Speaking of "media consolidation," it stands to wonder if any of the artists involved have second thoughts as they cash their checks from Warner Brothers, Sony Music and MCA? Just sayin', is all. For more information on the tour, the artists and the issues head over to www.tellusthetruth.org.

At Least Someone's Having A Ball Around Here: Athens' premiere jazz/swing band, The Artie Ball Swing Band, has been keeping busy during this time of year when most bands pack it up for the winter. They'll be playing live on WUGA 91.7 FM on Friday, Nov. 21 for the program "It's Friday,"

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and they'll be blowing away the post-Thanksgiving doldrums at the fabulous 40 Watt on Saturday, Nov. 29. Guest vocalist Heather Hennenburg will be debuting some new solo material that night as well, with Sanni Baumgaertner (Audition With Max Reinhardt) and some of the Artie Ball guys backing her up. In addition to their regular gigs over at The Athens Steam Co. Pub, where they will perform on New Year's Eve, the band has also found time to record a seven-song EP. If you guys need even more of a reason to check them out then maybe the fact that The Artie Ball Swing Band features Mike Jones, who is perhaps Athens' best jazz saxophonist will get you to give the band a try. Maybe we can have a saxophone battle and see. The possibilities are mind boggling. More info can be had over at www.artieball.com

My Grass Is Blue: Athens bluegrass band The Packway Handle Band is releasing its debut album Chaff Harvest soon and should be in local stores in the coming weeks. The band is also performing over at The Georgia Theatre on November 21 when they will open for The Yonder Mountain String Band [see p. 25]. The band also performs at Tasty World's bluegrass night on Wednesday, Nov. 26. Check out more stuff on these guys over at www.packwayhandle.com.

For When You Get Bored: The Internet site Fark.com recently hosted a thread on their message boards in which readers were invited to alter, via PhotoShop or similar programs, a photograph of the Drive-By Truckers. The alterations range from mundane to hilarious and were probably done while the photo-manipulators were on someone else's clock. See for yourself and add you own over at www.forums.fark.com. Is this news? Hell if I know...

You Actually Want To Know This: Yes, I've mentioned them quite often lately, but it would be, um, criminal for me not to mention this gig. Atlanta's Criminal Records will be hosting an in-store performance by British wonderment-creators Spiritualized on Saturday, Nov. 22. The gig takes place at 3 p.m. so get there early as parking can be an ice-cold bitch. See, I told you you'd want to know.

Final Notes: Longtime Athens guitarist Jeff Walls has joined The Woggles and is stepping into the shoes of the recently passed away George Holton. Walls, who's done production work for the band for years and years, is formerly of Elektra recording group Guadalcanal Diary and did major time in 1990s Athens band Hillbilly Frankenstein. As if you didn't know.

Athens Still Burns a Candle: Flicker's got a, well, a candle burning in a memorial for Johnny Cash and his wife June Carter Cash. And according to WUOG 90.5 FM local music director Lars Gotrich, the station's put together a

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Cash memorial show similar to the one suggested on this page months back. On Tuesday, Nov. 25, listeners can hear a local acts Hope for Agoldensummer, Joseph Plunket, Phosphorescent and Don Chambers each perform two of Cash's songs. "I'll play 'Long Black Veil' for sure," says Chambers. Tune in at 8 p.m. to hear "An Athens Tribute to Johnny Cash"; two artists will perform their songs, followed by the regular local program, and the show closes with the final two artists' renditions. [Chris Hassiotis]

I love this part. Remember to get your news in early and often. Reference either me or "Threats & Promises" in the subject line of all email correspondence. And the holidays are upon us, so get yr stuff in early folks! Be good. Have Fun. Kick the clay that holds the teeth in via email music@flagpole.com, voicemail at 549-2360; via fax at 548-8981; or by post at P.O. Box 1027, Athens, GA 30603.

Gordon Lamb