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Hometown Genius

MONSTER MAN

Genius can occur anywhere. Sometimes, it catapults onto the national stage and beyond. More often it stays closer to home, celebrated by those who see it up close. Sometimes genius is not even recognized as such, because it is so familiar and unassuming—a goofy guy in a flannel shirt who is more interested in you than in himself, whose peers hold him in awe.

Patrick Lee Dean is such a guy, and Flagpole over the years has been lucky that his cartoons and drawings and cover illustrations have given us a visual impact that has helped depict what Flagpole means in Athens. And, oh yes: monsters. P.L. Dean has created some of the most memorable and loveable monsters ever to leap or waddle across a page. His monsters are the perfect vehicle for Patrick’s wild and soaring wit, and they serve as disarming (no pun intended) avatars for his social commentary and keen insight into life’s colorful rambunctiousness, even when “scattered abroad in black and white.”

Now, our bright, inventive genius has been struck down by that monster of a disease, ALS, which we used to call “Lou Gehrig’s Disease,” since it struck that athletic paragon. Patrick, a husband and a father, is a man in his prime, adding cruelty to this death sentence that has struck him. His day job at Trader Joe’s is curtailed, and his medical expenses increase as his strength diminishes.

Patrick’s fellow cartoonists in Athens, Atlanta and Charlotte—those who can best appreciate his artistic accomplishments—have come forward to help their friend in his dire need. They are publishing a monster comic anthology, a special edition of their magazine Bezoar, that will be available for purchase online (bezoarcomic.bigcartel.com) and at Bizarro-Wuxtry. In addition to this monstrous compilation, the cartoonists are also selling back issues of Bezoar in digital format (gum.co/Bezoar), with all the proceeds going to support Patrick. Those proceeds, of course, can also include contributions of whatever amount that will all go directly to Patrick to help with his mounting expenses and his inability to continue earning a living for his family.

Keep your eyes open—here in Flagpole and elsewhere—for information about how we all can help pay Patrick back for the enjoyment and insight he has given us through the years.

SOLO, UP CLOSE

Another genius who made a lasting contribution to Flagpole as an editor and writer is Dave Marr, now communications director for the intellectually fecund Willson Center for the Arts and Humanities on campus. With his degree in film studies, Dave has been a hard-working member of the Ciné board, and, of course, ever since he wandered into Athens more than two decades ago, he has been an integral part of the music scene as a singer and songwriter, still remembered for his work with the Star Room Boys and still enjoyed wherever and whenever he plays.

Now, Dave has decided to grace us with a solo entertainment—just Dave and his guitar—at the firehall on Prince Avenue this coming Saturday, Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. As he puts it: “I love Athens over the holidays, and I always intend to play a show around this time, but I often get too busy and forget to set it up. This year, I was reminded of what a beautiful place the Fire Hall is to listen to music, and Tommy Valentine at the ACHF was kind enough to let me book it on short notice. I can’t wait.”

Word to the wise: It’s a small space, and Dave is a huge talent. Come early.

GLORIA IN ATRIUM

Amidst the plethora of events during this season is the Athens Master Chorale’s 30th-anniversary-season concert, Gloria in Excelsis Deo, in the Classic Center atrium at 4 p.m. this Sunday, Dec. 16. This big group of local singers and musicians, directed by the indefatigable Joe Napoli, puts  a giant sleigh-load of work, time and collective genius into this free performance. If you have never heard the Athens Master Chorale singing in the atrium, please go and experience a high point in this holiday season.

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