Jan. 1, 2010
Pride Parade, Vincas and Deaf Judges @ Caledonia Lounge
Even though technically this show began on Dec. 31, 2009, I still count it has a 2010 event. This was the last Caledonia show to take place under the management of Kaya Yamashita who had opened the Caledonia Lounge 10 years prior. I will also never get Pride Parade’s “Sweet Home Caledonia” out of my head for as long as I live.
January 21, 2010
Willie Nelson @ Classic Center
Having been raised by parents who love country music, I was introduced to the music of Willie Nelson at a very young age. Being able to finally see Willie play was truly an honor. Willie has not aged! I think he went from young to old really fast and just stayed there.
February 19 & 20, 2010
Vic Shows @ 40 Watt Club
Two nights at the 40 Watt to honor the life and music of Vic Chesnutt. Friends celebrate his life by playing their favorite Vic songs. Not to mention the reunion of Mercyland!
March 3, 2010
Man or Astroman? @ Whirlyball
After nine long years and a few one-off shows, Man or Astroman? Finally decided it was time to reunite, and what better location to play your first show than at Whirlyball!
March 18, 2010
Drive-By Truckers, Band of Horses, and Broken Social Scene @ SXSW (Stubbs)
SXSW is probably my favorite time of the year. There are so many bands playing from all over the world. The lineup at Stubb’s on Thursday night was not to be missed: two bands I had wanted to see for a long time, Band of Horses and Broken Social Scene, and Athens’ own Drive-By Truckers.
March 19, 2010
Demolished Thoughts @ SXSW (Red 7)
Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth, J Mascis of Dinosaur Jr. and Andrew W.K. in a hardcore cover band—are you kidding me?! I had to see this, and I was definitely not disappointed. Songs included “Snobs” by Gangrene and Section 8’s “Fat, Drunk & Stupid.” Unfortunately, Andrew W.K. did not play this show because he got lost coming back from another show. Luckily Jonah Falco from Fucked Up was there to save the night.
August 14, 2010
Mission of Burma @ Popfest 2010 (40 Watt Club)
When I heard that Mission of Burma was playing Popfest I could not believe my ears. I had been listening to Mission of Burma for some time, and I never figured I would get to see them live, especially in Athens. Mission of Burma showed everyone in the crowd how it is done, and blasted through an hour- and-a-half set of old favorites and new songs they’ve written since their reunion in 2002.
September 7, 2010
The Glands @ Flicker Bar & Theatre
Another day I never thought I would see—a Glands reunion! I first started listening to The Glands when I moved to Athens in 2006, and by that time they had stopped playing. When I heard that they were playing a secret show at Flicker, I must say I didn’t believe it at first but after seeing the line outside Flicker my apprehension was put to rest. The set consisted of songs from their previous records and some new songs. They haven’t played another show since, but hopefully it won’t take quite as long before they return to the stage next time.
September 12, 2010
Harvey Milk @ Melting Point
I’ve seen Harvey Milk nine times, and this was definitely my favorite performance. Being the only band on the bill, Harvey Milk had free rein to play as much as it wanted, and the metal gods did just that. The set included the new album A Small Turn of Human Kindness in its entirety as well as older songs including the rarely heard “Brown Water” off the Kelly Sessions album and even a cover of The Beatles’ “Hey Jude.”
November 20, 2010
Maserati @ 40 Watt Club
After the death of Jerry Fuchs on Nov. 8, 2009, Maserati had to cope with the loss of a good friend, an incredible drummer and an incomplete album. To me this show was the culmination of a year’s worth of heartache, work and inner struggle; almost a cry of victory stating “We made it through this.”