Adela Rosales se nació en México y se mudó a Athens, Georgia en 2000 con su esposo. Ella habla sobre el cambio, criando sus hijos, e encontrando acceso a recursos y apoyo a través de organizaciones comunitarios como Athens Latino Center for Education…
Aída Quiñones nació en Puerto Rico, pero se trasladó a la Universidad de Georgia para estudiar. Ella trabajó por un año como maestra de educacción especial, después de que trabajó con la comunidad hispana en várias papeles en escuelas y…
Alan Flurry grew up in Savannah, Georgia. In high school, he moved to Athens, Georgia and has played as the drummer for many Athens bands since, including Mr. Right Now, SNAIL, and for the David Marr Album. In addition to drumming, Flurry is a writer…
Alicia Nickles works as the publisher and advertising director for Flagpole Magazine and serves on the executive committee for AthFest Educates. In this interview, Nickels talks about AthFest Educates, the management and creation of AthFest, and the…
Alonso Haro creció en Zacatecas, México, después de que regresó para los Estados Unidos en 1992, donde eventualmente se estableció en Athens, Georgia. Haro trabajó en el restaurante de su padre, La Taqueria La Parrilla, donde actualmente es uno de…
Andrew Rieger talks about becoming a music fan at a young age, his first band, and starting the band Elf Power when he moved to Athens, Georgia for school. He talks about choosing to do home versus in-studio recordings, collaborating briefly with…
Anne Brightwell grew up in the small town of Union, Missouri, outside of St. Louis. She graduated from Lindenwood College, and was involved in social activism relating to race and integration alongside her husband Frank. After moving to Athens,…
Antonio Ramirez vivió en Mexico D.F. hasta que se mudó a Athens, Georgia en 1995. Después de trabajar en la construcción, él y su esposa abrieron un restaurante familiar, llamado Tlaloc El Mexicano, en 2007. En esta entrevista, Ramirez habla sobre el…
April Chapman moved to Athens in 1965 as a student at the University of Georgia. During the 1980s, Chapman was involved in the art scene and interacted with the members of bands such as R.E.M, the B-52’s, and Pylon. In this interview, Chapman talks…
April King and Jake Mosley discuss their relationship, from meeting at a Drive-By Truckers show at the 40 Watt Club to their upcoming nuptials in South Carolina. This interview is part of the Georgia Narratives series.
Archibald Killian was born in Athens, GA in 1933. He studied at the Burdett School of Business in Boston, and served as a police officer overseas in the U.S. Air Force. In this interview, Killian discusses the process of desegregation of the…
Arthur Johnson arrived in Athens in 1982 to attend the University of Georgia. While in Athens, Johnson attended many concerts from bands including Pylon, R.E.M, and the Kilkenny Cats. Johnson later formed the band Bar-B-Que Killers with Laura Carter,…
Arthur Johnson attended the University of Georgia and played drums in numerous bands including the Bar-B-Q Killers and Come. He appeared with the Bar-B-Q Killers in the 1987 music documentary, “Athens, GA: Inside/Out”. In this interview, he talks…
Ballard Lesemann was born in 1970 in Charleston, South Carolina. He played drums from an early age, and he joined his first band when he was thirteen. Lesemann moved to Athens, Georgia to attend college at the University of Georgia; however, he left…
Barry Marler came to Athens in 1983 from South Carolina. Shortly upon his arrival, Marler joined Buzz of Delight with Matthew Sweet and David Pierce. After leaving the band, Marler played in Dreams So Real, a band which gained national recognition.…
Ben Spraker was born in Atlanta, and moved to Athens in 1990 to attend the University of Georgia. Spraker has played as the guitarist and songwriter for many bands including Ancient Odis, The Arcs, NSM, and Don Condescending. In this interview,…
Benjamin Edwards, who performs under the name Big Body, talks about his childhood in the West Athens neighborhood of Newtown, his early hip hop influences, and starting to record music in college. He talks about dropping out of school, going to…
Bennie McKinley was born in Athens, Georgia in 1945 and grew up in segregated neighborhoods in Athens. She attended Reese Street School and Athens High and Industrial School. In this interview, she discusses her early experiences with segregation,…
Bennie Tillman discusses his early life, family, education, and career. He recalls working for contractor J.W. Davis, Snelling Dining Commons, and for St. Mary’s Hospital as a cook. Tillman reflects on living in Rocksprings, raising and keeping…
Bernard Anderson aka Pharaoh Gottie grew up in Athens. He became involved with hip hop at a young age, and he helped manage various artists. Anderson has owned numerous businesses in Athens including a record store, beauty store, and restaurant. In…
Anderson recalls growing up in Decatur and his early interest in sports journalism, which he initially pursued at UGA. He discusses his shifting interest toward broadcast journalism, his work as a DJ in Athens and Commerce, and his move to Nashville…
Bill David grew up in Comer, Georgia during the 1960-70’s and as a child he played the guitar and occasionally visited Athens, Georgia. Eventually, David came to live in Athens where he performed with the Squalls as the band’s guitarist. David has…
Blake Aued was born in Kentucky and grew up in Alpharetta and Birmingham, Alabama. He attended the University of Mississippi, graduating with a degree in journalism. Aued worked at the Daily Tribune News in Cartersville, Georgia, before becoming a…
Bob Fernandaz was born in Germany and came to Athens in 1977 nearing the end of high school. Fernandez plays the drums and guitar and has played in many bands including Flaming Chopsticks, The Fit, Stellas Fellas, Three Walls Downs, and the Star Room…
Bob Hay arrived in Athens, Georgia in the late 1970’s, where he worked at the club El Dorado shortly after graduating from college in Michigan. Hay has played as the guitarist in The Squalls and The Jolly Beggars and has written many songs throughout…
Broderick Flanigan was born in Athens, Georgia in 1983. He attended Gaines Elementary School and later Clarke Central High School. During this time, Flanigan lived in the Nellie B neighborhood, a historically prominent neighborhood in Athens.…
Bryan Cook came to Athens to attend the University of Georgia as a film major. After leaving the institution due to financial constraints, Cook played in many bands including Is/Ought Gap, Club Gaga, Time Toy, Hindu Love Gods and Oh-Ok. In this…
Carlos Jones, who performs under the name Lo' Down, talks about his early performances in Athens, releasing his first album Between the Hedges with friend Ken Richardson (Duddy Ken), and leaving college to pursue his music career in Atlanta. Jones…
Carol White was born in Jericho, Vermont. White received a degree in political science from Southern Mississippi and a Master’s degree from Florida State University. She became one of the assistant coaches for a high school football team, and she…
Cedric Huff (Amun-Ra), born in Athens, Georgia, is an influential member of the Athens hip-hop scene. He began recording music at age 14 and was introduced to the industry early. In his interview, he discusses musical influences, growing up in…
Knapp remembers his early life in Iowa and his work as an economics professor and member of President Jimmy Carter’s administration before becoming the President of UGA in 1987. He discusses some of the challenges he faced at UGA, including improving…
Trippi reflects upon growing up in a Pennsylvania coal mining community during the Great Depression and the way it motivated him to pursue education and professional athletics. He discusses accepting an offer from UGA to play football and his…
Chris McKay was born and raised in Camden, South Carolina. He began playing music at an early age and joined his first band when he was sixteen. He moved to Athens, Georgia in the early 1990s and played in numerous bands including Q-Sign, Tanjent,…
Cindy Wilson was born and raised in Athens. She was a founding member of the B-52s along with her brother, Ricky Wilson. In the band, Wilson was a vocalist, songwriter, and percussionist. During the interview, Wilson talks about her brother,…
Claire Horne moved to Athens, GA from Atlanta as a freshman at the University of Georgia. During her time in Athens, she played guitar in alternative band the BBQ Killers. In this interview, Horne discusses performing with the BBQ Killers and working…
Creston Spiers was born in Monroe, Louisiana. He studied orchestra and performance percussion at John Hopkins University and later moved to Athens. Spiers played guitar and drums in the bands Weasel Stick and Harvey Milk. In this interview, Spiers…
In 1985, Curtiss Pernice moved to Athens, Georgia from New York. There, Pernice lived with Ted Hafer, and eventually came to start the band Porn Orchard with Hafer and Sam Mixon, which lasted from 1985-1992. In this interview, Pernice talks about the…
Magill discusses his early life in Athens and working on UGA’s athletic fields before enrolling at the University and graduating with a degree in journalism in 1942. He remembers working at the Atlanta Journal newspaper covering sports, the Sports…
Magill remembers Athens and the University of Georgia while he was a student there in the late 1930s and early 1940s, particularly the University’s cavalry and the locations of its athletic fields. He discusses how UGA became the semi-permanent host…
Dan Nettles grew up in Athens, Georgia and attended the Berklee College of Music in Boston. Nettles worked at the Banff Center and Nuci’s Space, located in Athens, Georgia. Nettles has also performed in several instrumental bands including Kenosha…
Dana Downs is a bassist in Athens, Georgia. She has played in many bands over the years including the Tone-tones, Go Van Go, and Vietnam. In her interview, Downs discusses her experiences in several of her bands and her opinions and experiences of…
Daniel Horowitz grew up in Norway during the 1960s, before he moved to Athens where he spent his teenage years. Horowitz has played as a guitarist and bass player for many bands including The Reasonable Men, Five Eight, and Klezmer Local 42. Daniel…
Daniel Ray began playing music at the age of four, switching from violin to drums, then guitar. While taking guitar lessons, he started writing his own songs. After graduating high school in Iowa, he moved to Athens to form a rock band. In his…
Darrison Ellison was born and raised in Athens, Georgia. He discovered hip-hop and rap while in middle school, where he was active in school performances. Ellison served in the military from 1989-1995, after which he was involved in the Athens music…
Dave Marr grew up in Chicago, Illinois in the late 1970s and early 1980s. As a teenager, Marr had an interest in punk-rock which inspired him to learn guitar and played for the band Mantis after high school. Marr later worked as a DJ for WNUR,…
David Barbe was first introduced to music by his parents who were professional musicians. He played the bass for the band Mercyland, and became a freelance music engineer. In this interview, Barbe talks about his contribution to the AthFest music…
David Hannon Pierce arrived in Athens, Georgia in 1976 after he left the Air Force. Five years into his stay in Athens, Pierce joined the band Oh-OK as the drummer. He later left the band in 1982 to perform with fellow musician Matthew Sweet. Later,…
Jenniffer Jones interviews her mother, Dawn Bennett-Alexander, about her early life in Washington D.C., including Bennett-Alexander's experiences during segregation and her memories of attending the March on Washington in 1963. Bennett-Alexander also…
Deonna Mann moved to Athens, GA as a young adult and got involved in art and music. She is best known for her 1990s experimental performances with local bands. In her interview, she discusses her puppet shows, art exhibitions, and performing with…
Don Chambers came to Athens, Georgia from Atlanta where he has played in many bands including Black Crows, Mudpuppies, Cursing Alice, Vaudeville, The Fountain, and Don Chambers and the GOAT. In this interview, Chambers talks about his experience…
Donald Stewart discusses his education, his work with the Soil Conservation Service and the idea for Sandy Creek Park. He comments on watershed programs in Athens including dams and flood control. Stewart also discusses Athens-Clarke County's…
Earl Arnold, aka Big Earl, talks about his early life in Harlem, collaborating with rapper Big Al, living in the Bethel Homes apartments (known as B-Town) in Athens, Georgia, and releasing music with the group Big Earl and the Twin boys. He compares…
Eugene Willis, Jr., aka Blacknerdninja, talks about working at an early age doing odd jobs, drawing comics, and spending a lot of time in the Spring Valley neighborhood of Athens where his grandmother lived. He talks about starting to write raps,…
Fannie Jordan discusses being born in Athens on Hull Street in 1922 and subsequently moving to Church Street, Finley Street, and Hancock Street. She reflects on playing basketball in school and attending a two-story school on Finley and Reese Street.…
Florinda Arroyo se nació en el estado de Michoacán en México y se mudó a Athens, Georgia con su esposo, donde abrieron el restaurante Tlaloc, El Mexicano. En esta entrevista, ella habla sobre aprendiendo de cocinar como niña, la idea de abrir el…
Frank MacDonell talks about growing up in the suburbs, taking guitar lessons, forming his high school band, Aftermath, and getting his first Les Paul guitar. MacDonell working for a real estate company after graduating high school, and getting…
Geneva Johnson Blasingame discusses the Linnentown, also known as Lindentown, community and Black neighborhoods in Athens, Georgia. She recalls the University’s efforts to push out black communities in 1962. Blasingame comments on the children…
George Chandler discusses his early life and career and how he became involved and Sandy Creek Park. He discusses the phases the park has gone through, from original planning to landscaping and natural area conservation. He comments on budgeting,…
Gordon Lamb moved to Athens, Georgia and began his studies at the University of Georgia in 1989. He taught himself guitar and currently writes for Flagpole magazine In his interview, Lamb shares his experiences of the Athens music scene while playing…
Hull was born in Athens, Georgia where he was first introduced to music through the Hill Chapel Baptist Church. Hull has worked with music his whole life, though his degree is in Education and Family Development. He currently works as the Clarke…
Gregory Jones was born and raised in Athens, Georgia. His first introduction to music was his mother’s records. Growing up and throughout adulthood, Jones left Athens many times before he eventually returned to work on his music. Jones served in the…
Gwendolyn Ingram O’Looney grew up on St. Simon’s Island, graduated from the University of Georgia, and has worked in human service positions throughout her career. In this interview, she talks about her public service career in local politics, as a…
Gwendolyn Ingram O’Looney grew up on St. Simon’s Island, graduated from the University of Georgia, and has worked in human service positions throughout her career. In this follow-up interview, O’Looney discusses more specifically the initiatives…
Harry Sims grew up in Athens, Georgia and received a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia. He taught at David C. Barrow Elementary before retiring and served as Athens City Commissioner before running for mayor. In this interview, Sims…
Hattie Heflin was born in Oglethorpe County, Georgia in 1954. She grew up on a family farm in Comer, Georgia as one of eleven children. Heflin’s family moved to Athens while she was in the fourth grade. She came to attend the then recently-integrated…
Homer Wilson grew up in Madison County. He earned a certificate in forest from Fort Valley State College. In this interview, he discusses how he began working in his father’s barbershop, Wilson’s Styling Shop, in downtown Athens, Georgia. He talks…
While enrolled at the University of Georgia, Iliana Rodriguez recalls becoming informed about the Georgia ban on undocumented students to public colleges and universities, which prompted her involvement in Freedom University. She discusses…
Ismeal Cuthbertson talks about the culture shock he experienced when moving to Athens, Georgia, and compares the violence between Athens versus the other big cities he's lived in. He talks about his early hip hop influences like Canibus and Fort…
Jabriel Winfrey (Billy D. Brell) was born and raised in Athens, GA. He took an interest in rap and hip-hop at a young age and began writing his own music, becoming a part of the original wave of hip-hop in Athens. In his interview, Winfrey discusses…
Davis reflects upon artists who influenced his drawing style and his early experiences drawing for his high school newspaper and yearbook. He recalls his tenure in the Navy during World War II and attending UGA after the war, including his…
Jacob Kennedy describes his experience as an undergraduate at the University of Georgia, including his developing interest in music and seeing shows downtown. This interview is part of the Georgia Narratives series.
Reverend James Williams is the Church Historian for Mount Pleasant Baptist Church. He grew up in El Paso, Texas before moving to Elbert County, Georgia at age ten. In this interview, he focuses on his education. He compares his integrated school in…
Reverend James Williams is the Church Historian for Mount Pleasant Baptist Church. He grew up in El Paso, Texas before moving to Elbert County, Georgia at age ten. In this follow-up interview, he focuses on his time at the University of Georgia. He…
Jason Griffin grew up in Columbus, Georgia during the 1980’s. As a child, Griffin played the drums and skateboarded with other kids in his community. In high school, Griffin played for many bands including Beluga and Straight Youth. Later Griffin…
Jason Richardson was born in Waynesboro, Georgia. Richardson is a drummer and has played in bands such as Exit 86, Savagists, and Mandible Rider. In this interview, Richardson discusses performing and touring with various bands, and the differences…
Jeff Montgomery grew up in Louisville, Kentucky and attended college at Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina. After college, Montgomery moved to Athens, Georgia in the 1980s to take advantage of the local music scene. In this interview,…
Jeff Walls was a guitarist from Marietta, Georgia and was a member of numerous bands including Guadalcanal Diary, Hillbilly Frankenstien, and the Woggles. In this interview, Walls discusses his involvement in the Athens music scene and his experience…
Jill Carnes grew up in Greenville, South Carolina, where her mother encouraged her to pursue the arts. In the 1980s, Carnes moved to Athens, Georgia where she worked as a dishwasher at The Grill and was introduced to local musicians. During this…
Jill Helme was born in Florida, and attended the University of Florida to become a teacher. After teaching high schoolers in Florida and Venezuela for a time, she went to the University of Philadelphia where she earned a master's degree in nonprofit…
Jill Jayne Read attended both Wesleyan University and the University of Georgia where she got a Bachelor’s of Music and a Master’s in Public Administration, respectively. After marrying and moving to Athens, Georgia, Read served in a number of public…
Rowe grew up in New Jersey around the 1970s. He grew up listening to artists such as Billy Joel and Bruce Springsteen. Rowe learned how to drum as a teenager and later moved to Athens to attend the University of Georgia. While in Athens, Rowe toured…
Julie House came to Athens, Georgia after she left Auburn University. During the 1990s, House attended many concerts including R.E.M, Flat Duo Jets, and Oh-OK. In this interview, House talks about her experience at concerts, fashion in Athens,…
Kai Reidl talks about the music scene in downtown Athens, including Hot Corner and the Slingshot Festival. He also discusses economic development, collaboration, and the community. This interview is part of the Georgia Narratives series.
Kathy Kirbo moved to Athens and attended the University of Georgia where she graduated with a degree in psychology. She has been part of numerous bands including Greenhouse and Jackpot City. She currently works as the executive director for the Reef…
Kelly Noonan came to Athens, Georgia during the early 1980’s, where she performed as a guitarist in the band, A Few Good Men. Noonan has performed in many other bands including Billy James and Jackpot City. Noonan currently works as a dog groomer at…
Ken Richardson was born in Athens, Georgia and grew up in the Nelly B neighborhood on the eastside of Athens. He wrote his first rap while in middle school and later adopted the performance name Duddy Ken, through which he wrote and produced music…
During college at Fitchburg State University, Ken Starratt gained an interest in the variety of music of the 1970s. Starratt came to Athens in the mid-1970s where he became involved in the Athens music scene. Starratt played the guitar in many bands…
Kevin Sweeney grew up in Marietta, Georgia. After high school, Sweeney moved to Athens, Georgia where he formed his first band, Window Pane. Sweeney later played guitar in other bands such as A-Ditch and Hayride, and toured with Sunshine Fix. In this…
Killick Hinds was born in 1972 and spent the first three years of his life in Japan before returning to New Jersey with his mother. Hinds went to college in Maine and moved to Athens in 1995. He performs Appalachian Trance Metal Music and manages a…
Thurman talks about his experience growing up as black kid in Panoramic City, a neighborhood in Los Angeles, California. He talks about riding VMX dirt bikes with his older brother. Thurman talks about his process of becoming race conscious while…
Knowa D. Johnson and his wife, Mokah Jasmine Johnson, moved from Orlando, Florida to North Atlanta, Georgia in 2009 to expand their network reach and business experience. After 2yrs of co-producing a magazine, working as publicist and operations…
Knowa D. Johnson and his wife, Mokah Jasmine Johnson, moved from Orlando, Florida to North Atlanta, Georgia in 2009 to expand their network reach and business experience. After 2yrs of co-producing a magazine, working as publicist and operations…
Larry Gresham, Jr., aka LG, grew up in Athens, Georgia, and fell in love with music very young, when he sang in the church choir and was influenced by his father's music tastes. He started writing his own songs around 1996. Gresham recalls trying to…
Fancher came to Athens in 1978 as a University of Georgia student majoring in journalism. Fancher has worked as an artist and has hosted art shows around Athens. Fancher was also the guitarist for the band, El Caminos. In this interview, Fancher…
Lemuel LaRoche, also known as a Life The Griot, is a poet, community activist, and founder of the Athens non-profit, Chess and Community. He grew up in New York, and moved to Georgia where he attended Gordon College and later transferred to the…
Lili Robert se nació en Guadalajara, México y se mudó a Athens, Georgia en 1996, donde trabaja actualmente como gerente en el restaurante Taquería La Parrilla. Entre otras cosas, ella discute su trabajo en el restaurante, su filosofía acerca ser un…
Linda Davis was born and raised in the Brooklyn Community of Athens, Georgia. She is president of the Bethlehem Cemetery Society and has been honored by The Athens-Clarke Heritage Foundation. In this interview, Davis details her experience growing up…
Smothers relates her own educational experiences in traditional schools to her experience at the Freedom to Grow Unschool, an alternative school outside of Athens, Georgia. She discusses the "unschooling" philosophy, how it's applied at Freedom to…
Lynda Stipe, sister to Michael Stipe of R.E.M., moved to Athens, Georgia in 1980 as a high school senior. A year later, she attended the University of Georgia as a sculpture major, during which she formed the band Oh-OK. Stipe worked as the band’s…
Mamie Fike moved to Athens to attend the University of Georgia on a music scholarship. She played violin in numerous bands including Long Low Rumble, WET, Jackpot City, Toast, Hetch Hetchy, and the Athens Symphony Orchestra. She currently works as a…
Mark Cooper Smith came to Athens, Georgia to attend graduate school in 1982 from Cartersville, Georgia. Smith performed with the Squalls as the band’s drummer shortly upon his arrival. After leaving the Squalls, Smith played with the band 28 Days,…
Early discusses growing up in Atlanta and the influence her parents had on her pursuing music education professionally. She talks about attending Clark College and teaching music in Atlanta Public Schools before deciding to pursue a master’s degree…
Melissa Link moved to Athens, Georgia in 1993 where she attended the University of Georgia as a graduate student of art history. She has served in various positions in media, community organizations, and government throughout Athens. Currently, she…
Having served as a Representative in Georgia State House, the director of DFACS, chairman of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus, and Georgia Commissioner, Michael "Mike" Thurmond discusses his early life in Athens, his education, his experience…
Michael Lachowski, born in Norfolk, Virginia, moved to Athens, Georgia after enrolling at the University of Georgia as an art major. He was the bass player for the Athens band Pylon. In his interview, Lachowski discusses his time at UGA, forming…
Miriam Hernandez grew up in Athens, Georgia and currently works at her uncle’s restaurant, Tlaloc El Mexicano. In this interview, she talks about her family, her stepfather’s deportation, working from an early age, and becoming a young mother. She…
Montu Miller talks about growing up in a culture of hip hop, his early involvement in the Athens hip hop scene, and while in college founding the group Dreaded Mindz which hosted weekly poetry and rap events in his apartment. Miller discusses the…
Nancy Smith discusses her experience as director of Sandy Creek Park. She weighs in on recreational parks versus resource-based parks, and reflects on Sandy Creek Park's spillway and maintenance. She also comments on issues regarding the park such as…
Neal Lester is a professor of English at the University of Arizona focusing on African-American literature and theater. He discusses growing up in the South, his increasing awareness of race with age, and his views regarding white allyship,…
Yancey Gulley and Corey Johnson discuss the development of their relationship over the past decade, finding a balance between career and family, and their community involvement and activism in Athens. This interview is part of the Georgia Narratives…
Young discusses his early life in Cedartown, Georgia and his experiences at UGA in the early 1960s, particularly as a member of the Kappa Alpha fraternity. He talks about his career as a newspaper editor and publisher for newspapers around the state…
Bielle grew up in Roswell, Georgia. He learned how to play the guitar and bass as an adolescent and came to Athens in 1979 where he later played bass and sang with the heavy-metal band Hayride. After the breakup of Hayride in the mid-1990s, Bielle…
Noe Ramirez se nació en Morelia, México y actualmente vive en Athens, Georgia donde trabaja como cocinero y desarrollador del menú para el restaurante Taqueria la Parrilla. Él habla sobre sus primeras experiencias cocinando, experimentando con…
Pat Shields grew up in Athens, Georgia, as his father was the recreational director of the city. Shields, as a teenager, grew up playing folk music and has worked at many cultural institutions in areas including Keyser, Virginia and Australia.…
Patrick Ferguson grew up in Columbus, Georgia, where he was exposed to a number of punk rock bands. When Ferguson moved to Athens, Georgia to attend UGA, he played in a variety of bands including Five-Eight, Southern Bitch, and Teenage Math Lab. In…
Paul Trudeau grew up in Providence, Rhode Island. He later came to Athens in 1988. Paul was interested in drumming growing up and played in a band called Basix as a kid. Upon moving to Athens, Trudeau recorded and toured with the band Hetch Hetchy.…
Paul Van Wicklen talks about his career with UGA Libraries, starting in periodicals, then becoming a stacks supervisor, and finally moving to the new Special Collections Library. He talks about his mentors and other staff at the library. He also…
Peter Alvanos grew up playing the drums and guitar in Charleston, South Carolina. He went to college in Charleston and played drums in the band, Lines Thicken. After his pursuit of acting in New York, Alvanos moved to Athens, Georgia where he toured…
Peter Fancher grew up in New Jersey and moved to Athens, Georgia in 1975, where he attended the University of Georgia. Fancher performed as the guitarist in Club Gaga, and has additionally worked as the audio engineer at Elixer Recording and Intense…
Raleigh Saperstein talks about her involvement with the farming and local food scene in Athens, including her work with the Athens Farmers Market and Wholesome Wave outreach. This interview is part of the Georgia Narratives series.
Rick Kelly discusses Sandy Creek Park’s role in the Athens community, its budget and maintenance, and many aspects of the lake including security, lifeguards, and concern for patron safety. He comments on the merger of the city and county governments…
Rick Main discusses his previous work for the U.S. Forest Service and the Soil Conservation Service. He reflects on the budgeting and construction of Sandy Creek Park and discusses using inmate labor in the construction of the park. Main comments on…
Rick Stanziale grew up in Athens, Georgia during the 1980s, during which he was an avid skateboarder. Stanziale later joined his first band, The Problem Children during the late 1980s. James Greer was also involved in the skating scene and punk rock…
Rob Veal was born in Athens in 1969 where he grew up listening to local music. In this interview, Veal talks about playing as the drummer for the La Di Das and the Dashboard Saviors. He also talks about his interactions with Vic Chesnutt and other…
Cucchiaro was born in New York and grew up playing various horn and percussion instruments for his school’s Drum and Bugle Corp. After graduating high school, Cucchiaro moved to Athens, Georgia after fellow musician Julian Koster, where they both…
Robbie Cucchiaro was born in New York and grew up playing various horn and percussion instruments for his school’s Drum and Bugle Corp. After graduating high school, Cucchiaro moved to Athens, Georgia after fellow musician Julian Koster, where they…
Robert Farmer discusses his work with the Soil Conservation Service, priorities for the design of Sandy Creek Park, and the importance of setting, maintenance, and meeting citizens' desired uses for a park. He comments on the involvement of county…
Edwards was born in Florida, where her first introduction to music was her father’s love of jazz. In high school, Edwards played the guitar and occasionally sang in a small band. Edwards eventually moved to Athens in the early 1980’s where she played…
Rodger Brown came to Athens, Georgia in 1979 as a University of Georgia student. Brown worked as an editor of the magazine Line of Sight while in school and also published the book Party out of Bounds, which retold stories about the music scene of…
Roland McElroy was born in Quitman, Georgia in 1945. He began working as a disc jockey for the local radio station when he was fourteen. He continued working in radio when he was a student at the University of Georgia and later became a freelance…
Russ Hallauer was first exposed to the Athens music scene while he was a student at Clemson University in the early 1990s. He moved to Athens in 1995 and worked at Flagpole Magazine. In this interview, Hallauer talks about the creation and…
Sam Mixon talks about his early affinity for music, taking piano lessons, and teaching himself how to play drums, guitar, and the bass guitar. He remembers how working as a DJ for the local radio station and selling records in his father's store…
Bob Brussack interviews Seth Hendershot about Seth's involvement with the music scene in Athens in the early '90s, jazz in Athens, and Seth's experiences in the business world including founding Hendershot's Coffee Bar. This interview is part of the…
Skip Hulett talks with Dana Miller about his relationship with Mitchell Terry Mincey, a death row inmate who was executed in Bibb County in October 2001. Hulett, a newspaper reporter before coming to work at UGA, had known Mincey since covering…
Sylvanus Zeke Turner was born in Clarke County, Georgia, and has lived in Athens his entire life, currently performing as a solo Gospel singer. In this interview, Turner discusses the details of his early life, including his participation in choirs…
Sylvanus Zeke Turner was born in Clarke County, Georgia, and has lived in Athens his entire life, currently performing as a solo Gospel singer. In this interview, Turner shares his experience with music in Athens and popular places in the black…
Tarik Camp, also known as Top Cat, was born in Athens, Georgia. His mother worked as a singer and his father as a DJ. Growing up, Camp worked as a D.J and music creator before he formed the band, Mascom. Camp currently has a wife and two daughters…
Terry Allen moved to the University of Georgia in 1973 as a music enthusiast. While in Athens, he watched and photographed many bands including R.E.M. and the B-52s. Allen later went to New York for a year before he came back to Athens to work as…
Todd McBride grew up in Griffin, Georgia and attended Gordon State College, and the University of Georgia. He was a singer and guitarist in multiple bands including Random Factor, the La-Di-Da’s, Liquor Cabinet, and The Dashboard Saviors. In this…
Johnson recalls growing up in Macon and the influence that his high school job at the Macon Telegraph had on his career ambitions. He reminisces on his experiences at UGA, particularly covering the desegregation of the school for The Red and Black.…
Troy Aubrey was born in Louisville, Kentucky and came to Athens to attend the University of Georgia. Aubrey took over his brother’s booking agency Georgia Booking Associates, and also worked as the booking management agent and stage manager for…
Vanessa Briscoe Hay, born in Atlanta, Ga, was the singer for the Athens band Pylon. In this interview, Hay discusses her experience of Athens during the 1970s and performing and recording with Pylon, before and after their break up.
Velena Vego is from Atlanta, GA and moved to Athens to pursue success in her sister’s girl band, Mystery Date. After the band broke up, she worked for R.E.M. and Drivin’ N’ Cryin’. She finds her work in booking shows for The 40 Watt CLub, the…
Verna Miller Smith was born in 1946. She grew up on a family farm off Brooklyn road in Athens, Georgia. In this interview, she discusses her family history and describes the Brooklyn neighborhood which was historically African American. She…
Chaffin remembers growing up in Toccoa and details his undergraduate experiences at UGA in the late 1930s, particularly the campus buildings, campus politics between fraternity members and independents, campus traditions like freshman hazing and…
Vernon Thornsberry was born and raised in New Orleans. He taught himself to paint and play several instruments. He moved to Athens, GA in 1986 where he has become a local legend and familiar face, especially around The Grit and Jittery Joe’s. During…
Vic Varney was born in Georgia but grew up in Chattanooga, TN. He moved to Athens in 1975 and earned two degrees from the University of Georgia. In this interview, Varney discusses his experiences in The Tone-Tones, The Method Actors, and Go Van Go.…
Christine Packwood interviews Athens native Virginia Schultz. Schultz talks about her experience growing up in Normaltown in the 1930s and 1940s, working for the University of Georgia and General Motors, her family, and her religious…
Walter Allen Jr. has lived in Athens his entire life, graduating from Cedar Shoals High School and attending the University of Georgia for two years. He left the university to work full-time for a local radio station and later started a successful…
Walter Allen, Sr. grew up in Allendale, South Carolina, in the era of Jim Crow. The area was a close knit farming community, and Allen recalls learning principles of responsibility and discipline from his parents, neighbors, and teachers at Allendale…
Dr. Walter Allen, Sr. grew up in Allendale, South Carolina where he learned how to play the trumpet in his high school band. He began his music career as a teenager by playing in a variety of bands, including the military band during his service in…