OK, ya nerds. Time to fish out all your oldest band t-shirts, because Athens Popfest approaches yet again for the third year since its resurrection in 2016. The four-day communion for indie fans near and far commences on Aug. 8, and some heavy hitters that you’ve definitely heard of top the bill—like, you know, lo-fi sluggers Guided By Voices, throwback garage corpses the Mummies, and everyone’s favorite surfin’ aliens, Man or Astroman? Also up there is Ex Hex, Mary Timony’s revisionist pub rock gang that formed out of thin air nearly four years ago and hasn’t been seen since; Dean Wareham from Galaxie 500 and Luna; Dead Milkman Joe Jack Talcum; and the ever-shifting pantheon of His Name is Alive.
And, as usual, you can’t accuse the Popfest of turning out locals. In fact, some of the biggest names on the bill claim roots in Athens. The return of Elephant 6 champs Elf Power and Marshmallow Coast shouldn’t surprise anyone, but only high-level white magic could’ve summoned Oh-OK, the mythical mischief makers co-fronted by Michael Stipe’s sister Lynda. Lower on the totem pole, you’ll also find several younger hometown heroes, like Eureka California, Linqua Franqa, Wesdaruler, and Nihilist Cheerleader.
Like the last two years of the festival’s second wind, this Popfest will also introduce ya to your new favorite bands. Trust me, between long-standing cheer squad Elekibass, demolition dance derby Gauche, or metaphysical anarchists Flasher, you’ll commit to more than one cult before the four days are through. And because all the action happens indoors—Little Kings Shuffle Club and the Georgia Theatre remain Popfest’s anchors—you’ll likely meet plenty of like-minded musos in the crowd, too.
As strong as this current bill is, Popfest organizer Mike Turner has teased a second wave of bands still to come. Could anyone possibly top Guided By Voices on the list? Stay tuned, friends.
Athens Popfest runs from Aug. 8–11. To order tickets, check the full schedule, look at lodging options, and more, visit their website.
More Info
Web: athenspopfest.com
Facebook: @athenspopfest
Twitter: @AthensPopFest