Live performance makes its way back to the Athens community. After a year in the dark, performers like Convict Julie, are able to take the stage again. Business owners make a profit and people in the community are doing what it takes to be in social spaces again.

 Why It’s Newsworthy: COVID-19 left many artists in the community struggling to make ends meet. With most profits coming from touring, tourism and live performance, the pandemic affected performers and the arts community drastically. 

Rachael Simpson reports on the return of live performance in Athens. Highlighting R&B artist and social activist Convict Julie, the video shows the impact of the arts on the community. Featuring commentary from business owner, Nick Bradfield and President of the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce, David Bradley, the art community survives off of the audience it was designed to entertain.

Rachael Simpson is a senior majoring in theatre and journalism in the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Georgia.