The annual Historic Athens Porchfest is coming up on Sunday, Oct. 19, and students in Kyser Lough’s First Year Odyssey course on music journalism and Athens have scoured the 200+ Porchfest band lineup to build a few custom, themed itineraries for attendees.
We’ll give you the first five shows to visit, and then you’re on your own for the final concert before The Mayor’s Show at 7 p.m. Most shows are no more than an approximately 15-minute walk away.
Click on each themed itinerary to start your adventure.
ColorWalk
Feeling blue? Do you have a green thumb? Rather than spending the day exploring Porchfest based on genre and music style, this itinerary provides a variety of bands with different colors in their titles. This tour of the rainbow caters to anyone wanting to explore sounds while following an enticing theme of color association. This lineup will certainly provide listeners with a range of tunes bound to create a colorful evening. Orange you glad you’re about to read this lineup?
1 p.m. / Old GOLD and the Sifters / 725 Pulaski St / Pulaski Heights
Relaxed instrumentals and an organic sound are a golden way to start off the day at Porchfest. This four-person band delivers an upbeat jam that will surely bring a lively crowd their first taste of Porchfest. Known for their blues/swampy-tonk style, these guys will perform a range of songs from covers to originals, certain to draw listeners in.
Distance to next show: 5 min walk / 0.2 mi
2 p.m. / GREYlow / 320 Cleveland Ave / Newtown
Next up we have the color grey. Head on over to Newtown to listen to Greylow, a DIY garage post-rock band. Greylow has released two rock albums featuring six songs each. You can expect to be impressed by their raw talent and wowed by their pure instrumental songs which do not contain any lyrics, but somehow still convey deep emotions and messages purely through their sound that is truly grey-t!
Distance to next show: 14 min walk / 0.7 mi
3 p.m. / BLACKNerdNinja / 489 Prince Ave / Cobbham
Your next stop on the color walk is to BlackNerdNinja, a hip/hop artist who will get you dancing and head bopping in no time. With his catchy beats and creative lyrics, he delivers a more modern twist to Porchfest that you haven’t heard before, guaranteeing a show you’ll sing and dance to!
Distance to next show: 12 min walk / 0.5 mi
4 p.m. / REDboy / 140 Pulaski Hts / Pulaski Heights
Moving to the start of the rainbow in full-fashioned Georgia spirit, we land on a complete mystery band. Listed as an indie-folk, acoustic singer-songwriter, but with no music linked or posted on the Porchfest site, we can only hope that we will be pleasantly surprised. Porchfest is bound to expose listeners to artists never heard of, so this will likely be an unique experience for any attendee not knowing what to expect.
Distance to next show: 3 min walk / 600 ft
5 p.m. / Michael Joe WHITE / 675 Pulaski St / Pulaski Heights
Finally, you will see the bright light at the end of the tunnel with Michael Joe White, a folk artist who writes and sings his own songs accompanied by his own guitar playing. You can expect to enjoy a show full of lively folk music, and are certain to be captivated by his original lyrics that tell rich stories.
I Listen to Everything
By Lily Engel, Elina Flinn, Luca Rossi, Sienna Simmonds-Moore
Oh, you listen to everything? Well, let’s put that to the test. If you claim to like a wide variety of genres and don’t know how to respond when someone asks what kind of music you listen to, we’ve curated a lineup that’s sure to impress even the most eclectic of tastes! You better like all five of these bands 🙂
1 p.m. / (Nice Dream) / 628 Boulevard / Boulevard
Genre: Alternative Rock, Experimental Rock
To start your day at Porchfest, here’s a bit of music you may be familiar with. (Nice Dream) is Athens’ premier Radiohead tribute band, sure to bring you right back to high school. They “authentically recreate Radiohead’s groundbreaking music” while simultaneously adding their own spin to hit songs such as “Creep,” “Jigsaw Falling Into Place,” and “High and Dry.” The band is dedicated to their sound, to the point where even Thom Yorke might be impressed. If you jammed out to Radiohead’s hits (or even their deep cuts) back in the day, you’ll enjoy starting your diversified Porchfest schedule hearing them live.
Distance to next show: 11 min walk / 0.5 mi
2 p.m. / Atticus Roness / 430 Cleveland Ave / Newtown
Genre: Power Pop
Your second stop on the itinerary is Atticus Roness, an Atlanta-based artist influenced by power pop and classic rock, known for his mixture of genres. Atticus’s music is easy listening. His latest album, “Power Pop World Domination,” has an upbeat vibe with catchy melodies that will have you tapping your foot. Roness’ album balances energetic sounds with smoother melodic voices. He describes the album as power pop, but it also has a lot of classic rock influence. His delivery of vocals sounds similar to The Beatles, unique with a raw and emotional feel and his guitar solos are more melodic. If you love the incorporation of rock and pop, the powerful guitar sound, vocal delivery, and harmonies, this show is for you.
Distance to next show: 15 min walk / 0.6 mi
3 p.m. / Gebidan / 151 Lyndon Ave / Boulevard
Genre: Psychedelic Rock
What could attract one’s attention more strongly than the phrase “psychedelic grandpa gaze?” Not much, certainly. Gebidan, a recently formed Athens band, uses these words to describe their music, and after listening, nothing could give a better description. Your third stop at Porchfest is sure to provide a mix of spacey, muscular and melancholy style. The band’s use of reverb and wah effects on their guitars is enough to take any listener back to the ‘70s. While Gebidan may be late to the party, they still contribute to their generation’s music. Their songs could fit right into an early Pink Floyd album. Gebidan claims influence from David Bowie, Echo & The Bunnymen, and more 1970s classic rock bands. Their music sounds so familiar, even though it was recorded here in Athens in 2023. Gebidan pays tribute to bands of the past, and also offers a breath of fresh air among much other modern music.
Distance to next show: 10 min walk / 0.4 mi
4 p.m. / Klezmer Local 42 / 186 Boulevard / Boulevard
Genre: Traditional Jewish
You say you’re into a little bit of everything, but have you ever ventured into traditional Jewish music? Klezmer Local 42 is a traditional Jewish Band based in Athens. You may ask yourself, “What does traditional Jewish music even sound like?” The best way to describe it is Eastern European folk. The band incorporates the standup bass, violin, clarinet, drums and accordion. Furthermore, the vocals are raw, guttural and powerful. The band is also very engaged with their audience, and you’ll definitely find yourself wanting to dance or chime in.
Distance to next show: 10 min walk / 0.4 mi
5 p.m. / New Orleans Jazz Stompers / 360 Dubose Ave / Boulevard
Genre: Classical Jazz
The last stop of your Porchfest journey leaves you with a musical taste of NOLA. The New Orleans Jazz Stompers are a traditional Jazz band that features a front line of trumpet, clarinet and trombone and a rhythm section of piano, sousaphone, banjo and drums. Inspired by the jazz styles of New Orleans in the early 20th century, the New Orleans Jazz Stompers are able to play in almost any setting to bring the culture and passion from original New Orleans Jazz, no matter the scenario.
Their infectious energy captivates their audiences with the bands ability to bring a vibrant and authentic feeling to their performances that are directly influenced by 20th-century New Orleans jazz and the effect the music of that time had on its listeners. Their sound is true to the origins of the genre’s joyous, celebratory feel and a deep connection to the musical traditions of old New Orleans. This talented seven-piece jazz band brings the spirit of New Orleans to life with their incredible musicianship, infectious energy, and true love for the music.
Middle Aged Dad Vibes
By Lila Cummiskey, Charlie Fennell, Sam Ramming, Fergie Sanchez-Garduno
This lineup brings the vibes of your dad having his musician moment. His dusty guitar and drum set is finally coming out of the garage–ready to deliver some rock, indie, and seasoned vocals. If you’re looking to catch a break from the everyday dad jokes, come enjoy one day of some middle-aged dad music. No, they’re not all middle-aged and/or dads, but as we scoured the Porchfest lineup these bands gave off that exact energy that you’ll be sure to enjoy.
1 p.m. / Taylor Griffith / 220 Normal Avenue / Normaltown
Taylor Griffith is an upcoming country artist from Athens. His music leans heavily into its country roots, with a strong twang and storytelling style that may remind listeners of Morgan Wallen or Luke Combs. His songs are relatable and focus on everyday emotional struggles and experiences. The production of his music is mainly acoustic with guitar instrumentals, and he has an unique voice to accompany it. His set is definitely worth a visit at this year’s Porchfest.
Distance to next show: 1 min walk / 308 feet
2 p.m. / The Grateful Dads / 270 Normal Ave / Normaltown
Only a few steps away from the previous show is your next stop, a jam-band experience sure to get you grooving. The Grateful Dads are mainly a cover band covering, you guessed it, The Grateful Dead. You might hear some more southern rock but they will mostly stick to playing The Grateful Dead’s music.
Distance to next show: 24 min walk / 1.1 mi
3 p.m. / Larry’s Homework / 115 Grady Ave / Boulevard
Larry’s Homework is a classic rock band from Athens. They embrace their unfiltered harmonies through powerful bass and drums, highlighting raw lyrics for all alternative music lovers. Their 2022 EP is unique and unfiltered, resembling iconic ’90s bands. Their production has a guitar-driven implementation, with distorting sounds that add an electric personality. If you’re a fan of strong and prominent rhythms, you’ll definitely want to make the trek to this show.
Distance to next show: 23 min walk / 1.0 mi
4 p.m. / The Welfare Liners / 1425 Prince Ave / Buena Vista Heights
The Welfare Liners are an Atlanta-based bluegrass band that combines contemporary and traditional music to create its unique sound. Although not your classic “Dad Rock,” their sound combines rock elements with a whimsical folk tune to create a unique listening experience that you don’t want to miss. Their first EP, released in 2011, shares similar sounds to bands such as Del McCoury Band and Dawes. In 2012, The Welfare Liners released their debut album, “High on a Hilltop,” which includes 14 original compositions featuring folk instruments such as the fiddle and banjo, as well as classic instruments like the guitar and drums. Be on the lookout for their upcoming fourth studio album set to release in the upcoming months!
Distance to next show: 6 min walk / 0.3 mi
5 p.m. / The Young Frankensteins / 338 Satula Ave / Buena Vista Heights
End your dad vibe journey with a frighteningly electric setlist from The Young Frankensteins. Just in time for Halloween, this inspiring group of musicians comes together to perform their signature set of spooky rock covers. If you love everything eerie and fierce, stop by and prepare for thrilling guitar, drums and tunes.
Rock! (What, Like It’s Hard?)
With a ‘90s sound of rock that resembles the soundtrack of a 2000s romcom, our Porchfest itinerary aims to highlight and celebrate the power of women’s voices in rock music with bands that all have a female lead singer. Because whoever said girls couldn’t rock out was seriously disturbed.
1 p.m. / Schmooze / 225 King Ave / Normaltown
In girl-world, we listen to Schmooze. For our first stop on our tour, we’re diving head first into girlhood. So, here’s 3 Things I Hate about Schmooze: the way that once you start listening to them you can never stop, their unbeatable instrumental chemistry, and the way it is impossible not to love them. So choose Schmooze and prepare to girlboss your way through this journey we are taking you on.
Distance to next show: 6 min walk / 0.3 mi
2 p.m. / Karma Kat / 640 Cobb St / Cobbham
A haunting melody welcomes us to our second stop as Karma Kat rocks the stage. A raspy voice, unmatched skill with the eyeliner, and a female rage that shakes the Earth. Karma is a bitch, a bitch for anyone who likes glitter, purple and vandalism. When our eyes are closed we see Karma Kat for what they really are, which is CUNTAY.
Distance to next show: 11 min walk / 0.5 mi
3 p.m. / Monsoon / 1143 Prince Ave / Cobbham
The third stop of our tour throws us into storm season as Monsoon begins their show. With music that rains down your skin and a beat of thunder that rocks your heart, Monsoon forces your understanding of why storms are named after women.
Distance to next show: 6 min walk / 0.3 mi
4 p.m. / Evergreen / 217 Hiawassee Ave / Buena Vista Heights
As we near the end of our journey, we add Evergreen to our hear-me-out cake. We know they aren’t rock, but we offer them as an indie palate cleanser before we reach our final show. These two amazing women are sure to provide a welcome refresher to your ears, a retreat into a forest Evergreen.
Distance to next show: 10 min walk / 0.4 mi
5 p.m. / Parachutes / 245 Nacoochee Ave / Buena Vista Heights
With the last stop on our itinerary, Parachutes brings us back to that signature, alternative rock sound that’ll make you want to jump up and scream for one song, then lay in your bed to cry for the next. The lead singer will make you feel every emotion in their lyrics with her powerful belts that carry a resemblance to the iconic and well-known band Paramore. Parachutes shows an impressive ability to combine lively sound with emotional, from the heart lyrics that make them prove to have a lot of potential for the future of their music.
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