The Red and Black

I'm usually not into listening to "popular" bands. I'd rather stick to bands I don't have to hear 10 times a day on the radio.

Most stations overplay so many groups' music I don't even really like the radio now. I'd rather listen to my iPod.

But I love it when popular bands come to Athens, even the ones that get played more often than they should.

Don't get me wrong. I love local performances, and I usually don't even go to shows at bigger venues because I'm rarely a fan of bands that play there.

But it makes me feel special when people from other states come here, making me feel like I live in one of the best cities in the world. I even love it that smaller bands move here.

Bands have moved from states as far away as Texas and California to live and play music in Athens. And there are probably some from farther away than that, maybe even other countries.

I can't imagine relocating across the country - away from my family and friends and everything I know - to take a chance in the music business (one of the most difficult professions to break in to).

And that's why I'm not a musician (other than I can't really sing well).

But Athens does that to people. It draws everybody - jobless young adults, debuting musicians, bands that have been playing music for years. Sometimes people stay, and others continually visit.

The Classic City is like a musical phenomenon, and everybody - music junkies and those who haven't made it to their first concert yet - should feel proud to live in such a city.

- Michelle Floyd is Out & About Editor at The Red & Black

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