The Red and Black

Issue date: 6/26/09 Section: Variety

Media Credit: WAITES LASETER Gretsch and Widespread Panic donated an autographed guitar to be auctioned off for AthFest on May 15 at Tasty World in Athens. [Click to enlarge]

Iron AthChef

There is no doubt that AthFest is the event of the year for local musicians. But founder of Promoting Local Agricultural & Cultural Experience Craig Page reminds festival goers that "even rock stars gotta eat".

"Everybody knows that Athens has a ... distinct music scene and AthFest is a celebration of that scene," Page said. "But we have an emerging local food scene, and we want to celebrate it at the same time."

In 2006, Page established the nonprofit organization P.L.A.C.E. to communicate the effects of industrialized agribusiness and promote the local food movement. On Sunday, Page will go up against Eric Wagoner, manager of online farmer's market Web site www.athens.locallygrown.net, in the competitive cook-off Iron AthChef.

The chefs will prepare meals using local ingredients and one secret ingredient that will not be revealed to them until the competition. The judges include president of Athens Farmer's Market Jay Payne, county commissioner Doug Lowry and a surprise musical guest judge.


"It's important to promote local agriculture for the same reasons it's important to promote local music," Page said. "It gives a flavor and a sense of place to where we are."

Mountain Music & Medicine Show

In celebration of music media's roots, Mountain Music & Medicine Show will come from Dahlonega on Sunday to show AthFest patrons what old-fashioned radio hour was like back in the day.

MMMS has won the GABBY Awards for being the best locally produced radio program in the state.

Operated entirely by volunteers, MMMS records a two-hour live radio show featuring comedic doctor, 'Doc Johnson.' During the AthFest performance, MMMS will host performances from The Packway Handle Band, The Solstice Sisters and duo Beverly Smith & Carl Jones.


Widespread Panic-Signed Gretsch Guitar Auction

As defenders of the arts tip their hats to local musicians this weekend, it's important to remember that the future of Athens' music scene needs attention too. In honor of AthFest, Gresch Guitars of Savannah donated a new hollow-body style Brian Setzer Model Gretsch Nashville guitar, signed by the members of Widespread Panic, to an online auction. The value of this model starts at $4,100.

The proceeds will benefit AthFest AfterSchool, a program that works with musicians and music business leaders to educate kids about careers in the music industry.

To place a bid on the item and rock out for a worthy cause, visit ebay.com.a

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