The city of Athens is gearing up for the grand opening of Akins Ford Arena in 2024. The venue will host concerts, family events, hockey, and so much more. Featured throughout the arena will be a tribute to Athens’ legendary music scene through artist and photographer Jason Thrasher’s acclaimed Athens Potluck, an award-winning book.
To celebrate, 40 Watt Club will host an event to include a book release and a concert series featuring musicians from the Athens Potluck Book. The book is a collection of photographs by Jason Thrasher, which captures the city’s musicians in all their glory. Thrasher has been an artist and photographer for over 25 years, and his work reflects the richness of culture and the depth of appreciation in the music-loving community of Athens.
Visitors will enjoy the experience of the city’s rich musical heritage firsthand as images from Thrasher’s work will be featured throughout the arena.
The Grit Potluck will take place on September 21, 2024, at 7:00 p.m., at the 40 Watt Club located at 285 Washington Street in Athens. Thrasher is also releasing a new book, Murmur Trestle.
Please bring a favorite Potluck Dish to share. The event has a $10 donation. There will be performances by many of the musicians in the Athens Potluck Book including Dave Marr, Mike Mantioni, Hardy Morris, Cara Beth Satalino, Vernon Thornsbery, Charlie and Nancy Hartness, The Darnell Boys, and more.
Thrasher says in a recent press release, “I feel that this book is just a story of Athens. It’s not the whole story. There could have been a thousand other versions of this. I’m very lucky that I was in the right place and in the right mindset to capture this when I did. I love Athens and the creative spirit of this place.”
The Classic Center Authority and the University of Georgia Libraries have collaborated with Terence Healy from Healy Kohler Design to design the arena’s theme around music. The design concept is intended to highlight local and state artists, while also bringing in national touring acts and elevating the Athens music scene.
The interior design of the arena looks and feels all about music, featuring Thrasher’s work as “fun, artsy, and all about Athens, bringing the perfect touch to this new venue” President and CEO of the Classic Center Paul Cramer described in a press release to promote the event.
Athens is known for its vibrant music scene, and the Akins Ford Arena is expected to add to the city’s rich musical heritage. Tickets are available for purchase at 40 Watt Club. You can also call for more information at 706-549-7871.
