Good morning, Athens.

Karla Kelsey—2025-2026 Diann Blakely Visiting Poet at UGA—visited Athens on Nov 11-12 for literary events under the Blakely Program and will judge entries in the national poetry competition for Emerging Poets this spring.

She discussed her work on Mina Loy with UGA PhD student Matthew Moore—whose conversation aired on Morning Edition Nov 18.

Today, the Athens Downtown Development Authority accepted the donation of Harold Rittenberry’s six-foot steel knight statue as Dan Coenen works with the Athens Community Foundation to raise funds for its purchase and placement in College Square.

The county approved a $9 million upgrade project for the area that will soon add brick pavers, tables and landscaping—paving the way for a refreshed downtown space.

Athens GA Live Music documented local and touring bands performing at Athens venues — including Nowhere Bar, Flicker Theatre & Bar, Athentic Brewing Company, Ciné, Creature Comforts, 40 Watt Club, Buvez, Georgia Theatre, and Hendershot’s — during shows from Nov.

11 to Nov. 16. The channel archive and Flagpole’s music calendar offer details on past performances and upcoming concerts.

Georgia shoppers have discounted turkeys from five stores—Aldi, Lidl, Target, Trader Joe’s, and Walmart—offering prices as low as 25 cents per pound.

Purdue University reported that turkey prices have risen 75% since last year, prompting buyers to seek cheaper options for Thanksgiving.

The UGA School of Medicine has secured support from several corporate partners to fund its $100 million Medical Education and Research Building and will enroll its first class in fall 2026 pending LCME accreditation.

Contributions from the Delta Air Lines Foundation, Southern Company Foundation, Anthem, Butler Automotive Group, Landmark Properties, Athens Construction Group, and Victory Real Estate helped fund the first phase of the project.

Georgia Power said it will soon reduce east side outages by installing automated devices—self-healing devices that fix circuits in five minutes—and expanding tree trimming practices after weather and wildlife caused long disruptions.

ACC officials also detailed plans to build a new courthouse and review a future land use map to guide developments in Athens.

Jennifer Wilhite and her family moved into Athens’ first factory-built home on Branch Street on Nov.

14; the house was built in a factory 200 miles away, moved in halves by truck, and assembled with a crane. Habitat for Humanity said the three-bedroom, two-bathroom Baxley Home costs about the same as a site-built house—federal relief funds helped speed up the process and will support two more homes nearby.

After beating Texas 35 to 10 on Saturday, Georgia football rose to No. 4 in the College Football Playoff rankings — the highest ranked one loss team as the selection committee changed its leadership.

Georgia will play Charlotte this Saturday before facing No. 16 Georgia Tech on November 28 in Atlanta at Mercedes Benz Stadium.

During Monday Night Football, Peyton Manning—a proud Tennessee grad—teased UGA tight end Brock Bowers by recounting a meeting at a Broncos game and quipping about his girlfriend’s smarts from her Tennessee class.

He also supported his nephew in Athens on Saturday as UGA won 35-10.

Athens-area voters can cast their ballot for high school football player of the week from the first-round playoffs and the poll remains open until Nov 24 at 5 p.m.—nominees include leading players from local teams—and future nominations can be sent to Sara Tidwell.

The University of Georgia men’s basketball team defeated Florida A&M at Stegeman Coliseum in Athens on Monday, Nov.

17—Georgia won 87–57 as their players dominated the game.

Georgia football seniors are getting ready to play their last home game at Sanford Stadium against Charlotte on Nov 22 at 12:45 p.m. The team has a 48-5 record that includes two SEC titles and a national championship—coach Kirby Smart praised the seniors for their hard work and leadership.

Readers in Athens are invited to vote for the preseason girls basketball player of the year from a list of nominees hand-picked by local coaches; the poll remains open until Tuesday, Nov 25 at 5 p.m.+ The nominees were drawn from the preseason all-area team list that was released on Nov 11.

JD Graham & Gabe Lee Performance

8:00 – 10:30 p.m. — The Rialto Club — $15 adv, $20 Day of Show — Enjoy an exciting cobill featuring soulful performances by JD Graham and Gabe Lee.

Yacht Rock Schooner: A Tribute to Steely Dan

7-8:30 p.m. — The Foundry — $20 adv ($25 door) — Experience a smooth sailing night with Yacht Rock Schooner performing Steely Dan classics and favorite yacht rock tunes.

Charlotte 49ers at Georgia Bulldogs Football

12:45-2:15 p.m. — Sanford Stadium — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate game day in Athens with passionate fans and the Redcoat Marching Band energizing the crowd.

A Tribute to The Band

7-8:30 p.m. — The Foundry — Fundraiser for Food Bank of Northeast Georgia — Celebrate the spirit of community with an evening of legendary music and local songwriters.

Athens Farmers Market

8 a.m. - 12 p.m. — Bishop Park — Free entry — Discover fresh local produce and handmade goods from over 40 vendors every Saturday.

YBH® Symbiotic Birth Course

7-9 p.m. — M2b Family Farm — Registration required — A comprehensive birth course for expecting parents focused on natural and low intervention childbirth.

Cirque Dreams Holidaze

7:30-9:00 p.m. — The Classic Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience a breathtaking holiday spectacular combining circus arts with beloved seasonal favorites.

Corey Smith Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Georgia Theatre — Tickets required — Experience Corey Smith's homecoming performance showcasing songs from his 10th album.

WILLIS Concert

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Georgia Theatre — $32+ — Experience the indie rock sound of WILLIS, a band with viral success and a loyal fanbase.

Nuçi's Space 25th Anniversary Benefit Concert

6:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m. — Nuçi's Space — Ticket information not available — Celebrate 25 years of music, healing, and community with live performances from beloved local musicians.