The first thing I want to do this week is welcome all our out-of-town visitors who are here for AthFest. Have fun, stay cool and hydrated, and don't get into any trouble. The second thing I want to do is tell all you locals to chill out. Sure, it's gonna be hella crowded, like every year, and more than a few folks will test your patience. Plus, it's gonna be really hot. Through it all, remember to be thankful that we live in a town thousands consider well worth their time to visit, with a music scene that is envied around the world. So, I dunno, celebrate life or something. Now, let's get on with it…

I WANT A LAKE LIFE SO I CAN SETTLE DOWN: Boy, I'll tell ya, when it comes to live entertainment in Athens, the first name I think of is the Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department! The fine folks at ACCLSD have assembled the “Sounds of Summer” concert series at the beach at Sandy Creek Park, and the music is perfect for families and people of any age who wanna relax and have a good time. Longtime Athens R&B group The Common People Band will appear July 9, the self-explanatory Grassland String Band will play July 16, and Jimmy Buffet tribute band Sons of Sailors will play July 23. Each of these dates is a Thursday evening, and local opening acts will take the stage at 6 p.m., with headliners playing at 7. The cost is a mere $5 per vehicle; blankets and chairs are allowed and encouraged, and food vendors will be onsite. The series is part of Leisure Services’ celebration of the month of July, which just happens to be National Park and Recreation Month. So, you know, recognize! For more information, call 706-613-3631, or surf to athensclarkecounty.com/summerconcert.

MEET THE NEW BOSSA, SAME AS THE OLD BOSSA: No one who has ever known me could ever accuse me of being a brunch enthusiast. They ask; I decline. It's basically common knowledge. That said, no one ever asked me if I wanted to hang out in a relaxed atmosphere, enjoy coffee in a clean, well-lighted place and brunch while listening to some live bossa nova tunes. So, friends, my loss is your gain if you head to Hendershot's Coffee Bar this Sunday, June 28 for the final installment of Croon in June, with upright bassist Lewis Heald and guitarist/vocalist William Freeman. It runs from 12:30–3 p.m. and is free for the listening.

NO SHADE: Longtime Athens musician Will Donaldson (Shade) has been up to some cool stuff in the world of radio lately. He's appeared twice this year under the name Yung Yang on Berlin Community Radio, which goes out over the air in Berlin and online to the rest of the world. Specifically, his appearances have been part of the show “Tropical Techno Nights,” hosted by Tyler Pope (LCD Soundsystem, !!!). True to its title, the show features dance music with a distinctive tropical flavor and varying degrees of hardcore-ness by artists from all over the world. These are perfect sets for house-party scenes, summertime driving or really anywhere you don't mind sweating a bit. Dig his archives at soundcloud.com/worldwar420.

KNOCKIN' ON HARDY'S DOOR: Remember when I welcomed all you out-of-town folks way up above in the introduction? You know what would be a cool way to celebrate your weekend in Athens? Picking up the brand new album by T. Hardy Morris & the Hardknocks, Drownin On a Mountaintop. You're probably already aware that the Hardknocks will be playing the Hull Street Stage this Saturday, June 27 at 8:25 p.m. This appearance is free for all. The previous night, Morris will dance with the one that brung him—Dead Confederate—at the Georgia Theatre. That show is an AthFest wristband-only show, which means you must have an AthFest wristband to attend. These shows fall smack dab in the middle of Morris’ current tour, which includes dates with Drive-By Truckers, Roadkill Ghost Choir and Delta Spirit. For more information, see t.hardymorris.com.