ATHENS BUSINESS ROCKS 2025

Athens Business Rocks 2025: A Night to Remember

Athens Business Rocks 2025 lit up the stage with unforgettable performances, fierce competition, and a whole lot of heart. Congratulations to our new champions, New West’s NEW WESTIE BOYZ, who took home the coveted Championship Belt with an electric set that brought the house down!

Shoutout to our stellar runners-up: Washington Square Studio’s HOT ROOTS, who not only claimed 1st runner-up but also wowed both judges and audience alike, taking home Crowd Favorite and Judges' Favorite awards; and Flagpole’s SOGGY PAPER BOYS, our dynamic 2nd runners-up, who delivered a uniquely inspired performance.

We’re also incredibly grateful to TSAV’s Punchlist, Joe and Sam’s The Spokes, Stiles Service’s Superheat, and Ideal Bagel’s Lox, Stock, and Two Smoking Bagels for their incredible energy and talent. Every band that hit the stage helped keep the crowd moving and made this year’s ABR something truly special.

Huge thanks to our all-star panel of judges—Dylan Keel, Jason NeSmith, Ally Smith, Knowa Johnson, Dusty Gannon, Vanessa Hay, and Jim Wilson—for bringing their thoughtful insights and infectious enthusiasm to the evening. And of course, eternal gratitude to our vibrant emcee Seth Hendershot, whose legendary wardrobe and endless support are part of what makes this event so beloved.

While ABR is a celebration of music and community, it’s also a vital fundraiser that supports our mission of suicide prevention. Your participation and generosity help us provide subsidized therapy, low-cost rehearsal space, musical gear, and youth programming like Camp Amped—resources that make a real difference in the lives of musicians and our broader community.

Thank you for showing up, rocking out, and giving back. We can't wait to see you again next year.

🖤🤘 #AthensBusinessRocks #ABR2025 #SupportLocalMusic #SuicidePrevention

🎸 Athens Business Rocks 2025 is here—bigger, louder, and celebrating 25 years of Nuçi’s Space! ✨

Join us on May 3rd for the ultimate fundraising battle of the bands! 🎶

What is ABR? Athens Business Rocks brings the community together as local businesses and organizations transform into themed bands and compete for the spotlight—all for a great cause.

🎤 More than a competition, it’s a celebration! A night of high-energy performances, camaraderie, and pure fun, all in support of mental health services and suicide prevention for musicians and the Athens community.

Thank you to our ABR 2025 Sponsors!

Rockstar

Tour Manager

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Road Crew

ABOUT ATHENS BUSINESS ROCKS:

It’s been said “You can’t swing a guitar around your neck in Athens without hitting a musician.” Not only does this statement refer to the performing musicians that most people associate with the world-famous downtown music scene, but also to the plethora of musicians who masquerade as “upstanding, straight-laced” business people during the day. 

Athens Business Rocks hopes to create an opportunity for these hidden rock stars to reveal themselves – even if it’s for just a night. Local businesses are encouraged to support their employees to create a band and to learn a few songs to perform during the event. During the weeks leading up to, and during the event, the business solicits donations for Nuçi’s Space in support of their band. Awards are given to Best Fundraiser, Crowd Favorite and Judges’ Favorite. This isn’t a talent or song-writing competition - it’s simply a great opportunity for us to engage the business community in a night of music and fun and laugh with our friends and co-workers while raising money for Nuçi’s Space.