Beat Pitch

DJs turn tables on Athens music scene

 

Olivia Roth - Timothy Fritz - Vincent Higgins (Athens - Music - Entertainment)

 

While live bands remain a staple in the Athens music scene, many downtown bars are adding more DJs to their lineups, according to managers, bar goers and DJs themselves. This shift can be attributed to low cost, increasing appeal and overall convenience.

 

Athens has long been known for its live music scene, home to well-known bands such as R.E.M., Widespread Panic and The B-52s. Today, however, several downtown bars are shifting toward DJs.

 

A number of bar workers have said this change has become more noticeable this fall as they adjust their entertainment schedules, marking a shift in how nightlife operates in a city traditionally defined by its band culture.

 

Economic factors have influenced booking

 

The growing presence of DJs is tied to economics, as hiring a full band has become a more expensive option for many venues. This increasing price has made booking DJs more appealing to some bar managers. The Silver Dollar Bar is one such venue exploring these changes.

 

Aaron Alexander, manager at The Silver Dollar Bar in downtown Athens, said cost plays a significant role in why many Athens bars are opting to hire DJs.

 

Alexander said that DJs typically charge consistent, set rates and are more widely available than local bands, making them easier for bars to schedule on busy weekends. Bands, he said, are a larger financial commitment for bars operating on tight entertainment budgets.

 

“You’re looking to spend 50% to 75% more on a band than you are DJs,” Alexander said.

 

Changes in preference have made DJs suitable

 

University of Georgia student James Sigman works as a bartender at 1785 Bar and Grill. The venue hosts a variety of live performances ranging from bands to DJs.

 

Sigman said there has been a shift in preference that is seeing DJs being booked more and that this trend could be a result of the city’s growing appeal.

 

“I feel like nowadays you see, I mean there's people from all across the country,” said Sigman, a third-year pre vet animal and dairy sciences major. “You get a large population from New York who go to UGA, a lot of California.”

 

The Athens area's growing appeal is complemented by the intrigue of the music DJs offer. The listener base has directed this change in music.

 

Logan Guarnieri serves as the shift leader at 1785 Bar and Grill. Self-proclaimed “director of entertainment” for the bar, Guarnieri oversees many of the decisions made regarding the performers. He said the music DJs offer makes them a more attractive option for bar goers.

 

“I think with DJs in particular, we do see an uptick of people wanting EDM, wanting a more electronic vibe and atmosphere and for a nightclub especially,” Guarnieri said.

 

Students make up a large part of the customer base at the Silver Dollar Bar and 1785 Bar and Grill. This had led to both establishments aiming to appeal to this demographic.

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1785 Bar and Grill shift leader Logan Guarnieri stands next to a turntable after setting it up on Nov. 14, 2025. 1785 Bar and Grill offers customers a mix of performances from both live bands and DJs. (Photo/Vincent Higgins)

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“If you're looking for a college age demographic like we have at Silver, you end up getting kids who want more music and more upbeat, energetic stuff like that,”Alexander said.

 

The growing appeal of Athens combined with the audience's desire for a more modern music experience has provided DJs an outlet to grow in an environment traditionally dominated by bands.

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Technology allows easier opportunity for DJs

 

Long-time Athens DJ Dan Jorajuria, known professionally as DJ Huda Hudia, has watched the city’s music scene evolve for over a decade. Jorajuria, a twelve-year veteran of the local music scene, has seen firsthand how technology has driven this shift. He said the accessibility of modern equipment has played a big role in the rise of DJs downtown.

 

“I’ve seen a lot more DJs, because technology has made it easier,” Jorajuria said.

 

As technology has lowered the barrier to entry, more aspiring artists are looking into becoming DJs instead of forming full bands. Industry veterans say this shift comes from convenience and overall accessibility. DJs in Athens use similar equipment; the overall skill level has become consistent, making it easier for new performers to break into the bar circuit. Jorajuria said that the rise in numbers has not translated to better performances.

 

“So there are a lot more DJs, but the same number of quality DJs,” Jorajuria said.

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James Klesner mixes songs at 1785 Bar and Grill on Nov. 15, 2025. 1785 Bar and Grill continues to spotlight both emerging and established DJs in its weekend lineup. (Photo/TJ Fritz)

 

 

The trend of DJs in Athens’ downtown bars reflects a combination of economic, student preference and technological factors. While live bands remain an integral part of the city’s identity, DJs are filling a niche driven by engagement in college-age students.

 

This shift suggests that the use of DJs in Athens’ nightlife could continue to grow in the coming years.