Culture

Celebrate the Life of Ivan Faske and the Legend of Swanky’s June 15

By:
Posted on:

< < Back to

On Saturday, June 15, The Union will host a celebration of the life of Ivan Faske, the legendary owner of the beloved Athens ’70s-’80s bar and nightlife venue Swanky’s. Faske passed September 16, 2018 after a three-year-long struggle with cancer.

The event will feature performances by The Wingnuts, Hotcakes, The Come On, Come Ons, Mimi Hart, Dave Morrison, J.D. Hutchinson, Gay Dalzell, and more. The event will have re-printed Swanky’s t-shirts and cards for sale, and feature a silent auction with a series of impressive prizes, including a getaway in Woodstock, NY near Levon Helm Studios where the legendary Midnight Rambles performances take place; lots of local art; yoga; an airplane from the Athens Aero Club, and more. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Bassett House.

The event will take place in the upstairs of The Union. Doors open at 5 p.m. Music starts at 6 p.m. There will be a cash bar and snacks provided.

WOUB’s Emily Votaw spoke to event organizer Michael “Smally” Smalls about the upcoming celebration in the interview embedded above.