The musicians taking part in Finest Worksongs are Bain Mattox, Claire Campbell (Hope For Agoldensummer), Five Eight, Liz Durrett, Modern Skirts, The Observatory (assortment of players from the Elephant 6 collective), Patterson Hood (Drive-By Truckers), and Tin Cup Prophette. Artists selected songs from the entire R.E.M. catalog to cover and adapt to their own styles. Some cross-collaboration is expected.

The date of Finest Worksongs coincides with the release of the R.E.M. CD anthology "And I Feel Fine: The Best of the I.R.S. Years 1982-1987" and the DVD anthology "When the Light is Mine: The Best of the I.R.S. Years 1982-1987." Highlights from the rare and exclusive video featured on the DVD will be shown at the beginning of Finest Worksongs when doors open at 7:30 p.m.

In addition to the performances, a live auction and raffle will take place during the event, featuring R.E.M. memorabilia and other items. A commemorative event t-shirt and poster will be available for purchase as well, along with copies of the anthology CDs and DVD.

Advance tickets to Finest Worksongs are $12 and available online now at athensmusic.net and beginning September 1 at School Kids Records, the Athens Welcome Center, Musicians Warehouse, and Borders Books & Music. Remaining tickets will be available at the 40 Watt Club door on September 12 for $15. The show is ages 18 & up, although children under 18 will be admitted to the event with a parent or guardian.

For more information about Finest Worksongs, contact Jeff Montgomery with athensmusic.net at jeff@athensmusic.net or 706-354-1230.

For more information about Community Connection of Northeast Georgia, visit www.communityconnection211.com or call 706-353-1313. For more information about Family Connection/Communities in Schools, visit http://www.gafcp.org/fcnetwork/clarke or call 706-369-9732