Bitter Southerner Presents: MJ Lenderman and S.G. Goodman

The Bitter Southerner marked its 10th anniversary on Tuesday with a concert featuring singer-songwriters S.G. Goodman and MJ Lenderman. There were over 250 people in attendance at 40 Watt Club according to Kelly Tibb Jones.

The Bitter Southerner’s 10th Anniversary 

Jones, The Bitter Southerner’s co-founder and director of media, said the membership drive for The Bitter Southerner kicks off in March every year. This year marked the publication’s 10th year. 

“Very stoked that they chose here for their 10th birthday party,” 40 Watt Club General Manager Jim Wilson said. “It feels like it, feels like it’s a birthday party for someone.” 

A cake was brought out during the show between Lenderman and Goodman’s sets for the audience. 

The Bitter Southerner’s editorial team, Jones, Eric NeSmith and Dave Whitling blew out candles to commemorate the celebration. 

“We wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for y’all, and so we’re thankful for y’all,” NeSmith said. “This gives us an opportunity to celebrate, to kick off our 10th anniversary here.” 

S.G. Goodman’s First Show in Athens 

The evening served as a milestone, not only for The Bitter Southerner but also for Goodman. It was her first time performing a show at a venue in Athens.

The American singer-songwriter is touring for her most recent album, “Teeth Marks.” This event was memorable because the album was recorded in Athens. Her song “Work Until I Die” was featured on the most recent season of Outer Banks. 

“I owe a lot to this city,” Goodman said. “I know where I’m at here. I’m excited to play in the South.” 

Lenderman, singer songwriter from Asheville, North Carolina, opened up the show. 

Joseph Hohenstein, an alum of the University of Georgia living in Savannah, Georgia, was looking for “an excuse” to get back to Athens. 

He said the concert was a good reason to come up, Lenderman and Goodman were “kind of the perfect duo.” 

Healing Appalachia

Jones said The Bitter Southerner collaborates with musicians where they create a T-shirt and choose an organization to donate a portion of the profits to as a part of the Better South Initiative. 

Goodman chose Hope in the Hills, a nonprofit that produces events to connect and grow communities of recovery and healing in Appalachia. 

Ten percent of the profits from The Bitter Southerner’s merchandise, including a T-shirt designed in collaboration with Goodman, will be donated to Healing Appalachia. 

Goodman is among those impacted by the opioid epidemic. 

“If You Were Someone I Loved,” written in April 2021, was performed during the concert about someone Goodman lost in her community to the opioid crisis. 

“I would bet that every single one of us has been affected by the opioid epidemic, or at least know someone who’s been affected by that,” Goodman said. “It is, you know, a real epidemic.”

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Why I wrote this story: The Bitter Southerner celebrated their 10th anniversary, or birthday party as everyone was calling it, by featuring the S.G. Goodman and MJ Lenderman. This event was significant for local music not only because of the anniversary celebration at 40 Watt, but also because it was S.G. Goodman’s first time performing at a venue in Athens.