Performing the Music of R.E.M.

N.E.W. Athens is a band dedicated to performing the music of R.E.M. including the classics, the big hits, and the deep cuts. We've performed at some of the D.C. area's best venues, including The Hamilton, The Ottobar, Villain & Saint, Tally Ho, and more. We also play private and corporate events.

The group includes four veteran musicians who have come together to honor one of the great American bands. The name N.E.W. athens pays tribute to Athens, GA., where R.E.M. was formed. N.E.W. athens' set list covers a wide range of R.E.M.'s work focusing mainly, but not exclusively, on the band's earliest albums. Lifelong R.E.M. fans and new fans, alike, will hear great music and have a great time.

To book N.E.W. athens, email us at newathensband@gmail.com or call 240-994-1309.

N.E.W. athens at Bethesda Blues & Jazz (8/3/17)



The Band


John Ohly, Guitars/Vocals
Steve Aaron, Drums/Vocals


Will Styne, Bass/Vocals
Dana Tofig, Keys/Vocals

Photos and Videos

Jammin' Java, Vienna, Va. (1/24/17)




Photo Credits: Rob Riddle

Villain & Saint, Bethesda, Md. (11/13/16)

University of Maryland Tailgate (10/28/17)




Upcoming Shows

Sat., April 6, 2019: Midtown Arts Center, 1110 N. 3rd Street, Harrisburg, PA

We head to the capital of Pennsylvania for our first show at the historic Midtown Arts Center in Harrisburg! We'll be joined by our friends from The April Skies and local band SolRyder! TICKETS AND MORE INFO

Sat., April 13, 2019: Tally Ho, 19 W. Market St, Leesburg, VA

Join us for a night of great music at one of the coolest venues in Virginia: The Tally Ho Theater. Tickets are only $10 in advance TICKETS AND MORE INFO

Sat., May 25, 2019: Ram's Head On Stage, 31 West Street, Annapolis, MD

Join us Memorial Day weekend for a very special show at the legendary Ram's Head in downtown Annapolis. This is our first show in Annapolis and we are planning a great night of music. Hope you can join us! TICKETS AND MORE INFO

Past Gigs

Location Date
OaktoberFest Party October 22nd, 2016
Villain & Saint November 13th, 2016 Video
Ottobar January 7th, 2017 Video
Jammin' Java January 24th, 2017 Photos
Brookeville Beer Farm March 4, 2017 Photos
The Ottobar March 17, 2017 ("Yer Covered" Tribute Night)
Villain & Saint April 8, 2017 (w/ Flo Anito)
The Hamilton June 24, 2017 (Open for Start Making Sense)
Bethesda Blues & Jazz August 3, 2017 Video
Villain & Saint September 29, 2017 Photos
The Blue Side October 13, 2017 Video
The Ottobar October 30, 2017
The Hamilton December 27, 2017
The Ottobar January 6, 2018 Photos
Villain and Saint May 19, 2018 with Caligula Blushed (Smiths tribute)
Tally Ho Theater August 11, 2018 with Caligula Blushed (Smiths tribute)
Villain and Saint Oct.13, 2018
Tally Ho Nov. 9, 2018 with Caligula Blushed (Smiths tribute)
Tellus 360 Dec. 1, 2018 with April Skies
Villain and Saint February 9, 2019 with The Crosstown Sounds

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Thank you

The members of N.E.W. athens would like to thank everyone who has come out to our shows and has supported this project. Thanks to the musicians we've shared the stage with, including Quinn (Girlfriend in a Coma and Caligula Blushed), Josh Himmelsbach (Mandolin/Guitar), Don Lee (Guitar) Ivan Katz (Mandolin), Rob Riddle (Mandolin), Alan Tofig (Mandolin/Guitar) and Elena Fox and Matt from Manta Rat (Pixies tribute). Special thanks to Shantel Mitchell Breen, Patrick Ryan and Rob Riddle for providing us with great photos and Will Tofig, for designing (& redesigning) and maintaining our website. And a very special thanks to Debbie, Morgan and Remi, who put up with our rehearsals!