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.
Just a Touch of N.E.W. athens (October 2019)
The Band
![]() John Ohly, Guitars/Vocals |
![]() Steve Snyder, Drums/Vocals |
![]() Peter Smorodin, 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
Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, Hank Dietel's Tavern, 11010 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD
The boys go back to Rockville (Pike) with a show at Montgomery County's legendary roadhouse, Hank Dietle's Tavern. Come drink some cold beer and hear some great tunes, all for a low cover charge. Show starts at 9 p.m. but the place fills up. Get there early! MORE INFO ABOUT HANK DIETLE'S
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 |
Harrisburg Midtown Arts | April 6, 2019 | with The April Skies | Rams Head On Stage | May 25, 2019 | Photos | Villain & Saint | Sept. 7, 2019 | with What's Up! | Public Bar Live | Nov. 22, 2019 | Amp by Strathmore | May 16, 2020 | Postponed | The State Theatre | Aug. 23, 2020 |
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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. We would like to offer our heartfelt thanks to Will Styne, who helped us launch this band and make it a success. Thanks to the many other musicians we've shared the stage with, including Quinn (Girlfriend in a Coma & Caligula Blushed), Josh Himmelsbach (Mandolin/Guitar), Don Lee (Guitar) Ivan Katz (Mandolin), Rob Riddle (Mandolin), Alan Tofig (Mandolin/Guitar), Elena Fox and Matt from Manta Rat (Pixies tribute), Steve Pimpo and Sam Baumel. 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!