Athens-bred rock trio The Whigs will open for Kings of Leon at New Yorks Madison Square Garden on January 29. The groups MSG debut will arrive at the end of a brief tour with the Kings that includes stops in Louisville, KY (1/20), Indianapolis (1/20), Kansas City, MO (1/23), Chicago (1/24) and Columbus, OH (1/27). In addition, on January 15 the Whigs will perform with Drive-By Truckers and South San Gabriel at Athens 40 Watt Club. The gig will raise money for Athens Nus Space, a non-profit health and music resource center that assists in the emotional, physical and professional well-being of musicians.

The band was first profiled in Relixs On the Verge section and has since gone on to appear at festivals like Bonnaroo. The Whigs will close a busy 2008 by opening for Band of Horses at Atlantas Variety Playhouse on January 30 and 31.