Sunday, June 21, 2009
"SP List"

SPecial Events

This week's arts and entertainment events

Festivals and Happenings 

35TH ANNUAL SOUTHEAST REGIONAL EMMY AWARDS
Broadcaster Bill Tush hosts this Southeast Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences event, honoring excellence in television news, programming, production and talent. Tickets are $90 for members and $150 for non-members. Event begins with a champagne reception at 5 p.m. Saturday, June 27 at the Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead, followed by a 6 p.m. dinner and the ceremony at 7 p.m. 770-414-8777. www.natasoutheast.org.

ART IN THE CITY
Relax and rejuvenate after work at the High Museum of Art, open until 8 p.m. every Thursday with special events including guided tours, lectures, gallery talks, music, wine-tastings and more. www.high.org.

FATHER’S DAY IN THE GARDEN
The seventh annual event offers a day to honor and celebrate fathers with bluegrass music, carnival food, a “dream car” showing and many activities for kids. 1 p.m. Sunday, June 21 at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. 404-876-5859. www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org.

SPIRIT OF THE LEAGUE AWARDS LUNCHEON HONORING TYLER PERRY


This inaugural Atlanta Urban League event recognizes Atlanta-based hit playwright and filmmaker Perry, among other individuals who have overcome hardship to inspire others in the community. Event also features a community empowerment forum and workshops. The luncheon begins with a VIP reception at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 27 at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis. Tickets are $100 for AUL members and $125 for non-members. For more information, call 404-659-1150 or visit www.atul.org.

MARY KAY ANDREWS


The former Atlanta Journal-Constitution writer and celebrated New York Times best-selling author of “Savannah Breeze,” “Hissy Fit,” and “Little Bitty Lies” discusses and signs her newest novel, “The Fixer Upper.” 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 23 at the Buckhead Barnes & Noble. 404-261-7747.

ROBERT SCHIMMEL
The celebrated comedian performs June 25-28 at the Laughing Skull Lounge. Two shows per night. 877-523-3288. www.vortexcomedy.com.

Theater, Dance, Music and Opera  

AUTOMATIC THEATER
Improv troupe composed of actors, filmmakers, writers and puppeteers fields audience suggestions in a “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” short-form improv format. Tickets are $7. 8 p.m. Tuesdays at Relapse Theatre. 404-394-9115. www.relapsetheatre.com. 

GEORGIA AQUARIUM'S JAZZ JOURNEYS
The summer concert series returns. Enjoy Jazz Bites dining options from Wolfgang Puck Catering. 7 p.m. Friday nights through September. 404-581-4444. www.georgiaaquarium.org.

JACKPIE THEATER WORKSHOP
Long-form improv comedy shows every Saturday at 8 p.m., 9:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. at 380 14th St. NW. Tickets are $7. BYOB. www.jackpie.com. 

JERSEY BOYS
The documentary-style musical about the rise of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons runs through June 21 at the Fox Theatre. Tickets range from $29 to $127. 404-817-8700. www.foxtheatre.org.

VILLAGE THEATRE
Atlanta’s newest comedy troupe performs long and short-form improv, sketch and stand-up comedy. Friday and Saturday nights at 8:30 p.m. at the Village Theatre. 404-688-8856. www.villagecomedy.com. 

WHOLE WORLD THEATRE
The improv group presents a variety of shows each week, as well as a summer kids camp for ages 8-13 for the weeks of June 22, July 6 and 20, and Aug. 3. Enjoy “pay what you can” Thursdays throughout June and July (walkup only, not available for private parties or special events). 404-817-7529. www.wholeworldtheatre.com.

Family 

JIM HENSON: WONDERS FROM HIS WORKSHOP
Exhibit highlighting the performance and design contributions Jim Henson and his collaborators have made to the world of puppetry, including the technological advances behind “Fraggle Rock,” “Labyrinth” and others. Through Sept. 13 in the Love Family Atrium at the Center for Puppetry Arts. 404-873-3391. www.puppet.org. 

THOMAS AND FRIENDS: A CIRCUS COMES TO TOWN
Meet the famous tank engine and his friends live! 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 26; 10:30 a.m., 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Saturday, June 27; and 2 p.m. Sunday, June 28 at the Fox Theatre. Ticket prices range from $7.50 to $40. 404-817-8700. www.foxtheatre.org.

Exhibitions and Gallery Shows 

AMERICA I AM: THE AFRICAN AMERICAN IMPRINT
Touring exhibition presented by broadcaster Tavis Smiley celebrating nearly 500 years of African-American contributions to American culture and history. Through Sept. 6 at the Atlanta Civic Center. For tickets and more information, visit www.americaiam.org.

BODIES . . . THE EXHIBITION
This controversial exhibit features 15 meticulously preserved whole-body and more than 250 partial-body specimens, providing a unique understanding of the skeletal, muscular, respiratory and other systems that exist beneath the skin. Through Jan. 3, 2010, at the Premier Exhibition Center at Atlantic Station. 866-866-8265. www.bodiestickets.com. 

DIALOG IN THE DARK
Visitors are escorted through galleries in total darkness, relying on blind and visually impaired guides, for a glimpse of the day-to-day life and survival skills of the b. Through Jan. 3, 2010, at the Premier Exhibition Center at Atlantic Station. Tickets must be purchased beforehand. www.dialogtickets.com. 

ELTON JOHN AIDS FOUNDATION PHOTOGRAPHY PORTFOLIO
Works by an array of international photographers including Sally Mann, Richard Misrach and Nan Goldin. Each 20x24 portfolio contains 10 original photographs and sells for $25,000 to benefit the Elton John Aids Foundation. On view through Aug. 22 at Jackson Fine Art. 404-233-3739. www.jacksonfineart.com.

THE INSPIRATIONAL YEARS
Exhibit of 19 works by local painter Derek McCrea, a U.S. Army infantry combat soldier who has served two tours of duty in Iraq with the 3rd Infantry Division. Through July 16 at the Brown Art Gallery in the Monroe F. Swilley Jr. Library on the Mercer University Atlanta College Campus. 678-547-6280.

LOUVRE ATLANTA: THE LOUVRE AND THE MASTERPIECE
This exhibit explores how the definition of a “masterpiece” has changed over time, featuring 91 works of art from all eight of the Musée du Louvre’s collection areas, spanning 4,000 years. Through Sept. 6 at the High Museum of Art. 404-733-5000. www.high.org. 

MOORE IN AMERICA
Exhibit featuring 20 major works from Henry Moore, recognized as one of the most important sculptors of the 20th century. Through Oct. 31 at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. 404-876-5859. www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org.

MY FAVORITE THINGS
New exhibition showcasing a collection of staffers’ favorite items from the Fernbank Museum of Natural History’s permanent collection. Through Feb. 1, 2010 at the Fernbank Museum of Natural History. 404-929-6400. www.fernbankmuseum.org.

TITANIC AQUATIC
Authentic artifacts from the famed wreck and interactive experiences bring the Titanic to life. Through Sept. 7 at the Georgia Aquarium. www.georgiaaquarium.org. 

Books and Talks

GARY POMERANTZ


The veteran reporter for the AJC and current journalism lecturer at Stanford University discusses and signs his new book, “The Devil’s Tickets,” an account of the trial of Myrtle Bennett, who was accused of murdering her husband in 1929. 7 p.m. Monday, June 22 at the Carter Center Library Theater. Free and open to the public. 404-865-7100. www.jimmycarterlibrary.org.

Other Fun Stuff

NORTHLAKE TOASTMASTERS CLUB
Become the person your resume thinks you are. Improve your public speaking and leadership skills in a supportive environment. Every Wednesday at 6 p.m. at MetroBrokers GMAC Real Estate in the Northlake Festival Shopping Center. For directions or other info, call 678-858-0963.

POKER NIGHT
Every Tuesday at Engine 11 Firehouse Tavern. Sign-up starts at 8 p.m. 404-873-3473. www.engine11atl.com.

UPCOMING

FICTION SHOP
Award-winning novelist David Fulmer teaches the basics of fiction writing. 6:15 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. Mondays, June 22-Aug. 10 in the Reading Room at Eagle Eye Book Shop. Cost is $195. Deadline to register is June 22. For more information, visit www.davidfulmer.com.