Sunday, June 28, 2009
"SP List"
SPecial Events
This week's Atlanta Arts and Entertainment Calendar
Festivals and Happenings
ATLANTA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA FOURTH OF JULY ALL-AMERICAN CELEBRATION
Conductor Bridget Reischl and the U.S. Army Chorus join the ASO for a special performance including post-show fireworks display. 8 p.m. Saturday, July 4 at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre. 404-733-5013. www.vzwamp.com.
CORNDOGORAMA 2009
Two-day music festival featuring Dead Confederate, Judi Chicago, Young Antiques, Jeffrey Butzer and Midwives, Modern Skirts and many more. The event also features beer, food, an artist market and a corndog-eating contest. June 27-28 at 470 Flat Shoals Avenue in the heart of East Atlanta Village. www.corndogorama.com.
IL DIVO
The international operatic-pop ensemble performs. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 1 at the Fox Theatre. Tickets are $53.75-$127.75. 404-817-8700. www.foxtheatre.org.
INDEPENDENCE DAY
The Mall of Georgia throws a Fourth of July party with music by the Mike Rogers Band, Johnny Rockbridge and LifeForce, as well as a fireworks display and a free screening of the classic Will Smith action flick on a 42-foot screen, as part of the summer “Movies Under the Stars” series. 2 p.m. Saturday, July 4 at the Mall’s Village Pavilion. 678-482-8788. www.mallofgeorgia.com.
WHOLE WORLD THEATRE
The improv troupe celebrates the Fourth of July with a weekend of prizes and surprises, including beer specials from Yuengling. Get in free with a valid military ID July 2-3. (No show on July 4.) For tickets, call 404-817-7529 or visit www.wholeworldtheatre.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.
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.
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.
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 blind. 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.
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.