It’s not every day you get to spend a few seconds making pleasant chit-chat with one of the innovative pioneers of old-school hip-hop. Well, Tuesday, June 17, is one of those days, as virtuoso DJ GRANDMASTER FLASH visits Borders Buckhead tonight to sign his memoir, “Grandmaster Flash: My Beats, My Rhymes.” In addition to signing books, we’re sure Mr. Flash will answer questions about his adventures, his beats and, inevitably, his rhymes. The event starts at 7:30 p.m. 404-237-0707. www.borders.com.

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Yes, she’s a polarizing figure for her outspoken political opinions and her pushy stint as co-host on “The View.” But we can’t imagine anyone getting too out of shape about ROSIE O’DONNELL’s book “Crafty U: 100 Easy Projects the Whole Family Can Enjoy All Year Long.” Before she takes the stage as part of the True Colors Tour (along with Cyndi Lauper, the B-52’s and others) tomorrow night (Monday, June 16), catch the Mistress of Mouth as she signs copies of the book at the Michaels location at 7491 North Point Parkway in the Mansell Crossing Shopping Center in Alpharetta. The signing starts at noon. For more information, call the store at 678-722-0036 or visit www.rosie.com.

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BREW UP A GOOD TIME FOR CHARITY: Chow down on finger-lickin’ barbecue from Fox Bros., jam to the sounds of Almost Blue and wash it all down with some of Atlanta’s finest local suds during ROCK THE CURE, a fundraiser for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation on Saturday, June 14. Brewery tours are also available. Tickets are $30 in advance and $40 at the door. The first 200 guests receive a limited-edition SweetWater/JDRF glass. For more information, call 404-420-5996 or visit www.jdrfgeorgia.org/rock-the-cure.asp.

 

DON’T FORGET YOUR PENGUIN SUIT: It’s the weekend—time to toss those boring work shoes in favor for something more dance-worthy. Boogie down at TANGO ON THE TUNDRA, the Fernbank Museum’s annual Lost Oasis fundraiser on Saturday, June 14. Revelers can enjoy bites from Proof of the Pudding and a themed open bar, complete with Tango-tinis and Cha-Cha Chills. And don’t forget the live music from Limelight. Tickets are $100, benefiting Fernbank’s children’s programs. 404-929-6300. www.fernbankmuseum.org.

 

ARTS AND CRAFTS ON THE ROCKS: Make the trek up to Stone Mountain Saturday afternoon to peruse the wares of local artists and crafters at the 36TH ANNUAL ARTS AND CRAFTS FESTIVAL ON MAIN STREET. The event lasts from 9 a.m. ‘til 8 p.m.—but what’s an all-day adventure without some sustenance? Lucky for you, the festival is held in conjunction with the 2ND ANNUAL BBQ COOKOFF, where you can taste and vote for your favorite barbecue dishes. Topping it off is a live performance from alternative rock band Five Star Iris. For more information: www.stonemountainpark.com.

 

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A Broadway musical that takes place on a picturesque Mediterranean isle—set to the music of the guys behind “Dancing Queen?” That’s right—we’re talking about the smash hit MAMMA MIA!, set to the music of Sweden’s finest disco export. The show rolls into the Fox Theatre Tuesday, June 10 for a one-week engagement (through June 15), so if you want to join the 30 million people who’ve made it an institution—and see what the fuss is about before the big-screen version starring Meryl Streep (yes, you read that right) hits theaters next month—you’d better get moving. Ticket prices are $25-$64. 404-817-8700. www.foxtheatre.org.

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We know your shame. You long to walk amongst others who enjoy dressing up as Klingons as much as you do, to discuss “Heroes” and Harry Potter lore in a safe setting, to chat with comic book artists, authors, actors and filmmakers who share your interests. Well, cheer up—SCI-FI SUMMER CON is here for you. Enjoy gaming, film screenings, discussion panels and even live music, tonight through Sunday at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Marietta. For information on tickets and other information, visit www.sfscon.net.


PARTY FOR A CAUSE: Eat, drink and be the cause of merriment at the LEUKEMIA AND LYMPHOMA SOCIETY BENEFIT at Five Seasons Brewing in Sandy Springs tonight at 7:30 p.m. A $20 wristband scores you unlimited rounds of local brews, in addition to tasty bites from the kitchen. The event includes a silent auction and a raffle to win a deluxe Braves ticket package. 404-255-5911. www.5seasonsbrewing.com.

COMEDY CAMPAIGN: Fans of radio and television talk-show host GLENN BECK, and especially subscribers to his magazine Fusion, are familiar with the commentator’s comedic side. The rest of us might be surprised to learn that Beck crisscrosses the country on a comedy tour each summer. His current tour focuses on (what else?) politics, promising nonpartisan insight. It comes tonight at 7:30 p.m. to the John A. Williams Theatre at the Cobb Energy Centre. Tickets range from $35-$90. 404-249-6400. www.cobbenergycentre.com.

A FAR CRY FROM HOTEL RWANDA: The High Museum kicks off its CLOSE UP—DON CHEADLE film festival tonight at 8 p.m. with a screening of “Talk to Me” at The Woodruff Arts Center’s Rich Theatre. This film finds the Golden Globe Award-winning actor in the role of ’60s Washington, D.C. radio DJ “Petey” Greene, alongside Cedric the Entertainer and Vondie Curtis Hall. Tickets are $7 for adults, $6 for students. 404-733-5000. www.high.org.

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COCKTAILS FOR CHILDREN: Well, not in a literal sense, but having a drink tonight at the Q100 BENEFIT FOR THE CHILDREN’S HEALTHCARE OF ATLANTA CHILDREN'S GARDEN could have some interesting side effects. “Bert Show” host Bert Weiss hosts a silent auction from 7-9 p.m., with goodies from George Clooney, Justin Timberlake, Kobe Bryant, Wayne Gretzky and Miley Cyrus up for grabs. Nibbles from Fritti are provided, and the entirety of the $12 admission fee (along with bar and auction proceeds) benefits special projects and programs for kids at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Cheers! 404-876-5859. www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org.

DOWN-HOME DESIGN: We know what you’re thinking, and no, we’re not talking about deep-fried lawnmowers (like “Sweet Fried” at the Defoor Center) or explorations in taxidermy (think “Yes No Maybe So” by Marcus Kenney). The ultra-futuristic MADE IN GEORGIA exhibit opening tonight at the Museum of Design-Atlanta, showcases the present and future of Southern product design. The show runs through Oct. 18. A $5 donation is suggested. 404-521-9311. www.museumofdesign.org.

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A FEAST FOR THE SENSES: Got a yen to sip a dry-ice cocktail, savor wines from across the globe or win free round-trip tickets on Delta? Sample cuisine from top local restaurants at Taste of Atlanta’s CULINAIRE, a night of international flavors at the New World of Coca-Cola/ Participate in a silent auction including celebrity-designed and autographed platters to benefit the Atlanta chapter of Les Dames des d’Escoffier. A portion of the evening’s proceeds goes to the Hospitality Education Foundation of Georgia. For more information: www.tasteofatlanta.net/culinaire.

IN THE FLESH: Trust the author of “Choke,” “Fight Club” and “Haunted” to write a novel about an aging porn queen determined to go out with, er, a bang. CHUCK PALAHNIUK discusses his latest, “Snuff,” tonight at 7:15 p.m. at the Clarkston Campus of Georgia Perimeter Campus. (We know, we know, but trust us—it’s worth the drive.) All books are pre-autographed; only the first 150 attendees will be able to get their books personalized. No memorabilia will be signed. For other signing rules, visit www.chuckpalahniuk.net. 404-370-8450, ext. 225. www.georgiacenterforthebook.org.

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The ever-quirky Plaza Theatre tweaks the traditional dinner-and-a-movie template with “Art Opening and a Movie,” featuring WILLY WONKA AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY alongside THE ART OF LAEL PASTORE tonight at 8 p.m. The glittery, over-the-top works by this local artist probably make more sense when paired up with snozzberries. Who are we to judge? Tickets to the sugar-coated affair are $7.50 for adults, $6 for students. 404-873-1939. www.plazaatlanta.com.

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There’s never a shortage of quality comedy in Atlanta, but this week brings two marquis comics worth noting. “Saturday Night Live” and “Uptown Comedy Club” vet JIM BREUER rolls into the Funny Farm from Thursday, June 5 through Sunday, June 8. Known for blending comedy and heavy metal (backed by a full band), the man behind SNL’s famous Goat Boy delivers a manic blend of family-man observations and hard-rock fanaticism. Tickets are $25. For show schedules and other information, call 770-817-4242 or visit www.funnyfarmcomedyclub.com.

Funny lady MARGARET CHO also hits town Friday, as her “Beautiful Tour” stops at the Tabernacle for an 8 p.m. show to tackle issues of image and beauty. As if Cho’s trademark biting wit and her inclination to shove controversy into the spotlight weren’t enough, YouTube favorite Liam Sullivan (of “OMG, Shoes” fame) also appears. Tickets range from $28.50 to $45.50—if you can find them; the show is sold out. 404-249-6400. www.livenation.com.

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Already seen “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” and hankering for more archaeological derring-do? How about the next best thing—a chat with fantasy and action-adventure novelist JAMES ROLLINS, author of the official novelization of the film? Rollins, known for such thrillers as “Black Order” and “The Judas Strain,” discusses and signs the “Crystal Skull” adaptation at 7:30 p.m. tonight at Wordsmiths Books in Decatur. 404-378-7166. www.wordsmithsbooks.com.

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