MODA DEBUTS PASSIONE ITALIANA THE ART OF EXPRESSO STARTING FEBRUARY 24TH

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 2/21/19

New Exhibition Explores the Design of Espresso Machines & Examines the Social, Political & Cultural Movements Fueled by Coffee

On Display Sunday, February 24 through Sunday, June 9

https://www.museumofdesign.org/now-on-view

ATLANTA, GEORGIA—Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA) welcomes Passione Italiana: The Art of Espresso, a new exhibition that will explore espresso machine design and technology, while examining the social, political and cultural movements fueled by coffee and cafés throughout history. Previously on display at Kerkrade in the Netherlands, Passione Italiana is developed by Cube Design Museum in collaboration with IMF Foundation and is curated by Elisabetta Pisu.

The Exhibition
On view Sunday, February 24 through Sunday, June 9, Passione Italiana will chronicle the evolution of the espresso machine and document its technology and industrial design developments. The exhibit will showcase espresso makers used in Italy during the mid-twentieth century—alongside inventive coffee sets and unique crockery—and traverse through the decades, highlighting the influence designers such as Aldo Rossi, Toyo Ito, Richard Sapper and Massimiliano Fuksas have had on classic and contemporary models. Italian coffee company, illycaffè, will provide freshly brewed espresso beverages for guests to enjoy before or after visiting the exhibition.

Appealing to both design lovers and coffee enthusiasts alike, the forthcoming exhibition will also survey the social and historical impact coffee and coffeehouses have had around the world, including the role of cafés as incubators in social justice movements and how they have helped fuel everything from literary and musical achievements to political revolutions.

“Many of us use coffee and coffeehouses to think deeply, make connections with others and jumpstart our imaginations,” says Laura Flusche, Executive Director at MODA. “Our vision in presenting this stunning exhibition is not only to trace the influence designers have had on espresso makers in cafe settings, as well as those used in the home, but also to spark the conversation surrounding coffee’s ability to connect. The show celebrates the ways in which cafes have harbored creative thinkers, revolutionary actions and social justice throughout history.”

Featured designers, manufacturers and coffee companies will include:

Aldo Cibic
Aldo Rossi
Alessandro Mendini
Alessandro Zambelli
Alessi
Andreas Seegatz – Stars Milano
Andrew Smith, Per Selvaag
Angeletti-Ruzza
Bialetti
Bilge Nur Saltik
Bruno Munari & Enzo Mari
Bugatti
Carlo Colombo
Daniel Debiasi and Federico Sandri
Dominique Perrault
Elektra
Faema
Gaggia
Giordano Robbiati
Giulio Iacchetti
Guzzini
illycaffè
Jean Nouvel
Julian Lechner
Kartell
Kees van der Westen
Knindustrie
La Pavoni
Lara Caffi
Lavazza
Luca Trazzi
Marcello Morandini
Marco Zanuso
Mario Trimarchi
Massimiliano Fuksas Doriana Mandrelli
Matteo Thun – Sarri
Michele de Lucchi
Officina Rancilio
Paola C
Patricia Urquiola
Patrick Hunt
Piero Lissoni
Rami Tareef
Riccardo Dalisi
Richard Sapper
Stelton
Toyo Ito
Ugo La Pietra
Universal
Viceversa
Victoria Arduino
Wacaco

The Experience
In honor of Passione Italiana’s debut, MODA is hosting a special pre-opening event on Saturday, February 23 from 4-7 p.m. During the celebration, MODA members and guests are invited to experience the new exhibition and enjoy an Italian wine tasting from Sherlock’s Wine Shop, beer from Second Self Beer Company, Italian aperitivi from the Campari Group, light bites from Bellina Alimentari, gelato from Ciao Bella and a live performance by Atlanta cellist-composer OkCello, who will perform a score inspired by the exhibit. Registration is free with a donation of $25 or more to MODA.

The opening of Passione Italiana will also mark the launch of the Co.Lab, an experiential space within the gallery that’s inspired by the spirit of creativity fueled by coffee. The immersive environment is developed by MODA with some of Atlanta’s most creative entities to offer a center for making, thinking, talking and learning, and will feature expansive communal tables within an inviting shared space.

Beginning Saturday, February 23, the Co.Lab will present What is Your Story, a crowd-sourced storytelling installation organized by design firms Orange Sparkle Ball and nonprofit sister Spark Corps in collaboration with BooknBrunch, that provides a touching look at how untold stories, struggles and secrets can forge connections. The hands-on project will invite guests to anonymously inscribe their story in a used book on view at MODA and give visitors the opportunity to respond to these stories by sending a supportive message via postcard.

Visitors will be able to take part in programming on Thursday mornings (more details to come), presented by Constellations, a civic and socially based workspace aiming to make a positive difference in the world. Constellations Founder Gene Kansas says, “We’re happy and proud to partner with MODA on this exhibit. Their experiential approach to design and thoughtful programming are true benefits to members and guests and to our city. Then, of course, there’s coffee, we simply could not pass up the opportunity to drink up all that Passione Italiana: The Art of Espresso has to offer.”

Passione Italiana: The Art of Espresso was developed by the Netherlands’ Cube Design Museum in cooperation with IMF Foundation and is curated by Elisabetta Pisu. The exhibition features objects on loan from the the Alessi Museum and the private collections of Enrico Maltoni, Franco Balzarotti, Kent Bakke and Sarri. Additional content has been added by MODA with generous loans from Espresso Southeast. The exhibition design for MODA is by Susan Sanders. Passione Italiana is presented thanks to the generosity of the Fulton County Arts Council, City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs, Power2Give, Creative Approach, John Portman & Associates, illycaffè, Bellina Alimentari, Interface, Orange Sparkle Ball, Spark Corps, Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles and Constellations.

2ND ANNUAL ATLANTA UNITED BLOCK PARTY

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 2/13/19

Saturday, March 9th 

Edgewood Avenue

KITS ON. FLAGS OUT. SCARVES UP! Join us on Saturday, March 9th on Edgewood Avenue for the second annual Atlanta United Block Party presented by Bulleit. We’re taking over the fourth ward with ATL’s biggest open-streets celebration of all things #ATLUTD.

We’re closing down Edgewood Ave., and celebrating with giveaways, live entertainment and raffle prizes on the block as we prep for the first home match of the season! Plus – we’re partnering with the local pubs to offer exclusive drink specials for Atlanta United fans during the event. Tickets are $15 and include 1 complimentary beer, entertainment and live music, exclusive drink specials at partner bars, and special promotions and giveaways through the event.

TICKETS HERE

**Businesses and Restaurants along Edgewood Avenue between Boulevard and Jackson will be open.**

20TH ANNUAL ART PAPERS ART AUCTION

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 2/13/19

Saturday, March 2, 2019
VIP Preview 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Art Auction + Party 7:30 – 11 p.m.

Atlanta – Art Papers announces its 20th Annual ART PAPERS Art Auction will take place on Saturday, March 2, 2019 in The Davison Ballroom of the Southern Exchange at 200 Peachtree Street, a beautifully transformed event space located in the heart of downtown Atlanta.

The evening features works by 235+ leading and emerging artists from around the world, offering art lovers, both seasoned and novice, the opportunity to build their collections while enjoying a great party. All proceeds benefit the award winning educational programs of Art Papers.

The evening kicks off with the VIP Preview, which includes catered hors d’oeuvres, open bar cocktails and live music. VIP Preview attendees also have the opportunity to “Buy it Now” and secure their favorite works for a percentage above retail before they go live for the Auction.

For the Art Auction + Party Jaye Lish and Edie Cheezburger of The Other Show return as the evening’s incomparable emcees. The bar will feature signature cocktails by Joshua Fryer of 8ARM. DJ Tim DeGroot and Kissing Electric provide the soundtrack for the evening and some of Atlanta’s favorite restaurants will provide light bites.

New this year, and in honor of our 20th Anniversary, Art Papers has produced a print by Birmingham, Alabama-based artist and recent winner of a Guggenheim Fellowship, Amy Pleasant. The limited edition screenprint was produced in partnership with the Lamar Dodd School of Art’s Printmaking and Book Arts Program. The prints are a benefit of the Patron Host ticket level and will be available for purchase by VIPs during the VIP Preview ahead of the general public.

The 2018 Art Auction welcomed almost 1,000 attendees and raised more than $275,000 to support the educational mission of Art Papers. In addition, Art Papers gave back more than $45,000 in artist commissions through the sale of auctioned artworks.

TICKETS Art Auction + Party tickets are $50 advance / $75 at door. VIP host committee tickets are $250/ticket. Patron Host tickets are $1250/4 tickets + limited edition print by Amy Pleasant www.501auctions.com/artpapers

ONLINE GALLERY All artworks can be previewed on the Auction website at https://501auctions.com/artpapers/category/all/1. Pre-bidding opens Saturday, February 23, 2019. Buy it Now (retail + 20%) is a benefit for VIP ticket holders and Sponsors and is available only during the VIP Preview. Online bidding is available to anyone who registers on the Auction website. You do not have to be present to win.

MORE INFORMATION: www.artpapers.org

ATLANTA JEWISH MUSIC FESTIVAL 2019

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 2/11/19

March 7th to 17th 

March fest highlights Grammy winning artists and acclaimed producers

(Atlanta, GA) Now in its tenth season and under new leadership, the Atlanta Jewish Music Festival (AJMF) is excited to announce its new theme “Jewish Contributions to Music” as the fest decidedly takes on a new direction. This year’s fest will specifically nod to Jewish contributions to American music with a specially curated lineup featuring Grammy winning artists, up and coming bands, historian presentations and a salute to both Leonard Bernstein and the Academy Awards. AJMF will take place March 7 – 17, 2019 at various venues around metro Atlanta.

“This year’s festival will excite and engage the entire Atlanta community (both Jewish and at-large),” said AJMF Director Joe Alterman. “In a departure from the past, we ‘re choosing to feature a single theme throughout the fest – ‘Jewish Contributions to Music.’ We’re excited to showcase artists who best reflect the rich cultural heritage and contributions Jewish people (both by themselves and in collaboration with others) have made to the world of music, as well as the stories behind the songs,” Alterman added.

AJMF10 “High Notes” include:

The perfect date night for jazz, classical and broadway lovers:

AJMF brings the Grammy winning Bill Charlap Trio to Atlanta (March 7, Atlanta History Center) for a fantastic opening night performance featuring their Grammy nominated album Somewhere: The Songs of Leonard Bernstein. This performance is perfect for jazz, classical and musical theatre aficionados alike. The Bill Charlap Trio featuring bassist Peter Washington and drummer Kenny Washington, is recognized as one of the leading groups in jazz. Time magazine wrote, “Bill Charlap approaches a song the way a lover approaches his beloved…no matter how imaginative or surprising his take on a song is, he invariably zeroes in on its essence.”

Funky soul pop pushes audiences to re-define Jewish music:

Brother/sister musical phenomenon Clyde and Gracie Lawrence are the leads of eight-piece soul-pop band Lawrence. The band’s sophomore album Living Room, was released in September 2018 and promptly reached #2 on the iTunes R&B/Soul chart, earned a featured placement on Spotify’s “New Music Friday” playlist, and led the band to its late-night television debut on NBC’s Last Call with Carson Daly. This cool show is perfect for fans of funk and jam bands.

An intellectual journey entertains and educates:

This year’s festival aims to not only entertain, but educate audiences as well. Well known musician and historian Ben Sidran presents his comprehensive social history of Jewish contributions to American popular music in the twentieth century There Was A Fire: Jews, Music and the American Dream. Ben Sidran is widely recognized as the host of National Public Radio’s landmark jazz series “Jazz Alive”, which received a Peabody Award, and as the host of VH-1 television’s “New Visions” series, which received the Ace Award for best music series. A pianist, producer, singer and composer, he has recorded more than thirty solo albums, including the Grammy nominated Concert for Garcia Lorca. Sidran uses his first person experience to frame the story behind the story of Jews in American popular music.

THE OFFICIAL AJMF10 LINEUP OF PUBLIC PERFORMANCES AND EVENTS:

Thursday, March 7
Opening Night featuring Bill Charlap Trio
Somewhere: The Songs of Leonard Bernstein
Atlanta History Center, 130 West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305
6:30 PM doors, 7:30 PM music
$40 General Admission/$65 VIP, ALL AGES, VIP AND PREMIER SEATING AVAILABLE

Saturday, March 9
Lawrence
Vinyl at Center Stage, 1374 West Peachtree Street Northwest, Atlanta, GA 30309
8:00 PM Door, 0:00 PM Show
$25 advance/$30 day of

Sunday, March 10
Bob Spiotto presents Salute To Hollywood: Jewish Contributions to Academy Awards® Best Original Songs
William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum, 1440 Spring St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309
$36

Thursday, March 14
Ben Sidran – There Was A Fire: Jews, Music and the American Dream
Ahavath Achim Synagogue, 600 Peachtree Battle Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30327
7:30 PM
$20 General Admission

Friday, March 15
The Power of Music To Inspire w/Rolling Stone rock critic Alan Light
Shabbat Service
Temple Sinai, 5645 Dupree Dr NW 30327
Service 6:30 PM, Conversation 8:15 PM, FREE AND ALL AGES

Saturday, March 16
ATL Collective Performs The Music of Chess Records
Venkman’s, 740 Ralph McGill Blvd NE 30312
Sets at 6PM and 9:30PM
$25-$40

 

ALL INFORMATION/TICKETS HERE: https://www.atlantajmf.org/

AN EVENING OF SILLY LOVE SONGS WITH YACHT ROCK SCHOONER AT PARK TAVERN 2019

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 1/27/19

Park Tavern at Piedmont Park

Friday, February 15th

Music lovers can celebration Valentine’s Day all weekend long with Yacht Rock Schooner and an evening of silly love songs at Park Tavern in The Piedmont Room on Friday, February 15, 2019. Performing a selection of their favorite love songs from the 70s and 80s, lovebirds and singletons alike are invited to enjoy a fun-filled night featuring cocktails and great tunes overlooking the Midtown skyline and Piedmont Park. Of course, Park Tavern will also be open for dinner, cold brews, libations and more prior to the concert. This annual show always sells out. Doors open at 7 p.m. with music starting at 8 p.m. Tickets are for ages 21 and up only, and $15 in advance, $20 at the door, and $125 for a VIP Table for 6. More information and tickets here: https://www.bigtickets.com/events/yachtrock/sillylovesongs2019

THE BIG GAME KICK-OFF PUB CRAWL IN CASTLEBERRY HILL

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 1/14/19

Saturday, January 26th 3 pm

Are you heading to ATL for the Big Game? Want to get a jump start on the in-town festivities while having good food and drinks, meeting new people and experiencing what it’s like to live in downtown Atlanta? Then join us for The Big Game Kick Off Pub Crawl in Castleberry Hill!

Castleberry Hill is recognized by the NFL as the, “Host Community” and is located right next door to the Mercedes Benz Stadium. While you are crawling through the streets of the Historic + Arts neighborhood, be sure to checkout the newest murals commissioned for the Off the Wall initiative brought to you by WonderRoot and the NFL.

Your $20.00 ticket Includes:

A Castleberry Hill neighborhood t-shirt for the first 50 people to check in
Pub Crawl reusable cup
Free shots at participating bars and restaurants
Discounted drink and food specials during the crawl
Professional photographer taking photos of you, your friends and all the fun you are having!

Be sure to get your tickets sooner rather than later, because the price will increase the week of the event.

https://www.freshtix.com/events/the-big-game-kick-off-pub-crawl-in-castleberry-hill

TRAP CHAPEL ART EXHIBIT 2019

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 1/14/19

BLUE MARK STUDIOS

Friday, February 1st and Saturday, February 2nd

TRAP CHAPEL, a solo exhibition by Atlanta native, FREEKYBEAR, aka Adam Crawford will be held 2 days – Friday, February 1 & Saturday, February 2, 2019 from 6pm-11pm at Blue Mark Studios, 892 Jefferson St, Atlanta, GA 30318.

The show features 20+ new paintings depicting Atlanta trap artists as iconic Renaissance masterpieces. RSVP at theartofadamcrawford.com for complimentary beverages provided by Wicked Weed for those 21+ years of age. Crawford’s art has been featured at T.I.’s Trap Music Museum, ChooseATL, Art Basel Miami, Cam Kirk Studios & Zucot Gallery.

There is no cover charge or entry fee. Wicked Weed Brewing is the sponsor. Deejay TO-VS will be flying in from Los Angeles, to provide the sounds.

DANCE WITH ME STUDIOS TO OPEN IN PHIPPS PLAZA ATLANTA

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 1/10/19

Phipps Plaza, Buckhead

Dance With Me is one of the nation’s leading chain of dance studios. Founded by champion and celebrity dancers, Dance With Me dance studios offer the ultimate dance experience blending fun, ease, and comfort with quality instruction in the most beautiful dance studios. The first-rate services include private dance lessons, group dance classes, social practice parties and memorable events guaranteed to intrigue beginners and inspire over-achievers.

Whether you are a looking for a new hobby or take your skills to the next level, Dance With Me’s unique approach to personalized dance instruction ensures that your needs and desires are met every step of the way. It’s not just about learning to dance, it’s about feeling healthier and happier, while expressing yourself in an incredible community of like-minded people.

Dance With Me hosts showcases, competitions, provides event entertainment, corporate and team building services, and does local and national charitable work. The studio offers an array of services, including private dance lessons, group classes, dance showcases and competitions, social dance parties, corporate events and entertainment and employee wellness and team building. Dance With Me covers various dance styles, including ballroom/smooth, Latin/rhythm, hip hop, contemporary, functional and correctional movement and dance aerobics.

Now numbering 14 locations, the Dance With Me chain was launched by founding partners Sasha Chmerkovskiy, Jhanna Volynets, and Maks Chmerkovskiy in 2005. They have been joined by Valentin Chmerkovskiy and Eugene Livshits; Alex Samusevich is the Director of Marketing.

19TH ANNUAL ATLANTA JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL RETURNS WITH NEW DATES AND ANCHOR VENUE

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 12/9/18; updated 1/30/19

Atlanta’s Largest Film Festival Shifts to February 6 through February 26, With Screenings
at Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center at City Springs

Full line-up below!

ATLANTA: The Atlanta Jewish Film Festival (AJFF) is set to return with its 19th annual edition, from Wednesday, February 6 through Tuesday, February 26, 2019. Featuring a diverse collection of accomplished international and independent cinema, next year’s festival takes place across 21 days at six metro Atlanta locations, including a new anchor venue at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center at City Springs. The full film lineup and official schedule will be announced on Thursday, January 10, 2019 and tickets will go on sale via AJFF.org beginning Monday, January 28, 2019.

Returning to Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre for Opening Night, the 2019 AJFF continues with screenings at Regal Atlantic Station, Regal Perimeter Pointe, UA Tara Cinemas, and Woodruff Arts Center. Closing Night festivities will be held at the 1,000+ seat Byers Theatre at City Springs.

The 2019 AJFF schedule represents a shift in timeframe, avoiding overlap when Atlanta hosts the Super Bowl LIII on February 3, while also affording audiences additional time to review the festival lineup and make their film selections. In addition, the vast seating capacity of the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center allows the festival to consolidate from 23 days to three weeks, creating a more compact festival without a reduction in program offerings.

The 14-acre, $229 million City Springs development provides a hub for an enhanced film festival experience, including an abundance of dining options, ample parking, and other amenities, as well as the luxuriously-appointed, state-of-the-art Performing Arts Center.

“AJFF always strives to exceed audience expectations, both in terms of our artistic programming and the patron experience,” says Kenny Blank, executive director of Atlanta Jewish Film Festival. “Our new February dates and the addition of a spectacular anchor venue in Sandy Springs continues our efforts to offer festivalgoers greater access and convenience.”

For more information about the annual festival and other AJFF year-round programs, visit AJFF.org.

NEW YEAR’S EVE BATTLE OF THE BARS 2019

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 12/9/18

Foxtrot Liquor Bar and Lava Lounge present “Battle of the Bars. Battle of the Ages” NYE 2019! Two locations – two themed parties creating a New Year’s celebration you won’t forget.

This year we are going out in style. Lava Lounge and Foxtrot have decided to do a Battle of the Bars. Battle of the Ages! We will transform Lava Lounge into a 1940’s Tiki Bar Lounge with exotic-cocktails while Foxtrot Liquor Bar will transform into a 1920’s themed speakeasy for an all-around celebration of the years gone by & the good times ahead!

5 Unique Environments
4 DJs
Open Bar from 8:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Professional Photographer
Kitchen Open Late
21+
Midnight Balloon Drop
Champagne Fountain at 11:30pm & Complimentary Midnight Toast
A Limited Number of VIP “All-Inclusive” Tickets Available

We will be opening our doors at 8pm and the party continues all the way to 3am. We encourage everyone to come dressed the part and make this a night to remember.

There will be an open bar from 8:30 – 9:30 and everywhere you walk throughout the night will have a different feel and a different vibe.

We can’t wait to see everyone for this very special event and hope each and every one of you has the greatest night of your life. Let’s bring in the new year with style!!

Early Bird General Admission Tickets: $25
General Admission $35 (And, will increase!)

Early Bird VIP “All-Inclusive” Tickets: $85
VIP Tickets: $100

https://www.bigtickets.com/e/cosmolava/new-years-eve-2019/