JUMP INTO SUMMER AT THOMPSON ATLANTA – BUCKHEAD THIS JUNE

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 5/27/25

Soak up Summer with Rooftop Vibes, Poolside Lounging, Signature Events + More


Summer is officially heating up, and Thompson Atlanta – Buckhead is the place to be. In honor of Pride Month, the hotel invites everyone to celebrate love, identity, and community with vibrant events and an exclusive stay offer. With Tesserae’s rooftop in full swing, offering lunch and dinner skyline views, weekend brunch, and a vibrant lineup of live music throughout the week, there’s no better way to spend your days – and nights – in the city. The hotel hosts community-driven events like Thompson Tastes and The Hatty Hour, while wellness seekers can rise early for complimentary yoga and Pilates. Plus, the rooftop pool is open for the season, and cabanas can now be booked directly through the hotel’s website. This summer, guests can take part in the hotel’s new Opt Out, Give Back program – a thoughtful initiative that promotes sustainability by reducing daily housekeeping services while supporting the local nonprofit Giving Kitchen. Whether you’re looking to relax poolside, connect over cocktails, or vibe to summer sounds, Thompson Atlanta – Buckhead would love for you to stay, but you can also come to play!

Thompson Atlanta – Buckhead’s June Calendar of Events includes:

Starting June 1: ‘CELEBRATE HERE’ SPECIAL OFFER
Celebrate Pride – and every moment in between – with an unforgettable stay at Thompson Atlanta – Buckhead. From skyline views and rooftop vibes to warm, welcoming hospitality, guests can enjoy 20% off the best available rate with the exclusive ‘Celebrate Here’ offer. Whether you’re in town for Pride festivities, a spontaneous weekend getaway, or just because, book using promo code PRIDE2025 and save on stays from June 1 through Nov. 1, 2025 (blackout dates apply: July 11–15). Book now by visiting here and make your stay a celebration.

Wednesday, June 11: THE HATTY HOUR
Located at Lobby Bar | 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. EDT
Join Thompson Atlanta – Buckhead for a monthly celebration of craftsmanship, style, and community hosted by BM Franklin & Co. Meet Brandon Franklin, founder of BM Franklin & Co., and his talented team of milliners behind the bespoke hats made right in Buckhead Village using timeless techniques and luxurious materials. Whether you’re a longtime friend of the brand, a fellow hat lover, or just looking to connect with some great people over cocktails and light bites, this event is for you. RSVPs are recommended. Secure your spot here.

Sunday, June 15: FATHER’S DAY DINNER
Located at Tesserae | 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. EDT
Treat Dad to a meal worthy of celebration with a special Father’s Day dinner at Tesserae on Sunday, June 15. In addition to the regular dinner menu, guests have the option to indulge in a decadent steak dinner featuring a 16oz bone-in beef ribeye topped with black garlic butter, served alongside herb truffle mashed potatoes and a garlic green bean sauté – all for $65. Enhance the experience with the option to add three jumbo tiger shrimp for $16. Elevate the evening even further with a handcrafted Tableside Old Fashioned featuring Edmonds Honor Bourbon for $25, prepared right at your table for a memorable and personal touch. Visit here to view the menu and secure a reservation.

Sunday, June 22: IT’S GIVIN’ BRUNCH
Located at Tesserae | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Join Thompson Atlanta – Buckhead in spreading kindness and making a difference at It’s Givin’ Brunch! Dine at Tesserae on Sunday, June 22 anytime from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and support local organizations with donations, all while enjoying a delicious modern American brunch with live jazz music and breathtaking rooftop views. This June, 20% of all sales will be donated to Glacier’s Italian Ice, helping to empower Atlanta’s youth through entrepreneurship, providing a safe and educational environment, and offering delicious Italian ice. Visit Tesserae’s website to make a reservation.

Every Tuesday in June: THOMPSON TASTES
Located in the hotel lobby | 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. EDT
Enjoy a complimentary wine or spirit sampling with a featured partner at Thompson Atlanta – Buckhead’s signature tasting series. Stop by the hotel’s lobby every Tuesday in June to mix, mingle and taste exceptional wine. Visit here for more information.

Saturdays in June: YOGA
Located at 1988 | 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. EDT
Every Saturday, rejuvenate with free yoga classes by community instructors. Free for hotel guests, this is the perfect start to the weekend while finding your inner peace. Spots are limited. Visit here to register.

Sundays in June: PILATES
Located at 1988 | 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. EDT
Every Sunday, reset with a Pilates session with expert instructors. This experience is free for hotel guests. Register here.

Saturdays and Sundays in June: ROOFTOP BRUNCH
Located at Tesserae | 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. EDT
Elevate the weekend with brunch at Tesserae. Every Saturday and Sunday, enjoy a delicious brunch menu paired with stunning skyline views and live music. Guests will sip on craft cocktails, indulge in chef-driven dishes, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere. Whether gathering with friends or savoring a laid-back morning, Tesserae’s brunch experience is the ultimate way to unwind in style. To view the full brunch menu and to make reservations, visit here.

Throughout June: LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
Location Varies | Times Vary
Throughout June, enjoy a dynamic lineup of live entertainment at Tesserae. On Wednesdays from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., immerse yourself in soulful live jazz performances by talented musicians. Every Friday and Saturday, heat things up with high-energy DJ sets from 8 p.m. to midnight. Plus, soak up the sun during the day with a live DJ spinning poolside on the rooftop every Saturday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Whether you’re in the mood for smooth jazz or electrifying beats, the hotel has something to set the perfect vibe for your evening. Visit here for more details.

All Summer Long: CABANAS AT THE POOL
Located at The Pool | Times Vary
Elevate summer with a luxurious daycation at Thompson Atlanta – Buckhead’s rooftop pool deck. Guests can now reserve stylish, partially shaded cabanas – available for half-day or full-day rental. Each cabana experience includes complimentary towel service, Wi-Fi, a welcome gift, and access to poolside food and drink service from The Pool Bar. Discounted valet parking is also offered for $10. For the ultimate indulgence, upgrade the cabana experience with curated add-on packages featuring refreshing drinks, shareable bites, and premium bottle service. For more information and to reserve a cabana, visit here. Guests under 21 must be accompanied by an adult over 21.

Please note all events are subject to change, and costs and times vary per event and experience.

20,000 BEERS UNDER THE SEA 2025

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 5/27/25

Georgia Aquarium

Date: June 7, 2025

Time: 4-8pm

Our most popular summer event is back and better than ever! Celebrate the arrival of summer at Georgia Aquarium on Saturday, June 7th, with unlimited beer, seltzer, and cider samples served in a glowing souvenir tasting cup. Enjoy gourmet cuisine, live music, and an unforgettable evening in the stunning Oceans Ballroom, featuring breathtaking exhibit views and elegant décor. Plus, your ticket includes access to all aquarium exhibits – including the all-new Glow Nights, an experience inspired by the ocean’s bioluminescence!

The fourth annual 20,000 Beers Under the Sea event supports Georgia Aquarium’s education programs, helping countless students experience the magic of the ocean and expanding our educational offerings. Your support ensures a legacy of awe, wonder, and learning for generations to come.

Website: https://www.georgiaaquarium.org/events/event/20k-beers-2025/

ADAC ANNOUNCES WELLNESS DAY 2025: A TRANSFORMATIVE EXPERIENCE AT THE INTERSECTION OF DESIGN, WELL-BEING, AND NEUROAESTHETICS

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 5/22/25

Atlanta Decorative Arts Center (ADAC) is proud to announce Wellness in Design at ADAC, an immersive, all-day event set for Wednesday, June 4, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This groundbreaking gathering is designed exclusively for the trade and explores the powerful intersection of wellness, design, and neuroaesthetics – the science of how our surroundings impact emotional and cognitive health.
 
Throughout the day, attendees will engage with renowned designers, thought leaders, and wellness experts through transformative presentations, hands-on sessions, and sensory experiences. Events will take place throughout ADAC’s campus in the Designer Lounge, presentation room and select showrooms. From sound bath meditations and color theory to biophilic design and mindful eating, Wellness in Design will provide inspiring, real-world tools to help designers create spaces that nourish the mind, body, and soul. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased here. Space is limited to 75.
 
“Wellness in Design at ADAC is more than just a day of programming, it’s a call to action for our design community to lead with mindful intention and purpose,” says Katie Miner, General Manager of ADAC. “By exploring how spaces influence our physical and emotional well-being, we’re empowering designers to create environments that support connection, joy, and healthy living. We’re proud to host a day that brings together such meaningful dialogue, creativity, and innovation.”
 
The full schedule of events is as follows:
 
8:30 – 9:00 a.m.
Welcome & Light Breakfast
Fuel up and connect with fellow attendees over a light breakfast to kick off the day.
Sponsored by Benjamin Moore
 
9:15 – 9:45 a.m.
Sound Bath Meditation: A Centering Experience to Begin
Start the Wellness in Design journey with a calming Sound Bath Meditation with Chelsea Szegidewicz, designed to ground your senses and awaken your mind for the day ahead. This immersive experience will use sound vibrations to promote deep relaxation and mental clarity, setting a mindful tone for exploring the connection between wellness, design, and neuroaesthetics. 
Sponsored by Benjamin Moore
 
10:00 – 10:45 a.m.
Ode to Color with Lori Weitzner | CEU 0.1
In this presentation internationally renowned textile designer Lori Weitzner provides a rich, layered perspective on the use and significance of color in our world, including guidelines for putting that color knowledge to practical use in interior design. Each of its ten thematic chapters is an immersion into a distinct palette, exploring it through a diverse selection of imagery; excerpts from poetry, fiction, and children’s literature; cultural anecdotes; and personal stories and essays. Including insight on how color affects our moods, how it engages the senses, and how to use it to enhance where we live and work, this experiential course captivates, inspires, and informs throughout. Weitzner will demonstrate the immersive nature of color through other senses including sound, smell and touch. 
Sponsored by Samuel & Sons
 
11:00 – 11:45 a.m.
Hands-On Activities at Samuel & Sons with Lori Weitzner
Continue the color conversation with an interactive showroom experience featuring Samuel & Sons’ exquisite trim collections.
Sponsored by Samuel & Sons
 
12:00 – 1:30 p.m.
Good and Good for You™ with Chef Virginia Willis
Renowned French-trained Southern chef and James Beard Award-winning cookbook author, Virginia Willis, brings her wisdom to an empowering wellness session rooted in her real-life transformation journey. Once facing serious health challenges brought on by the demands of a high-stress lifestyle, Willis took control of her well-being – losing over 65 pounds and maintaining it for more than four years. In this engaging presentation, Willis will share her Good and Good for You™ approach to healthy living. Attendees will gain practical tips for balanced eating, doable stress-reduction strategies, and powerful mindset tools to support lasting change. A live cooking demo, light lunch, and a book signing of Willis’ beloved cookbook, “BON APPÉTIT, Y’ALL” will follow.
Sponsored by Design Galleria Kitchen and Bath Studio
 
1:45 – 2:30 p.m.
Wellness & the Mind-Body Connection: Designing for Healing and Well-Being
Join LUXE Interiors + Design Executive Director of Editorial + Brand Content Kathryn Given in a conversation with Marie Cloud, Founder & Principal Designer of Indigo Pruitt Design Studio, and Nicole Baxter, interior designer at nBaxter Design, construction coach, and creator of the Neuroaesthetics of Home theory. Together, they’ll explore how intentional design choices can foster emotional well-being, resilience, and connection – highlighting the powerful role environments play in healing the mind and body.
Sponsored by LUXE Interiors + Design
 
2:45 – 3:30 p.m.
The Neuroaesthetics Healing Journey with Lisa Staprans
Award-winning designer Lisa Staprans delivers an inspiring and visually rich presentation exploring The Neuroaesthetics Healing Journey – a powerful intersection of design, neuroscience, and wellness. In this thought-provoking session, Staprans will introduce the concept of NeuroBeauty, the intentional creation of environments that soothe, inspire, and heal through the principles of neuroaesthetics and biophilic design. Learn how surroundings deeply affect the nervous systems and emotional well-being, and discover how to cultivate harmony, connection, and beauty within a space.
 
3:30 – 4:00 p.m.
Book Signing: The Soul of Design by Lisa Staprans
Attendees can meet Staprans and receive signed copies of her book, a deep dive into her philosophy of creating with beauty and intention.
 
3:45 – 4:30 p.m.
Mindful Mixology Mocktail Tasting
Close the day with a curated tasting of zero-proof beverages crafted to engage the senses and encourage reflection and connection.
 
Wellness in Design at ADAC is sponsored by ADAC, Benjamin Moore, Design Galleria Kitchen and Bath Studio, LUXE Interiors + Design, and Samuel & Sons. This event is open to trade only.
 
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit: adacatlanta.com/events/wellness-in-design-at-adac

HORIZON THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS ATLANTA PREMIERE OF LAUGHS IN SPANISH – MAY 23 TO JUNE 22

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 5/22/25

Latin-infused comedy to play at Inman Park theatre

“A great show… I can see the play itself becoming a new American Classic.” – Broadway World

Part telenovela, part whodunnit, Laughs in Spanish comes to Horizon Theatre May 23 – June 22. High stakes Art Basel is about to begin in Miami, and the art has vanished from Mariana’s trendy modern art gallery! Chaos erupts—and so does laughter— in this fast-paced comedy. Artist and intern Caro and her policeman boyfriend are scrambling to find the thief or replace the art when Mari’s larger-than-life movie-star mother shows up, stealing the spotlight yet again. Then a past girl-crush arrives, and things get even more complicado. Laughs in Spanish is a joyous celebration of Latinx creativity, messy love, mothers and daughters, and the beautiful challenge of finding your place—and your people. This production is performed in English.

“Laughs in Spanish is a vibrant, heartfelt comedy that shines a light on the joy and chaos of a Latinx family and identity,” said Horizon Theatre Co-Artistic/Producing Director Lisa Adler. “It’s fresh, funny and full of heart—perfect for anyone who loves a good laugh with a lot of soul.”

At the helm of this cafecito-infused comedy is Erika Miranda, a Mexican-Norwegian actor, producer, director and founder of the Atlanta-based, incubative production company Cafecito Productions.  Erika is also an alumna of the Horizon Apprentice Company and was last seen on the Horizon stage in The Wolves. 

“Laughs in Spanish is a joyful comedy about art, identity and the beautiful chaos of being a daughter… or a mother… or a lover,” Director Erika Miranda explains. “Set in a Miami art gallery during the frenzy of Art Basel, the play kicks off with the entire exhibit being robbed and everyone pointing fingers. But the real drama is not just the missing art—it’s the emotional masterpieces we’re all trying to restore at home. The characters remind us that love isn’t always neat, vulnerability is never easy, and sometimes — rather than say ‘I love you,’ ‘I need you’ or ‘I believe in you’— we build cinematic empires and embark on life-altering adventures.  It’s heartfelt, hilarious and alive with the messy magic that unfolds when we begin to see our mothers not just as parents, but as people. Come for the laughs. Stay for the catharsis. Call your mother after.”

Miranda’s company’s first production, Mi Casa, which was first performed at Horizon during the Apprentice Company, can be found on all HBO platforms. Films produced by Cafecito Productions have been screened at festivals across the country, including Cleveland International and Palm Springs Short Fest. Trailer [Trash] Magic, Erika’s directorial debut, won the GA Film Impact Grant and premiered at LALIFF in 2024. Erika was also named One of the Amazing Women in Film by Oz Magazine (2023) and one of Georgia’s Top Industry Influencers by Georgia Entertainment (2024).  Erika is also first Executive Producer of SheATL Arts (of SheNY), a festival that mentors up-and-coming women playwrights.

In Laughs in Spanish, the stakes are high for young Miami gallery owner, Mariana (Ana Miramontes, seen regionally in productions at Houston’s Alley Theatre, Theatre Squared and Florida Studio Theatre), when art goes missing on the eve of Art Basel. Her artist intern, MFA student Caro (Lorena Guillen Castillo, SheATL, BFA NYU Tisch) and Caro’s policeman boyfriend Juan (Marcello Audino, City Springs’ Legally Blonde, Theatrical Outfit’s Clyde’s, Aurora’s The Play That Goes Wrong) are onsite to help through the panic while also uncovering some surprises of their own.  When Mariana’s movie-star mother (Denise Arribas, Horizon’s Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike and The Book Club Play) and a past girl-crush (Mabel Thomas, BA Royal Conservatoire of Scotland) show up, the complications rise in this fast-paced comedy about art and success, love and romance, and mothers and daughters.

Performances begin Friday, May 23 at 8 p.m., with a Press Opening on May 30 at 8 p.m. Performances are Thursdays and Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 5 p.m., running through June 22.  Wednesday performances are May 28 and June 4 at 8 p.m. and June 11 and 18 at 2 p.m. There will be no Saturday matinee on June 7.  Seating is general admission with a reserved seating section for subscribers. General admission tickets start at $35 on Wednesdays and Thursdays and $40 for all weekend performances. Prices rise as performances fill up, so patrons are encouraged to order early for the best prices and availability.  Full-time students under 25 can get $20 tickets with valid student ID by calling the box office or at the door if tickets are available.  There is limited accessible seating for those needing mobility accommodation, and it must be reserved by phone. For tickets and more information, visit horizontheatre.com or call the Box Office at 404.584.7450. Horizon Theatre is in Iman Park/Little Five Points at 1083 Austin Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA 30307

ATHDAY AT WESTSIDE MOTOR LOUNGE 2025

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 5/19/25

Saturday, May 24th

Paint the town red and black for ATHDay at Westside Motor Lounge, a celebration of all things Athens, Georgia, on Saturday, May 24, 2025. The Westside Atlanta venue will kick things off at noon with a full-on takeover featuring local food, Creature Comforts beer, artists, and giveaways—all straight from the Classic City and America’s best college town. The energy kicks into high gear from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. when five Athens-based musical acts take the stage to put on an electrifying show that gives audiences a taste of Athens’ legendary underground music scene. Featuring the southern twang of Peach Ice Cream Bluegrass, the bluesy folk sensibilities of Cannon Rogers, the groovy psychedelic funk rock of Patio, the unbridled chaos of electronic hard rockers Alien Funk Academy, and the reimagined jam band classics of Grateful Dead cover band Dire Wolf, Westside Motor Lounge’s ATHDay celebration is sure to have something for any and every concertgoer. Tickets are $15 per person and can be purchased at www.westsidemotorlounge.com.

For more information, call 678-388-9536. Westside Motor Lounge is located on the corner of Northside Drive and Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway at 725 Echo Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30318. Stay connected on Instagram @Westside_Motor_Lounge.

THOMPSON ATLANTA – BUCKHEAD TO HOST NATIONAL BARTENDING COMPETITION DURING U.S. BARTENDERS’ GUILD SUMMIT

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 5/16/25

Thompson Atlanta – Buckhead is proud to serve as a host venue for the USBG Presents World Class Sponsored By DIAGEO, which brings its highly anticipated national finals to Atlanta this month.

From May 18 to May 20, 2025, the city will welcome the Top 30 regional bartenders from across the country as they compete in the USBG Presents World Class U.S. Finals, a multi-day event designed to test the creativity, technical skill, and knowledge of the nation’s best mixologists. Competitions and programming will take place within Thompson Atlanta – Buckhead, offering guests a front-row seat to the craft cocktail world’s most exciting showdown.

Following a series of immersive and challenging rounds, 10 finalists will be selected to continue vying for the title of 2025 U.S. Bartender of the Year. The national champion will go on to represent the U.S. at the World Class Global Finals in Toronto, Canada this August, competing against top bartenders from more than 50 countries.

“We’re honored to be part of such a prestigious event and welcome bartending talent from across the country to Thompson Atlanta – Buckhead,” said Donte Johnson, General Manager of Thompson Atlanta – Buckhead. “Our hotel celebrates craft, culture, and community – values deeply shared with this competition and the bartending profession at large.”

The World Class competition, sponsored by global spirits leader Diageo, will take place exclusively at Thompson Atlanta – Buckhead. While select off-site events – including the Top 10 Dinner and Winner Announcement – will be held at other locations, the main competition is open to the public for consumers 21+. See the full schedule here.

“World Class is more than a competition – it’s a celebration of bartenders at the highest level,” said Bo Shuff, Executive Director of the United States Bartenders’ Guild. “We’re honored to host this event as part of the USBG Bar Summit and to partner with Thompson Atlanta – Buckhead in welcoming and showcasing these professionals from across the country as we celebrate their craft. It’s a powerful reflection of how education and community – core to the USBG’s mission, continue to shape the future of our industry.”

The United States Bartenders’ Guild (USBG), a nonprofit with thousands of members and chapters in nearly 50 cities, including Atlanta, has long championed professional development within the beverage industry. The USBG Presents World Class Sponsored by DIAGEO event not only showcases exceptional bartending talent but also highlights emerging trends in the industry, from sustainability and low-ABV cocktails to bartenders’ growing roles as educators and community leaders. In celebration of this year’s U.S. Finals, World Class will be hosting a Cocktail Festival that will be serving specialty drinks at various bars and restaurants in Atlanta to engage the local community and build buzz around the competition. A list of participating bars and restaurants can be found here.

Cocktails created for the duration of this year’s competition can be found on Instagram using the handle @WorldClassUS.

For additional information about the program and for details on the upcoming global competition, follow hashtags #worldclassus and #worldclass2025 on Twitter and Instagram, and visit worldclass.usbg.org and www.usbg.org.

FOOD THAT ROCKS 2025

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 5/16/25

Sandy Springs’ Tastiest Tradition Turns 10—Food That Rocks Set for June 5 at City Springs 

Taste of Atlanta proudly presents the 10th annual Food  That Rocks on Thursday, June 5, 2025, from 6 to 10 p.m. at City Green at City Springs. This all inclusive event features unlimited tastings from more than 20 of Sandy Springs’ favorite restaurants,  plus beer, wine, craft cocktails, and live music — all included with your ticket. 

Guests can enjoy bites from local favorites including Banana Leaf Thai & Bar, Baraonda Ristorante &  Bar, Blue Moon Pizza, Bocado, Breadwinner Café, Chef Rob’s Caribbean Café, CityBar. & Café, City  Barbeque, Gus’ World Famous Fried Chicken, Hopdoddy Burger Bar, il Giallo, McDaniel’s QN2 BBQ,  Mexico Linda, Mojave, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Nowak’s, Rumi’s Kitchen, The Select, Southern Bistro,  

Sunnyside Pizzeria, Taziki’s Mediterranean Café, Thos. O’Reilly’s Public House, Three Dollar Café and Yalda. 

Celebrate 10 years of Food That Rocks with bold flavors, sweet treats, and high-energy  performances by Java Monkey and CJ and The Doughboys, led by Chef Jamie Adams of il Giallo. 

Ticket Information: 

VIP Admission – $125 

• Early entry at 6 p.m. 

• Exclusive VIP swag bag (one per household) 

• Unlimited tastes from 20+ Sandy Springs’ restaurants 

• Craft cocktail, beer, and wine tastings 

• Live Chef Chats & Mixology Demonstrations 

• Live music and entertainment 

General Admission – $95 

• Entry at 7 p.m. 

• Unlimited food, dessert, and beverage tastings 

• Access to all live chef chats and mixology demos 

• Live music and entertainment 

Tickets are available now at www.FoodThatRocks.org. Advance purchase is strongly encouraged as  the event regularly sells out. All attendees must be 21 or older to enter. 

“Food That Rocks is more than a food festival — it’s a celebration of the Sandy Springs community  and culinary talent,” said Dale DeSena, founder and CEO of Taste of Atlanta. “We’re thrilled to mark  our 10th anniversary with a night of sensational flavors, local chef talent, and a spirit of connection  that truly reflects the heart of Sandy Springs.” 

Event Details: 

• Date: Thursday, June 5, 2025 

• Time: VIP 6–10 p.m. | General Admission 7–10 p.m. • Location: City Green at City Springs, 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs, GA

GLOBAL MINI GOLF PROS HEAD TO GEORGIA TO COMPETE FOR $20K PURSE AT 2025 US OPEN

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Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 5/15/25


 This Free Event Brings Together the World’s Best Putters, Local Atlanta Legends & Family Fun

Friday, 5/16 and Saturday, 5/17!

The 2025 US Open, one of the US Pro Mini Golf Association’s two premier global tournaments, will bring nearly 100 of the top putters from around the world to Tin Cup Grill in Cumming, GA, for a high-stakes, family-friendly weekend of competitive play and community celebration.

Hosted in partnership with the Putters League and sanctioned by the USPMGA, this year’s Open marks the first time the event has been held on a PuttTek real-grass-style putting course that will challenge even the most seasoned competitors. Admission is free for spectators, and fans are encouraged to attend and cheer on local favorites and international stars alike.

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  • Nearly 100 players, including 50+ elite global competitors, featuring two of the only four players in history to record a perfect 18, and competitors previously featured on ESPN.
  • Players include:
    • Rick Baird, One of only four players in history to shoot a perfect 18
    • Josh Mars, A fan-favorite YouTube personality from Australia known as “The Putting Wonder from Down Under”
    • Greg Newport, USPMGA Hall of Famer and one of only four players to achieve a perfect 18
    • Gary English, Atlanta-based legendary putter

THE RENAISSANCE ORCHESTRA ANNOUNCES A SPECIAL ONE-NIGHT ONLY CONCERT EVENT, MAY 30, AT CENTER STAGE

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 5/12/25

‘Up the Score’ Takes Classical Back to the Lab with the Help of Guest Artists Genre Bending Violinist Michael Prince and Piano Prodigy BLKBOK 

Tickets Are On Sale Now

What if the score wasn’t the final version? What if you scratched beneath the surface, infused it with your own vibe remixed for the culture, tossed it with R&B and hip-hop, and set it with a full accompaniment of strings fueled by scores of the past?  These are the very questions The Renaissance Orchestra will answer as they ‘Up the Score’ on May 30 at Center Stage in Atlanta, GA.  Fueled by visionary founder Tyrone “OG” Bowie- a multi-talented, Atlanta-based musician, producer, and DJ, The Renaissance Orchestra is a groundbreaking musical collective that blends classical instrumentation with the pulse of modern production and what you end up with is a sound as much rooted in tradition as it is radically redefined and new.

“This isn’t just music, it’s personal,” says Tyrone “OG” Bowie, Founder of The Renaissance Orchestra. “When people experience ‘Up the Score,’ I want them to leave feeling like they have just witnessed a new cultural moment where orchestral music reflects the stories, energy, and excellence of Black artistry.”

‘Up the Score’ will not be the typical night at the symphony, while top hats and tails won’t be discouraged; this is a cultural experience and should be embraced as such. Guests can expect classical music tossed on its head, remixed for the culture — where hip-hop meets violin, R&B gets reimagined with full strings, and original scores get flipped like samples. 

For this special one-night-only concert event, Houston-born violinist producer and composer Michael Prince, known for his innovative fusion of classical hip-hop R&B jazz and pop music, will join The Renaissance Orchestra. Prince has collaborated with notable artists such as Jon Batiste, T-Pain, A$AP, Rocky Timbaland, and LaRussell and is revved up to bring that same collaboration spirit to ‘Up the Score.’  Additionally, BLKBOK, a classically trained pianist and composer known for blending classical music with hip-hop R&B and jazz influences, will tickle the ivories, adding another dimension to The Renaissance Orchestra’s sound. BLKBOK has toured with stars like Justin Timberlake and Rihanna before launching his solo career and redefining what it means to be a modern classical artist.

General Admission tickets for ‘Up the Score’ with Michael Prince and BLKBOK are on sale now at www.CenterStage.com. ‘Up the Score’ is produced by The Renaissance Orchestra. Visit www.TheRenaissanceOrchestra.com for the most up-to-date information. Stay connected on Facebook @TheRenaissanceOrchestra and Instagram at @RenaissanceOrchestra_. Center Stage is located at 1374 West Peachtree Street, Atlanta, Georgia.

TIO LUCHO’S & PUMA YU’S PAIR UP FOR ONE-NIGHT-ONLY EVENT

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 5/12/25

Sunday, May 18

They started out the same way—late-night pop-ups, word-of-mouth dinners, and a whole lot of hustle in Athens and Atlanta. Now, Tio Lucho’s and Puma Yu’s, two James Beard-nominated restaurants that turned those early days and late nights into something bigger, are teaming up for the first time for one night only on Tio Lucho’s patio, Sunday, May 18, 2025. It’s Peruvian meets Thai. Open flames, stacked grills, citrus, smoke, herbs, spice. Whole chicken quarters kissed by the fire, shrimp skewers sizzling in chili and lime, pastel de papa layered and rich, a wedge salad made wild with huacatay ranch, papaya salad piled high, and sticky rice to bring it all together. Dessert? A creamy, dreamy Suspiro de Atlanta. And then there’s the bar. Smitty Luck of Puma Yu’s is pulling up from Athens to collaborate with the Tio Lucho’s crew on a one-night-only cocktail menu made for golden hour and good decisions (or bad ones—no judging). Two seatings are available at 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are priced at $100 and include dinner for two; beverages will be available for purchase separately. Space is limited, so grab a ticket today at tioluchos.com. For more information, call (404) 343-0278. Tio Lucho’s is located at 675 N. Highland Ave. NE, Suite 6000, Atlanta, GA 30306. Stay connected on Instagram and Facebook @tioluchos.