SOUTHERN WILDS FESTIVAL: THE SEQUEL

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/31/22

Saturday, September 24

Slow Pour Brewing

https://www.southernwildsfest.com/

Southern Wilds will be hosting their second-ever festival on Saturday, September 24, 2022 at one of
Lawrenceville, Georgia’s favorite gathering spots, Slow Pour Brewing Co. Attendees can expect two stages
of live music, craft beer, food trucks, a market of local artists, and a whole lot of fun.

Anderson East (@andersoneast), most notable for his single, “Satisfy Me,” and Kidd G (@the.kiddg), who
went viral on TikTok with his single, “Dirt Road,” will headline the show on Saturday evening, and they will
be joined throughout the day by A Thousand Horses (@athousandhorses), Tiera Kennedy (@tieramusic),
Cam Christian (@camchristian.mp3), Grace Asbury (@graceasburymusic), Brendan Abernathy
(@brendanabernathy), and more.

Starting as low as $35, three ticket options will be available to purchase: General Admission, VIP, and
Platinum Wilds. The official lineup and all tickets are available to the public starting Friday, July 8, 2022.

DRAGON CON IS FOR FANS

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/28/22

More Than 60,000 Cosplayers, Gamers, and Pop Culture Enthusiasts Return to Atlanta for

Annual Celebration of Fantasy, Sci-Fi, and Gaming

http://www.dragoncon.org/

Dragon Con, the internationally known science fiction, fantasy, and gaming convention, returns to downtown Atlanta for Labor Day weekend, bringing with it some 60,000 pop culture fans.

Dragon Con 2022 runs from Thursday, Sept. 1 to Monday, Sept. 5 with events and activities across five host hotels – Hyatt Regency Atlanta, Marriott Marquis, Hilton Atlanta, Westin Peachtree, and Sheraton Atlanta – and AmericasMart Buildings Two and Three.

Dragon Con attracts fans from all 50 states and several foreign countries who come to Dragon Con to meet their favorite actors, artists, authors, creators, and experts, show off their latest cosplay, make new friends, and revel in the joy that is Dragon Con.

Guests – Two members of the original Star Trek television series, William Shatner and Walter Koenig, lead a long list of celebrity guests who will appear at this year’s convention. Joining them are Emmy-nominated actor Morena Baccarin; Once Upon a Time’s Jennifer Morrison; Lauren Ridloff, Tony-nominated deaf actress from Marvel’s Eternals; and David Ramsey and Emily Bett Rickards at the head of a long list of actors representing the Arrowverse.

Other top guests from television and movies include Charmed’s Holly Marie Combs; Stargate Atlantis’ Joe Flanigan and Rachel Luttrell; Encanto’s Diane Guerrero, Mauro Castillo, and Adassa; and The Boys’ Laz Alonso, Nathan Mitchell, and Tomer Capone; as well as voice actors Kaitlyn Robrock (Disney’s Minnie Mouse), Jim Cummings (Disney’s Winnie the Pooh), and Nolan North (Superman).

Joining Shatner and Koenig, Star Trek fans will have a chance to meet Anson Mount, Anthony Rapp, Michelle Hurd, and many other cast members from the latest installments of the beloved franchise, Star Trek: Discovery, Star Trek: Picard, and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.

Fans will also recognize guests from Georgia-filmed productions including Doom Patrol (Joivan Wade, Matthew Zuk, Riley Shanahan, and Mark Sheppard); Stargirl (Brec Bassinger, Yvette Monreal, Trae Romano, and Anjelika Washington), The Walking Dead (Chad Coleman, Laurie Holden, Katelyn Nacon, and Chandler Riggs), and Fear The Walking Dead (Lennie James and Danay Garcia).

For the MTV Generation, Sam J. Jones and Melody Anderson from the cult classic movie, Flash Gordon, will be on hand. Jones played star quarterback Flash Gordon while Anderson played ally Dale Arden who helped save planet Earth from the wicked Ming the Merciless. 

Cosplay – Dragon Con is well known for the quality of its cosplay – or costume play – and that tradition will certainly continue. The nation’s top cosplayers will show off their best work during the show, participating in costume contests every night of the convention and promenading throughout the five host hotels and the streets of downtown Atlanta.

Cosplay competitions remain a mainstay of Dragon Con, including the queen of competitions, Dragon Con Masquerade, the oldest continuously-run competition in fandom, the craftsmanship-focused Friday Night Costume Contest, and the low-key and fan-voted Hallway Costume Contest.

Gaming – New this year,Dragon Con is moving a large part of its ‘round the clock gaming programming one block up and one block over, from AmericasMart Building One to Building Three.

While the move was necessary because of renovations to Building One, the new space is better laid out and quite roomy – offering nearly three acres of games and gaming, from the latest and most popular video games to rarely seen board games.

The popular Artemis Bridge Game, in which eight players man the bridge of a USS Enterprise-like starship through its galactic adventures, is also expanding. First offered in 2016, the Artemis will now have two dedicated installations to allow cooperation or head-to-head competition. 

Joystick Gamebar will once again offer a pop-up experience at 161 Peachtree Center, featuring dozens of classic American arcade games. No need for quarters, these games will be free to play for the full convention.  

Overall, Dragon Con is one of the largest gaming conventions in the nation. From the latest video games to the most popular tabletop games, plus Japanese and classic American arcade games, ‘round the clock gaming is free to Dragon Con members starting Thursday, Sept. 1 at 4 pm.

Parade – The always popular Dragon Con Parade steps off on Saturday, Sept. 3 at 10 am. After a year in which only badged Dragon Con members could attend, the parade is once again free and open to the public.

The parade route remains the same as in past years. Beginning at the intersection of Peachtree Street and Linden Avenue, the parade will head south on Peachtree, east (left) on Andrew Young International Boulevard and north (left) on Peachtree Center Avenue. It will end on Peachtree Center Avenue between John Portman Boulevard and Baker Street, in front of the Atlanta Marriott Marquis.

The route is convenient to three MARTA stations – North Avenue, Civic Center, and Peachtree Center. Parking downtown is expected to be tight. Dragon Con encourages parade spectators to ride MARTA.

The 2022 parade will once again be televised and streamed live on Atlanta’s CW69 and our own DCTV. CW69’s live coverage will begin at 10 am and will remain on air through the entire parade, with a time-edited rebroadcast on Sunday, Sept. 4 at 11 p.m. 

There are a number of live streaming options. DCTV will broadcast the parade live on a closed circuit to the convention’s host hotels, with rebroadcasts throughout the weekend. Parade coverage will also be available through the Dragon Con Goes Virtual streaming app.

Official Charity – Open Hand Atlanta is Dragon Con’s official charity for 2022. Through auctions and other charity events, plus a dollar-for-dollar match up to $100,000 from Dragon Con, the convention will raise money to support this important organization.

Since 2013, the convention has consistently raised more than $100,000 for each of its annual official charities. In 2021, Dragon raised more than $140,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta.

Open Hand’s mission is to help underserved individuals prevent or better manage chronic disease through tailored nutrition interventions, which include a variety of therapeutic meal plans as well as nutrition counseling and coaching delivered by an experienced team of Registered Dietitian Nutritionists.  With the dedicated support of over 14,000 volunteers, they currently prepare, pack, and deliver over 5,500 meals per day in Metro Atlanta and rural Georgia.

In addition to fundraising, Dragon Con conducts the largest convention-based blood drive in the nation. In 2021, some 3,000 fans donated more than 6,000 units of blood and blood products in the annual Robert A. Heinlein “Pay It Forward” blood drive, benefiting LifeSouth, which serves more than 40 hospitals in the Atlanta area and 110 hospitals in the Southeast.

LABOR DAY BBQ ON THE BELTLINE AT TWO URBAN LICKS

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/28/22

Celebrate the Unofficial End of Summer During a Classic Cookout on the Patio
Beginning at 12 p.m. on Monday, September 5, 2022


In honor of the unofficial end of summer, TWO urban licks is hosting a Labor Day bash, BBQ on the BeltLine, on its expansive dog-friendly patio on Monday, September 5th from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. In addition to TWO’s full menu of fiery American cuisine, Executive Chef Jay Swift will be serving tender smoked chicken, brisket, and BBQ pork with classic sides including collard greens, pasta salad, baked beans, cole slaw and more starting at $35. Diners can toast to the end of summer while sipping on TWO’s impressive wine, beer and cocktail offerings. To make a reservation or for more information, call 404.522.4622 or visit  twourbanlicks.com. TWO urban licks is located in the Old Fourth Ward at 820 Ralph McGill Blvd. Atlanta, GA 30306.

20TH ANNUAL SUMMER SHADE FESTIVAL

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/23/22

Free, Family-Friendly Festival  With  Live Music, an Artist Market, Kids Zone, 5K Run, Food Trucks, Craft Beer and Much More. Presented by Southern Feedstoreon Saturday, August 27th and Sunday, August 28th 

A favorite tradition, the Grant Park Conservancy Summer Shade Festival will once again welcome music and art lovers to Atlanta’s oldest park as the summer comes to a close. Presented by Southern Feedstore, the annual event will celebrate its 20th anniversary this weekend, Saturday, August 27 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday, August 28, 2022 from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. The family-friendly festival will feature an impressive lineup of live music throughout the weekend, an artist market, Kids Zone, 5K run, local food trucks and vendors, cocktails, beer and more. The festival, produced by and benefiting the Grant Park Conservancy, welcomes all ages and is free to attend.  


On Saturday at 8 a.m., runners, walkers and strollers are invited to take part in the annual Adams Realtors Run for the Park 5K, which includes a free kid’s tot trot for ages 5 and under and a stroller stroll along the race course. Registration for the 5K and Stroller Stroll is $40. The 5K raises funds for the Grant Park Conservancy and the course’s start and finish will be at the main entrance to Zoo Atlanta. To pre-register or for more information, visit www.summershadefestival.com or https://runsignup.com/runforthepark5k.


After participating in the 5K or working up an appetite cheering on friends, festival goers can explore mouthwatering options from 19 different food trucks and vendors. Offering something delicious for all tastes, this year’s participants include Big Pat’s Bar-Bee-Que, Coffyn Pyes, Devon’s Popcorn, Dunwoody Café, Figment Kombucha, Gyro Chef Mediterranean Food Truck, Island Noodles, King of Pops, Lisa’s Creperie, Mix’D UP Burgers, Nine Rabbits, Peoples Town Coffee, Repicci’s Italian Ice & Gelato, Sno-Angel Delites, Sweet Chimney Bakery, Sweetacular Treats, The Pickle, Tower Treats, Yom Ice Cream and more. A variety of Monday Night Brewing craft beers, cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages will also be available.     

Always a favorite, attendees are invited to peruse the festival’s expansive Artist Market that showcases an impressive array of talented local and regional artists working in a wide variety of mediums. From handmade bath and body products to original oil paintings, leather goods and statement jewelry, the Artist Market has something for everyone at all price ranges. The full list of vendors and booth locations are available at www.summershadefestival.com. 

This year’s live music lineup will not disappoint. Starting at 12 p.m. on both days, each artist brings their own unique sound and style to the stage that will keep festival goers entertained and moving. Saturday’s lineup includes Portmanteau, Yes Ma’am, False Hearted Lovers, Lynx Delux, Mermaid Motor Lounge, Ghost Riders Car Club, Solid State Radio, and Khaliko. On Sunday, attendees can enjoy Neighborhood Ballet, C Note, Das Kaiser, The Brookses, Gamma Star, The Wheeler Boys, and James Hall and the Steady Wicked.  


Grant Park Conservancy Summer Shade Festival is proud to be presented by Southern Feedstore. 2022 sponsors include Adams Realtors, Grant Park Market, Husqvarna, Monday Night Brewing, Post Meridiem Spirits, Tanqueray, Wildgood, All American Gutter, Agave Restaurant, Atlanta United FC, The Atlanta Falcons, Coke Zero Sugar, Dakota Blue, Greystar for the Penman Apts., Gutter Guards America, Jacuzzi Bath Remodel, Kyle Embler – Ansley Real Estate, Matt Westmoreland, Jason Winston, My Friend’s Bottle Shop, Outdoor Makeover & Living Spaces, Partake, Positivity Alkaline Water, Rugby ATL, State Farm, The Rounds, Margaritaville Vacation Club by Wyndham, and Wyndham Vacation Destinations.  

Paid parking is available in the Grant Park Gateway parking facility (759 Boulevard, 30312), and the parking lot off of Cherokee Avenue in the Zoo Atlanta lot (800 Cherokee Avenue, 30315). Street parking is limited so rideshare and other forms of transpiration are highly encouraged. There will be a bike valet available for cyclists attending the event. 

For the most up to date information, visit www.summershadefestival.org. 

THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY’S ANNUAL HOPE BALL RETURNS SEPTEMBER 10

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/21/22

A Black-Tie Evening Including a Cocktail Hour, Silent and Live Auctions, Mission Moment, Dinner, Music and More
Hope@Night After Party Keeps the Festivities Going Into the Evening

The American Cancer Society’s annual signature gala and one of Atlanta’s premiere philanthropic events, Hope Ball, returns on Saturday, September 10 hosted at The St. Regis Atlanta. The black-tie evening brings together influential leaders in Atlanta’s social, philanthropic, and corporate communities to help fund critical cancer research and support the American Cancer Society’s mission to save lives, celebrate lives, and lead the fight for a world without cancer. Since 2016, this evening of inspiration has raised $4.7 million supporting cancer research and the Atlanta Hope Lodge. 


ATLANTA HOPE BALL 2021 VIDEO


Hosted by WSB-TV2 anchor Wendy Corona, the soirée will begin with an elegant cocktail hour and silent auction, complemented by the sounds of the Joe Grandson Quartet. Patrons will enjoy an exquisite, multi-course dinner from Executive Chef Jordan Barnett of The St. Regis Atlanta before an exciting live auction and donation presentation. Additionally, American Cancer Society CEO Dr. Karen Knudsen will be in attendance to celebrate innovation in cancer research and a mission moment from cancer survivor Julia York and Winship Cancer Institute at Emory researcher Dr. Curtis Henry. This moment serves as a reminder of why the Atlanta community has gathered for a night of elegance. New this year, the Board of Ambassadors will host The C-Suite at Hope Ball for platinum sponsors as an opportunity before the main event to network with other top executives and strengthen business connections in the private setting of the Maisonette at St. Regis Atlanta.


The evening will continue with the Hope@Night after party. Guests can dance to DJ Era, mingle with young professionals and corporate leaders, and party with a purpose. There will be a premium open bar, late-night bites, and a 360 photo booth experience to capture the fun. Individual tickets to the Hope Ball are $750 and grant Hope@Night entry. Tickets to attend the after party are on sale now for $125. All ticket and donation options can be found at www.HopeBall.org.
Hope Ball is presented by Delta Air Lines. Funds raised at the Hope Ball benefit the American Cancer Society. The American Cancer Society’s mission is to free the world from cancer. They fund and conduct research, share expert information, support patients, and spread the word about prevention. 

C10S IN THE CITY – CLASSIC TRUCK SHOW THIS LABOR DAY WEEKEND

C10S IN THE CITY, a classic truck show, raises money for charitable causes and brings customers to Atlanta’s growing neighborhoods.

On Sep 3, 2022, C10s in the City is returning to the Summerhill neighborhood of Atlanta. This free show is expected to attract over 350 classic trucks and 700 spectators to the redeveloped area near Atlanta’s former Olympic stadium and surroundings. 

C10s in the City’s mission is to:

  1. Create a space for enthusiasts to enjoy a sense of community.
  2. Invite participants from the city, suburbs, and beyond to experience Atlanta in a new way.
  3. Drive business to shops and restaurants in Atlanta’s growing neighborhoods. 

The Pink Fund, an organization that provides financial help to breast cancer patients, is the beneficiary of the fundraiser that will take place during the show. 

Boim, a 35-year-old breast cancer survivor, is excited to include the fundraiser for the Pink Fund, schedule, saying:

“The concept for C10s in the City came to us after a very difficult year. In March 2020, Rick lost his mom, I was diagnosed with breast cancer, and the country was shuttered. In 2021, as businesses started opening, we decided to use our passion for classic trucks to bring people back together and drove customers to Atlanta’s struggling businesses.”

C10s in the City is free to entrants and spectators. This piece is important to Cheeseman, who says: 

“We are not here to make money. The show is all about having a great time with friends, meeting new people, and coming together for a good cause. We have no plans to ever charge people to come to C10s in the City. It’s humbling to have so many people supporting us and this show. I’m looking forward to growing this event and giving back to the community.”

The show will occur on Saturday, Sep 3, from 11 am to 5 pm beneath Atlanta’s Olympic rings in Summerhill’s C Lot, 513 Capitol Ave SE Atlanta, GA 30312. 

The neighborhood of Summerhill and Carter USA are hosting the show. Other supporters include CK Truck Magazine, United by Trucks, SQRBDY, Auto Metal Direct, Cato’s Custom Upholstery, Howe’s It Doin Garage, Hooks Detailing, Jason Mode’s New Creations, and OBS Trends. 

ROSE ALL DAY AT TWO URBAN LICKS : EVERY WEEKEND IN AUGUST!

Every weekend in August, TWO urban licks brings this wine lovers pastime to life by offering endless Rosé choices from their vast selection sourced from around the globe every weekend. Beat the heat and clink to the pink with this new brunch special that runs Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for $35 per person. TWO’s hand-picked Rosé wines pair perfectly with Executive Chef Jay Swift’s brunch and lunch menu that includes something for all tastes. From traditional Biscuits & Gravy, Chocolate Banana French Toast and Steak and Eggs to the Crab Cake Benedict and Pork Belly Sandwich, guests are invited to sip and nosh at the bar, in the expansive dining room and on the dog-friendly patio overlooking the Atlanta BeltLine.  To make a reservation or for more information, call 404.522.5622 or visit  www.twourbanlicks.com.  TWO urban licks is located at 820 Ralph McGill Blvd. Atlanta, GA, 30306.

CELEBRATE THE RETURN OF SUMMER SHADE AT EVENTIDE BREWING

August 19th 

4-10 p.m.

Come raise a glass at Eventide Brewing to celebrate the return of their beloved Summer Shade Pale Ale on August 19 from 4-10 p.m.! In addition to Eventide’s brews, guests will also be able to enjoy live entertainment from local musician Alex Cavanaugh and smashburgers for purchase from Sugar Loaf. Admission is free and 10% of all Summer Shade package sales will go toward the Grant Park Conservancy, a nonprofit that focuses on preserving and enhancing the Grant Park community.

RED’S BEER GARDEN HOSTS PAWS ATLANTA ADOPTION AND FUNDRAISER EVENT

Give a Pup a New Home, Enjoy Craft Brews, Hot Dogs, Bites and Much More
Saturday, August 20, 2022 From 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.


Looking for the paw-fect weekend plan? Bring friends, family, and pups to celebrate finding four-legged friends a forever home at Red’s Beer Garden on Saturday, August 20th from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Located in Benteen Park between Grant Park and East Atlanta, the charity event will contribute 10% of all proceeds to PAWS Atlanta, a no-kill shelter that provides love, care and basic training to enrich the lives of orphaned dogs and cats until permanent, safe homes can be provided. Guests can explore more than 300 beverages including craft beer, wine, ciders, hard seltzers and brews on tap that are handpicked by owner and beer expert Kristen Sumpter, aka Red. There are also plenty of delicious offerings, from hot dogs and sandwiches to sharable snacks. For more information, call Red’s Beer Garden at 770.637.2229 or visit www.redsbeergarden.com. Red’s Beer Garden is located at 1328 Boulevard SE, Atlanta, GA 30315.

NATIONAL DOG DAY PARTY AT EVENTIDE BREWING

Celebrate doggos, puppers & woofers at Eventide Brewing’s National Dog Day party on Friday, August 26

Grant Park’s favorite brewery is rolling out the red carpet for its four-legged friends with vendors, plenty of canine treats & free beer for anyone who donates to PAWS Atlanta

Get ready for a doggone great time celebrating pups big and small at Eventide Brewing on Friday, August 26 4-10 PM. 

Grant Park’s favorite brewery is toasting man’s and woman’s best friend this National Dog Day. The festivities, which kickoff at 4 p.m., will be emceed by Benny the Berner and include:  

  • PAWS Atlanta, which will be onsite with adoptable pups and volunteer opportunities. Additionally, Eventide is hosting a donation drive and everyone who brings an item will receive a free pint. Items needed include: 
    • Hill’s Science Diet adult dog food
    • Newspapers
    • Regular unscented bleach
    • Trash bags (heavy 55 – 60 gallon and 13-gallon tall kitchen) 
    • Milk-Bones
    • Kong toys
  • Atlanta Dog Rescue Cafe, which will provide fun and interactive pet education for all ages. 
  • Big Daddy Biscuits, which will have plenty of all-natural, healthy treats for sale. 
  • Blue Grasshopper Creations, which will be selling handmade dog bow ties, bandanas and more.
  • Greatest of All Pops (GOAP), which will be on hand with cool pupsicles to help your four-legged friends beat the dog days of summer.
  • Creative Caricatures, which will have an artist on hand to capture unique illustrations of you and your best friend. 

Also, Eventide Brewing will be serving a “Pooch Pilsner” and “Pooch Porter” (made with chicken and beef broth, respectively), depending on your dog’s preference. 

Finally, there will be a dog-owner look alike contest where the winner will receive free beer for the rest of 2022. Registration will take place from 6 to 7 p.m., with the contest beginning at 8 p.m. 

Whether you have a smol, a chunky boy or an absolute unit, all puppers (as long as they we well-behaved) are welcome! 

For more information about the event, please visit Eventide Brewing’s Facebook event page.