Tag Archive for: festival

GRAND TASTING ALPHARETTA 2024

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 7/10/24

Tickets Now On Sale for Grand Tasting Alpharetta, Presented by Taste of Atlanta Experience Alpharetta’s Finest

August, 8th at The Hotel at Avalon starting at 6pm

Info/tickets here.

Get ready to savor an unforgettable evening of gourmet delights as Grand Tasting Alpharetta, presented by Taste of Atlanta, returns for its third year on Thursday, August 8, 2024. Held at The Hotel at Avalon, this exclusive event will showcase over
25 of Alpharetta’s finest restaurants and top chefs, offering a spectacular “EATertainment” experience unlike any other.


Grand Tasting Alpharetta promises an evening filled with unlimited tastings from a diverse array of area restaurants, complemented by beverage samplings, decadent desserts, and vibrant live music by a DJ. Guests will have the opportunity to mingle with chefs, enjoy live culinary demonstrations, and partake in additional entertainment throughout the evening.


Tickets for Grand Tasting Alpharetta are all-inclusive, providing access to unlimited food and beverage tastings, desserts, live music, and more. VIP tickets are available for $125 each, offering early entry at 6 p.m., a special welcome cocktail, and an exclusive “Gotta Have It” Swag Bag (one per household). General admission tickets are priced at $85 each, granting entry from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Advance ticket purchase is recommended as this popular event often sells out. Group
ticket packages are also available at a special rate; for inquiries, please contact
info@TasteofAtlanta.com.

TICKET PRICING:


VIP TICKET: $125.00

  • Early VIP Entry at 6 p.m.
  • Exclusive “Gotta Have It” Swag Bag
    (limit one per household)
  • Unlimited food tastings and desserts
  • Bottomless craft beer, wine &
    cocktail tastings
  • Live culinary demonstrations by
    chefs and mixologist
  • Live entertainment

GENERAL ADMISSION: $85.00

  • Entry 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
  • Enjoy unlimited bites from
    Alpharetta’s best restaurants and
    chefs
  • Meet the chefs up close and
    personal
  • Unlimited wine, beer & cocktail
    tastings
  • Live music and special entertainment

GRAND TASTING ALPHARETTA: PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS
Cattle Shed, Chicken Salad Chick, Colletta, Delbar Middle Eastern, Fogon and Lions, Foundation
Social Eatery, Jim ‘N Nick’s BBQ, Kona Grill, Minnie Olivia Pizzeria, Nahm FIne Thai Cuisine, Nothing
Bundt Cakes, Oak Steakhouse, Rina Middle Eastern Street Food, Sankranti Indian Kitchen, Secreto
Southern Kitchen and Bar, Sid’s Pizza, South City Kitchen

*Participating Restaurant List is subject to change. Please visit TasteofAtlanta.com for the most
up-to-date list of restaurants.

PEACHFEST ANNOUNCES CHEFS & CONTEST TO CELEBRATE PEACHES JULY 21ST

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 7/1/24

Festival organizers announce chefs and a chance to win over $3,000 in prizes from sponsors

July 21 3pm

Tickets here.

This summer, Atlanta’s Peachtree Center will transform into a vibrant showcase of culinary excellence with Peachfest on Sunday, July 21, 2024, from 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. This standout event promises a gathering of over 65 esteemed food artisans, pastry chefs, wineries, and notable bartenders, making it a pivotal celebration of Georgia’s peach season and a must-attend for the national and local culinary scene.

Peach enthusiasts have a chance to win over $3,000 in prizes, including overnight accommodations at a luxury hotel, dinners, a Kamado Joe Grill, and VIP tickets to the peach-filled extravaganza. To enter the contest, visit the website, purchase tickets, or find information on where to pick up Pearson Farm peaches at your favorite farmers markets.

Taste Network’s coveted chef-driven Peachfest will welcome over 1,200 attendees. The event offers a delectable array of peach-centric creations ranging from savory to sweet dishes and drinks, meticulously crafted by some of Atlanta’s most celebrated chefs and beverage experts. Now in its tenth year, Peachfest is recognized not only as a premier culinary festival in the South but also as a vital contributor to sustainable agriculture initiatives.

This year’s culinary lineup will feature some of the South’s best chefs and beverage artisans dedicated to supporting local farmers, including Chef Eric Gephart of Kamado Joe, Chef Lamar Moore of Bronzeville Winery (CHI), John Short of Pearson Farm, Fishmonger Shaun Brian Sells of CudaCo. (CHS), Chef Nolan Wynn of Banshee, Chef Matt Crutchfield of Wrecking Bar Brewpub, Chef Demetrius Brown of Bread & Butterfly, Chef Greg Lipman of Piastra, Chef Casey Burchfield of The Burch, Chef Hector Santiago of La Metro, Barkeep James Wampler of Yakitori Kona, Chef Robert Butts of Black Smoke, Chef Karl Gorline of Avize, Chef Matt Marcus of The Woodall Westside, Richard Tang of Bar Diver & Girl Diver, Chef Hudson Rouse of Whoopsies, Chef Chad Clevenger of Two Urban Licks, Chef Shay Lavi of Third Space Atlanta, Melanie Wade of Golda Kombucha, Chef Walter Cortado of Estrellita, Chef Derek Dollar of The Mill Kitchen & Bar, Shirley Hughes of Sweet Cheats, Ali Washington of Soul Food Holistic Healing, Alma Cocina, Marcus Bar & Grill, and many more.

Sponsors of the festival include Kamado Joe Grills, Peachtree Center, Georgia Power, Wrecking Bar Brewpub, Georgia Proud Provisions, Pearson Farm, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Tip Top Cocktails, San Pellegrino, Crown Royal Peach Whisky, Smirnoff Lemonade, Candler Hotel, Wine Group, Fraiche Wine Group, Brother’s Bond Bourbon, Georgia Bulldog Bar, and the Vinoteca Wine Lounge featuring Ribera del Duero and Rueda, Spain’s most prestigious regions for red and white wines.

During Peachfest, guests will be able to enjoy peach-centric dishes, endless beer, premium wines, peach-infused cocktails, and more, curated by leading influencers in Atlanta’s food and beverage industry. Tickets for Peachfest are available starting at $95 for general admission, with VIP access priced at $130, offering early entry and additional exclusive tastings in a private lounge.

Tickets: VIP Access, $130; General Admission, $95. RSVP online at www.peachfest.org
Official Host: Peachtree Center, 225 Peachtree Street NE
Time: 3 p.m. for VIP entry, 4 p.m. for General Admission; ends at 7:30 p.m.
When: Sunday, July 21, 2024

General Admission includes entry to the all-inclusive afternoon affair, featuring peach-centric dishes of all varieties, beer, wine, and cocktails. The VIP ticket offers guests an extra hour of the festival, limited to 300 guests, which includes more time for food, drink, and mingling with the chefs, distillers, and farmers.

With an extraordinary list of participating chefs and sponsors, the festival will also raise funds for Piggy Bank, a non-profit whose mission is to preserve and protect endangered breeds of heritage pigs and support family farmers by creating and sharing business plans that can help form sustainable processes. In times of need, Piggy Bank provides relief to heritage breed pig farmers struck by eco-disasters in an effort to avoid failure.

ATLANTA SUMMER BEER FESTIVAL 2024

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/17/24

Saturday, June 22 4pm – 8pm

Historic Forth Ward Skate Park

Tickets here.

Join us again for one of the best beer festivals of the summer, the Atlanta Summer Beer Fest at Historic 4th Ward Park.

We will have over 150 beers, featuring the local Atlanta Breweries, and great breweries from all over the country.  A full list of beers will be posted the week of the festival. We will also have wine options, mimosas, RTDs and hard seltzers.We will have some fun attractions this year, including live music with Sucker Punch and DJ Qtip on the main stage.  Tickets are $55 advance, $55 after June 13, and $65 the day of the event (if not sold out). Your ticket price includes a souvenir cup, entertainment, and all of your beer, wine and other alcohol samples.

SUMMERTIME FUN AT PIEDMONT PARK ARTS FESTIVAL 

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/5/24

Featuring an Expansive Artist Market, Music, Children’s Area, Food Trucks and More 

Free to Attend on Saturday, August 17 and Sunday, August 18, 2024

Recognized as one of the best outdoor festivals in Atlanta, Ga., the Piedmont Park Arts Festival returns to the heart of Midtown on Saturday, August 17, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, August 18, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Presented by the Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces and held in picturesque Piedmont Park, the festival will feature approximately 250 artists including painters, photographers, sculptors, leather and metalworkers, glass blowers, jewelers, and crafters. Festival enthusiasts are also invited to enjoy all-day DJ sets from Captains of Revelry, a children’s play area, and a variety of festival food and drinks for all tastes. Free to attend, the event is open to all ages and leashed dogs are welcome. For more information on the Piedmont Park Arts Festival (1215 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309), visit piedmontparkartsfestival.com or www.affps.com. 

Photo: Ben Dashwood

22ND ANNUAL SUMMER SHADE FESTIVAL RETURNS THIS AUGUST

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 5/28/24

Free, Family-Friendly Festival in Historic Grant Park Featuring Live Music, an Artist Market, Kids Bouncy House Village, Food Trucks and Much More

Saturday, August 24 and Sunday, August 25, 2024

For over two decades, the Grant Park Conservancy Summer Shade Festival has welcomed music, art, and event enthusiasts to close out summer during two fun-filled days celebrating Atlanta’s oldest park. The 22nd annual Summer Shade Festival will take place on Saturday, August 24, beginning at 10 a.m., and Sunday, August 25, beginning at 10 a.m. Open to all ages and free to attend, this two-day, fun-filled festival will once again feature an impressive lineup of live music throughout the weekend, in addition to an expansive artist market. With two days of family-friendly activities, Kids Bouncy House Village, 5K run, and delicious bites from local food trucks and vendors, there is no better way to end the summer.

On Saturday morning at 8 am, runners, walkers and strollers are invited to kick off the festival at the annual Adams Realtors Run for the Park 5K. Raising funds to support the Grant Park Conservancy, the race starts and finishes at the main entrance of Zoo Atlanta. Pre-registration is now open here. The festival is produced by and benefits the Grant Park Conservancy, the non-profit organization committed to the restoration, maintenance, and beautification of historic Grant Park. Additional details about the 2024 festival including the full performer lineup will be announced in the coming months.  To learn more about the Grant Park Conservancy and to make a donation, visit gpconservancy.org/get-involved/support.

 For the most up to date information on this year’s Summer Shade Festival, visit www.summershadefestival.org. Stay connected on Instagram at @grantpark.atlanta and Facebook at facebook.com/SummerShadeFestival. 

Photo: Colin Boddy

SUMMER SHADE 2024 MUSIC LINEUP 

Saturday:

Main Stage: 

12:00 p.m. – Yes Ma’am  
12:55 p.m. – The Judies 1:55 p.m. – Front Porch Session Players
2:50 p.m. – Das Kaiser
3:50 p.m. – Rare Birds
4:45 p.m. – Migrant Worker
6:00 p.m. – Khaliko
7:00 p.m. – Higher Choir
8:40 p.m. – Magnapop

Gazebo:

11:30 a.m. – Fresh Press
1:45 p.m. – Rusty Cars
3:30 p.m. – Chasing the Light  

Sunday:

Main Stage:
12:00 p.m. – Whatever She Is
1:00 p.m. – Jeremy Ray and the Howdy Men
2:05 p.m. – Solid State Radio
3:10 p.m. – Pre Dawn Pours
4:35 p.m. – Rrest
5:45 p.m. – Jackson County Line 

Gazebo:  

11:30 a.m. – Ray Dunlap
1:45 p.m. – Peet Midnight and the Back Taxes

3:30 p.m. – Chasing the Light

26TH ANNUAL NEW SOUTH YOUNG PLAYWRIGHTS FESTIVAL

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 5/28/24

Aspiring writers to sharpen their skills with week of performances, playwrighting workshops and seminars

Inman Park’s Horizon Theatre is set to host a group of promising young playwrights in its 26th Annual New South Young Playwrights Festival, June 2-8. From a wide pool of script submissions from college students across the country, the theatre company selected 23 aspiring writers to attend the free week-long intensive. The chosen students will be able to flex their creative muscles in a packed week of playwrighting workshops and seminars with professional theatre actors, directors and playwrights.

“The New South Young Playwrights Festival is a treasured tradition for Horizon Theatre,” said Horizon Theatre Co-Artistic/Producing Director Lisa Adler. “We take great pleasure in raising up the next generation of playwrights, and every year we’re blown away by their talent. The future is in good hands with these bright, young minds!”

The lead teaching artists for the Festival this year are professional playwrights and educators Chisa Hutchinson ad Crystal Skillman. ​ Chisa Hutchinson is a playwright and screenwriter who also teaches creative writing at the University of Delaware. ​ Her plays have been produced in NYC and at regional theatres across the country, and she is currently developing a TV Series for Starz. ​ Crystal Skillman, a professor at The New School (NYC) and Pace University, is an internationally acclaimed playwright whose Rain and Zoe Save the World premiered in the UK in 2022 and whose award-winning musical Mary and Max had its sold-out, critically acclaimed premiere at the largest theatre in Austria, Theatre Linz. The Festival is also led by four associate teaching artists who are playwrights currently pursuing their MFAs in playwriting: Peter Chansky (Temple University), Katie Kirk (Carnegie Mellon University), Cameron Noel (University of Illinois at Carbondale) and Julissa Mishay Norment (Temple University).

The 23 winners of the New South Young Playwrights Festival come from colleges nationwide, including: Emerson College (Boston), Wake Forest University (NC), University of Texas-Arlington, Wellesley College, Columbia College Chicago, Bennington College (VT), Dartmouth College, Marymount Manhattan College, Hunter College, Ball State University (IN), University of Georgia, Kennesaw State University, Point Park University (PA), North Carolina School of the Arts, University of Virginia, Palm Beach Atlantic University (FL) and the School of the Arts at Central Gwinnett High School (GA).

As a part of the festival, the students will also be tasked with drafting a new short play to be featured in the 26th Annual New South Young Playwrights Short Play Festival. During the intensive, the plays will be workshopped and rehearsed with professional Atlanta actors taking on the roles. The week will culminate in the New South Young Playwrights Short Play Festival, a public reading and showcase of the students’ work on Saturday, June 8 at 2pm at Horizon Theatre. This NSPF Short Play Festival is free and open to the public. ​ No reservation is required.

For many years, NSYPF has made a positive impact in the lives of high school and undergraduate playwriting students. “This program gave me more playwriting knowledge than a year of playwriting at my school,” reads a comment from a participant from NSYPF 2023. “Being able to form relationships with other people my age and then professionals in the field was incredible. I felt such a sense of community and support and got so much advice that I will carry with me for the rest of my career.”

The Festival is made possible this year by the Molly Blank Fund and by Horizon’s season sponsors: City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs, the Fulton County Board of Commissioners, the Georgia Council for the Arts, and The Shubert Foundation. Local restaurant partners providing meals for participants as in-kind support include Barcelona Wine Bar, The Wrecking Bar, Bar Taco, Donnie’s Donuts, Emerald City Bagels and The Albert.

LEAD TEACHING ARTISTS (see bios below):

Chisa Hutchinson (University of Delaware)

Crystal Skillman (The New School and Pace University)

MFA TEACHING ARTISTS:

Peter Chansky (Temple University)

Katie Kirk (Carnegie Mellon University)

Cameron Noel (Southern Illinois University in Carbondale)

Julissa Mishay Norment (Temple University)

PARTICIPANTS:

Ashadé Altine (Wellesley College)

Jess Anoruigwe (University of Texas at Arlington)

Bridget Blanchard (University of Georgia)

Miriam Campbell (Bennington College)

Toni Colbert (University of Texas at Arlington)

Spencer Daniels (Emerson College)

Tomi Fawehinmi (School of the Arts at Central Gwinnett High School)

Ian Gadapee (Palm Beach Atlantic University)

Mando Gonzalvez (Point Park University)

Loey Jones-Perpich (Emerson College)

Myles Keys (Ball State University)

Anna Kraffmiller (Wellesley College)

Eloise Langan (Dartmouth College)

Amari Lewis (Kennesaw State University)

Angel Lin (University of Virginia)

Hamad Naroze (Hunter College)

Hannah Reynolds (Wake Forest University)

Jhonn Rusic (Columbia College Chicago)

Bella Smith (University of Georgia)

Sam Lee Victor (University of North Carolina School of the Arts)

Lain Walls (Marymount Manhattan College)

Emma Winiarski (Emerson College)

Isaac Woon (Hunter College)

RIVAL ENTERTAINMENT PRESENTS AN EVENING WITH CAKE AT HISTORIC FOURTH WARD SKATEPARK

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 5/13/24

The September 28th Event is Part of Big Night Out- a Series of Concerts Under the Stars in Public Spaces

Pre-Sale Tickets Go On Sale Wednesday, May 15 

Atlanta festival producer Rival Entertainment has announced an Evening with CAKE September 28 at the Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark. Self-described as Hank Williams Sr. and Sly Stone having a party and playing  AC/DC records backward, CAKE is better known as the antithesis of grunge behind the half-singing/half-speaking lyrics of lead John McCrea, trumpeter Vince DiFiore, guitarist San McCurdy, bassist Daniel McCallum, and drummer Todd Roper. Hits such as “Rock’ n’ Roll Lifestyle,” “The Distance,” the Gloria Gaynor disco classic “I Will Survive,” “Short Skirt/Long Jacket,” and others have fueled the platinum-selling rock outfit past the grunge era to a new wave of fans.

The evening is being presented under Rival Entertainment’s Big Night Out brand- a series of concerts under the stars in public places, which hints at similar events in the future from the acclaimed live event producer. Located at the Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark on the Atlanta Beltline Eastside Trail, Big Night Out – An Evening with CAKE is encouraging fans to take advantage of the proximity of the venue to several landmarks such as Inman Park (.3 miles), Ponce City Market (.5 miles), Krog Market (.6 miles), and Piedmont Park (1.2 miles). While the event will be walkable for many, there will also be a complimentary bicycle valet, ride-share drop-off locations, and nearby parking.

Pre-Sale General Admission and VIP ticket options for an Evening with CAKE will go on sale Wednesday, May 15, through the band website, www.cakemusic.com. VIP includes front-of-stage pit viewing, a lounge, and comfort amenities. Fans can purchase pre-sale tickets through Rival Entertainment on Thursday, May 16, at Big Night Out. General on sale will be available on Friday, May 17. This is an all-ages event. Free admission for children under seven with a ticketed adult.

Big Night Out – An Evening with CAKE is produced by Rival Entertainment. Visit www.BigNightOut.com for the most up-to-date information. Stay connected on Facebook @RivalEntertainmentATL and Instagram at @RivalEntertainment. Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark is located at 830 Willoughby Way, Atlanta, Georgia.

12TH ANNUAL ATLANTA FRINGE FESTIVAL

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 5/7/24

The 12th Annual Atlanta Fringe Festival Returns for Live Performances Across Atlanta, June 3-9

Week-long performing arts festival brings together 28 remarkable artist groups and street performers, offers free family-friendly entertainment

The Atlanta Fringe Festival is thrilled to announce its biggest, most ambitious outing yet with 28 performance groups from seven different states and Thailand — presenting live theater, dance, puppetry, comedy, storytelling and more. This year’s festival, which takes place June 3-9, 2024 across seven local venues, will also feature a free performance venue for family-friendly shows and activities; a free outdoor festival featuring Atlanta street performers; a variety benefit featuring local Atlanta talent; and audio artists whose work will be available exclusively on the Atlanta Fringe podcasting network. The festival includes performances to suit every taste, with entertainment taking over venues around Little Five Points, East Atlanta Village and Old Fourth Ward. This year’s traditional and converted performing spaces include 7 Stages, The Marianna at Wrecking Bar Brewpub, Limelight Theater, Metropolitan Studios and Dynamic El Dorado.

“We can honestly say this is one of the most dynamic line-ups we’ve ever hosted,” said Atlanta Fringe Festival Executive Director Diana Brown. “We have put together a group of exceptional artists from across the globe ready to engage audiences for days of eccentric, inspiring performances. It’s overwhelming… but in the best way!”

Per festival tradition, the 28 companies in this year’s lineup were primarily chosen through an unjuried lottery of approximately 100 global submissions. As in years past, the 12th Annual Atlanta Fringe Festival will boast live performances across the theatrical spectrum, from burlesque-based monster cabarets to ensemble comedies, modern dance, puppetry and magicians. Festival artists will be eligible for cash prizes for excellence in various categories as selected by the audience, staff and a panel of judges from the Atlanta arts community.

In addition to the live performance core of the festival, additional programming will include:

  • FREE family-friendly performances at East Atlanta Kids Club starting Saturday, June 8 at 10 a.m.Featuring puppetry, storytelling, games, crafts and more, these performances are appropriate for children ages 0-18.
  • FREE preview performance at 7 Stages on Wednesday, June 5 at 7 p.m. All 28 shows will get three minutes each to wow the audience at 7 Stages, allowing them to get to know the artists. This is usually a standing-room-only event, so attendees are encouraged to arrive early.
  • FREE Atlanta Street Fringe taking placeJune 7-9 around Little 5 Points Village. Street Fringe is a platform dedicated to busking and street performers of all kinds! Activations around Little 5 will allow performers to engage with pedestrians ​ in one of the coolest, quirkiest and most beloved neighborhoods in Atlanta.
  • Benefit Show – Five/5ths of Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure will kick offthe festival Monday, June 3 at 7 p.m. at 7 Stages. By splitting this classic film into five parts and giving the parts to five very different performance groups, we get the most unique (and triumphant) re-telling of all time.

In addition to live performances, the Atlanta Fringe Festival will once again host an audio component: Fringe Audio. The only podcasting network of its kind on the fringe circuit, Fringe Audio will feature pieces of storytelling and radio theater – most of them world premieres – by local and national artists. Streaming at AtlantaFringe.org on May 20, the shows are free, and a $200 cash prize will be offered to the winner of the Critics’ Choice Award, recognizing excellence in podcast production.

Atlanta Fringe Festival 2024 Lineup:

TOURING ARTISTS

Imaginary Podcast Network, Let Me Say This About That – Minneapolis, MN (comedy, improv, cabaret/variety)

Mother Flockers, Flock the Vote – Portland, OR & Los Angeles, CA & Austin, Texas & New York, NY (comedy, performance art)

Botticelli Babes, Botticelli Babes – Johnson City, TN (storytelling)

Rya, The Evolution of Consciousness – Clearwater, FL (dance, musical, performance art)

Bobby Wesley, Liquid Courage – Orlando, FL (comedy, storytelling)

Spotlight Exchange, Dance With Dementia – Taiwan & Hong Kong (drama, performance art, storytelling)

Speakeasy Sirens, IT’S ALIVE! A Monster Burlesque Comedy – Orlando, FL (burlesque, comedy)

Linnea Bond, Heart Ripped Out Twice And So Can You! – Philadelphia, PA (comedy, theater)

Sloan Brettholz, Officer Scott: Too Much Isn’t Enough – New York City, NY (comedy)

Time Machine Blueprints, Time Machine Blueprints: The Show – New York City, NY (comedy, performance art, storytelling)

Hunter Dance Project, Agnes & Agatha – Tallahassee, FL (dance, performance art, theater)

The Winding Sheet Outfit, All We Are Left With Is Hope – Minneapolis, MN (storytelling, theater)

GEORGIA ARTISTS

Forever Standing Productions, Rhythm of Love The Musical – Decatur, GA (drama, musical theater)

Michael Williams, Get Home Safe! – Atlanta, GA (cabaret/variety, drama, comedy, theater)

MerryCat Productions, The Wallpaper – Decatur, GA (drama, theater)

Augustus Graves, Augustus Graves: MINDREADER – Douglasville, GA (magic/mentalism)

Lily Kerrigan, The Lily Show – Atlanta, GA (comedy, standup)

Kate Morales, Água Loves A Monster – Decatur, GA (puppetry, performance art, dance)

Michael Butler, Look At Me! Look At Me! Look At Me!!! – Atlanta, GA (circus, cabaret/variety, burlesque)

The Atlanta Contemporary Dance Company, This Silly Little Game – Atlanta, GA (dance)

Flay’s Anatomy, Flay’s Anatomy – Atlanta, GA (theater, cabaret/variety)

The AU Guys, Get Psyched – Atlanta, GA (improv, comedy)

Sarah Michelson, Dybbrooke – Decatur, GA (drama, theater)

The Assembly of Phantasms, The Masque of the Red Death – Savannah, GA (burlesque, cabaret/variety, theater)

BFG Images, The Game of Chess – Atlanta, GA (comedy, theater)

SobSax, The Elements of Euclid – Atlanta, GA (theater)

Renee Marchol, Well, I Ate – Atlanta, GA (storytelling)

Oldest and Dearest, Mr. Cardboard – Atlanta, GA (comedy, theater, clown)

Follow ATL Fringe on Facebook and Instagram for new announcements, volunteer opportunities and information on upcoming exclusive performances.

CELEBRATE MOTHER’S DAY WEEKEND AT CHASTAIN PARK SPRING ARTS FESTIVAL

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 5/6/24

The Award-Winning Festival Features Over 185 Artists, Local Bites, Live Acoustic Music and More

Open to All Ages and Free to Attend on Saturday, May 11, and Sunday, May 12, 2024

Chastain Park Spring Arts Festival will return to beautiful Chastain Park on Park Drive in Buckhead on Saturday, May 11 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 12, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. An ideal destination to bring the family and pups, the award-winning, two-day festival is free to attend and features more than 185 painters, photographers, sculptors, leather and metal craft artisans, glass blowers, jewelers and more. Eventgoers are also invited to view artist demonstrations, enjoy live acoustic music, DJs, an expansive children’s area, and food trucks and beverages for all tastes. Chastain Park Spring Arts Festival (4469 Stella Drive, Atlanta, GA 30327) takes place rain or shine and is open to all ages. For more information, please visit www.chastainparkartsfestival.com and www.affps.com. 

SHAKY KNEES 2024 DAY 3 – THE DOWNPOUR

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 5/6/24

If you have never seen a rock show in the rain, you’re missing out. Today was all about one of John’s favorite bands, Dinosaur Jr.  

First off, we caught a newer band we had not heard of until the festival, Arcy Drive. They are out of New York with a mash-up of varieties of sounds like indie, 90s fast slow, two-step, and singsong talking and singing mix. Not all at the same time, for example one song would be songs that are softer almost ballad-like that erupt into heavy guitar for the chorus. Then, the next song would be a rock song with more of a southern twang and have some two-step influence. I enjoyed lead singer Nick Mateyunas’ voice, it is smooth yet gritty. The one we really like is called Wicked Styley, which is the one they started with. It is a fun upbeat rock song with lots of 90’s influence and reverb. 

The Downpour. About 5 minutes before Dinosaur Jr. went on the Ponce De Leon stage, the skies opened up and a torrential downpour started and lasted for almost the entire set. People were caught in the rain, and it was so much that even us with ponchos got pretty soaked. Especially our feet in ankle deep water near the front of the stage flowing into the crowd. No one seemed to mind too much and it actually electrified the audience. John quipped at one point, “it’s like we’re back in the 90’s.” And he was right, the energy from the crowd was noticeably high! They even broke out into mosh pits and a sea of crowd surfers dotted the front. It was a sight to behold! Plus, the music had a lot to do with the mood! If you don’t know Dinosaur Jr, they are what I call hard skate rock. Something I imagine skaters on their boards would listen to in their ear buds. Songs like Feel the Pain and Over It are melodious with heavy guitar and just plain fun. Plus, the covered The Cure, “Just Like Heaven.” It was a great show. 

After our Dinosaur Jr. experience, we headed back over to see Billy Idol and found the main stage to be a mud bog. People without shoes dancing in the sprinkles, drenched friends with smiles on their faces. We saw him back in 2015 during Music Midtown and his show has always been top notch! Billy Idol is always a good time singing greats like White Wedding, Rebel Yell, and Cradle of Love that anyone will sing and dance with. Visually, he had some fun LED graphics and seems to have not aged a bit and still sounds really good live! He even took his Billy Idol shirt off and threw it in the crowd.  

I’m just going to come right out and say it, we left before Foo Fighters. We’d seen them before, and the weather had made the main stage too muddy. Plus, we had stood in ankle high water for an hour, so our feet were wet, and we had a long weekend. We will catch them next time.  

Did you have a favorite Shaky moment?