9 essential Atlanta arts events this weekend
Each week, ArtsATL curates a selection of the most exciting arts and culture events happening in Atlanta this weekend, highlighting nine must-see experiences.
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Friday
The stand-up comedian and popular TikToker will perform five shows at the Punchline from Friday, July 31, through Sunday, August 2. She has nearly 3 million followers on TikTok and almost a million on Instagram, and she’s been called the lesbian Jim Carrey.
The perpetually touring elder statesman of rock shows no signs of stopping at the age of 85. He’s back in Atlanta for a show at Synovus Bank Amphitheatre at Chastain Park on Friday, July 31. The lineup for the evening also includes the great Lucinda Williams and Jimmie Vaughan.
Join one of Atlanta’s longest-serving musicians as he brings his latest band to Star Bar to headline a night that will include sets from Del Roscoe, The Wowie Zowies and Pinky Down. Dafrico and friends formed the popular Atlanta band the Nightporters back in the early ’80s when they were still in high school. Dafrico went on to form Kickstand and Kathleen Turner Overdrive, and he’s still going strong.
Saturday
At 7 p.m. on August 1, the Mable House Amphitheatre will host a night of old-school hip-hop, led by Doug E. Fresh. The evening also includes performances by Big Daddy Kane, Chubb Rock, Rakim, Slick Rick and Kwamé.
Constance Thalken: Heart of a Bird
Whitespace presents Heart of a Bird, a solo exhibition by Atlanta-based artist Thalken, which opens with a reception from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on August 1. Featuring photographs from the forthcoming book of the same name, the exhibition brings together images made over many years while working in small communities throughout the Southeast and along the Gulf Coast, from Florida to Texas. The show will be on view through September 12
Echo Contemporary Art presents All Under The Same Roof, the fifth annual Guardian Studios Artists Exhibition. The show, featuring more than 30 artists, opens with a reception from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on August 1. The exhibit coincides with Echo Contemporary Art’s 4th Anniversary.
Beyond Courage: The Animated Films of John R. Dilworth
Join legendary animator and Courage the Cowardly Dog creator John R. Dilworth for a special in-person appearance at the Plaza Theatre, featuring Courage and a curated selection of his acclaimed animated shorts, followed by a live discussion and audience Q&A. The event happens at 7 p.m. on August 1.
Sunday
It’s being called The Ultimate Pan-Indian Dance Concert, and it’s coming to Gas South Arena in Duluth at 5:30 p.m. on August 2. It stars choreographer, dancer, actor and film director Prabhu Deva. Often referred to as the “Indian Michael Jackson” for his exceptional dance skills, Deva is known for his contributions to both Bollywood and South Indian cinema during his 30-year career.
How about a night of yacht rock? Two exemplars of the often maligned but still much-loved genre will perform at Ameris Bank Amphitheatre in Alpharetta on Sunday, August 2. The Romantics, less yacht rock and more powerboat pop, will open the show. The band’s drummer is Atlanta’s own Mike Rizzi, who has worked with John Driskell Hopkins, Five Eight, Michelle Malone, Ed Roland and many others.
More things to do this weekend and beyond
Coming up next week, learn from author Joycelyn Wilson how hip-hop functions as a powerful design methodology through remix, storytelling and cultural memory as she discusses her new book, Hacking Hip Hop, at the Atlanta History Center at 7 p.m. on August 4.
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