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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Thursday
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee is celebrating a milestone birthday with the Buddy Guy 90 Tour. One of the greatest living bluesmen turned 90 on July 30, and he’ll perform at Atlanta Symphony Hall at 7:30 p.m. on August 20.
The Festival expands to two weekends this year, celebrating work created by and for people of color and featuring premieres, workshops, panel discussions, master classes, special appearances and more. The Festival takes place August 21 through August 23 and August 27 through August 30 at the Tara Theatre. Opening night sees the premiere of The Horne Brothers’ Love, Patrick: Nothing Is Impossible, a documentary that uncovers the extraordinary rise of Patrick Kelly, the late Southern, Black designer who took Paris by storm and reshaped fashion while confronting race, identity and mortality. The awards ceremony on August 30 takes place at the Ray Charles Performing Arts Center at Morehouse College. Check out our preview of the Festival.
Atlanta playwright Kira Rockwell’s latest play opens August 21 at Horizon Theatre. The fast-paced comedy takes place on the eve of the highly anticipated grand opening of a beloved fast-food chain, as 100 fervent devotees gather in the parking lot for an overnight campout to earn a year of free large combos. The show continues through September 20.
Friday
Elf Power, Five Eight, Shehehe
Over at the Garden Club at Wild Heaven West End, catch the psychedelia-infused indie rock of Athens’ Elf Power as they headline a show that also includes Five Eight and Shehehe at 8 p.m. on August 21. At a recent show in Athens, Elf Power was joined by REM’s Peter Buck for a cover of the T. Rex classic “20th Century Boy.”
The annual free outdoor Festival celebrating Atlanta’s oldest public park takes place on August 22 and August 23. It’s presented by and benefits the Grant Park Conservancy, the nonprofit organization committed to the restoration, maintenance and beautification of historic Grant Park. There will be music, art and much more.
Saturday
The Isley Brothers and the O’Jays
At Synovus Bank Amphitheater at Chastain Park, August 22 brings a night of some of the finest R&B and soul music ever recorded. The Isleys gave us “It’s Your Thing,” “Shout” and, my personal favorite, “Harvest for the World.” The O’Jays’ “Back Stabbers,” “Love Train,” “I Love Music” and “For the Love of Money” all were Top 10 hits and are easily among the greatest songs of the ’70s
Squeeze, Haircut 100, Adam Ant
At 7 p.m. on August 22 at the Fox Theatre, it’s a trip back to the ’80s with a trio of British acts. The perfect pop of Squeeze heads the bill, but you’ll also get Adam Ant and the reunited Haircut 100, led by Nick Heyward. Heyward’s 1983 solo album North of a Miracle is a criminally underrated classic. Haircut 100 released Boxing the Compass, their first new album in more than 40 years, in June.
This group show brings together a diverse collection of contemporary artists whose works challenge traditional boundaries through innovation in material, process and vision. The show opens with a reception from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on August 22 and also marks the first anniversary of Luca Fine Art.
Sunday
The Velvet Hour: Sinatra, Swing, and Standards
Return to the golden era of the great American songbook at the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta on August 23. It’s an intimate cabaret evening featuring timeless jazz and pop standards made famous by legends like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Ella Fitzgerald
More things to do this weekend and beyond
You can also catch two Georgia keyboard greats, as jazz pianist Joe Alterman returns to Eddie’s Attic on August 20 and Rolling Stones touring musician and Music Director Chuck Leavell plays the Buckhead Theatre on August 22.
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