What to see, do and hear: Pan African Festival, Actor’s Express, Slash and more

THE ARTS

Against the odds, Decatur’s Pan African Festival got its start in 2021, while many organizations were still shell-shocked by the pandemic. Now in its fourth year, this year’s Festival promises music, food, vendors, dance and discussion from people of African descent from around the world next Saturday, August 17. The Festival is organized by the Beacon Hill Black Alliance for Human Rights and will coincide with activities at Charmaine Minniefield’s Praise House, which we’ve covered here. The organization is still seeking volunteers, too. Free.

Saturday, August 17 only.

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BOOKS

The authors of Old Enough: Southern Women Artists and Writers on Creativity and Aging take it as axiomatic that an artist’s expression changes throughout life. And Old Enough joyfully considers the second half of it with all its ups and downs. Co-editor Jay Lamar will appear with contributors Jacqueline Allen Trimble and Jeanie Thompson at the Gwinnett County Public Library next Thursday, August 15. The three will discuss the creative process, aging and the creative journey. Free with registration.

Thursday, August 15 only.

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THEATER

Our current polarized political climate is perhaps the perfect time to consider another politically dangerous moment — Weimar Germany in the 1920s, through the eyes of Kander and Ebb’s Cabaret. The musical tale of an American in Berlin in the waning days of a free Germany just before the encroachment of Naziism is a cautionary tale told with vigor at Actor’s Express through September 1. Cast, crew and everyone involved are giving it their all. Benjamin Carr gave it a hearty endorsement here. Tickets: $61.80 with various discounts available.

Ongoing.

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Sounding a bit like an introvert’s fantasy world, the Center for Puppetry Arts’ Owl at Home is the story of a solitary owl living in a cozy little home in the woods. Owl has plenty of tiny, domestic adventures, such as finding lumps in his bed and meeting a friend on a walk at night. Part of the Theater for the Very Young series, Owl at Home opens Tuesday and runs through September 8. Tickets: $18.20 for members; $22.75 for nonmembers.

Tuesday and ongoing.

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ART+DESIGN

O.M. Norling is the pseudonym of painter Jay Wilson, who borrowed the name from his Swedish immigrant great-great grandfather. Having spent six years living and attending school in Germany and South Korea, the artist brings all these influences to bear in a solo exhibition at the PATH Museum, starting Friday, August 16. The museum, devoted to “art that heals,” presents the painter’s fantastical take on horses, bears and other creatures through September. Free.

Ongoing.

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Four different artists in four different spaces have come together for an end-of-summer blowout at Whitespace gallery: Didi Dunphy in the main galleries, Wihro Kim in the Whitespec side space, Jaime Bull work installed in the Shedspace and a new video by Joe Peragine in the Peepspace — a hole in the exterior wall that allows only one visitor at a time to peek in at the work of art. Shows run through September 21, with artist talks on various days. Consult the website for details. Free.

Ongoing.

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MUSIC

Road trip! Slightly further out from typical Atlanta fare, the Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival takes place annually in Highlands, North Carolina. This year — its 43rd season — has featured violinist Scott Yoo, special music for Bastille Day and Atlanta classical favorites such as violinist David Coucheron and violist Joseph Skerik. The Festival wraps up this Sunday with a final gala concert and dinner featuring Weber, Liszt, Saint-Saëns and others. Tickets: $250.

Sunday only.

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If you knew nothing else about the hard rock band Guns N’ Roses, you’d probably recognize guitarist Slash’s iconic black top hat. Slash will perform (with hat, it seems) at the Cadence Bank Amphitheatre at Chastain Park tonight, August 8. Part of the S.E.R.P.E.N.T tour (standing for Solidarity, Engagement, Restore, Peace, Equality and Tolerance), the show celebrates the legendary guitarist’s passion for the blues. He’ll be joined by ZZ Ward and Robert Randolph. Tickets: $8 and up.

Thursday only.

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FILM+TV

Black August is an annual observation that began in San Quentin State Prison to commemorate Black political prisoners and freedom struggles. This Saturday, Soul Cinema Saturdays celebrates Black August at Ernie’s in the Cut Grooming Gallery with underground films and post-film discussion. This week’s discussion will be led by Kalonji Changa of the FTP Movement and Black August Organizing Committee. Free with RSVP.

Saturday only.

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