To continue helping you get in the spirit (if all of the music on the radio hasn't already done it!), here's my second installment of weekend holiday happenings around town... Just click on the name of the event for more info.  And let me know what you think if you go to any of these events!

Classical Music
Atlanta Boy Choir and Alumni Christmas Concert at Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Christmas with the ASO and ASO Kid's Christmas with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
December Detours with the Atlanta Gay Men's Chorus at St. Philip's Cathedral
34th Annual Music of the Holidays with the Atlanta Young Callanwolde Singers at The Catholic Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
Big Band Christmas with Joe Gransden at Clayton State University's Spivey Hall
Just Voices Christmas Concert at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church

Theatre & Dance
Callanwolde Ballet Ensemble's The Nutcracker at St. Pius Catholic School
A Christmas Cactus with the Southside Theatre Guild
Once Upon a Holiday at 7 Stages
The Nutcracker with the Atlanta Festival Ballet at the Henry County Performing Arts Center

Out & About
Candlelight Tour of Roswell's Southern Trilogy
Santa Parade & A Day With Santa in Downtown Kennesaw
Grant Park Candlelight Tour of Homes
Christmas Tour of Homes & Holiday Market in Avondale Estates

Visual Arts
Design Takes at Holiday! at the Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA)
Christmas House Arts and Crafts Show at the Mable House Arts Center

Tags: arts entertainment atlanta planit dance family activities music theater theatre visual artists events cultural attractions exhibit exhibition galleries heritages out about performance shows organizations symphony orchestra callanwolde fine center woodruff 

Happy New Year everyone!  As I woke up this morning and again saw the news report sub-freezing temperatures, I thought that I'd concentrate on indoor activities for this post.

And considering that most people (myself included) probably spent more money than they'd have liked to over the holidays, I thought I'd let you know about a couple of exhibits at libraries in town that don't have any cost for admission.

In order to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the book "On the Origin of Species" by Charles Darwin and the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin's birth, Emory University is currently presenting the exhibit "Origin" at its Robert W. Woodruff Library.  The exhibit includes works by artists who were inspired by the themes of creation and evolution and includes a rare first edition of the book signed by Darwin.  I definitely suggest checking it out if you get a chance.

And at the Atlanta-Fulton County Public Library's Central Branch, you can view a retrospective of the work of Marcel Breuer, one of the most influential architects and designers of the 20th century, and the man who designed the Central Branch building itself.  Included in the exhibit are displays of 12 of Breuer's most famous buildings, as well as most of the major items of his furniture design.  I think this exhibit is especially cool because you get to see other works by this master designer, while you're actually standing in one of his designs!

I hope everyone has a chance to get out this weekend, and if you do, please stay safe and try to stay warm!

Tags: arts entertainment atlanta planit dance family activities music theater theatre visual artists events cultural attractions exhibit exhibition galleries heritages out about performance shows organizations symphony orchestra callanwolde fine center woodruff arts entertainment atlanta planit family activities museums visual artists events cultural attractions exhibition heritages organizations 

I've always felt fortunate that I share my hometown with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and I'll always remember visiting his childhood home with my school when I was a kid. I feel very fortunate that I was able to grow up in this city that's not only the birthplace of the leader of the Civil Rights Movement but is also the place where so many sacrificed, struggled and triumphed for its ideals.

So today, on the anniversary of his birth, I wanted to spotlight a few of this weekend's celebrations of the life and achievements of Dr. King.

Of course first on the list is the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site. When you visit, you can take free tours of a number of different places including his childhood home, The King Center and Ebenezer Baptist Church. Tours will be going on all weekend, and on Monday, and begin each day at 10 a.m. They are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis, so get there early to make sure you get a spot.

Tonight, you can head over to Beulah Missionary Baptist Church for The 14th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration presented by Georgia Perimeter College from 7 to 9 p.m. The event is totally free and will include a keynote speech by Rita Dove, former United States poet laureate.

On Monday, Cobb County will host its 24th Annual Marter Luther King, Jr. Celebration at the Jennie T. Anderson Theatre. The event will celebrate Dr. King's birthday and contributions to the Civil Rights Movement with live entertainment and the awarding of the "Living the Dream" award to a Cobb citizen who exemplifies his ideals.

Also on Monday, be sure to take your kids to Imagine It! The Children's Museum of Atlanta for their MLK Day Celebration for Children: In the Name of Love, presented with Spelman College. It's a great way to be able to teach your kids more about Dr. King and the Civil Rights Movement in a really fun setting, and it's not a bad way to spend your day off with them either. The "Imaginators" will bring Dr. King's "I Have a Dream Speech" to life, and volunteers from Spelman will help children make their own peace medallions to wear and take home.

I hope everyone has a chance to celebrate Dr. King this weekend, either at these events or just by taking some time to think about his accomplishments and the ways they have impacted our lives. And be sure to share your thoughts and experiences with friends, family - and Lens!

Tags: arts entertainment atlanta planit dance family activities music theater theatre visual artists events cultural attractions exhibit exhibition galleries heritages out about performance shows organizations symphony orchestra callanwolde fine center woodruff arts entertainment atlanta planit family activities museums visual artists events cultural attractions exhibition heritages organizations arts entertainment atlanta planit family activities museums events cultural attractions heritages out about organizations 

Beginning this weekend and continuing through March 22, you can check out more than 160 free events, including everything from guided tours to lectures to open houses, at dozens of Atlanta's historic sites.

The Phoenix Flies: A Citywide Celebration of Living Landmarks, presented by the Atlanta Preservation Center, is designed to show the extent to which preservation is a part of Atlanta's fabric and contributes to the city's character and quality of life.

This celebration started back in 2003, when the Atlanta Preservation Center commemorated the 25th anniversary of the year the Fabulous Fox Theatre was saved from being demolished.

The Atlanta Preservation Center chose the name in honor of the mythical bird that rises from the ashes, as Atlanta did after The Civil War. The bird has also been featured on the city seal since 1887.

Partners include the Fabulous Fox Theatre (of course!), The Wren's Nest, Historic Oakland Cemetery, Rhodes Hall, the Atlanta History Center, Callanwolde Fine Arts Center, the Herndon Home and more.

Don't miss this unique opportunity to share in Atlanta's history! And since I'm a sucker for trivia, please let me know if you find out any interesting fun facts about the city at any of the events...

Tags: arts entertainment atlanta planit dance family activities music theater theatre visual artists events cultural attractions exhibit exhibition galleries heritages out about performance shows organizations symphony orchestra callanwolde fine center woodruff arts entertainment atlanta planit family activities museums visual artists events cultural attractions exhibition heritages organizations arts entertainment atlanta planit family activities museums events cultural attractions heritages out about organizations arts entertainment atlanta planit family activities museums visual events cultural attractions exhibit exhibition galleries heritages out about organizations callanwolde fine center fox theater 

Though the city incorporated in 2005, Sandy Springs has a long history as a vibrant Atlanta community and is now the eighth largest city in the state of Georgia.

This Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Heritage Sandy Springs Museum will host a grand opening celebration, and you can join them to view three of the museum's new exhibits, each focusing on a different aspect of the city's historical and cultural identity.

"Sandy Springs: Land and People" tells the story of the community as the home of Native Americans, rural farmers and modern suburbanites. Interpretive panels will depict key transitions in the city's history, including the Land Rush, Civil War and Reconstruction, the impact of World War II, the area's growth in the late 20th century, and its struggle to become a city.

A traveling photography exhibit from the Georgia Southern University Museum titled "Captured But Not Caught" will focus on Georgia's native plants and animals, and "The Art of Nature in Sandy Springs" will display utilitarian and decorative objects from the community that have been embellished to express individual visions of the natural world.

This event is your chance to get a sneak peek at the museum before it officially opens on Wednesday, March 24 - plus it's free! - so don't miss it!

 

Tags: arts entertainment atlanta planit dance family activities music theater theatre visual artists events cultural attractions exhibit exhibition galleries heritages out about performance shows organizations symphony orchestra callanwolde fine center woodruff arts entertainment atlanta planit family activities museums visual artists events cultural attractions exhibition heritages organizations arts entertainment atlanta planit family activities museums events cultural attractions heritages out about organizations arts entertainment atlanta planit family activities museums visual events cultural attractions exhibit exhibition galleries heritages out about organizations callanwolde fine center fox theater arts entertainment atlanta planit family activities museums events cultural attractions exhibit exhibition galleries heritages out about photography organizations 

So, apparently all of the festival organizers in Atlanta decided to schedule their events this weekend...I'm not complaining, but it's just plain crazy how much is going on. It's going to make deciding what to do that much harder, but it's definitely a nice problem to have.

Two of the "big gun" festivals are back this weekend - the Atlanta Dogwood Festival (returning to Piedmont Park for its 74th year) and the Georgia Renaissance Festival (opening day is Saturday).

But there are a whole bunch of others to choose from too. Just click the names below for more info.

2010 Atlanta Film Festival at Landmark Midtown Cinema
Earth Day Kids Fest at the Chattahoochee Nature Center
Sheep to Shawl at Atlanta History Center
Taste of West Cobb at The Avenue West Cobb
Big Shanty Festival at The Depot in Kennesaw
SweetWater 420 Fest in Candler Park

Absolutely no excuses! Get out there this weekend...Just take an umbrella in case of April showers.

Tags: arts entertainment atlanta planit dance family activities music theater theatre visual artists events cultural attractions exhibit exhibition galleries heritages out about performance shows organizations symphony orchestra callanwolde fine center woodruff arts entertainment atlanta planit family activities museums visual artists events cultural attractions exhibition heritages organizations arts entertainment atlanta planit family activities museums events cultural attractions heritages out about organizations arts entertainment atlanta planit family activities museums visual events cultural attractions exhibit exhibition galleries heritages out about organizations callanwolde fine center fox theater arts entertainment atlanta planit family activities museums events cultural attractions exhibit exhibition galleries heritages out about photography organizations artist market arts entertainment atlanta planit family activities film museums music visual artists events cultural attractions exhibit exhibition heritages out about photography organizations 

If you're like me and are staying in town to avoid the travel craziness this weekend, you might be interested in things to do to help you make the most of the holiday.

I figured I'd separate my recommendations into Memorial Day-related and non-Memorial Day-related events in case you'd like to do a little of both.

To help celebrate Memorial Day with the family, I'd suggest checking out Veterans Remembrance Day at the Atlanta History Center on Sunday or visiting Underground Atlanta to take their "From Civil War to Civil Rights Guided History Tour" through downtown. Or you can learn about Atlanta's Civil War history at the Atlanta Cyclorama in Grant Park or at the Civil War battleground at the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield.

And on Monday, the Atlanta Wind Symphony will perform patriotic music at Roswell City Hall for their Roswell Remembers - Memorial Day concert.

There are also a bunch of cool festivals and other special events going on this weekend that you can check out - including the Georgia Renaissance Festival, which is open on Monday.

There's also the Decatur Arts Festival all weekend around the Decatur Square, the Atlanta Jazz Festival in Piedmont Park, and the Atlanta Caribbean Carnival in the Historic Sweet Auburn District. And for some adult fun, Brew at the Zoo is back at Zoo Atlanta on Saturday.

So, there's absolutely no excuse not to a have an awesome time this weekend - even if you stay in town!

Tags: arts entertainment atlanta planit dance family activities music theater theatre visual artists events cultural attractions exhibit exhibition galleries heritages out about performance shows organizations symphony orchestra callanwolde fine center woodruff arts entertainment atlanta planit family activities museums visual artists events cultural attractions exhibition heritages organizations arts entertainment atlanta planit family activities museums events cultural attractions heritages out about organizations arts entertainment atlanta planit family activities museums visual events cultural attractions exhibit exhibition galleries heritages out about organizations callanwolde fine center fox theater arts entertainment atlanta planit family activities museums events cultural attractions exhibit exhibition galleries heritages out about photography organizations artist market arts entertainment atlanta planit family activities film museums music visual artists events cultural attractions exhibit exhibition heritages out about photography organizations artist market arts entertainment atlanta planit family activities museums music visual artists events cultural attractions exhibit heritages out about organizations underground zoo office affairs 

Of course since it's a holiday, I feel it's only my duty to make a list of the patriotic-themed, fireworks-tastic events going on this weekend. So, just take your pick. And stay safe!

Cobb Symphony Orchestra Concert at Mount Paran North Church of God (includes fireworks display)
Red Wine & Brew at The Strand Theatre
Fourth of July Celebration in Marietta Square
Georgia Independence Day Festival at Nash Farm Park
4th of July at Lenox Square Mall
4th of July Celebration in Centennial Olympic Park
All American Fourth of July Celebration for Children at Imagine It! The Children's Museum of Atlanta
Celebrate America - with the Callanwolde Concert Band in Decatur Square
July 4th Fireworks and Festivities in Wills Park
Pied Piper Parade, Concert & Fireworks in Decatur Square (see Celebrate America concert above)
Fantastic Fourth Celebration at Stone Mountain Park
America at MINT Gallery
Summer Concert Series at Kennesaw's The Depot (includes fireworks display)

Tags: arts entertainment atlanta planit dance family activities music theater theatre visual artists events cultural attractions exhibit exhibition galleries heritages out about performance shows organizations symphony orchestra callanwolde fine center woodruff arts entertainment atlanta planit family activities museums visual artists events cultural attractions exhibition heritages organizations arts entertainment atlanta planit family activities museums events cultural attractions heritages out about organizations arts entertainment atlanta planit family activities museums visual events cultural attractions exhibit exhibition galleries heritages out about organizations callanwolde fine center fox theater arts entertainment atlanta planit family activities museums events cultural attractions exhibit exhibition galleries heritages out about photography organizations artist market arts entertainment atlanta planit family activities film museums music visual artists events cultural attractions exhibit exhibition heritages out about photography organizations artist market arts entertainment atlanta planit family activities museums music visual artists events cultural attractions exhibit heritages out about organizations underground zoo office affairs arts entertainment atlanta planit family activities museums music theater theatre visual artists events tickets planet cultural attractions exhibit exhibition heritages galleries out about performance shows summer concert organizations callanwolde fine ce