Sunday, April 26, 2009
"SP List"

SPecial Events

This week's Arts and Entertainment Calendar

Festivals and Happenings

DECATUR GREEN FEST
Free live music, green tastings of local and organic produce and food, more than 40 green vendors and green organizations, children's activities and artists who work with recycled materials. 3 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, May 2, on the Old Courthouse Square. www.decaturga.com.

MICHAEL DAVIS
The author signs his book, "Street Gang: The Complete History of Sesame Street," and shares stories about the world-famous program's stars, unsung heroes, creative energy and behind-the-scenes happenings. 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 27 at the Atlanta-Fulton County Central Library. Free event. Seating is first come, first served. www.afplweb.com.

KENTUCKY DERBY PARTY
Celebrate the 135th Kentucky Derby with live music, games, a hat contest, prizes, a raffle and themed food and drinks. 4 p.m. Saturday, May 2 at the Dunwoody Tavern, 5488 Chamblee Dunwoody Road. Must be 21. Free. www.dunwoodyrestaurantgroup.com.

GEORGIA RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL
Take a step back in time with knights, maidens, turkey legs, stunts, animals, jousting and more. Hours are 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays, Sundays and Memorial Day through June 7. The 32 acres of 16th-century fun are two miles west of Exit 61 off Interstate 85. 770-964-8575. www.georgiarenaissancefestival.com.

LIBERTY NATIONAL GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION AND JOB INTERVIEW EVENT
Liberty National seeks to fill more than 100 sales agent and sales management positions for a new branch office in the Atlanta/Marietta area. Interviews at 9 a.m., noon, 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 29 at Crown Plaza Atlanta Perimeter NW, 6345 Powers Ferry Road. 770-953-0060. www.libnat.com/lnlrecruiting.

NORTHLAKE TOASTMASTERS CLUB
Become the person your resume thinks you are. Improve your public speaking and leadership skills in a supportive environment. Every Wednesday at 6 p.m. at MetroBrokers GMAC Real Estate in the Northlake Festival Shopping Center. For directions or other info, call 678-858-0963.

POKER NIGHT
Every Tuesday at Engine 11 Firehouse Tavern. Sign-up starts at 8 p.m. 404-873-3473. www.engine11atl.com.

STONE MOUNTAIN CITY WIDE YARD SALE
The City of Stone Mountain closes Second Street from East Mountain Street to Manor Drive. for yard sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 2. City residents can reserve a 10-foot-by-10-foot space for $10; $15 for nonresidents. Also features "Yard Sale Trail," a list of addresses for private yard sales. For more information, call 404-444-8984.

TASTE FOR THEATRE
Benefit for 7 Stages Theatre features a wine tasting and silent auction with items in travel, arts, dining and more. 7 p.m. Friday, May 1 at Cator Woolford Gardens, 1815 S. Ponce de Leon Ave. General admission is $50; premium preview begins at 6 p.m. for $100. www.7stages.org.
 

Theater, Dance, Music and Opera 

AUTOMATIC THEATER
Improv troupe composed of actors, filmmakers, writers and puppeteers fields audience suggestions in a “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” short-form improv format. Tickets are $7. 8 p.m. Tuesdays at Relapse Theatre. 404-394-9115. www.relapsetheatre.com.

JACKPIE THEATER WORKSHOP
Long-form improv comedy shows every Saturday at 8 p.m., 9:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. at 380 14th St. NW. Tickets are $7. BYOB. www.jackpie.com.

VILLAGE THEATRE
Atlanta’s newest comedy troupe performs comedy in all its forms, including long and short-form improv, sketch and stand-up comedy. Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights at 8:30 at the Village Theatre, 486 Decatur St., Suite 10, at the corner of Decatur and Boulevard. 404-688-8856. www.villagecomedy.com.

WHOLE WORLD THEATRE
The improv group presents a variety of shows each week. 404-817-7529. www.wholeworldtheatre.com.

Family

THE AMAZING CASTLE
Kids are transported to a whimsical medieval setting and become blacksmiths, jesters, chefs, gardeners, carpenters and even princes and princesses in this exhibit that teaches the important role each member plays in a thriving community. Through May 26 at Imagine It! The Children’s Museum of Atlanta. 404-659-5437. www.imagineit-cma.org.


JIM HENSON: WONDERS FROM HIS WORKSHOP
Exhibit highlighting the performance and design contributions Jim Henson and his collaborators have made to the world of puppetry, including the technological advances behind “Fraggle Rock,” “Labyrinth” and others. Through Sept. 13 in the Love Family Atrium at the Center for Puppetry Arts. 404-873-3391. www.puppet.org.

PLATINUM EDITION PINOCCHIO PUPPET
One-of-a-kind, hand-crafted puppet created by master puppeteer Bob Baker in celebration of the 70th anniversary of Disney’s classic film “Pinocchio.” On display through May 19 at the Center for Puppetry Arts. 404-873-3391. www.puppet.org.

Exhibitions and Gallery Shows

BODIES . . . THE EXHIBITION
The controversial exhibit featuring 15 meticulously preserved whole-body and more than 250 partial-body specimens, providing a unique understanding of the skeletal, muscular, respiratory and other systems that exist beneath the skin. Through Jan. 3, 2010, at the Premier Exhibition Center at Atlantic Station. 866-866-8265. www.bodiestickets.com.

DIALOG IN THE DARK
In this groundbreaking exhibition, making its U.S. debut, visitors are escorted through galleries in total darkness, relying on blind and visually impaired guides, for a glimpse of the day-to-day life and survival skills of blind people. Through Jan. 3, 2010, at the Premier Exhibition Center at Atlantic Station. Tickets must be purchased beforehand. www.dialogtickets.com.

LOUVRE ATLANTA: THE LOUVRE AND THE MASTERPIECE
This exhibit explores how the definition of a “masterpiece” has changed over time, featuring 91 works of art from all eight of the Musée du Louvre’s collection areas, spanning 4,000 years. Through Sept. 6 at the High Museum of Art. 404-733-5000. www.high.org.

TITANIC AQUATIC
Authentic artifacts from the famed wreck and interactive experiences bring the Titanic to life. Through Sept. 7 at the Georgia Aquarium. www.georgiaaquarium.org.

TUTANKHAMUN THE GOLDEN KING AND THE GREAT PHARAOHS
North American debut of this exhibit featuring 50 objects from the tomb of Tutankhamun, as well as 80 artifacts highlighting other significant rulers of ancient Egypt. Through May 25 at the Atlanta Civic Center. 404-249-6400. www.atlantaciviccenter.com.

Upcoming Events

MAY DAY AT SERENBE
Live music, food and drink, family and children’s activities and eco-education opportunities are some of the highlights of this annual event. 1 p.m. Sunday, May 3 at Serenbe. www.serenbe.com.

PETE SEEGER 90TH BIRTHDAY BASH
For those who can't make the Madison Square Garden event, the local celebration features more than 24 acts performing songs of social justice, environmental concern and love for the family in the round. 6 p.m. Sunday, May 3 at Pine Lake Clubhouse, 300 Clubhouse Drive in Pine Lake. Admission by donation. All proceeds benefit the Pine Lake Environmental Fund.