THE STUDIO
Arts � Culture � Music
The Arts are Back! Live events, festivals return after a year of pandemic closure and streaming
By Collin Kelley
W
Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel
Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience
ith most of Georgia’s pandemic restrictions lifted by the governor and the accelerated rollout of the vaccine, Intown arts organizations are returning to live performances and events this month. And while it’s not a complete return to “normalcy,” being able to see a play, concert, Broadway show, and stroll through a weekend art festival is a step in the right direction. Of course, there will still be COVID-19 precautions in place. Most organizations will still be practicing social distancing and many will require masks, so be sure to check the precautions before you buy your tickets and head to the venue. You can also check out Intown’s shiny new Rough Draft Atlanta events calendar featuring things to do around the city at calendar. roughdraftatlanta.com. along five streets will host live music from 56 different musicians and bands, while food trucks will be parked along Barnette Street. Wear a mask and watch for monitors who will be ensuring social distancing. For a list of the bands and to sign up for the accompanying 5K race, visit virginiahighlanddistrict.com/events/ porchfest-and-rock-n-run-5k/
Variety Playhouse The Little Five Points hall reopen its doors with concerts by Trevor Hall on May 11 and The Residents on May 17. Visit variety-playhouse.com for tickets and details.
Alliance Theatre The Alliance has returned to live performances outside its home at the Woodruff Arts Center in Midtown. The Under the Tent Series is featuring a concert staging of “Working: A Musical” now through June 6 and the Woody Guthrie-inspired “Songs to Grow On” May 6-16. For tickets and more details, visit alliancetheatre.org.
Atlanta Opera The Atlanta Opera is wooing patrons back with two production – “The Threepenny Opera” and “The Threepenny Carmen” – being held outdoors in an open-air tent in the Cobb Energy Centre parking lot through May 9. The Opera made national headlines last fall when it returned to live performances with a pair of shows in the “”Molly Blank Big Tent Series” on the Oglethorpe University campus. The Opera is also collaborating with True Colors Theatre Company on “The Concert for Unity” at Southwest Arts Center on May 9 at 2:30 p.m. featuring Black opera stars. For more information and tickets visit atlantaopera.org.
38 May 2021 |
Les Trois Femmes Deux by Mickalene Thomas at the High.
High Museum The High Museum is stepping up its offerings with a spring and summer of big exhibitions including “Our Good Earth: Rural Life and American Art” and “Underexposed: Women Photographers from the Collection” – both running through Aug. 1 – and the touring “Calder-Picasso” opening on June 26. For tickets and details, visit high.org.
Happening Now State Farm Arena The Downtown venue will host its first entertainment event in more than a year May 7-8 with the “In Real Life Comedy Tour” featuring Mike Epps, DC Young Fly, Lavell Crawford, Karlous Miller, and Kountry Wayne. Tickets were selling out fast due to reduced capacity in the arena, so be sure to visit statefarmarena.com to snag yours.
Virginia-Highland Porchfest & Rock N Run 5K Taking a cue from the Oakhurst neighborhood’s successful Porchfest (which is set to return in the fall), VaHi’s event is set for May 8 from noon to 6 p.m. Porches
Courtenay Collins and Tawana Montgomery in Working: at the Alliance. At l a n t a I n t o w n Pa p e r. c o m
