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Belong Here Place, People, and Purpose in Latinx Photography

You Belong Here: Place, People, and Purpose in Latinx Photography celebrates the dynamic photography of Latinx artists across the United States. The exhibition brings together established and emerging artists, who tackle themes of political resistance, family and community, fashion and culture, and the complexity of identity in American life.

Artists in the exhibition contribute to a vast visual archive of the Latinx experience as pluralistic, nuanced, and fluid. They illustrate a range of histories and geographies, contextualize and reinterpret watershed social and artistic movements, stake space for queerness, and articulate the importance of photography within the larger field of Latinx art.

You Belong Here explores contemporary photography that sheds light on social spaces — from intimate portrayals of home and family to collective experiences of the streets and nightlife — as well as the inbetweenness, or nepantla, of transnational, multiracial, and postcolonial identities. It generates an expansive dialogue about visibility and belonging for Latinx people. The exhibition features work by Laura Aguilar, Genesis Báez, William Camargo, Sofía Córdova, Perla de Leon, Tarrah Krajnak, Hiram Maristany, Joiri Minaya, Steven Molina Contreras, Star Montana, Eddie Quiñones, Reynaldo Rivera, Guadalupe Rosales, Gabriela Ruiz and Bibs Moreno, and John M. Valadez. Curated by Pilar Tompkins Rivas, chief curator and deputy director of curatorial and collections at the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in Los Angeles, You Belong

Here, organized by Aperture, originates from Tompkins Rivas’s work as guest editor of “Latinx,” the Winter 2021 issue of Aperture magazine. carlos.emory.edu/exhibition/youbelong-here

RESURRECTING MAGIC:

Atlanta Women’s Chorus Unveils Enchanting 10th Anniversary Season with Revamped “Free Spirits” Halloween Extravaganza

The much-awaited revival of the beloved Halloween extravaganza, “Free Spirits”, is set to mark the grand commencement of the Atlanta Women’s Chorus’ remarkable 10th Anniversary Season. Originally brought to life in 2015, “Free Spirits” quickly soared to the pinnacle of popularity, captivating the hearts of fans across generations. Now, in a sensational resurgence, the show has been meticulously updated with a fresh array of spine-tingling musical selections, merging seamlessly with the cherished classics that fans hold dear.

As the curtains rise again, “Free Spirits” promises an exhilarating journey sweeping you and your entire family off your feet. From the eerie melodies of Orban’s haunting “Daemon Irrepit Callidus” to the iconic “Time Warp” from the cult classic Rocky Horror Picture Show, the show’s musical tapestry spans a diverse range. This year’s edition will have a “Spooky Bake Sale” featuring bake goods and candies with a Halloween flair, and will encourage all guests to join in on the frightening flair by coming in their favorite costume.

“Whether the genre is classical choral music or a pop tune, there are so many spooky Halloween-inspired songs”, said Melissa Arasi, artistic director of the Atlanta Women’s Chorus. She continued, highlighting “We just love the opportunity to embody some characters and sing challenging and fun music.”

The doors to this macabre celebration are swinging open, inviting you to embrace the spirit of the occasion and become part of the eerie and exhilarating family fun.

So, if you’re ready to be whisked away on a rollercoaster of thrills and chills, don’t miss the chance to secure your tickets for “Free Spirits” by visiting voicesofnote.com A bewitching night of musical spectacle awaits as “Free Spirits” reclaims the spotlight, promising an experience you won’t want to miss.

Get tickets and show information at www.voicesofnote.org/upcoming-events.

The Historic Holly Theatre Presents: A Season for Dreamers

The Holly Theatre in Dahlonega is looking forward to their 20232024 theatrical season, which also marks their 30th anniversary season of performances. The Holly will continue to showcase regional talent in their upcoming mainstage season entitled, “A Season for Dreamers”, beginning in September 2023. Artistic Director Taylor Jarrard has worked with her committee to choose shows that will remind us that everyone has a dream, whether it is big or small in size.

Their season will open with The Music Man, where we meet Harold Hill, a con man who finds himself falling in love with the straight-laced town librarian, Marian. The Holly continues their yearly tradition of a Christmas-themed show with a production of Elf the Musical, based on the beloved holiday film. Visit the theater in February for a production of Twelfth Night, a Shakespearean love story with a pirate twist. Following their winter play, you can venture to the Holly in April and May to see Bonnie & Clyde, a racy and compelling musical about America’s most notorious bank robbers, opening in April. The season will come to a close in the Summer of 2024 with a production of The Wizard of Oz, a show that is beloved to patrons of all ages, with an updated cirque theme fit for a spectacular performance.

The Holly Theatre always strives to provide children with opportunities to learn and perform, which will be showcased in their fall 2023 production of The Snow Queen and a production of A Year With Frog and Toad in March of 2024. As always, a summer full of camps is open to performers of all ages, starting as early as age 3. Summer programming will be announced in early 2024.

The historic Holly Theatre remains a staple in the North Georgia community. The beautiful and relaxed atmosphere of the Holly, with no seat more than 70 feet from the stage, offers an intimate and inviting setting for guests to relax and escape through the magic of theater. (For show and ticket information go to hollytheater.com or call 706-530-5162.)

The Michael O’Neal Singers Multifaceted Music

Since its inception 35 years ago, The Michael O’Neal Singers organization has provided a unique opportunity to the north Atlanta community to experience musical presentations of engaging variety and artistic excellence. The Michael O’Neal Singers (or MOS for short) is a symphonicsized chorus of 130 voices that performs a wide variety of choral literature each season — ranging from choral/orchestral masterpieces such as Beethoven’s Mass in C Major, Brahms’ Requiem, and Haydn’s Lord Nelson Mass, to themed programs such as Irish Song and Dance, MOS Goes to the Movies, and I Hear America Singing. The MOS 2023-2024 performance season includes concerts of Broadway and show tunes by Leonard Bernstein, Cole Porter, Georgia and Ira Gershwin, and Lin-Manuel Miranda; A John Rutter Christmas featuring popular and traditional music from this well-loved choral composer; a tribute to Robert Shaw in recognition of the 25th anniversary of Mr. Shaw’s passing; and a community singalong Messiah, among others.

By offering choral programming spanning centuries and styles, The Michael O’Neal Singers strive to appeal to a variety of audiences of all ages and stages. MOS performs in Roswell and Dunwoody at venues with plenty of general seating, and offers economically friendly door tickets and free parking, encouraging choral music lovers to attend MOS performances at their convenience, with little need to plan far ahead. MOS strives to strengthen appreciation and performance of choral art by cultivating choral performers. Recognizing an ongoing need in the lives of singers who currently can’t access live choral programming, MOS expanded its programming to encompass distanced choral musicians. Now the in-person and ONLINE choruses of MOS rehearse virtually side-by-side, preparing the same repertoire and experiencing together a culminating concert. The in-person MOS symphonic-sized chorus is auditioned; the ONLINE choral experience is open to all interested singers, whether near or far, seasoned or beginner. This dual choral programming evolved naturally from the community formed by singers in the throes of pandemic isolation. and allows MOS to more fully realize its mission to engage, educate, and enrich lives through choral song. Thus far, MOS ONLINE has had participants from 28 U.S. states and nine countries. For information on MOS’s in-person and ONLINE opportunities, and on how you can be a part of our community of music, visit mosingers.com, call 770.594.7974, or write to mosoffice@mosingers.com.

Aurora Theatre Unveils Captivating 2023/2024 Season: “A Winning Hand”

awrenceville’s cultural gem, the Aurora Theatre, is exuberantly unveiling its highly anticipated 2023/2024 season titled “A Winning Hand”. Embarking on its 28th year of artistic excellence, the renowned arts hub is poised to deliver a spellbinding lineup. This season, which brings Broadway-caliber musicals, thoughtprovoking plays, and perennial holiday enchantment, is imbued with a fresh twist of brilliance and heartwarming humanity that will surely captivate audiences.

In a groundbreaking move, the upcoming season at Aurora Theatre will celebrate an exciting first: every production will showcase a remarkable female lead. The curtain rises with a mesmerizing journey into the true story and timeless melodies of Carole King in “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical”. Following in November, the perennial favorite “Christmas Canteen” makes a triumphant return for its 28th annual iteration, promising to usher in the holiday spirit with its irresistible charm. As the new year dawns, two gripping plays are set to grace the stage: “Knead” by Mary Lynn Owen and “Greener Pastures” by Lori Fischer. These riveting tales delve into themes of rivalry, family dynamics, and the power of understanding. And as the crescendo of the season nears, the beloved gospel musical “Sister Act” promises to conclude the season with an exultant proclamation of “REJOICE”!

Ann-Carol Pence, co-founder and producing artistic director of Aurora Theatre, expressed her excitement about the upcoming season. “I’m so invigorated about Aurora’s upcoming season. Every performance will demonstrate the beautiful humanity of powerful stories. I’m especially proud that each show features a woman in the leading role. As a womanled company, it gives me great joy to amplify the passion, humor and resilience of many amazing female characters, one of which wrote my all-time favorite song, ‘You’ve Got a Friend’.” auroratheatre.com/productions-andprograms/view/season-28-at-a-glance/ 16

Aurora Theatre stands as a luminous testament to the transformative power of the performing arts and a beacon guiding us through the upcoming year with storytelling that ignites the soul and celebrates the rich diversity of the human experience.

ArtsKSU Welcomes Fall with Exciting Concerts and Events

Over 100 performances and exhibitions, plus one outstanding gala.

The College of the Arts at Kennesaw State University (ArtsKSU) is pleased to announce the 2023-2024 ArtsKSU Season, featuring the School of Art and Design, the Department of Dance, the Department of Theatre and Performance Studies, and the Dr. Bobbie Bailey School of Music. Interim Dean Harrison Long said, “The arts at KSU are essential to the cultural fabric of our institution and to greater Atlanta. We invite patrons to join us for our numerous offerings this fall.”

Celebrating powerful work

The School of Art and Design’s Zuckerman Museum of Art will present “UNDER{flow}” August 29 through December 9. This group exhibition celebrates the work of five AfroCaribbean Artists: Josué Azor, Firelei Báez, María Magdalena Campos-Pons, David Antonio Cruz, and Didier William.

Frankenstein and Sweat

The Department of Theatre and Performance Studies will host Broken Box Mime Theater Company Sept. 8-9 in their performance of “A BKBX Frankenstein.” It’s a retelling of Frankenstein like you’ve never seen before! From Oct. 3-8, don’t miss Lynn Nottage’s “Sweat,” a Pulitzer Prize-winning collision of race, class, and friendship at a pivotal moment in America.

International Choreography

The 2022-2023 Department of Dance season opens with “Double Exposure,” made possible by the Eleo Pomare/Glen Conner Endowment. Original works by Israel’s Lior Lazarof and Belgium’s Nicola Wills will be presented in the double bill concert on August 25-26. Then, enjoy work by both faculty and guest artists in “Sage” November 10-11, performed by the KSU Dance Company.

Adventurous Forays

The Bailey School of Music welcomes Imani Winds on September 29. The twice Grammy-nominated ensemble has led both a revolution and an evolution of the wind quintet through dynamic playing and adventurous programming. Next, the music school celebrates the natural world with concerts from October 16-21 in the “Music, Nature & Sustainability Festival.”

ArtsKSU Gala, October 14

Buy your tickets now for the can’t-miss social event of the year: the 2023 ArtsKSU Gala on Oct. 14 at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center. Proceeds benefit students in the College of the Arts. To buy tickets or learn more, please visit Kennesaw.edu/arts

Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center Bringing Big Acts this Fall

The City Springs district will buzz with excitement starting October 25, when renowned vocal group, The Manhattan Transfer, makes a stop on its 50th anniversary tour to show off their celebrated musicianship with their biggest hits like “Boy from New York City,” “Route 66,” and “Birdland”. Venerated songwriter and guitarist John Hiatt, whose songs have been recorded by Bonnie Raitt, Bob Dylan, and many others, will appear on November 1.

The international sensation STOMP will change the way you look at brooms, trash cans, and matchboxes for two shows, November 10 and 11.

Teacher and comedian Eddie B created a series of videos titled “What Teachers Really Want to Say” and now he sells out comedy clubs with his “Teachers Only Comedy Tour” — coming to Sandy Springs PAC November 17. Educators everywhere are getting a lesson in the funniest ways to express their worst frustrations, and they are loving every second of Eddie B’s portrayal of a teacher’s hectic life.

Since breaking out on America’s Got Talent in 2015, Piff the Magic Dragon has won the heart of America through his Vegas residency, network television appearances and non-stop touring. Accompanying Piff on his many adventures, Mr. Piffles, the world’s only magic-performing Chihuahua™ has been levitated, laminated, shackled in a straitjacket and shot out of a cannon, all in the name of entertainment. They may be a double act, but it’s no secret who the star is. They take the Sandy Springs PAC stage November 19, the Eddie B Comedy Tour. citysprings.com/events/eddie-bteachers-only-comedy-tour