33 minute read
K’NAN N
BY DEMARCO WILLIAMS S OMALIA EARNED INTERNATIONAL headlines in the 90s for its civil unrest. Re cently, the Ea st African nation of about 10 million has received more front page coverage for a rash of pirate attacks. Because of negative clouds incessantly hovering above the country, few people know about Somalia’s technological advances or its proud artistic community. K’Na an, a thirtysomething Somali native now living in To ronto, is making some headway in changing the country’s global perception with a triumphant CD, Tr ou- badour, that intelligently divides its time as a sounding board for social ills and a free forum of rap skills. Before hitting the road on a twomonth tour (the closest he’ll come to At lanta is Greenville on Ma y 15), the budding international star chatted with INsite on a world of topics. Are you touched by an African-American being in the White House? Ab solutely. I think the whole world is kinda though. Personally? Ab solutely. In what ways are you moved? First of all, outside of Ob ama and this historic moment, I just think it’s so pleasant to have a real intelligent, articulate [person] of our gen- e ration. So many components of Ob ama are relatable. For that alone, I think it’s a very beautiful shift or change. Damian? I met Damian Marley on tour. We had been asked to do “Welcome to Jamrock” on tour with him in Eu rope. He and I had a conversation the first night we were on tour together. We just kind of linked. People had been telling me, “When you and him meet, there’s going to be a link.” He was saying the same, that people had been telling him that. We just made a strong connection, just personality-wise. We clicked. An d then the mission of the music that we both are on had similar ideas to it, similar roots. We don’t make the same genre of music, but it’s kinda the same spirit. That’s how we linked. An d then he introduced me to his brother Stephen and Steve kinda became like a big brother to me. What exactly is your music’s mission? Well, the first mission for any artist, I think, is to make great songs. You can’t gear away from that being the first thing on your mind as an artist. The urge is to make the best tune you can make, the greatest melody, the greatest rhythm, the greatest poetry. Al l of that is the first thing. What follows is extension of those things. Da mian was talking once about this very thing and he said, “Ma n, the thing that’s dif- ferent about your music from a lot of different rap music is that your music is about a people where usually rap is about themselves.” So, another thing for me is to expose a true character of a people, of Af rican society. Rapper K’Naan may be the Pride of Africa but he’s the World’s to Enjoy.
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Do you see much intelligence amongst your musical peers right now? I think there’s a few of them. There’s always someone doing something interesting. We may not give them all the shine and attention. But I find some new music to have elements that I think are musically interesting and intelligent.
In your bio it quotes you as saying your “job is to write what you see.” When you look across the American musical landscape, what do you see? I see a strange scenario in that not a lot of music is a true reflective of the true scenario that the world is in right now, which is kind of strange. If you look at the conditions of the people and you look at what they’re dealing with and what is going on and then you look at the music that is out, it’s completely not reflective of society. There are gas problems. There are people losing their homes. There are people who can’t afford education for their children. There are people who can’t afford healthcare. There are people losing people at war. [But a song saying] “I kissed a girl…” is on the countdown. It ’s not a reflective time for music. I think a part of it is escapism, which, at times of difficulty, is necessary. But I don’t know that everything should be escapism. It ’s a little strange and awkward for people who are in these conditions to be like, “Ah , I’m not really poppin’ champagne right now. I need a little bit of money for gas.”
What are some of your fondest musical memories growing up? Wow, man. Ev erything from discovering the depths and genius of Bob Ma rley’s simplicity to [Bob] Dylan prose to Fela [Kuti’s] musical compositions to Na s’ painting of the world as he had seen it to Snoop’s new, fresh presence when he came to the scene. There are so many moments of brilliance that I grew up on. I just remember everybody having a unique place in music.
What are some of the things you love about home? There are different parts of Af rica that have different charms. Senegal, to me, is sound. Di fferent regions have different sounds. The intricacy of music for me is Ma li and Senegal. I think that melody and poetry is East Af rica. Where I come from, the melody is just incredible. Somalia is poetry. To me, we live in this environment where we are under the blanket of the majesty of poetry. We live this existence. An entire population lives it. That is truly what I miss- a society that puts articulation before most things.
You currently live in Canada? That’s partly correct. I haven’t lived anywhere for a while. I’ m on tour all of the time, so I just don’t feel like I live anywhere anymore.
I know the critics adore your sound, but what has the feel been like on American streets? Ev en more so. When you’re at a K’Naan concert, it makes converts out of people. You begin to believe in things, whether you want to believe in rap again or you just want to believe in music again or that people have the bravery to say things on stage or that you can be moved by a melody without words. You get to believe in all those things again.
Troubadour, did I pronounce it correctly? You pronounce it like Tr ue-ba-door.
Why is this album so important right now? I just think it’s such an honest reflection of the times. It’s an honest reflection of me. I just think it has such a lane of its own. [With] the musicality and the freshness of this al- b um, I kind of see it as an antidote to a lot of what is going on musically right now. It ’s sort of like the manifestation of “Dr . Carter,” the song that Lil Wayne had on his album where he talks about rap being sick. It needs a doctor. I see this album as like the manifestation of that. It ’s the medicine. That’s what I feel when I listen to this album.
Road Warriors April 2009 Hottest Shows
4/11 THE HOT RODS Smith’s Olde Bar Arguably Atlanta’s own finest band of bad boys, the Hot Rods deliver an unrelenting onslaught of no-nonsense rock and roll, night after night. On this very special occasion the fellas will be celebrating the release of their new CD, a follow-up to their last album, ‘Super Sport’, as well as celebrating what comes to their 300th live performance to date. 4/14 & 4/16 JENNIFER HUDSON AND ROBIN THICKE The Fabulous Fox Theatre Grammy and Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson and Grammy winning, platinum recording artist Robin Thicke team up bringing together two of the most distinctive and enduring voices in the current world of R&B music. BY JON LATHAM
4/17 HALL AND OATES Chastain Park There are very few musical partnerships that have had the impact or success that has followed Darryl Hall and John Oates. With a catalog of hits that cross every genre from R & B to pop, the duo are sure to please the Chastain crowd. 4/22 LAMB OF GOD Tabernacle What sets Lamb of God apart from the other metal acts touring today? How about brute force? The ferocity of Lamb of Gods delivery makes for an intense, energizing experience at every performance. Support comes from two other hard-hitting acts, God Forbid and Municipal Waste 4/23 NICKELBACK Lakewood Amphitheatre Lakewood comes alive for the season with Chad Kroeger and company. Touring in support of last year’s release, ‘Dark Horse’, Nickelback is building upon the solid success they’ve gained through an arsenal of Mainstream Rock charttopping hits spanning the last 7 years. Good bet that they’ll all be played, and not just as the token encore.
4/26 BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN AND TH E E STREET BAND Philips Arena 2009 is shaping up to be the year of the Boss. He has set new highs with his latest, most ambitious, album and he rocked the Super Bowl with his legendary E Street Band in tow. Now, just a year and a day after his last performance at Philips, Springsteen returns with E Street to Atlanta, which has become a second home for Bruce; four of his last five albums were tracked here. 4/26 GEORGE CLINTON AND TH E PARLIAMENT FUNKADELIC Variety Playhouse Funk never grows old, and the George Clinton is living proof. He’s been doing it in your ear hole for over three decades. The mothership touches down yet again in Atlanta, and with the P-Funk in fine form, Variety Playhouse may be in market for a new roof when it’s all said and done. 4/27 PENNYWISE Tabernacle For two decades, Pennywise has been relentlessly releasing some of the best punk music around. They return to play the Tabernacle, showcasing fan favorites, as well as tracks from last year’s release, ‘Reason to Believe’, which was met with great praise upon its free release via MySpace. With a catalog of tunes as strong as this, it is guaranteed to be a fun night of amazing punk rock. 4/28 FLEETWOOD MAC Philips Arena Pending that the dust has settled from the
Springsteen show, Philips Arena welcomes Fleetwood Mac. The bulk of the classic lineup, John McVie, Mick Fleetwood, Lindsey Buckingham, and Stevie Nicks, have reconvened for another jaunt of the U.S. I would say to expect fan favorites in this set, but few bands have been as synonymous with a single album as the Mac have been with the classic album, ‘Rumours’, so it really goes without saying that you’ll get your money’s worth when it comes down to it. 4/28 TIM REYNOLDS AND TR3 Smith’s Olde Bar Best known as Dave Matthews’ buddy and acoustic tour sidekick, Tim Reynolds is certainly no slouch when fronting his own band. His guitar prowess isn’t often publicized, but it damn sure isn’t understated when it gets mentioned; just ask any Dave fan who has seen him in action. Tim Reynolds can throw down with the best of them. An intimate venue like Smith’s will certainly make it a night of music you will be talking about for a while. 4/29 CROSS CANADIAN RAGW EED Variety Playhouse Is it country? Is it rock? It’s just good music, period. Lovingly referred to as “the other CCR”, Cody Canada’s songs walk the borderline of many genres at once without even breaking a sweat. Croos Canadian Ragweed are slaves to the road, and it’s no wonder; anytime you get to see them, the joy of what they do live is evident in the power of their live performances. Theirs is a Ragweed not to be sneezed at.
WE GOT NEXT Artists on the verge of making it big ELECTRIK RED Latest Project: Electrik Red (Def Jam) For Fans of: TLC, Madonna, Danity Kane Why You Should Care: Because mainstream R&B could use a lil’ edge.
BY DEMARCO WILLIAMS NOW WHAT JANET JACKSON, GWEN St efani, Scary Spice and Lil’ Kim would sound like if they all got together in a tight, sweaty recording booth and began whispering sweet nothings into the mic? He ll, we don’t either. But we bet it would come off something similar to the music of El ectrik Red, Def Jam’s head-turning, new R&B/hip quartet cosigned by the charttopping writer/producer team of The-Dream and Tr icky St ewart. Made up of friends and former video dancers Na omi, Sarah (both of Toronto), Lesley and Binkie (both of NYC) , Electrik Red plans to seduce the music industry into a frenzy with a steamy first single, “Drink In My Cu p,” a frisky follow-up, “Friend Lover,” and a just-dropped debut, Ho w to Be a Lady, Vol. 1. After this animated chat with the flirty foursome, all INs ite can say is that its all ears. K
Where are you guys most comfortable, the stage or in the recording booth? Lesley: I’d say we’re most comfortable on the stage, in front of the fans performing. Ow ww! It’s like a high. You feel like you’re a drug or something. It just takes over. We c an express ourselves best on stage, I feel.
Are you all using any of those groups as guides, or are you treading entirely new waters here? Binkie: I think that we are totally treading in new waters. We ’re making our own lane. But we really, really admire all these groups that have come before us. It’s amazing, the music that they’ve produced. We got some big shoes to fill. We ’re taking the [concept of the] girl group on our back and we’re going to run like hell to the finish line.
Sa rah: What sets us apart is that we chose to be in a group with each other. We ’re friends first. That goes a long way. We ’re here for the longevity as well as a good time.
Na omi: As well as the money!
When you’re able to choose the people you’re with, that does separate you from acts like Danity Kane.
Al l: Absolutely! Binkie: From Dream to the people in this group to the label, we really, really, really are happy with working with everyone that’s a part of this project. It is completely surreal. It’s just a blessing how everything fell into place for us. Ya know, we’ve been doing this for a while. It took one man, Sh akir Stewart, with his vision and belief in us [to make it]. An d we are here! We are not stopping.
Sa rah: I know, on the surface, we are four women. Te chnically, we’re a group. We ’re brown, so it’s urban. But we don’t really compare ourselves to many girl groups. Wh oever’s number one, we’re coming for that spot. We ’re trying to do some world domination.
Na omi: We wanna do Lil’ Weezy numbers! We’re talking U2 numbers!
Sa rah: We’re talking Celine Dion [style], sold-out-inVegas shows.
Na omi: We’re talking bubblegum stickers and buttons!
Knowing that you all have worked with the likes of Ciara and Chris Brown, what kinds of things did you take mental notes of when you saw them perform?
Na omi: We have worked with a lot of people. To answer your question, it seems like everything that went really, rea lly well, we’re taking notice of that. Wi th things that didn’t work, just in terms of the way you put your show together or what choices you make along that path, I think we got a really good idea of how to make it successfully out the gate as opposed to other groups or people not really having any experience. I think we’re prepared. But most importantly, we know a lot of people that can get us where we need to be, whether it be a stylist, a make-up artist, a choreograp her or creative directors. I think we’re really good about using our resources and making it what it needs to be.
Is it true that The-Dream and Tricky produced the album in a day? Sa rah: Yes, they did. And we recorded it in two weeks. big screen. It was a lil’ dim lighting. Literally, we heard the music and we were overwhelmed with excitement. They totally got us. We went in there with our A game and knocked them out. We were focused. We didn’t see the sun.
Beyond completing an album in two weeks, what other talents are you all proud to have? Lesley: I’m going to say that my girl Na omi has executive produced From G’s to Gents, the hit show that’s on MTV . Sh e’s the brains behind all of that.
Na omi: I’d say the one thing you don’t know about Lesley and Sa rah is that they are amazing visual artists. They can draw out the wazoo! They’re very, very good. It’s the kind of stuff that could be going for thousands and millions. I can’t wait to buy a mansion ‘cuz I’m gonna get those hoes to draw all over the wall.
Sa rah: And Binkie is our very talented choreographer. On the lowsky, she’s worked with all kinds of people like Ke lly Rowland, Kanye and Usher.
Na omi: She’s also a fashion icon already. I can’t wait to you see her. You should see the jean shorts she’s got on right now.
Describe them.
Na omi: They’re very 80s-esque and cut off. It’s all about the belt and the waist. Sh e’s got on nice, high leather boots with it. I mean, she never ceases to amaze us in the fashion department. Binkie: Te ll me what you got on.
����� ������� By B. Love, DeMarco Williams, John Davidson, John B. Moore, Matt Goldberg & Jon Latham MUSIC
VARIOUS ARTISTS – LET FREEDOM SING: THE MUSIC OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT (Time-Life) History in a box
BEASTIE BOYS – PAUL’S BOUTIQUE 20 TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION (Capitol) A fresh look at the B-Boys’ best album
PG 20 • insiteatlanta.com • April 2009 ���� ����� ����� ��� ��������� ���� ����������� ��� ������� ������� ��������� ��� ���� �������� ������ ��������� ��� ����������� ���������� ��� ������ ����������� ������� ��������� ��� ����� ���� ����� ������������������ ������� �������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������ ������������ �������� ������������������������ ���� ������ ����������������������������������������������������� �������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������ �������� �������� ������� ������� ��������� ���������� ��������������������������������������������������� ������� ������ ���� �������� ����� �� ������������� ��������� ������ ��� ����������� ����� �������� ������ ����� ��������������������������� �� ���������������������������� ���������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������ ����������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������ ��������������������������������������������������������� �������������������������������������������������������� ������������ ���� ���� ������ ������������� ������ ����������� ����� ������ ����� ����� ���� ����������� �� ������������������������������������������������������ �������
VARIOUS ARTISTS – ART OF FIELD RECORDING VOLUME II (Dust-To-Digital) Second verse, just as great as the first
U2 – NO LINE ON THE HORIZON (Interscope) Stadium rockers forget how to rock
ASHER ROTH – ASLEEP IN THE BREAD AISLE (SchoolBoy/ SRC/Universal Motown) & BIG POOH- DELIGHTFUL BARS: NORTH AMERICAN PIE VERSION (Hall of Justus) True school hip-hop in black and white
MARIA TAYLOR – LADYLUCK (Nettwerk) Sleepy singer-songwriters
WILLIE NELSON– NAKED WILLIE (Legacy/RCA) Roughing up the classics
GORILLA ZOE – DON’T FEED THE ANIMALS (Bad Boy) Monkeying around with the A-town sound
FEATURE Spring Festival Guide
Great Festivals and Events coming to Atlanta this Season
APRIL Atlanta History Center Southern Music: Shaken & Stirred A PRIL 2-3; M AY 7-8; J UNE 4-5
The Atlanta History Center p resents its new concert s eries, Southern Music: Shaken & Stirred. This series, which e mbraces Atlanta's southern roots , presents four concerts exploring popular music g enres - soul, Southern r ock, jaz z fusion, and blues. Each month features a r oster of both up- and-coming artists and local legends who are among the b est in their fields and whose music is deeply rooted in the South. Concerts will take place the first Thursday and F riday of each month. Doors open at 6:00 pm, show begins at 7:30 pm. Musicians and music fans have opportunities to interact during intermissions and aft er each show. M eals are available for purchase. Each fe atured concert will b e paired with at least one of the Atlanta History C enter's exhibits and a specialty cocktail. While the series kicked off in March, there are three amazing shows left : April 2 & 3 - Mixed & Fused, jazz-fusion rock mix with emerging artists Ancient Harmony, Omega Love, and East Coast Dirt , May 7 & 8 - Straight Up Blues fe aturing blues artists Francine Ree d with Java Monkey, Danny "Mudcat" Dudeck, and Nick Edelstein and June 4 & 5 - Soul S tirrin' Sounds featuring 2009 Grammy nominated artist Anthony D avid, John West, and Kyshona Armstrong. Reservations are strongly suggested. For more information, Please call (404) 814-4150 or visit http://www.atlantahistorycenter.com/SMSS.
Atlanta Film Festival Rialto Center (Opening Night) Fox Theatre (Gone with the Wind) Landmark Midtown Art Cinema APRIL 2-3; MAY 7-8; JUNE 4-5 Showcasing one hundred seventy films including independent features, shorts, international treasures, documentaries, animation, and the definitive Atlanta c lassic: Gone with the Wind, you'll have plenty to see in Midtown over the course of ten days. At the intersection of art, c ulture and commerce, the Atlanta Film F estival is the quintessential community experience. One of only two dozen Academy A ward qualify ing events in the U.S., the A tlanta Film Festival is a worldclass gem in our own b ackyard. The F estival will open on T hursday, April 16, 2008 at 7:30 pm with the red carpet premiere of The People Speak, a unique per- formance film featuring live r eadings and reenactments of Howard Zinn's w ritings by Matt Damon, Morgan Freeman, Josh Brolin, Sean Penn, Rosario Dawson, and many more. Musical performances by Bob Dylan, John Legend, Eddie Vedder, and Bruce S pringsteen. Many of the talent are expected to attend including Danny Glover, Jasmine Guy, and Black Crowes Chris and Rich Robinson. For tickets and c omplete schedule go to www.AtlantaFilmFestival.com or call 404.352.4225.
Atlanta Dogwood Festival Piedmont Park APRIL 17,18 & 19
The 73rd Annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival is back in Piedmont Park! Spring is here, the dogwoods are in bloom, and hundre ds of artists from around the country will set up their tents for Atlanta's oldest c ontinuing event. The festival is fr ee and open t o the public. With past attendance reaching more than 400,000 this award winning festival continues to draw Atlanta natives, as well a s visitors from across the country for three days filled with art and entertainment. This year's event will fe ature the festival's largest Artist Market ever including s ome of the best visual artists f rom across the United States. More than 250 artists from around the country exhibit in 12 categories, including painting, glass, clay, wood and mixed media . The Kids Village features huge inflatables, arts & craft s and face painting for all ages, as well as the ever-popular 24-foot rockclimbing wall. A wide array of diverse musical offerings will be playing throughout the weekend. When you get hungr y, follow the delicious smells, of funnel cakes, gyros, crab cakes, onion rings, kettle corn and much more. And best of all, the Frisbee d ogs are back as Sports USA presents the Amazing Animal Athletes Dog Show. Friday is comedy night at the Dogwood F estival's Open Air Comedy Club at the doc k stage on Lake Clara Meer. The fun begins at 8:03 pm with a half-hour stand-up comedy show. Also, you may want to check out the "Friends of Do gwood Pavilion" a great w ay enjoy the Atlanta Dogwood Festival. This ticketed event will offer a spe cial area on Saturday and Sund ay featuring some of the neighborhood's f avorite restaurants combined with specialty beverages. For more information call 404.817.6642 or visit www.dogwood.org .
Sweetwater 420 Fest Candler Park APRIL 18 & 19
This two-day music and arts festival celebrating Earth Day, will be held Saturday, April 18 from 12 pm to 10 pm and Sunday, April 19 from 12:30 pm to 8 pm in Atlanta's historic Candler Park. Free admission for live music, fo od, and eco-oriented activities and educational experiences. Festival goers 21+ and w ith a valid ID can purchase a $5 wristband to responsibly enjoy Sweetwater beer and wine. A portion of proce eds from wristband sales are donated to Candler Park Neighborhood Association, to make improvements to Candler P ark. Founded by S weetwater Brewing Company in 2004, the two-day eco-oriented festival attracts thousands of visitors t o Atlanta each year and has emerged into a music and arts-driven educational platform for environmental awareness and a ctivism. People are encouraged to limit the impact on the neighborhood and t ake MARTA. The f estival is conveniently located just two blocks from the Candler Park MARTA station. Visit www.sweetwater420fest.com for additional information, updates, and directions.
Georgia Renaissance Festival Exit 61 - Peachtree City / Fairburn A PRIL 18 THRU JUNE 7
The Georg ia Renaissance Festival returns for its 24th anniversary run on wee kends and Memorial Day, April 18th through June 7th. Inside the g ates you'll find King Henry VIII and his court, castles and cottages , jolly pubs and over 32 acres of elaborately adorned shops . Feast on a gigantic variety of delectable delights including a g iant roasted turkey legs! The festival fe atures ten stages which include rope walking, juggling, music and comedic storytelling. This family oriented festival includes thrilling rides in the medieval a musement park and the royal petting zoo. Jousting on Horseback and the magnificent highflying Birds of Pre y and Animal Shows are not to be missed. New t o the festival this year are All the King's Horses The Royal Lipizzan Stallion show, musical act Cast in Bronze and the all new Exhibitions of Skill and Nerve Show. For more information plea se visit www.georgiarenaissancefestival.com.
Inman Park Festival and Tour of Homes A PRIL 24 - 26
Atlanta's eclectic and revered Inman Park Spring Festival is back again Frida y, April 24 (home tour only on Fr iday) through Sunday, April 26, offering fo od, music, fun, the city's largest street market, and its most outrageous parade. Founded in 1889, just two miles from downtown Atlanta, hist oric Inman P ark is the city's oldest suburb. The Festival was established in the e arly 1970s to raise funds for local s chools, theaters, libraries, and to improve and maintain area parks and g reen spaces, along w ith other community improvements and be autification projects. The city's quirkiest and colorful parade takes place on S aturday, A pril 25 and will be led by the Inman Park Butterfly, and followed by floats, clowns, jugglers, and the legendary K elly's Seed and Feed Marching Abominables. Children's activities include: pony rides , moon walk, face painting and more. Grand Marshall for the 2009 Parade will be Frederick Law Olmstead, visionary landscape architect and genius behind many of At lanta's great green spaces. The festival's home tour features e legant, turn-of-the-century Victorian homes, bungalows, original contemporary designs and modern interpretations of traditional styles . Admission to all Festival events is free. Tour of Homes tickets cost $15 in advance; $20 at the fe stival. For information about the Festival or Tour of Homes , call their hotline at 770-635-3711 or visit www.inmanparkfestival.org.
Zoo Atlanta Planet Earth Day Celebration APRIL 25
Celebrate with Zoo Atlanta at a wild, green bash for Earth. Join the zoo on S aturday, April 25 from 10 am to 5 pm and r ecycle, reuse and re-imagine your view of our world. Browse a super lineup of green exhibitors, meet zoo mascots, go on an earthworm dig, and dance to music on the KIDZone dance floor. There will a lso be special keeper talks, wildlife shows, and animal encounters. Bring your old or u nused cell phones for recycling during Party for the Planet. In addition, Zoo A tlanta has events happening throughout the season that include the Little People Live Musical Show at Zoo Atlanta on Saturday, May 9 and Sunday, May 10, Summer Safari Camps, Nightcrawler Sleepovers and more. Visit www.zooatlanta.org for tickets and details.
Atlanta Steeplechase Kingston Downs near Rome, Ga. A PRIL 25
Saturday, A pril 25 the Atlanta Steeplechase will celebrate its 44th anniversary with their annual race. In what has b een called "The Largest Lawn Party in Georgia" thousands of spectators will come to tailgate and take part in the festivities. Regulars of this event may notice that Atlanta Steeplechase is happening later in April, a move made to avoid conflicts with The Masters, spring break and other Atlanta social event s. The Steeplechase is the event to see and be seen. As spring heralds in warm days and sunny s kies, every fashion statement from designer dresses and showy hats to flip flops and halter t ops can be seen at Kingston Downs. Gourmet food and tailgate parties are the staple of the event. Between races, spectators can partake in picnic fare prepared by s ome of Atlanta's top restaurants. Along with the racing of some of the finest ste eplechase horses in the country, attendees are treated to Jack Russell terrier races, pig races, an air show and skydive demonstration, disc dog comp etition and the popular "Parade of Ha ts. Information and tickets are available from www.atlantasteeplec hase.org. MAY
Atlanta Botanical Gardens Moore in America MAY 2 - OCTOBER 31
This spring, the Garden launches a new era with the show TIME magazine called one of the Top 10 M useum Exhibitions of 2008: Moore in America. Widely acclaimed as the most important sculptor of the 20th century, Moore in America is the largest outdoor exhibition of Henr y Moore's sculptures ever presented in a single venue in the United States. The 20 colossal works will be displayed throughout the gardens and plant collections, providing for an impressive interaction of n ature and art. This is the final destination of the tour, and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity t o see these monumental sculptures in a single exhibition. Also, beginning May 2, visitors to the Atlanta Botanical Garden can explore new breathtaking gardens while enjoying increased parking and access to more green space, including neighb oring Piedmont Park. The first phase of the new Southern Seasons Garden as well as a new parking facility, visitor center and garden entrance are all p art of the nonprofit Garden's ongoing "green" expansion. Other upcoming events this season include the Gardens for Connoisseurs Tour, an Earth Day event , Mother's Day High Tea and a summer concert series.
Run, Walk ‘n’ Roll Confederate Hall at Stone Mountain Park M AY 2
The 9th Annual 3k Walk"n"Roll and FunRun will t ake place on Saturday, May 2 with proceeds going to provide wheelchairs, medical supplies and other equipment t o the disabled and elderly. The r un is 5 miles and the walk i s 2 miles. Registration begins at 7:30 am. The Fun Run b egins at 8:30 am and the Walk 'n' Roll begins at 9 am. A silent auction will take place aft er the walk. Paralympic gold medalist Al Mead will be making a special appearance. Participants are needed to run, walk or roll (in their wheelchairs) and raise at least $50. The first 300 participants who pre-register by April 29 and collect over $50 will receive a T-Shirt and all-attractions Adventure Pass t o Stone Mountain Park. Event is sponsored by Friends of Disabled Adults and Children. For more information, please call 770-491-9014 or v isit www.fodac.org.
visit Underground Atlanta during lunch time and enjoy eats from their restaurants, live entertainment, giveaways and special offers, all while being outdoors. If you're on a budget Taste of Underg round Atlanta is one of the best deals in town. The cost i s a $3 donation or five canned goods which will be donated to the Atlanta Community Fo od Bank. Taste of Underground Atlanta is a rain or shine event. Entertainment line-up, vendors and restaurants are subject to change. For more information, please call 404- 523-2311 or visit www.underground-atlanta.com.
Taste of Alpharetta Old Milton Pkwy. at Willis Park M AY 14
Now in its 19th year, come dine at over 60 restaurants in one u nforgettable night that's become an annual tradition. Sample delicious appetizers, entrees and desserts. Experience the new Culinary Art s area featuring chef's competition, cooking demonstrations and exhibits. Bring a b lanket to the new concert lawn for live jazz, rock and contemporary music. After dinner, stroll the Artist M arket for one of a kind finds or visit the new Community Corner. Families can look f orward to playing at Wacky World and on the dozens of fun infl atable activities, Guitar Hero, rock climbing, trains and more in the Fun Zone. Participating restaurants serve up an a mazing array of a ppetizers, entrees and desserts from their menus for just 50 cents per sample. Admission i s free and food tickets may be purchased on-site t hat evening or pre-purchased at Alpharetta City Hall. Parking is available and there will be shuttles running to the event. For more information, call (678) 297- 6000 or go to www.alpharetta.ga .us.
March of Dimes Dining Out Dinner at Various Restaurants; The Mansion M AY 15
March of Dimes will hold its 25th "Dining Out" followed by "Stepping Out" on F riday, May 15. Dinner at one of the 50 participating restaurants begins at 7pm and the "Stepping Out" aft er-party at The Mansion on Peachtree goes from 9pm - midnight. Atlanta's finest restaurants, including new culinary hot spots and f avorite classics, will be participating. The c ost is $1,000 or $1,500 for a table of ten, depending on the restaurant selection. The evening b egins with a specially pre
The Artful Garden Tour Various Atlanta Gardens MAY 16
The Artful Garden Tour provides self-led tours of six of Atlanta's finest gardens. Highlights include a c ontemporary garden for a unique Robert Green home in the Briarlake area and a stunning courtyard garden at the elegant new high-rise community, The Mansion on P eachtree. Gardens on the tour are conveniently centered in Northeast Atlanta. Hosted by the High's Art Partners Membership group, all pro ceeds will benefit the High. A specially designed, gardenfocused education c lass will be offered during the tour at Habersham Gardens for an additional fee. Garden Tour t icket holders can choose to attend a seminar, a m ake and take workshop or both for an additional fee. For ticket pricing and additional information, visit www.high.org.
Atlanta Jazz Festival Memorial Day Weekend in Historic Grant Park M AY 23-24
Celebrating 32 years and spanning 31 days, the Atlanta J azz Festival is back for another year of legendary p erformances, fine dining and eclectic jazz event s taking place all over the city. The 2009 Atlanta J azz Festival will build on the success and heritage of pre vious festivals by continuing its expansion with a 31-day schedule. In an effort to inf use arts and culture through jazz, the City of Atlanta Office of C ultural Affairs created its signature "31 Days of Jazz" series as a p art of the annual festival. The highlight of the month will be the 2-day festival taking place over Memorial Day W eekend, May 23 and 24 in Historic Grant Park.
The City of Decatur holds their 21st annual Decatur Arts Festival this Memorial Day wee kend, May 23-24. A number of festival event s will take place throughout the month of May leading up t o the final weekend. This interactive arts e xtravaganza includes art and artists f rom all disciplines and features hands-on participatory art as well as demonstrating and performing arts. Over 140 artists s et up tents to display and sell their works on the Square in d owntown Decatur. Scheduled events include an Outdoor Artists Market, Saturday, May 23 and Sunday, May 24, 10am-6pm. This juried show offers the best talent from all over the nation. A Fine Arts Exhibition will take place at Agnes Scott College Dalton Gallery Tuesday, May 19 - Sund ay, May 31. Enjoy art and beverages with ArtWalk at over 30 locations Frida y, May 24, 5 -10pm. The Kids and Teens Art Festival will happen at Scott Park (behind the D ecatur Recreation Center), on Saturday, May 23 from 10am until 2:30pm. It starts with a children's parade and includes hands on art activities, juggling, m usic and more. Other activities include a Literary Arts Festival, Performing Arts Stage, Dance Festival and Silent Auction. For additional information, call 404.371.9583 or go to www.DecaturArtsFestival.org .
Screen on the Green Centennial Olympic Park M AY 28 - J UNE 25
Peachtree TV presents Atlanta's popular Screen on the Green. The free summer outdoor movie f estival that takes place each summer will once again happen a t Centennial Olympic Park. The 2009 edition of S creen on the Green is set to launch May 28 and will feature a different movie each Thursday night through June 25. Moviegoers are welcome to bring picnic baskets and fo od, but no glass containers or alcoholic beverages can be brought into the park. Fo od and beverage vendors will be available. Pets are not allowed and umbrellas and high-backed chairs are strongly discouraged. Grills of any sort are strictly prohibited. For t his year’s movie titles and dates visit www.peachtreetv.com/specials/screenonthegreen.
Special Olympics Georgia State Summer Games at Emory University M AY 29 - 31
The Opening Ceremony will be on Frida y, May 29 at 7:30pm at McDonough Field and c ompetitions will be held S aturday and Sunday. Events are free and open t o the public. Come c heer on the 1,200 p articipating athletes as they comp ete in aquatics, athletics, tennis, gymnastics, soccer, table tennis and volleyball. In addition, all those attending will also be able to adopt a rubber duck for the 4th Annual D uck Derby happening June 26 at Six Flags White Water. Twenty thousand adopted ducks will plunge into the Little Hooch and race to the finish line for great prizes. For m ore information on the summer games, visit www.specialolympicsGA.org and look at the May calendar. For more information on the A tlanta Duck Derby, visit www.atlantaduckderby.com.
East Atlanta Beer Festival East Atlanta Village M AY 30
Sample over 120 craft beers from across the g lobe and visit shops and restaurants in East Atlanta Village. The stage will f eature live local music. All proceeds benefit community projects. Admission i s $30 in advance, $40 at the gate. continued on page 24
FRIDAY: Noon - 9 PM S ATURDAY: 10 AM - 9 PM S UNDAY: Noon - 7 PM
Enjoy a Full Weekend
Filled With...
F A L M D D E Z P A B
H S A E F A L F
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, 1 PM - 5 PM
A special ticketed area featuring favorite local restaurant sampling, beer and wine tasting, private restrooms, music, seating and a host of other amenities.
