►Out & about

The Arts

Rat Pack Tribute Show

Sunday, June 16, 7-8:30 p.m. Take a step back in time and hear performers representing some of the most iconic singers of the 20th century. Peachtree Corners resident Pat Sallarulo, considered one of the best tribute artists in the business, appears as Frank Sinatra. Talented actor, singer, dancer David Williams is Sammy Davis, Jr. And Mark Phillips brings back the look and sound of Dean Martin as he performs his hits. MadLife Stage & Studios, 8722 Main Street, Woodstock 30188. Details at visitwoodstockga.com.

A Page from the Book Festival of the MJCCA: Jennifer Weiner

Monday, June 17, 7:30 p.m. From #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Weiner comes “Mrs. Everything,” an exploration of two sisters’ lives from the 1950s to the present as they struggle to find their places, and be true to themselves, in a rapidly evolving world. A general admission ticket, with one hardcover copy of the book, is $32. Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta, 5342 Tilly Mill Rd., Dunwoody 30338. This is the 2019-20 Patron Kick-off Event: sign up to support the 2019 Book Festival of the MJCCA as a patron and receive complimentary tickets and book copy; contact Amy Royals at amy.royals@atlantajcc.org to register or for more information. Purchase tickets and learn more at the MJCCA Box Office, 678-812-4002 or atlantajcc.org/bookfestival.

Big Chicken Chorus Presents “Celebrating the Gentlemen”

Saturday, June 22, 3 p.m. Barber shop quartets from throughout the Dixie District will celebrate Gentlemen’s Agreement, iconic winners of the 1971 International Barbershop Harmony Society Gold Medal. They’ll also honor the sole surviving member of the group, Drayton Justus. The show will feature many of Gentlemen’s Agreement’s classic renditions performed by the Big Chicken Chorus, the Atlanta Vocal Project, the Stone Mountain Chorus and Chicken Little. Featured quartets performing will be Interstate Rivals, Category 4 and Quadraphonics. Tickets are $20-$50. Byers Theatre, City Springs, 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs 30328. Contact the City Springs box office at 770-206-2022 or visit citysprings.com for tickets and info.

Comedy Luau II

Wednesday, July 3. 8-11 p.m. These live comedy shows, borne from the talent presented at our popular open mic comedy nights, are a fantastic way to see a full lineup of talented and hilarious comedians without breaking the bank. This event is not recommended for minors. Tickets are $10. Earl & Rachel Smith Strand Theatre, 117 N. Park Square, Marietta 30060. Go to earlsmithstrand.org or call 770293-0080 for tickets and information.

Learn Something

Veterans’ Roundtable

Wednesday, June 12, 1 p.m. Meet with experts on veterans’ resources. Discuss your needs and get real help filing VA claims, medical care, housing, and job resources. Newly discharged or senior retirees welcome. The Veterans’ Roundtable meets the second Wednesday of every month. Gwinnett County Public Library, Buford Branch, 2100 Buford Highway, Buford 30518. For more information, please email cwalker@ging.org.

Bees and Butterflies and Craft

Friday, June 21, 9-10 a.m. Explore the gardens and honey bee apiary with a Sandy Springs naturalist. Binoculars will be provided to watch the nesting Lost Corner bluebirds, and to see how many butterflies we can find. There’s even a butterfly craft to make and take home. This family-friendly program is free. The group will meet on the Lost Corner Cottage porch, Lost Corner Preserve, 7300 Brandon Mill Road, Sandy Springs 30328. Registration is requested through registration. sandyspringsga.gov.

We Shall Overcome: African American Stories from Civil War to Civil Rights

Saturday, July 6, 6:30-7:30 p.m. “We Shall Overcome” became the anthem of the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, but the origin of the song dates back to antebellum days and a spiritual sung by enslaved people. This tour explores the lives and accomplishments of African Americans who fought to overcome the effects of slavery and discrimination to help shape the history of Atlanta. A few of the notable African Americans buried at Oakland include Maynard Holbrook Jackson, Atlanta’s first African American mayor; Bishop Wesley John Gaines, minister and founder of Morris Brown College and Carrie Steele Logan, who established the first orphanage for African American children in Atlanta.Tour prices are $6 for seniors and students, $12 for adults and free for Historic Oakland Foundation members. Historic Oakland Cemetery, 248 Oakland Ave., Atlanta 30312. Get more info at oaklandcemetery.com.

Festivals & Special Events

Butterflies at Chattahoochee Nature Center

■ Butterfly Encounter runs June 3-July 31. Get up close and personal with hundreds of native butterflies surrounded by colorful nectar plants. Included with general admission and free to CNC members.

■ Butterfly Encounter Photography Workshop on Sunday, June 23, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Join Atlanta-based nature photographer Eric Bowles for a workshop to help you make better photographs of butterflies and other garden subjects. For ages 16 and up. Cost is $40 for the general public, $30 for CNC members. Must register by June 16.

■ Meditate with the Butterflies on Sunday, June 30, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Experience butterflies in a new way. This quiet time is set aside before Chattahoochee Nature Center opens so you can experience the butterflies in a new way. For ages 16 and up. Admission is $30 for the general public, $15 for CNC members. Must register by June 24. Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell 30075. Register and find more events at chattnaturecenter.org.

Decatur Beach Party

Friday, June 21, 5-11 p.m. Decatur celebrates summer by making its own beach with tons of sand at the square. There’s also live music, dancing and a food court with funnel cakes and fruity drinks. Admission is free. Decatur, GA 30030. Find out more at facebook.com/ DecBeachParty/.

Stand Up for the Hooch

Sunday, June 23, 7 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. High Country Outfitters is proud to bring the “Stand Up for the Hooch” race for the 8th consecutive year. All ages and ability levels are welcome to paddle the Chattahoochee River. First time paddlers are encouraged to participate, and experts will enjoy the chance to experience one of the biggest races in the Southeast. The entry fee for the 2-mile and 6-mile races is $45; the kid’s race is free. Racing starts at Morgan Falls Overlook Park, 200 Morgan Falls Road, Sandy Springs 30350. For more information and to register, visit highcountryoutfitters.com.

Independence Day

Here are some of the many Independence Day celebrations held throughout the north Atlanta metro area.

■ Stone Mountain Park’s Fantastic Fourth Celebration — July 1-7, 10:30 a.m-8 p.m. Laser show and fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Info: stonemountainpark.com.

■ Norcross’s Red, White & Boom — Wednesday, July 3, 5-10 p.m. Pre-fourth of July block party and fireworks. Info: facebook.com/ events/572087913146274/

■ Kennesaw’s Salute to America — Wednesday, July 3, 5:30-10 p.m. Info: kennesawjuly3.com.

■ Duluth Celebrates America — Wednesday, July 3, 6-11 p.m. Food trucks, music and fireworks. Info: duluthga.net.

■ Dunwoody’s 4th of July Parade — Thursday, July 4, 9 a.m. Parade with marching bands, floats and celebrities. Info: dunwoodyga.org.

■ Marietta’s Fourth in the Park — Thursday, July 4, 10 a.m. Parade, music and more at the Square. Info: mariettacalendar.com.

■ Roswell’s Barbecue & Bluegrass and Fireworks Extravaganza — Thursday, July 4. Barbecue, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Extravaganza begins at 5:30 p.m.; fireworks at dark. Info: roswellgov.com.

■ Lilburn’s Sparkle in the Park — Thursday, July 4, 5:30-10 p.m. Food, entertainment and fireworks. Info: cityoflilburn.com

■ Alpharetta’s 4th of July Celebration at Wills Park —July 4, 6-10 p.m. Entertainment and fireworks. Info: awesomealpharetta.com.

■ Sandy Springs’ Stars and Stripes Celebration — Thursday, July 4. Music starts 7 p.m.; fireworks begin 9:45 p.m. Info: visitsandysprings.org.

Financial Information Network still available for Roswell Library patrons and community

The Roswell Library, located on Norcross Street in Roswell, is currently closed for renovations. However, the library’s Financial Information Network is being housed at the East Roswell Library, 2301 Holcomb Bridge Road in Roswell.

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and students can use the network to search for financial aid. Get more info through the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System website, afpls.org.