Fox Theatre to expand into former jazz club space

The Fox Theatre will take over the former Churchill Grounds Jazz Cafe space in the northwest corner of the building and transform it into a “premium guest lounge.”

According to Fox officials, this will the most significant expansion of theatre since it opened in 1929.

The 10,000 square-feet event space, set to open in late 2017, will feature two rooftop bars, private restrooms, concierge guest services and parking. The premium lounge will be membership-based with general admission ticketing upgrade opportunities. Guests may access the lounge before and after events, as well as during intermission.

“We saw an opportunity to enhance our offerings and create the most memorable experience possible for our guests,” said Fox

Theatre President and CEO, Allan C. Vella. “Atlanta’s entertainment landscape is everchanging, and we are in a unique position to further the Fox’s physical and cultural footprint with this exciting addition.”

Guest access to the premium space will be available through annual membership holders, as well as ticket upgrades at specific performances as inventory permits. Details, including rates, for memberships and ticket upgrades are in early planning stages and will available to purchase beginning in January 2017.

Additional announcements regarding the naming of the premium lounge, groundbreaking and construction plans are forthcoming.

Visual Arts

Chastain Park Fall Arts and Crafts Festival: Nearly 200 artists return to Chastain park in Buckhead for a weekend of art, music and handson activities. Nov. 5 and 6. Free. chatainparkartsfestival.com

Atlanta Contemporary Jewelry Show: The 10th annual celebration of fine craft artisans moves to a new location this year at The Carter Center. Nov. 11 through 13. $10. atlantacontemporaryjewelryshow.com

Holidays at the High Artisan Market: Meet local artists and shop for unique gift items including jewelry, textiles, home goods and accessories. Nov. 25 and 26. Free! high.org

Africa Forecast: Fashioning

Contemporary Life: An original exhibition that features 20 black women artists and designers who redefine the impact of lifestyle. Tuesdays through Saturdays. $3. museum.spelman.edu

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) Flight Portfolio: This exhibit features deluxe edition works by Alexander Calder, Marc Chagall and more from the 1960s and ‘70s. Tuesdays through Sundays. $5. museum. oglethorpe.edu

Performing Arts

The Mikado: Georgia State University Opera Theater presents Gilbert and Sullivan’s satirical story. Nov. 4 through 6. Free! rialto.gsu.edu

Democracy Achieved: This ode to American politics presents sketches about national elections and local issues in Dad’s Garage’s signature humor. Closes Nov. 5. $12.50 to $27.50. dadsgarage. com

Silent Night: An operatic telling of the spontaneous WWI truce on Christmas Eve 1914. Nov. 5 through 13. $25 to $140. atlantaopera.org

Cabaret: The Broadway hit gets a new production from film director Sam Mendes and Broadway’s Rob Marshall at The Fox Theatre. Closes Nov. 6. $30 to $105. atlanta.broadway.com

Fitz & The Tantrums: The retro, soul pop band heads to Atlanta’s Tabernacle venue with supporting act Barns Courtney. Nov. 7. $28.50. tabernacleatl.com

No(se)onenowhere: Israeli master physical performer Ofir Nahari brings this show back for an encore run during the Israeli dance festival “Exposed.” Nov. 9 through 13. $22.50. 7stages.org

Chucho Valdés and Joe Lovano Quintet: The Afro-Cuban jazz pianist joins the “post-Bop” jazz saxophonist for the first time on stage in their careers. Nov. 13. $38 to $70. rialtocenter.org iLuminate: America’s Got Talent dance troupe iLuminate brings its spectacular, light-up dance moves to Georgia Tech’s Ferst Center. Nov. 17. $28 to $38. ferstcenter.gatech.edu

Ballethnic Dance Company’s Urban Nutcracker: A retelling of the classic story that takes place on Atlanta’s own Sweet Auburn Avenue in the 1940s. Nov. 18 and 19. ballethnic.org

HIGHLIGHTS Chucho Valdés

Cirque Dreams Holidaze: Broadway reimagines the holiday season with this gravity-defying show featuring over 300 costumes, 20 acts and 30 performers. Nov. 23 through 25. $45 to $65. foxtheatre.org

Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage: This musical version of the film brings the accompanying band onstage with the dancers. Nov. 25 through 27. $38 to $78. cobbenergycentre.com

A Family Holiday Special: Dance along to music from “Nutcracker,” join in a sing-along and celebrate the holidays at this family concert. Nov. 27. $15 to $20. atlantsymphony.org

St. Paul & The Broken Bones: The powerhouse ensemble closes their fall tour at Atlanta’s Fabulous Fox Theatre.

$16.50