EVENTS

FOR A BRIGHTER

FUTURE ANNUAL STARFISH BALL OFFERS YOUNG ADULTS HOPE

Starfish Ball attendees not only enjoy an evening of unparalleled excitement, they leave inspired and humbled.

In 2005, Darrell Mays was on a flight home from vacation and watched a documentary on youth aging out of foster care. He had what he calls his epiphany: He would support education for those aging out of the system. With that, the nsoro Foundation was born. According to Executive Director Monica Pantoja, the name is derived from the Ghanaian term nsoromma, or children of the heavens. “We believe the children we serve, with so few blood ties, need to be supported and shepherded,” she says. “Our work is not about us but the youth we serve.”

The 2023 Starfish Ball on Jan. 21, named for the starfish poem with the line “it made a difference to that one,” fundraises for nsoro’s scholarship program that benefits young adults ages 16 to 26. The program is about more than just signing a check; recipients are guided to “becoming the best version of themselves” with the assistance of a life coach and lessons in workforce readiness.

Attendees not only enjoy an evening of what Pantoja calls “unparalleled excitement;” they also leave inspired and humbled at how far donations go to uplift young adults. College graduates attend the event and offer powerful testimonies, and donors are treated to a presentation on their successes. Two philanthropists are also honored, typically one from Georgia and one from another market with scholar saturation. “Our honorees are darlings of the community,” Pantoja says. “We call them the King and Queen because our founder’s family is from New Orleans, and each year there’s a Mardi Gras theme.”

This year’s Starfish Ball is at St. Regis Atlanta from 6 p.m. until midnight. Attendees can look forward to a “well-curated and well-paired dinner, live music, live and silent auctions and a pivot to the party with sounds from confetti cannons,” says Pantoja. Tickets are $2,500 per couple. n

College grads attend the Starfish Ball to offer powerful testimonies and philanthropists are also honored.

Make Time for Art

Atlanta-based Brandon Sadler hosts immersive solo show

Fans of Atlanta-based Brandon Sadler should make plans to visit the SCAD alumni’s first solo exhibit in six years at FreeMarket Gallery through February. Titled “Beyond Time,” this exhibit will showcase an impressive 60 new works arranged within an immersive and interactive space.

Sadler is known for his blend of American graffiti with Japanese, Korean and Chinese calligraphy. His unique graphic and typographic artworks and installations explore the depths of the human condition.

Sadler will host Japanese tea ceremonies throughout the exhibit (check the FreeMarket site for dates). Exhibit admission is free, but RSVPs are encouraged. FreeMarket Gallery is located at 1193 Howell Mill Road. n

freemarketart.com • @freemarketart

Cure What “Ales” You

17th Annual Atlanta Cask Ale Tasting

A frequent traveler to Great Britain, beer aficionado Owen Ogletree says he “fell in love with England’s cask ale” and decided residents and visitors back home needed to try it. Cask ale is served without filtration or artificial Co2 and pasteurization, according to Ogletree, and the result is yeast eating the sugar and Co2, leaving a more natural carbonation. “You can taste the malt, hops, yeast and special ingredients,” he explains. “It’s a cool way to enjoy craft beer.”

At the 17th annual Atlanta Cask Ale Tasting on Jan. 21, patrons 21 and older will enjoy 60 casks from various breweries offering unique beers with special ingredients. Though several locations have hosted the event, Ogletree says Bold Monk Brewing is his favorite. “We have casks on their outdoor patio and upstairs. People can check out the facility, try the beers and enjoy good food.” Tickets are $48 each to indulge in beers you can’t find at supermarkets. “The only way to taste these beers is to come to the event,” Ogletree says. “Bring your friends and have a good time.” n

BUZZ

MLK DAY AT THE ATLANTA HISTORY CENTER

Jan. 15 atlantahistorycenter.com/programs-events/public-programs/ martin-luther-king-jr-day Honor one of history’s most inspiring civil rights activists through a variety of virtual and in-person educational activities at the Atlanta History Center. Visit the site for details.

HEATHER LUTTRELL AT CITY SPRINGS

Jan. 19 citysprings.com/events/studio-series-heather-luttrell Fans of blues and Americana will love Heather Luttrell and the Possumden, live at City Springs for the Studio Series. The show begins at 8 p.m., and tickets start at $20 per person.

THE GREAT BRIDAL EXPO AT ATLANTA MARRIOTT BUCKHEAD

Feb. 12 greatbridalexpo.com/event/ atlanta-georgia-sunday-february-12-2023/ Calling all lovebirds! The Great Bridal Expo is an opportunity to comb through ideas for your dream wedding. Tickets are $10 each, or bring the whole family for $40.

FITZ AND THE TANTRUMS AT BUCKHEAD THEATRE

Feb. 13 livenation.com/venue/KovZpZAJAllA/buckhead-theatre-events Known for hits like “Money Grabber” and “More Than Just a Dream,” this lively pop band is sure to shake off winter blues with energetic tunes. The show kicks off at 8 p.m., and tickets start at $34.50.