Bill Fleming hits the big five-o

A big part of the charm found in Candler Park is the direct product of the efforts of community activist, teacher and pedal steel player Bill Fleming. You can see the results of his efforts all over the neighborhood: murals, the park walkway, the overgrown bamboo-covered compound where he lives with his wife and two little girls. You can hear his musical virtuosity on the steel on numerous recordings by Fleming and other notable Atlanta bands, and hear him live almost every weekend in bars, theaters and outdoor stages all over the South. What you don't see or hear about as much is the positive effect he has on the personal lives of the people he loves — which seems to be almost everyone.

In celebration of his 50th birthday, Fleming is hosting a performance of his "50 Favorite Songs of All Time" this weekend. Fleming and many of his musical friends plan to perform (in order) his favorite songs, and although he is reticent to disclose exactly what will be played, odds are that the set list will be loaded with diversity, and will include a healthy dose of '70s boogie, classic country and western swing tunes. Showtime is 8 p.m.; admission is $10, which goes to benefit Cabbagetown folk singer Joyce Brookshire, who's been experiencing health problems. It's just like Fleming to transform his personal celebration to aid in someone else's salvation.

Bill Fleming's "50 Favorite Songs of All Time" is held at the Arts Exchange Sat., May 4.??