5 things to do: Roky Erickson - September 01 2017

Atlanta Black Gay Pride Weekend 2017

Various locations. Free-$400.

When it first took place in 1996, it was hard to fathom that Atlanta Black Gay Pride would become the largest black gay pride celebration in the world. Since its first informal house party 21 years ago, Atlanta Black Pride has grown into a citywide event that includes everything from block parties to community empowerment seminars. Despite our current political climate, the event’s 21st anniversary promises to be as liberating and celebratory as ever.

Marietta Art in the Park

Glover Park (Marietta Square) - 100 Cherekee St. Marietta, GA, Georgia 30060 Free-$5. 10 a.m.

Over 175 artists’ work will be displayed for this weekend long art event. Drawing 45,000 people annually, Marietta’s Art in the Park is a wonderful way for Georgians to spend labor day weekend and support the local art community. This year donations will go to the One Piece Project which supports nonprofits that celebrate art and beauty.

Wren’s Nest Scribes Book Launch

Wren’s Nest - 1050 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd. S.W. Atlanta, GA 30310 5:30 p.m.

KIPP STRIVE Academy’s young scribes present their new book, Bright Ideas. Read the kids’ fictional tales about inventors of color, including Super Soaker creator Dr. Lonnie Johnson, black hair care maven Madame C.J. Walker, traffic light inventor Garrett Morgan and more.

Roast of Daenerys Targaryen

The Highland Inn Ballroom Lounge - 644 N. Highland Ave. N.E. Atlanta, GA 30306 $5-$10. 9 p.m.

Look into the flames, what do you see? The Queen of Dragons might be impervious to fire but she’s still going to get roasted. All the houses of the seven kingdoms and then some will come together to roast your cherished favorites and your most hated “Game of Thrones” characters for 1UP Comedy’s latest character roast. It’s a Comedy Central Roast meets Dragon Con. If you think Westeros is a cruel place, wait til you see these comedians. Get someone to watch your dire wolf and journey to the Roast of Daenerys Targaryen. Someone might lose a hand, or at least, their self-esteem.

Roky Erickson, Death Valley Girls

Aisle 5 - 1123 Euclid Ave. N.E. Atlanta, GA 30307 $25-$30. 9 p.m.

Roky Erickson is a true American original. The Austin, Texas, native’s career was jump-started in 1965 when at just 19 years old he joined local psychedelic rock act outfit the 13th Floor Elevators. A year later, the band recorded its infamous swirling, blistering, breakup tune, “You’re Gonna Miss Me.” Erickson’s wailing tenor and feverish harmonica blasts quickly put the Elevators on the map, but his 1969 arrest for possession of a single joint spelled the end of the band and ushered in a prolonged era of instability for the troubled frontman. Despite struggles with schizophrenia and drug abuse, Erickson went on to record a series of iconic albums, trading the psychedelic vibes of his early days for a heavier, proto-punk sounds. Classic songs such as “Two Headed Dog (Red Temple Prayer)” and “Cold Night For Alligators” capture Erickson’s fascination with the bizarre and the macabre, pairing booming drums and crisp guitar licks with menacing imagery. While his checkered past often threatens to eclipse his musical output, Erickson’s singular voice and imagination continue to garner worldwide acclaim.