Arts Agenda: Aug. 17-Sept. 13

FESTIVALS/EVENTS

TASTE OF LIFE Atlanta has some of the highest HIV/AIDs rates in the country and many of those affected are part of the city’s homeless population. It’s time to get them off the streets and access to the health care they need. Support the cause through Taste of Life, an evening of food tastings, drinks, a live DJ and a silent auction featuring incredible art and experiences. $50-$75. 7-10 p.m. Sat., Aug. 19. Westside Cultural Arts Center, 760 10th St. N.E. www.tolatl.com.

PIEDMONT PARK ARTS FESTIVAL Named one of the Top 100 Festivals in the Nation by Sunshine Artist Magazine, the Piedmont Park Arts Festival features more than 200 artists from across the country. Ranging from photography to painting to sculpting, the festival welcomes everyone and anyone who appreciates art. The festival cultivates a family-friendly atmosphere, with plenty of foods and beverages and healthy options to go around. Free. Sat., Aug. 19, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., Aug. 20, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Piedmont Park, 521 Park Drive N.E. www.piedmontpark.org.

SISTERSONG PRESENTS PAJAMA JAM Join nonprofit organization SisterSong for a “pajama jam” to raise funds for its annual Let’s Talk About Sex conference, coming in October. The pajama jam features attendees dressed in their finest sleepwear, music by DJ Fyre and a screening of Spike Lee’s classic film She’s Gotta Have It, plus light refreshments. $10 (suggested donation). Fri., Aug. 25. 8 p.m.-12 a.m. Gallery 992, 992 Ralph David Abernathy. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lets-talk-about-sex-pajama-jam-tickets-36207356177.

ART PARTY To allow the public of Atlanta free admission into its galleries, Atlanta Contemporary throws a yearly fundraising Art Party. This year, the event will continue Atlanta Contemporary’s mission to engage the public of Atlanta with the creation and cultivation of contemporary art. Guests will have access to the museum’s galleries as well as the chance to try specialty cocktails from one of the art center’s mixologists-in-residence. As with every good party, there will also be music and food. $50. 7 p.m. Sat., Aug. 26. Atlanta Contemporary, 535 Means St. N.W. www.atlantacontemporary.org.

CONCERT FOR AMERICA: STAND UP, SING OUT! Stand Up, Sing Out! is a national concert series benefitting organizations that advocate for human rights, such as the Southern Poverty Law Center and the NAACP. Our city’s lineup of performers includes Atlanta resident and actress Kim Fields of the “Facts of Life” and “Living Single,” Grammy Award winner Melissa Manchester, Jessie Mueller from Broadway’s Waitress and so many more. $25. 7:30 p.m. Mon., Aug. 28. Ferst Center for the Arts, 350 Ferst Drive N.W. www.concertsforamerica.com.

MARIETTA ART IN THE PARK More than 175 artists’ work will be displayed for this weekend-long art event. Drawing 45,000 people annually, Marietta’s Art in the Park is among the slew of ways Georgians can 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. Free-$10. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Fri.-Mon., Sept. 2-4. Glover Park, 50 N. Park Square, Marietta. www.artparkmarietta.com.

ARTOSA Curated and organized by Taste of Soul Atlanta, ARTOSA is an exhibition featuring international “rock star” contemporary artists. Varying in themes, mediums and methods, the artwork showcased will highlight a wide range of cultures and expressions. There will be live music, as well as free wine and cocktails, and guests will have the opportunity to meet the artists. $35-$50. 6-11 p.m., Sun., Sept. 3. Art Cafe Ethiopian Kitchen, 264 Peters St. S.W. www.artcafeethiopiankitchen.com.

TASTE OF SOUL ATLANTA Nobody can argue that Atlanta is lacking in soul music, food or otherwise. Taste of Soul Atlanta is here to give you your annual fix of soulful artists and classic Southern cuisine. Featured artists include Frenchie Davis, Ricco Barrino and Phillippia. The two-day experience will include live music and food vendors, as well as a 5k and art TOSA, a citywide art exhibition. Free-$50. Event times vary. Sept. 2-3. 10 Northside Drive. www.tasteofsoulatlanta.com.

ATLANTA PRINCESS BALL Dream Parties prides itself on its ability to throw magical, interactive princess parties. This activity-packed day of family fun will include a princess rescue mission, a story time sing-a-long, ballroom dance lessons and more. Somehow, they’ve also managed to gather at least nine classic princess personalities to attend the ball, all of which are excited to meet little (and big, too, if you’re into that) ball attendees. $32-$47. 1:15 p.m. Sun., Sept. 10. Atlanta Airport Marriott, 4711 Best Road. www.dreampartyforyou.com.

THE ARTS EXCHANGE FAREWELL AND CELEBRATION The Arts Exchange will be giving its Kalb Street property its official swan song as they say goodbye and move to their new home in East Point. In order to celebrate 33 years of inaugural programs in the original location, community members are invited to dance, sing and build bridges over happy memories. Free. 7 p.m. Sun., Sept. 10. The Arts Exchange, 750 Kalb St. S.E. www.thearts-exchange.org.

LAWN PARTY 2017 Celebrate the final days of ArtsATL’s Luminary Award nominations in its annual lawn party at Historic Oakland Cemetery. The ArtsATL Lawn Party will feature everything from lawn games made by Brutal Studio to music curated by Deer Bear Wolf. To prepare the folks of Atlanta for upcoming elections, members of the Atlanta City Council and mayoral candidates will also make appearances and speak about their respective arts platforms. Free. 3-6 p.m., Sun., Sept. 10. Historic Oakland Cemetery, 248 Oakland Ave. S.E. www.oaklandcemetery.com.

COMEDY

PUPPYPROV At this Dad’s Garage show, the “awws” may outweigh the laughs. All the scenes will feature adoptable pets thanks to Angels Among Us Pets Rescue. Come early or stay after to pick out a pup to take home. In addition to bringing in the dogs, 25 percent of proceeds will go to the helping other pups and furry friends find their furr-ever homes. $20-$35. 8 p.m. Fri., Aug. 18. Dad’s Garage, 569 Ezzard St. S.E. www.dadsgarage.com.

COCKTAILS AND COMEDY Combining two favorite pastimes, The Pinewood hosts Cocktails and Comedy on the last Thursday of every month. With an advance purchase of tickets, guests can enjoy a night of laughter while drinking some quality booze. $10-$15. 9 p.m. Thurs., Aug. 24. The Pinewood, 254 W. Ponce de Leon Ave. www.pinewoodtr.com.

JIMMY PARDO Comedian and podcast host Jimmy Pardo comes to the Laughing Skull Lounge in Midtown. The Chicago native has been a staple on “The Tonight Show” and “CONAN,” not to mention his award-winning podcast, “Never Not Funny.” Get a taste of the witty, fast-paced humor he’s been spouting on air for more than a decade. $23-$31. 8 p.m. Fri.-Sat., Aug. 25-26. Laughing Skull Lounge, 878 Peachtree St. N.E. www.laughingskulllounge.com.

ATLANTA I NEED A NEW HEART This September marks the eighteenth anniversary of Stephin Merritts’ critically acclaimed, three-volume album 69 Love Songs. The album consists of exactly 69 songs chronicling all types of love, including “Yeah, Oh Yeah” about a husband murdering his wife. Ahhh, the joys of love. 1 AM Secret Show will host an all-out celebration of Merritt’s musical tome. $8. 8 p.m. Wed., Sept. 6. Highland Inn Ballroom, 644 N. Highland Ave. N.E. www.freshtix.com/events/69.

BOOKS

BLACK FEMINIST BOOK CLUB Every month, Charis community members get together to read books by incredible black women writers and discuss them using black feminist perspectives. August’s theme is radical speculative fiction and will focus on Nalo Hopkinson’s Midnight Robber, a futuristic coming-of-age novel with roots in Caribbean and Yoruba culture. $5 suggested donation. 7 p.m. Thurs., Aug. 24. Charis Books and More, 1189 Euclid Ave. N.E. www.charisbooksandmore.com.

FILM

YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN The classic comedy spoofing Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel will be screened at Piedmont Park. Thanks to Turner and xfinity, tickets are totally free. Snag them while you can and enjoy a night in the park as summer draws to a close. Free-$5. 6 p.m. Fri., Aug. 18. Promenade at Piedmont Park, 521 Park Drive. N.E. www.piedmontpark.org.

ONYXCON FILM FESTIVAL In partnership with Onyxcon 2017, Auburn Avenue Research Library hosts screenings of films about the black experience created by black folks. Selections include Night of the Living Dead (1968), Domestic Seduction (2017) and Jordan Peele’s critically-acclaimed feature film debut Get Out. Return to AARL on Aug. 30 for screenings of the award-winning Pariah (2011) and Academy Award Best Picture winner Moonlight (2017) with the Atlanta Queer Literary Festival and Black Gay Pride. Free-$5. Fri., Aug. 25, 1-9 p.m.; Wed., Aug. 30, 5 and 6:30 p.m. Auburn Avenue Research Library, 101 Auburn Ave. N.E. www.afpls.org.

SPOKEN WORD

WISH WEDNESDAYS OPEN MIC On the first Wednesday of every month, poets, spoken word artists and neo-soul/acoustic musicians take the stage at Kat’s Cafe, a cozy atmosphere with intimate vibes. Take the stage to perform or sit back enjoy food and drinks on a comfy couch. Free. 7 p.m. Sept. 6. Kat’s Cafe, 970 Piedmont Ave. N.E. www.facebook.com/katscafe.atlanta.
 
TOO MUCH MEAD: Sh!t-Faced Shakespeare takes on A Midsummer Night’s Dream on Sat., Aug. 19 and 26. | Lara Woolfson

THEATER

SPACE GIRL If you think your life is hard now, just think how Arugula, the 16-year-old from the planet Zlagdor, feels on Earth. Coming from a planet where only Roller Derby and salad make sense, Arugula and her father, Nancy, must figure out what it’s like to be human before the planet Earth runs out of time in this debut production from the Weird Sisters Theatre Project. $15. Show times vary. Thurs.-Sun., Aug. 10-20. Third Floor Black Box, Alliance Theatre, 1280 Peachtree St. NE. www.theweirdsisters.org.

FOREVER PLAID The Marietta Theatre Company presents Forever Plaid, the tale of “The Plaids,” a group a four harmoniously singing boys who are killed in a car accident on their way to their first big gig. It’s not until after the boys meet their demise that the play really begins. Don’t be fooled by the seemingly-somber subject matter. Nostalgic ’50s tunes and comedic tone are what really make the play. $25. Show times vary. Aug. 18-Sept. 2., Thurs.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 3 p.m. Lyric Studio on the Square, 12 Powder Springs St., Marietta. www.mariettatheatre.com.

SH!T-FACED SHAKESPEARE As much as we appreciate Shakespeare’s contribution to literature, sometimes a few drinks are necessary to get through ye olde Elizabethan text. Sh!t-Faced Shakespeare is here to help. With legitimately drunk actors, they’ll give a rowdy performance of one of Shakespeare’s most popular works, A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Your high school English class self will be jealous. $15-$20. 7:30-8:30 p.m. Sat., Aug. 19 and 26. Historic Fourth Ward Park, 592 N. Angier Ave. N.E. www.shit-facedshakespeare.com.

NT LIVE: ANGELS IN AMERICA PART ONE Landmark screens the first part of the National Theatre’s performance of Angels in America. This culturally significant play takes place in the 1980s amid the height of the AIDS epidemic and Reagan administration’s blind eye toward it. Playwright Tony Kushner’s script addresses sexuality, identity, death and love. $15. 11 a.m. Sun., Aug. 20. Landmark’s Midtown Art Cinema, 931 Monroe Drive N.E. www.landmarktheatres.com.

THROW ME ON THE BURNPILE AND LIGHT ME UP Oscar-nominated screenwriter and playwright Lucy Alibar tells her own coming-of-age story set in the backwoods of the Florida-Georgia line. Her humorous and heartfelt tale includes a lecherous goat, Pentecostals on the radio, phone calls from death row, a bunch of inbred cats and her Daddy’s burnpile. $15-$20. Sept. ct. 1. Thurs.-Sat., 8 p.m. Sat.-Sun., 2:30 p.m. Aurora Theatre, 128 E. Pike St., Lawrenceville. www.auroratheatre.com.

VISUAL ARTS

Openings and Receptions

SWAN COACH GALLERY P.O.V. An exhibition featuring works by three different artists. Opening reception 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Thurs., Aug. 17. Aug. 17 through Sept. 22. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tues.-Sat. 3130 Slaton Drive N.W. 404-261-0636. www.gallery.swancoachhouse.com.

ALAN AVERY ART COMPANY Kimber Berry. An exhibition of Kimber Berry’s colorful and multi-dimensional art. Aug. 18 through Oct. 6. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tues.-Fri.; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat. 656 Miami Circle N.E. 404-237-0370. www.alanaveryartcompany.com.

BLUE MARK STUDIOS Movement. A two-artist exhibition exploring the “spiritual and physical forces that impact and shape our world.” The exhibition will showcase the works of Niki Zarrabi and Julio Ceballos, two artists with distinct and different styles who explore similar themes of human existence, science and technology. Free. 7-10 p.m., Fri., Aug. 25. Blue Marks Studios, 892 Jefferson St. N.W. www.bluemarkstudios.com

MICHAEL C. CARLOS MUSEUM Threads of Time: Tradition and Change in Indigenous American Textiles. Features a textile collection exploring indigenous American fiber arts. Aug. 19 through Dec. 17. ‘And Something Magical Happened’: Baseball Photographs by Walter Iooss. A small exhibition featuring photographs by Walter looss. Sept. 2 through Jan. 7. $6-$8. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tues.-Fri. 571 South Kilgo Circle. 404-727-4282. www.carlos.emory.edu.

ATLANTA CONTEMPORARY Venus. Featuring the unique, made-from-carpet works of Anna Betbeze. Aug. 26 through Dec. 17. The Green Dragon. An exhibition of Jason Benson’s work. Aug. 26 through Oct. 22. Good Weather. An installation featuring work from Little Rock gallery, Good Weather. Aug. 26 through Oct. 29. Dark Povera Part 1. Features African-inspired sculptures by Matthew Angelo Harrison. Aug. 26 through Dec. 17. The Leisure Time of a Firearm. A film by Agnieszka Polska exploring anxiety and excitement. Aug. 26 through Oct. 1. Free. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Wed. and Fri.-Sat.; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Thurs.; 12 p.m.-4 p.m. Sun. 535 Means St. N.W. 404-688-1970. www.atlantacontemporary.org.

SCAD FASH GUO PEI. Features the work of acclaimed fashion designer Guo Pei. Sept. 7 through March 4. Free-$10. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Wed and Fri.-Sat.; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thurs.; 12 p.m.-5 p.m. Sun. 1600 Peachtree St. N.W. 404-253-3132. www.scadfash.org.

SPELMAN COLLEGE MUSEUM OF FINE ART Beverly Buchanan: Ruins and Rituals. The most comprehensive exhibition of Buchanan’s work to date. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tues.-Fri.; 12 p.m.- 4 p.m. Sat. Sept. 14 through Dec. 2. 350 Spelman Lane. 404-270-5607. www.museum.spelman.edu.

MUSEUM OF DESIGN ATLANTA TEXT ME: How We Live in Language. An exhibition curated by Debbie Millman exploring typography. Sept. 17 through Feb. 4. Free-$10. 12 p.m.-6 p.m. Tues.-Wed. and Fri.-Sun.; 12 p.m.-8 p.m. Thurs. 1315 Peachtree St. N.E. 404-979-6455. www.museumofdesign.org.

Ongoing Visual Arts

ATLANTA CONTEMPORARY Dishes and Fruits. An installation by artists Holly Coulis. Through Aug. 27. Free. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Wed. and Fri.-Sat.; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Thurs.; 12 p.m.-4 p.m. Sun. 535 Means St. N.W. www.atlantacontemporary.org.

GALLERY 72 John Dean: Buford Highway Glyphs. Featuring photographs by Dean John Dean. Free. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri. 72 Marietta St. www.ocaatlanta.com.

HAMMONDS HOUSE MUSEUM Back in My Days. An exhibition showcasing Frank Morrison’s unique work. Through Sept. 10. Free-$5. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Wed.-Fri.; 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Sat.-Sun. 503 Peeples St. S.W. www.hammondshouse.org.

HATHAWAY GALLERY Reworlding. Featuring the latest geopolitical work by Pam Longobardi. Through Sept. 16. Paintings from Iceland. An exhibition of Frank Webster’s paintings of Iceland. Through Sept. 16. Free. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tues.-Fri.; 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sat. 887 Howell Mill Road N.W. 470-428-2061. www.hathawaygallery.com.

HIGH MUSEUM OF ART Andy Warhol: Prints from the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation. An exhibition of more than 250 prints by Andy Warhol. Through Sept. 3. Technicolor. Features new and vibrant works by Spanish artist Jaime Hayon. Through Oct. 15. Universal and Sublime: The Vessels of Magdalene Odundo. An exhibition of Magdalene Odundo’s work from the past 30 years. Through Oct. 15. Paul Graham: The Whiteness of the Whale. Featuring Paul Graham’s most groundbreaking bodies of work made between 1998 and 2011. Through Oct. 22. Merry Go Zoo. An interactive installation by Spanish artist Jaime Hayon. Through Nov. 26. Painter and Poet: The Wonderful World of Ashley Bryan. A celebration of Ashley Bryan’s career. Through Jan. 21. Free-$14.50. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Thurs.; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Fri.; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat.; Noon-5 p.m. Sun. 1280 Peachtree St. N.E. 404-733-4400. www.high.org.

KAI LIN ART SPECTRUM. An exhibition featuring the works and collaborations of five artists. Through Sept. 7. Free. Noon-6 p.m. Wed.-Fri.; Noon-5 p.m. Sat. 999 Brady Ave. N.W. 404-408-4248. www.kailinart.com.

MICHAEL C. CARLOS MUSEUM Coiling Culture: Basketry Art of Native North America. Showcasing the art of basketry in the Americas. Through Feb. 18. $6-$8. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tues.-Fri. 571 South Kilgo Circle. 404-727-4282. www.carlos.emory.edu.

MURMUR How Nice. An exhibition of Barry Lee’s art. Through Sept. 9. Free. 3-5 p.m. Sun., Aug. 20; 2-4 p.m. Sun., Sept. 3; 6-8 p.m., Sat., Sept. 9. 100 Broad St. S.W. www.murmurmedia.org.

MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART OF GEORGIA The Room for Tender Choreographies. A mediation on the intersections of choreography and politics choreographed by Lauri Stallings. Through Sept. 9. Building a Ship from the Shipwreck. Features work by WonderRoot’s Walthall Artist fellows. Through Sept. 9. Fast Forward // Rewind. An exhibition highlighting the work of 19 ‘ones to watch’ photographers. Through Oct. 14. Free-$8. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues-Sat. 75 Bennett St. N.W. 404-367-8700. www.mocaga.org.

MUSEUM OF DESIGN ATLANTA Luba Lukova: Designing Justice. An exhibition of Luba Lakova’s political though-provoking work. Through Sept. 3. Free-$10. 12 p.m.-6 p.m. Tues.-Wed. and Fri.-Sun.; 12 p.m.-8 p.m. Thurs. 1315 Peachtree St. N.E. 404-979-6455. www.museumofdesign.org.

SANDLER HUDSON GALLERY Summer Thunder. A selected group exhibition featuring more than a dozen artists. Through Sept. 2. Free. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Fri.; 12 p.m.-5 p.m. Sat. 1000 Marietta St. N.W. 404-817-3300. www.sandlerhudson.com.

SCAD FASH Shoes: Pleasure and Pain. An exhibition highlighting the cultural significance of shoes. Through Aug. 13. Omar Victor Diop: Project Diaspora. Works of art exploring historical relationships between Africa and the rest of the world. Through Aug. 18. Free-$10. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Wed and Fri.-Sat.; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thurs.; 12 p.m.-5 p.m. Sun. 1600 Peachtree St. N.W. 404-253-3132. www.scadfash.org.