THEATER
Actor’s Express’ final curtain call for Jesus Hopped the ‘A’ Train is this weekend. ArtsATL critic Alexis Hauk writes: “Utilizing a sparse but impactful set by scenic designer Seamus M. Bourne, [Director Eric J.] Little brings unpredictability to the actors’ movements and reactions, subtly choreographed so that we’re always engaged.” Tickets start at $40, with discounts available.
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City Springs Theatre Conservatory presents All Shook Up this weekend at the Byers Theatre in Sandy Springs. A musical inspired by and featuring the music of Elvis, the show is directed by Broadway performers and instructors Kristine Reese and Billy Tighe, who were recently interviewed by ArtsATL writer Sally Henry Fuller. Tickets start at $20.
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The Wiz concludes this weekend at True Colors Theatre. In his review, ArtsATL critic Luke Evans writes: “Conceived as a celebration of Black artistry, this production continues the celebration with jaw-dropping vocals and killer choreography.” Additionally, Evans points out the show’s use of humor, writing that “director Brian Jordan Jr. does a great job hitting the show’s comedic beats. Greg McKinney’s Cowardly Lion manages to pull laughs out of the audience at every turn, while Tina Fears is hilarious as both Evelina and Addaperle.” Tickets start at $20.
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MUSIC
Look Up Atlanta will feature the Southeast’s largest fireworks show in celebration of the Fourth of July at Centennial Olympic Park on Saturday, headlined with a performance by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra under the baton of William R. Langley. The event begins at 5 p.m., with the ASO performing at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $10.
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Underground Atlanta hosts a 4th of July Block Party on Tuesday that culminates in a fireworks show at nightfall against the backdrop of the city skyline. The family-oriented block party features live music, food trucks and games. Featured DJs include DJ Peezy, DJ Lavishlee and Mix master chu playing music from the ’90s, hip hop and Afro beats. Free admission until 5 p.m. Tickets are required.
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Atlanta rock icon Kevn Kinney performs July 6 at 9 p.m. at Eddie’s Attic. Kinney, the creative force behind Drivin N Cryin, has released a solo album called Think About It that features appearances by R.E.M.’s Peter Buck and Bill Berry, along with Brad Morgan of the Drive-By Truckers. The album is rooted in songs inspired by the introspective solitude of the pandemic and the death of Col. Bruce Hampton, Kinney’s friend and mentor. (The band discussed its ninth album with ArtsATL in 2019.) Tickets are $20.
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ART+DESIGN
The High Museum of Art will be open over the weekend and closed on Monday and Tuesday. Current shows include Bruce Onobrakpeya: The Mask and the Cross and Ancient Nubia: Art of the 25th Dynasty, both reviewed recently by ArtsATL’s Jerry Cullum. The High’s July Conversation Pieces (normally a Tuesday event) will take place next Wednesday. Facilitator Hannah Amuka, coordinator of gallery experiences, will explore the imagery in Herbert Singleton’s carved wooden door Hallelujah Door (1993.) A New Orleans artist, Singleton addressed racial injustice and the rich African American cultural traditions of his region in the latter part of the 20th century. Free for members. $18.50 for nonmembers. Registration required.
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Be sure to check with your favorite galleries about their hours this weekend. Kai Lin Art, for instance, will be closed Friday through next Wednesday, re-opening Thursday, July 6. The current show there, Tranquility, will close the day after, on July 7. The group exhibit features paintings by Jonny Warren, Wesley Terpstra and Elliston Roshi that express calm and beauty in diverse and elegant ways.
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Spalding Nix Fine Art is the venue for another group show that will close July 7. The gallery will be open Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. but closed Sunday through Tuesday. The show, Layer-by-Layer, features works by Katherine Sandoz, Scotty Peek, Susan Maakestad and David Boyd.
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DANCE
When there are no IRL dance performances, there is always screendance. FilmFest by Rogue Dancer, the dance film series curated by former Atlantan Jennifer Scully-Thurston, is just a click away. This month, the theme is tExtUrE. Many of the choreographers/filmmakers are from the United States – many are not – making for a rich experience of this fast-developing art form.
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Sue Schroeder, artistic director of Core Dance, and filmmaker Christian Meyer collaborated on body of water, a film offering for Global Water Dances 2023 to raise awareness for issues facing our planetary water sources. Filmed in Stössensee-Havel, Berlin – the Havel is the main waterway in Berlin; Stössensee is a lake – the film is a poetic experience of the many ways water can inform our human nature. It’s available for free on Vimeo, through the Core Dance website. Through Friday only.
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Atlanta dance educator Carolyn McLaughlin has been involved for several years with a project about modern dance pioneer Isadora Duncan, A Time With Isadora: How One Artist Influences Many. Amanda Sieradzki wrote about the project for ArtsATL prior to the 2022 concert at the Inman Park Festival. The event was filmed by Carrie Miller. That footage, along with behind-the-scenes interviews and rehearsal video, is now available to stream on YouTube, Rumble and Vimeo.
