Four decades after the venerable Fox Theatre was “saved,” its legacy as one of the crown jewels of Atlanta will be celebrated again.
On June 7, the venue will produce the “Fox Theatre Block Party,” a free gathering featuring music from Francine Reed, Bogey & the Viceroy, Orquesta MaCuba, the DejaBlue Grass Band and Tribute – A Celebration of the Allman Brothers Band.
The block party, which will take place from noon to 6 p.m. at the intersection of Peachtree Street and Ponce de Leon Avenue, is a thank you to supporters. Both streets at the intersection will be closed to vehicles; the main entrance will be at Peachtree and 3rd streets.
In 1974, the future of the Fox, which opened in 1929 as a movie palace, was in jeopardy because of declining ticket sales, poor upkeep and a changing city landscape.
A “Save the Fox” campaign ignited, with high-profile concerts from Southern rock mainstays Lynyrd Skynyrd and the Allman Brothers Band helping to draw attention to the cause.
Citizens raised $1.85 million to restore the landmark venue, and in 1975, the Fox was spared destruction. In 1976, the building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The June festivities will include Fox tours, food and drink and other activities.
Social media Q&As will lead up to the block party, with winners randomly chosen to score prizes including drink and food vouchers for the block party, 40th anniversary “Save the Fox” merchandise, Fox tour vouchers and more.
More information: www.fb.com/foxtheatreinstitute, www.foxtheatre.org/fox-theatre-institute. MELISSA RUGGIERI
ART
Students design Jesse Owens mural
The achievements of Jesse Owens, the four-time 1936 Olympics gold medal winner, will be dramatized in a 2016 movie, “Race.”
But well ahead of its premiere planned for next April, a large-scale outdoor mural celebrating Owens’ Berlin Games feat recently was unveiled at KIPP (Knowledge Is Power Program) Atlanta Collegiate in northwest Atlanta.
Students at several KIPP schools, after studying up on Owens’ accomplishment in the face of segregation back home and Nazi propaganda suggesting the racial superiority of Aryan athletes over ethnic African ones, collaborated to design the mural.
It features large laurel branches encircling a track, which itself forms the letter "O" for the athlete's last name. A pair of white track shoes dangle from this focal point, contrasting with the French grey background. Huge characters spelling out "1936" and "Owens" feature a font derived from an ancient Roman style used during the first Olympics, said Eric Mack, KIPP Strive Primary's art teacher who guided the project.
“The way in which Jesse Owens overcame adversity to stand tall in history is inspirational for all of our students,” said Kinnari Patel-Smyth, executive director of KIPP Metro Atlanta Schools. “This mural will be a part of our community for a long time.”
View it at 98 Anderson Ave. N.W. www.kippmetroatlanta.org.
MUSIC
Johns Creek program makes Soweto stop
The Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra will have a little help with its musically globetrotting season-finale concert “Around the World in 80 Minutes” on May 9.
The 8 p.m. program of light classics and pops under the baton of J. Wayne Baughman will include a guest appearance by Atlanta’s Soweto Street Beat Dance Theater Company, performing to its own music. The concert also features compositions by Grieg, Borodin, Smetena, Loewe, Rodgers and Kern.
$30, $25 ages 55 and up, $15 students. Theater at Johns Creek High School, 5575 State Bridge Road, Johns Creek. 678-748-5802, www.johnscreeksymphony.org.
Decatur Civic Chorus leader to retire
After 57 years of directing the Decatur Civic Chorus, one of the country's longest continuously running vocal ensembles, Mary Anne Sharp plans to retire following its 64th Annual Spring Concert on May 17.
Sharp’s many accomplishments including leading the chorus on concert tours of Wales, England, Austria, Spain, Italy, Ireland, Scotland and Mexico.
Her farewell concert, at 3 p.m. at First Baptist Church Decatur, is billed “A Salute to the Geniuses of the American Music Theatre” and includes a celebration of “The Sound of Music’s” 50th anniversary.
Free. 308 Clairemont Ave., Decatur. www.decaturcivicchorus.org.
THEATER
Gypsy troupe settles in Buford
Gypsy Theatre Company has announced plans for its first full season at Buford Community Center, where it will become a resident company.
Led by Mercury and Danielle Gustaveson, the troupe will present a six-show 2015-16 season in the 274-seat Sylvia Beard Theatre. The lineup:
July 16-Aug. 2: “Steel Magnolias”
Oct. 3-25: “Knock ‘Em Dead”
Dec. 3-20: “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play”
Feb. 11-28, 2016: a Southern comedy world premiere to be announced by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope and Jamie Wooten
April 14-May 1, 2016: “Moonlight & Magnolias”
June 9-26, 2016: “Wisdom of Eve”
More information: www.gypsytheatre.biz. HOWARD POUSNER
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