The Lucky Penny
A presenter, curator and creator of innovative contemporary performance events since 2011. Artistic directors Blake Beckham and Malina Rodriguez produce work that pushes boundaries, advances artistry and cultivates a strong cultural community. The Lucky Penny’s offbeat offerings include Dance Truck, the mobile movement project that delivers dance to Atlanta’s doorsteps via trucks and trailers converted into performance spaces. The group recently received a three-year Robert Rauschenberg Foundation SEED grant.
At Decatur Book Festival: Performing “Hidden Away: The Library at Night” at Decatur Library from Aug. 31 to Sept. 7. Created by choreographer Nicole Livieratos and writer Phillip DePoy, it’s a genre-defying work melding dance, theater, literature and sound. “Hidden Away” is described as an experience in which “characters from books rush past, movement and music are all around you, everything is transformed.” Book Festival patrons are encouraged to arrive early and gather at the library’s Sycamore Street entrance before the 7 and 8:30 p.m. shows Aug. 31 and Sept. 1.
Coming this fall: Free “Hidden Away” performances continue at the Decatur Library at 7 and 8:30 p.m. Sept. 5; and 7, 8:30 and 10 p.m. Sept. 6-7. Free.
Web: www.theluckypennyatl.blogspot.com
The Atlanta Opera
Founded in 1979, the Atlanta Opera has grown into an important regional opera company, attracting top talent from the regional, national and international opera scenes. It launches its 2013-14 season this fall under the leadership of a new general and artistic director, Tomer Zvulun. The company presents three productions each year at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.
At Decatur Book Festival: Giving an introduction to the opera and season preview, 10-10:45 a.m. Aug. 31, Decatur Recreation Center Dance Studio; also appearing at DBF After Dark on the festival plaza, 7 p.m. Aug. 31.
Coming this fall: Zvulun directs the season-opening Puccini’s “Tosca,” Oct. 5-13.
Web: www.atlantaopera.org
Soul Food Cypher
Soul Food Cypher (SFC) seeks to reverse the rap about rappers. Believing in the power of speech to transform the lives of individuals and their communities, the organization presents cypher events in which emcees are challenged and rewarded for their quick-wittedness in lyrics, depth in content and personality in presentation. SFC seeks to solidify the art of freestyling as a genuine aesthetic to the wider artistic community and carry this rich tradition to the next generation.
At Decatur Book Festival: Demonstrating the art of freestyle rap in its booth in the plaza exhibition area.
Coming this fall: Presents cypher events the second and fourth Sunday of every month, 6-9 p.m., at WonderRoot arts center in Reynoldstown.
Web: www.soulfoodcypher.com
‘Cinder Block City’
“Cinder Block City” is a public art installation by Atlanta-based artist Scott Ingram that invites the public to become collaborators. The work is composed of artist-made FMUs (faux masonry units), which are realistic-looking cinder blocks cast from a soft yet dense foam that can stack, bear weight and even float.
The work is installed by the artist in a minimalist installation of cubed stacks of 75 blocks each. From there, the public is encouraged to re-contextualize the installation by creating their own structures. In previous presentations, adults and children alike have constructed high walls and arches, laid elaborate foundations evoking ruins of long-gone structures, and lifted and tossed them around like strong men in a circus sideshow. The blocks encourage creativity, communication and camaraderie in viewers, be they friends or total strangers.
At Decatur Book Festival: Find the installation next to the Community Bandstand.
Web: www.scottaingram.blogspot.com
