Rushdie reads, Petty pleads for Atlanta audiences

Writer, rocker highlight week of activities

Monday, July 7

As the unpleasantness that greeted Salman Rushdie's "The Satanic Verses" slips further into the past, the author keeps at what he did whenever he wasn't dodging fatwa-fueled death-threats: writing books. He shares the newest fruits of his labor during a 7 p.m. reading tonight at the Jimmy Carter Library and Museum. Rushdie, currently on the faculty of Emory University as Distinguished Writer in Residence, is to sign copies of "The Enchantress of Florence" in advance; admission to the event is free with purchase of the novel through A Cappella Books. $28. 441 Freedom Parkway, Atlanta. 404-865-7100, 404-681-5123, www.jimmycarterlibrary.gov. — Ed Hall

Tuesday, July 8

Remember the Civil Rights movement through an exhibit of photographs at the High Museum of Art. "Road to Freedom: Photographs of the Civil Rights Movement, 1956–1968." Works by nearly 50 photographers, including Ernest Withers, Steve Schapiro, Builder Levy, James Karales, Doris Derby, Bruce Davidson, Morton Broffman and Bob Adelman. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Wednesdays and Friday-Saturdays; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursdays; noon-5 p.m. Sundays. Through Oct. 5. Closed July 4. $18; $15 senior citizens and college students with ID; $11 ages 6-17; ages 5 and younger free. High Museum of Art, 1280 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta. 404-733-4444, 404-733-5000, www.high.org. – Mary Lou Pickel

Wednesday, July 9

Don't come around here no more? Actually, Tom Petty comes around pretty regularly, but this will be his first time at snazzy new Encore Park in Alpharetta. Petty is one classic rock act who's considered cool by a lot of kids. Steve Winwood opens. Tickets $35-$125. www.ticketmaster.com. — Phil Kloer

Thursday, July 10

Too hot to be outdoors during the day? Why not try an evening hike at one of the nearby State Parks? Walk On the Wild Side Night Hike. This adventure is an introduction to the nocturnal world of the forest and swamps. Hikers may see fluorescent creatures, hear bats or even spot a Barred Owl flying above this granite mountain. Registration required. 7:30-9 p.m. Thursdays. Through Aug. 28. $5; $3 parking. Panola Mountain State Park, 2600 Ga. 155 S.W., Stockbridge. 770-389-7801, gastateparks.org/info/panolamt.

—Montse Knowlton

Friday, July 11

Blake Shelton's recently re-issued "Pure BS" album may sound like a joke, but this country singer-songwriter has proven he's the real deal when it comes to producing chart-topping hits. Shelton brings his swoon-worthy ballads (and maybe even a drinking song or two, fingers crossed) to the Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre tonight. 8 p.m. $38.75-$45; $20 lawn. Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre, 5239 Floyd Road, Mableton. Info: 770-819-7765, Tickets: 404-249-6400, www.themhba.com.

— Ali Mangkang

Saturday, July 12

The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra plays outside tonight in Alpharetta. Catch the performance: All-Tchaikovsky Under the Stars. Overture-Fantasy Romeo and Juliet"; Violin Concerto; and Symphony No. 5. Robert McDuffie on violin. Robert Spano conducts. 8 p.m. $21-$59. Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park, 2200 Encore Parkway, Alpharetta. 404-733-5397, 404-249-6400, www.vzwamp.com.

-Mary Lou Pickel

Sunday, July 13

ACM Entertainer of the Year Kenny Chesney performs with LeAnn Rimes at Turner Field. Kenny Chesney and LeAnn Rimes: The Poets & Pirates Tour. Touring in support of his new album, "Just Who I Am: Poets & Pirates." The singer who won Entertainer of the Year at Country Music Association Awards takes LeAnn Rimes as his supporting act. 3:30 p.m. July 13. $85.50-$106; $45.50 military and students. Turner Field, 755 Hank Aaron Drive S.W., Atlanta. 404-249-6400, www.ticketmaster.com — Montse Knowlton