By H.M. CAULEY
Music: Blues times two
Acclaimed American blues artists Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Beth Hart co-headline an evening at Atlanta Symphony Hall. Hart, a Grammy nominee for her album “Seesaw,” is a powerhouse vocalist and plays multiple instruments, while Shepherd is a virtuoso guitarist who has performed and recorded with rock and blues legends.
Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Beth Hart. Aug. 8. Atlanta Symphony Hall, 1280 Peachtree St. 404-733-5000. atlantasymphony.org
Movie: Summer flick under the stars
Moviegoers can comfortably lounge on blankets and lawn chairs at Riverside Park for the screening of “The Greatest Showman.” The Hugh Jackman film on the life of P.T. Barnum starts at dark. Earlier in the evening, enjoy live music, the children’s playground and the park’s walking and bike trail.
“The Greatest Showman.” Aug 11. Riverside Park, 575 Riverside Road, Roswell. 770-594-6158. roswellgov.com
Art: It’s Serendipity
Summer Serendipity by the Johns Creek Arts Guild returns with work by more than 40 artists featured in a variety of media. The juried event kicks of with a reception and awards ceremony. The first-place artist receives $1,000. Honors include the Distinguished Award, Mayor’s Award, Johns Creek Honors Award and more money prizes.
Summer Serendipity art show. Aug. 11-Sept. 9. Johns Creek Arts Center, 6290 Abbotts Bridge Road, Johns Creek. 770-623-8448. johnscreekarts.org
Fashion: Curvy rules
This weekend fashion expo exclusively celebrates plus-sized men and women with the latest in hip and professional fashion apparel. The event features guest speakers, including celebrity designers, bloggers and book authors, as well as performing poets and singers. In addition, vendors will display and sell clothing and accessories.
The Curvy Fashionista Style Expo. Aug. 11-12. Cobb Galleria Centre, 2 Galleria Parkway, Atlanta. 770-955-8000. cobbgalleria.com
Fitness: Yoga in the Park
Roswell restaurant Osteria Mattone’s popular “Yoga on the Patio” event has outgrown its space. Now dubbed, “Yoga in the Park,” free 60-minute classes have a new home on the second Sunday of the month through November. Instructors from nearby studios lead the sessions. All levels of ability are welcome. Bring your own mat and water. Classes conclude with complimentary tickets for a mimosa at Osteria Mattone.
Yoga in the Park. Aug. 12. Heart of Roswell Park, 925 Canton St., Roswell. 678-878-3378. osteriamattone.com
Music: Remembering the ’80s
The ' 80s pop tribute band Electric Avenue is the upcoming attraction at Concert by the Springs. Favorite tunes from Tears for Fears to Prince are promised. The acclaimed band has performed alongside such rockers as Sheryl Crow, John Mayer and Mother's Finest. The free spring/summer music series is hosted by Heritage Sandy Springs. Lawn chairs and blankets are welcome. Reserved tables for six are available for purchase.
Concert by the Springs. Aug 12. Heritage Sandy Springs, 6110 Blue Stone Road, Sandy Springs. 404-851-9111. heritagesandysprings.org
Music: Pop, jazz and movie scores
The Atlanta Concert Band blends the classics and fun lighthearted tunes in a Sunday afternoon concert. Think songs from Beethoven and Gershwin, in addition to music themes from cartoons and favorite films.
Atlanta Concert Band. Aug. 12. Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest St., Roswell. 770-594-6232. atlantaconcertband.org
Art: Sacred Threads
This traveling exhibition puts a new perspective on the ancient art of quilting. The pieces in this show are based on themes of joy, spirituality, peace, healing and more, and explore how those themes are connected to the human spirit.
Sacred Threads opening show. Aug. 17. The Rectory, 17 College St., Norcross. 678-421-2025. norcrossga.net
Horse show: Jumpers for charity
Riders from across the Southeast converge on Alpharetta for this three-day show that features top competitors in the hunter-jumper class and raises funds for worthy causes.
Jump Ahead Benefit Horse Show. Aug. 17-19. Wills Park Equestrian Center, 11915 Wills Road, Alpharetta. 678-297-6122. alpharetta.ga.us
Workshop: Glassblowing
If you ever thought glassblowing looked fun but difficult, here’s a chance to learn how easy it can be. On Aug. 18, the Spruill Center for the Arts hosts four two-hour workshops in which instructors will demonstrate basic techniques and work with participants to create their own glass-blown fish. No experience required.
Glassblowing. Aug 18. Spruill Center for the Arts, 5339 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Atlanta. 770-394-3447. spruillarts.org
Race: Mayor’s Corporate Challenge 5K and Block Party
Party hearty then run it off at this combination race and street party at Alpharetta’s completed City Hall development where food, beverage and vendors will be on hand. For the race, kids take off first, followed by adults 30 minutes later. More than 800 runners are expected.
Mayor’s Corporate Challenge 5K and Block Party. Aug. 23. 5:30 p.m. Alpharetta City Hall, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta. 678-297-6000. alpharetta.ga.us
Lecture: The Joys of Indonesian Cooking
Learn about and taste some of the traditional Indonesian dishes during this two-hour afternoon event at the Alpharetta library. Members of the Indonesian American community will demonstrate how the dishes are made, discuss their significance in the culture and share tasty tidbits. Registration is suggested, but walk-ins are welcome.
The Joys of Indonesian Cooking. Free lecture and discussion Aug. 25. Alpharetta branch library, 10 Park Plaza, Alpharetta. 404-613-6735. fultoncountyga.gov
Workshop: Family tree
Participants can learn how to trace their ancestry at the catchily titled “Life in the Past Lane: Beginning Genealogy” at the Atlanta History Center. Director of Oral History and Genealogy Sue VerHoef leads an introductory program rife with research strategies.
“Life in the Past Lane.” Aug. 25. Atlanta History Center, 130 W. Paces Ferry Road. 404-814-4042. AtlantaHistoryCenter.com/Genealogy
Festival: 14th Annual Miss Mary’s Ice Cream Crankin’
Long before our favorite brands came about, folks made their ice cream the old-fashioned way. They were cranking it in churns and adding fruits for flavor. At Miss Mary’s Ice Cream Crankin’, area businesses and organizations will create imaginative flavors for eager judges. You can also sample them all. Proceeds benefit The Drake House, which supports families in need.
14th Annual Miss Mary’s Ice Cream Crankin’. Aug. 26. Roswell Square, 610 Atlanta St. 770-587-4712. missmarysicecream.org
Festival: Sign of the tomes
The largest independent book festival in the country, the Decatur Book Festival hosts author readings, writing workshops, poetry slams, cooking demos, music and more in one of the Atlanta areas’s smartest, most laid-back events.
Decatur Book Festival. Aug. 31-Sep. 2. In and around Decatur Square. decaturbookfestival.com
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