Summer Guide - June, 2008

22 ROCK AND ROLL MONSTER BASH

Sun., June 1. The Starlight Six Drive-In presents a day of rock ‘n’ roll, burlesque and hot rods followed by an evening of monstrous motions pictures: the sword-and-sorcery extravaganza The Seventh Voyage of Sinbad and the shlocky swashbuckler Evil Dead III: Army of Darkness. $15. Starlight Six Drive-In, 2000 Moreland Ave. 404-627-5786. www.rockandrollmonsterbash.com or www.starlightdrivein.com.

23 BOOK NOOK AND GARDEN SAFARI

Mon., June 2. Jimmy Carter Library staff and volunteers read to preschoolers, then conduct an outdoor Garden Safari. For ages 3-7. Free. 10 a.m. Jimmy Carter Library & Museum, 441 Freedom Parkway. 404-865-7100. www.jcl.gsu.edu.

24 CHUCK PALAHNIUK

Wed., June 4. The cult king of crazy and twisted literature (Fight Club, Choke, Lullaby) reads from and signs copies of his latest book, Snuff. The porn-industry chronicle stars one porn queen, 600 men, and an attempt to break the world record for serial sex on film. Free. 7 p.m. Marvin Cole Auditorium, Clarkston Campus, Georgia Perimeter College, 555 N. Indian Creek Drive, Clarkston. 404-584-7450. www.georgiacenterforthebook.org.

25 GABRIEL IGLESIAS

June 5-8. “Last Comic Standing” alum brings his unique mixture of storytelling with impressions and sound effects. $22.50. Showtimes vary. The Punchline, 280 Hildebrand Ave. 404-252-5233. www.punchline.com.

26 VIRGINIA-HIGHLAND SUMMERFEST

June 6-8. Neighborhood festival celebrates its 25th year, complete with parade, artists’ market and more. Free. Parade Sat., 9:30 a.m. Fri., 2-8 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Virginia Avenue. www.vahi.org/summerfest.html.

27 BROWN BAG CONCERT SERIES FEATURING HAVANA SON

Fri., June 6. A family-friendly performance by Havana Son on the lawn of the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse and kids’ activities. Free. 11:30 a.m. Gwinnett Historic Courthouse, 185 W. Crogan St., Lawrenceville. 770-822-5450. www.visitlawrenceville.com/events.htm.

28 KUNG FU PANDA

Opens Fri., June 6. DreamWorks follows such mammal-based, computer-animated comedies as Madagascar and Over the Hedge with this martial-arts spoof about an unlikely panda (voiced by Jack Black) named as “The Chosen One,” and the various talking animals who must teach him kung fu fighting. Voice actors include Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie and Jackie Chan.

29 SONG OF THE LIVING DEAD!

Opens Fri., June 6. Created by local actor Matt Horgan and playwright Travis Sharp with music by Eric Frampton, this original musical explores different facets of love through the unlikely prism of the gory, George Romero-style zombie genre. $15-$23. Thurs.-Sat., 8 p.m. Through July 5. Dad’s Garage Theatre, 280 Elizabeth St. 404-523-3141. www.dadsgarage.com.

30 SCI-FI SUMMER CON 2008

June 6-8. Includes lots of indoor and outdoor fun and games plus movies, guests, panels, vendors and parties. June 6, 6 p.m.-midnight; June 7, 9 a.m.-midnight; June 8, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Crowne Plaza Hotel Marietta, 1775 Parkway Place, Marietta. 770-428-4400.

31 ENDS OF THE EARTH: FROM POLAR BEARS TO PENGUINS

Opens Sat., June 7. IMAX film explores the Arctic and the Antarctic. Features interactive stations. Free-$15. Sun., noon-5 p.m.; Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Through Dec. 1. Fernbank Museum of Natural History, 767 Clifton Road. 404-929-6400. www.fernbankmuseum.org. Wanna attend this event for free?

32 ROAD TO FREEDOM: PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT, 1956-1968

Opens Sat., June 7. As part of the ongoing commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination, the exhibit honors the movement with piercing photographs from professionals and amateurs alike. Includes works by Bruce Davidson, Doris Derby and Larry Fink. Free-$18. Through Oct. 5. High Museum of Art, 1280 Peachtree St. 404-733-4444. www.high.org.

33 INDIE CRAFT EXPERIENCE

Sat., June 7. Seventh annual arts-and-crafts exhibition offers works from crafts people stationed at 100 booths. Free. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Olympic Centennial Park. www.ice-atlanta.com.

34 MAMMA MIA!

Opens Tues., June 10. Broadway Across America series presents the ABBA-inspired musical, to get folks pumped up for the movie version scheduled for a July 18 release. $25-$64. Tues.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 p.m.; Sun., 1 and 6:30 p.m. Through June 15. Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St. 404-881-2100. www.foxtheatre.org. Wanna attend this event for free?

35 AS YOU LIKE IT

Opens Wed., June 11. Georgia Shakespeare launches its summer repertory season with one of the Bard’s most beloved comedies, in which spirited Rosalind disguises herself as a man to find love and shelter in the magical Forest of Arden. Through Aug. 1. Georgia Shakespeare’s summer repertory continues with The Merchant of Venice (June 26-Aug. 2) and All’s Well That Ends Well (July 10-Aug. 3). $15-$40. Georgia Shakespeare, Conant Performing Arts Center, 4484 Peachtree Road. 404-264-0020. www.georgiashakespeare. Wanna attend this event for free?

36 DECON PRESENTS FRESH RHYMES AND VIDEOTAPE WITH DILATED PEOPLES, THE ALCHEMIST, ACEYALONE, 88 KEYS

Wed., June 11. How do you earn props without going pop? These underground hip-hop mainstays plan to collaborate on six new tracks during their 19-city tour, with the music and resulting film footage to be packaged and released. $20. 8 p.m. The Loft, 1374 W. Peachtree St. 404-875-9364. www.centerstage-atlanta.com.

37 MARCH OF DIMES DINING OUT

Fri., June 13. Twenty-fourth annual event features more than 40 Atlanta restaurants, including Bluepointe, Dolce, Lobby at Twelve and Strip. Reserve a table for eight to 10 guests at one of the participating restaurants and receive a specially selected dinner with wine. After dinner, head over to the nightclub Opera to mingle with other Dining Out guests over cocktails and cupcakes from Sweet Pockets bakery. Tables range from $1,000 to $1,500. 7-11 p.m. Restaurant locations vary. 404-350-9800, ext. 208. www.marchofdimes.com/georgia.

38 THE INCREDIBLE HULK

Opens Fri., June 13. Popular comic book tries to bounce back from the overly cerebral Ang Lee film with a more action-oriented flick that features Edward Norton (who co-wrote the film) as irradiated scientist Bruce Banner and Tim Roth as the human alter-ego of another muscle-bound brute called the Abomination.

39 THE CLARK SISTERS, KIERRA “KIKI” SHEARD

Sat., June 14. You don’t even have to like gospel to fall in love with the legendary harmonies of Clark Sisters – Jackie, Twinkie, Dorinda and Karen. Karen’s daughter, Kiki Sheard, is carving out her own rep. $44-$99. 7 p.m. Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, 2 Galleria Parkway. www.cobbenergycentre.com.

40 CREATIVE LOAFING’S BEERFEST: BEER’LYMPICS

Sat., June 14. Creative Loafing hosts its third annual beer festival in Woodruff Park. Expect several local bands and even more domestic and imported labels. $10-$30. 2-7 p.m. Woodruff Park, 51 Peachtree St. atlanta.creativeloafing.com. Wanna attend this event for free?

41 STONE MOUNTAIN ARTS AND CRAFTS FESTIVAL

June 14-15. Weekend of arts, crafts, music and food on Main Street in Stone Mountain. Stone Mountain Memorial Park, Exit 39-B, U.S. 78, Stone Mountain. 770-498-5690. www.stonemountainpark.com.

42 CAT POWER

Sun., June 15. Former Atlanta singer/somgwriter-turned superstar, Cat Power passes through her old stomping ground in support of Jukebox, her second covers album, which further aligns the indie songstress with the traditions of country, soul, blues and jazz. $26.50. 8 p.m. The Tabernacle, 152 Luckie St. 404-659-9022. www.livenation.com.

43 THE CURE

Sun., June 15. Robert Smith and the boys bring the Cure back to the States for another go around of gloomy pop anthems, lipstick and dirge. $50-$60. 8 p.m. The Arena at Gwinnett Center, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth. 770-813-7500 www.gwinnettcenter.com.

44 TRUE COLORS TOUR W/ CYNDI LAUPER, THE B-52’S, ROSIE O’DONNELL, TEGAN AND SARA

June 16-17. The B-52’s make a victory lap with their latest release, FunPlex. What Rosie’s doing on this tour is anyone’s guess. $65 and up. June 16, 7 p.m.; June 17, 8 p.m. Delta Classic Chastain Park Amphitheater, 4469 Stella Drive. 404-733-5000. www.classicchastain.com.

45 YOGA IN THE GARDEN

Tues., June 17. Work on your posture with instructor Kim Alford at yoga classes in the organically grown Rose Garden at the Atlanta Botanical Garden on Tuesdays. Classes begin June 17; must sign up by June 12. Don’t forget to bring a mat – and allergy medication if needed. Through Aug. 5. $100. 6:30-7:30 p.m. 1345 Piedmont Ave. 404-876-5859. www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org.

46 CASABLANCA

Tues., June 17. First golden oldie at the Fox Theatre’s Coca-Cola Summer 2008 Film Series will be the Humphrey Bogart/Ingrid Bergman wartime melodrama, one of the undisputed gems of the Hollywood studio system. Preshow includes a vintage cartoon and a sing-along with the “Mighty Mo” organ. $7. 7:30 p.m. Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St. 404-881-2100. www.foxtheatre.org. Wanna attend this event for free?

47 ATHFEST

June 18-22. Since 1997, Athens’ annual celebration of music and arts has been the scene of a citywide summer showcase for talents born and bred in the community at hand. This year’s five-day festival will feature performances from Dark Meat, Elf Power, Modern Skirts, Twin Tigers and many more. $15 (wristband festival pass). Visit website for schedule. www.athfest.com.

48 ATLANTA FEST CHRISTIAN MUSIC FESTIVAL

June 19-21. Four stages for all types of Christian music acts, including Casting Crowns, Toby-Mac and Big Daddy Weave highlight this festival. 10 a.m. $15-$90. Stone Mountain Memorial Park, Exit 39-B, U.S. 78, Stone Mountain. 800-783-8839. www.atlantafest.com.

49 HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH

Opens Thurs., June 19. Everyone’s favorite gender-bending German rock star/stalker returns to Actor’s Express, with Atlantan Craig Waldrip donning the wig and belting out tunes like “Tear Me Down” and “The Invention of Love.” Actor’s Express will remake itself as a bar for the fifth anniversary “re-imagining” of its hit 2003 production. $22-$27. Actor’s Express, 887 W. Marietta St. Wed.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m. Through July 19. 404-607-SHOW. www.actors-express.com.

50 DECATUR BEACH PARTY

Fri., June 20. Decatur ships in 60 tons of sand and turns the square into a beach for this annual event. Features live music, boardwalk games and beach movies. $5-$10. 5 p.m.-midnight. Downtown Decatur Square, 119 E. Court Square, Decatur. www.decaturga.com.

51 R.E.M.

Sat., June 21. Athens’ alt-rock pioneers tour after the release of their most focused album in decades. Accelerate has catapulted the band back into the good graces of critics and fans alike. The album’s lean arrangements and sharp hooks coalesce with dark moods that evoke the group’s earliest years, while leaning on hard, fast rock ‘n’ roll. Modest Mouse opens. $35-$75. 5:30 p.m. Lakewood Amphitheatre, 2002 Lakewood Way. 404-443-5000. www.ticketmaster.com.

52 WRITTEN IMAGES

Sat., June 21. Fourth annual poetry festival featuring HBO Defpoet Beau Sia. Keisha Jackson hosts as performers Goode, L.I.F.E. and Venom take it to the mic. $15-$20. 7 p.m. Apache Cafe. 64 Third St. 404-876-5436. www.apachecafe.info.

53 STONE MOUNTAIN VILLAGE WALKING AND WINE TOUR

Sat., June 21. Sample wines and munchies in the small-town atmosphere of Stone Mountain Village. An hour-long tour guides guests through village restaurants, shops and galleries while sampling wines from Sycamore Grill, Continental Coffee and Mama Mia’s Italian Restaurant. Free. 6-8 p.m. 770-879-4971. www.stonemountainvillage.com.

54 BRAVES VS. MILWAUKEE BREWERS

June 23-25. Smoltzy, Chipper and the gang take on the Brewers, led by slugger Ryan Braun and pitcher Ben Sheets. $6-$75. June 23-24, 7 p.m.; June 25, 1 p.m. Turner Field, 755 Hank Aaron Drive. 404-577-9100. atlanta.braves.mlb.com. Wanna attend this event for free?

55 EDDIE IZZARD

Tues., June 24. Hailed as one of the top stand-up performers of all time by Comedy Central, the free-versing, sometimes cross-dressing comic performs. $35-$55. 8 p.m. Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway. 770-916-2800. www.cobbenergycentre.com.

56 CORNDOGORAMA

June 26-29. Celebration of independent arts, music and deep-fried tube steak thrives on a summer-fair vibe. In its 12th year (and second at its new location), the festival is going stronger than ever. Four-day lineup features everyone from Zoroaster, James Hall, Noot d’ Noot, Dan Deacon, Janelle Monae, Proton, Snowden and the Georgia Satellites spread out over four indoor and outdoor stages. $50 four-day pass, $20 daily. Lenny’s. 486 Decatur St. 404-577-7721. www.lennysbar.com. Wanna attend this event for free?

57 ESSENTIAL THEATRE POWER PLAYS FESTIVAL

Opens Fri., June 27. Essential Theatre’s 10th anniversary repertory of local and world premiere plays features the comedy Valhalla by playwright Paul Rudnick; the powerful drama After Ashley by Gina Gionfriddo; and the world premiere of Atlanta playwright Letitia Sweitzer’s West of Eden, a comedy about Adam and Eve at middle age. $15-$25. June 27-July 27. Visit website for showtimes. 7 Stages Back Stage Theatre, 1105 Euclid Ave. 404-523-7647. www.essentialtheatre.com.

58 WALL-E

Opens Fri., June 27. For the latest likely summer smash from Pixar, Finding Nemo director Andrew Stanton tells the futuristic story of a gentle, sad-sack robot called “Wall-E” (for “Waste Allocation Load Lifter Earth-Class”) who leaves the garbage-strewn wasteland of Earth for a space adventure. The trailer promises plenty of charming, character-based physical comedy, and Pixar probably has the best track record of any filmmaking group of our time.

59 DUKESFEST

June 28-29. Flashback to the initial episodes of “The Dukes of Hazzard” at Dukesfest 2008. Returning to Georgia after 30 years, Dukefest is full of music, celebrities and flipped police cars. $15-$35. 9 a.m. Atlanta Motor Speedway, 1500 Highway 41, Hampton. 770-946-4211. www.dukesfest.com.

60 SUMMERFEST ON THE GREEN

Sat., June 28. Annual patriotic celebration has games and activities, rock walls, hot air balloon rides, food and drinks. Includes performance with Crystal & the Cruizers and the Party Nation. Free. 6 p.m. Morrow Festival Field, 5917 Reynolds Road, Morrow. 770-968-1623. www.morrowtourism.com/summerfest2008.htm.

61 THE MONSTER SHOW

Opens Sat., June 28. A collaborative show in which 15 local artists create a cityscape of monsters inhabiting Atlanta. Free. Opening reception Sat., June 28. 7-11 p.m.. Free. Fri., 3-8 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., 1-6 p.m. Through Sept. 15. Eyedrum Art & Music Gallery. 290 MLK Jr. Drive, Suite 8. 404-522-0655. www.eyedrum.org.

62 GEORGIA AUTHOR BOOK BASH

Sun., June 29. First annual GABB is a party with live jazz music on the Margaret Mitchell House porch and a chance to mingle with 50 Georgia authors. They include Joshilyn Jackson, Emily Giffin, Marvin Arrington and CL’s Hollis Gillespie. Tickets To be announced. Reception, 6 p.m.; author program, 7 p.m.; book signing, 8 p.m. Call for reservations. Margaret Mitchell House, 990 Peachtree St. 770-578-3502. www.gwtw.org.