See & Do August 25 2004

Film?
?Land down under?
?What’s an underground to do? Alternative music, thrift stores, graphic novels — there isn’t a single off-the-radar phenomenon that hasn’t been appropriated by regular folks these days. Luckily for the ATLANTA UNDERGROUND FILM FESTIVAL, there are still movies out there that are radical, shocking or experimental enough to keep the trend-spotters away. Yes, art films and documentaries are newly hip. But while you can take your mom to Fahrenheit 9/11, try dragging her along to a screening of Inflated, a series of porn-spoofing short films performed by a “cast” of inflatable dolls — just one of the strange and twisted offerings at the first-ever AUFF, happening THROUGH AUG. 31 at indie hotbeds like the Earl, Eyedrum and the Echo Lounge. Its selection of bands, DJs, art and film may reassure denizens of the down under that untold wacky wonders still lurk far from the tentacled reach of Sundance and the Independent Film Channel. Prices and venues vary. 404-520-1820. www.auff.org. -- Felicia Feaster

Music?
?Macho men?
Though they may now be seen as a tame, family-friendly act, the VILLAGE PEOPLE were once a coke-snorting, homoerotic crew who provoked fear and loathing in the hearts of mainstream America. Still, you can’t deny the catchy dance-ability of hits like “In the Navy” and “Macho Man.” So, hey, bring your church group, a kilo and freak the hustle all night AUG 27. $15-$40. 8 p.m. Mable House Amphitheatre, 5239 Floyd Road, Mableton. 770-819-7765. www.mablehouseamphitheatre.com.

Demonstration?
?Zell loves his Bush?
?Here’s a toss up: Who do you hate more, Georgia Sen. Zell Miller or President George W. Bush? If it’s the former, join the Georgia Peace & Justice Coalition and Atlanta Women’s Action for New Directions AUG. 27 to PROTEST ZELL’S ENDORSEMENT OF THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION, right outside the senator’s Colony Square office. The protest includes a press conference headed by the Rev. Timothy McDonald III, past president of Concerned Black Clergy. The “No to the Miller-Bush Agenda” signs will show Zell which Atlantans aren’t his fans. Noon-1 p.m. Colony Square, 1175 Peachtree St. 404-524-5999. -- Alyssa Abkowitz

Benefit?
?Goin’ to the chapel?
?The marriage of IMAGE Film & Video Center and the Atlanta Contemporary Art Center is a pretty big deal, as their combined forces promise enhanced service as an Atlanta cultural destination. But the really big deal will be the kickoff party, ENGAGEMENT, on AUG. 28. The fundraiser features deep house and downtempo beats by DJ Icarus Diver and a concert by NYC band Gogol Bordello, who draws, quizzically, from gypsy, Slavic and punk influences. The show stealers, however, likely will be Asheville, N.C.’s Rebelles Burlesque (shown). The saucy ladies keep a bit of tongue in their cheeky revues that range from daring to devious. $25-$75. 8 p.m. Contemporary Art Center, 535 Means St. 404-688-1970. www.nexuspress.org. -- Layla Bellows

Performance?
?Funny ladies?
?Seinfeld, Carlin, Rock, Kaufman — ever notice how the canon of comedic greats rarely seems to include a female name? Sure, women laugh at Seinfeld’s dating dismay as much as their male counterparts, but occasionally it would be nice to laugh at something that happens to us rather than about us. Enter Atlanta’s own GORGEOUS LADIES OF COMEDY, whose quarterly performance AUG. 31 tackles real female issues, like the nail salon and how to be a domestic goddess. With a lighthearted take on girly life, the ladies promise nothing so intensely female that male dates will be left squirming. $10. 8 p.m. 7 Stages Back Stage Theatre, 1105 Euclid Ave. 404-325-5168. (LB)

Short List

August 26 - Thursday?
?Although the High is normally a quiet place, TODDLER THURSDAYS allows tiny tots ages 3-5 to run up and down the rampways while parents check out the exhibits — without hissing “shhh” every 10 seconds. Plus, potential Picassos get to paint their own masterpieces. Free with adult admission. Thursdays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Continues through Sept. 30. High Museum, 1280 Peachtree St. 404-733-4462. www.high.org. (Heather Kuldell)

August 27 - Friday?
?Want to get dumped on network TV? Then be sure to check out the OFFICIAL CASTING PARTY for ABC’s hit show “The Bachelorette.” Casting producers will be on hand to interview potential suitors (25-36 years old) who will vie for the affection of former “Bachelor” star Jen Schefft. Free. 7-10 p.m. Compound, 1008 Brady Ave. 404-872-4621. www.compoundatl.com. (CH)

August 28 - Saturday?
?If cheap beer and men in spandex get you going, give the Falcons a little support as they take on Cincinnati. Atlanta last faced the Bengals in 2002 and hold a 6-1 preseason record against the Ohio players. While it’s promised to be a raucous PRESEASON GAME, the plastic-cup libations will certainly help keep things interesting if it’s not. $29-$70. 7:30 p.m. Georgia Dome. 404-249-6400. www.ticketmaster.com. (AA)

August 29 - Sunday?
?Even if you were a slacker in Spanish class, you can still join the Latin community as it takes over Underground Atlanta for FESTIVAL PEACHTREE LATINO 2004. Who can resist spicy food and salsa dancing? Plus, I hear the performers are muy caliente. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Free. 50 Upper Alabama St. 404-321-0663. www.festivalpeachtreelatino.com. (Salina Joseph)

August 30 - Monday?
?So, admission to FASHION CARES may start at $150, but think of it as an investment — for both your wardrobe and AIDS and breast cancer research. Featuring fall lines from Alexander McQueen, Marni and Prada, the event has become a must for Atlanta doyennes, and proceeds benefit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and the Atlanta AIDS Partnership Fund. $150-$5,000. 7:30 p.m. Woodruff Arts Center, 1280 Peachtree St. 404-841-0215. www.hushbox.com/html/style/ fashioncares.html. (LB)

August 31 - Tuesday?
?If you haven’t had a chance to check it, now might be a good time to see GONE WITH THE GIRDLE at the Atlanta History Center. The traveling exhibition, which examines the experience of Atlanta women as revealed through their clothing, moves along in just a few weeks. $10-$12. Through Sept. 12. 130 W. Paces Ferry Road. 404-814-4000. www.atlantahistorycenter.com. (LB)

September 1 - Wednesday?
?With Toronto, London, Edmonton, Los Angeles and Atlanta squaring off against one another in a battle to see whose wiles and wits emerge victorious, it can only mean one thing. It’s the opening night of Dad’s Garage’s eighth annual WORLD DOMINATION TOURNAMENT, where improvisers from around the globe come together to do nothing more devious than make us laugh. $13-15. Through Sept. 4. Dad’s Garage Theatre, 280 Elizabeth St. 404-523-3141. www.dadsgarage.com. (LB)