See & Do Short List August 03 2005 August 03 2005

August 4, Thursday

Who says longer isn’t better? The WORLD’S LONGEST YARD SALE begins today along the Highway 127 corridor. The rummager’s dream-come-true road trip stretches from Covington, Ky., to Gadsden, Ala., (with one route change in between) and was formed in 1987 to get drivers off the interstate to see that America’s back roads have something to offer travelers. Visit www.127sale.com or call 800-327-3945 for details. (LB)

August 5, Friday

The suburbs burn in a fiery cloud of metal this afternoon when Gigantour turns the Arena at Gwinnett Center into a battleground where the forces of prog rock and evil metal collide. Megadeth, Fear Factory and Dream Theatre cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war, rallying nine bands to unleash seven hours of sonic mayhem. $41.50-$50. 4:30 p.m. 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth. 404-249-6400. www.gwinnettcenter.com. (Chad Radford)

August 6, Saturday

Judging from the audiences at the obscure rock concerts we’ve attended, we know for a fact that Atlanta is full of the quintessential geek. Maybe that’s why the WB brought casting directors for Ashton Kutcher’s “BEAUTY AND THE GEEK” to Atlanta. They are seeking both beauties and geeks, so all Atlanta’s lovely ladies (and travel has taught us that we’re known for them) need not be shy. 2-6 p.m. Front Page News, 351 Moreland Ave. 310-727-3337. www.thewb.com. (LB)

I hate it when a grassy, vacant lot gets paved over for a new condo or house along my Cabbagetown street. The empty lots full of insects and wild flowers always remind me that I live in the South. Local artists R. Land and Jonathan Rej, who started www.dyingpeach.com, can probably sympathize. The two also helped organize the exhibit losing atlanta. Opening tonight, it features their own work as well as that of Keith Wiseman, Rob Del Bueno, Gray Kiser and Kyle Brooks, all exploring the many ways in which the city is rapidly losing the character that once made it an attractive place to live. Free. 7-10 p.m. Joes Coffee, 510 Flat Shoals Ave. 404-521-1122. (LB)

August 7, Sunday

We hadn’t heard of Honkytonk University when we were filling out our college applications, but apparently country music’s Toby Keith is a graduate, as evidenced by his latest CD of the same name. The red-white-and-blue cowboy hits Philips Arena tonight as part of his Big Throwdown Tour II, bringing fans a heavy dose of country summer school, with Lee Ann Womack and Shooter Jennings opening. $37-$61.75. 7:30 p.m. Phillips Arena, 1 Philips Drive. 404-249-6400. www.philipsarena.com. (Casey McIntyre)

August 8, Monday

TORI AMOS brings her orgasmic piano wiggling to Chastain Amphitheatre for gawkers and fans alike. This generation’s Stevie Nicks is touring in support of her new release, The Beekeeper. Though we often wonder if her audience just grows older rather than grows in number, the songstress’s talents remain strong and her piano skills are rarely rivaled. $43.50. 8 p.m. 4469 Stella Drive. 404-249-6400. www.atlantaconcerts.com. (CM)

August 9, Tuesday

Putting a positive twist on the recent controversy over derogatory images of blacks in Mexico, photographer Romualdo García’s work is evidence of the African presence in the southern state of Guanajuato. These early 20th-century images consider the inherited African features and characteristics of locals and illustrate the way Afro-Mexicans have been genetically integrated into greater Mexican society. Free. Mon.-Thurs., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., noon-6 p.m.; Sun., 2-6 p.m. Through Aug. 28. Cary-McPheeters Gallery, Auburn Avenue Research Library, 101 Auburn Ave. 404-730-4001. www.af.public.lib.ga.us/aarl. (AL)

August 10, Wednesday

The Atlantis Music Conference hits the ATL today, bringing along with it 300 currently independent bands from around the country. With locals including the Whigs and Psyche Origami gracing the conference showcases, this year’s lineup is looking more intriguing than in years past. The festivities kick off with the conference’s annual red carpet soiree and continue through Aug. 13, with the bands performing at venues throughout the city. $15-$30 for access to soiree and all performances. Times vary. Visit www.atlantismusic.com. (LB)