See & Do Short List September 10 2008 September 10 2008

September 11 Thursday

The OTHER SOUND FESTIVAL returns to celebrate its fourth year of supporting Atlanta’s independent music scene. This year, the festivities kick off at WonderRoot Studios with performances from Chopper, Thy Mighty Contract and others. Friday night, the events move to the Star Bar as Pink Police, Attractive ’80s Women and the Preakness take the stage. Things wrap up Saturday at the Earl with Dropsonic, the Booze and Rev Rebel. Through Sept. 13. $5-$12. Times and locations vary. www.myspace.com/othersound. (Chad Radford)

September 11 Thursday

By populating cities now more than ever before, have Americans left the suburbs for dead? CHRIS LEINBERGER explores this question in his book The Option of Urbanism: Investing in the New American Dream. The land-development strategist, academic and author will discuss the new market he calls “walkable urbanism.” A panel discussion with Dick Anderson of the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority, Tom Bell of Cousins Properties and Beverly Scott of MARTA will follow. $25-$35. 7:30 a.m. American Cancer Society Center Theater, 250 Williams St. 800-321-5011. commerce.uli.org/am/security/login.cfm. (Caroline Burke)

September 11 Thursday

Théâtre du Rêve presents Olivier Coyette’s comedy VOIR UN AMI PLEURER (To See a Friend Cry). The French/English bilingual play deals with the integration of French and American culture and “our ever-challenged identities,” but no worries if you’re not French-fluent; the play will be supertitled. With a combination of humor, poetry and a bit of song and dance, this work takes a deeper look at post-9/11 America. Through Sept. 14. $25. Thurs., 7:30 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 3 p.m. 14th Street Playhouse, 173 14th St. 404-733-5000. www.14thstplayhouse.org. (Samantha Mach)

September 13 Saturday

IGNITE WHAT’S NEXT makes Atlanta one of a mere three stops – the others are Phoenix and Boston – for a tour that walks a fine line between the art and music worlds. The featured artists include mixed-media purveyor N8 Van Dyke, the horror film- and graffiti-influenced artist Alex Pardee and self-taught illustrator Sam Flores. The trio will drum up bizarrely unpredictable and interactive live art installations against a backdrop of music acts including Killer Mike, Gripplyaz, Audubon Society and Dres tha Beatnik. $10. 10 p.m. Lenny’s Bar, 486 Decatur St. 404-577-7721. www.lennysbar.com. (Amber Robinson)

September 14 Sunday

Ever found yourself wondering how the food on your plate became a Southern tradition? Look no further than CHOW DOWN! A SOUTHERN FOODWAYS FESTIVAL, where you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the dependent relationship between our food and our culture. Cooking demos, crafts and food-themed presentations fill up the family-friendly afternoon. Free-$15. Noon-5 p.m. Atlanta History Center, 130 W. Paces Ferry Road. 404-814-4000. www.atlantahistorycenter.com. (Sean Dettman)

Upcoming

SEPT. 17-20 ATLANTIS MUSIC CONFERENCE & FESTIVAL Music industry experts and acts come together for the networking/performance-filled event. www.atlantismusic.com.

SEPT. 20 EAST ATLANTA STRUT Neighborhood fest makes its return to EAV. www.eastatlantastrut.com.

SEPT. 20 JIM GAFFIGAN The Hot Pocket-dissing comedian brings his “Sexy” self to Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. www.cobbenergycentre.com.

SEPT. 20 DAVID BYRNE The former Talking Head hits up Chastain Park Amphitheater. www.chastainseries.com.