ATLRetro

By Arla Lehtinen
Contributing Writer

Monday, July 29

The Plaza Theatre starts their new monthly film series, Mascara Movie Mondays. Dress up appropriately to participate in the costume contest and to take your picture at the photo booth before heading in to see Winona Ryder toy with high school social politics in HEATHERS (1988), playing on the big screen at 7:30 p.m. Mascara Movie Mondays will take place on the last Monday of each month at the same time. Northside Tavern hosts its weekly Blues Jam featuring blues and southern soul singer Lola Gulley. Enjoy your BBQ with a side of Pead Boy & the Pork Bellies at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack.

Tuesday, July 30

Play hooky and enjoy a John Hughes classic with FERRIS BUELLER’S DAY OFF (1986) at Northlake Festival Movie Tavern, as they start their August retro cinema classic series of Classic Comedies! Kool Kat Calu Cordeira mixes tiki libations during Mai Tai Tahitian Tuesday starting at 9 p.m. at the Dark Horse Tavern. Grab your horn and head over to Twain’s in Decatur for a Joe Gransden jazz jam session. Blues it down with Nathan Nelson & Entertainment Crackers at Northside Tavern. J.T. Speed brings the blues to Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. Steve’s Live Music in Sandy Springs hosts a weekly Bluegrass & Hootenanny Jam led by Jason Koornick & Hank Weisman.

Wednesday, July 31

Old enough to feel Retro? It’s Ladies Night at Johnny’s Hideaway which plays hits from Sinatra to Madonna for a generally mature crowd. Danny “Mudcat” Dudeck brings the Piedmont blues to Northside Tavern, and The Hollidays deliver some soul to Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. Greet the day with an 11:30 a.m. matinee of FERRIS BUELLER’S DAY OFF (1986) at Northlake Festival Movie Tavern’s Retro Cinema seriesthis week!

Thursday, August 1

Meehan’s Public House Sandy Springs hosts The Roaring 20s Gourmet Dinner. Get dolled up and head out for a night of good food, cocktails and jazz! This is your chance to dine well while listening to Kool Kat of the Week Johnny Pine, aka New Orleans Jon, as he serves up a live soundtrack of jazz standards for the evening. Reservations, though, are recommended. Get your boogie on at Mary’s, as the East Atlanta venue gets funky with their weekly Disco in the Village. DJ Osmose presents an all vinyl selection of vintage records and modern edits from around the world. Relax with a cocktail while listening to Big Mike’s HULAbaloo with Dames Aflame, featuring Kool Kat Big Mike Geier, at vintage tiki bar, Trader Vic’s. The Atlanta Burlesque and Cabaret Society holds its monthly meeting at Elliot Street Pub. Sweet Betty joins The Shadows as they fill the night with blues at Blind Willie’s. Go to Northside Tavern to hear the classic 50s Chicago-style blues of The Breeze Kings. Get on over to Fat Matt’s Rib Shack to hear the honkytonkin’ blues of Chickenshack. It’s 80s/90s Retro Video Night with free drinks ’til 10 at The Shelter. Sans Abri with Interstate strum on down to Red Light Cafe Bluegrass Thursday. And it’s your last chance to play hooky with FERRIS BUELLER’S DAY OFF (1986) at Northlake Festival Movie Tavern!

Friday, August 2

It’s the opening night of The 3rd Annual Rockabilly Luau, which takes over the Atlanta-Northlake Holiday Innaug for two days packed full of entertainment and music. The Friday night lineup starts at 6 p.m. with The Monterreys and later on The Mystery Men? will make sure you get a full dose of surf band music. In between, Kool Kat Caroline Hull Engel takes the stage with her band Caroline and The Ramblers and you can bear witness to the pre-qualifing round of the Bikini Tiki Luau Pin-up Swimsuit contest. The evening finishes off with a fire show by Forged Creations Fire Performers, after which hotel guests can party on at the kickoff party hosted by Kool Kat Mon Cherie, Garage 71 and Bachelor Pad Magazine. The El Caminos host a Special Benefit for humble Heroes and Crime Stoppers at The Earl. Special guests include Tag Team, Brain Box and Bouldercrest Singing Group. Red Light Cafe raises the Grateful Dead and celebrates Jerry Garcia’s birthday by featuring Jerry Garcia Band Cover Band with High Strung String Band and a special late set played by Sweet Knievel. Joe Gransden joins up with jazz pianist Kenny Banks to play the crowd favorite Jazz Standards in the Taipan Room at The Mandarin Oriental Hotel. The Electromatics sound their mix of jazz standards, Chicago blues and blue-eyed soul underneath the dinosaurs at Fernbank Museum of Natural History’s Martinis and IMAX. Albert White brings the blues to Northside Tavern, and Sanda Hall joins The Shadows to serve up the blues at Blind Willie‘s. Who ya gonna call but GHOSTBUSTERS (1984) as the classic paranormal comedy scares up a two-night midnight run at the Landmark Midtown Arts Cinema. Read our Retro Review here. Do the Time Warp again at THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW with full costumed floor show by Lips Down on Dixie every Friday at midnight at The Plaza Theatre. 

Saturday, August 3

It’s a big day for the 3rd Annual Rockabilly Luau with music playing all day long at the Atlanta-Northlake Holiday Inn. Gates open at noon and Kool Kat Julea Thomerson opens up the show with her Dear Johns an hour later. Between the bands filling up the lineup for the day, experience the Hawaiian performances by Aloha Islanders and witness the Bikini Tiki Luau Pin-up Swimsuit Contest Finals. Two Kool Kats take to the stage later on, when first Hot Rod Walt & The Psycho-DeVilles rockabilly it up at twilight and then mermaid Medusirena brings her fiery retro-aquatic show to the Luau. If you missed our Kool Kat interviews with Hot Rod Walt and Medusirena, catch up here and here. Also that night, Atlanta premiere burlesque production company Syrens of the South bring their 6th Anniversary Show to 7 Stages. John Carney and Fritzy Pants-off Dance-off MC the event, and the number of performances is astounding. One after the other the stage gets commandeered by Candi LeCoeur, The Magic of Chad Sanborn, E-Cupp with Bourgeious Betty and Persephone Phoenix, Hot Toddies Cabaret’s Penny Farthing and Sadie Hawkins, as well as Kool Kats Katherine Lashe and Stormy Knight. You also get to see performances by Talloolah Love, Ursula Undress, The Violet Vixxxen from Kentucky and more. Monstrosity Championship Wrestling’s Memphis Matinee fills up the back room of the Famous Pub with monsters of all kinds with a special kid-friendly early show starting at 2 p.m. The Star Bar also offers entertainment all day long. Come first for PBR’BQ to enjoy an afternoon patio party and listen to Turf War. Stay on after dark for Nashville Pussy at Star Bar to hear the band debut songs from their forthcoming new album, along with  Gunpowder Gray and the Pelvis Breastlies. Atlanta veteran musician and Kool Kat Colonel Bruce Hampton brings the blues to Northside Tavern, and Luther“Houserocker” Johnson & The Shadows fire up the blues at Blind Willie’s. Who ya gonna call but GHOSTBUSTERS (1984) as the classic paranormal comedy plays a second night at midnight at the Landmark Midtown Arts Cinema. Read our Retro Review here. And as always, DJ Romeo Cologne transforms the sensationally seedy Clermont Lounge into a ’70s disco/funk inferno late into the wee hours of the night.

Sunday, August 4

Bonaventure Quartet, featuring Kool Kat Amy Pike, plays dunch at The Earl starting at 1 p.m. Have a bluegrass brunch at Big Tex starting at noon. Fatback Deluxe bring on the blues 40s-60s style at Fatt Matt’s Rib Shack. Sample a spoonful of blues courtesy of Uncle Sugar at Northside Tavern.

Ongoing

STRAY DOGS by Matthew Myers and directed by Peter Hardy plays at The Essential Theatre through August 10 in revolving repertory as part of the 15th Annual Essential Theatre Play Festival with the unsettlingly provocative MYSTERIOUS CONNECTIONS by Hardy and directed by Ellen McQueen and SWIMMING WITH JELLYFISH by Katie Grant Shalin and directed by Bill Murphey. 

Johannes Vermeer’s GIRL WITH A PEARL EARRING visits The High Museum of Art, along with other Dutch masterpieces, through Sept. 29.

EXTREME MAMMALS from sabertooth tiger skulls and wooly mammoth fur to contemporary creatures such as the duck-billed platypus invade Fernbank Museum of Natural History through August 18.

Every Tuesday night, Wednesday morning and Thursday night is Retro Cinema at Movie Tavern.

If you have a suggestion for a future event that should be included in This Week in Retro Atlanta or see something we missed, please email us at atlretro@gmail.com.

By Arla Lehtinen
Contributing Writer

Monday, July 22

The Plaza Theatre reaches the final stretch of its 50 Years of Bond monthlong series with Daniel Craig reprising the role of 007 in QUANTUM OF SOLACE (2008) on the big screen at 7:30 p.m. Jazz it up with Bumpin the Mango at Café 290 every second and fourth Monday of the month. Northside Tavern hosts its weekly Blues Jam featuring blues and southern soul singer Lola Gulley. Enjoy your BBQ with a side of Pead Boy & the Pork Bellies at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack.

Tuesday, July 23

Variety Playhouse brings the poetic lyrics and punk desperation of  ’80s alternative rockband Psychedelic Furs into town. Or you could head over to Blind Willie’s and let The Hollidays serve you a soulful set of blues for the early week. The Plaza Theatre finishes the main lineup of its 50 Years of Bond monthlong series with the latest addition to the franchise,  SKYFALL (2012), on the big screen at 7:30 p.m. Go goofy with THE GOONIES (1985) at Northlake Festival Movie Tavern, as the July retro cinema classic series of Classic Summer Blockbusters continues! Kool Kat Calu Cordeira mixes tiki libations during Mai Tai Tahitian Tuesday starting at 9 p.m. at the Dark Horse Tavern. Grab your horn and head over to Twain’s in Decatur for a Joe Gransden jazz jam session. Blues it down with Nathan Nelson & Entertainment Crackers at Northside Tavern. J.T. Speed brings the blues to Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. Steve’s Live Music in Sandy Springs hosts a weekly Bluegrass & Hootenanny Jam led by Jason Koornick & Hank Weisman. Ursula Undress teaches Beginner’s Burlesqueat Studio Burlesque at 8:30 p.m

Wednesday, July 24

Laramie Dean returns to The Earl to play with Jimmy Dale. Young Dale started his mmusic career with his father Dick Dale, with whom Dean has toured earlier. If you missed Dick Dale’s ATLRetro interview, you can catch up here. The Plaza Theatre gets to the second to last night of its 50 Years of Bond monthlong series with a rerun of ON HER MAJESTY’S SECRET SERVICE (1969) on the big screen at 7:30 p.m. Catch up with our Retro Review on why it’s one of the best Bonds here. Get schooled by two of Atlanta’s burlesque finest, Kool Kat Katherine Lashe or Talloolah Love in Beginning Burlesque classes at Studio Burlesque. Old enough to feel Retro? It’s Ladies Night at Johnny’s Hideaway which plays hits from Sinatra to Madonna for a generally mature crowd. Danny “Mudcat” Dudeck brings the Piedmont blues to Northside Tavern, and The Hollidays deliver some soul to Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. Greet the day with an 11:30 a.m. matinee of THE GOONIES (1985) at Northlake Festival Movie Tavern’s Retro Cinema series this week!

Thursday, July 25

Get your boogie on at Mary’s, as the East Atlanta venue gets funky with their weekly Disco in the Village. DJ Osmose presents an all vinyl selection of vintage records and modern edits from around the world. The 50 Years of Bond monthlong series at The Plaza Theatre comes to its end with a double serving of 007 action. First up is Sean Connery in GOLDFINGER (1964) at 5 p.m., followed by Roger Moore in OCTOPUSSY (1983) on the big screen at 7:30 p.m. Relax with a cocktail while listening to the groovy sounds of Jaye Lish & Her Birds of Paradise Drag Show at vintage tiki bar, Trader Vic’s. Go to Northside Tavern to hear the classic 50s Chicago-style blues of The Breeze Kings. Get on over to Fat Matt’s Rib Shack to hear the honkytonkin’ blues of Chickenshack. It’s 80s/90s Retro Video Night with free drinks ’til 10 at The Shelter. Red Light Cafehosts a birthday bash for Jenna Shea Mobley as Sailing to Denver, Caleb Warren, City Mouse, Jeremy Wayne Dean, and Local Honey take the stage at Jenna’s Bluegrass Birthday. Studio Burlesque offers a class in Beginning Burlesquewith Ursula Undressat 6:30 p.m. And it’s your last chance to head for goof it up with THE GOONIES (1985) at Northlake Festival Movie Tavern!

Friday July 26

Coca-Cola Summer Film Festival 2013 takes over the biggest screen in Atlanta at Fox Theatre for the whole weekend. First up is Quentin Tarantino’s blaxploitation western from last year, DJANGO UNCHAINED (2012). The explosively offensive film, starring Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz and Leonardo DiCaprio, won Tarantino his latest Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. Kayla Taylor Jazz brings her soulful vocals under the dinosaurs at Fernbank Museum of Natural History’s Martinis and IMAX. Rumble Fish delivers the blues at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. Danny ”Mudcat” Dudeck brings the blues to Northside Tavern, and Luther“Houserocker” Johnson & The Shadows serve up the blues Blind Willie’s. Do the Time Warp again at THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW with full costumed floor show by Lips Down on Dixie every Friday at midnight at The Plaza Theatre.

Saturday, July 27

Put on those pink jackets and head out for a raucous night of singing at Fox Theatre, as the venue takes a musical trip back to the late ’70s with GREASE (1978) filling up the screen. Sing-a-Long-a brings the beloved musical to Atlanta for a show that lets you sing and dance all through the film while John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John lead the way. The 4th Annual Atlanta Zombie Pub Crawl takes over North Highlands Avenue once again. Professional zombie make-up artists, special guests and a Zombie Costume Contest among other things liven up this motley crew as they trudge through several pubs, starting from Diesel Filling Station. The Painted Pig Tavern pays tribute to both Rolling Stones and Doors all in the same night. The Jagged Stones in Concert offers a whole night of nostalgia as The Jagged Stones headline the event, with The Dirty Doors joining in on the fun while And Love adds a touch of reggae to the mix. Danny ”Mudcat” Dudeck brings the blues for a second night in a row to Northside Tavern, and Sanda Hall joins The Shadows as they fire up the blues together at Blind Willie’s. Dave Boyd shares his music at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. And as always, DJ Romeo Cologne transforms the sensationally seedy Clermont Lounge into a ’70s disco/funk inferno late into the wee hours of the night.

Sunday, July 28

Coca-Cola Summer Film Festival 2013 finishes up its lineup for the weekend at Fox Theatre with a new digital edition of LAWRENCE OF ARABIA (1962). The restored masterpiece chronicles the adventures of a young intelligence officer in Arabia during World War I, with Peter O’Toole and Omar Sharif starring in Oscar nominated roles and Sir Alec Guinness adding a bit of extra class to the combination. Have a bluegrass brunch at Big Tex starting at 11a.m. Jez Graham Trio jazzes up The Family Dog with Joe Gransden . Cineprov pokes fun at X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE (2009) at The Plaza Theater. Fatback Deluxe bring on the blues 40s-60s style at Fatt Matt’s Rib Shack. Sample a spoonful of blues courtesy of Uncle Sugar at Northside Tavern. Swear and Shake take up the stage at Eddie’s Attic.

Ongoing

STRAY DOGS by Matthew Myers and directed by Peter Hardy plays at The Essential Theatrethrough August 10.

Johannes Vermeer’s GIRL WITH A PEARL EARRING visits The High Museum of Art, along with other Dutch masterpieces, through Sept. 29.

EXTREME MAMMALS from sabertooth tiger skulls and wooly mammoth fur to contemporary creatures such as the duck-billed platypus invade Fernbank Museum of Natural History through August 18.

Every Tuesday night, Wednesday morning and Thursday night is Retro Cinema at Movie Tavern.

By Arla Lehtinen
Contributing Writer

Monday, July 15

The Plaza Theatre switches from Roger Moore to Timothy Dalton as its 50 Years of Bond monthlong series continues with THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS (1987) on the big screen at 7:30 p.m. Swing back to the golden age of jazz at Café 290 every first and third Monday of the month for Big Band Night with Joe Gransden and his amazing 16-piece orchestra.  Northside Tavern hosts its weekly Blues Jam featuring blues and southern soul singer Lola Gulley. Enjoy your BBQ with a side of Pead Boy & the Pork Bellies at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack.

Unusual Suspects & Salon du Showgirls

Atlanta offers double burlesque fun for the evening. First, to benefit the annual Southern Fried Burlesque Fest! Kool Kat Katherine Lashe’s burlesque production company Syrens of the South presents Tease Tuesdays at the Shelter! Meanwhile, Minette Magnifique, Unusual Suspects Improv and Salon du Showgirls present A Burlesque – Improv Mashup featuring: Minette Magnifique + Salon du Showguns at the Whole World Improv Theatre. Atlanta Burlesque troupe Minette Magnifique features numerous Kool Kats, including Shellie Schmals, aka Baroness VONSchmalhausen, whose Kool Kat interview you can catch up with here. The Plaza Theatre continues its 50 Years of Bond monthlong series with Timothy Dalton in LICENCE TO KILL (1989) on the big screen at 7:30 p.m. Join Indiana Jones on his first adventure with RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK (1981) at Northlake Festival Movie Tavern,  as the July retro cinema classic series of Classic Summer Blockbusters continues! Kool Kat Calu Cordeira mixes tiki libations during Mai Tai Tahitian Tuesday starting at 9 p.m. at the Dark Horse Tavern. Grab your horn and head over to Twain’s in Decatur for a Joe Gransden jazz jam session. Blues it down with Nathan Nelson & Entertainment Crackers at Northside Tavern. J.T. Speed brings the blues to Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. Steve’s Live Music in Sandy Springs hosts a weekly Bluegrass & Hootenanny Jam led by Jason Koornick & Hank Weisman. Ursula Undress teaches Beginner’s Burlesque at Studio Burlesque at 8:30 p.m

Wednesday, July 17

Catch the opening night performance of STRAY DOGS by Georgia playwright Matthew Myers at The Essential Theatre.  The play is a comedy/crime story/romance in the style of Quentin Tarentino. Described as “funny and violent and surprisingly sweet,” it’s directed by another local playwright Peter Hardy, and this first performance is ASL interpreted.  The Plaza Theatre continues its 50 Years of Bond monthlong series as Pierce Brosnan inherits the role of Bond from Timothy Dalton in GOLDENEYE (1995) on the big screen at 7:30 p.m. Get schooled by two of Atlanta’s burlesque finest, last week’s Kool Kat Katherine Lashe or Talloolah Love in Beginning Burlesque classes at Studio Burlesque. Old enough to feel Retro? It’s Ladies Night at Johnny’s Hideaway which plays hits from Sinatra to Madonna for a generally mature crowd. Danny “Mudcat” Dudeck brings the Piedmont blues to Northside Tavern, and The Hollidays deliver some soul to Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. Greet the day  with an 11:30 a.m. matinee  of RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK (1981) at  Northlake Festival Movie Tavern’s Retro Cinema series this week!

Tongo Hiti.

Thursday, July 18

The Plaza Theatre continues its 50 Years of Bond monthlong series withPierce Brosnan in TOMORROW NEVER DIES (1997) on the big screen at 7:30 p.m. Relax with a cocktail while listening to the groovy sounds of Tongo Hiti, featuring Kool Kat Big Mike Geier, at vintage tiki bar, Trader Vic’s. Go to Northside Tavern to hear the classic 50s Chicago-style blues of The Breeze Kings. Get on over to Fat Matt’s Rib Shack to hear the honkytonkin’ blues of  Chickenshack. It’s 80s/90s Retro Video Night with free drinks ’til 10 at The Shelter. Michael Tolcher takes the stage at  Red Light Cafe‘s weekly Bluegrass Thursday .  Studio Burlesque offers a class in Beginning Burlesque with Ursula Undress at 6:30 p.m. And it’s your last chance to head for an adventure with RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK (1981) at Northlake Festival Movie Tavern!

Friday July 19

JERZFEST 2013 makes a two day reservation and fills Star Bar with a mix of hard Southern rock, honytonk and punk garage bands. Hosted by TJ Jerzawitz, the Friday lineup features The El Caminos, Blaine’s Addiction, The Unsatisfied, Dusty Booze & The Baby Haters and more. Fix up your ‘do and make a quick trip to the Baltimore of 1962 in the Fabrefaction Theatre Company production of HAIRSPRAY. With music influenced by country, blues and bluegrass, Brian Ashley Jones highlights a night of Americana sounds with Vince Brooks and Al Shelton at Red Light Cafe. The Plaza Theatre continues its 50 Years of Bond monthlong series with Pierce Brosnan in THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH (1999) at 7:30 p.m. Grammy winner Anita Baker performs her jazz laced R&B melodies at Chastain Park Amphitheatre. Salsa Dance Night featuring Salsambo Dance Studio brings Latin rhythms to spice the evening up under the dinosaurs at Fernbank Museum of Natural History’s Martinis and IMAX. Lady T. & The Totals deliver the blues at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. Stoney Brooks brings the blues to Northside Tavern, and Bob Margolin serves up some old-school Chicago Blues at Blind Willie’s . Do the Time Warp again at THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW with full costumed floor show by Lips Down on Dixie every Friday at midnight at The Plaza Theatre.

Saturday, July 20

Go to Paris on Ponce to see belly dance, burlesque and much more and witness a cast of performers and crew in fabulous body paint. BODY ART BALL at Paris on Ponce is a fundraiser for the Chelko Foundation, and while you support the cause you can even get in on the paint action yourself. Swing by Red Light Cafe to listen to Caroline & the Ramblers and The DejaBlue Grass Band as they perform a Rockabilly Bluegrass Doubleheader! If you missed our Kool Kat interview with Caroline Hull Engel , catch up here. JERZFEST 2013 hosted by TJ Jerzawitz continues with more hard Southern rock, honytonk and punk sounds at the Star Bar by Bigfoot, The Kentucky Bridgeburners, Cletis & His City Cousins and DJ Dusty Booze. The Plaza Theatre continues its 50 Years of Bond monthlong series with Pierce Brosnan’s last mission as the agent in DIE ANOTHER DAY (2002) at 7:30 p.m. Atlanta’s All-Star Dirty South Derby Girls crash with Gold Coast Derby Grrls at 5 p.m. while Denim Demons go at it against Apocalypstix at 7:30 p.m. Both bouts take place at Yaarab Shrine Center. Head to the heights of the Atlanta Hilton and join DJ Yvonne Monet as she presents Disco Inferno with Dames AFlame at the Point of View Lounge. Bathrobes are welcome at Battle & Brew for an evening of wii bowling and a movie at the The Big Lebowski Viewing Party. The Electromatics bring the blues to Northside Tavern, and Luther“Houserocker” Johnson & The Shadows fire up the blues at Blind Willie’s. Seminole Jackson shares his blues sounds at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. The Cosmic West swings into Big Tex. And as always, DJ Romeo Cologne transforms the sensationally seedy Clermont Lounge into a ’70s disco/funk inferno late into the wee hours of the night.

Kitty Love.

Sunday, July 21

Kool Kat Kitty Love heats up the night at Red Light Cafe with a Rock and Roll ”mixtape” in her monthly burlesque event Kitty Love’s Sultry Sunday: Rock and Roll. Have a honkytonk brunch at Big Tex starting at noon. The Plaza Theatre continues its 50 Years of Bond monthlong series as Daniel Craig reports for duty as 007 for the first time in CASINO ROYALE (2006) at 7:30 p.m. Jez Graham Trio jazzes up The Family Dog with Joe Gransden. Cineprov pokes fun at WILLOW (1988) at The Plaza Theater. Fatback Deluxe bring on the blues 40s-60s style at Fatt Matt’s Rib Shack. Sample a spoonful of blues courtesy of Uncle Sugar at Northside Tavern. Erin Thomas and Elli Perry team up with special guest star James Maple to mellow the mood at Eddie’s Attic.

Ongoing

HAIRSPRAY leads the audience to a trip to the 1960’s in the Fabrefaction Theatre Company production from Friday through July 21.

STRAY DOGS by Matthew Myers and directed by Peter Hardy plays at The Essential Theatre through August 10.

Johannes Vermeer’s GIRL WITH A PEARL EARRING visits The High Museum of Art, along with other Dutch masterpieces, through Sept. 29.

EXTREME MAMMALS from sabertooth tiger skulls and wooly mammoth fur to contemporary creatures such as the duck-billed platypus invade Fernbank Museum of Natural History through August 18.

Every Tuesday night, Wednesday morning and Thursday night is Retro Cinema at Movie Tavern.

Monday, July 8

The Plaza Theatre switches from Sean Connery to Roger Moore as its 50 Years of Bond monthlong series continues with LIVE AND LET DIE (1973) on the big screen at 7:30 p.m. Jazz it up with Bumpin the Mango at Café 290 every second and fourth Monday of the month. Northside Tavern hosts its weekly Blues Jam featuring blues and southern soul singer Lola Gulley. Enjoy your BBQ with a side of Pead Boy & the Pork Bellies at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack.

Tuesday, July 9

Pokey LaFarge brings his creative mix of early jazz, string ragtime, country blues and western swing to Eddie’s Attic. Mutant Cannibals crawl out from underground to devour humans on the streets of New York in C.H.U.D. (1984), this month’s Splatter Cinema feature at The Plaza Theatre at 9:30 p.m. (gory photo op at 9 p.m.). The Plaza also continues its 50 Years of Bond monthlong series with Roger Moore, Christopher Lee and Herve Villechaize in THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN GUN (1974) on the big screen at 7:30 p.m. Georgia Railroad bring their kickass blues/roots/Americana sounds to Steve’s Live Music. Disaster epic THE POSEIDON ADVENTURE (1972) sinks into Northlake Festival Movie Tavern,  as the June retro cinema classic series of Classic Summer Blockbusters continues! Learn to swing dance or show off your moves at Gatsby’s Weekly Swing Dance Night w/ DJ Alan White; doors at 6 p.m./lessons start at 8 p.m. Kool Kat Calu Cordeira mixes tiki libations during Mai Tai Tahitian Tuesday starting at 9 p.m. at the Dark Horse Tavern. Grab your horn and head over to Twain’s in Decatur for a Joe Gransden jazz jam session. Blues it down with Nathan Nelson & Entertainment Crackers at Northside Tavern. J.T. Speed brings the blues to Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. Steve’s Live Music in Sandy Springs hosts a weekly Bluegrass & Hootenanny Jam led by Jason Koornick & Hank Weisman. Ursula Undress teaches Beginner’s Burlesque at Studio Burlesque at 8:30 p.m

Wednesday, July 10

A dyn-mite time is a sure thing at tonight’s all-star soulful return to the ’70s at Chastain Park Amphitheatre with The Sylistics, The Manhattans, Heatwave, Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes, Peaches and Herb, Main Ingredient featuring Cuba Gooding, Sr. and hosted by Jimmie “JJ” Walker. The Plaza Theatre continues its 50 Years of Bond monthlong series with the best Roger Moore Bond and one of the best of the entire series, THE SPY WHO LOVED ME (1977) on the big screen at 7:30 p.m. Get schooled by two of Atlanta’s burlesque finest, last week’s Kool Kat Katherine Lashe or Talloolah Love in Beginning Burlesque classes at Studio Burlesque. Old enough to feel Retro? It’s Ladies Night at Johnny’s Hideaway which plays hits from Sinatra to Madonna for a generally mature crowd. Danny “Mudcat” Dudeck brings the Piedmont blues to Northside Tavern, and The Hollidays deliver some soul to Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. Greet the day  with an 11:30 a.m. matinee  of THE POSEIDON ADVENTURE (1972) at  Northlake Festival Movie Tavern’s Retro Cinema series this week!

Thursday, July 11

Experience Honkytonk Heaven as Dale Watson headlines with Caroline & the Ramblers and Grim Rooster at Smith’s Olde Bar. If you missed our Kool Kat interviews with Caroline Hull Engel and Phil Stair (Grim Rooster), catch up here and here. New Orleans’ The Iguanas define a sound of Americana that crosses cultures, styles, eras… and even languages at The Earl, with Grinder Nova opening. The Plaza Theatre continues its 50 Years of Bond monthlong series with Roger Moore, Jaws (Richard Kiel) and outer space action in MOONRAKER (1979) on the big screen at 7:30 p.m. Relax with a cocktail while listening to the groovy sounds of Andrew and the Disapyramids, featuring Kool Kat Joshua Longino, at vintage tiki bar, Trader Vic’s. Ghost Riders Car Club, featuring Kool Kat Spike Fullerton, throws a Bastille Day Pre-Party at the Clermont Lounge. As they put it so eloquently: “celebrate the French figuring it out 14 years and 10 days after we did. Plus boobies and country music!” Go to Northside Tavern to hear the classic 50s Chicago-style blues of The Breeze Kings. Get on over to Fat Matt’s Rib Shack to hear the honkytonkin’ blues of  Chickenshack. It’s a special patriotic 80s/90s Retro Video Night with free drinks ’til 10 at The Shelter.  Red Light Cafe‘s weekly Bluegrass Thursday features Waller and Caroline Spence.  Studio Burlesque offers a class in Beginning Burlesque with Ursula Undress at 6:30 p.m. And it’s your last chance to experience disaster epic THE POSEIDON ADVENTURE (1972) at Northlake Festival Movie Tavern!

Julea Thomerson. Photo credit: Maggie Speck.

Friday July 12

Psychedelic junkyard folk, honky tonkin’ rockabilly twang. Americana blues roots. Throw in a few kitchen sinks and that should about describe Rolling Nowhere with Julea & Her Dear Johns, featuring Kool Kat Julea Thomerson, and Nathan Nelson at Red Light Cafe. Blair Crimmins & the Hookers bring their ’20s ragtime-inspired sounds to The Earl for the first of a two-night gig. If you missed Blair’s Kool Kat interview, catch up here. The Shelter goes Retro luau with Ritual’s Ho’okola Tiki Party. 529 presents two tribute bands One Will Burn (Joy Division) and Cherry Bomb (Joan Jett), as well as punk from the Cadillac Junkies. The Plaza Theatre continues its 50 Years of Bond monthlong series with Roger Moore in FOR YOUR EYES ONLY (1981) at 7:30 p.m. Derryl Rivers and the Flying Circus perform blues, jazz and a slight bit of funk under the dinosaurs at Fernbank Museum of Natural History’s Martinis and IMAX. Atlanta Boogie delievers the blues at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. Swami Gone Bananas brings the blues to Northside Tavern and Blind Willie’s serves up Burnt Bacon. Do the Time Warp again at THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW with full costumed floor show by Lips Down on Dixie every Friday at midnight at The Plaza Theatre.

Blair Crimmins.

Saturday, July 13

Paris on Ponce and POP Marche present the first of two days of their free annual Bastille Day Festival from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. featuring Pop-Up shops, Dawsonville Moonshine, King of Pops, frozen pints, bake rattle & roll, cocktails from Green’s, roaming musicians, raffle tickets, stiltwalker Adam Lowe, and a 2 p.m. French Bulldog & Pug Costume Contest. Read more about the magic of Paris on Ponce in last year’s interview with Kool Kat Nicolette Valdespino. Blair Crimmins & the Hookers bring their ’20s ragtime-inspired sounds to The Earl for a second night with The Banditos. If you missed Blair’s Kool Kat interview, catch up here. The Steve Miller Band rocks Turner Field with Back City Woods. Keep feelin’ Fascination as the Artifice Club‘s electro-swing party presents the Fascination Teaser Show at Gatsby’s, Atlanta’s 1920s night club, with burlesque by Talloolah Love. The Plaza Theatre continues its 50 Years of Bond monthlong series as with a matinee encore of DR. NO (1962) at 2:30 p.m. and Roger Moore in OCTOPUSSY (1983) at 7:30 p.m.. Be sure to check out our Retro Review to see why this Bond may be the best!  Ike Stubblefield brings the piano blues to Northside Tavern, and Burnt Bacon greases up the blues at Blind Willie’s. Jumpin Jukes shake up the blues at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. The Cosmic West swings into Big Tex. And as always, DJ Romeo Cologne transforms the sensationally seedy Clermont Lounge into a ’70s disco/funk inferno late into the wee hours of the night.

Photo courtesy of Chad Sanborn.

Sunday, July 14

Paris on Ponce and POP Marche present the grand finale of their free annual Bastille Day Festival from 12:30 to 9:30 p.m. with all the same fun as the day before, plus All Hands Productions puppet show of JACK AND THE BEANSTALK at 2 p.m. and French films from Atlanta Film Festival starting at 3 p.m. Then the Big Show starts at 7 p.m. with the magic of Kool Kat Chad Sanborn, Baton Bob, Thimblerig Circus and super-special surprise guest stars! Read more about the magic of Paris on Ponce in last year’s interview with Kool Kat Nicolette Valdespino. The Earl Smith Strand Theatre brings THE MOTOWN SOUND back to Marietta for the third year of the most successful Strand-produced show ever featuring  stunning dance, brilliant costumes and knockout R&B classics by artists like Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, Jackson 5 and The Supremes. Cedar Hill serves up a honkytonk brunch at Big Tex starting at noon. Help Blast-Off Burlesque raise a few bucks and go home with delicious sweets at their Blast off Bastille Day Bake Sale at the Euclid Avenue Yacht Club from 2 to 6 p.m. The Plaza Theatre continues its 50 Years of Bond monthlong series as Sean Connery returns for his last official mission as 007 in DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER (1971) at 2:30 p.m. and again in his last unofficial mission in NEVER SAY NEVER AGAIN (1983) at 7:30 p.m. Jez Graham Trio jazzes up The Family Dog with Gina Grate. Cineprov  pokes fun at Roger Corman cult classic DEATH RACE 2000 (1975) at The Plaza Theater. Fatback Deluxe bring on the blues 40s-60s style at Fatt Matt’s Rib Shack. Sample a spoonful of blues courtesy of Uncle Sugar at Northside Tavern. Cowboy Envy lassos up some country-western at Eddie’s Attic.

Ongoing

Johannes Vermeer’s GIRL WITH A PEARL EARRING visits The High Museum of Art, along with other Dutch masterpieces, through Sept. 29.

EXTREME MAMMALS from sabertooth tiger skulls and wooly mammoth fur to contemporary creatures such as the duck-billed platypus invade Fernbank Museum of Natural History through August 18.

Monday, July 1

The Plaza Theatre launches its 50 Years of Bond monthlong series with Sean Connery in DR. NO (1962). Swing back to the golden age of jazz at Café 290 every first and third Monday of the month for Big Band Night with Joe Gransden and his amazing 16-piece orchestra. Northside Tavern hosts its weekly Blues Jam featuring blues and southern soul singer Lola Gulley. Enjoy your BBQ with a side of Pead Boy & the Pork Bellies at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack.

Tuesday, July 2

The Plaza Theatre continues its 50 Years of Bond monthlong series with Sean Connery in FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE (1963). Hey Kittens! New Orleans Jon is hosting a Ladies Night & Burly Blitz at Atlantic Seafood Co., in Alpharetta. On the menu are $5 sangria, cocktail specials, two ceviche specials and live music by George Martini (6:30-8:30). Cyndi Lauper just wants to have fun, performing every song off her SHE’S SO UNUSUAL (1983) album at Symphony Hall. The Georgia Crackers hillbilly it up ’20s style at Steve’s Live Music. JAWS (1975) swims into Northlake Festival Movie Tavern,  as the June retro cinema classic series of Classic Summer Blockbusters continues! Learn to swing dance or show off your moves at Gatsby’s Weekly Swing Dance Night w/ DJ Alan White; doors at 6 p.m./lessons start at 8 p.m. Kool Kat Calu Cordeira mixes tiki libations during Mai Tai Tahitian Tuesday starting at 9 p.m. at the Dark Horse Tavern. Grab your horn and head over to Twain’s in Decatur for a Joe Gransden jazz jam session. Blues it down with Nathan Nelson & Entertainment Crackers at Northside Tavern. J.T. Speed brings the blues to Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. Steve’s Live Music in Sandy Springs hosts a weekly Bluegrass & Hootenanny Jam led by Jason Koornick & Hank Weisman. Ursula Undress teaches Beginner’s Burlesque at Studio Burlesque at 8:30 p.m

Wednesday, July 3

The Plaza Theatre continues its 50 Years of Bond monthlong series with Sean Connery in GOLDFINGER (1964). Black Juju channels Alice Cooper Shane Morton-style with The Pinups and the Southeast’s premiere Doors tribute band  When You’re Strange at Smith’s Olde Bar. Get schooled by two of Atlanta’s burlesque finest, last week’s Kool Kat Katherine Lashe or Talloolah Love in Beginning Burlesque classes at Studio Burlesque. Old enough to feel Retro? It’s Ladies Night at Johnny’s Hideaway which plays hits from Sinatra to Madonna for a generally mature crowd. Danny “Mudcat” Dudeck brings the Piedmont blues to Northside Tavern, and The Hollidays deliver some soul to Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. Greet the day  with an 11:30 a.m. matinee  of JAWS (1975) at  Northlake Festival Movie Tavern’s Retro Cinema series this week!

Tongo Hiti.

Thursday, July 4, Independence Day

Nothing’s more Retro than fireworks, right?! See them explode at Lenox Square, Centennial Olympic Park, Six Flags Over Georgia, Stone Mountain Park Lasershow, Mall of Georgia, Decatur Courthouse Square and more. Fireworks may be exploding across Atlanta, but The Plaza Theatre continues its 50 Years of Bond monthlong series with Sean Connery in the explosive THUNDERBALL (1964). Relax with a cocktail while listening to the groovy island sounds of Tongo Hiti, featuring Big Mike Geier, the lovely Dames Aflame Hula brigade at vintage tiki bar, Trader Vic’s. Go to Northside Tavern to hear the classic 50s Chicago-style blues of The Breeze Kings. Get on over to Fat Matt’s Rib Shack to hear the honkytonkin’ blues of  Chickenshack. It’s a special patriotic 80s/90s Retro Video Night with free drinks ’til 10 at The Shelter.  Red Light Cafe‘s weekly Bluegrass Thursday takes the week off.  Studio Burlesque is closed July 4-7, but Beginning Burlesque with Ursula Undress resumes Thursday July 11 at 6:30 p.m. And it’s your last chance to freak out to JAWS (1975) at Northlake Festival Movie Tavern!

Friday, July 5

The Fireworks may be over but Monstrosity Championship Wrestling is back at The Famous Pub culminating in a Great American Monster Mash battle royal to determine the number one contender to Phantom’s MCW Championship. The festivities also include a live performance by the Casket Creatures, celebrating the release of their new CD, SEX, BLOOD AND ROCK N ROLL. Be sure to read our Kool Kat of the Week interview with the Casket Creatures. The Plaza Theatre continues its 50 Years of Bond monthlong series with Sean Connery in YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE (1967). Delta Moon brings blues, rock and roots to an early 7:30 show at Eddie’s Attic, followed by funk and soul from Mike Hicks and Jason Eskridge at 10. During Matthew Kaminski’s Latin Boogaloo, the Atlanta Braves‘ organist fuses the worlds of salsa, funk, R&B, and jazz to get you groovin’ under the dinosaurs at Fernbank Museum of Natural History’s Martinis and IMAX. John Sosebee delivers down and dirty juke joint blues at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. Lola Gulley brings the blues and Southern soul to Northside Tavern and Empress of the Blues Sandra Hall makes you bow down to the blues at Blind Willie’s.

Saturday, July 6

Live your life Stranger Than Fiction at the latest solo art opening of monsterific skateboard and punk rock art by Urbnpop’s Chris Hamer, one certified Kool Kat well known also for his eclectic comics work, at Rev Coffee in Smyrna. There’ll also be punk rock by Rob Huddleston (Ann Beretta/Foundation). The Plaza Theatre continues its 50 Years of Bond monthlong series as Agent 007 George Lazenby marries the gorgeous Diana Rigg in ON HER MAJESTY’S SECRET SERVICE (1969). Be sure to check out our Retro Review to see why this Bond may be the best!  Annie Selleck & The Hot Club of Nashville gypsy-jazz up Eddie’s Attic. Beverly “Guitar” Watkinsbrings the blues to Northside Tavern, and Luther “Houserocker” Johnson & The Shadows fire up the blues at Blind Willie’s. The Tone Prophets preach the blues at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. Frank Barham swings into Big Tex. And as always, DJ Romeo Cologne transforms the sensationally seedy Clermont Lounge into a ’70s disco/funk inferno late into the wee hours of the night.

Sunday, July 7

Whether you like to get your super-hero on or check out the newest indies, the Atlanta Comic Convention is a swell way to spend a Sunday. Guests include some of Atlanta’s finest pop artists such as Urbnpop’s Chris Hamer and Jason Flowers, as well as actor Daniel Thomas May (Allen, THE WALKING DEAD); from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Marriott Hotel-Century Center. DBA serves up a honktonk brunch at Big Tex starting at noon. Tag Team shakes up The Earl‘s anniversary dunch starting at 1 p.m. The Plaza Theatre continues its 50 Years of Bond monthlong series as Sean Connery returns for his last mission as 007 in DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER (1971). Jez Graham Trio jazzes up The Family Dog with Gwen Hughes. Cineprov  pokes fun at a to-be-determined Retro classic movie also at The Plaza Theater. Fatback Deluxe bring on the blues 40s-60s style at Fatt Matt’s  Rib Shack. Sample a spoonful of blues courtesy of Uncle Sugar at Northside Tavern.  

Ongoing

Johannes Vermeer’s GIRL WITH A PEARL EARRING visits The High Museum of Art, along with other Dutch masterpieces, through Sept. 29.

EXTREME MAMMALS from sabertooth tiger skulls and wooly mammoth fur to contemporary creatures such as the duck-billed platypus invade Fernbank Museum of Natural History through August 18.

Learn about  a different side to the third American president and Constitution author in the Really Retro special exhibition Slavery at Jefferson’s Monticello: How the Word is Passed Down at the Atlanta History Center through July 7.

Every Tuesday night, Wednesday morning and Thursday night is Retro Cinema at Movie Tavern.

Monday, June 24

Northside Tavern hosts its weekly Blues Jam featuring blues and southern soul singer Lola Gulley. Enjoy your BBQ with a side of Dry White Toast at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack.

Tuesday, June 25

Experience the original Khan! in STAR TREK 2: THE WRATH OF KHAN at Northlake Festival Movie Tavern,  as the June retro cinema classic series of Classic Summer Blockbusters continues! Kool Kat Calu Cordeira mixes tiki libations during Mai Tai Tahitian Tuesday starting at 9 p.m. at the Dark Horse Tavern. Grab your horn and head over to Twain’s in Decatur for a Joe Gransden jazz jam session. Blues it down with Nathan Nelson & Entertainment Crackers at Northside Tavern. It’s blues Burning Time at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. Steve’s Live Music in Sandy Springs hosts a weekly Bluegrass & Hootenanny Jam led by Jason Koornick & Hank Weisman. Ursula Undress teaches Beginner’s Burlesque at Studio Burlesque at 8:30 p.m

Wednesday, June 26

Horror fans will want to check out the Troma Film Festival which kicks off today at the Plaza Theatre. Get schooled by two of Atlanta’s burlesque finest, last week’s Kool Kat Katherine Lashe or Talloolah Love in Beginning Burlesque classes at Studio Burlesque. Old enough to feel Retro? It’s Ladies Night at Johnny’s Hideaway which plays hits from Sinatra to Madonna for a generally mature crowd. Danny “Mudcat” Dudeck brings the Piedmont blues to Northside Tavern, and the blues rain down in a Georgia Flood at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. Greet the day  with an 11:30 a.m. matinee  of STAR TREK 2: THE WRATH OF KHAN in Northlake Festival Movie Tavern’s Retro Cinema series this week!

Thursday, June 27

The Troma Film Festival grosses out audiences for a second day at the Plaza Theatre. Relax with a cocktail while listening to the groovy island sounds of Lloyd’s Rocksteady Revue at vintage tiki bar, Trader Vic’s. Go to Northside Tavern to hear the classic 50s Chicago-style blues of The Breeze Kings. Get on over to Fat Matt’s Rib Shack to hear the honkytonkin’ blues of  Chickenshack. It’s 80s/90s Retro Video Night with free drinks ’til 10 at The Shelter. The Diesel Calhoun Band take the stage at Red Light Cafe‘s weekly Bluegrass Thursday. If you didn’t get the chance to go to Studio Burlesque this week, you have another chance to try out Beginning Burlesque with Ursula Undress at 6:30 p.m. and enjoy live burlesque in the Performance Track Series at 9:30 p.m. And it’s your last chance to enjoy STAR TREK 2: THE WRATH OF KHAN at Northlake Festival Movie Tavern this week!

Friday, June 28

Country legend Merle Haggard  performs with Jamey Johnson at The Masquerade. The B-52s dance this mess around at The Atlanta Botanical Garden. Comedian Bill Cosby makes you feel like a kid again with his humor at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.The Serenata Band plays Latin jazz, samba and salsa in the Jazz on the Lawn series at Callanwolde. Epitome combines R&B rhythm with a jazz overtone under the dinosaurs at Fernbank Museum of Natural History’s Martinis and IMAX. Jigsaw Johnson deliver down and dirty blues at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. Danny “Mudcat” Dudeck brings the Piedmont blues to Northside Tavern. Shriek Theatre Movie Night features old-school slasher cult classics FRIDAY THE 13TH and SLEEPAWAY CAMP at DooGallery starting at 8 p.m.

Saturday, June 29

Jeffrey Butzer and the Bicycle Eaters celebrate the release of their wonderfully quirky new album COLLAPSIBLE at the Goat Farm Arts Center. Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA) serves up cocktails and modern design at its Mad Men Party, as it bids farewell to its EERO SAARINEN: A REPUTATION FOR INNOVATION which closes on June 30. Presented by Fat Cat Cabaret at Gatsby’s, Roaring ’20s-themed Volstead Nights – A Speakeasy Review  features lots of our favorite things – burlesque, cabaret, comedy, aerial silks, magic, hooping and more, followed by a dance. Special guests include Nashville-based magician John Pyka “Big Daddy Cool,” Atlanta aerial silks performer extraordinaire Persephone Phoenix, and Rebecca “HoopEssence” DeShon, a hula hoop mistress who also has been an ATLRetro Kool Kat of the Week. And Fat Cat Cabaret manager and performer Ruby Le Chatte is this week’s Kool Kat. The Earl. Come join Big Mike Geier and Tongo Hiti for a Polynesian Pirate Party, a family-friendly evening of tiki-inspired tunes at House of the Rock at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer. The $10 suggested donation for adults includes libations and pirate-themed grub, and parking is free. The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra plays John Lennon at Chastain Park Amphitheatre. Catch one of two shows of Michelle Malone: Banned at Eddie’s Attic.

What’s more Retro than corndogs? A slew of honktonk, roots and rock honor the quintessential carnie treat during The Family CornDog Music Celebration at The Family Dog, presented by AM 1690’s “The CornDog Power Hour” in conjunction with ATLanta and Goin’ South! Productions. Bands start at 3 p.m. and include Radio Birds, The Villain Family, FLAP, Blake Rainey & His Demons, David Marshall Railey, Jake Mason, Midnight Revival and Chickens and Pigs. Come meet  Corndog-eating world champ Dale Boone from The World League of Competitive Eating who will try to defend his record of 20 corndogs in 5 minutes. This special event kicks off the 17th year of of CORNDOGORAMA established in October, 1996 at Dottie’s. Blair Crimmins & the Hookers ragtime it up OTP at Swallow at the Hollow in Roswell. Danny “Mudcat” Dudeck brings the Piedmont blues to at Northside Tavern.  The Stooge Brothers fire up the blues at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. The Yacht Rock Schooner  drops anchor at The Earl Smith Strand Theatre in Marietta. As usual, DJ Romeo Cologne transforms the sensationally seedy Clermont Lounge into a ’70s disco/funk inferno late into the wee hours of the night.

Sunday, June 30

Today is your last chance to catch EERO SAARINEN: A REPUTATION FOR INNOVATION, a fascinating retrospective on the Finnish-born architect/designer who had such a big influence on modernist/futurist aesthetics at Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA). Cineprov  pokes fun at sci-fi blockbuster INDEPENDENCE DAY at The Plaza Theater. Snake Legs bring on the blues at Fatt Matt’s  Rib Shack. Have a honktonk brunch at Big Tex starting at noon. Get a spoonful of blues courtesy of Uncle Sugar at Northside Tavern. Boston-based Della Mae brings their high-energy roots/blue sound to Eddie’s Attic with special guest Gabriel Kelley.

Ongoing

Johannes Vermeer’s GIRL WITH A PEARL EARRING visits The High Museum of Art, along with other Dutch masterpieces, through Sept. 29.

EXTREME MAMMALS from sabertooth tiger skulls and wooly mammoth fur to contemporary creatures such as the duck-billed platypus invade Fernbank Museum of Natural History through August 18.

Learn about  a different side to the third American president and Constitution author in the Really Retro special exhibition Slavery at Jefferson’s Monticello: How the Word is Passed Down at the Atlanta History Center through July 7.

Every Tuesday night, Wednesday morning and Thursday night is Retro Cinema at Movie Tavern.

Monday, June 17

Swing back to the golden age of jazz at Café 290 every first and third Monday of the month for Big Band Night with Joe Gransden and his amazing 16-piece orchestra. Northside Tavern hosts its weekly Blues Jam featuring blues and southern soul singer Lola Gulley. Enjoy your BBQ with a side of Dry White Toast at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack.

Tuesday, June 18

The seats are alive with THE SOUND OF MUSIC (1965) at Northlake Festival Movie Tavern as the its June retro cinema classic series of Classic Summer Blockbusters continues! Kool Kat Calu Cordeira mixes tiki libations during Mai Tai Tahitian Tuesday starting at 9 p.m. at the Dark Horse Tavern. Grab your horn and head over to Twain’s in Decatur for a Joe Gransden jazz jam session. Blues it down with Nathan Nelson & Entertainment Crackers at Northside Tavern. It’s blues Burning Time at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. Steve’s Live Music in Sandy Springs hosts a weekly Bluegrass & Hootenanny Jam led by Jason Koornick & Hank Weisman. Ursula Undress teaches Beginner’s Burlesque at Studio Burlesque at 8:30 p.m!

Katherine Lashe. Photo credit: PinUp Girl Cosmetics.

Wednesday, June 19

Get schooled by two of Atlanta’s burlesque finest, last week’s Kool Kat Katherine Lashe or Talloolah Love in Beginning Burlesque classes at Studio Burlesque. Old enough to feel Retro? It’s Ladies Night at Johnny’s Hideaway which plays hits from Sinatra to Madonna for a generally mature crowd. Danny “Mudcat” Dudeck brings the Piedmont blues to Northside Tavern, and the blues rain down in a Georgia Flood at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. Greet the day  with an 11:30 a.m. matinee  of THE SOUND OF MUSIC (1965) in Northlake Festival Movie Tavern’s Retro Cinema series this week!

Thursday, June 20

Relax with a cocktail while listening to the groovy island sounds of Agent 45 at vintage tiki bar, Trader Vic’s. Go to Northside Tavern to hear the classic 50s Chicago-style blues of The Breeze Kings. Get on over to Fat Matt’s Rib Shack to hear the honkytonkin’ blues of  Chickenshack. It’s 80s/90s Retro Video Night with free drinks ’til 10 at The Shelter. City Mouse take the stage at Red Light Cafe‘s weekly Bluegrass Thursday. If you didn’t get the chance to go to Studio Burlesque this week, you have another chance to try out Beginning Burlesque with Ursula Undress at 6:30 p.m. and enjoy live burlesque in the Performance Track Series at 9:30 p.m. And it’s your last chance to enjoy THE SOUND OF MUSIC (1965) at Northlake Festival Movie Tavern this week!

Col. Bruce Hampton

The Cosmic West headline a raucous retrobilly night of harmony-drenched Americana, Country and Western with The Van Lears and The Serenaders at Red Light Cafe. Spice it up with Salsa Night led by Salsambo Dance Studio under the dinosaurs at Fernbank Museum of Natural History’s Martinis and IMAX. Spanky and the Love Handles deliver down and dirty blues at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. Veteran Kool Kat Colonel Bruce Hampton brings his unique sounds to Northside Tavern. And Gregg Allman and Hank Williams Jr. make it a rockin’ country Southern night at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre.

Saturday, June 22

Hear 10 cool local and regional bands as Surf Fest 2013 shakes up O’Neal Plaza in Douglasville.  The line-up includes quite a few ATLRetro favorites like Caroline & The Ramblers, The Monterreysand The Mystery Men? Read our Kool Kat feature on Surf Fest founder Wayne Foster here. Madame Nocturne’s Midsummer Night’s Swing brings the Roaring ’20s back with a contemporary ElectroSwing edge at Gatsby’s. Read our Kool Kat on event producer La Schaffer here. In Atlanta Rollergirls action, all-star team Dirty South Derby Girls battle the DC Rollergirls at 5 p.m. and the Sake Tuyas face off against the Toxic Shocks at 7:30 p.m. at the Yaarab Shrine. Clashinista and The Cherry Bomb throw a punk rockin’ tribute to The Clash and Joan Jett at The Earl. Swing on down to Eddie’s Attic to hear Joe Gransden and his Big Band. It’s honkytonk heaven at the Star Bar with Rolling Nowhere, JP Harris & the Tough Choices, Julea & Her Dear Johns and Joe Fletcher. Read our Kool Kat feature on Julea Thomerson here. Ike Stubblefield tickles the blues ivories at Northside Tavern.  Billy George fires up the blues at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. It’s a Rock and Soul Dance Party at The Basement! As usual, DJ Romeo Cologne transforms the sensationally seedy Clermont Lounge into a ’70s disco/funk inferno late into the wee hours of the night.

Sunday, June 23

Kitty Love‘s Sultry Sunday returns to Red Light Cafe for some Summer Lovin’ with Cheeky Belles Burlesque. If you missed our Kool Kat feature on Kitty, catch up here! Go Really Retro as Sergio Leone meets Norse legend in a rare US screening of acclaimed Icelandic film WHEN THE RAVEN FLIES (1984) at the Plaza Theatre, including a pre-show Dark Ages weapons and culture presentation by local Viking group Sons of Loki.  Pat Benatar transforms the Atlanta Botanical Garden into a battlefield of love. Cineprov  pokes fun the easy target of Tom Cruise in TOP GUN (1986) at The Plaza Theater. Snake Legs bring on the blues at Fatt Matt’s  Rib Shack. Cedar Hill serves up a honktonk brunch at Big Tex starting at noon. Get a spoonful of blues courtesy of Uncle Sugar at Northside Tavern.

Ongoing

Johannes Vermeer’s GIRL WITH A PEARL EARRING goes on display at The High Museum of Art on Sun. June 23 and visits through Sept. 29.

EXTREME MAMMALS from sabertooth tiger skulls and wooly mammoth fur to contemporary creatures such as the duck-billed platypus invade Fernbank Museum of Natural History through August 18.

Learn about  a different side to the third American president and Constitution author in the Really Retro special exhibition Slavery at Jefferson’s Monticello: How the Word is Passed Down at the Atlanta History Center through July 7.

Every Tuesday night, Wednesday morning and Thursday night is Retro Cinema at Movie Tavern.

By Aleck Bennett
Contributing Writer

Monday, June 10

Swing back to the golden age of jazz at Café 290 every first and third Monday of the month for Big Band Night with Joe Gransden and his amazing 16-piece orchestra. Northside Tavern hosts its weekly Blues Jam featuring blues and southern soul singer Lola Gulley. Enjoy your BBQ with a side of Dry White Toast at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack.

Tuesday, June 11

It’s Tease Tuesday at the Shelter as Syrens of the South (headed by Kool Kat Katherine Lashe) host a monthly fundraiser for Southern Fried Burlesque Fest! Legends of death metal Cannibal Corpse and grindcore pioneers Napalm Death take the stage alongside veteran NY death merchants Immolation as the Decibel Magazine Tour hits the Masquerade! Splatter Cinema brings the mind-twisting insanity of Paul Verhoeven’s TOTAL RECALL (1990) to the Plaza Theatre (read our Retro Review here)! E.T. (1982) comes home to the big screen at Northlake Festival Movie Tavern as the its June retro cinema classic series of Classic Summer Blockbusters continues! Kool Kat Calu Cordeira mixes tiki libations during Mai Tai Tahitian Tuesday starting at 9 p.m. at the Dark Horse Tavern. Grab your horn and head over to Twain’s in Decatur for a Joe Gransden jazz jam session. Blues it down with Nathan Nelson & Entertainment Crackers at Northside Tavern. It’s blues Burning Time at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. Steve’s Live Music in Sandy Springs hosts a weekly Bluegrass Jam with The Night Travelers and Jason Koornick & Hank Weisman. Ursula Undress teaches Beginner’s Burlesque at Studio Burlesque at 8:30 p.m!

Wednesday, June 12

Up from the West Texas town of El Paso, it’s the Dirty River Boys, bringing their raucous brand of folk, rock and country to Smith’s Olde Bar! Get schooled by two of Atlanta’s burlesque finest, Katherine Lashe or Kool Kat Talloolah Love in Beginning Burlesque classes at Studio Burlesque. Old enough to feel Retro? It’s Ladies Night at Johnny’s Hideaway which plays hits from Sinatra to Madonna for a generally mature crowd. Danny “Mudcat” Dudeck brings the Piedmont blues to Northside Tavern, and the blues rain down in a Georgia Flood at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. Greet the day the E.T. way with an 11:30 a.m. matinee in Northlake Festival Movie Tavern’s Retro Cinema series this week!

Thursday, June 13

It’s a burlesque revue so hot it’ll be murder! Minette Magnifique brings the criminal element to The Warren City Club with Minette’s Murder Mystery! It’s a garage-fueled Free For Y’all event at the Star Bar featuring JBros, Stonerider, Eel Pie and Ghost Bikini! Kick the dust off your boots as the hot country sounds of Ghost Riders Car Club and the soul-shaking music of the Hollidays take the stage at the Clermont Lounge! Need more country? Check out The Railers as they hit Smith’s Olde Bar! Relax with a cocktail while listening to the groovy island sounds of Tongo Hiti featuring Big Mike Geier at vintage tiki bar, Trader Vic’s. Go to Northside Tavern to hear the classic 50s Chicago-style blues of The Breeze Kings. Get on over to Fat Matt’s Rib Shack to hear the honkytonkin’ blues of  Chickenshack. It’s 80s/90s Retro Video Night with free drinks ’til 10 at The Shelter.  Rebecca Frazier and the Hit & Run Bluegrass Band take the stage at Red Light Cafe‘s weekly Bluegrass Thursday. If you didn’t get the chance to go to Studio Burlesque this week, you have another chance to try out Beginning Burlesque with Ursula Undress at 6:30 p.m. and enjoy live burlesque in the Performance Track Series at 9:30 p.m. And it’s your last chance to turn on your heart light with E.T. at Northlake Festival Movie Tavern this week!

Friday, June 14

Spend the evening at Candler Park and enjoy the 2013 Red Stripe Midsummer Music & Food Festival. Or take in the funky jazz-pop of Cooper Tisdale (with special vocal guest Octavia Jones Samba) under the dinosaurs at Fernbank Museum of Natural History’s Martinis and IMAX. Ike Stubblefield and Friends lay down some soulful R&B and jazz at Callanwolde Art Center’s Jazz on the Lawn series. It’s a full (K)night of alt.country at Smith’s Olde Bar as Chris Knight shares the stage with Ben Knight and the Welldiggers! Johnny Scales delivers down and dirty blues at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. Stoney Brooks brings on the blues at Northside Tavern. And watch as Indiana Jones fends off Nazis, snakes, hostile native tribes, snakes, Karen Allen and more snakes when Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) lights up the screen at the Fox Theatre! (And read our Retro Review here!)

Saturday, June 15

Kick off the day with a festival of Saturday Morning Cartoons at the fabulous Fox Theatre! The second day of the 2013 Red Stripe Midsummer Music & Food Festival is an all-day event, but make sure to check out the stomping “Pogues go old time Nashville” stylings of the Whiskey Gentry (featuring Kool Kat Lauren Staley Morrow)! Take a dip with the legendary Swimming Pool Q’s as they celebrate their 35th anniversary (and the release of the double-CD reissue of their LP, THE A&M YEARS) with Big Mike Geier at Smith’s Olde Bar! The stirring and beautiful folk of Indigo Girls and Joan Baez will fill the air at Chastain Park! Celebrate the music of Frank Zappa when Zappa vocalist Ike Willis joins forces with UglyRadioRebellion at Elliott Street Pub! Head over to Studio Burlesque to check out the Debut-tease Ball, the studio’s first ever student and teacher showcase! Take in the Chicago blues of The Breeze Kings at Northside Tavern.  Mr. Chapman’s Quarterly Revue will be examining the blues at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. As usual, DJ Romeo Cologne transforms the sensationally seedy Clermont Lounge into a ’70s disco/funk inferno late into the wee hours of the night.

Sunday, June 16

Cineprov takes a trip to the jungle to poke fun at The Wild Women of Wongo (1958) at The Plaza Theater. Snake Legs bring on the blues at Fatt Matt’s  Rib Shack. Banjolicious serves up a heaping helping of pickin’ with a side of grinnin’ at brunch at Big Tex starting at noon. Get a spoonful of blues courtesy of Uncle Sugar at Northside Tavern.

Ongoing

EXTREME MAMMALS from sabertooth tiger skulls and wooly mammoth fur to contemporary creatures such as the duck-billed platypus invade Fernbank Museum of Natural History through August 18.

Learn about  a different side to the third American president and Constitution author in the Really Retro special exhibition Slavery at Jefferson’s Monticello: How the Word is Passed Down at the Atlanta History Center through July 7.

Every Tuesday night, Wednesday morning and Thursday night is Retro Cinema at Movie Tavern.

Monday, June 3

Swing back to the golden age of jazz at Café 290 every first and third Monday of the month for Big Band Night with Joe Gransden and his amazing 16-piece orchestra. Northside Tavern hosts its weekly Blues Jam featuring blues and southern soul singer Lola Gulley. Enjoy your BBQ with a side of Dry White Toast at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack.

Tuesday, June 4

Great Scott! Rev up your DeLorean and go BACK TO THE FUTURE (1985) when the Robert Zemeikis/Michael J. Fox sci-fi hit drives back onto the big screen at Northlake Festival Movie Tavern as the first in its June retro cinema classic series’ of Classic Summer Blockbusters! Kool Kat Calu Cordeira mixes tiki libations during Mai Tai Tahitian Tuesday starting at 9 p.m. at the Dark Horse Tavern. Grab your horn and head over to Twain’s in Decatur for a Joe Gransden jazz jam session. Blues it down with Nathan Nelson & Entertainment Crackers at Northside Tavern. It’s blues Burning Time at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. Steve’s Live Music in Sandy Springs hosts a weekly Bluegrass Jam with Georgia Crackers, American Honey and Jason Koornick & Hank Weisman. Learn to hula hoop from a master hooper and Kool Kat Rebecca Deshon at Studio Burlesque with a Beginners/All Levels class at 6:30 p.m, followed by Intermediate Hoop Dance. Also Ursula Undress teaches Beginner’s Burlesque at 8:30 p.m.

AJ Swearingen and Jonathan Beedle. Photo courtesy of AJ Swearingen and Jonathan Beedle.

Wednesday, June 5

AJ Swearingen and Jonathan Beedle resurrect The Sounds of Simon and Garfunkel with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra at Chastain Park. Find out more in ATLRetro’s exclusive interview with Jonathan here. Get schooled by two of Atlanta’s burlesque finest, Katherine Lashe or Kool Kat Talloolah Love in Beginning Burlesque classes at Studio Burlesque. Old enough to feel Retro? It’s Ladies Night at Johnny’s Hideaway which plays hits from Sinatra to Madonna for a generally mature crowd. Danny “Mudcat” Dudeck brings the Piedmont blues to Northside Tavern, and the blues rain down in a Georgia Flood at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack BACK TO THE FUTURE  in the morning with an 11:30 a.m. matinee in Northlake Festival Movie Tavern Retro Cinema series this week!

Thursday, June 6

Join the Atlanta Burlesque & Cabaret Club  for their June MeetUp at Elliott Street Deli & Pub. Relax with a cocktail while listening to the groovy island sounds of The Volcanauts with Tracey Wolfe at vintage tiki bar, Trader Vic’s. Go to Northside Tavern to hear the classic 50s Chicago-style blues of The Breeze Kings. Get on over to Fat Matt’s Rib Shack to hear the honkytonkin’ blues of  Chickenshack. It’s 80s/90s Retro Video Night with free drinks ’til 10 at The Shelter.  Rebecca Frazier and the Hit & Run Bluegrass Band take the stage at Red Light Cafe‘s weekly Bluegrass Thursday. If you didn’t get the chance to go to Studio Burlesque this week, you have another chance to try out Beginning Burlesque with Ursula Undressat 6:30 p.m. and enjoy live burlesque in the Performance Track Series at 9:30 p.m. And it’s your last chance to ride BACK TO THE FUTURE at Northlake Festival Movie Tavern this week!

Friday, June 7

Keep feelin’ Fascination, the swell new electro-swing night produced by the whimsical imaginations of Artifice Club co-founders Talloolah Love and Doctor Q at XS Ultra Lounge. The Bonaventure Quartet, featuring Kool Kat of the Week Amy Pike, performs acoustic versions of classic standards, western swing, gypsy jazz and original compositions under the dinosaurs at Fernbank Museum of Natural History’s Martinis and IMAX. The Boo Hoo Ramblers honkytonk it up at The Family Dog. Swamp Funk Quartet deliver down and dirty blues at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. Robert Lee Coleman brings on the blues at Northside Tavern  And if you’re up for a little drive, the Jagged Stones, featuring Kool Kat Keef Richards, will be rocking the Monroe Downtown Courthouse Square with classic Rolling Stones hits.

Saturday, June 8

We don’t know if the dead can dance, but they’ll have plenty of swell live music to listen to during the annual Tunes from the Tombs festival at Atlanta’s historic Oakland Cemetery. Performers include such ATLRetro favorites and Kool Kats as Blair Crimmins and the Hookers, The Bonaventure Quartet (watch for our Kool Kat of the Week feature on Amy Pike soon!), The Breeze Kings, Caroline and the Ramblers, Rod Hamdallah, Slim Chance and the Convicts and many more, starting at 1 p.m. George Romero taught us that speedy zombies were an oxymoron, but nevertheless expect a Day of the Dead when the Zombie Run takes over Atlanta Motor Speedway at 10 a.m. Steampunks unite in the name of a sturdy pint! The Artifice Club organizes its first Annual Artifice Club Photoshoot and Pub Crawl starting at noon at the Gazebo in the old Decatur Courthouse Square and continuing to various Decatur coffee shops and pubs all afternoon to 5 p.m. It’s Mods vs. Rockers, the old rivalry rises again but in the spirit of dance at the latest Pandemonium, Glam and Glitter Rock Dance Party at The Shelter! The Chameleon Queen leads a panel conversation about that little something extra that bands, babes, and burlyq bring to a con at SciFi Summer Con at the Wyndham Atlanta Northwest Perimeter. Atlanta based western swing/country finger-style duo The VaudeVillains duel guitars as only they can for a fun-filled CD release party at Red Light Cafe with pals Chad Shiver, Alias, Smith & Owens, and Bennie Gray & The Trailer Park Cowboys. It’s Allman Brothers Tribute Night at Northside Tavern.  Sly Dog will be barking the blues at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. As usual, DJ Romeo Cologne transforms the sensationally seedy Clermont Lounge into a ’70s disco/funk inferno late into the wee hours of the night.

Sunday, June 9

Cineprov makes some good-spirited fun of Bela Lugosi classic WHITE ZOMBIE (1932) at The Plaza Theater .The House Trio will jazz up The Family Dog from 7-10pm. Snake Legs bring on the blues at Fatt Matt’s  Rib Shack. The Porch Bottom Boys serve up a honkytonk brunch at Big Tex starting at noon. Get a spoonful of blues courtesy of Uncle Sugar at Northside Tavern.

Ongoing

EXTREME MAMMALS from sabertooth tiger skulls and wooly mammoth fur to contemporary creatures such as the duck-billed platypus invade Fernbank Museum of Natural History through August 18.

Learn about  a different side to the third American president and Constitution author in the Really Retro special exhibition Slavery at Jefferson’s Monticello: How the Word is Passed Down at the Atlanta History Center through July 7.

Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday night is Retro Cinema at Movie Tavern. Check out classic movies on the big screen weekly at 7:30 p.m.

Do you have or know of a Retro event we should include in This Week in Retro Atlanta? Be sure to email us at atlretro@gmail.com!

By Julia Carlson
Contributing Writer

Monday, May 27

Head to Piedmont Park for Atlanta Jazz Festival’s final day. Swing down to Café 290 for Bumpin The Mango at 8:30 p.m. Northside Tavern hosts its weekly Blues Jam featuring blues and southern soul singer Lola Gulley. Enjoy your BBQ with a side of Pead Boy & the Pork Bellies at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack.

Tuesday, May 28

Sonic Generator Presents: Metropolis! includes a free outdoor screening of the new restored, complete cut of Fritz Lang’s silent science fiction classic METROPOLIS (1927), with the premiers of an exciting new score at the Woodruff Arts Center. It’s also playing indoors at the Plaza all week. Hey, mon, hear some of great ska/reggae/roots when the Version City Tour, featuring King Django, Lloyd’s Rocksteady Revue and Hermits of Suburbia, arrives at the Masquerade‘s Purgatory. Musical May concludes at Northlake Festival Movie Tavern with a sing-a-long performance of the much-loved John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John movie GREASE (1978) as the retro cinema classic this week! Kool Kat Calu Cordeira mixes tiki libations during Mai Tai Tahitian Tuesday starting at 9 p.m. at the Dark Horse Tavern. Grab your horn and head over to Twain’s in Decatur for a Joe Gransden jazz jam session. Blues it down with Nathan Nelson & Entertainment Crackers at Northside Tavern. Head over to Fat Matt’s Rib Shack for some old school southern rock and blues with Crosstown Allstars. Tease up that big hair for a Heavy Metal Cover Band at 10 High. Steve’s Live Music in Sandy Springs hosts a weekly Bluegrass Jam. Learn to hula hoop from a master hooper and Kool Kat Rebecca Deshon at Studio Burlesque with a Beginners/All Levels class at 6:30 p.m, followed by Intermediate Hoop Dance. Also Ursula Undress teaches Beginner’s Burlesque at 8:30 p.m.

Wednesday, May 29

Brannen Burland and Schultz bring their creative combo of lap steel and theremin to The Star Bar with Eli Pop, the “white lightning country-blues and psychedelic-dosed rock n roll” of Hymn for Her and Zeppelin-King Crimson-influenced Verge of Bliss. Get schooled by two of Atlanta’s burlesque finest, Katherine Lashe or Kool Kat Talloolah Love in Beginning Burlesque classes at Studio Burlesque. Old enough to feel Retro? It’s Ladies Night at Johnny’s Hideaway which plays hits from Sinatra to Madonna for a generally mature crowd. Danny “Mudcat” Dudeck brings the Piedmont blues to Northside Tavern. Sing-a-long with  GREASE (1978) as the much-loved John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John movie plays a second night at Northlake Festival Movie Tavern this week!

Thursday, May 30

We can’t promise they’ll make your dreams come true but 70s/80s pretty-haired pop duo Hall & Oates do play Chastain Park Amphitheatre.  The Atlanta Food & Wine Festival offers tastings, classes and more through Sunday.  Relax with a cocktail while listening to the ska/reggae/groovy island sounds of Lloyd’s Rocksteady Revue at vintage tiki bar, Trader Vic’s. Go to Northside Tavern to hear the classic 50s Chicago-style blues of The Breeze Kings. Get on over to Fat Matt’s Rib Shack to hear the honkytonkin’ blues of  Chickenshack. It’s 80s/90s Retro Video Night with free drinks ’til 10 at The Shelter.  Sweetwater Creek Bluegrass Band takes the stage at Red Light Cafe‘s weekly Bluegrass Thursday. If you didn’t get the chance to go to Studio Burlesque this week, you have another chance to try out Beginning Burlesque with Ursula Undressat 6:30 p.m., take a Basic Props Class with the Chameleon Queen, Meredith Greer, and enjoy live burlesquein the Performance Track Series at 9:30 p.m. Sing-a-long one more time with  GREASE (1978) when the much-loved John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John movie plays a final night at Northlake Festival Movie Tavern this week!

Friday, May 31

Legendary torch singer Tony Bennett and classical vocalist prodigy Jackie Evancho join the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre. John McCutcheon, Caroline Herring and Michelle Malone makes its a classic Atlanta roots/folk night at Red Clay Theatre in Duluth. Kingsized, featuring Kool Kat “Big Mike” Geier, make it a swing dance night at  Fernbank Museum of Natural History’s Martinis and IMAX. Denim Arcade, featuring Kool Kat Becky Cormier Finch, brings back the ’80s at Craze Tavern. Enjoy BBQ with a side while listening to SaNA Blues at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. And over at Northside Tavern Swami Gone Bananas brings “classic rock, jam band and psychedelic” this Friday night.

Saturday, June 1

This Blast-Off Burlesque Taboo-La-La brings possibly the most all-inclusive of  all taboos, John Waters‘ shocking cult classic PINK FLAMINGOS (1972) to The Plaza Theatre. Before the show, enjoy a live stage show guest-starring Baby-Doll and Poly Sorbate, featuring a Filthy Fashion & Sexy Doggie Doo Eating Contest! Win awesome Prizes and enjoy complimentary cocktails in the lobby starting at 9 p.m. Read our Retro Review here! Come on, dress fancy for The Artifice Club‘s The Dandies and Darlings Dance at Frill After Dark at The Marriott Courtyard-Decatur. Hosted by MCs H.M. and Renfield of steampunk favorites The Gin Rebellion, the posh night-out crosses multiple centuries with live music from ’80s tribute band Denim Arcade, featuring Kool Kat Becky Cormier Finch and her husband Wade Finch as Dandy Highwaymen Adam Ant alongside other retro rock and more, dance tunes from DJ Doctor Q sure to move your feet, and a Frill Fashion Show! The Star Bar and PBR present PBR’BQ! starting at 2 p.m. with psych pop band Abby Gogo and free burgers and dogs on the patio, followed by an evening of loud with Crawl, Sons of Tonituah, Degradations and Snake Oil from Florida. Smiths tribute band Smithsonian pitches in with The Goldest and Shook Foil to throw a benefit at the Earl to help with medical expenses for John Kelso, the manager of Bell Street Burritos at the Sweet Auburn Curb Market, critically acclaimed photographer, and  faithful supporter of the Atlanta Sacred Harp singing community. Zydefunk shakes up Northside Tavern.  Eric Roberson takes to Center Stage tonight. Come see Tony Bryant’s blues band at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. As usual, DJ Romeo Cologne transforms the sensationally seedy Clermont Lounge into a ’70s disco/funk inferno late into the wee hours of the night.

Sunday, June 2

The 11th annual Rock and Roll Monster Bash kicks off at 10 a.m. at the Starlight Six Drive-In. Hosted by the Silver Scream Spookshow‘s Professor Morte, aka co-Kool Kat of the Week Shane Morton, this year’s event promises fiendish death grips with MONSTROSITY CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING starting at 1:30 p.m.; vicious vendors; hellish sounds kicking off at 2 p.m. from Alice Cooper tribute band Black Juju, Baby Baby, a reunion of The Butchers, Dracula (singing the hits as only he can!), Spooky Partridge and Metal Gaga (the lovechild of Lady Gaga and Iron Maiden!); plus two classic horror movies in 35 mm majesty at dark, THE DEVIL’S RAIN (1975), starring William Shatner, Ernest Borgnine and John Travolta, as well as Sam Raimi‘s EVIL DEAD 2 (1987), starring Bruce Campbell‘s chin and a chainsaw. Read our Retro Reviews for THE DEVIL’s RAIN here and EVIL DEAD 2 here. Advance tickets are available at https://www.ticketalternative.com. The Bonaventure  Quartet swings into The Earl to pay dunch. Watch for our Kool Kat interview with lead vocalist Amy Pike next week. Cineprov makes some good-spirited fun of Marlon Brando in classic Western ONE EYED JACKS (1961) at The Plaza Theater .The House Trio will jazz up The Family Dog from 7-10pm. Check out some classic bottleneck acoustic blues from Pead Boy and the Pork Bellys at Fatt Matt’s  Rib Shack. Get a Banjolicious brunch at Big Tex starting at noon.

Ongoing

Two black and white classics play this week (May 24-30) at The Plaza Theatre: the recently digitally restored and finally complete silent METROPOLIS (1927) and Martin Scorsese‘s brilliant boxing drama RAGING BULL (1980) starring Robert DeNiro. Watch for Retro Reviews later this week. Oh, and then there’s some comedy called PORKY’S (1982).

EXTREME MAMMALS from sabertooth tiger skulls and wooly mammoth fur to contemporary creatures such as the duck-billed platypus invade Fernbank Museum of Natural History through August 18.

Learn about  a different side to the third American president and Constitution author in the Really Retro special exhibition Slavery at Jefferson’s Monticello: How the Word is Passed Down at the Atlanta History Center through July 7.

Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday night is Retro Cinema at Movie Tavern. Check out classic movies on the big screen weekly at 7:30 p.m.

Do you have or know of a Retro event we should include in This Week in Retro Atlanta? Be sure to email us at atlretro@gmail.com!