ATLRetro

Hot Rod Walt and the Psycho-Devilles. Photo courtesy of Hot Rod Walt.

By Zohra Yaqub
Contributing Writer

Monday, Nov. 12

Come to the window at the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra to see Melissa Etheridge‘s 4TH STREET FEELING TOUR.  Ticket prices start at $37.50 and Etheridge takes the stage at 8 p.m. Join our previous Kool Kat Hot Rod Walt and The Psycho Devilles and their buddies The Krank Daddies for a night of rockabilly madness at 9 p.m. at The Five Spot! Northside Tavern hosts its weekly Blues Jam featuring Lola Gulley. Head over to Fat Matt’s Rib Shack for a hearty serving of BBQ and Dry White Toast followed by Pead Boy & The Pork Bellys.

Tuesday, Nov. 13

Watch CURE FOR PAIN (2011), a documentary about the life and career of Morphine‘s frontman, Mark Sandman, at The Plaza. Catch this week’s retro cinema classic, SINGIN IN THE RAIN (1952) at Northlake Festival Movie Tavern. Directed by Stanley Donen and Gene Kelly and starring Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds and Donald O’Connor. Recent Kool Kat Calu Cordeira mixes tiki libations at 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 starting at 9 p.m. J.T. Speed rocks the blues at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack or you can blues it down with Nathan Nelson & Entertainment Crackers at Northside Tavern.

Wednesday, Nov. 14

Make your way up to Eddie’s Attic to catch Lucy Wainwright Roche and Lindsay Fuller perform at 8 p.m. Take $7 to The Five Spot and jam to the guitar-driven soul of Bubonik Funk at 9 p.m. Come out to 529 Bar and check out the godfather of the Omaha music scene (that’s right – Omaha), Simon Joyner.  Also performing is Time Before The War; the show starts at 9 p.m. Boogie down to Mary’s and enjoy a night of Disco in the Village. Listen to the classic blues sound of The Breeze Kings at Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint at 6:30 p.m. Get ready to rumba, cha-cha and jitterbug at the weekly Swing Night at Graveyard Tavern. Frankie’s Blues Mission are on a mission to bring blues, jazz, R&B and zydeco to Fat Matt’s Rib Shack and Danny “Mudcat” Dudeck blues it down at Northside Tavern.

Thursday Nov. 15

Legendary psychedelic rocker Roky Erickson plays The Masquerade. Strip down Ponce and head over to Clermont Lounge to catch the dark sounds of Death is a Dialogue perform at 9 p.m. Taking inspiration in their songwriting from gothic poet, Edgar Allan Poe, Death is a Dialogue hardcore punk sound is sure to be a ravenous treat. Catch another screening of this week’s retro cinema classic, SINGIN IN THE RAIN (1952) at Northlake Festival Movie Tavern. Head over to The Plaza for a screening of EXCALIBUR (1981), directed by John Boorman and starring Nigel Terry, Helen Mirren and Nicholas Clay. Proceeds benefit Mythic Imagination Institute and The Plaza Theater. Read our Retro Review here. It’s a dance-off! Come down to Hand in Hand for the famous Midnight 80s and 90s dance contest. Eat, drink and play a classic game with an adult spin every Thursday night as Mon Cherie presents Mad Lib-Ations, Atlanta’s newest Retro weekly pastime, starting at 7 p.m. at the Corner Tavern in Little 5 Points. The fun-filled night includes games and prizes from some of the city’s most fun Retro retailers, Psychobilly Freakout and punk faves spun by The Right Reverend Andy and a raffle. Relax with a tropical cocktail at vintage tiki bar Trader Vic’s where Tongo Hiti plays Retro-Polynesian luxurious live lounge sounds, as well as trippy takes on iconic pop songs, every Thursday night. The Breeze Kings and Chickenshack bring on the blues respectively at Northside Tavern and Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. I Want Whiskey plays at Big Tex and Chris Clark plays the blues at The Family Dog.

Friday, Nov. 16

WrestlingwithPopCulture.com brings you Monstrosity Championship Wrestling at Club Famous, inside Famous Pub in Toco Hills. Professor Morte and the rest of the Silver Scream SpookShow crew will preside over these fiendish festivities as the Casket Creatures provide macabre musical offerings. Read our exclusive preview with Kool Kat of the Week Chuck Porterfield here. Don’t miss ‘80s Night with The Breakfast Club at 120 Tavern & Music Hall! Dress to impress in your best ’80s attire and get $5 off your bar tab. Make your way over to Star Bar to watch Kool Kats Ghost Riders Car Club with Cletis & His City Cousins, Slim Chance & The Convicts, Jon Byrd, The Skylarks and The Wheel Knockers. Hitchcock Month continues at The Plaza with STRANGERS ON A TRAIN (1951), directed by Alfred Hitchcock and starring Farley Granger, Robert Walker and Ruth Roman. Watch out when you head over to the Strand Theater at 8 p.m. to see PSYCHO (1960), directed by Alfred Hitchcock and starring Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh and Vera Miles. Keep your Stereomonster in check when you watch this four-piece from Columbus, GA live at The Earl. Pulling inspiration from the likes of Led Zeppelin, David Bowie and another hometown favorite, Outkast, Stereomonster will be joined by The FountNHead and Root Spirits. Head over to Big Tex Cantina to check out blues chanteuse Miss Francine Reed or head over to Northside Tavern if you are looking for a night of blues with Stoney Brooks. It’s salsa night under the dinosaurs at Fernbank Museum of Natural History Martinis & IMAX with Salsambo Dance Studio.

Saturday, Nov. 17

Shop for vintage and Retro-inspired gifts at two special marketplaces this weekend. Indie Craft Experience Holiday Shopping Spectacular gathers 100+ independent craft vendors at Ambient+Studio from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on both Sat. Nov. 17 and Sun. Nov. 17. The first 250 attendees each day get a swag tote bag designed by Kool Kat Chris Hamer of Urbnpop and Sarah Watts of Wattsalot. In addition to handmade items, there also will be vintage finds, food, free samples of Cathead Vodka‘s holiday signature cocktail, photo booth, gift wrap area and more. Also, The Revival of Vintage Fall Marketplace promises to be worth the drive to historic Tannery Row in Buford, just northeast of Atlanta. According to its Website, “the bi-annual market hosts national, regional, and local vintage sellers, designers and experts congregating together to bring curated vintage wares and “do-it-yourself” skills to worshippers of all that is old, one-of-a-kind and beautiful.”

Check out the unique hybrid of Americana sounds of Southern Culture on the Skids with The Intoxicators at Star Bar at 9 p.m. Folk rock band, Lindsay Rakers Band, will be playing at The Five Spot with The Bitteroots and The Deadfields at 8 p.m. And make your way over to Club Famous, inside Famous Pub, to listen to BB’s Blowdown, The Unsatisfied, and The Voltage Cut at 9 p.m. Catch a rare screening of DECASIA: THE STATE OF DECAY (2002) directed by Bill Morrison; the film was constructed from decaying archival footage and set to an original symphonic score. DECASIA is bought to you as part of the ongoing Saturday MOMA AMERICAN INDIES series at the High Museum of Art. Make your way down to Big Tex Cantina in downtown Decatur at 7 p.m. to hear Miss Francine Reed sing you some blues or hear it from Lola & The Blues Ladies at Northside Tavern. The Brotherland plays a genre-bending brand of blues, rock and pop at The Family Dog at 10 p.m. And 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, Nov. 18

Make sure you catch Rosie Flores and Marti Brom’s Tribute to Janis Martin at Smith’s Olde Bar. The show starts at 8 p.m. and tickets are $15 in advance, $18 at the door. Catch Steve Tombstone’s  Greenwood Tour at The Earl. Tony Bryant rocks the blues at Fat Matt’s, and Uncle Sugar blues it down at Northside Tavern. Enjoy some hangover friendly live music with Kool Kat Cletis [Reid] and His City Cousins playing dunch at 1 p.m. at The Earl.

Ongoing

The Plaza Theater presents Hitchcock Month! Classic Hitchcock movies are remastered in high definition. Movies play every weekend in November thru December 2. Read our exclusive preview here.

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

Visit the High Museum of Art to see the Fast Forward: Modern Moments exhibit featuring artistic development from the past 100 years, 1913-2013. Artists include Henri Matisse, Salvador Dalí, Georgia O’Keeffe and Jeff Koons. Closes January 10, 2013

Take retro to another level at the Genghis Khan special exhibition at Fernbank Museum of National History.  Closes January 21, 2013.

If you know of a cool happening coming up soon, send suggestions to ATLRetro@gmail.com. 

By Zohra Yaqub
Contributing Writer

Monday, Nov. 5

Legendary rock band, The Who, are performing their iconic 1973 album, QUADROPHENIA, at Gwinnett Arena. Tickets prices start at $59.50 and doors open at 6:30 p.m. Northside Tavern hosts its weekly Blues Jam featuring Lola Gulley. Head over to Fat Matt’s Rib Shack for a hearty serving of BBQ and Dry White Toast.

Tuesday, Nov. 6

Catch Retro cinema classic, SOME LIKE IT HOT (1959) at Northlake Festival Movie Tavern. Directed by Billy Wilder and starring Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon. Recent Kool Kat Calu Cordeira mixes tiki libations at 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 starting at 9 p.m. J.T. Speed rocks the blues at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack or you can blues it down with Nathan Nelson & Entertainment Crackers at Northside Tavern.

Wednesday, Nov. 7

Where’s your Heart? Go find it at the Fox Theater at 7:30 p.m. and rock out to these Barracudas of the ’80s. Watch DIARY OF A DECADE (2011) at the Plaza Theater to learn about the cultural legends and innovators of soul music through the 1980s through the early 2000s.  Featuring appearances by Cornel West, Cee Lo Green, Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, George Clinton, Roy Ayers and many others, the film takes you on a journey through the Atlanta underground music scene. Film Love Presents: Empty Quarter and the 16mm Documentary Film, a film by Alain LeTourneau and Pam Minty, is at 489 Edgewood. This portrait of southeast Oregon is marked by a series of striking visual compositions contrasting the region’s natural spaces with the mammoth industries that continually threaten to overwhelm them. Check out the high energy jazz sounds of the Jacob Deaton Trio at Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint at 6:30 p.m. Boogie down to Mary’s and enjoy a night of Disco in the Village. Get ready to rumba, cha-cha and jitterbug at the weekly Swing Night at Graveyard Tavern. Frankie’s Blues Mission are on a mission to bring blues, jazz, R&B and zydeco to Fat Matt’s Rib Shack and Danny “Mudcat” Dudeck blues it down at Northside Tavern.

Thursday, Nov. 8

Enjoy a night of retro rock ‘n’ roll with a twist of jump blues and classic R&B with JD McPherson at The Earl. Read Slim’s Retro Review of JD’s latest album here. Strip down Ponce and head over to Clermont Lounge to catch the rockabilly sounds of Kool Kats Ghost Riders Car Club perform at 9 p.m. Head over to the Strand Theater at 8 p.m. to watch 96 MINUTES (2011), directed by Aimee Lagos and filmed in Marietta, the film is inspired by the true story of four lives slammed together in one shocking moment. Catch another screening of this week’s retro cinema classic, SOME LIKE IT HOT (1959), at Northlake Festival Movie Tavern. It’s a dance-off! Come down to Hand in Hand for the famous Midnight 80s and 90s dance contest. Eat, drink and play a classic game with an adult spin every Thursday night as Mon Cherie presents Mad Lib-Ations, starting at 7 p.m. at the Corner Tavern in Little 5 Points. The fun-filled night includes games and prizes from some of the city’s most fun Retro retailers, Psychobilly Freakout and punk faves spun by The Right Reverend Andy and a raffle. Relax with a tropical cocktail at vintage tiki bar Trader Vic’s where Tongo Hiti plays Retro-Polynesian luxurious live lounge sounds, as well as trippy takes on iconic pop songs, every Thursday night. The Breeze Kings and Chickenshack bring on the blues respectively at Northside Tavern and Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. Plectophilia plays Bluegrass Thursday at Red Light Cafe starting at 9 p.m., but come early and bring your own instruments for a locals jam at 7 p.m. Mike Z Trio honkytonks it up at Big Tex, and Bob Page plays the blues at The Family Dog.

Friday, Nov. 9

Suffering from Halloween withdrawl? Drag yourself over to the Plaza Theater this weekend to watch the Buried Alive Film Festival.  From the twisted minds that brought you Splatter Cinema and the Atlanta Zombie Walk, the Buried Alive Film Fest is striving to promote underground filmmaking in the Southeast and beyond while providing Atlanta with the best indie horror has to offer. Read our exclusive preview soon. Artifice Club maestro and Really Retro DJ Doctor Q presents Fascination at XS Ultra Lounge.  Three rooms of music, dancing and fun bring the new Electro Swing trend to Atlanta, it will be a blend of old and new with a degree of sex appeal and style like nothing else. Folk rock band, Lindsay Rakers Band, is having a party at Star Bar at 9 p.m. for their Heartless Woman CD release. Also playing will be the boot-stomping Kool Kat Julea (Thomerson) and her Dear Johns and the soulful grooves of Saint Francis. Head over to Big Tex Cantina to check out Patience Grasshopper or head over to Northside Tavern if you are looking for a night of blues with Johnny McGowan & Grinder Nova. Kool Kat Kayla Taylor will be performing a soulful mix of jazz standards under the dinosaurs at Fernbank Museum of Natural History Martinis & IMAX.

Saturday, Nov. 10

Support a good cause at A Tribute to Ray Price featuring Kool Kat Caroline & The Ramblers, The Blacktop Rockets, AM Gold (featuring Kool Kat Joel Burkhart), Slim Chance & The Convicts and Buck O-Five at Star Bar in Little 5 Points. All proceeds benefit the Down Syndrome Association of Atlanta, and there will be a raffle for gift certificates to some of Atlanta’s favorite local restaurants. Watch local shorts, more features and Dario Argento’s horror classic SUSPIRIA presented by Splatter Cinema as part of the Buried Alive Film Festival at the Plaza Theater. Read our Retro Review soon. Alliance Française d’Atlanta presents: Georges Méliès Film Concert at the High Museum of Art at 7 p.m. Méliès, whose life story was depicted in Martin Scorsese’s academy award winning film, HUGO, is celebrated as one of the founders of filmmaking and special effects. Couldn’t attend the Country Music Awards last week? Head over to 120 Tavern & Music Hall for the Georgia Country Awards at 6:30 p.m. Winners perform live! Catch a rare screening of TEN MINUTES TO LIVE (1932) directed by Oscar Micheaux and starring Lawrence Chenault, A. B. DeComathiere and Laura Bowman, as part of the ongoing Saturday MOMA AMERICAN INDIES series at the High Museum of Art. Southern rock band, Slim Chickens, play The Music Room at 9:30 p.m. Grab a slice of pie at Shorty’s Pizza in Tucker and sit back and enjoy the old school sounds of the Wayback Band. Scat on down to Big Tex Cantina in downtown Decatur at 7 p.m. to check out the Tommy Dean Trio as they play favorites from The Rat Pack, classic soul, and great American songbook standards. And 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.

Social Distortion

Sunday, Nov. 11

Don’t miss the unique and time-tested brand of punk of Social Distortion at The Tabernacle! Promoting their latest album, HARD TIMES AND NURSERY RHYMES, the show starts at 9 p.m. and tickets are $30. Enjoy a bluegrass brunch at Big Tex Cantina with City Hotel. Tony Bryant rocks the blues at Fat Matt’s, and Uncle Sugar blues it down at Northside Tavern. Enjoy some hangover-friendly live music with Virginia Plane playing dunch at 1 p.m. at The Earl.

Ongoing

The Plaza Theater presents Hitchcock Month! Classic Hitchcock movies are remastered in high definition. Movies play every weekend in November thru December 2.

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

Visit the High Museum of Art to see the Fast Forward: Modern Moments exhibit featuring artistic development from the past 100 years, 1913-2013. Artists include Henri Matisse, Salvador Dalí, Georgia O’Keeffe and Jeff Koons. Closes January 10, 2013

Take retro to another level at the Genghis Khan special exhibition at Fernbank Museum of National History.  Closes January 21, 2013.

By Zohra Yaqub
Contributing Writer

Monday, Oct. 29

The Starlight Drive-In presents a Hell-o-Ween double feature of horror cult classics TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE (1974) and Lucio Fulci’s CITY OF THE LIVING DEAD, aka THE GATES OF HELL (1980) tonight through Halloween. Northside Tavern hosts its weekly Blues Jam featuring Lola Gulley. Head over to Fat Matt’s Rib Shack for a hearty serving of BBQ and Dry White Toast.

Tuesday, Oct. 30

Free at 529 Bar in East Atlanta, Tender Prey: The Music of Nick Cave featuring this week’s Kool Kat, Molly Harvey of The Residents, former Kool Kat Jeffrey Butzer, TT Mahoney and Michael Bradley alongside many others. The Cave Women will be performing Nice Cave songs, as well as PJ Harvey and The Birthday Party, Ben Trickery will be performing some Tom Waits classics, and Andy DeLoach will perform songs by Leonard Cohen. As a Halloween bonus, Ninja Puppet Productions will be putting on a puppet show. TRICK R TREAT (2007/2009), a film in the hallowed tradition of 20th century horror anthology classics, is playing at The Plaza. Directed by Michael Dougherty and starring Anna Paquin, Brian Cox and Dylan Baker, it follows the interwoven stories of four people Halloween night. Read our ATLRetro preview here. Also playing at The Plaza, the best-worst movie you may ever see, THE ROOM (2003), directed by and starring Tommy Wiseau. It’s not another manic Monday, but Susanna Hoffs of The Bangles is performing at Eddie’s Attic this Tuesday in support of her latest solo album, SOMEDAY, a record inspired by her love of the music of the 1960s. Recent Kool Kat Calu Cordeira mixes tiki libations at 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 starting at 9 p.m. J.T. Speed rocks the blues at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack or you can blues it down with Nathan Nelson & Entertainment Crackers at Northside Tavern.

Wednesday, Oct. 31 Halloween

Dress in your spookiest, darkest attire for The Revenge of Mary’s Goth Night. DJs will be spinning the best in Goth Rock, Dark Wave, Death Rock, New Wave, Synth Pop, Industrial and Horror Punk! Mostly classic ’80s tunes but with some new sounds thrown in for fresh blood. Catch a free show at Star Bar on Halloween! Star Bar’s 21st Annual Halloween Party will feature music by some of Atlanta’s favorites, The Coathangers, SeaLions and Swank Model. Head over to Twain’s to celebrate the 4th Annual Moonshiners’ Ball. Prizes go to the best ’70s TV character costumes; band starts playing at 10 p.m. The Starlight Drive-In adds Lucio Fulci’s ZOMBIE (1980) to conjure up a Hell-o-Ween triple feature also featuring horror cult classics TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE (1974) and Lucio Fulci’s CITY OF THE LIVING DEAD (1980) tonight through Halloween.

It’s tribute night at The Basement. Located under The Graveyard Tavern in East Atlanta, Industry Halloween will have two floors of fun for the price of one! Local musicians have come together to play tributes to the Misfits, Nirvana, ELO and Bad Brains. Get ready to rumba, cha-cha and jitterbug at the weekly Swing Night at Graveyard Tavern. The Hollidays make it a soulful Halloween night at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack, and Danny “Mudcat” Dudeck blues away the spirits at Northside Tavern.

Thursday Nov. 1

Mark BBQ Sultan is playing a free show at Star Bar because he is on a “Sounds Like a Haunted Jukebox” Tour. Halloween doesn’t end on the last day of October. Celebrate the Day of the Dead with Megan Jean & The KFB and Adron at The 5 Spot. Come out to watch DERBY BABY (2012) at The Plaza at 7 p.m. Emmy Award-winning filmmakers, Robin Bond and Dave Wruck, take you with them on their international quest to learn about the drama, the friendships and the addictive nature of the women’s flat-track roller derby. It’s a dance-off! Come down to Hand in Hand for the famous Midnight 80s and 90s dance contest. Eat, drink and play a classic game with an adult spin every Thursday night as Mon Cherie presents Mad Lib-Ations, Atlanta’s newest Retro weekly pastime, starting at 7 p.m. at the Corner Tavern in Little 5 Points. The fun-filled night includes games and prizes from some of the city’s most fun Retro retailers, Psychobilly Freakout and punk faves spun by The Right Reverend Andy and a raffle. Relax with a tropical cocktail at vintage tiki bar Trader Vic’s where Tongo Hiti plays Retro-Polynesian luxurious live lounge sounds, as well as trippy takes on iconic pop songs, every Thursday night. The Breeze Kings and Chickenshack bring on the blues respectively at Northside Tavern and Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. Culliton, Dean & Bass play Bluegrass Thursday at Red Light Cafe starting at 9 p.m., but come early and bring your own instruments for a locals jam at 7 p.m. Mike Z Trio honkytonks it up at Big Tex and Frankie’s Blues Mission plays at The Family Dog.

Friday, Nov. 2

Have you purchased your two tickets to paradise? And by “paradise,” we mean Wild Bill’s to watch Eddie Money perform his classic hits from the ’70s and ’80s. How much will two tickets cost me? Tickets cost anywhere from $20 for advanced general admission to $60 for mezzanine seating. Head over to Kavarna to hear Chris Scruggs & His Steel Guitar play a free show for all of you honky-tonk-loving music fans. Hitchcock Month kicks off at The Plaza with ROPE (1948), starring James Steward, John Dall and Farley Granger. The film is playing all weekend and remastered in high definition. Can’t get enough of Hitchcock classics? The Earl Smith Strand Theatre is letting loose THE BIRDS (1963), starring Rod Taylor, Tippi Hedren and Suzanne Pleshette, at 8 p.m. Joe Gransden and Kenny Banks play your favorite jazz standards at the beautiful Lowe’s Hotel! Head over to Big Tex Cantina to check out the soulful sounds of Hannah Thomas or shimmy to Northside Tavern if you are looking for a night of blues with Albert White. The Will Scruggs Jazz Fellowship will be playing under the dinosaurs at Fernbank Museum of Natural History Martinis & IMAX.

Saturday, Nov. 3

Our favorite rock music tabloid, Stomp and Stammer Magazine is celebrating its Sweet 16 Birthday at Star Bar and you are invited! Nashville trio, The Ettes, will be playing some new songs off of their latest album, along with Atlanta’s own Subsonics and the bluesy/beachy garage rock of Ghost Bikini. In the mood for rockabilly? Smooth and the Bully Boys USA Tour with The Psycho-Devilles, featuring our own Kool Kat Hot Rod Walt, will be making their way up to Dixie Tavern in Marietta. Flock to Buckhead Theater this Saturday night at 8 p.m. to catch the new wave classics of A Flock of Seagulls.  Also on the line up, fellow new wavers, Naked Eyes, and and goth rock band, Gene Loves Jezebel.  Why would you run so far away from this?

Catch a rare screening of LOVERS AND LOLLIPOPS (1956) directed by Morris Engel and Ruth Orkin and starring Lori March, Gerald S. O’Loughlin and Cathy Dunn, as part of the ongoing Saturday MOMA AMERICAN INDIES series at the High Museum of Art. Scat on down to Big Tex Cantina in downtown Decatur at 7 p.m. to check out the Tommy Dean Trio as they play favorites from The Rat Pack, classic soul, and great American songbook standards. And 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, Nov. 4

Make it a sizzling and sassy Sunday at Kitty Love’s Sultry Sundays: Spirits of Seduction burlesque show at Red Light Café. Live music and dance performances for $10 at the door. Enjoy a bluegrass brunch at Big Tex Cantina. Fat Back Deluxe rocks the blues at Fat Matt’s, and Uncle Sugar blues it down at Northside Tavern. Or soothe your hair of the dog with some hangover friendly live music with David Reed Wroth playing dunch at 1 p.m. at The Earl.

Ongoing

Every night is The Night of the Living Dead at the Atlanta Zombie Apocalypse, now in its own third season and expanded to include two different walking attractions, Curse of the Undead and ZWar and a zombie shoot at Safety Wolf, the paintball combat complex offMoreland Avenue, just south of I-285.  The Apocalypse continues on Halloween and Fri. Nov. 1-2.

Netherworld.

Netherworld, Atlanta’s favorite haunted house for the past 15 years, is open every night from October 5-November 3.  Ticket prices range from $22 per person for the main haunt, Banshee, to $50 for a speed pass to see both haunts, Banshee and The Hive, and cut to the front of both lines. Through Nov. 3.

At Dark Harvest Haunted House, step right up and brave the cornfields of Bradbury Farm, where the souls of a dead town grow right out of the corn, and Mr. Dark’s Nightshade Odditorium, inhabited by the spirits of long dead sideshow freaks. Oh, and did we mention the Killer Clown Maze? At The Academy Theatre in Avondale Estates through Oct. 31. Read our exclusive ATLRetro preview here.

Chambers of Horror is Atlanta’s most extreme, adults-only horror attraction. Open daily at The Masquerade through Oct. 31, and Fri. Nov. 2 and Sat. Nov. 3. Read our article about 2012’s Chambers here.

Strandemonium.

If you are looking for an exciting way to celebrate the quirkiest holiday of the year, take a trip to Strandsylvania – aka The Earl Smith Strand Theatre to see Strandemonium, a live song and dance musical revue featuring numbers that highlight the most spook-tacular night of the year. Come hear classics like “Monster Mash,” “Purple People Eater” and “Love Potion Number Nine.” Or enjoy a few more current favorites like “Dead Man’s Party” “Zombie Prom” and “Bring on the Freaks.” Tickets are $20 and the show runs through Oct. 31.

Visit the High Museum of Art to see the Fast Forward: Modern Moments exhibit featuring artistic development from the past 100 years, 1913-2013. Artists includeHenri Matisse, Salvador Dalí, Georgia O’Keeffe and Jeff Koons. Closes January 10, 2013

Take retro to another level at the Genghis Khan special exhibition at Fernbank Museum of National History.  Closes January 21, 2013.

By Zohra Yaqub
Contributing Writer

Monday, Oct. 22

Northside Tavern hosts its weekly Blues Jam featuring Lola Gulley. Head over to Fat Matt’s Rib Shack for a hearty serving of BBQ and Dry White Toast.

Tuesday, Oct. 23

Recent Kool Kat Calu Cordeira mixes tiki libations at 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 starting at 9 p.m. J.T. Speed rocks the blues at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack or you can blues it down with Nathan Nelson & Entertainment Crackers at Northside Tavern.

Wednesday, Oct. 24

Get ready to rumba, cha-cha and jitterbug at the weekly Swing Night at Graveyard Tavern. Disco in the Village at Mary’s is your midweek neighborhood dance party! The Hollidays make it a soulful night at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack and Danny “Mudcat” Dudeck blues it down at Northside Tavern.

Thursday Oct. 25

Find out how to love their way when you go to Variety Playhouse to check out The Psychedelic Furs, The Lemonheads and The Chevin at 8 p.m. Straight from Hell, head out to Lakewood Amphitheatre to be a part of the Twins of Evil Tour with Rob Zombie and Marilyn Manson.  Get back to your roots at Twain’s with Uncle Daddy and The Kissin’ Cousins. Make your way over to Star Bar to catch the ELO/BabeAbility Spectacular with special guests The Harlequins and hometown favorites, Del Venicci, The Dummies, and Factory.  Doors open at 9 p.m. and costumes are encouraged!  Movie buffs and frustrated grad students, check out LADY TERMINATOR (1989) at Cinefest!  Playing the last Thursday of each month, the cult classic tells the story of the evil spirit of an evil queen that possesses the body of a young anthropology student who then goes on a murderous rampage. It’s a dance-off! Come down to Hand in Hand for the famous Midnight 80s and 90s dance contest. Eat, drink and play a classic game with an adult spin every Thursday night as Mon Cherie presents Mad Lib-Ations, Atlanta’s newest Retro weekly pastime, starting at 7 p.m. at the Corner Tavern in Little 5 Points. The fun-filled night includes games and prizes from some of the city’s most fun Retro retailers, Psychobilly Freakout and punk faves spun by The Right Reverend Andy and a raffle. Relax with a tropical cocktail at vintage tiki bar Trader Vic’s where Tongo Hiti plays Retro-Polynesian luxurious live lounge sounds, as well as trippy takes on iconic pop songs, every Thursday night. The Breeze Kings and Chickenshack bring on the blues respectively at Northside Tavern and Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. The Box Cars play Bluegrass Thursday at Red Light Cafe starting at 9 p.m., but come early and bring your own instruments for a locals jam at 7 p.m. Mike Z Trio honkytonks it up at Big Tex and Frankie’s Blues Mission plays at The Family Dog.

Friday, Oct. 26

It’s the opening night of the Dark Harvest Masquerade Ball. Get lost in the Killer Clown Maze at Dark Harvest Haunted House; proceeds from the event, which runs until October 31, will benefit local charities such as The Academy Theatre, Lifeline Animal Project, and The South Dekalb Senior Center. Read our exclusive ATLRetro preview here. You are invited to Mary’s Halloween Hootenanny Weekend! There will be costume contests, music, and prizes Friday and Saturday. If you are looking for an exciting way to celebrate the quirkiest holiday of the year, take a trip to Strandsylvania – aka The Earl Smith Strand Theatre to see Strandemonium, a live song and dance musical revue featuring numbers that highlight the most spook-tacular night of the year. Come hear classics like “Monster Mash,” “Purple People Eater” and “Love Potion Number Nine.” Or enjoy a few more current favorites like “Dead Man’s Party” “Zombie Prom” and “Bring on the Freaks.” Tickets are $20 and the show runs from Oct 26-31.  CineProv makes fun of movies so you don’t have to.  Head over to Relapse Theatre to watch OMEN II (1978) and do not forget to wear your costume for a discounted ticket.  Hottie Hawgs is inviting you to Hawgtoberfest. For $20, you get an all-you-can-eat buffet, drafts and a special cocktail whipped up by Boss Hawg himself.  Live music with The James Hanley Band starts at 9 p.m. and a cash prize goes to the costume contest winner.  Bill Fleming Productions hosts a Musical Séance for Gram Parson, The Grievous Angel at the Arts Exchange. The séance starts at 8:30 p.m. and $10 donations go toward helping Earl Maddox in his fight against colon cancer.  Catch the runaway train at The Buckhead Theatre with Soul Asylum and The Higher Choir.  Head over to Big Tex Cantina to check out Alick Gerard & The Dixie Limited. Catch Lil’ Joey’s Big Band at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack or head over to Northside Tavern if you are looking for a night of blues with Mudcat. Fright Night under the dinosaurs features Frankenfunk at Fernbank Museum of Natural History Martinis & IMAX.

Elsa Lancaster as THE BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN. Universal Pictures, 1935.

Saturday, Oct. 27

Get in the Halloween spirit as Plaza Theatre’s Universal Monster Month concludes with one of the best horror movies ever filmed, BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN (1935), directed by James Whale and starring Boris Karloff and Elsa Lancaster. The movie will be preceded by the Silver Scream Spookshow hosted by Prof. Morte. This twisted variety show features magic tricks, dance numbers, creepy characters and fun frights. Read our Retro Review here.

Climb out of your grave and join the Marietta Zombie Walk and Carnival of Doom at 5 p.m. Head over to the Decatur Block Party at Big Tex Cantina with Kool Kats The Whiskey Gentry and Caroline & The Ramblers.  Music starts at 1:30 p.m. and they will be joined by bluegrass band, Deja Blue, and Like a Locomotive. Tight Bros Network and OK Productions present the Dum Dum Girls, Devin and Old King Cole Younger at The Earl at 9 p.m. Make your way over to The Basement in East Atlanta at to hear Gentleman Jesse and His Men rock out and the blues/rock of Brother Hawk.  Scary-Oke! We’re pretty sure that is what any karaoke night on any night of the week must eventually become, but why not dress up for it at Mary’s and win some cash and prizes? Catch a rare screening of SHADOWS (1959) directed by John Cassavetes and starring Ben Carruthers, Lelia Goldoni and Hugh Hurd, as part of the ongoing Saturday MOMA AMERICAN INDIES series at the High Museum of Art. Scat on down to Big Tex Cantina in downtown Decatur at 7 p.m. to check out the Tommy Dean Trio as they play favorites from The Rat Pack, classic soul, and great American songbook standards. Check out Northside Tavern’s annual Halloween celebration with Mudcat at 10 p.m.  And 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, Oct. 28

Whether you missed your prom or you miss David Lynch‘s quirky and beloved show, TWIN PEAKS, go back to high school and enjoy a night of 50s and 60s haunted melodies at Twin Peaks Prom Night at Sauced.  The dance kicks off at 8 p.m. and make sure you dress as your favorite TWIN PEAKS character or in prom attire. Enjoy an intimate evening with Nicolette Emanuelle at Kavarna in Decatur. She’s also our Kool Kat of the Week!

Kool Kat Hot Rod Walt and the Psycho-Devilles are playing at Killer Creek Harley-Davidson or enjoy a bluegrass brunch at Big Tex Cantina. Fat Back Deluxe rocks the blues at Fat Matt’s, and Uncle Sugar blues it down at Northside Tavern. Dang Dang Dang plays dunch at 1 p.m. at The Earl.

Ongoing

Every night is The Night of the Living Dead at the Atlanta Zombie Apocalypse, now in its own third season and expanded to include two different walking attractions, Curse of the Undead and ZWar and a zombie shoot at Safety Wolf, the paintball combat complex offMoreland Avenue, just south of I-285.  The Apocalypse happens every Thursday-Sunday all month.

Netherworld, Atlanta’s favorite haunted house for the past 15 years, is open every night from October 5-November 3.  Ticket prices range from $22 per person for the main haunt, Banshee, to $50 for a speed pass to see both haunts, Banshee and The Hive, and cut to the front of both lines.

Visit the High Museum of Art to see the Fast Forward: Modern Moments exhibit featuring artistic development from the past 100 years, 1913-2013. Artists includeHenri Matisse, Salvador Dalí, Georgia O’Keeffe and Jeff Koons. Closes January 10, 2013

Take retro to another level at the Genghis Khan special exhibition at Fernbank Museum of National History.  Closes January 21, 2013.

If you know of a cool happening coming up soon, send suggestions to ATLRetro@gmail.com.

Rod Hamdallah

By Zohra Yaqub
Contributing Writer

Monday, Oct. 15

Ramp up your Monday night at 529 Bar in East Atlanta Village!  Reverend Andy Presents: A night of blues, swamp music, and Americana featuring Kool Kat Rod Hamdallah, Lone Wolf OMB and Whiskey Belt.  Monday night is Big Band Night at CAFE 290! Come join Joe Gransden and his Smokin’ 16 piece Big Band at 8 p.m. for a swingin’ evening of jazz. You’ll hear arrangements from the songbooks of Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Count Basie, Ray Charles, Wes Funderburk and others along with Gransden’s originals. Northside Tavern hosts its weekly Blues Jam featuring Lola Gulley. Head over to Fat Matt’s Rib Shack for a hearty serving of BBQ and Dry White Toast.

Bernadette Seacrest

Tuesday, Oct. 16

Head up to Eddie’s Attic to hear the sweet vocals of recent Kool Kat Bernadette Seacrest & her Kris Dales with special guest, Alex Maryol. Film Love presents: 2 films by Robert Drew at the Plaza Theater.  Starting at 7:30 p.m., the first documentary, PRIMARY (1960), takes a close look at John F. Kennedy’s campaign for presidency during the first week in April 1960. The second, THE CHILDREN WERE WATCHING (1961), examines school desegregation in New Orleans.  Recent Kool Kat Calu Cordeira mixes tiki libations at 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 starting at 9 p.m. J.T. Speed rocks the blues at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack or you can blues it down with Nathan Nelson & Entertainment Crackers at Northside Tavern.

Ruby Velle and the Soulphonics

Wednesday, Oct. 17

Check out very Kool Kat Ruby Velle at Smith’s Olde Bar at 8 p.m. for some Georgia Soul. Grab some Shovels and Rope at The Earl at 8:30 p.m. This South Carolina-based duo gives raucous performances throughout the country and will be stomping through Atlanta this Wednesday.  Get ready to rumba, cha-cha and jitterbug at the weekly Swing Night at Graveyard Tavern.  The Hollidays make it a soulful night at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. Danny “Mudcat” Dudeck blues it down at Northside Tavern.

Thursday Oct. 18

Call him what you will, but come to Variety Playhouse and engage in some “provocative chit-chat” with hardcore punk provocateur Henry Rollins at 8 p.m. Just in time for Halloween, don’t dress too nice because blood is sure to flow as GWAR promotes their latest album BLOODY PIT OF HORROR in Heaven at Masquerade.  Also performing are DevilDriver, Cancer Bats and Legacy of Disorder. Drive over to Twains at 9:30 p.m. to watch the soul and rock-driven funk machine that is Abby Wren and What It Is.  No one has to feel lonely when you decide to rock out at The Loft with Grammy-winning musicians, Los Lonely Boys. It’s a dance off! Come down to Hand in Hand for the famous Midnight 80s and 90s dance contest. Eat, drink and play a classic game with an adult spin every Thursday night as Mon Cherie presents Mad Lib-Ations, Atlanta’s newest Retro weekly pastime, starting at 7 p.m. at the Corner Tavern in Little 5 Points. The fun-filled night includes games and prizes from some of the city’s most fun Retro retailers, Psychobilly Freakout and punk faves spun by The Right Reverend Andy and a raffle. Relax with a tropical cocktail at vintage tiki bar Trader Vic’s where Tongo Hiti plays Retro-Polynesian luxurious live lounge sounds, as well as trippy takes on iconic pop songs, every Thursday night. The Breeze Kings and Chickenshack bring on the blues respectively at Northside Tavern and Fat Matt’s Rib Shack.  Danny Barnes plays Bluegrass Thursday at Red Light Cafe starting at 9 p.m., but come early and bring your own instruments for a locals jam at 7 p.m. Mike Z Trio honkytonks it up at Big Tex.

Lon Chaney as Phantom of the Opera (1925).

Friday, Oct. 19

Get your scare on this Halloween and join the cast of DRACULA THE ROCK OPERA and their ghastly fiends as they throw their second annual Spookhuis ($7 for entrance, $5 if you come in costume).  Get in the Halloween spirit as Plaza Theatre‘s Universal Monster Month continues with silent classic THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA (1925), starring the Man of 1000 Faces, Lon Chaney, playing all weekend. Tav Falco & the Unapproachable Panther Burns are performing at Star Bar with The Delusionaires at 9 p.m. Get groovy to a group led by former Grateful Dead drummer, Mickey Hart Band, at Variety Playhouse. Flock to Terminal West at King Plow to watch iconic Goth band Swans take flight again at 9 p.m.  From the Athens bluegrass scene, Packway Handle Bar will be joined by High Strung String Band at Smith’s Olde Bar at 8 p.m.  Or head over to Northside Tavern if you are looking for a night of blues with Stoney Brooks.  Get down and country with Micky & The Motorcars and Old Southern Moonshine Revival at Peachtree Tavern at 9 p.m.  Spice it up with some Latin flare under the dinosaurs with Salsambo Dance Studio at Fernbank Museum of Natural History Martinis & IMAX.

Saturday, Oct. 20

‘Tis the season to be scary! March down to Little 5 Points and indulge your inner monster at the 12th annual L5P Halloween Parade and Festival featuring street performers, artist’s market, and two music stages. Scheduled bands include Ghost Bikini; Gun Party; Death of Kings; Walk From the Gallows; The Casket Creatures; Randy Michaels and the Sharp Dressed Lads; Volume IV; The Evils; Sex BBQ; Wasted Potential; Wet Rainbow; Til Someone Loses An Eye; Andrew and the Dispyramids; The Wayward Family Band; Jeremy Ray and more. Concerts start at noon, parade starts at 4 p.m.  Charlie Mars will be promoting his fifth album, LIKE A BIRD, LIKE A PLANE, at Smiths Olde Bar at 8 p.m.  Scat on down to Big Tex Cantina in downtown Decatur at 7 p.m. to check out the Tommy Dean Trio as they play favorites from The Rat Pack, classic soul, and great American songbook standards.  Make it a date night at The Buckhead Theater by supporting iconic Atlanta-based new wave band, The Producers.  Opening acts include another Atlanta favorite, Angie Aparo, Gareth Asher & The Earthlings, and Deb Bowman. It’s Pandemonium!  Dance it out at the Glam and Glitter Rawk Dance Party at The Shelter. The Athens music scene comes to The Earl this weekend with Holly Golightly and the Brokeoffs and Kool Kat Jeffrey Butzer.  Head over to the Tabernacle at 7 p.m. to see Rufus Wainwright, Ingrid Michaelson; and Lucy Wainwright Roche or moonwalk your way over to Variety Playhouse to see Yacht Rock Revue perform THRILLER and PURPLE RAIN in their entirety!! Catch a rare screening of the prison noir feature BRUTE FORCE (1947), directed by Jules Dassin and starring Burt Lancaster, part of the ongoing Saturday MOMA AMERICAN INDIES series at the High Museum of Art.    Northside Tavern, Atlanta’s home to the blues, and the Wayback Band at Shorty’s Pizza in Tucker.  And 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.

Alejandro Escovedo

Sunday, Oct. 21

Find out what country-punk sounds like when you head over to Variety Playhouse to watch Alejandro Escovedo & The Sensitive Boys at 8 p.m. Rock duo based out of Austin, The Ghost Wolves, will be opening. Big Tex Cantina  is trying to make every Sunday a bluegrass Sunday. Come out and support the cause with Whoa Nelly. Fat Back Deluxe rock the blues at Fat Matt’s, and Uncle Sugar blues it down at Northside Tavern. Faithless Town plays dunch at 1 p.m. at The Earl.

Ongoing

Every night is The Night of the Living Dead at the Atlanta Zombie Apocalypse, now in its own third season and expanded to include two different walking attractions, Curse of the Undead and ZWar and a zombie shoot at Safety Wolf, the paintball combat complex offMoreland Avenue, just south of I-285.  The Apocalypse happens every Thursday-Sunday all month.

Netherworld, Atlanta’s favorite haunted house for the past 15 years, is open every night from October 5-November 3.  Ticket prices range from $22 per person for the main haunt, Banshee, to $50 for a speed pass to see both haunts, Banshee and The Hive, and cut to the front of both lines.

Visit the High Museum of Art to see the Fast Forward: Modern Moments exhibit featuring artistic development from the past 100 years, 1913-2013. Artists includeHenri Matisse, Salvador Dalí, Georgia O’Keeffe and Jeff Koons. Closes January 10, 2013

Take retro to another level at the Genghis Khan special exhibition at Fernbank Museum of National History.  Closes January 21, 2013.

If you know of a cool happening coming up soon, send suggestions to ATLRetro@gmail.com.

By Zohra Yaqub
Contributing Writer

Calu Cordeira

Monday, Oct. 8

Northside Tavern hosts its weekly Blues Jam featuring blues and southern soul singer, Lola Gulley. Head over to Fat Matt’s Rib Shack for a hearty serving of BBQ and Dry White Toast.

Tuesday, Oct. 9

Want to hear a harrowing and inspiring story of survival?   Come to FoxTale Book Shoppe for A RARE TITANIC FAMILY book signing at 6 p.m.  Recent Kool Kat Calu Cordeira mixes tiki libations at 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 starting at 9 p.m. J.T. Speed rocks the blues at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack or you can blues it down with Nathan Nelson & Entertainment Crackers at Northside Tavern.

Ruby Velle

Wednesday, Oct. 10

Check out “MR. SATURDAY NIGHT” himself, Julian Velard, at Smith’s Olde Bar at 8 p.m.  for some classic piano pop.  Also performing is Kool Kat Ruby Velle & The Soulphonics.  Get ready to rumba, cha-cha and jitterbug at the weekly Swing Night at Graveyard Tavern. The Hollidays make it a soulful night at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. Danny “Mudcat” Dudeck blues it down at Northside Tavern. Dance to ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s hits during Retro in the Metro Wednesdays at Pub 71 in Brookhaven.

Thursday Oct. 11

Dance on over to Star Bar in Atlanta’s favorite little retro community, Little 5 Points, and enjoy a night of “Super Rock” with 1970s iconic garage/new wave rock band The Fleshtones.  Also playing will be Kool Kat Joshual Longino of Andrew and the Disapyramids, The Myopic I, Ghost Bikini, Absolutely Not, and Fringe Factory. Treat your ears to the artist Ella Fitzgerald once referred to as “the best young singer in America,” Janis Ian.  Ian will be taking the stage at Eddie’s Attic at 8 p.m.  Strip down the stress of the work week with the rockabilly and honkytonk music of the Ghost Riders Car Club featuring guitarist and Kool Kat Spike Fullerton at Clermont Lounge.  The show starts at 9 p.m.  Hooo weee!!  Git on down to Twains to enjoy some good ole countrified punk-rock and bluegrass with Grim Rooster at 9:30 p.m.  Class up your Thursday night at the museum with some honkytonk covers of Grand Ole Opry classics with Whiskey Belt at the Fernbank Museum of Natural History.  It’s a dance off!  Come down to Hand in Hand for the famous Midnight 80s and 90s dance contest.  Eat, drink and play a classic game with an adult spin every Thursday night as Mon Cherie presents Mad Lib-Ations, Atlanta’s newest Retro weekly pastime, starting at 7 p.m. at the Corner Tavern in Little 5 Points. The fun-filled night includes games and prizes from some of the city’s most fun Retro retailers, Psychobilly Freakout and punk faves spun by The Right Reverend Andy and a raffle. Relax with a tropical cocktail at vintage tiki bar Trader Vic’s where Tongo Hiti plays Retro-Polynesian luxurious live lounge sounds, as well as trippy takes on iconic pop songs, every Thursday night. The Breeze Kings and Chickenshack bring on the blues respectively at Northside Tavern and Fat Matt’s Rib Shack.  Culliton, Dean & Bass play Bluegrass Thursday at Red Light Cafe starting at 9 p.m., but come early and bring your own instruments for a locals jam at 7 p.m. Mike Z Trio honkytonks it up at Big Tex.

Friday, Oct. 12

Luche Libre masks + high energy rock = One awesome night at The Earl with Los Straitjackets.  They will be joined with Kool Kat Caroline & The Ramblers at 9 p.m.    Scat on down to Big Tex Cantina in downtown Decatur at 7 p.m. to check out the Tommy Dean Trio at as they play favorites from The Rat Pack, classic soul, and great American songbook standards.  Head over to Northside Tavern at 10 p.m.  if you are looking for a night of blues with John McKnight and Little G Weevil.  Whether you have been a vampire for four or 400 years, join the children of Nosferatu, Dracula and Lestat at Ritual’s 4th Annual Vampire’s Ball at The Shelter; make sure to dress the part to get the full, dark and delicious experience.  Get in the Halloween spirit as Plaza Theatre‘s Universal Monster Month continues with THE INVISIBLE MAN (1933)  directed by James Whale (FRANKENSTEIN, BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN) and starring Claude Raines, playing all weekend.  Longing for some Memphis soul or New Orleans funk?  Join The Mar-tans under the dinosaurs at Fernbank Museum of Natural History Martinis & IMAX to get your groove back.

Saturday, Oct. 13

Come watch the dancing vixens of Atlanta burlesque at MINETTE MAGNIFIQUE presents “TRICKS, TREATS + TASSELS: A Burlesque Halloween, featuring Kool Kats Vyolet Venom, Shellie Schmals and Kellyn Willey.  Shows start at 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. at Jerry Farber’s Side Door.  Stephen King fans can enjoy a night at the Plaza Theater watching Splatter Cinema presents MAXIMUM OVERDRIVE (1986). Andy Warhol intended for KITCHEN to be the vehicle that would propel Edie Sedgwick into stardom; however, she had difficulty memorizing her lines, and much of her performance is improvised. See it during the Culture Shock party at the High Museum of Art which ties in with the recently opened Fast Forward: Modern Moments 1913-2013 special exhibition.

The Whiskey Gentry.

Take part in Candler Park’s annual Fall Festival this weekend.  The bands take the stage at noon and the lineup includes Rick Derringer who played guitar for Steely Dan, Alice Cooper and even “Weird Al” Yankovic, among many others, and Derek St. Holmes, guitarist for Ted Nugent.  Also featured at the festival will be the 70s light rock stylings of  Yacht Rock Revue, “Pogues go old time Nashville” country rock of The Whiskey Gentry, The Sundogs, Moontower, Kevin Lewis and My Homework Ate My Dog.  Kool Kat Ruby Velle is keeping herself busy this week and playing at Eddie’s Attic with Madeline and Rudy Currence.  Check out Larry Griffith Band at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack and Australian Pink Floyd is playing the Fox Theatre.  Got Festival Fever?  We have a cure for that – The 15th Annual Oakhurst Arts and Music Festival features the Oakhurst Community Music Collective, In The Wheelhouse, Sehwe Village Percussion, The BooHoo Ramblers and The Swamp Funk Quartet.  Go see a music icon who performed with Motown legends, Ike Stubblefield, at Northside Tavern, Atlanta’s home to the blues, and the Wayback Band at Shorty’s Pizza in Tucker.  And 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.

Bernadette Seacrest

Sunday, Oct. 14

Dig and claw your way out of the grave and join fellow undead in Zombie Walk Atlanta 2012 .  The walk begins at 3 p.m. at Wonderroot.  Come in your own makeup, but if you have been dead for a little too long and are struggling with today’s zombie fashion craze and makeup tricks, you can show up as early as noon and have the zombie staff help you. Candler Park’s annual Fall Festival rages on with performances by legendary blues chanteuse Francine Reed, the crazy Seed & Feed Marching Abominables, Back Yard Birds, Kool Kat Bernadette Seacrest, Lexi Street, Sunmoon Pie, Five O’Clock Shadows, Off McLendon and Village Fate Society.  Fat Back Deluxe rock the blues at Fat Matt’s, and Uncle Sugar blues it down at Northside Tavern.  Todd Prusin plays dunch at 1 p.m. at The Earl.

Last Chance/Don’t Miss – Closing This Week!!!

DRACULA THE ROCK OPERA merges JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR with Grand Guignol in a production that rocks hard but is surprisingly true to Bram Stoker‘s original novel. Not to be missed, this DRACULA has the energy, musical, acting and staging quality of an off-Broadway find but yet is completely homegrown, conceived by Rob Thompson (Dracula) of the Little Five Points Rock Star Orchestra and directed by Del Hamilton and Justin Welborn. Its cast and creative team also include Naomi Lavender (Mina), Chris Love (Jonathan Harker), Jeff Langston of AM Gold (Van Helsing) and Shane Morton of the Silver Scream Spookshow (Quincey). Watch for a full Retro Review soon. Through Oct. 14.

If you know of a cool happening coming up soon, send suggestions to ATLRetro@gmail.com.

Monday, Oct. 1

Cinefest at GSU starts a week run of the Arnold Schwarzenegger sci-fi/action/ horror classic PREDATOR (1987). Northside Tavern hosts its weekly Blues Jam featuring Lola Gulley. Head over to Fat Matt’s Rib Shack for a hearty serving of BBQ and Dry White Toast.

Tuesday, Oct. 2

Dinosaur Jr brings back grunge at Variety Playhouse. Recent Kool Kat Calu Cordeira mixes tiki libations at Mai Tai Tahitian Tuesday starting at 9 p.m. at the Dark Horse Tavern tonight. Grab your horn and head to Twain’s in Decatur for a Joe Gransden jazz jam session starting at 9 p.m. J.T. Speed rock the blues at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. Nathan Nelson & Entertainment Crackers blues it down at Northside Tavern. Dance the night away at Tues. Retro in the Metro nights at Midtown’s Deadwood Saloon featuring video mixes of ’80s, ’90s and 2Ks hits.

Wednesday, Oct. 3

We can’t promise a Once in A Lifttime performance, but it’s still mighty cool to see David Byrne live. This time he’s with St. Vincent at Cobb Energy Centre. The Mystery Men? surf down to the Star Bar with Moon Base, Hope to Death and Hello Cobra. Hoop Essence, featuring Kool Kat Rebecca DeShon, starts a Hula Hooping for Everyone class at 6-7 p.m. at CORE Dance Studios. Get ready to rumba, cha-cha and jitterbug at the weekly Swing Night at Graveyard Tavern. The Hollidays make it a soulful night at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. Danny “Mudcat” Dudeck blues it down at Northside Tavern. Dance to ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s hits during Retro in the Metro Wednesdays at Pub 71 in Brookhaven.

Thursday Oct. 4

Atlanta Burlesque & Cabaret Club holds its monthly meeting at Elliott Street Pub. Plaza Theatre screens 1987 fairy tale satire cult classic THE PRINCESS BRIDE. Filmmaker David Markey (1991: THE YEAR PUNK BROKE) goes hardcore, mixing in-depth interviews, rare live footage and historical perspective in CIRCLE JERKS: MY LIFE AS A JERK (2012) the story of one of the most influential bands in the American underground, at Cinefest at GSU. Eat, drink and play a classic game with an adult spin every Thursday night as Mon Cherie presents Mad Lib-Ations, Atlanta’s newest Retro weekly pastime, starting at 7 p.m. at the Corner Tavern in Little 5 Points. The fun-filled night includes games and prizes from some of the city’s most fun Retro retailers, Psychobilly Freakout and punk faves spun by The Right Reverend Andy and a raffle. Relax with a tropical cocktail at vintage tiki bar Trader Vic’s where Tongo Hiti play Retro-Polynesian luxurious live lounge sounds, as well as trippy takes on iconic pop songs, every Thursday night. The Breeze Kings and Chickenshack bring on the blues respectively at Northside Tavern and Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. Culliton, Dean & Bass play Bluegrass Tuesday at Red Light Cafe. Mike Z Trio honkytonks it up at Big Tex.

Friday, Oct. 5

Get in the Halloween spirit as Plaza Theatre‘s Universal Monster Month kicks off with the Boris Karloff classic THE MUMMY(1932), playing all weekend. Meanwhile over at Cinefest, in DRILLER KILLER (1979), an artist slowly goes insane and takes to the streets of New York after dark to randomly kill derelicts with a power drill.The Lizardmen pay respect to The Who, The Pinups cover David Bowie’s PINUP and Cherry Bomb are all Joan Jett all the time at Star Bar. Abbey Road Live! brings back The Beatles at Terminal West at King Plow. Swamp Funk Quartet bring on the blues, down and dirty at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. on the big screen at GSU’s Cinefest at 9 p.m.The Plaza. LOLA blues it down at Northside Tavern. Frank Barham plays Big Tex. The Bonaventure Quartet throw a Swing Dance Night under the dinosaurs at Fernbank Museum of Natural History Martinis & IMAX.

Saturday, Oct. 6

Our top pick for Saturday is a truly scrumptious tribute to one of our favorite Retro treats. Willy Wonka would appreciate the World of Pure Imagination that is the Sugar Dolls‘ annual Day of the Cupcake celebration. The confectionary-inspired festivities begin at Sacred Heart Tattoo ( Little Five Points location) from noon to 7 p.m. with $50 cupcake tattoos, sugar skull decorating & contest, free cupcakes, games and live performances. Then at 7 p.m., the fun moves to  The Five Spot where a $15 cover ($10 with cupcake tattoo) gets you $5 Lucid absinthe, free masks for early arrivals and music by bands Christ, Lord, Toy Devils and Till Someone Loses an Eye featuring Aileen Loy, as well as special guests The Thimblerig Circus, The Chameleon Queen, Clay Crocker of Prentice Suspensions and aerial performances by: lori Vanvoorhis, Mara Chanin, Aileen Loy and Alexis Gorsuch. And of course, the Cupcake Eating Contest will be back as well! There’s also an art auction, and eccentric garb is encouraged but not required! The entire day and evening supports Aid Atlanta.

Of course, every Saturday night in Atlanta has too many choices. Dress in your best wicked 1850’s funeral attire, you thieves, gamblers, and loose women, and walk in a Jazz Funeral for Snake Nation, a rowdy red light district that was cruelly and deliberately burned down. Today that district is Castleberry Hill. Come early to build a saloon lantern in free workshops for a 40 Saloon Salute! Meet at 217 Walker Street at 7:30 p.m. and step off at 8 p.m. Also on Saturday, Journey will help you not stop believin’ at Lakewood Amphitheatre. The Matron of the Atlanta Burlesque and Cabaret Society Talloolah Love teaches the Burlesque in the Bedroom workshop to channel the art of the peel, the roots of burlesque and how to challenge society’s cookie cutter norms of beauty and art at Liberator Factory Store. Or go Really Retro and show off your steampunk at the Artifice Club meeting at Cypress Street Pint and Plate. Veteran Atlanta singer/songwriter Michelle Malone plays Eddie’s Attic with Deja Vu. Tommy Dean Trio plays Big Tex. Jason Patros Trio is at Fat Matt’s.  Matt Wauchope & The Martans rock Northside Tavern. And as usual, DJ Romeo Cologne transforms the sensationally seedy Clermont Lounge into a ’70s disco/funk inferno late into the wee hours.

Sunday, Oct. 7

Historic Oakland Cemetery hosts its annual Sunday in the Park celebration from noon to 6 p.m. with free tours, open mausoleums, live entertainment, food, vendors and a Victorian costume contest. The Brit gals with the biggest hair,  Bananarama, are really singin’ something at Hard Rock Cafe in support of Pinktober breast cancer research fundraising. Pat Metheny Unity Band jazzes up Variety Playhouse. Fat Back Deluxe rock the blues at Fat Matt’s, and Uncle Sugar blues it down at Northside Tavern.  Os Ossos brings a Brazilian jazz sound to dunch at 1 p.m. at The Earl.

Ongoing

DRACULA THE ROCK OPERA merges JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR with Grand Guignol in a production that rocks hard but is surprisingly true to Bram Stoker‘s original novel. Not to be missed, this DRACULA has the energy, musical, acting and staging quality of an off-Broadway find but yet is completely homegrown, conceived by Rob Thompson (Dracula) of the Little Five Points Rock Star Orchestra and directed by Del Hamilton and Justin Welborn. Its cast and creative team also include Naomi Lavender (Mina), Chris Love (Jonathan Harker), Jeff Langston of AM Gold (Van Helsing) and Shane Morton of the Silver Scream Spookshow (Quincey). Watch for a full Retro Review soon. Through Oct. 14.

If you know of a cool happening coming up soon, send suggestions to ATLRetro@gmail.com.

AM Gold. Photo credit: David Batterman.

I always believe in being straight-up so I want to take a quick moment out before getting o a pretty amazing Retro Weekend in Atlanta to apologize that over the past few months ATLRetro hasn’t been your dependable one stop for all the Retro activities you want to know about in Atlanta. Our calendar writer had to move on at the same time I embarked on a big time-consuming life change. Every week I thought I could catch up, but then something else side-winded me, so some weeks went by without This Week. ATLRetro has been fortunate enough to have some great contributing writers, such as Torchy Taboo, James Kelly and Jennifer Belgard, to tide us over on the features and reviews side, and now things are beginning to calm down just as the Hallows season hits Atlanta with a vengeance. I’d love to expand the coverage to cocktails, restaurants, how-to mid-century design tips and vintage vacations. To do that, though, ATLRetro needs a few more good writers and in particular a calendar writer/editor. The latter position is a great opportunity for a journalism intern or a writer wishing looking for more experience, more bylines and some real fun! So drop a line to me, Anya99, at atlretro@gmail.com if you or someone else you know wants to join the ATLRetro team! And now back to This Weekend In Retro Atlanta!

Friday, Sept. 28

Featuring some of Atlanta’s hardest rocking musicians, AM Gold celebrates the release of its first CD at the Star Bar tonight. Find out why it’s our top pick of the evening in our exclusive interview with Kool Kat of the Week Joel Burkhart here.

We know Atlanta is Horror Town USA, even if the rest of the nation doesn’t – and it has nothing to do with THE WALKING DEAD. Before you head to the Star Bar, catch the opening of two of the city’s best homegrown haunted attractions, Netherworld and The Atlanta Zombie Apocalypse. Look for scary sneak previews here soon.

The Plaza finishes off its September Kubrick Festival with a three-day run of the crazed Cold War cult classic DR. STRANGELOVE, OR HOW I LEARNED TO STOP WORRYING AND LOVE THE BOMB (1964) starring Peter Sellers and George C. Scott.

Legendary ’80s/90s Atlanta band Insane Jane reunites for one show only for a benefit for Sylvia Cross at The Earl.  Cross was a huge supporter of Atlanta music and art through Sylvia’s Atomic Cafe in the ’90s to The Sycamore Place Gallery in the 2000s. Your cover will help with medical bills she incurred due to hip-replacement surgery without the benefit of health insurance.

Peter Sellers in DR STRANGELOVE.

This weekend more than 10,000 Japanese anime fans will descend on Cobb Galleria Centre and the Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel next door for Anime Weekend Atlanta (AWA). The four-day pop culture convention kicks off tonight and runs through Sunday afternoon. To find out why it’s Retro from kaiju eiga to a jazz bebop lounge in last year’s Kool Kat interview with Jason Merrill here.

Spanky & the Love Handles bring on the blues at Fat Matt’s. Cadillac Jones, The Mar-Tans and Nick & The Grooves rock The Five Spot. Frankie’s Blues Mission plays the blues at Johnny MacCracken’s. Danny “Mudcat” Dudeck blues it down at Northside Tavern. Terry Flynn Band plays Big Tex. Join jazz vocalist Rai Ragland and her trio for an exciting evening of swing, blues, Latin, ballads and more under the dinosaurs at Fernbank Museum of Natural History Martinis & IMAX.

Saturday, Sept. 29

Listen to great bands ALL DAY at Little Five Fest, an all-day music and street festival at multiple venues. In between the live music, consider taking a break to see the Atlanta stage experience of the year, DRACULA: THE ROCK OPERA, at 7 Stages in a special 2 p.m. show (First 75 with a festival pass get in free and watch for an in-depth Retro Review soon!) and stick around Java Lords for screenings of  swell Retro flicks like WAYNE”S WORLD, PEE WEE’S BIG ADVENTURE and GHOST BUSTERS.

Over at The Plaza, Blast-Off Burlesque enter the FORBIDDEN ZONE tonight for the latest in their Taboo La-La series. It’s much more than a rare chance to see a 30th anniversary presentation of the 1982 Richard Elfman cult classic, starring Susan Tyrrell and Herve Villechaize, on the big-screen.  A zany and sexy preshow featuring special guests Chico! and Rev. Uncle Laffo, a costume contest, concubine humper contest, prizes from Libertine, complimentary cocktails and DJ Westwood-a-Go-Go! Remember, it’s only a movie that will have you living in the Sixth Dimension!

Anime Weekend Atlanta (AWA) continues. Soul Rebels Brass Band are at Smith’s Olde Bar. Tommy Dean Trio plays Big Tex. The Jumpin’ Jukes shake up Fat Matt’s.  Danny “Mudcat” Dudeck blues it down again at Northside Tavern. And as usual, DJ Romeo Cologne transforms the sensationally seedy Clermont Lounge into a ’70s disco/funk inferno late into the wee hours.

Sunday, Sept. 30

Snake Legs rock the blues at Fat Matt’s, and Uncle Sugar blues it down at Northside Tavern. Interstate plays dunch at 1 p.m. at The Earl. Anime Weekend Atlanta (AWA) concludes and it’s your last chance to see DR. STRANGELOVE, OR HOW I LEARNED TO STOP WORRYING AND LOVE THE BOMB (1964) at a 3 p.m. matinee at The Plaza Theatre.

If you know of a cool happening coming up soon, send suggestions to ATLRetro@gmail.com.

Monday, Sept. 3

Northside Tavern hosts its weekly Blues Jam featuring Lola Gulley. Head over to Fat Matt’s Rib Shack for BBQ and Peah Boy & Stephen T.

Tuesday, Sept. 4

Recent Kool Kat Calu Cordeira mixes tiki libations at Mai Tai Tahitian Tuesday starting at 9 p.m. at the Dark Horse Tavern tonight. Grab your horn and head to Twain’s in Decatur for a Joe Gransden jazz jam session starting at 9 p.m. Burning Time rock the blues at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. Nathan Nelson & Entertainment Crackers blues it down at Northside Tavern. Dance the night away at Tues. Retro in the Metro nights at Midtown’s Deadwood Saloon featuring video mixes of ’80s, ’90s and 2Ks hits.

Wednesday, Sept. 5

Cobb Energy Centre goes classic goth with Dead Can Dance. Yippee-ki-yay, The Plaza is screening a 35mm print of DIE HARD (1988) tonight at 9:30 p.m. Get ready to rumba, cha-cha and jitterbug at the weekly Swing Night at Graveyard Tavern. Frankie’s Blues Mission plays Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. Danny “Mudcat” Dudeck blues it down at Northside Tavern. Dance to ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s hits during Retro in the Metro Wednesdays at Pub 71 in Brookhaven.

Thursday Sept. 6

Chris Isaak rocks Cobb Energy Centre. Go Goth again when Jesus and Mary Chain haunt Variety Playhouse. Eat, drink and play a classic game with an adult spin every Thursday night as Mon Cherie presents Mad Lib-Ations, Atlanta’s newest Retro weekly pastime, starting at 7 p.m. at the Corner Tavern in Little 5 Points. The fun-filled night includes games and prizes from some of the city’s most fun Retro retailers, Psychobilly Freakout and punk faves spun by The Right Reverend Andy and a raffle. Relax with a tropical cocktail at vintage tiki bar Trader Vic’s where Tongo Hiti play Retro-Polynesian luxurious live lounge sounds, as well as trippy takes on iconic pop songs, every Thursday night. Every first Thursday at 8 p.m., Drink and Ink at Milltown Tavern Arts provides artists with 2-for-1 Pabst Blue ribbons and Binders art supplies brings out new products to test. The Breeze Kings and Chickenshack bring on the blues respectively at Northside Tavern and Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. Mike Z Trio honkytonks it up at Big Tex.

Friday, Sept. 7

Kool Kat Rod Hamdallah plays The Earl with The Goddamn Gallows and J.D. Wilkes & The Dirt Daubers. Rockoholics are at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. Quentin Tarantino favorite The Street Fighter (1974) with martial arts superstar Sonny Chiba is on the big screen at GSU’s Cinefest at 9 p.m.The Plaza starts a three-day run of the Stanley Kubrick classic FULL METAL JACKET (1987). Frankie’s Blues Mission brings on the blues at Johnny MacCracken’s. Danny “Mudcat” Dudeck blues it down at Northside Tavern. The Backyard Birds play Big Tex. Bonaventure Quartet swings Steve’s Live Music. Derryl Rivers and Company perform blues, jazz and a slight bit of funk under the dinosaurs at Fernbank Museum of Natural History Martinis & IMAX.

Saturday, Sept. 8

Battle of the Burgers starting at noon at John Howell Park features not just red meat but really great rockabilly, honkytonk and Redneck Underground bands including Hot Rod Walt Trio, Whiskey Belt, Slim Chance & the Convicts, Wesley Cook and Sailing to Denver.Unknown Hinson plays The Brothers and Sisters Festival at Masquerade with Blackberry Smoke, North Mississippi All-Stars, Reynolds & Williams Band and Nathan Nelson & the Entertainment Crackers. Kayla Taylor Jazz performs their Big Show of the year at Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre as part of the free South Cobb Arts Candlelight Concert series. If you missed our Kool Kat interview with Kayla, catch up here. “Come quietly or there will be trouble” when Splatter Cinema serves up a rare chance to see a 35mm print of ROBOCOP (1987) at 9:30 p.m. on the big screen at The Plaza. Tommy Dean Trio plays Big Tex. Beverly “Guitar” Watkins is at Fat Matt’s.  is at Variety Playhouse. Ike Stubblefield brings on the blues piano-style at Northside Tavern. And as usual, DJ Romeo Cologne transforms the sensationally seedy Clermont Lounge into a ’70s disco/funk inferno late into the wee hours.

Sunday, Sept. 9

Snake Legs rock the blues at Fat Matt’s, and Uncle Sugar blues it down at Northside Tavern.  Bernadette Seacrest and her R.L. Martin plays dunch at 1 p.m. at The Earl. Frankie’s Blues Mission, Snave & The Grass and Lola are at Smith’s Olde Bar.

If you know of a cool happening coming up soon, send suggestions to ATLRetro@gmail.com.

Monday, Aug. 20

Northside Tavern hosts its weekly Blues Jam featuring Lola Gulley. Head over to Fat Matt’s Rib Shack for BBQ and Dry White Toast.

Tuesday, Aug. 21

Recent Kool Kat Calu Cordeira mixes tiki libations at Mai Tai Tahitian Tuesday starting at 9 p.m. at the Dark Horse Tavern tonight. Grab your horn and head to Twain’s in Decatur for a Joe Gransden jazz jam session starting at 9 p.m. Crosstown Allstars rock the blues at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. Nathan Nelson & Entertainment Crackers blues it down at Northside Tavern. Dance the night away at Tues. Retro in the Metro nights at Midtown’s Deadwood Saloon featuring video mixes of ’80s, ’90s and 2Ks hits.

The Serenaders

Wednesday, Aug. 22

The Serenaders swing at Twain’s. Ted Nugent brings some “Cat Scratch Fever” (and likely some guns) to Center Stage. Get ready to rumba, cha-cha and jitterbug at the weekly Swing Night at Graveyard Tavern. Frankie’s Blues Mission plays Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. Danny “Mudcat” Dudeck blues it down at Northside Tavern. The Decatur Bluegrass Association strums at Java Monkey.Dance to ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s hits during Retro in the Metro Wednesdays at Pub 71 in Brookhaven.

The Sexual Side Effects

Thursday Aug. 23

Our favorite neo-glam band the Sexual Side Effects, fronted by Kool Kat Amber Taylor, rocks 529, with The Issues, Hip to Death Cardova and Story of a Life. Mike Z Trio plays Big Tex. Old Southern Moonshine Revival and John King Band are at Peachtree Tavern. Eat, drink and play a classic game with an adult spin every Thursday night as Mon Cherie presents Mad Lib-Ations, Atlanta’s newest Retro weekly pastime, starting at 7 p.m. at the Corner Tavern in Little 5 Points. The fun-filled night includes games and prizes from some of the city’s most fun Retro retailers, Psychobilly Freakout and punk faves spun by The Right Reverend Andy and a raffle. Relax with a tropical cocktail at vintage tiki bar Trader Vic’s where Tongo Hiti play Retro-Polynesian luxurious live lounge sounds, as well as trippy takes on iconic pop songs, every Thursday night. The Breeze Kings and Chickenshack bring on the blues respectively at Northside Tavern and Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. Frankie’s Blues Mission is at The Family Dog. The Barbwire Bluegrass Band jams at Red Light Cafe’s weekly Bluegrass Thursday.

Friday, Aug. 24

PushPush Theatre in Decatur throws a Garage Sale and Party. In other words, support a great local community theater and shop for Retro-finds at bargain prices including costumes, props, kitchen and catering supplies, housewares, tools, shop supplies, furniture and toys, beer and snacks! Today from 4 – 7 p.m. is sneak preview day for those willing to help tote out a box or two from the office to the stage.  We all know that rock n roll is the devil’s music, so ensure your entry to Hell at the 13 Year Anniversary Show for The Evils, featuring recent Kool Kat Jet Terror, and also performances by the Casket Creatures and Till Someone Loses an Eye. Caroline and the Ramblers honkytonk an intimate show at Big Tex; if you missed Caroline’s recent Kool Kat interview, catch up here. Country music legend Loretta Lynn plays Chastain. Burlesque divas The Syrens of the South tease and titillate at their 5 Year Anniversary Show at the Five Spot at 10 p.m., with a Student Showcase at 8 p.m. And Danny “Mudcat” Dudeck blues it down at Northside Tavern. Or go off to see THE WIZARD OF OZ (1939) at the Earl Smith Strand Theatre in Marietta.

Saturday, August 25

Professor Morte  and The Silver Scream Spookshow crew set sail on THE GOLDEN VOYAGE OF SINBAD (1974), a rare chance to see a Ray Harryhausen monster classic in 35mm on the big screen at The Plaza Theatre. As usual, there’s a kooky kids matinee at 1 p.m. and the preshow is a racier adult show at 10 p.m. See a mighty fine slate of local bands including Whiskey Belt (2 p.m.), browse vendors and enjoy family activities at the Summer Shade Festival in historic Grant Park.  Also playing today: Donkey, The Futura Bold, 68-75, The Wheeler Boys, The Villains, Jimmy Galloway, Men of Soul, Stovall and more. Relive the wild nights of classic ’80s Atlanta clubs Weekends and Rob Lowe favorite Club Rio at a Reunion Party tonight at Tongue & Groove. Head to The High for a free screening of  THE PROJECTIONIST (1970), director Harry Hurlitz’s crazy fantasy about a projectionist with fantasies of being a superhero and Rodney Dangerfield as villain The Bat, part of the museum’s Archival Gotham: NYC On Film series. PushPush Theatre’s Garage Sale and Party continues from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tommy Dean Trio plays Big Tex. Ron Cooley & The Hard Times are at Fat Matt’s. Loudon Wainwright III is at Variety Playhouse. And as usual, DJ Romeo Cologne transforms the sensationally seedy Clermont Lounge into a ’70s disco/funk inferno late into the wee hours.

The Whiskey Gentry.

Sunday, August 26

PushPush Theatre’s Garage Sale and Party continues from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., while the great music goes on at Summer Shade Festival in Grant Park with The Whiskey Gentry; The Higher Choir; The Old Ceremony; Copius Jones; Stonerider; Kick the Robot and more.  Tony Bryant brings on the blues at Fat Matt’s, and Uncle Sugar blues it down at Northside Tavern. Ghost Riders Car Club makes it a honkytonk dunch at 1 p.m. at The Earl. And organists Ron Carter (Kool Kat here), Ken Double, Larry Davis and Rick McGee accompany four silent classic comedies at The Strand at 3 p.m., including Harold Lloyd in BUMPING INTO BROADWAY, The Little Rascals in DOG HEAVEN,  Charlie Chaplin in A NIGHT AT THE SHOW, and Laurel and Hardy in BIG BUSINESS.

If you know of a cool happening coming up soon, send suggestions to ATLRetro@gmail.com.