ATLRetro

Monday, Aug. 6

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. 7

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.

Wednesday, Aug. 8

Watch the skies for Nazis in flying saucers in the Finnish neo-cult movie IRON SKY, featuring Udo Kier, tonight exclusively at The Plaza Theatre. Read our preview here. The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra pays tribute to the music of master movie soundtrack composer/Boston Pops maestro John Williams at Chastain. England in 1819 is back in Atlanta at Drunken Unicorn with The Industry and Ocean vs. Daughter. 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 Aug. 9

Ghost Riders Car Club honkytonks it at Clermont Lounge. WonderRoot brings you an evening of short films by local artists including animation, experimental, narrative, music videos and much more at The Plaza at 9:30 p.m. 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 Red Light All-Stars jam at Red Light Café’s weekly Bluegrass Thursday.

Friday, Aug. 10

Twenties Ragtime revivalists Blair Crimmins & The Hula Hookers, cabaret/burlesque-inspired Davina & The Harlots, The Clap, Ghost Bikini, Jeffrey Butzer and The Little 5 Points Rockstar Orchestra get together for a somewhat tiki-themed Summer Sounds concert to raise money for risk-taking independent theatre company 7 Stages, including their highly anticipated DRACULA: THE ROCK OPERA at The Goat Farm. Also starting today is AleCon, a weekend-long performing arts convention hosted by popular Ren-rock band Three Quarter Ale in celebration of their 10th anniversary. Read our Really Retro preview with Rivka Levin here soon. Book your pumpkin carriage, put on your glass slippers and return to Once Upon A Time with Ritual’s Fairy Tales ball at The Shelter. Old-school country legend Merle Haggard plays Atlanta Botanical Garden. Will Scruggs Plays Pretty for the People, a unique repertoire of classic jazz and swing standards, and novelty songs from the ‘30s and ‘40s, at Fernbank Museum of Natural History’s Martinis and IMAX. Scott Glazer’s Mojo Dojo plays outdoors at Callanwolde Jazz on the Lawn. Danny “Mudcat” Dudeck blues it down at Northside Tavern.

Saturday, August 11

Kool Kat of the Week Right Reverend Andy throws a rockabilly Rumble in Little 5 Points to celebrate the return of Hi-Test with Sonoramic Commando, Atomic Boogie, Junior, Dolan & Cash and Grim Rooster at the Star Bar. Relive the glory days of glam updated to the 21st century with The Sexual Side Effects, featuring Kool Kat Amber Taylor, at the Drunken Unicorn with Side by Side and Verge of Bliss. Splatter Cinema screens a rare original 35mm print of the original HALLOWEEN (1978) at The Plaza Theatre. Head to The High to see Atlanta artist Ben “Bean” Worley‘s projection art project and then hang out for a free screening of  TAXI DRIVER (1976), part of the museum’s Archival Gotham: NYC On Film series. Ike Stubblefield tickles the blues ivories 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, August 12

Tony Bryant brings on the blues at Fat Matt’s, Frankie’s Blues Mission plays Corner Tavern in East Point and Uncle Sugar blues it down at Northside Tavern. Spanky & the Love Handles plays dunch at 1 p.m. at The Earl.

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

Monday, July 23

From 3 p.m. on, savor tropical sounds and libations, as well as a Polynesian dinner, during Mai Tai Monday at Smith’s Olde Bar. 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, July 24

Motley Crue and KISS rock Aaron’s Amphitheatre @Lakewood. And love will tear you apart again as One Will Burn pays tribute to Joy Division at 529. Catch up on our Kool Kat with bassist Todd Caras here. It’s Mai Tai Tahitian Tuesday with tiki cocktails 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, July 25

It’s the kind of Dirty Laundry we love – a pop-up art show that features works by four Atlanta pop artists and music by ATLRetro fave garage/punk band The El Caminos – at Friends Neighborhood Bar in Decatur. Joe Cocker and Huey Lewis and the News bring back the ’80s at Chastain Park Amphitheatre in the Delta Classic Chastain series. Get ready to rumba, cha-cha and jitterbug at the weekly Swing Night at Graveyard Tavern. The Hollidays brings some soul to 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 July 26

ParaNormal, Norm Ficke‘s new group merging world music, jazz, blues and rock & roll, play with The F’n Heartbreaks and Lindsay Appel at The Five Spot. If you missed our Kool Kat on The F’n Hearbreaks’ frontwoman Brook Bolen, catch up here. Cheap Trick and Aerosmith rock Philips Arena. 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. Smokey’s Farmland Band jams at Red Light Café’s weekly Bluegrass Thursday.

Friday, July 27

Take a time machine back to Max’s Kansas City in the mid-1970s when Jayne County & The Electrick Queers headline the NYC Punk Tribute Night at The Star Bar along with The Forty-Fives ( doing MC5 songs), The El Caminos, Randy Micheal and the Sharp Dressed Lads, Ghost Bikini and more doing the music of Velvet Underground, The New York Dolls, Ramones, Blondie, Dead Boys, Stooges, Devo and more. Catch up on our Kool Kat on the legendary Jayne County here. The Smiths tribute band Smithsonian pairs with The B-53s at The Earl. Yacht Rock Revue plays classic rock covers in their spirited way at Park Tavern. The Martans bring New Orleans funk and R&B, along with Blues, Jazz, Latin and original music, to Fernbank Museum of Natural History’s Martinis and IMAX. Faith Carmichael, songwriter, storyteller and jazz vocalist leads a five-piece band known simply as Faith at Callanwolde Jazz on the Lawn. Danny “Mudcat” Dudeck blues it down at Northside Tavern.

Saturday, July 28

Blast-Off Burlesque’s Taboo-La-La presents REFORM SCHOOL GIRLS (1986) starring The Plasmatics’ Wendy O. Williams. Before the movie, enjoy a sexy live stage show courtesy of Blast-Off Burlesque, and super special guests Vanity Uncanney and Poly Sorbate! Also riots, chainsaws, and pillow fights , a Wendy O. Williams and Reform School Girls Costume Contest and prizes from Libertine. Lloyd’s Rocksteady Revue brings new life into the soulful Jamaican sounds of the ’60’s and early ’70s at the Star Bar. Learn yourself some crazy creative art at a Hands On Art Demo by Urbnpop‘s and Kool Kat Chris Hamer at Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA). Celebrate Noni’s 4-Year Anniversary  BAYWATCH-style with Edgewood Nasty, Best Friends, Andrew & the Disapyramids, Watch the Duck, Dragonhouse, sick tunes and fireworks. Lindsey Buckingham plays Center Stage. Danny “Mudcat” Dudeck blues it down 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, July 1

Fat Back Deluxe bring on the blues at Fat Matt’s, and Uncle Sugar blues it down at Northside Tavern. Corndog plays dunch at 1 p.m. at The Earl.

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

Monday, June 25

From 3 p.m. on, savor tropical sounds and libations, as well as a Polynesian dinner, during Mai Tai Monday at Smith’s Olde Bar. Northside Tavern hosts its weekly Blues Jam. Head over to Fat Matt’s Rib Shack for BBQ and Dry White Toast.

Tuesday, June 26

It’s Mai Tai Tahitian Tuesday with tiki cocktails 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, June 27

Nashville Pussy rocks their first-ever Summer Showdown with special guests The El Caminos and Dusty Booze & the Baby Haters at the Star Bar. Bareknuckle Betties honkytonk it up with Megan Jean & the KFB at The Five Spot. Get ready to rumba, cha-cha and jitterbug at the weekly Swing Night at Graveyard Tavern. J.P. Blues brings on the blues 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 June 28

New Orleans’ Dirty Bourbon River Show brings their unique take on gypsy folk circus rock to the Five Spot. Take a drug-free hallucinogenic journey with the Nowhere Man and Lucy in the Sky and dodge the Blue Meanies with this rare chance to see the Beatles’ animated classic YELLOW SUBMARINE (1968) at 9:30 p.m. at The Plaza Theatre. Eighties-synth-rock-inspried Fader Vixen‘s new music video, “Hang Onto Me” has been selected to be screened at this month’s Get Connected! at The Foundry at Puritan Mill. 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 DJ Rev. 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. Also on Thursdays in June , enjoy the live Jubilee Jazz Series, featuring Os Ossos tonight, at Tower Stage in Vinings Jubilee.  The Breeze Kings and Chickenshack bring on the blues respectively at Northside Tavern and Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. Culliton, Dean & Lloyd jams at Red Light Café’s weekly Bluegrass Thursday.

Friday, June 29

Tiger! Tiger! featuring Subsonics drummer Buffi Aguero, take a love for 60’s garage, Velvet Underground and Motown as their inspiration, but manage to not limit themselves to the constraints and dogmas usually associated with those genres. Hear them rock The Earl tonight with Andrew and the Disapyramids and Piss Shivers. The Bonaventure Quartet swings at Fernbank Museum of Natural History’s Martinis and IMAX. Joe Gransden and Maria Howell bring classic cabaret and swing to Callanwolde Jazz on the Lawn. Kevin Bales plays Friday Night Jazz at the High Museum of Art from 5 to 10 p.m. Pour Some ’80s Sugar and worship at the real Rock of Ages at Aaron’s Amphitheatre @Lakewood as Def Leppard headlines with glam hair metal band Poison and ex-Runaway and ace rock guitarist Lita Ford. Spanky & the Love Handles rocks the blues at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. And love will tear you apart again at One Will Burn‘s Joy Division Tribute Show at Famous Pub in Toco Hills starting at 9 p.m.

Saturday, June 30

All-day, family-friendly Surf Fest 2012 moves to Douglasville City Hall with 12 instro-surf bands including Daikaiju, The Monterreys, Rebel Surfers, The Mystery Men?, The Intoxicators, eL fOSSIL and more. The Silver Scream Spook Show presents the immortal CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON IN 3-D at The Plaza Theatre with kiddie matinee at 1 p.m. and adult show at 10 p.m.Big C & The Ringers rock the blues at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. And as usual, DJ Romeo Cologne transforms the sensationally seedy Clermont Lounge into a ’70s disco/funk inferno late into the wee hours.

Sunday, July 1

Snake Legs bring on the blues at Fat Matt’s, and Uncle Sugar blues it down at Northside Tavern. Os Ossos plays dunch at 1 p.m. at The Earl.

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

Monday, June 18

Joe Gransden and his smokin’ 16-piece orchestra swing the bimonthly Big Band Night at Cafe 290 the first and third Mondey of every month. From 3 p.m. on, savor tropical sounds and libations, as well as a Polynesian dinner, during Mai Tai Monday at Smith’s Olde Bar. Northside Tavern hosts its weekly Blues Jam. Head over to Fat Matt’s Rib Shack for BBQ and Dry White Toast.

Tuesday, June 19

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, June 20

The BoDeans rock The Variety Playhouse. Cowabunga! Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2: Secret of the Ooze (1991) gets a big screen resurrection at 9:30 p.m. at the Plaza Theatre. Get ready to rumba, cha-cha and jitterbug at the weekly Swing Night at Graveyard Tavern. J.P. Blues brings on the blues 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 June 21

Texas country music singer Robert Earl Keen and The White Buffalo play Variety. 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 DJ Rev. 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. Also on Thursdays in June , enjoy the live Jubilee Jazz Series, featuring Sal Gentille tonight, at Tower Stage in Vinings Jubilee.  The Breeze Kings and Chickenshack bring on the blues respectively at Northside Tavern and Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. Buttermilk Revival jams at Red Light Café’s weekly Bluegrass Thursday.

Friday, June 22

Yacht Rock Revue brings back ’70s soft rock at Park Tavern. Webb Wilder bring his unique cowbilly sound to the intimate venue of Shorty’s Pizza in Tucker. The Breeze Kings bring on both classic and contemporary blues at Fernbank Museum of Natural History’s Martinis and IMAX.

Saturday, June 23

Norah Jones jazzes up the Fox Theatre. Often compared to Sigur Ros, indie-chamber rock band England in 1819 comes to The Five Spot with “beautiful haunting melodies, sized up and spread out in the post-rock vein, with atmosphere and thoughtfulness building to massive ending-anthems.” A bunch of great and groovy Atlanta grassroots visual artists, including recent Shop Around profilee Jolene Wheeler of Dingogirl’s Den are the stars of Art Box Party at dooGallery. The Atlanta INTOWN newspaper-sponsored event also features poets FOCUS and Collin Kelley, food trucks, DJ Jade Lemons and other surprises. The Big Bang Ball, billed as a modern dustbowl carnival, explodes at the Goat Farm. The first annual celebration of the artists and companies that BANG! Arts Management & Promotion has worked with includes performances by such ATLRetro favorite performers as neo-ragtime musicians extraordinaire Blair Crimmins & the Hookers, Lera Lynn, Villain Family, Adron, Cute Boots and burlesque aerialist Sadie Hawkins. Iron Maiden and Alice Cooper rock Lakewood. Lola & the Blues Ladies light up Northside Tavern. All-female Elvis tribute band Pelvis Breastlies play the Star Bar with The Cherry Bomb, Pink Pompeii and Echoes of Belham. And as usual, DJ Romeo Cologne transforms the sensationally seedy Clermont Lounge into a ’70s disco/funk inferno late into the wee hours.

Sunday, June 24

For decades, pit bulls were considered the all American dog! Carni-Bull Vintage Fundraiser for Atlanta Bully Rescue is a huge, FUN, vintage themed family-friendly event at Taj-Ma-Hound with carnival games, vintage cars, a Pin Up Contest, vendors, costume contests, and adoptable dogs. Cowabunga! Grab the kids and head to a matinee encore at 3 p.m. of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2: Secret of the Ooze (1991) at the Plaza Theatre. Or sing-a-long to THE SOUND OF MUSIC (1965) at 2 p.m. in The Fox Theatre’s Coca-Cola Summer Film Series. Snake Legs bring on the blues at Fat Matt’s, and Uncle Sugar blues it down at Northside Tavern. Virginia Plane plays dunch at 1 p.m. at The Earl.

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

Tuesday, May 29

The holiday weekend may be over, but there’s still plenty to get out and do this week. Start your post-Memorial Tuesday by grabbing your horn and heading 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.

Wednesday, May 30

Retro-’60s revivalist band extraordinaire Andrew & the Disapyramids dedicates the last Wednesday in their May residency at the Star Bar to The Sonics with special guests Ghost Bikini and The Marques. If you missed our Kool Kat interview with the Disapyramids’ Joshua Longino, catch up here. Get ready to rumba, cha-cha and jitterbug at the weekly Swing Night at Graveyard Tavern. Frankie’s Blues Mission brings on the blues at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. Danny “Mudcat” Dudeck blues it down at Northside Tavern. And Lefty Williams rocks at Moe’s Original BBQ. Dance to ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s hits during Retro in the Metro Wednesdays at Pub 71 in Brookhaven.

Thursday May 31

Summer may officially still be a few weeks away, but things are sure to get hot and steamy Thursday, May 31, when Atlanta’s youngest and most Paris-inspired burlesque troupe Minette Magnifique presents Minette Magnifique Goes to the Movies at the Warren City Club in Virginia-Highland. So we thought there couldn’t be a more marvelous time to celebrate the rising temperatures by declaring the vivacious and voluptuous Vyolet Venom as Kool Kat of the Week. At the Sixth Annual Bob Dylan Birthday Bash at The Earl, Chickens and Pigs, along with over 20 guest vocalists, celebrate the man who made it OK to sing like that. Yes, they know his birthday is the 24th but the room was booked. The $7 cover benefits Ovarian Cycle, a local organization raising funds for ovarian cancer research.

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. Celebrate the incomparable Mon Cherie’s birthday during this week’s fun-filled night which includes games and prizes from some of the city’s most fun Retro retailers, Psychobilly Freakout and punk faves spun by DJ Rev. Andy and a raffle. Kool Kat Alumna Julea Thomerson sings at Twain’s. 

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. Big Mike’s off in Seattle till June performing with El Vez in Teatro ZinZanni’s CALIENTE SHOW, so Atlanta Funk Society’s Jonathan Lloyd will be filling in on vocals. Remember Lloyd’s Rockstead Review, his killer reggae collaboration with Kingsized? The Breeze Kings and Chickenshack bring on the blues respectively at Northside Tavern and Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. Culliton, Dean & Lloyd jams at Red Light Café’s weekly Bluegrass Thursday.

Friday, June 1

Cool down as Mon Cherie presents Va-Va-Voom Poolside Glamour & Underwater Burlesque Show at The Shelter. Devin Liquor and New Orleans Jon emcee and performers include Stormy Knight, Katarina Laveaux, Scarlett Page and more. More pre-summer fun includes a Pin-Up Swim Suit Contest and a Beach Ball Raffle, including prizes by Lux De Ville, Sacred Heart Tattoo, Rogue Hair Studio, Jezebel Blue and more.

Ruby Velle and the Soulphonics throw a release party for their new single with special guest Noot d’noot at the Star Bar. Catch up on our recent Kool Kat interview with Ruby here. The Nick Longo Band plays Fernbank Museum of Natural History’s Martinis and IMAX.

Saturday, June 2

Shop for Retro recreations from independent artists from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at ICE, the Indie Craft Experience Summer Market 2012 at Ambient + Studio. There’s also fun music from DJ Zano, the ever-popular LeahAndMark photo booth, craft activities from the Atlanta Institute of Stiches & Crafts, food trucks (Ursa Minor Coffee, King of Pops and Good Food Truck) and as always swag bags for the first 250 attendees each day. They also will have a row of vintage finds from vendors who just participated in the Salvage vintage market, in April, and an art swap where you can bring art you are tired of or just don’t want anymore to swap it out for a new piece to liven up your home.

It’s a psychotronic double feature at The Plaza Theatre with two special screenings today. First, at 8 p.m. (doors at 7:30 p.m.), catch the world premiere of sure-to-be-cult-classic KILLER SPERM FROM DEEP SPACE. Admission is free, but space is limited and all attendees have to RSVP at the Facebook Event Page. Watch the trailer here. There’s also an after-party at Manuel’s with the cast and crew. Then later that night at 10 p.m., Blast-Off Burlesque’s Taboo-La-La presents Russ Meyer cult classic BEYOND THE VALLEY OF THE DOLLS. Before the movie, enjoy a sexy live stage show courtesy of Blast-Off Burlesque, all-girl band action from Catfight (featuring Kool Kat Katy Graves) and special guests Baby Doll, Patricia Lopez, Poly Sorbate and Turnin’ TriXXX!
And enjoy Psychedelic Trip Punch while DJ Westwood-A-Go-Go spins in the lobby, compete in a Dance FREAK OUT Contest and win prizes from Libertine. Still not convinced? Writer Jeremy Turman gets all hot and bothered here.

Surf, psychobilly and Americana meet at The Masquerade with a triple header by The Mystery Men?, Sonoramic Commando and The Myopic I.  Read our rave review of Sonoramic Commando’s new CD HANGING AROUND here. The Psycho-Devilles rockabilly it up at Stone Mountain Harley-Davidson at 1 p.m. Cadillac Jones play that funky music at The Earl, along with Abby Wren & What It Is. And as usual, DJ Romeo Cologne transforms the sensationally seedy Clermont Lounge into a ’70s disco/funk inferno late into the wee hours.

Sunday, June 3

Gates open at 10 a.m. for Rock n Roll Monsterbash 2012 at the Starlight Drive-In, an all-day, all-night horror festival featuring Dames, Bands, Ghouls, Food, Creeps, Hot Rods, Hearses, Flicks, Freaks, Vendors Werewolf Style Parking Lot Partying, and Monstrosity Championship Wrestling hosted by the Silver Scream Spookshow‘s Professor Morte. Bands include X-Impossibles, Bigfoot, Dead Elvis and more. And damn you, dirty ape, but the movies include the incomparable, original PLANET OF THE APES (1968) and zombie comedy RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD (1985). Watch for a sneak preview of all the scary fun later this week.

Tony Bryant brings on the blues at Fat Matt’s, and Uncle Sugar blues it down at Northside Tavern. Will Rogers plays dunch at 1 p.m. at The Earl.

Ongoing

The rise to the top of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons is a classic story of how a blue-collar boys from the wrong side of the tracks. See it through the rockin’ lens of Tony and Grammy Award winning Broadway musical JERSEY BOYS at the Fabulous Fox Theatre for a three-week run through June 10.

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

Monday, May 21

Gypsy jazz ensemble Caravan of Thieves rolls into Eddie’s Attic tonight. Joe Gransden and his smokin’ 16-piece orchestra swing the bimonthly Big Band Night at Cafe 290 the first and third Mondey of every month. From 3 p.m. on, savor tropical sounds and libations, as well as a Polynesian dinner, during Mai Tai Monday at Smith’s Olde Bar. Northside Tavern hosts its weekly Blues Jam. Head over to Fat Matt’s Rib Shack for BBQ and Pead Boy and Steven Tea.

Tuesday, May 22

The rise to the top of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons is a classic story of how a blue-collar boys from the wrong side of the tracks. See it through the rockin’ lens of Tony and Grammy Award winning Broadway musical JERSEY BOYS at the Fabulous Fox Theatre for a three-week run through June 10. 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.

Andrew & the Disapyramids.

Wednesday, May 23

Retro-’60s revivalist band extraordinaire Andrew & the Disapyramids continues their May residency at the Star Bar with special guests Smithsonian. If you missed our Kool Kat interview with the Disapyramids’ Joshua Longino, catch up here. Wrinkle Neck Mules bring their unique indie spin on Americana to The Earl with Ocha La Rocha opening. Get ready to rumba, cha-cha and jitterbug at the weekly Swing Night at Graveyard Tavern. Frankie’s Blues Mission brings on the blues 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 May 24

Get a rare chance to fly in the world’s first mass-produced commercial jet-liner when a still operating 1929 Ford Tri-Motor Aircraft stops at Gwinnett County Airport/Briscoe Field in Lawrenceville from 2-4 p.m. 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 DJ Rev. 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. Big Mike’s off in Seattle till June performing with El Vez in Teatro ZinZanni’s CALIENTE SHOW, so Atlanta Funk Society’s Jonathan Lloyd will be filling in on vocals. Remember Lloyd’s Rockstead Review, his killer reggae collaboration with Kingsized? The Breeze Kings and Chickenshack bring on the blues respectively at Northside Tavern and Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. DejaBlue Grass Band jams at Red Light Café’s weekly Bluegrass Thursday.

Friday, May 25

Day one of Bubbapalooza, the Star Bar‘s annual shindig kicks off tonight with music by some of our favorite rockabilly, honkytonk and Redneck underground musicians, including Slim Chance & the Convicts, Uncle Daddy & the Kissin’ Cousins, Ghost Riders Car Club, Blacktop Rockets and BareKnuckle Betties. Suicide Doors and Junior, Dolan & Cash play downstairs in the Little Vinyl Lounge. Watch for a preview/history lesson from ATLRetro Contributing Music Editor James Kelly, aka Slim Chance, soon.

As a Website that celebrates the past, we also feel it’s our duty to inform you that also starting today is TimeGate, a three-day convention dedicated to time-travel TV/movie cult hits DOCTOR WHO and STARGATE at Holiday Inn Select Atlanta-Perimeter. This year also includes a celebration of the 35th anniversary of the original STAR WARS. The Artifice Club invites you to celebrate a Steampunk Anniversary Party tonight from 6-9 p.m. and all weekend at the Decatur Arts Festival. The no-doubt stylish Victorian-inspired event includes an art show, retro-futuristic music spin by DJ Doctor Q, hot food, cool drinks and Best Dressed awards for costumed guests. Epitome serves up contemporary jazz and R&B at Fernbank Museum of Natural History’s Martinis and IMAX. And the Dandy Warhols conjure up a heady mix of the druggy psychedelic pop of the Velvet Underground and the trippy goth of Love and Rockets at The Masquerade.

Saturday, May 26

It’s a tasty feast of barbecue and bands as Bubbapalooza hits day two at the Star Bar. The line-up again includes many ATLRetro rockabilly, honkytonk and Redneck Underground favorites starting at 4:15 with The Serenaders, Chickens and Pigs, The Skylarks, J.J. & The Hustlers, The Midway Charmers, Dusty Booze & the Baby Haters, Sonoramic Commando, Cletis & His City Cousins, AM Gold, The Kentucky Bridgeburners and surfing past midnight with The Mystery Men? The Little Vinyl Lounge gets rockin’ at 7 with Alick Gerard & The Dixie Limited, The Wheel Knockers and Atomic Boogie.

Dwight Andrews.

Of course, we’re not saying there aren’t some tough choices this weekend. The Atlanta Jazz Festival celebrates 35 years with three days of free live music by premiere classic and contemporary jazz artists in Piedmont Park. Today’s line-up includes Dwight Andrews, Cyrus Chestnut Trio, Kathleen Bertrand and Roy Ayers. Across town in Decatur Joe Gransden’s Big Band Show, with special guest Annie Sellick, swings into Eddie’s Attic. Jade Lemons and the Crimson Lust bring on the glam in The Basement. TimeGate and the Decatur Arts Festival swing into day two.

What if Ed Sullivan‘s idea of a “really big show” would’ve featured audience members crooning karaoke in between Topo Gigio and The Beatles? That’s the crazy premise behind The Return of VARI-OKEY, a different kind of free night of entertainment presented by those crazy, creative folks from WMLB The Voice of the Arts 1690 AM at The Goat Farm. The local all-star line-up includes legendary Atlanta poet/dancer Blondie, Cage who fronts Atlanta-based Neil Diamond tribute band Nine Inch Neils (read our Kool Kat profile on Cage here) and a special acoustic performance by The Jagged Stones. AC/DC tribute band Back N Black takes you on the Highway to Hell at The Masquerade.And as usual, DJ Romeo Cologne transforms the sensationally seedy Clermont Lounge into a ’70s disco/funk inferno late into the wee hours.

Tito Puente Jr.

Sunday, May 27

The Atlanta Jazz Festival continues with a second day of free live music by premiere classic and contemporary jazz artists in Piedmont Park. Today’s line-up includes the Mushy Widmaier Quintet, Gregoire Maret, Lionel Louek Trio, first half of this week’s Kool Kat double header groundbreaking Isreaeli jazz guitarist Nadav Remez and the amazing Tito Puente Jr. and his orchestra. It’s the final day for TimeGate and the Decatur Arts Festival. The Disc Jockey spins hits from the Seventies until today in a variety of genres during the Memorial Day Eve Spectacular at Noni’s starting at 9:30 p.m. Tony Bryant brings on the blues at Fat Matt’s, and Uncle Sugar blues it down at Northside Tavern. Vito plays dunch at 1 p.m. at The Earl. Tommy Dean Trio honkytonks into Big Tex in Decatur.

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

Monday, May 7

Joe Gransden and his smokin’ 16-piece orchestra swing the bimonthly Big Band Night at Cafe 290 the first and third Mondey of every month. This show’s special guests are Toni Byrd and the Rialto Youth Jazz Orchestra. From 3 p.m. on, savor tropical sounds and libations, as well as a Polynesian dinner, during Mai Tai Monday at Smith’s Olde Bar. Northside Tavern hosts its weekly Blues Jam. Head over to Fat Matt’s Rib Shack for BBQ and Pead Boy and Steven Tea.

Tuesday, May 8

The fine folks of Splatter Cinema present cult classic ZOMBIE HOLOCAUST (1980), aka DR BUTCHER M.D. in glorious 35mm of gore at the Plaza Theatre. Show starts at 9:30 p.m. but get there early to pose for your pic with an unbelievably realistic recreation of a scene from the movie. Another great opportunity to support Atlanta’s only locally-owned nonprofit independent cinema. Gregg Allman signs his memoir MY CROSS TO BEAR at Eagle Eye Books from 7-9 p.m. 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.

Wednesday, May 9

Retro-’60s revivalist band extraordinaire Andrew & the Disapyramids continues their May residency at the Star Bar with special guests Senator Artie Mondello and The Buggs. If you missed our Kool Kat interview with the Disapyramids’ Joshua Longino, catch up here. Bonnie Raitt rocks Cobb Energy Centre. Mose Davis Trio jazzes up The Sundial. Get ready to rumba, cha-cha and jitterbug at the weekly Swing Night at Graveyard Tavern. Frankie’s Blues Mission brings on the blues 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 May 10

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. Big Mike’s off in Seattle till June performing with El Vez in Teatro ZinZanni’s CALIENTE SHOW, so Atlanta Funk Society’s Jonathan Lloyd will be filling in on vocals. Remember Lloyd’s Rockstead Review, his killer reggae collaboration with Kingsized? The Breeze Kings and Chickenshack bring on the blues respectively at Northside Tavern and Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. Johnny Roquemore & Apostles of Bluegrass jam at Red Light Café’s weekly Bluegrass Thursday.

Friday, May 11

Enter a secret garden of whimsy and spectacle at 7 Stages‘ 9th annual Taste for Theatre and support one of Atlanta’s most innovative and edgy nonprofit performance companies, including the completion of DRACULA: THE ROCK OPERA. The event is at Cator Woolford Gardens in Druid Hills and costs $50, a bargain for local and international wine, delicious catering by Sun in my Belly and performances in a  burlesque carnival theme, a departure from the event’s garden party feel in the past. One of Atlanta’s premier burlesque troupes, Musée du Coeur, will serve as hosts and hostess for the evening, Steampunk favorites Imperial Opa feature uncommon people doing wondrous things, and there’ll be live music, games and, a silent and live auction featuring unique items. The HELL NAW Summer Surf Party brings the tide in in The Masquerade‘s Purgatory with The Mystery Men?, The Clap, Ghost Bikini and more.

District Attorneys

The District Attorneys, The Quaildogs and Tedo Stone play special full band acoustic sets to support the Songs for Kids Foundation in the Atlanta Room at Smith’s Olde Bar. Tonight The Quaildogs will be pulling double duty downstairs and then upstairs to perform a cover of Prince’s “I Would Die 4 U.”  Derryl Rivers Band with Mose Davis bring on blues, jazz and funk at Fernbank Museum of Natural History’s Martinis and IMAX. Tommy Dean Trio honkytonks it at Big Tex.

Saturday, May 12

For just 10 bucks, from 1-11 p.m., enjoy a great line-up of some of ATLRetro’s favorite honkytonk, soul, rockabilly and ragtime acts during Springfest at Twain’s in Decatur including The Mighty Bison, The Stumblers (read our Kool Kat interview with front man Keith Martin here), Caroline and the Ramblers, Abby Wren and What It Is, Heather Luttrell, Grinder Nova, Uncle Daddy and the Kissing Cousins, Villain Family, The Soulphonics, featuring last week’s Kool Kat Ruby Velle and Blair Crimmins & the Hookers. Atlanta’s coolest musical family Spooky Partridge rocks Shorty’s in Tucker. And just in time for Mother’s Day, Spooky Partridge’s Katy Graves, the hottest rock n roll mama in Retro Atlanta, is this week’s Kool Kat. It’s a Mother of an Atlanta Rollergirls Saturday at the Yaarab Shrine Center with the Atlanta Rumble Bs going up against The Mad Rollin’ Dolls’ Team Unicorn from Madison, Wisconsin at 5 p.m. and then Atlanta’s All-Star Dirty South Derby Girls battlin’ The Dairy Dolls at 7:30 p.m. The District Attorneys come back to Smith’s Olde Bar to cover David Bowie’s “Ziggy Stardust.” Read our Kool Kat interview with lead vocalist Drew Beskin here. Jimmy Hall of Wet Willie headlines Riverfest 2012 with Drippin’ Wet and special guest Diane Durrett. Also performing are The New David Decker Band, Jeff Robinson and the Barry Richman Band and more. Garrison Keillor’s Prairie Home Companion comes to the Fabulous Fox Theatre. And as usual, DJ Romeo Cologne transforms the sensationally seedy Clermont Lounge into a ’70s disco/funk inferno late into the wee hours. Cineprov mocks it doggie style with the Lassie classic, THE PAINTED HILLS (1951), at Relapse Theatre.

Sunday, May 13

Tony Bryant brings on 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.

Jake La Botz and Kylie Brown in the Alliance Theatre’s world premiere production of GHOST BROTHERS OF DARKLAND COUNTY. Photo by Greg Mooney.

Ongoing

The long-awaited Stephen King-John Mellencamp collaboration GHOST BROTHERS OF DARKLAND COUNTY plays at the Alliance Theatre. Through May 13. Catch our exclusive interview with Jake La Botz who raises hell as The Shape here and our Retro Review by Contributing Music Editor James Kelly here. 

AKA BLONDIE plays at the Plaza Theatre for a one-week run. An intimate view of the most famous exotic dancer in the Southeastern U.S., the new documentary provides a fresh, provocative look at the complex, morally ambiguous world of the 55-year -old Atlanta icon. Anita Rae Strange, also known as Blondie, recounts her childhood with an absent father, her brief stint as a prostitute, the loss of loved ones to AIDS and the infamous Clermont Lounge. Through May 10.

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

Monday April 30

From 3 p.m. on, savor tropical sounds and libations, as well as a Polynesian dinner, during Mai Tai Monday at Smith’s Olde Bar. Northside Tavern hosts its weekly Blues Jam. Head over to Fat Matt’s Rib Shack for dinner and a show, with local blues/jazz band Dry White Toast performing at 8 p.m.

Tuesday, May 1

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.

Wednesday, May 2

The Eagles take it to the limit one more time at Verizon Wireless Ampitheatre. Get ready to rumba, cha-cha and jitterbug at the weekly Swing Night at Graveyard Tavern. Frankie’s Blues Mission brings on the blues at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. Danny “Mudcat” Dudeck blues it down at Northside Tavern. Lefty Williams strums at Moe’s Original Bar-B-Que. Dance to ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s hits during Retro in the Metro Wednesdays at Pub 71 in Brookhaven.

Thursday May 3

Nick Lowe plays Variety Playhouse. 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. Big Mike’s off in Seattle till June performing with El Vez in Teatro ZinZanni’s CALIENTE SHOW, so Atlanta Funk Society’s Jonathan Lloyd will be filling in on vocals. Remember Lloyd’s Rockstead Review, his killer reggae collaboration with Kingsized? The Breeze Kings and Chickenshack bring on the blues respectively at Northside Tavern and Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. Culliton, Dean & Lloyd jam at Red Light Café’s weekly Bluegrass Thursday.

Friday, May 4

It’s a big night for charity with three big fundraisers featuring awesome Retro bands. Come support the Chattahoochee River Keepers for their 16th Annual River Revival blowout benefit , now with more music from Ben Sollee, Julia Haltigan, Burnt Bacon and Kool Kat of the Week Ruby Velle & the Soulphonics. The event also will honor River Rock Stars Ben Sollee, Johnny Colt and Gareth Asher. A $45 ticket at the Park Tavern also gets you food, wine and beer from SweetWater Brewery as they kick off their Sweep the Hooch Campaign!

Andrew & the Disapyramids, featuring Kool Kat Joshua Longino, play a gig at Smith’s Olde Bar which includes Lou Reed’s “Walk on the Wild Side,” song #405 in the 500 SONGS FOR KIDS 10-day live music marathon running from May 3-12. Part of the largest musician-involved charity event in Georgia. SONGS FOR KIDS FOUNDATION is a nonprofit foundation that brings musicians year-round to hospitals and special needs kids camps.

Blair Crimmins

Lords of the Neo-Ragtime Blair Crimmins & The Hookers headline A Wilde Night, the ScoutMob After-Party for the Bard’s Bash benefitting Georgia Shakespeare at the Goat Farm. Don your best modern-day-meets-Victorian attire for costumed revelry in the theme of Oscar Wilde, also featuring dance and performance by Dames AFlame, circus spectaculars from Imperial Opa, the Good Food Truck & other late-night mobile snacks (cash only) and more oddities and curiosities all around.

AKA BLONDIE opens at the Plaza Theatre for a one-week run. An intimate view of the most famous exotic dancer in the Southeastern U.S., the new documentary provides a fresh, provocative look at the complex, morally ambiguous world of the 55-year -old Atlanta icon. Anita Rae Strange, also known as Blondie, recounts her childhood with an absent father, her brief stint as a prostitute, the loss of loved ones to AIDS and the infamous Clermont Lounge.

Va-va-Princess-Leia-in-a-bikini! Mon Cherie presents: “May The 4th Be With You!” – a STAR WARS-themed Burlesque Show, featuring performances by Devin Liquor, Stormy Knight, New Orleans Jon, Scarlett Page, Hada Pixie, Katy Malmquist and Christine Hoffman, as well as a midnight costume contest. The Hot Rod Walt Trio rockabillies it up at Dixie Tavern in Marietta. Viceroy makes it a Swing Dance Night at Fernbank Museum of Natural History’s Martinis and IMAX. The Hollidays bring some soul to Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. Or garage rock it hard with Biters, The Head, Jade Lemons & the Crimson Lust and Gun Party at the Star Bar. Cineprov presents A Night of 1950s Sex Ed Shorts at Relapse Theatre.

Saturday, May 5

Reading is Retro so celebrate Free Comic Book Day at Criminal Records in Little 5 Points between 11 am and 6 pm and meet ATLRetro Editor/Publisher Anya99. I feel a little nervous about plugging myself, but yeah, it’s my first-ever comic book store signing and I’m pretty excited to have a short graphic collaboration with Spanish artist Mado Pena in the amazing WOMANTHOLOGY,  a groundbreaking anthology including work by 150 female comics creators which raised a record $109,000 on Kickstarter; proceeds go to charity! Of course, there are many more great reasons to drop by, including FREE COMIC BOOKS, bands Viet Huyn at 1 p.m. and Tribe One  at 1:30 p.m.;  ATLRetro good friends Atlanta Radio Theater Company  at 3 p.m.; and of course, some amazing Atlanta-based comics creators including fellow WOMANTHOLOGY creator Blue Delliquanti, 
Hunter Wook-Jin Clark, Marcus Carson, Jason Flowers, Joseph Wheeler III, Meg Golding, Cara Mcgee, Remington Veteto  and Ted Murphy.

Eat great barbecue, shop one of Atlanta’s most eclectic and cool artist markets and enjoy live music at the annual ART-B-QUE  in Avondale Estates. Bands playing today include Biters; El Caminos; Young Antiques; Heather Luttrell; Smokey’s Farmland Band; AM Gold; Wasted Potential; High Strung String Band; and Tone Star.

See some of Atlanta’s most talented burlesque performers rally in support of one of their own at Leg Up! for Fonda Lingue at Elliot Street Pub at 8 p.m. Devin Liquor hosts a line-up which includes the newly returned to Atlanta Torchy Taboo. Suggestion donation starts at just 5 bucks and there’s also a raffle and silent auction to help Fonda pay some bodacious health care bills for cancer treatment. If you don’t know Fonda, you can read all about her in our Kool Kat of the Week story here.

Cadillac Jones plays the funky music at Vinyl. And as usual, DJ Romeo Cologne transforms the sensationally seedy Clermont Lounge into a ’70s disco/funk inferno late into the wee hours.

Sunday, May 6

ART-B-QUE continues in Avondale Estates with Pelvis Breastlies; The Joy Kills; Joe McGuinness & Oliver Wood; The Dirty Knockouts; My Homework Ate My Dog; Jackwagon; Green Bracelet; and Donnie Piccou. Rise and dine with Joel Hamilton at 1 p.m. dunch at The Earl. Park Tavern gets rootsy with The Whiskey Gentry; Folk Soul Revival; and Royal Tinfoil.  Tony Bryant brings on the blues at Fat Matt’s, and Uncle Sugar blues it down at Northside Tavern.

Stephen King attending the Alliance Theatre's world premiere musical . Photo credit: Greg Mooney.

Ongoing

The long-awaited Stephen King-John Mellencamp collaboration GHOST BROTHERS OF DARKLAND COUNTY plays at the Alliance Theatre. Through May 13. Catch our Retro Review by Contributing Music Editor James Kelly here. 

GREASE remains the word as the Atlanta Lyric Theatre revives the 1950s-themed musical at the art deco Earl Smith Strand Theatre in Marietta. Through May 6.

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

Monday April 2

Joe Gransden and his swingin’ 16 piece jazz ensemble present Big Band Night on the first and third Monday of the month at Café 290. From 3 p.m. on, savor tropical sounds and libations, as well as a Polynesian dinner, during Mai Tai Monday at Smith’s Olde Bar. Northside Tavern hosts its weekly Blues Jam. Head over to Fat Matt’s Rib Shack for dinner and a show, with local blues/jazz band Dry White Toast performing at 8 p.m.

Tuesday, April 3

Grab your horn and head to Twain’s in Decatur for a Joe Gransden jazz jam session starting at 9 p.m. JT 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, April 4

The long-awaited Stephen King-John Mellencamp collaboration GHOST BROTHERS OF DARKLAND COUNTY premieres at the Alliance Theatre. Feel for Chaka Khan at Cobb Energy Centre. Get ready to rumba, cha-cha and jitterbug at the weekly Swing Night at Graveyard Tavern. The Hollidays bring some soul to Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. Danny “Mudcat” Dudeck blues it down at Northside Tavern. Lefty Williams strums at Moe’s Original Bar-B-Que. Dance to ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s hits during Retro in the Metro Wednesdays at Pub 71 in Brookhaven.

Thursday April 5

Nervous Curtains, featuring our Kool Kat of the Week Sean Kirkpatrick, delivers post-punk synth rock, inspired by the likes of Magazine and John Foxx-era Ultravox, to Drunken Unicorn, along with Aku You and Featureless Ghost. The Star Bar hosts a five-band punk/garage blow-out including The Husseins and Ghost Bikini.  The Martans deliver New Orleans funk, Memphis soul and Atlanta originals at Twain’s. 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. Big Mike’s off in Seattle till June performing with El Vez in Teatro ZinZanni’s CALIENTE SHOW, so Atlanta Funk Society’s Jonathan Lloyd will be filling in on vocals. Remember Lloyd’s Rockstead Review, his killer reggae collaboration with Kingsized? The Cazanovas play the blues at Darwin’s Blues and Burgers. The Breeze Kings and Chickenshack bring on the blues respectively at Northside Tavern and Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. Sourwood Honey with Skipperdees  jam at Red Light Café’s weekly Bluegrass Thursday.

Friday, April 6

Mon Cherie invites you to spend the night  at her Va-Va Voom  Pajamas & Pillow Fight Burlesque Show at The Shelter. Strut your PJs and lingerie, bring your pillow and your binky and see performances by Katarina Laveaux, Scarlett Page, New Orleans Jon, Hada Pixie, Katy Malmquist and more. Or try your luck in the Lullaby Raffle. In between sets, DJ 313 & Jennocide spin alternative faves.

All’s good in the world knowing Dash Rip Rock  are still playing around. Hear ’em at Smith’s Olde Bar tonight. After a passionate performance at AnachroCon in Feb., Frenchy & the Punk bring their Bohemian Rhapsodies to FroliCon tonight at Sheraton Gateway. If you missed our recent feature on this dynamic duo, read it here. Saxophonist Traci Wynn provides the jazz soundtrack for Fernbank Museum of Natural History’s Martinis and IMAX.

Saturday, April 7

Celebrate one of Atlanta’s favorite alt-culture hangouts The Highlander’s 20th Anniversary Party. We hear Super X-13 is going to play so you know it’s gonna rock you like kaija eigu, and Bigfoot and Red Rocket Deluxe are also on the menu. But to make it an even tougher call what to do on the eve of Easter, the Star Bar and Rev. Andy of Garage71.com is hosting Hot Rod Walt and the Psycho-DeVilles‘ release party for their new ROCKABILLY RODEO CD. Six bands will play including the Psycho-DeVilles, of course; Skinny Jim and the #9 Blacktops (Detroit); The Crestliners (Florida); Mog Rocket, Whiskey Belt and an Atomic Rockets reunion. Plus Hot Rod Walt will be giving away one of his hand-pinstriped guitars!

Ike Stubblefield plays the blues at Northside Tavern. Joe Gransden and Kenny Banks play jazz standards at the Loews Atlanta Hotel, starting at 7 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.

Easter Sunday, April 8

Rise and dine with Spanky & the Love Handles at 1 p.m. dunch at The Earl. Joe Gransden jazzes up the St. Regis Hotel from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Fatback Deluxe bring on the blues at Fat Matt’s, and Uncle Sugar blues it down at Northside Tavern.

Ongoing

MANDALA: SACRED CIRCLE IN TIBETAN BUDDHISM brings peace and harmony to the Michael C. Carlos Museum at Emory University. This amazing special exhibition explores Buddhism’s unique and beautiful perspective on sacred space and honor that through the tradition of mandalas. Be sure to read Lisa Stock’s Retro Review here. Through April 15

PICASSO TO WARHOL, a special art exhibition at the High Museum of Art, features over 100 works of art from 14 of the most influential artists of the 20th century. Through Apr. 29.

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

Monday March 19

Joe Gransden and his swingin’ 16 piece jazz ensemble present Big Band Night on the first and third Monday of the month at Café 290. From 3 p.m. on, savor tropical sounds and libations, as well as a Polynesian dinner, during Mai Tai Monday at Smith’s Olde Bar. Northside Tavern hosts its weekly Blues Jam. Head over to Fat Matt’s Rib Shack for dinner and a show, with local blues/jazz band Dry White Toast performing at 8 p.m.

Tuesday, March 20

Thomas Dolby  takes you back to the ’80s and into the future when his Time Capsule Tour lands at The Loft. During Darkland County Tuesdays at Eddie’s Attic, hear artists from the Stephen King/John Mellencamp production preview its music leading up to the premiere of GHOST BROTHERS OF DARKLAND COUNTY at the Alliance Theatre on April 4. 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. 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, March 21

For the movie lover in all of us, Emory University continues its Painting with Light: 13 Masterpieces of the Art of Cinematography (1928-2002) with a free screening of Scorsese/DeNiro classic RAGING BULL at 7:30 p.m. in White Hall 208.Get ready to rumba, cha-cha and jitterbug at the weekly Swing Night at Graveyard Tavern. Frankie’s Blues Mission jazzes up Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. Danny “Mudcat” Dudeck blues it down at Northside Tavern. Lefty Williams strums at Moe’s Original Bar-B-Que. Dance to ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s hits during Retro in the Metro Wednesdays at Pub 71 in Brookhaven.

Thursday March 22

Ghost Riders Car Club honkytonks it up at The Clermont Lounge. Want to know why this band of seasoned musicians is our top ATLRetro pick of the night, read our Kool Kat interview with Spike Fullerton here. The Revivalists bring their soulful New Orleans-style rock, along with Athens rock/blues/fusion band Betty Kingston & The Crowns, to the Five Star. Juliana Finch “sounds the way a good bourbon tastes,” so down a shot of her sultry Americana roots music at Twain’s with the Gentleman Scholars tonight. 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. Big Mike’s off in Seattle till June performing with El Vez in Teatro ZinZanni’s CALIENTE SHOW, so Atlanta Funk Society’s Jonathan Lloyd will be filling in on vocals. Remember Lloyd’s Rockstead Review, his killer reggae collaboration with Kingsized? The Cazanovas play the blues at Darwin’s Blues and Burgers. The Breeze Kings and Chickenshack bring on the blues respectively at Northside Tavern and Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. Cedar Hill, Andy Carlson with the Dappled Grays  jam at Red Light Café’s weekly Bluegrass Thursday.

Friday, March 23

The Atlanta Ballet opens a three-night run (through Sun. March 25) of THE MAN IN BLACK, an evening of three works including imaginative choreography over hits and hidden gems by rockabilly legend Johnny Cash at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. The English Beat skas it down at Variety Playhouse. The Breeze Kings provide the soundtrack for Swing Night at Fernbank Museum of Natural History’s Martinis and IMAX. Friday night is Tango Night in the romantic Tudor-style atmosphere of  Callanwolde with lessons by Tango Rio and open dance party.  Cineprov! makes jest of a young Johnny Depp in the 21 JUMP STREET pilot at Relapse Theatre. The Martans deliver New Orleans funk, Memphis soul and Atlanta originals at Northside Tavern. Rockaholics play Darwin’s Blues and Burgers.

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

Saturday, March 24

Author Sharon Foster Jones signs and talks about her new book about the history of our favorite local thoroughfare at 1 p.m. at Eagle Eye Book Shop in Decatur. Forget Peachtree Street, locals know that from seedy to sumptuous, it’s ATLANTA’S PONCE DE LEON AVENUE. Have Gun Will Travel, 13 Ghosts and Sodajerk rock the Star Bar. Hot Rod Walt and the Psycho-Devilles rockabilly it  up at Dixie Tavern. Mind Spiders, Barreracudas, The Golden Boys, Skin Jobs punk/garage it out at The Earl. And as usual, DJ Romeo Cologne transforms the sensationally seedy Clermont Lounge into a ’70s disco/funk inferno late into the wee hours.

Sunday, March 25

Rise and dine with Alick Gerard and the Dixie LTD at 1 p.m. dunch at The Earl. Grab your parasol and goggles for Steampunk in the Park, an annual potluck event at Piedmont Park. Come back to the beautiful historic setting of Gothic-Tudor mansion Callanwolde for two fun events today. First, at 2 p.m. the Callanwolde Concert Band presents Roman Carnival, pairing Berlioz’s “Roman Carnival Overture” with excerpts from the original Kirk Douglas SPARTACUS (1960), GIGI (1958) and COLE PORTER ON BROADWAY. Then at 6 p.m., return to the silent movie era with PANDORA’S BOX (1929), directed by GW Pabst and starring Louise Brooks, accompanied by live music on the mansion’s historic Aeolian Pipe Organ. Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA) celebrates its first anniversary in its new Midtown space with cake and entertainment by the Imperial OPA Circus from 1 to 4 p.m. Joe Gransden joins The Trio to jazz up The Family Dog. Snake Legs bring on the blues at Fat Matt’s, and Uncle Sugar blues it down at Northside Tavern.

Ongoing

7 Stages presents the world premiere of THE HIDDEN MAN, based on the true story of Robert Sherer and his mentor, Rev. Howard Finster. The unexpected and controversial story chronicles a young artist who arrives in 1980s Atlanta knowing three things for certain: he’s gay, he’s an atheist and he is destined to kill himself. Howard, a religious conservative preacher, created Paradise Garden in North Georgia, a folk art garden with messages from the Lord. These two unlikely artists become unlikely friends. Hidden Man Contains adult nudity. Through March 25. Read a behind-the-stage interview with 7 Stages Artistic Director Del Hamilton here.

MANDALA: SACRED CIRCLE IN TIBETAN BUDDHISM brings peace and harmony to the Michael C. Carlos Museum at Emory University. This amazing special exhibition explores Buddhism’s unique and beautiful perspective on sacred space and honor that through the tradition of mandalas. Be sure to read Lisa Stock’s Retro Review here. Through April 15

PICASSO TO WARHOL, a special art exhibition at the High Museum of Art, features over 100 works of art from 14 of the most influential artists of the 20th century. Through Apr. 29.

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