ATLRetro

Too old for trick-or-treating, but looking for some grown-up fun that digs up the Retro spirit of All Hallows Eve Past? Here are some last-minute spooky suggestions from Atlanta’s most horrifying haunts to its most phantasmagoric parties. Want to give all our attention to haunting holiday festivities, so for the rest of your week, check back tomorrow for a Tues.-Sun. edition of This Week in Retro Atlanta.

If you ain’t got that Jack… The barren bins at grocery stores may make you think you’re out of luck for finding a last-minuet pumpkin, but Glenn Memorial Methodist Church at 1660 N. Decatur Rd NE (30307) still has a field of them. They’re giving them away for free, but have a heart and toss ’em a donation anyway.

Creepy Celebrations… Usually Monday night is a slow night for live music, but being that it’s Halloween, many local clubs are serving up candy for the ears. Just remember, no costume, no candy! So don’t be boring – wear a costume! The Booze rocks The Star Bar’s 20th Anniversary Bash, along with Dead Rabbits, Andrew & the Disapyramids, Jade Lemons & the Crimson Lust and Ghost Bikini. The Earl serves up a killer line-up of garage/punk with Davilla 666; Jacuzzi Boys; Barreracudas; and Predator. Dan Deacon, at Eyedrum tonight, counts Devo and Talking Heads as influences. Dry White Toast play their eclectic mix of blues/funk/R&B/jazz at Fat Matts. Five Spot features Georgia Soul Council. The Masquerade‘s Hell sounds heavenly with M83 treating us to Brian Eno-influenced electronica. We suspect Northside Tavern‘s weekly Blues Jam might be more “spirited” this week.

Horrific Haunts… Of course, there’s no better way to start your eerie evening than with a journey through one of Atlanta’s premiere homegrown haunts. Tonight’s the last night to brave the Atlanta Zombie Apocalypse. Check out our Kool Kat story on Madeline Brumby here.  Experience elaborate and extensive Gothic vistas, creative creatures and even spooky steampunk sets at Netherworld. If you missed our preview with co-creator/co-owner Billy Messina, read it here. Finally for adults-only scares with a torture theme, there’s Chambers of Horrors behind The Masquerade. Gorehound Productions’ Luke Godfrey provides a sadistic sneak preview here. The latter two haunts are also open the first weekend of November.

By Jordan Barbeau
Contributing Blogger

Monday, October 24

From 3 PM 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. To break up the Monday monotony, head over to Fat Matt’s Rib Shack for dinner and a show, as local blues/jazz band Dry White Toast performs at 8 PM.

Tuesday, October 25

The Toasters, one of America’s most important ska bands in the ’80s, plays The Masquerade. Grab your horn and head to Twain’s in Decatur for a weekly Joe Gransden jazz jam session starting at 9 p.m. JT Speed is at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. Catch Tues. Retro in the Metro nights at Midtown’s Deadwood Saloon, featuring video mixes of ’80s, ’90s and 2Ks hits. Eddie’s Attic tonight features the talents of the soulful Ruby Velle Trio and the jazzed-up Vortex Park Trio.

Wednesday, October 26

It’s hard to believe Japanese band Shonen Knife are on their 30th anniversary tour when they play The Masquerade tonight .  The all-female punk/pop groups cites ’60s girl bands and The Ramones as influences, and counts Sonic Youth, Redd Kross and Sultans of Ping and among their fans. They may no longer be sporting their trademark blonde locks, but that doesn’t mean Hanson has lost their edge. In fact, they may have found it as they grew older. Catch them tonight at the Variety Playhouse alongside Charlie Mars. 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 presented by Godiva Vodka, at Pub 71 in Brookhaven.

Thursday, October 27

For a creepy cinematic way to get ready for Halloween weekend, head over to The Arts Exchange for EXPERIMENTS IN TERROR, a three-part short-film horrorfest co-presented by Contraband Cinema and the upcoming Buried Alive Film Festival (Nov. 10-12). Co-curated by previous ATLRetro Kool Kat Blake Myers, this horror marathon includes Phil Mucci’s award-winning silent gothic fable, THE LISTENING DEAD; English filmmaker Ashley Thorpe’s THE SCREAMING SKULL, a cell animation piece which Hammer fans will love; POSSESSED, in which Sam Green, documentary filmmaker of The Weather Underground, follows an undertaker searching for the tomb of Meredith Hunter, the teen murdered by the Hell’s Angels at the 1969 Rolling Stones Altamont Free Concert; legendary director Kenneth Anger‘s INVOCATION OF MY DEMON BROTHER (1969, 16mm) an abstract ceremony featuring the Rolling Stones smoking from a skull; and more. Admission is just $6.66 and includes free horror cocktails!

Attention, Deadites, also on the big screen tonight at GSU’s Cinefest is a rare 35mm print of  ARMY OF DARKNESS (1992), the third part of the EVIL DEAD trilogy where Ash goes all Medieval. It’s in a double feature with THE MONSTER SQUAD (1987), a comedy featuring the classic monsters directed by Fred Dekker (NIGHT OF THE CREEPS).

The Masquerade  showcases the rockabilly honkytonk hijinks of Reverend Horton Heat, along with  The Supersuckers and Dan Sartain. Tongo Hiti are back after a two week hiatus, with Retro-Polynesian luxurious live lounge sounds, as well as trippy takes on iconic pop songs, every Thurs. night at Trader Vic’s. The Breeze Kings and Frankie’s Blues Mission bring on the blues respectively at Northside Tavern and Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. BlueBilly Grit play Bluegrass Thursday at Red Light Cafe.

Friday, October 28

Fred Schneider of The B-52s does what he does best: partying it up, ’70s style, as the host of DISCOWEEN, a ’70s-themed Halloween party, full of music, dancing, food, drinks and everything else ’70s at the Retro-tastic Paris on Ponce! 100% of the proceeds of admission ($60 in advance, $75 at the door) go to Canine Companions for Independence, a nonprofit organization that helps provide the disabled with trained guide dogs. Purchase tickets from Dixie Dog.

Salem witches, frontier wilderness beasts, freak show oddities, alien invasions, Freddie Krueger. What better time than Halloween to contemplate the historical and cultural significance of horror and monsters in American culture from our colonial past to the present and what makes them quintessentially American. And who better to discuss that terrifying topic than South Carolina author Scott Poole (MONSTERS IN AMERICA: OUR HISTORICAL OBSESSION WITH THE HIDEOUS AND THE HAUNTING) and author and ATLRetro contributing blogger Philip Nutman (Wet Work, Fangoria) from 7-9 p.m. at Eagle Eye Books in Decatur. Both authors also will have books available for signing.

It may be a little ways away from the Atlanta area, but for a unique Halloween celebration, head out to Ranger, GA for the 1^st Annual Hillbilly Halloween! Continuing from Friday night to Sunday morning, this country spookfest features tons of dancing and live bands, including The Bareknuckle Betties (featuring Kool Kat Julea Thomerson). If you’re really in the mood to dance, Tango-Rio will teach the Argentinean Tango in costume tonight from 8-9:15 p.m. or just come at 9:15 p.m. for a Costume Tango Night dance party in 1920s mansion Callanwolde Fine Arts Center.

The 529 hosts the East Atlanta Black Mass, an “evil musical theatrical experience” with vocals by Molly Harvey (The Residents) and Tom Cheshire, music by Jeffrey Bützer and the LaVey-Tones, puppet performances by Ninja Puppet Theatre, plus 4th Ward Afro – Klezmer Orchestra and burlesque by Musee du Coeur. For Southern rock/country, head to the Buckhead Theatre to check out The Jayhawks and Tift Merritt. Former Black Crowes guitar player Rich Robinson  rocks Smith’s Olde Bar. Fernbank Museum of Natural History’s Martinis and IMAX‘s annual Fright Night has a ’70s/ ’80’s prom theme this year, but with a screening of Stephen King’s CARRIE (1979) among the tricks and treats, you’ll have to decide whether you really dare be crowned Prom King or Queen in the night’s contest. The music though is sure to bring back memories as BACK TO THE FUTURE-inspired Flux Capacitor provide 1.21 gigawatts of high voltage ‘80s rock & pop classics from A-Ha to ZZ Top.

Saturday, October 29

If cars and bikes are your thing, then the Hell on Wheels Beer Fest is for you! With hot cars, cold beer and good music, including Kool Kat Hot Rod Walt and the Psycho-Devilles, there’s no excuse not to show up! Everyone can appreciate a great cover band with Retro favorites, and Noni’s serves up several at their HALLOWEEEEEEEN event, including Andrew and the Disapyramids featuring Kool Kat Joshua Longino.

If you read this week’s Retro Review, you already know that the Blue Tower Gallery’s annual Halloween party coincides with the opening of a unique art exhibition of Jemimi Fowlkes’ never-before-seen collection of more than 200 portraits of horror actor/icon Sir Christopher Lee. Costumes are radically encouraged for the event, featuring DJs So Fly and AntXX, which also is a fundraiser for Change to Humanity, a non-profit organization benefiting Atlanta’s youth.  The night of freak-o-fied fright, friends, and fun includes a vampire costume contest; body-painting; live bands Spaceseed, Headless Mary, The Cold Ones; food; spirits of the alcoholic variety; and all-night scary movies hosted by ATLRetro contributing blogger Dean Treadway in the Panorama Ray Theater.

Ghost, witches and creatures of fright, don’t miss one Hell of a night as DJ Evil Jet spins a ghoulishly good time at the 24th Annual Euclid Avenue Yacht Club Halloween Bash, which promises specials, contests and fun gore…ahem…galore! Not witches, but bewitching Kool Kat Amber Taylor sets a glam-ourous spell as her band The Sexual Side Effects takes the stage at Halloween Complex Chaos, a huge Halloween party with multiple stages on the combined patios of QUAD and Spring4th Center . DJs and VJs of many genres spin music and videos, watch a Zombie Fashion Show, burlesque, eat soul food, enjoy live music also by frequent neo-glam collaborators The Unsatisfied from Chattanooga and Starbolt 9  from New York, and much more.

 

More into the SOMETHING WICKED THIS WAY COMES? For an old-time carnie-style Halloween, head down to Underground Atlanta for the free Elevate Carnival, which boasts more than 20 acts with over 100 performers including fire breathers, stilt walkers, dancers, acrobats, aerialists, magicians, hula hoop by Hoop Essence, Thimblerig Circus(well-known on the steampunk circuit) and more! Family-friendly events run from 5-7 p.m., following by Daring and Dangerous Performances 7-9:30 p.m. and an adults-only burlesque (including the lovely Syrens of the South) and sideshow from 9:30-11.

As Halloween is mere days away, it’s customary to see tons of horror movies. Continuing their numerous horror showings, Cinefest screens Stephen King’s horror classic, CARRIE(1974). Travel to transsexual Transylvania and wear your sexiest costume to THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW, famous for being so bad it’s good and only made better by Atlanta’s own Lips Down on Dixie, who present an encore Halloween performance tonight at midnight the Plaza Theatre. The High Museum of Art continues its MODERN MASTERS OF FILM series with Martin Scorsese’s ITALIANAMERICAN (1974).

For some spooky 80s fun, Fadó Irish Pub hosts its Thriller Monster Bash: A Retro 80s Halloween Party. Partnering with the ATL Pink Foundation to educate about breast cancer, festivities include a costume contest, cocktails and all the ’80s music you can handle! Soulphonics and Ruby Velle  pull out all the stops for a soulful night at the Star Bar. The blues stylings of Mudcat light up the Northside Tavern. Twain’s features the New Orleans sounds of Dirty Bourbon River Show and the Americana style of Megan Jean & the KFB. And as usual, DJ Romeo Cologne transforms the sensationally seedy Clermont Lounge into a ’70s disco/funk inferno late into the wee hours.

Sunday, October 30

Stephen Stills of Crosby, Stills & Nash  headlines a show that also features Josh Hisle at the Variety Playhouse. Blues chanteuse extraordinaire Francine Reed shakes up Eddie’s Attic. Los Meesfits serve up blues “dunch” between 1-4 PM at The Earl. Fatback Deluxe brings on the blues at Fat Matt’s.

Ongoing

Dad’s Garage‘s  ZONKERS – An Eighties Tit Comedy has been extended through Oct. 29. Yup, the zany guys and gals at Dad’s celebrate a beautiful and largely forgotten movie genre – films about girls with big boobs that are out of the league of the nerdy boys that crave them. At a summer camp! Plus zero gravity scenes set in outer space and a Boob Bot. Main Stage.

Explore one of America’s most iconic theaters in AIN’T NOTHING LIKE THE REAL THING: HOW THE APOLLO THEATER SHAPED AMERICAN ENTERTAINMENT, a new special exhibition opening today at the Atlanta History Center and running through March 4, 2012. Presented by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, in collaboration with the Apollo Theater Foundation, the display includes historic and contemporary costumes, playbills, music scores, graphic images and recorded music.

LIFE AND DEATH IN THE PYRAMID AGE: THE EMORY OLD KINGDOM MUMMY features the first public viewing in 50 years of the oldest Egyptian mummy in the Western Hemisphere, acquired from excavations at Abydos by Emory Theology Professor William A. Shelton in 1920. Watch for a Really Retro piece on this fascinating exhibit at Emory’s Michael C. Carlos Museum soon. Through Dec. 11, 2011.

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

By Jordan Barbeau
Contributing Blogger

Monday, October 17

From 3 PM 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. To break up the Monday monotony, head over to Fat Matt’s Rib Shack for dinner and a show, as local blues/jazz band Dry White Toast performs at 8 PM. For a classy, laid-back evening, head over to Café 290 around 8:30 PM for their Big Band Night, featuring the jazz talents of Joe Gransden and his 16-piece band.

Tuesday, October 18

Grab your horn and head to Twain’s in Decatur for a Joe Gransden jazz jam session starting at 9 p.m. JT Speed is at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. Catch Tues. Retro in the Metro nights at Midtown’s Deadwood Saloon, featuring video mixes of ’80s, ’90s and 2Ks hits.

Wednesday, October 19

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 presented by Godiva Vodka, at Pub 71 in Brookhaven. For a down-home good time, Retrobilly/country bands The Serenaders and Waller are both playing at Park Tavern.

Thursday, October 20

The Breeze Kings and Frankie’s Blues Mission bring on the blues respectively at Northside Tavern and Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. BlueBilly Grit play Bluegrass Thursday at Red Light Cafe. Smith’s Olde Bar showcases the talents of New Orleans-based funk/brass band The New Orleans Suspects and sweeter-than-honey honky-tonk band The Honeycutters . Southern belle Sonia Leigh  shows off her powerful voice and moving lyrics at the Variety Playhouse.

Friday, October 21

Who says charity events have to be boring? The Morningside-Lenox Park Association holds their fourth annual Monumental Ball at MagnoliaPark. It’s $60 a head for admission, but the Ball benefits the restoration of the Morningside-Lenox area. Guests will enjoy food, drinks, dancing and live music courtesy of Kingsized. Big Mike‘s inspired by Elvis, and with their Vegas-y rock/swing/ lounge feel, your hips will be moving just like the King’s.

Part of an 80s triple threat, Denim Arcade performs in 37 Main’s “3 Bands 1 Night,” along with Reason Y and Asphalt Eyes. If you missed our Kool Kat interview with Denim Arcade leading lady Becky Cormier Finch (also of Three Quarter Ale), read it here. Eighties big hair may be scary, but as Halloween approaches, no October weekend would be complete without some real horror movies. Splatter Cinema presents Lucio Fulci‘s brain-munching classic ZOMBIE(1979) in full remastered and uncensored 35mm gory glory at 9:30 p.m. at the Plaza Theatre, and homegrown neo-exploitation movie DEAR GOD NO! starts a not-for-the-squeamish week run at the Plaza, too. Read our exclusive interview with director James Bickert here. Meanwhile The Mansion Hotel on Peachtree unleashes Alfred Hitchcock’s infamous THE BIRDS (1963) in its English garden; pre-screening reception starts at 7:30 p.m.

Salsambo provides the music and gives lessons in the fiery Latin dance style during Salsa Night at the Fernbank Museum of Natural History’s Martinis and IMAX, where drinks and food compliment several showings on Atlanta’s largest IMAX movie screen. Stoney Brooks performs at Northside Tavern. Head over to The Basement for some southern-style head-bangin’ as The Six Shot Revival and Floored (take the stage.

Saturday, October 22

The Little 5 Points Halloween Festival takes Atlanta by spooktacular storm! From Noon until 11 PM, Little 5 Points is transformed from boho business and arts district to one of the best and most creative Halloween treats in the southeast! Food, drink, live music and a huge parade combine to offer tons of frights and fun. A little bat tells us that ATLRetro may even be joining that phantasmagoric parade (Care to march with us dressed up as your favorite 20th century decade? Drop a line to atlretro@gmail.com). The day’s band line-up includes some ATLRetro favorites such as hell-raisin’ honky-tonk honeys The BareKnuckle Betties and the glam-tastic, groovy ghoulie The Sexual Side Effects. Catch up on our Kool Kats on Julea Thomerson (The BareKnuckle Betties) here and Amber Taylor (The Sexual Side Effects) here. And we can’t think of a more fitting end to the night than the one and only Jayne County and the Electick Queers conjuring up the spirit of legendary Max’s Kansas City behind the Star Bar at 10 p.m. Jayne’s our Kool Kat this week, too.

The Rialto Center for the Arts at Georgia State University holds the opening night of A Night in Treme: The Musical Majesty of New Orleans, based on the HBO Spike Lee film TREME. Kermit Ruffins and the Soul Rebels Brass Band and other top ‘Nawlins musicians chronicle the history of the Big Easy’s music and traditions.

If you grew up in the ’80s, consider the Red Brick Brewing Company your time machine for the night: TAP is throwing an ’80s themed party there! Food from TAP, beer from the Red Brick Brewing Company and live music by ’80s band Girls, Girls, Girls assure that festivities will stretch on into the night! Tease your hair big and bring on your best ’80s outfit, as costumes will be judged for three best awards. For more ’80s music and fun, head over to the Dunwoody Music Festival in Brook Run Park. Headlining are special guest appearances by Liberty DeVitto (Billy Joel’s drummer), Jim Peterik (the writer of Survivor’s hit “Eye of the Tiger“), Jeff Carlisi (one of the founding members of .38 Special), and many more!

For a more artsy affair, the High Museum of Art continues their month-long film event, Modern Masters of Film: From Edison to Scorsese, with a rare showing of the 1916 silent Western HELL’S HINGES. An extra treat is an introduction and silent-film accompaniment by distinguished composer and scholar Dr. Philip Carli.

Hot Rod Walt and the Psycho-Devilles are back at the Dixie Tavern, for what always is a rockabilly great time and maybe set a guitar on fire. Read our Kool Kat on Hot Rod Walt here. Tommy Womack, former lead singer of ’80s post-punk band Government Cheese, takes the stage at Eddie’s Attic. If you’re in the mood for blues, Fat Matt’s showcases the high energy style of blues act Big C & The Ringers, while Breeze Kings rock the blues 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, October 23

The Serenaders serve up “modern retrobilly” at blues “dunch” between 1-4 PM at The Earl. Fatback Deluxe brings on the blues at Fat Matt’s. Eddie’s Attic houses the musical talents of the Jan Smith Student Showcase, a group of student performers led by their teacher, Jan Smith. Smith’s Olde Bar gets you ready for the week ahead with a musical triple threat in the form of Homefront, The Deacon Brandon Reeves and Summer More than Others.

Ongoing

Dad’s Garage‘s  ZONKERS – An Eighties Tit Comedy has been extended through Oct. 29.Yup the zany guys and gals at Dad’s celebrate a beautiful and largely forgotten movie genre – films about girls with big boobs that are out of the league of the nerdy boys that crave them. At a summer camp! Plus zero gravity scenes set in outer space and a Boob Bot. Main Stage.

Explore one of America’s most iconic theaters in AIN’T NOTHING LIKE THE REAL THING: HOW THE APOLLO THEATER SHAPED AMERICAN ENTERTAINMENT, a new special exhibition opening today at the Atlanta History Center and running through March 4, 2012. Presented by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, in collaboration with the Apollo Theater Foundation, the display includes historic and contemporary costumes, playbills, music scores, graphic images and recorded music.

LIFE AND DEATH IN THE PYRAMID AGE: THE EMORY OLD KINGDOM MUMMY features the first public viewing in 50 years of the oldest Egyptian mummy in the Western Hemisphere, acquired from excavations at Abydos by Emory Theology Professor William A. Shelton in 1920. Watch for a Really Retro piece on this fascinating exhibit at Emory’s Michael C. Carlos Museum soon. Through Dec. 11, 2011.

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

Monday Oct. 10

We’re usually skeptical of ’80s cover bands, but we’re mighty tempted to hear about the chance to enjoy a free 90-minute concert of favorite ’80s hits as Denim Arcade auditions at 37 Main in Buford at 9:20 p.m. To find out why, read our Kool Kat interview from last June 8 with lead singer Becky Cormier Finch (also of Three Quarter Ale) here. From 3 PM 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.

Tuesday Oct. 11

Bruce Campbell battles demon hordes in cult classic EVIL DEAD 2 (1987), the best of Sam Raimi‘s EVIL DEAD series, in Splatter Cinema‘s Halloween-month offering at Plaza Theatre (Trailer here). Read our Retro Review by Philip Nutman here.  Grab your horn and head to Twain’s in Decatur for a Joe Gransden jazz jam session starting at 9 PM. JT Speed is at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. Catch Tues. Retro in the Metro nights at Midtown’s Deadwood Saloon, featuring video mixes of ’80s, ’90s and 2Ks hits.

Wednesday Oct. 12

Cyndi Lauper and Dr. John take you back to the true colors of the ’80s at Cobb Energy Centre. It’s a honky tonk/rockabilly Wednesday at Star Bar with The Serenaders, The Stumblers and Mississippi’s Horse Opera. If you missed our Kool Kat feature on Keith Martin of The Stumblers, catch it here. 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 MetroWednesdays presented by Godiva Vodka, at Pub 71 in Brookhaven.

Thursday October 13

NATURE’S BELOVED SON: REDISCOVERING JOHN MUIR’S BOTANICAL LEGACY, a new exhibition at the Atlanta History Center, starts today and runs through Decd. 4. The display traces the life and accomplishments of America’s most famous and influential naturalist – the father of the National Park system and cofounder of the Sierra Club. The Breeze Kings and Frankie’s Blues Mission bring on the blues respectively at Northside Tavern and Fat Matt’s Rib Shack.Lauren St. James & the Dead Westerns play Bluegrass Thursday at Red Light Cafe.

Friday Oct. 14

We can’t tell you if ’80s synth-pop idols Duran Duran will leave you with “Careless Memories” at their concert tonight at Chastain Park Amphitheatre, but we can only hope Simon Le Bon and Co. will be go really retro and romance you with our favorite songs off their first album. Innovative post-punk musician Bob Mould (Husker Du, Sugar) never goes out of style. He plays an acoustic gig tonight at Eddie’s Attic in support of his new autobiography, SEE A LITTLE LIGHT: THE TRAIL OF RAGE AND MELODY  and his latest ANTI-Records release, LIFE AND TIMES. The Electromatics swing into Fernbank Museum of Natural History’s Martinis and IMAX. The Casanovas play Fat Matt’s, and Heather Luttrell brings her eclectic blues/Americana sound to Northside Tavern. Meanwhile CineProv! pokes fun at big-budget over-the-top BURLESQUE (2010) at Relapse Theatre. Yes, it’s retro if it’s about burlesque and stars Cher!

Or if you’re more in a shopping mood,  the Factory Frocks Vintage Clothing Show opens tonight from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and features vintage fall fashions for mena and women from the ’30s to the ’80s at the Antique Factory  vintage showroom in Chamblee. The show promises all sizes and prices, as well as accessories from jewelry to handbags, and continues Sat. 11-5 p.m. and Sunday 1-5 p.m.

Saturday Oct. 15

Magnapop, in their original line-up, is on the top of the marquee for tonight’s all-star fundraiser for to save Criminal Records. But ATLRetro is always excited when now Chicago-based Kelly Hogan, former lead singer of The Jody Grind and cocktail chanteuse extraordinaire, returns to her Atlanta roots. If she sings at least one duet with Big Mike Geier, we’ll frankly be in heaven. Patterson Hood of Drive-By Truckers also is slated to play with fellow DBT members Brad Morgan and Jay Gonzalez, and we hear there may be more additions.

The Silver Scream Spookshow‘s screening of a rare 35mm print of THE HAUNTED PALACE (1963), is an early Halloween treat today at The Plaza Theatre. A pinch of Poe, a lot of Lovecraft, and stir Vincent Price and Lon Chaney Jr. into the cauldron of this AIP cult classic, and you’ve got a witches brew sure to inspire Professor Morte and his ghoulie gang to new heights of horrific humor. If you’re not familiar with this fun and frightening flick,check out Philip Nutman’s Retro Review here. HAUNTED PALACE isn’t the only horror classic onscreen locally today. GSU’s Cinefest presents a rare 35mm print of Lucio Fulci‘s HOUSE BY THE CEMETERY(1981), about a deranged killer who lives in a basement and harvests body parts, at 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Want a more serious dose of cinema? The High Museum of Art‘s “Modern Masters of Film: From Edison to Scorsese” series features 11 archival 35mm prints from the collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA), New York, and launches today with THE STORY OF TEMPLE DRAKE (1933) at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Directed by Steven Roberts and based on William Faulkner‘s controversial 1931 novel about a society girl violated by a gangster, this risque Paramount Pictures adaptation triggered church boycotts and stricter enforcement of the Motion Picture Production Code.

Mon Cherie Presents Cirque Debau’Cherie – The Sexiest Show on Earth at The Chamber at Masquerade – a revival of Atlanta’s most notorious ’90s nightclub. The exotic evening blends a traditional circus/carnie show with a fetish aesthetic, including drag skits, belly dancers (featuring Stormy Knight), trapeze artists, a tricycle clown piercing pull, a jugglin’ stilt walker, hula-hoop dance by HoopEssence, and the Wild Kitty Kats Show (Trainer none other than the Chameleon Queen). Tarot reading, a freak side show, big top raffle and much, much more hosted by the marvelous Miss Mason. Doors are at 9 p.m. but expect the thrills and titillation to last to the wee hours of the next morning.

EL DIA DE LOS PERROS takes Mexico’s DAY OF THE DEAD and gives it literally to the dogs to raise money for three dog rescue charities. Organized by Ink for Paws, a nonprofit group founded by Rockabilly Luau organizers Chris Mattox and Jessica Vega, the free public festival features Mexican-themed games, food, craft vendors, a costume contest (for both humans and dogs), kids craft and activity area, and a mariachi band from noon to 5 p.m. at 559 Flat Shoals Ave. (30316) in East Atlanta.

The 4th annual Jazzoo serves up cocktails and jazz at Zoo Atlanta, as well as a chance to sample 30 Atlanta restaurants and rock to ’70s/’80s cover band Yacht Rock. Apparently creative attire is encouraged for the $100 ticket event, but ATLRetro thinks Willie B would never have shown up in flip-flops. Now a zoot suit and spats or a vivacious vintage cocktail dress will make you really stand out in Atlanta. VIP tickets at $150 each also get you a chance to hear the Kayla Taylor Jazz Trio play a VIP pre-reception and enjoy a private VIP area with bar, cupcakes and complimentary massages. All proceeds benefit Zoo Atlanta.

Veteran blues man Ike Stubblefield tickles the 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 Oct. 16

Something zombie this way comes, or rather it’s the official day for Zombie Walk Atlanta, commencing at WonderRoot at 3 p.m. and creeping along the usual route which includes Oakland Cemetery and then heads downtown. Zombies are encouraged to do their own make-up and costuming and to behave responsibly (no splattering of blood on the Victorian headstones please or munching on mundanes who don’t have a sense of humor). Get there at noon if you do want help with your make-up and be a cool ghoul and donate a little to support the cost of this event which organizer Gorehound Productions‘ Luke Godfrey (Splatter Cinema, Chambers of Horror) funds out of his own pockets, which ain’t deep. The walk usually takes about two hours and there’s an after-party at Diesel Filling Station to catch the first episode of the second season of THE WALKING DEAD.  Os Ossos serves up Brazilian jazz at blues “dunch” between 1-4 PM at The Earl. Fatback Deluxe brings on the blues at Fat Matt’s.

Ongoing

It’s the last week to see Dad’s Garage‘s  ZONKERS – An Eighties Tit Comedy.Yup the zany guys and gals at Dad’s celebrate a beautiful and largely forgotten movie genre – films about girls with big boobs that are out of the league of the nerdy boys that crave them. At a summer camp! Plus zero gravity scenes set in outer space and a Boob Bot. Through October 14 on the Main Stage.

 

Explore one of America’s most iconic theaters in AIN’T NOTHING LIKE THE REAL THING: HOW THE APOLLO THEATER SHAPED AMERICAN ENTERTAINMENT, a new special exhibition opening today at the Atlanta History Center and running through March 4, 2012. Presented by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, in collaboration with the Apollo Theater Foundation, the display includes historic and contemporary costumes, playbills, music scores, graphic images and recorded music.

 

LIFE AND DEATH IN THE PYRAMID AGE: THE EMORY OLD KINGDOM MUMMY features the first public viewing in 50 years of the oldest Egyptian mummy in the Western Hemisphere, acquired from excavations at Abydos by Emory Theology Professor William A. Shelton in 1920. Watch for a Really Retro piece on this fascinating exhibit at Emory’s Michael C. Carlos Museum soon. Through Dec. 11, 2011.
If you know of a cool happening coming up soon, send suggestions to ATLRetro@gmail.com.

Monday Oct. 3

ATLRetro is heading to Netherworld tonight to see if we’ll be frightened by any classic monsters in Atlanta’s biggest, oldest haunted attraction, open every night in October and also Nov. 4 and 5. Watch for our phantasmagorical preview soon of it and all of Atlanta’s top Halloween haunts. If it’s too early in October for you to get into the spooky spirit, swing to bimonthly Big Band Night with Joe Gransden, special guest belle of the blues Francine Reed and a 16-piece orchestra at Cafe 290. From 3 PM 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.

Tuesday Oct. 4

Art Opening & A Movie Presents NIGHT OF THE COMET (1984), sponsored by Atlanta Zombie Apocalypse at Plaza Theatre (Trailer here). What can be said about the greatest “California-Valley-Girls-With-Machineguns-Go-Shopping-After-The-END OF THE WORLD” movie of all time? Find out in our Retro Review by Philip Nutman here. New Orleans funk rock in a zoot suit band Johnny Sketch & The Dirty Notes plays with Delta Rae at Smith’s Olde Bar. Grab your horn and head to Twain’s in Decatur for a Joe Gransden jazz jam session starting at 9 PM. JT Speed is at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. Notorious DJ Romeo Cologne spins ‘70s funk and disco at 10 High in Virginia-Highland. Catch Tues. Retro in the Metro nights at Midtown’s Deadwood Saloon, featuring video mixes of ’80s, ’90s and 2Ks hits.

Wednesday Oct. 5

The Atlanta Burlesque and Cabaret Club meets tonight a 8 p.m. at Manuel’s Tavern. Steampunk favorites Extraordinary Contraptions turn The Five Spot Really Retro. The Aquanauts surf on down to Smith’s Olde Bar, and El Fossil rides a wave to the Star Bar with Retro-inspired rock/country band Sodajerk and Walk From the Gallows. 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 presented by Godiva Vodka, at Pub 71 in Brookhaven.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thursday October 6

If you’ve been keeping up with this week’s Kool Kat, you already know that Plaza Manager/Chief Projectionist Ben Ruder is smuggling in some CONTRABAND CINEMA onto the big screen tonight at Atlanta’s longest-running indie art-deco theatre. The reel action officially starts at 8 p.m., but we hear there’ll be some fun surprises, including a bonus film at 7:45, for those who arrive early. Go Retro-Polynesian to Tongo Hiti’s luxurious live lounge sounds, as well as trippy takes on iconic pop songs, every Thurs. night at Trader Vic’s. Party ‘70s style with DJ Romeo Cologne at Aurum Lounge. Breeze Kings & Chickenshack bring on the blues respectively at Northside Tavern and Fat Matt’s Rib Shack.

Friday Oct. 7

In the blink of an eye or a twitch of the nose, Mon Cherie Presents: Va-Va Voom ~ The Boobie Tube Burlesque Show. Not your ordinary Bump & Grind, this time Atlanta’s grande dame of Retrotainment takes you back to the Golden Age of TVLand, provocatively posing the question: “Do you Dream Of Jeanie or are you Bewitched?” Doors open at 9 pm with 2 shows at 10:30 p.m. and 12:30 a.m. at The Shelter, and cover as usual is a bargain $5. Ponderosa, Ocha La Rocha, Anna Kramer and Damon Moon & the Whispering Drifters make for a rockin’ redneck/retrobilly night at Star Bar. The Accidents and The Bums rock it ’70s New York garage style at Rocket 88 in Decatur. The Breeze Kings bring the blues to Fernbank Museum of Natural History’s Martinis and IMAX. John Sosebee plays Fat Matt’s, and  The Martans, featuring legendary Atlanta pianist Matt Wauchope, stir up an awesome blend of New Orleans, Memphis funk and blues at Northside Tavern.

It’s another just another NIGHT OF THE COMET at Plaza Theatre (Trailer here) with an encore screening of the 1984 cult classic at 9:30 p.m. We can only say it again: What can be said about the greatest “California-Valley-Girls-With-Machineguns-Go-Shopping-After-The-END OF THE WORLD” movie of all time? And again direct you to the Retro Review by Philip Nutman here. Meanwhile CineProv! pokes fun at FOOTLOOSE and holds out for a hero at Relapse Theatre.

Saturday Oct. 8

The Sugar Dolls serve up their 2nd Annual Day of the Cupcake party, an entire day of scrumptious activities, starting from noon to 7 p.m. at Sacred Heart Tattoo in Little Five Points and then continuing late into the night at Java Lords ($5 cover; proceeds to Atlanta Bully Rescue). You’ll lick your lips for cupcake-inspired games, a Sugar Skull decorating room so you’ll be all set for the Day of the Dead, tasty tattoos, live bands (including Six Shot Revival, The Sneaky Hand and The Claymores), karaoke, burlesque, pin-up hair-styling with Cherry Dame, a pin-up contest and, of course, cupcakes! And don’t forget ATLRetro is proud to be a sponsor so stop by, say hi and support our humble efforts by buying one of our first batch of official ATLRetro T-shirts with our rockin’ new logo by Derek Art.

Explore one of America’s most iconic theaters in AIN’T NOTHING LIKE THE REAL THING: HOW THE APOLLO THEATER SHAPED AMERICAN ENTERTAINMENT, a new special exhibition opening today at the Atlanta History Center and running through March 4, 2012. Presented by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, in collaboration with the Apollo Theater Foundation, the display includes historic and contemporary costumes, playbills, music scores, graphic images and recorded music.

GSU’s Cinefest presents a rare 35mm print of one of Dario Argento‘s best early forays into the dark side, DEEP RED at 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. The Plaza Theatre screens BEYOND THE MYTH (2011), the world premiere of a new documentary about pitbulls, at 7:30 p.m.

Lexington, Kentucky garage/cow punk band Nine Pound Hammer returns to Star Bar, with special guests Cat Jacket (featuring Leroy & Freebass from Syrup) and Pelvis Breastlies. Acclaimed Nashville bluegrass band The SteelDrivers play Eddie’s Attic. Col. Bruce Hampton & The Pharoh Gummit team up with Colorado folk Elephant Revival at Smith’s Olde Bar. 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. 9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Al Shelton serves up the music at blues “dunch” between 1-4 PM at The Earl. Fat Back Deluxe brings on the blues at Fat Matt’s.

Ongoing

ALL BLUES, Robert Earl Price‘s compelling meditation on the moral complexities of journalist Ray Sprigle‘s 30 days impersonating a black man in the south in 1948, has its world premiere at 7 Stages. Through Oct. 9.

Feeling more cinematic?  Dad’s Garage serves up ZONKERS – An Eighties Tit Comedy.Yup the zany guys and gals at Dad’s celebrate a beautiful and largely forgotten movie genre – films about girls with big boobs that are out of the league of the nerdy boys that crave them. At a summer camp! Plus zero gravity scenes set in outer space and a Boob Bot. Through October 14 on the Main Stage.Ongoing

Ding-Dong the Wicked Witch is the Hero?! That’s the premise of the Broadway hit musical WICKED, an upside-down retelling of the 1939 movie version of THE WIZARD OF OZ. And we can’t think of a more magical place for the Broadway Across Americatouring production to stage it than 1929 movie palace the Fabulous Fox Theatre. If you’re on a budget, come to the box office 2 1/2 hours before showtime and submit your name for daily drawings of limited last-minute $25 orchestra seat tickets. Read our exclusive interview with former Atlanta actor Mark Jacoby, who plays the Wizard, here.Tues.-Sun. performances run thru Oct. 9.

LIFE AND DEATH IN THE PYRAMID AGE: THE EMORY OLD KINGDOM MUMMY features the first public viewing in 50 years of the oldest Egyptian mummy in the Western Hemisphere, acquired from excavations at Abydos by Emory Theology Professor William A. Shelton in 1920. Watch for a Really Retro piece on this fascinating exhibit at Emory’s Michael C. Carlos Museum soon. Through Dec. 11, 2011.

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

Monday Sept. 19

Adrian Belew Power Trio plays Variety Playhouse.  It’s a roots-rock/retrobilly Monday at The Earl with The Serenaders and Australia’s Wagons. Swing to bimonthly Big Band Night with Joe Gransden and a 16-piece orchestra at Cafe 290. From 3 PM 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.

Tuesday Sept. 20

The original line-up of ’80s synth pop band Modern English want to melt with you at Smith’s Olde Bar. Grab your horn and head to Twain’s in Decatur for a Joe Gransden jazz jam session starting at 9 PM. Fedora Blues is at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. Notorious DJ Romeo Cologne spins ‘70s funk and disco at 10 High in Virginia-Highland. Catch Tues. Retro in the Metro nights at Midtown’s Deadwood Saloon, featuring video mixes of ’80s, ’90s and 2Ks hits.

Wednesday Sept. 21

Get ready to rumba, cha-cha and jitterbug at the weekly Swing Night at Graveyard Tavern. The Hollidays bringing 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 presented by Godiva Vodka, at Pub 71 in Brookhaven.

Whiskey Belt.

Thursday  Sept. 22

Dale Watson says there’s nothing Retro on his latest album CARRYIN’ ON, but the maverick country traditionalist has been playing around since the early ’80s and is playing Smith’s Olde Bar tonight with Mickey & the Motorcars. Go Retro-Polynesian to Tongo Hiti’s luxurious live lounge sounds, as well as trippy takes on iconic pop songs, every Thurs. night at Trader Vic’s. Honky tonk it with Whiskey Beltwho continue their all-September Thursday night free gigs at Kathmandu Kitchen(formerly Pho Truc) in Clarkston. Party ‘70s style with DJ Romeo Cologne at Aurum Lounge. Breeze Kings & Chickenshack bring on the blues respectively at Northside Tavern and Fat Matt’s Rib Shack.

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Monday August 22

The innovative black-and-white films of Jim Jarmusch were one of the inspirations for TAKEN IN, South Carolina filmmaker Chris White‘s indie feature about an estranged father and daughter set at the kitschy Pedro’s South of the Border resort, which screens tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the Plaza Theatre. White and other crew members will be on hand for a Q&A. Read his own musings about the many Retro influences on this movie in his guest blog post here.

 

 

Artists and photographers, get a sneak peek and craft your images at the unusual set of the stage production of bestselling author Neil Gaiman‘s SNOW, GLASS, APPLES on a special Dr. Sketchy’s Anti-Art School field trip to the East Atlanta Village Farmers Market tonight. The show starts Wed. but you can read a preview here from director/playwright Lisa Stock, who is also co-hostess of Dr. Sketchy’s Atlanta. From 3 PM 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.

Tuesday August 23

Grab your horn and head to Twain’s in Decatur for a Joe Gransden jazz jam session starting at 9 PM. Crosstown All Stars play Southern rock and blues at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. Notorious DJ Romeo Cologne spins ‘70s funk and disco at 10 High in Virginia-Highland. Catch Tues. Retro in the Metro nights at Midtown’s Deadwood Saloon, featuring video mixes of ’80s, ’90s and 2Ks hits.

Wednesday  August 24

Carrie Anne Hunt as the Snow White Princess in Lisa Stock's play of Neil Gaiman's SNOW, GLASS, APPLES, which opens Aug. 24.

 

SNOW, GLASS, APPLES, an immersive stage production based on bestselling author Neil Gaiman‘s dark vampiric retelling of SNOW WHITE, starts tonight at the East Atlanta Village Farmers Market. Read our Really Retro interview with playwright/ director Lisa Stock here. Get ready to rumba, cha-cha and jitterbug at the weekly Swing Night at Graveyard Tavern. Frankie’s Blues Missionbring the blues to Fat Matt’s Rib Shackand Danny “Mudcat” Dudeck blues it down at Northside Tavern respectively. Dance to ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s hits during Retro in the Metro Wednesdays presented by Godiva Vodka, at Pub 71 in Brookhaven.

Thursday  August 25

Experience a silent classic as if you saw it back in the 1920s at Atlanta’s own movie palace, the Fabulous Fox tonight. Organist Clark Wilson plays the soundtrack of THE MARK OF ZORRO (1920), starring vintage heart-throb Douglas Fairbanks, on the Mighty Mo. The film rolls at 7:30 p.m., but be sure to come a half-hour early for sing-a-long and cartoon, or at 5:30 p.m. for a wine tasting. For a completely different kind of classic cinema experience, catch what our contributing blogger Dean Treadway calls “The greatest car chase movie in history,” the original GONE IN 60 SECONDS (1974) in a rare 35 mm print screening at GSU’s Cinefest. Read Dean’s full Retro Review here. Go Retro-Polynesian to Tongo Hiti’s luxurious live lounge sounds, as well as trippy takes on iconic pop songs, every Thurs. night at TraderVic’s. Party ‘70s style with DJ Romeo Cologne at Aurum Lounge. Breeze Kings & Chickenshack bring on the blues respectively at Northside Tavern and Fat Matt’s Rib Shack.

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