Creative Loafing Atlanta

13/02/2025

Thursday, February 27

CRITIC'S PICK

Close Enemies, Smith’s Olde Bar – Old friends with a new name: guitarists Peter Stroud and Trace Foster, bassist Tom Hamilton, drummer Tony Brock, and vocalist Chasen Hampton take their years of musical experience and put it together for a new take on rock that rolls. Don't miss their debut, you'll be talking about it for years to come! – Tony Paris

Unlike the name, Close Enemies, suggests, these five guys are close friends, each with an illustrious musical career. Tom Hamilton, multiple Grammy winner, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member, and Bassist of the biggest-selling American rock band of all time, Aerosmith, is joined by legendary drummer....

13/02/2025

Thursday, February 27

CRITIC'S PICK

DQE, Catfight!, and more, Star Community Bar — DQE (formerly known as Dairy Queen Empire before the lawyers got involved, have started playing out once again after years of hibernation, Lead by singer/guitarist Anna Trodglen and propelled by her husband Dugan Todglen, DQE’s music is just as fresh as when Grace Braun first started making music. — Tony Paris

Catfight, The Bohannons

13/02/2025

Wednesday, February, 26
Two shows: 7 p.m. & 9:30 p.m.

CRITIC'S PICK
Kevn Kinney with Lenny Kaye and Peter Buck — After two recent sold-out shows at Eddie’s Attic, guitarists Kevn Kinney (Drivin N Cryin) and Peter Buck (R.E.M. — as if you didn’t know) return to the Attic joined by a third guitarist, the inimitable Lenny Kaye (Link Cromwell, Patti Smith Group). Kinney and Kaye have been friends about as long as Kinney and Buck; together the three should put on quite a show, highlighting each other’s musical strengths while displaying more than a bit of mutual admiration for each other. If the Kinney/Buck shows were not to be missed, this show is not to be missed even more. — Tony Paris

Kevn Kinney live at Eddie’s Attic for two shows: 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Kevn Kinney is most widely known as founder and frontman of Atlanta-based rock band Drivin- N-Cryin. A highly-acclaimed singer, songwriter, musician, performer, visual artist and poet, he has recently been inducted into both the...

13/02/2025

Saturday, February 22

The Producers and the Glenn Phillips Band headline the 11th Anniversary Alzheimers Music Fest, Smith’s Olde Bar. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

CRITIC’S PICK
The Producers and the Glenn Phillips Band headline the 11th Anniversary Alzheimers Music Fest, Smith’s Olde Bar — Featuring a night of music in both the Mike Reeves Music Room and in the Atlanta Room, a number of regional acts band together to raise awareness and money for a good cause. The Producers are still playing the power pop that busted through new wave, while Atlanta guitarist Glenn Phillips displays the guitar virtuosity that has been his calling card for over five decades. With Gurufish and Donna Hopkins also on the bill, along with many others, you’ll want to get there early and enjoy the whole night — Tony Paris

Event Description With proceeds going to Stand Up For Seniors. ATLANTA ROOM LINEUP: 6:00pm- Thomas Claxton 6:35pm- Kagefree Karmadillos 7:00pm- The Judys 8:00pm- Ralph Roddenberry, Donna Hopkins, Lefty Williams, Mikhail Peterson, & Brad Poole 9:45pm- Josh Jeffords MUSIC ROOM LINEUP: 6:30pm- Gurufish...

13/02/2025

🎟️ GIVEAWAY 🎟️ Meshell Ndegéocello is a groundbreaking singer, bassist, and songwriter whose genre-defying sound blends elements of jazz, funk, neo-soul, and hip-hop. A ten-time Grammy nominee, she has been a trailblazer in the music industry since the early 90s, known for her deep, poetic lyricism and masterful musicianship.

Her concerts are immersive experiences, weaving together politically charged messages, raw emotion, and hypnotic grooves that captivate audiences. Whether performing solo or with a full band, Ndegéocello’s live shows highlight her fearless creativity and ability to push musical boundaries, leaving listeners inspired and transformed.

Here’s how to enter to win a pair of tickets:
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Secure your tickets early: axs.com/events/774337/me-shell-ndegeocello-tickets

13/02/2025

Tue., Feb. 25 – Sun., Mar. 2
CRITIC’S PICK: Mamma Mia! Fox Theatre - A mere 70 million punters around the world have already seen this buoyant piece of work on stage and screen. The show has had 50 productions in 16 languages, grossing more than $4.5 billion at the box office. ​ It is, of course, the tale of a mother, daughter and three likely fathers cavorting on a Greek island to the tune of various Abba songs. Music and lyrics are by band members Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, and the musical is written by Catherine Johnson, directed by Phyllida Lloyd and choreographed by Anthony Van Laast. ‘Mamma Mia’ is the third longest-running show in the history of London’s West End and the ninth on Broadway; it will be staged in Atlanta for a one-week limited engagement. - Kevin C. Madigan

A mother. A daughter. 3 possible dads. And a trip down the aisle you’ll never forget! Set on a Greek island paradise where the sun always shines, a tale of love, friendship, and identity is beautifully told through the timeless hits of ABBA. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to disco...

13/02/2025

Fri., Feb. 21 - Sun., Jul. 13
CRITIC’S PICK: Photography’s New Vision: Experiments in Seeing, High Museum - Photographers from the 1920s and ‘30s such as Ilse Bing, Alexander Rodchenko, Imogen Cunningham and László Moholy-Nagy are featured in this expansive exhibition, alongside contemporary ones like Jerry Uelsmann, Hiroshi Sugimoto and Abelardo Morell. Moholy-Nagy - a Hungarian artist who also worked with sculpture, film, painting, printmaking and industrial design - had coined the term ‘New Vision’ (Neues Sehen) while a teacher at the Bauhaus art school in Germany for his theory that the camera can see the world in a way the human eye cannot.

“Not only does the early 20th century and its art movements continue to be influential, but that time also echoes our current moment - one that feels similarly consequential and innovative with the development of new emerging technologies and methods of communicating,” says Maria L. Kelly, the High’s assistant curator of photography. “The movements and happenings of a century ago are akin to those of today and those shown in the exhibition. There remains a desire for alternative ways to see and approach the world through art, and particularly through photography.” - Kevin C. Madigan

Named by the influential German artist and teacher László Moholy-Nagy, the “New Vision” comprised an expansive variety of photographic exploration that took place in Europe, America, and beyond in the 1920s and 1930s. The movement was characterized by its departure from traditional photographi...

13/02/2025

Through Sun., Feb. 23
CRITIC’S PICK: Marie Antoinette, Actor’s Express - Atlanta actor Alexandra Fi**en plays the infamous French queen in David Adjmi’s pasquinade, produced by Actor’s Express in collaboration with Oglethorpe University and Director Donya K. Washington. “Donya is one of those directors who can handle literally anything you hand her,” says AE Artistic Director Freddie Ashley. “She directed AE’s 2019 production of ‘An Octoroon,’ which is also a play that features wild theatricality and big swings in tone. She navigated the theatrical variety of that play with such aplomb.”

Marie Antoinette premiered at the Yale Repertory Theatre in 2012 followed by productions at the American Repertory Theatre, Steppenwolf Theatre, Woolly Mammoth Theatre and the Soho Repertory Theatre. Time Out New York praised the piece, calling it a “Tough-minded play doesn’t offer a middle path,” adding, “Adjmi complicates the satire by imbuing his doomed protagonist with intellectual vibrancy and genuine compassion.” - Kevin C. Madigan

Queen Marie Antoinette is a product of unadulterated extravagance and indulgence. However, things turn sour when the royal family’s popularity plummets and salacious rumors about Marie clang through the streets of France to the thrum of revolution; the clinking of crystal glasses devolves into the...

10/02/2025

CRITIC’S PICK
Wed., Feb. 26

Hot 8 Brass Band, The Masquerade—This ever evolving New Orleans brass band is always changing personnel but they carry on the spirit of their hometown on this, the “Big Tuba Tour.” It’s named for their new album, out in a few days, which incorporates hip-hop, funk, soul, jazz, blues and even rock in a brass band structure. They are known for their remarkable covers, and the new album’s version of Bill Withers’ “Ain’t No Sunshine,” revamped for the full brass experience, is a perfect indication of their extraordinary playing and arranging talents. — Hal Horowitz

Creative Loafing is a U.S. city monthly paper and web site serving the Atlanta metropolitan area covering local news, politics, arts, entertainment, food, music and events

10/02/2025

CRITIC’S PICK
Tues. Feb. 25

Sons of Cream, Center Stage—Despite the band’s name, they’re not all offspring of the original Cream trio. Kofi Baker (son of Ginger) and Malcolm Bruce (son on Jack) fit the bill, but the all-important guitarist position is filled by Rob Johnson, the grandnephew of Baker, not anyone related to Clapton. Regardless, you’ll get what you expect; some decent covers of Cream songs, an extended drum solo from Kofi, and the sense that this might be the closest you’ll ever get to the real thing. It’ll also be fun to meet and interact with other Cream diehards. If that sounds like you, this is a must. — Hal Horowitz

Presented by Rival Entertainment

10/02/2025

CRITIC’S PICK
Sun. Feb. 23.

Fantastic Negrito, Stardust Sonata, The Masquerade—Whenever people complain there is nothing new in blues, a personality like Fantastic Negrito appears to prove them wrong. Starting in 2014, Negrito who had been playing soulful R&B to little acclaim, took on a new progressive blues image and almost immediately made an impression by incorporating psychedelia and experimental aspects into the music. A few Grammy awards later, he continues to push the envelope beyond its breaking point with last year’s Son of a Broken Man. It’s yet another indescribable highlight in a catalog where no two albums sound the same. His live show is as riveting as his studio work, making this a must-see experience. — Hal Horowitz

3x GRAMMY® Award-winner Fantastic Negrito releases his highly anticipated new album, Son of a Broken Man, on October 18 2024 via his own Storefront Records. The new album sees Fantastic Negrito encapsulating his inimitable style, from hard-hitting guitar riffs to expressive ballads, with the unexpe...

10/02/2025

CRITIC’S PICK
Sun. Feb. 23.

Robert Cray, Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center—Veteran soul/bluesman Cray’s extensive and impressive career speaks for itself. Since 1980s debut, he has never stopped delivering solid albums filled with a combination of sturdy originals, cool covers, stinging guitar solos and emotional vocals. Those who complain that his productivity seems repetitious haven’t listened closely to how well the songs are crafted. Like his recorded output, his shows are somewhat predictable, but he never phones it in and at this point, he knows how to supply the crowd-pleasing goods. — Hal Horowitz

Blues icon. Soul man. Rock and roller. Georgia-born Robert Cray is all these things – and more. Across the past half-century, Robert Cray has developed into one of American music’s most singular artists: a keeper of the flame for roots music, an artist who never fails to deliver. He has shared s...

10/02/2025

CRITIC’S PICK
Sat., Feb. 22

The Constellations, Love Letter, ANTHMZ, The EARL—The Elijah Jones-fronted Constellations was initially Atlanta based when they formed in 2008. He moved to Nashville but decided to reignite the group around the same pop/punk/Americana where they first found a modicum of success. The result, last year’s Problematic for the People, shows that Jones was right to follow his impulses. The album’s 11 tracks range from Velvets-styled rockers like “Kentucky Queen” to more introspective ballads such as “The Kiss. ” Melodies rule and these guys play with heart and edgy emotion. Hopefully this version of the group has a longer tenure. They’re getting off to an impressive start.— Hal Horowitz

The Constellations,Love Letter,The Normas

10/02/2025

CRITIC’S PICK
Sat., Feb. 22

Shadowgrass, Terminal West—As their name implies, Shadowgrass combines acoustic bluegrass with a slightly duskier approach. They are all musical prodigies, forming the band nearly a decade ago, before even hitting their teens. A second album, All That Will, has just been released showing their sound has matured to a slightly edgier rural approach with terrific songs and of course stellar playing. There is still plenty of speedy plinking and plunking, but songs such as “Highway of Regret,” “Uncertain Times” and “Nothing Matters” indicate a shift to darker lyrical themes. — Hal Horowitz

When their instrumental prowess earned them a vast following on social media, childhood friends turned all-star act Shadowgrass found sudden success. But as a young band, the expectations that went along with a large audience proved daunting. “We felt a lot of pressure to make something uniquely u...

10/02/2025

CRITIC’S PICK
Sat. Feb. 22.

Robyn Hitchcock, Eddie Owen Presents at the Red Clay Theater—It’s not often that an acknowledged alternative music icon plays this venue. But with the legendary Robyn Hitchcock that’s the case. From his earliest days fronting The Soft Boys to his decades of solo work leading various punk/folk/pop/psychedelic bands, Hitchcock has steadfastly stayed off the commercial highway and taken his own offbeat, some might say eccentric, side roads. So it came as a surprise when his most recent album finds him covering classic songs from 1967, albeit infusing them with some typically subversive twists. With hundreds of originals to choose from though, it’ll be fun to hear what he plays on this rare date. Regardless, it’s sure to be an experience and, now in his early 70s, it’s unclear how many more tours he has left in him. — Hal Horowitz

With a career now spanning six decades, Robyn Hitchcock remains a truly one-of-a-kind artist: surrealist rock ’n’ roller, acoustic troubadour, poet, painter, and writer . From The Soft Boys’ art-rock and The Egyptians’ Dadaist pop to solo masterpieces like 1984’s milestone I Often Dream of...

09/02/2025

Unleash your inner animal this Valentine's Day at Fernbank Museum! 🦁❤️

Those 21+ can join us for Fernbank After Dark x WildWoods: AGLOW: I'm Wild About You from 7 – 11 p.m. on Feb. 14 and experience the museum after hours, including the newly opened Ultimate Dinosaurs and the captivating lights of WildWoods: AGLOW!

Enjoy three floors of exhibits, cocktails and tapas for an additional purchase, themed activities and more. 🥂Don't wait! Get tickets here: https://bit.ly/fbaftdark

06/02/2025

Tue., Feb. 11 – Sun., Mar. 9
CRITIC’S PICK: Jaja’s African Hair Braiding, Southwest Arts Center - This month, Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre Company is presenting the regional premiere of ‘Jaja’s African Hair Braiding’ by Ghanaian-American playwright Jocelyn Bioh, with direction by Ibi Owolabi. The New York Times calls the play “hot and hilarious.” Set in a Harlem hair salon on a scorching summer day, love will blossom, dreams will flourish and secrets will be revealed, the synopsis says. “Anyone who’s ever been in a hair salon will recognize the comedy and drama,” artistic director Jamil Jude told WABE, “but this play also highlights Black immigrant stories that don’t always get told.”

True Colors recently announced a partnership with the
City of South Fulton’s Department of Cultural Affairs to serve as theater company in residence at the Southwest Arts Center during the 2025 season. True Colors’ Managing Director Chandra Stephens-Albright said at the time, “We are looking forward to engaging in a number of new projects at the center that will offer city and area residents opportunities to enjoy and be inspired by the arts.” - Kevin C. Madigan

Jaja’s African Hair Braiding invites you to step into a vibrant hair salon in Harlem, where a lively community of West African immigrant hair braiders weaves together humor and heart in a celebration of artistry and resilience. Amidst the laughter and playful shop talk, a diverse group of women sh...

06/02/2025

Opening Sat., Feb. 8,
CRITIC’S PICK: Ultimate Dinosaurs, Fernbank Museum - Do you want to get a close-up look at an Eoraptor, a Malawisaurus, a Suchomimus or a Rapetosaurus? Now’s your chance. This enthralling exhibit features a plethora of skeletons, casts and fossils of dinosaurs transformed by augmented-reality technology into mobile life-like creatures. The star of the show is a fully articulated Giganotosaurus skeleton, said to be one of the largest land predators to ever live.

There are, of course, hands-on activities that explore physical characteristics of dinosaurs like crests and frills and stride patterns, according to the museum, and a large-scale reactive wall that interacts with visitors as they stroll by. The whole show brings to light significant evolutionary discoveries of dinosaurs from the Southern Hemisphere over the last couple of decades. - Kevin C. Madigan

Explore the bizarre and fascinating dinosaur species that evolved in isolation in South America, Africa and Madagascar. Unfamiliar to most North Americans, these dinosaur displays seek to answer the question: why are the unique and bizarre southern dinosaurs so different from their North American co...