Best Bets: 05.10.13 – 05.23.13

Best Bets

Friday, May 10

A third of a million people are expected to attend the Sweet Auburn Spring Fest this weekend, www.sweetauburn.com

Lesbian social networking group Fourth Tuesday hosts its monthly Happy Hour. 6 – 9 p.m. at Mixx Atlanta, http://groups.yahoo.com/group/
fourthtuesdayatlanta/

“Inhabited” is a gallery exhibition featuring Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) professor Carl Linstrum, SCAD professor Larry Jens Anderson and newcomer Ashley L. Schick, 7 – 10 p.m., Kai Lin Art, www.kailinart.com

Local writer Terra Elan McVoy will be on hand to discuss her new book “Criminal” at 7 p.m. at Little Shop of Stories, www.littleblogofstories.com

Rabbi Joshua Lesser leads the Prayers for Equality: Our Aspirations and Actualizations Shabbat Dinner, celebrating the congregation receiving an official copy of the landmark 2003 Massachusetts court decision allowing same-sex marriage. 7:30 p.m. at Congregation Bet Haverim, www.congregationbethaverim.org

The Smashing Pumpkins take the stage at 8 p.m. at Chastain Park, www.livenation.com

Traxx Banjee Girls Fridays heat up starting at 8 p.m. at My Sister’s Room, www.mysistersroom.com

Presented by Eyedrum, a foursome of musicians – Tatsuya Nakatani, Michel Doneda, Victor Pons and Bradley Bailey – perform at 8 p.m. at First Existentialist Congregation, www.firstexistentialist.org

Leather reigns as the Panther L/L group celebrates its 25th anniversary with a full slate of activities beginning tonight from 10 p.m. – 1 a.m. at the Atlanta Eagle, www.pantherll.org

Win a copy of Barbra Streisand’s “The Guilt Trip” at Blake’s tonight as part of the “Charlie’s Angels Show.” 10 p.m. at Blake’s, www.blakesontheparkatlanta.com

DJ Martin Fry spins at the Heretic; dance floor opens at 10 p.m. www.hereticatlanta.com

Saturday, May 11

Gay Atlanta artist Philip Bonneau has rescheduled his 101 Dalmatians Photo Shoot, using real models, for today from 11 a.m – 1 p.m. at Piedmont Park, 1320 Monroe Drive, Atlanta, GA 30306.

Carioca Productions presents DJ Giangi Cappai at Jungle. Doors open at 10 p.m., www.cariocaproductions.com

A whole day of free music is on tap at Crescendo: Old Fourth Ward Music Unfest, 12:30 p.m. – 3 a.m., www.O4WBA.com

The Spring Break Parking Lot Party 2013 is a benefit by the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence for Positive Impact’s MISTER, with DJ Joey, from 1 – 8 p.m. at Joe’s on Juniper, www.joesonjuniper.com

A who’s who of Atlanta innovators in the culinary, performance and visual arts fields compete in “Wonderglo: The Race,” sponsored by WonderRoot and gloATL, with a three course meal and DJ Vicki Powell, 7 – 11 p.m. at the W Midtown Atlanta, www.wonderglo.org

Popped Art, an art show featuring new work by Patrick Hanson, is a benefit for Joining Hearts, 7 – 11 p.m. at Cherrylion Studios, www.CherryLion.com

The Dekalb Choral Guild celebrates its 35th anniversary with the annual Gala at Glenridge Hall Sandy Springs, featuring live and silent auctions, a jazz pianist, beer and wine tastings and more. www.dekalbchoralguild.org

Crowns are up for grabs at the Georgia All American Goddess Competition Pageant at 8 p.m. at Le Buzz, www.thenewlebuzz.com

As part of the Atlanta Ballet’s “Love Stories” performance, the company is sponsoring NiteOUT at the Ballet, with special discounts for tonight’s evening performance. The program features the White Swan pas de deux from choreographer Matthew Bourne’s revolutionary “Swan Lake,” dubbed the “gay Swan Lake” for its all-male performance. 8 p.m. at the Atlanta Ballet, www.atlantaballet.com

The “Now That’s What I Call Drag” competition begins at 9 p.m. at My Sister’s Room, www.mysistersroom.com

Sunday, May 12 – May 17

At press time, Gov. Nathan Deal’s office was still unwilling to issue a proclamation calling it anything other than “Mistreatment Awareness Day” (see story, Page 13), but Atlanta actually has several days of events planned for the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia. For more details, visit www.atlantahomophobiaday.blogspot.com

• May 12: Church Service at 10:30 a.m. at the Church without Walls in Candler Park, with a potluck picnic
• May 14: “Alternative Perspectives” radio show at WRFG 89.3FM, from 7 – 8 p.m.
• May 16: LGBT Archive presentation of previous proclamations from the Atlanta City Council to the LGBT Historical Archives from 6 – 9 p.m. at the Village Church; includes the Georgia LGBT Ally Awards
• May 17: IDAHO gathering at First Christian Church of Decatur from 5 – 10 p.m., 601 West Ponce de Leon, includes speakers, entertainers and candlelight vigil.

The Atlanta Eagle hosts it annual Clipper Party, with massages and boot services as well, all for charity, 10 – 11 p.m., www.atlantaeagle.com

Sunday, May 12

You’ll still be out for Saturday night, but it will technically be Sunday morning at Singapore’s Big Kid spins at 3 a.m. at private club Xion.
www.cariocaproductions.com

The inimitable Armorettes spice up Sunday night, 6 – 8 p.m. at Burkhart’s, www.burkharts.com

Country superstar Tim McGraw appears at 7 p.m. at Aaron’s Ampitheathre at Lakewood, www.lakewoodampitheatre.org

Regina Simms hosts the New Faces Talent Contest at 9 p.m. at Friends on Ponce, www.friendsonponce-atl.com

DJ Rick and DJ Maestro spin at 7 p.m. on Sundays at Mixx, www.mixxatlanta.com

Monday, May 13

Angelica D’Paige hosts Blue Monday Karaoke at 11:30 p.m. at Burkhart’s, www.burkharts.com

Tuesday, May 14

In advance of its 10th anniversary celebration, Meak Productions offers a mixer and press conference on its future plans, 5 – 9 p.m. at 200 Office, www.meakproductions.com

Tuesdays, Thursdays and early Saturdays are Three Legged Cowboy country nights at the Heretic, www.hereticatlanta.com

Wednesday, May 15

Perrine’s Wine Shop hosts a benefit for Georgia Benefits Counsel, an organization that protects LGBT couples with legal documentation. $25 will let you try six different wines. 6 p.m., Perrine’s Wine Shop, www.perrineswine.com

The Breeders perform at 8 p.m. at the Variety Playhouse, www.variety-playhouse.com

Sheri Joseph reads from and signs copies of her book “Where You Can Find Me” at 7:30 p.m. at Charis Books & More, www.charisbooksandmore.com

Phoenix and Nicole Paige Brooks host Dragamaniacs, an open mic drag talent show, at 10 p.m. at Jungle, www.jungleatl.com

Thursday, May 16

AEN Gives Back, a program of the gay Atlanta Executive Network, presents a Non-Profit Showcase at 6:30 p.m. at the Philip Rush Center, www.aen.or

Local author Tiffanie LaSawn joins the Cliterari Open No Mic Third Thursday event at 7:30 p.m. at Charis Books & More, www.charisbooksandmore.com.

Get those Levis clean for the Wanted: Atl’s Sexiest Jeans Contest as part of Three-Legged Cowboy night at 10:30 p.m. at the Heretic, www.hereticatlanta.com

The locally made lesbian film “Studzmen” has its premiere followed by an after party, 7:30 p.m. – 12 a.m., Midtown Art Cinema, www.facebook.com/StudZmen

Friday, May 17

Lost-n-found Youth hosts a Capital Campaign Party to share plans for the future, with free cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. 5 – 7 p.m. at Jungle Atlanta,
www.jungleatl.com

The Decatur Women’s League continues its spring softball season, with games at various times on Friday nights at Kelley C. Cofer Park, www.decaturwomensports.com.

The Atlanta Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce – AGLCC – hosts is Fourth Friday (Third Friday this month) networking gathering from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the Barrelhouse, www.Atlantagaychamber.org

“The Campaign for Atlanta: An Essay on Queer Migration,” a performative essay by “idea collective” John Q, will be held from 7 – 8 p.m. at the Atlanta Cyclorama, www.atlantacyclorama.org

The Southern Bears meet for coffee and dinner at 7 p.m. at the Atlantic Station California Pizza Kitchen, www.southernbears.org

The acclaimed documentary “The Last Mountain” screens as part of the Third Friday Film Series at 7 p.m. at First Existentialist Congregation,  www.firstexistentialist.org

DJ Sean Mac spins at the Heretic; dance floor opens at 10 p.m. www.hereticatlanta.com

Edie Cheezburger presents The Other Show on Fridays. Doors open at 8:30 p.m., show at 9:30 p.m. at Jungle, www.jungleclubatlanta.com

Shavonna B. Brooks hosts Extravaganza at 11 p.m. Saturday nights at Burkhart’s, www.burkharts.com

Saturday, May 18

Dodgeball: A Tournament for a Cause benefits For the Kids in All of Us. 12 – 4 p.m. at the Decatur Rec Center, www.forthekid.org

The Atlanta Rollergirls host a home double bout beginning at 5 p.m. at the Yaarab Shrine Center, www.atlantarollergirls.com

Passion Pit, Ellie Goulding, Grouplove, Yeasayer, the Electric Sons and more are part of the entertainment of this year’s Party in the Park, 2 p.m. at Centennial Olympic Park, www.partyintheparkatlanta.com

Backstage at Mixx presents female illusionist Randy Roberts, known for dead-on impersonations of Cher, Bette Middler and more. 7 p.m. at Mixx, www.mixxatlanta.com

Out vocalist Guyton Maurice is joined by pianist David Reeb for a night of music at 7 p.m. at Café Vena in Vinings, 3300 Cobb Parkway, Suite 104, Atlanta, GA 30339

SAGE Atlanta, a group for LGBT elders, hosts at Lesbian 50+ potluck and social from 6-8 p.m. at the Rush Center, www.sageatl.org

Join comedian Anjelah Johnson, known for creating MAD TV’s Bon Qui Qui and her viral video “Nail Salon,” for a night of stand-up at 8 p.m. at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center, www.cobbenergycentre.org

DJ Eddie Diaz dips down from New York to spin for from 10 p.m. – 3 a.m. at the Heretic, www.hereticatlanta.com

Bedlam presents its lastest theme party, GenderBlenderSpender, where guests are encouraged to dress like the opposite gender. DJ Shane V spins. 10:30 p.m. at Jungle Atlanta, www.jungleatl.com

Sunday, May 19

The gay Hotlanta Softball League turns out to play every Sunday with games at various times. www.hotlantasoftball.org

AARP/Medicare options are the topics of SAGE Atlanta’s Sage Sunday Seminar, 1:30 – 3 p.m. at the Rush Center, www.sageatl.org

The Pet Cotillion event, a benefit for P.A.L.S. Atlanta, kicks off at 2 p.m. at Piedmont Bark, www.palsatlanta.com

Some 2.7 miles of Peachtree Street closes down for Atlanta Streets Alive, with no gasoline or engines allowed and human powered means of transportation encouraged, for a city street experience. Organized by Atlanta Bicycle Coalition, the event is from 2 – 6 p.m., www.atlantastreetsalive.com

PFLAG Atlanta hosts its Sunday meeting for parents, families and friends of LGBT people. 2:30 – 5 p.m. at Saint Mark United Methodist Church, www.pflagatl.org

GA Boy Productions presents a tea dance with DJ Dan de Leon from 7 p.m. – midnight at Jungle, www.jungleatl.com

Monday, May 20

Sara Bareilles, who’s just released ‘Brave,’ a single from her upcoming album (due out July 16), performs at 8 p.m. at Variety Playhouse, www.varietyplayhouse.com

Feminists Buttonz and SJ lead the T&F Transitionz: A Project for the Feminist Outlawz at 7 p.m. at Charis, www.charibooksandmore.com

Tuesday, May 21

Raging Burrito oin Decatur donates 10 percent of the evening’s proceeds to Charis Circle, 5 – 10 p.m., Raging Burrito, www.ragingburrito.com

Tuesdays, unwind with a sing-along with pianist David Reeb at 8 p.m. at Mixx, www.mixxatlanta.com

Every Tuesday, sing out at Mary-oke starting at 9 p.m. at Mary’s, www.marysatlanta.com

Wednesday, May 22

Ian Aber hosts the ABear Comedy show featuring LGBT and straight comics. 8 p.m. at Jungle, www.facebook.com/iaber

Thursday, May 23- Friday, May 24

“Rupaul’s Drag Race” all-start sensation Raven rocks the joint for a two night appearance, 11 p.m. tonight and Friday, May 24, at Burkhart’s,  www.burkharts.com

Thursday, May 23

SAGE Atlanta hosts its weekly meeting, with different events and guests each week, 11 a.m. at the Philip Rush Center, www.sageatl.org

The kickoff party for the Big Peach Hotlanta tournament is tonight, with DJ Joey S and a $10 beer bust, 6 – 9 p.m. at F.R.O.G.S, www.frogsmidtown.com

Feminist Women’s Health Center presents Telling Our Stories from 7 – 9 p.m. at the Center on Cliff Valley Way, www.feministcenter.org

Enjoy Country Music Night from 7 p.m. – 1 a.m at Woofs, www.woofsatlanta.com

UPCOMING  EVENTS

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND

The Decatur Arts Festival takes to the Decatur Square on Saturday and Sunday for two days of art, music, theater, children’s activities and more. Musical performances include Shawn Mullins on Saturday at 3:30 p.m.  and Delta Moon on Sunday at 4 p.m. www.decaturartsfestival.com

The Atlanta Jazz Festival brings music, vendors and more to Piedmont Park from Saturday to Monday, including a performance at 7 p.m. Saturday by Meshell Ndegeocello, who is bi and known for her politically charged lyrics. www.atlantafestivals.com

Hosted by the gay Hotlanta Softball League, the Big Peach tournament brings dozens of teams from around the country to compete in three divisions, with plenty of social events as well. www.hslbigpeach.com

Friday, May 24

Michael Feinstein performs at 8 p.m. at the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, www.aso.org

Jen Foster performs at 8 p.m. at Eddie’s Attic, www.eddiesattic.com

Bwb appears with Chrisette Michele, who played Black Gay Pride in 2011, at 7:30 p.m. at Chastain, www.livenation.com

Saturday, May 25

Gay singer-songwriter Lucas Miré celebrates his CD release concert at 7 p.m. at Eddie’s Attic, www.eddiesattic.com

Sunday, May 26

Ladies at Play hosts a Memorial Day Weekend party at AJA beginning at 10 p.m., www.ladiesatplay.com

Wednesday, May 29

Feed your inner feminist! Dine out for Charis Circle from 5 – 10 p.m. at Wahoo Decatur, www.wahoogrilldecatur.com

Thursday, May 30

Gay humorist David Sedaris reads from his new book of essays, “Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls,” at 6 p.m. at the Barnes & Noble bookstore in Edgewood, located at 1217 Caroline St., www.davidsedarisbooks.com

Friday, May 31

Author and former Atlanta resident Yolo Akili reads from his new inspirational book “Dear Universe” at 7 p.m. at Charis Books & More, www.charisbooksandmore.com

 

Top photo: Publicity photo by Pieter M. Van Hattem