Love is in the Air at Fernbank’s Martinis & IMAX® on February 12

Fernbank Museum wants to give you a head start on Valentine’s Day with a special Martinis & IMAX® Valentine’s Celebration, Friday, February 12 from 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.

The always-sophisticated atmosphere of Martinis & IMAX® provides a unique spot to celebrate with that special someone. Sweethearts can enjoy a special love-struck cocktail menu and live music by The Kayla Taylor Quartet while enjoying the romance of the candle-lit ambiance.

As always, guests can experience IMAX® after dark with special films in Fernbank’s IMAX® Theatre. Martinis & IMAX® films showing on February 12 are Wild Ocean and a special double-feature of Van Gogh: Brush with Genius and The Old Man and the Sea

And to make things even easier, special Sweetheart Packages are available for advance purchase and include one bottle of wine or champagne, two entrées, one dessert and two IMAX® tickets. Sweetheart Packages are specially priced at $65 for members and $75 for non-members (all-inclusive). A la carte options also available.

Call 404.929.6400 to purchase tickets or Sweetheart Packages. For more information, visit Fernbank Museum.

Valentine Tango At Callanwolde Fine Arts Center

Tango Night – Valentine Tango
Friday, February 12th

The perfect Valentine event...

Learn to appreciate authentic Argentine tango. You will learn about the rhythm and movement of Argentine Tango and how to focus on connecting with the music and your partner. Learn how two bodies can move as one. Dancers of all skill levels are welcome and no partner is necessary.

The evening begins with an introductory lesson from the expert instructors of Tango Rio. After the introductory lesson, you will be ready to try out your new moves with an open tango dance party.

For more information, visit Callanwolde Fine Arts Center.

Discover The Science Behind The Storms At Fernbank's New Exhibit

Fernbank Museum of Natural History Presents Nature Unleashed: Inside Natural Disasters
February 6 – May 2

Explore natural disasters through stunning displays, state-of-the-art animations, large-scale images, and cultural artifacts that reveal the dynamic relationship we have with the Earth, in a stunning new special exhibition.

Museum visitors can witness what it’s like to stand inside a roaring tornado; trigger an underwater earthquake and simulate a tsunami; create a virtual volcano; touch and examine real rock and lava specimens; discover how people adapt to living at risk; and witness the resiliency of disaster survivors. The exhibition shows that while storms, volcanoes, and other forces of nature are formidable, they are completely natural phenomena. Whether they're disasters or not depends on the choices we make. Nature Unleashed examines how we can prepare for, and potentially minimize, the impact of nature’s fury.

For more information, visit Fernbank Musuem of Natual History.

Big Apple Circus Video Preview

Hotel Special of the Week: Atlanta Snow And Stay In Stone Mountain Park

Each week, we will be highlighting a special package/rate from DeKalb County hotels from our Hot Deals section of our website. To see more deals, visit our website.

Atlanta Snow and

Stay in Stone Mountain Park

at the Evergreen Conference Resort

Take an Atlanta snow day at the all-new Snow Mountain. It's a chance to play in the snow with your family and stay inside Stone Mountain Park December 26, 2009 - March 7, 2010

For details regarding this special package, visit the Evergreen Conference Resort.

Big Apple Circus Returns To Stone Mountain Park!

The Big Apple Circus is returning to Stone Mountain Park from February 12 - 28, 2010.

Have you got your tickets yet?

Here's a quick preview of this year's show:

- From America, the long–awaited return of Bello Nock with his daredevil stunts and child–like humor!

- From Italy, the Curatola Brothers — delightful hand–to–hand acrobatic duo in an exciting act full of fun and fancy!

- From Italy, Luciano Anastasini and his Pound Puppies return for a joyously jumping mélange of human and canine acrobatics!

- From Russia, the Aniskin Troupe amaze with their bravura, athletic trampoline act — then soar into the Big Top stratosphere with their spectacular flying trapeze act!

- From Russia, lovely and graceful Regina Dobrovitskaya performs a shimmering spectacle on aerial silk ribbons!

- From America and Kazakhstan, equestrians Christine Zerbini and Sultan Kumisbayev present an electrifying riding act — standing atop galloping chargers, Roman–style!

- From Spain, Picaso Jr. returns with his sizzling style and extraordinary juggling act — puffing into the air up to five ping-pong balls simultaneously, and catching them — with his mouth!

- From China, the Long Twins astonish with their unbelievable comedy contortion act!

- From America, versatile and charming ringmaster Kevin Venardos presides over the “Welcome Back Bello” committee!

- From America, Barry Lubin, a.k.a. Grandma, contributes a paragon of love and laughter to the performance for another spectacular season!

- And, rounding out the cast, the incredible talents of Tetyana Levkova (Russia), Annelise Nock (America), and Big Apple Circus company members Andrey Mantchev (Bulgaria) and Valdis Yanovskis (Russia)

For dates, times and ticket information, visit Big Apple Circus.

Free Family Reunion Planning Workshop On February 20

DeKalb Convention & Visitors Bureau is inviting Reunion Planners to attend our free Family Reunion Planning workshop on Saturday, February 20th at the Marriott Evergreen Conference Resort in Stone Mountain.

Attendees will learn everything they need to know to plan a successful and memorable family reunion.

The workshop will be held from 9:00 a.m. to Noon. To register, call (770) 492-5000.

Group Rates for the Big Apple Circus

The Big Apple Circus is coming back to Stone Mountain Park from February 12 - 28, 2010.

Bello is back under the Big Apple Big Top performing breathtaking feats of humor in the theatrical focus of one ring with no seat more than 50 feet away from all the exciting circus performers.

The Circus is offering discounts and benefits for groups of 15 or more at all performances.

For more info, call 800-922-3772 or visit Big Apple Circus.

Take a Snow Day in Atlanta

The cold weather may have temporarily left Atlanta, but there is still plent of snow to enjoy at Snow Mountain . Come play in the snow as Stone Mountain Park is transformed into a winter wonderland. New for the 2010 season - more tubing lanes plus two moving sidewalks means more time in the snow, less time in lines.

A 400’ tubing hill and a SnowZone filled of activities will make your snow-filled experience complete. Little Angels is the perfect spot for your smallest snow bunnies. Space is limited, so please reserve early.

For reservations, visit Snow Mountain.

Upcoming February Concerts at Eddie’s Attic

in the City of Decatur.

2 - Villains

3 - Scrapomatic & Stephanie Nilles

4 - Jill Andrews (of The Everybodyfields) & David Franklin

5 - Ellis Paul & Seth Glier

6 - Ellis Paul (afternoon & early show with Ben Wakeman) / Eric Taylor (late show)

10 - Joseph Arthur

14 - Ronny Cox with Jack Williams

17 - Scribblin' Jones

18 - Ruthie Foster

19 - The Packway Handle Band, Johnny Roquemore, & The Apostles of Bluegrass

20 - Willy Porter & Po'Girl

21 - Laughing Pizza (early family show) / Seth Glier, Susan Gibson, & Shane Hines (evening show)

23 - Joe Firstman & Ernie Halter

24 - Wine, Women, & Song: Gretchen Peters, Suzy Bogguss, & Matraca Berg

25 - Dave Alvin & A Couple of Guilty Women: Cindy Cashdollar and Christy McWilson

26 - CC Booker III featuring: Will Scruggs

27 - Susi French Connection (2 shows!)

28 - Dawes & Corey Chisel

For additional show information, visit Eddie's Attic.

14th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration

This year's 14th Annual Birthday Celebration will be held on January 15, 2010 at the Beulah Missionary Baptist Church. This year's keynote Speaker is Pulitzer Prize Winner, Rita Dove.

The Church is located at 2340 Clifton Springs Road, Decatur, GA. The event is presented by Georgia Perimeter College and begins at 7:00 pm.

For more information, visit Georgia Perimeter College.

Henri Matisse: A Celebration of French Poets and Poetry at Oglethorpe University

On view from January 24 through May 9, 2010
at Oglethorpe University (Tuesdays – Sundays)

Henri Matisse:
A Celebration of French Poets and Poetry

Enjoy this fascinating exhibition of French culture at Oglethorpe University’s Museum of Art.

For more information, visit Oglethorpe University.

Big Apple Circus Returns to Stone Mountain Park February 12 - 28

The Big Apple Circus is returning to Stone Mountain Park from February 12th through 28th with Bello Nock, named “America’s Best Clown” by Time magazine, and the world’s most exciting circus artists under the Big Top.

In Bello Is Back! the playfully elegant Bello, with his gravity-defying hair, trademark tuxedo, white gloves and spats, returns to the one–ring intimacy of the Big Apple Circus after an absence of nine seasons. With thrilling feats of derring–do and stylish sense of whimsy, Bello will astound and delight one and all!

On the “Welcome Back Bello” committee: the lovable star clown Grandma, the spirited Big Apple Circus Band, and winning new ringmaster Kevin Venardos, joined by spectacular acrobats from Italy, Russian wizards of the trampoline and the flying trapeze, a graceful flight on the aerial silks, fiery steeds and cavorting canines, playful Chinese contortionists, and Picaso Jr., the sensational Spanish juggler.

No seat is more than 50 feet away - get your tickets now! Visit Big Apple Circus for ticket and show information.

14th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration

The annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration on Friday, January 15th will feature Keynote Speaker Rita Dove, Pulitzer Prize Winner and Former United States Poet Laureate. Each year, the celebration includes the Georgia Perimeter College Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award, presented to a corporation and an individual for outstanding community service.

This year’s celebration will feature the DeKalb Symphony Orchestra and HARMONY: Atlanta International Youth Chorus. The event will be held at the Beulah Missionary Baptist Church.

For more information, visit Georgia Perimeter College.

Emory Annual Jazz Festival

Emory Annual Jazz Festival

Valentine’s Day Weekend Feb. 11-13

Festival Features Grammy-winning Bassist John Clayton, Pianist Gary Motley, Drummer Herlin Riley and Free Emory Big Band Night performing at Emory University.

FESTIVAL EVENTS INCLUDE:

· CONCERT: Fri., Feb. 12, 8 p.m., John Clayton, bass, Gary Motley, piano and Herlin Riley, drums.

· FREE CONCERT: Sat., Feb. 13, 8 p.m. Big Band Night with Emory Big Band, Gary Motley, director, free.

·
FREE DEMONSTRATIONS: Clayton will be an Emory Coca-Cola Artist-in-Residence from 2/11-12. He will teach and perform in classes that will be free to the public for observation.

The Emory Annual Jazz Fest features an evening with seven-time Grammy nominated bassist, composer and conductor John Clayton, showcasing charismatic performing and provocative compositions that make Clayton a powerful presence in the jazz world. Clayton has collaborated with Queen Latifah, Quincy Jones, Gladys Knight and many others to infuse jazz across musical boundaries. In addition to jazz, Clayton’s broad musical interests also include the classical world in his role as Artistic Director of Jazz for the Los Angeles Philharmonic (1999-2001) and commissions by classical ensembles across the world. Clayton was a 2009 Joyce Award winner and received a $50,000 grant to support his creative work.

For more info, visit Emory University.

Mick Stone's Magic Comedy Show This Weekend

Mick Stone's Magic Comedy Show
At the Academy Theatre
Friday, January 8th at 8:00 PM
Saturday, January 9th at 8:00 PM
Saturday, January 9th at 1:00 PM - Magic Workshop


For a Night of Magic & Comedy the Academy Theatre presents Mick Stone's Magic Comedy Show with Thimblerig's Russian Circus Act as the opener. Mick Stone has performed his unique brand of cutting edge sleight-of-hand magic and mind reading at Harrah's Casino, Busch Gardens Williamsburg and at the Superbowl. Show starts at 8pm.

For more info, visit the Academy Theatre.

Leonardo da Vinci: Hand of the Genius Through February 21 at the High Museum of Art

Leonardo da Vinci: Hand of the Genius features approximately 50 works, including more than 20 sketches and studies by Leonardo, some of which will be on view in the United States for the first time at the High Museum of Art through February 21, 2010.

Through an examination of the sculpture that Leonardo studied, the drawings he created for his own sculptural projects (the majority of which were never realized) and his interactions with other Renaissance sculptors, the exhibition sheds new light on Leonardo's seminal role in the development of Renaissance sculpture and the work of artists who followed him. The exhibition comprises three major areas: Leonardo - sculptor, student and mentor.

For more info, visit the High Museum of Art. .

Hotel Special of the Week: Packages From Quality Inn, Northlake / Atlanta

Each week, we will be highlighting a special package/rate from DeKalb County hotels from our Hot Deals section of our website. To see more deals, visit our website.

The Quality Inn, Northlake/Atlanta is offering a number of attraction/shopping packages on their website including:

Stone Mountain Park Package in Atlanta

Quality Inn Northlake Atlanta University Package

Quality Inn Northlake Atlanta Georgia Aquarium Package

Quality Inn Northlake Atlanta Shopping Package

Quality Inn Northlake Atlanta Experience Atlanta Package

Click on any of the links above for the special package.

Lewis Grizzard: In His Own Words Returns to ART Station

January 13 - 17 at the ART Station in Stone Mountain Village

Lewis Grizzard: In His Own Words
Performed by Bill Oberst Jr.

The performance is back by popular demand after playing to sold-out crowds for nine years. This performance is a loving tribute to Lewis Grizzard.

Bill Oberst, Jr., pays respect to “one of the foremost humorists in the country,” and honors Lewis with the best of his stand-up comedy and selections from his books and columns, spreading Lewis’ unique writings and love of the South.

For more info, visit ART Station.

Happy New Year!

Wishing everyone and their families a Happy New Year!

DCVB will keep you posted on all the fun things there are to see and do in Atlanta's DeKalb County throughout the new year. Be sure to check back often and become a fan on Facebook.