Free Family Reunion Planning Workshop On March 13, 2010

DeKalb Convention & Visitors Bureau will host a free Family Reunion Planning Workshop on Saturday, March 13th at the Marriott Century Center to help families in planning and organizing their reunions in DeKalb County.

DCVB offers a variety of free services to enhance family reunions, including providing free Welcome Bags for the entire family. Visit AtlantasDeKalb.org for more details.

The Workshop is free, but registration is required by calling (770) 492-5000.

Big Apple Circus At Stone Mountain Park Until February 28th

Bello Is Back! The Big Apple Circus is back in town 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! With no seat under the Big Top more than 50 feet from the ring, even if you’re really small you won’t miss a thing! Welcome back, Bello!

For tickets, visit Big Apple Circus.

Arabia Film in IMAX® Coming To Fernbank Museum

March 12 – July 29
Film in IMAX® - Arabia
at Fernbank Museum of Natural History

Journey deep into the heart of this exotic land and experience firsthand the mystique of Arabia both past and present.

Discover the lost city of Madain Saleh and explore its ancient tombs; travel with a camel caravan along the early frankincense trade route; share in the lamp-lit warmth of a Bedouin family tent and travel back in time to the Islamic Golden Age where Arabian science and scholarship flourished; and survive a desert sandstorm and dive the coral reefs and ancient shipwrecks of the dazzling Red Sea.

For more info, visit Fernbank Museum of Natural History.

Bluegrass, Old Time Music And Folk Dancing In Stone Mountain Village

On Saturday March 27, 2010, from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the Village of Stone Mountain the First Annual Bluegrass, Old-time Music and Country Dance Festival will be held. The Family Friendly Fun Festival is free of charge. There will be music and dance in the Village of Stone Mountain (not in the park) all day! Band contests, Bluegrass and Old-time jamming will happen throughout the village in stores, restaurants and “on the corners”. The bands will play competitively under the BIG tent located just behind the Visitor Center.

In addition to Bluegrass and Old Time instrumental music, community dancing will be featured. A little flatfoot, buck, clogging and contra will be featured. Bring your lawn chairs, your dancing shoes, friends and family and join in the FREE FUN under the BIG tent and all up and down the way. And, while in the Village, visit the restaurants and merchants.

Festival Schedule:
10:00-1:00 Old-time Band Contest (Bluegrass playing in the Village)
1:00-2:00 Community Contra and other dance
2:00- 5:00 Bluegrass Band Contest (Old-time playing in the Village)
5:00-6:30 Community dance and contest winners announced

For more info, visit Stone Mountain Village.

Agnes Scott College To Host The 2010 Great South Athletic Conference Men's and Women's Basketball Championships

Agnes Scott College will host the 2010 Great South Athletic Conference (GSAC) Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships on Feb. 26-27.

The tournament will feature the semifinal round and championship games from both the men’s and women’s tournament brackets. The semifinals will take place on Friday, Feb. 26, with the championship games being played on Saturday, Feb. 27.

For more info visit Agnes Scott College.

Big Apple Circus Now At Stone Mountain Park

The Big Apple Circus is at Stone Mountain Park through February 28th. If you haven't got your tickets yet, you won't want to miss out on this year's performance, with no seat no more than 50 feet away.

For ticket information and showtimes, visit Big Apple Circus.

Pathways At The Academy Theatre On Feb. 20 and 27

Pathways - Starring Brenda Porter

Saturday, February 20th & 27th at 11:00 AM

At the Academy Theatre in Avondale Estates

"Pathways" take audiences on a journey through the lives of some of the most engaging, dynamic and successful African American women in our history. In this one-woman show, Actress Brenda Porter becomes a series of feisty women who have left their marks on history. They include Stagecoach Mary, Ida B. Wells, Harriet Tubman, Bessie Coleman, Edmonia Lewis, Wilma Rudolph and Barbara Jordan. They are sometimes funny, always daring and they offer inspiration to young women and men of today.

"Pathways is a wonderful theatrical experience for children and adults alike. It is enlightening and empowering as well. Old as well as young learn of the adversities all these women faced in their lives and that you can be anything you want to be! Brenda Porter is a superb actress who brings tremendous vitality and variety to each of the characters she portrays. Each character is brought to life with sincerity and humor from a script beautifully etched by Dr. Shirlene Holmes." - Jessica West, Artistic Associate, Theatre in the Square Academy woman.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children. Show starts at 11AM each Saturday. For reservations call 404-474-8332. For more info, visit Academy Theatre.
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Duane "Dog" Chapman To Appear At The Mall At Stonecrest

Duane "Dog" Chapman, known as the most famous bounty hunter in the world and star and inspiration to millions of fans on the #1 rated show on A&E "Dog the Bounty Hunter," will appear at the Mall at Stonecrest to sign his new book, Where Mercy Is Given, Mercy Is Shown on Saturday, March 27th at 5 p.m.

Fans are invited to meet Dog and Beth Chapman and access the VIP meet and greet with purchase of his new book, Where Mercy Is Given, Mercy Is Shown from Borders Stonecrest.

Proof of purchase is required. Each guest in line must have a newly purchased book from Borders Stonecrest to meet the Chapman’s. The event is first come, first serve, while supplies last.

For more info, visit The Mall at Stonecrest.

DeKalb Symphony Orchestra Performs on February 23

Enjoy an evening of classical performances by the DeKalb Symphony Orchestra featuring Martin Chalifour, violin. Selections include Sibelius: Violin Concerto, Schubert: Symphony No. 3 and Wagner: Siegfried Idyll.

The Concert will be held in the Marvin Cole Auditorium at the Georgia Perimeter College, Clarkston Campus.

For more info, visit DeKalb Symphony Orchestra.

Nature Unleashed: Inside Natural Disasters On Exhibit Now At Fernbank Museum

Nature Unleashed: Inside Natural Disasters

February 6 – May 2 at Fernbank Museum of Natural History

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 info, visit Fernbank Museum of Natural History

Big Apple Circus Begins Today (Feb. 12th) At Stone Mountain Park

The Big Apple Circus begins its 2010 season at Stone Mountain Park today through February 28, 2010. If you haven't got your tickets yet, visit http://www.bigapplecircus.org/ and order yours now!

If you haven't been to the Big Apple Circus yet, you are in for a treat. No seat is more than 50 feet away and there is so much variety and fun that you'll want to come back every year.

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!

In additon to Bello, there are a host of international entertainers that will astound and entertain everyone.

Don't miss out on your chance to see the magic of the Big Apple Circus this year at Stone Mountain Park.

Hotel Packages From The Stone Mountain Inn

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

Stone Mountain Inn is located in Georgia's own Stone Mountain Park within walking distance from the top attractions


They currently have a number of travel packages available. Click here to find out more.

Thomas Hampson's "Song Of America" Tour Comes to Emory University

Thomas Hampson will perform on Friday, February 19 at Emory University as part of the "Song of America" tour in conjunction with the Library of Congress. The tour, which celebrates the 250th anniversary of the writing of the first American song reaches, comes to Atlanta for a one-night concert at 8 p.m. in Emory’s Schwartz Center for Performing Arts.

Also, as part of Emory’s Coca-Cola Artist-in-Residence Program, Hampson will teach a vocal masterclass for Emory voice majors that is free and open for public observation on Thurs., Feb. 18 from 2:30 – 3:45 p.m. in the Schwartz Center.

For more information, visit Emory University.

George Winston In Concert At Agnes Scott College On February 23rd

Inspired by the seasons, solo pianist George Winston plays over 100 solo piano concerts a year in America and beyond. His concerts feature a variety of styles, including his melodic folk piano, stride piano, New Orleans R&B piano, Vince Guaraldi’s Peanuts pieces and more.

His new CD titled "Love Will Come–The Music of Vince Guaraldi, Volume 2" will be released in February 2010. In concert, George will be performing songs from his upcoming CD, as well as selections from his seasonal favorites "Autumn", "December", "Winter Into Spring and Summer", as well as his themed albums "Forest", "Plains", and "Montana—A Love Story", and his albums dedicated to composers: "Linus & Lucy—The Music of Vince Guaraldi" and "Night Divides the Day—The Music of the Doors."

The concert will be held on Tuesday, February 23 at Presser Hall, Gaines Chapel at Agnes Scott College. For more information, visit Agnes Scott College.

RAD (Rail Arts District) Studio Tour

RAD Studio Tour - Saturday, February 13th from 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

The BIG neighborhood arts celebration is coming up fast. Save the date and rally some friends to head to the Rail Arts District of Avondale/Decatur for an unforgettable night of art exhibitions, demonstrations, music, performances, refreshments, and art, art, art. This year RAD is just in time for selecting a magnificent artwork for a Valentine's gift. Buy local, buy handmade, buy unique, and delight your honey (or yourself!) with your artful sweetness.

RAD Studio Cruise includes over 100 artists displaying and selling their latest work. RAD includes pottery, sculpture, ceramic wall art, paintings, drawings, photography, furniture, blown glass, digital art, jewelry, mixed media, and metal.

RAD is a celebration of creativity and community, and at each location they'll have music, food and drinks, and plenty to look at it! To get the map, print coupons, and learn more, visit their new website at http://www.railartsdistrict.com/.

The tour is free to the public.

Poetry Reading At Callanwolde Fine Arts Center On February 10

Join two amazing poets, Robin Kemp and Anne Webster, as Callanwolde celebrates the art and performance of poetry with readings in the unique setting of the Callanwolde mansion.

Robin Kemp teaches writing at Georgia State University. Pecan Grove Press published her first book of poems This Pagan Heaven in 2008. Her poetry has appeared in New Orleans Review, Valparaiso Poetry Review, Texas Review, and elsewhere.

Anne Webster's poetry volume A History of Nursing draws from her 25-year nursing career. Her poetry has appeared in many literary journals and anthologies including The New Quarterly and Southern Cedar Hills Review.

For more information, visit Callanwolde Fine Arts Center.

Free Family Reunion Planning Workshop On February 20, 2010

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.

Callanwolde Presents Gathering Wild Dance Company

Callanwolde showcases an enlivened evening of modern dance featuring Gathering Wild Dance Company with guest dance maker Corian Ellisor and guest dancer Bubba Carr on Friday, March 12 at 7:30 p.m.

Dances choreographed by Jerylann Warner offer a new incarnation of the acclaimed company, along with a glimpse into premiere works that continue to reflect moving and voluminous phrases. Audiences will enjoy the intimate setting of Callanwolde, environmentally enhanced by builder Paul Miller, the warm glow cast by his lighting scape infusing the powerful dancers of Gathering Wild.

For more information, visit Callanwolde Fine Arts Center.

Big Apple Circus Comes To Stone Mountain Park Next Friday

The Big Apple Circus returns for it's 2010 season at Stone Mountain Park February 12 - 28, 2010.

If you haven't got your tickets yet, visit www.bigapplecircus.org and order yours now!

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! With no seat under the Big Top more than 50 feet from the ring, even if you’re really small you won’t miss a thing!

Hotel Specials Of The Week: Doubletree Hotel Atlanta North Druid Hills

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 Doubletree Hotel Atlanta North Druid Hills/Emory Area is offering a number of specials right now on their website.

Some of the specials / packages include:

- Sweet Romance Getaway
- Federal Government with Breakfast
- Corporate Stimulus Package
- State Government with Breakfast
- Doubletree Bed and Breakfast

Stone Mountain Village Announces Streetscape Phase 1 Groundbreaking

The highly anticipated first phase of Stone Mountain Village’s streetscape improvement project is ready to break ground. The streetscape improvement project is the result of a DOT Transportation Economic Assistance grant and for more than four years, Main Street Stone Mountain and the City of Stone Mountain have been working to bring this project to fruition.

Things have been moving quickly since the beginning of the year so that Stone Mountain Village can finally receive its streetscape facelift. In less than a month’s time the City has selected a contractor and received approval from the Georgia Department of Transportation to begin construction. Main Street Stone Mountain (MSSM) and the City have been working diligently to prepare for the event, which will begin with a groundbreaking ceremony on Saturday, February 13, 2010 at 1:00PM. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend the groundbreaking portion of the ceremony. The first phase of the project includes Main Street from Manor Drive to the Health Nut.

Once the first phase is completed this section of Main Street will have a more pedestrian-friendly feel, with wider sidewalks, landscaping and space for restaurants to add outdoor dining. As part of the improvements, MSSM has been collecting sponsorships of items that will be added to the streetscape, including bricks, benches, trees and light poles. MSSM will continue to collect sponsorships until the project is complete, so there is still time to purchase an item and leave your mark on Stone Mountain Village.

For more information contact Main Street Stone Mountain at (770) 498-7334 or mailto:mainstreetstone@bellsouth.netor Richard Mailman at (770) 498-7334.

DeKalb Symphony Concert On February 23

Enjoy an evening of classical performances by the DeKalb Symphony Orchestra featuring Martin Chalifour, violin. Selections include Sibelius: Violin Concerto, Schubert: Symphony No. 3 and Wagner: Siegfried Idyll.

Concert will be held in the Marvin Cole Auditorium at the Georgia Perimeter College, Clarkston Campus on Tuesday, February 23, 2010.

For more information, visit DeKalb Symphony Orchestra.