Free Family Reunion Planning Workshop On April 10th

DeKalb Convention & Visitors Bureau will host a free Family Reunion Planning Workshop on Saturday, April 10th at the Doubletree Hotel Atlanta to assist 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 will be held at the Doubletree Hotel Atlanta located at 4156 LaVista Road in Tucker.

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

Time For Concerts On The Square In Decatur

May in Decatur brings the return of the Decatur Business Association’s Concerts on the Square and Blue Sky Concerts. Concerts on the Square are presented every Saturday night in September beginning at 7 pm and feature an eclectic mix of music.

This year, the first Concert will be held May 1 in conjunction with Decatur Green Fest. The Holland Dutch will be the featured band and play from 7 until 9:30 pm. Bonaventure Quartet will play on May 8; The Bitteroots will play May 15; Tom Hill and the Midnight Suns will play on May 22 and Laura Monk and High Cotton will play May 29, in conjunction with the Decatur Arts Festival. Bring your picnic dinner or visit one of the many restaurants for either take out, or dining in before the concert.

Blue Sky Concerts are held every Wednesday in May from noon until 1 pm at the Bandstand on the Square. The Jane & Scott Show starts off the Spring series, Decaturite John Zedd plays on May 12, Mike Killeen plays May 19 and the series culminates with children’s favorite Douglas Brake and the Sizzle Hiss Pop Band. Bring your lunch or pick up a sandwich from one of the many restaurants.

For more information, visit the City of Decatur. Pictured above are the Bitteroots.

Artists in Georgia On Display At The Michael C. Carlos Museum Of Emory

Artists in Georgia: Contemporary Works from the Collection

On exhibit now through May 16, 2010.

Artists in Georgia: Contemporary Works from the Collection features a selection of 19 drawings, prints, and photographs created since 1970 by 15 artists who are either native to the state or who became Georgians by choice.

Included in the exhibition are works by Annette Cone-Skelton, a native, and transplants John McWilliams and Katherine Mitchell, the recently retired professor of painting in Emory’s Visual Arts Program. All three of these artists are prominently featured, along with the Carlos Museum itself, in the Georgia Masterpieces book.

For more information, visit Michael C. Carlos Museum.

Mister Greggy's Saturday Funhouse Show At The Academy Theatre

Internationally known children's entertainer Mister Greggy will be presenting his Saturday Funhouse Show March 27 and April 3 at 11:00am -12:30pm at the Academy Theatre.

Filled with magic, clowning, puppetry and some "serious fun", the audience is invited to stick around afterwards and learn how to make balloon animals, perform a magic trick, or even how to juggle. The event will be held at the Academy Theatre in Avondale Estates (119 Center St., Avondale Estates, GA 30002 (404) 474-8332).

Feria Latina At Stone Mountain Park On April 25

Feria Latina returns to Stone Mountain Park this year on Sunday, April 25th. Feria Latina is the premiere Hispanic fair and provides an opportunity for families from many different countries and cultures to gather at an event specially designed to showcase Latin American heritage. Last year, an estimated 35,000 people attended the event.

Thousands of people from all over the state of Georgia attend the event to enjoy a day of performances by some of the best Latin artists, contests, giveaways, company exhibitions, arts and crafts, international food and Stone Mountain’s famous “Laser Show Spectacular”.

For more information, visit Feria Latina.

Stone Mountain Park Featured In CBS Hit Show Undercover Boss

AIR DATE: Sunday, March 28,9 p.m. EST / 8 p.m. CST on CBS

Joel Manby, president and CEO of Herschend Family Entertainment (HFE), which operates Stone Mountain Park, is featured this Sunday, March 28 on the CBS hit show UNDERCOVER BOSS.

Each week, UNDERCOVER BOSS follows a different executive as they leave the comfort of their corner office for an undercover mission to examine the inner workings of their companies. While working alongside their employees, they see the effects their decisions have on others, where the problems lie within their organizations and get an up-close look at both the good and the bad while discovering the unsung heroes who make their companies run.

“UNDERCOVER BOSS gave us the chance to see if we were delivering on what we feel makes HFE different – our people, our ‘Servant Leadership’ philosophy, and ‘Core Values.’ Additionally, we knew that our employees’ dedication and passion to our company’s mission to ‘Create Memories Worth Repeating’ would be evident,” said Manby. “We’re proud nearly 50 percent of our full-time employees have worked for HFE for more than a decade. We were eager to discover what we could or should do differently to continue to make HFE a great place to work for great people.’”

HFE develops and operates entertainment, tourism and hospitality properties that currently span 24 locations in nine states and is widely recognized as the premier privately held theme park operator in the U.S. The 50-year-old company is committed to creating wholesome, immersive family entertainment experiences. Of the jobs Manby worked, these properties are featured on the show: Silver Dollar City and Showboat Branson Belle in Branson, Missouri; Adventure Aquarium in Camden, New Jersey; and Ride The Ducks at Stone Mountain Park in Atlanta, Georgia.

HFE’s Servant Leadership philosophy drives the company leadership to always put the welfare and well-being of its guests and employees first. Part of its Core Values is to serve others by empowering employees, working as a team and by being patient, kind, humble, respectful, selfless, forgiving, honest and committed. The company is also committed to being a family-friendly corporation that is a great place to work.

HFE was founded and is still privately owned by the Herschend family. Brothers Jack and Pete Herschend are co-founders of the company. In 2004, the brothers were inducted into the Hall of Fame of the amusement industry’s largest organization worldwide, the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), for their strategic vision and leadership in the theme park industry. Over the years, HFE's many properties have been internationally lauded numerous times for excellence in theme, presentation and operations.

Free Reunion Planning Workshop On March 27th At The Emory Conference Center

DeKalb Convention & Visitors Bureau will host a free Family Reunion Planning Workshop on Saturday, March 27th at the Emory Conference 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.

April Lasershow at Stone Mountain Park

April 2-10, 17, 24

Stone Mountain Park’s Lasershow Spectacular™ is an Atlanta tradition and is the longest running lasershow in the world. The show features 45 minutes of spectacular fireworks, lights and laser affects all choreographed to great music.

Show segments highlight a musical tribute to famous Georgia artists, some all-time favorite tunes and medleys highlighting the every day hero and favorite sports teams. A patriotic medley and traditional favorites such as “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” and “Celestial Soda Pop” are back by popular demand. Relax on the lawn and enjoy an evening out as Stone Mountain is transformed into a natural amphitheater.

Visit Stone Mountain Park for more info.

Emory University Presents Four Classic Films

Emory University, home to the Emory College Department of Film Studies and the free, weekly film series Emory Cinematheque, along with the Atlanta Film Festival 365 will co-host four screenings from The Film Foundation and American Express Preservation Screening Program, “20 Years/20 Films” in Emory’s Goodrich C. White Hall, 480 Kilgo Street, Atlanta, Georgia, 30322 from March 25 through April 8, 2010.

Each film will be shown in 35mm and will be introduced by a member of the Department of Film Studies faculty. For venue directions as well as Peavine and Fishburne deck free, evening parking information, please visit arts.emory.edu/village/. The schedule is as follows:

The films include:

“Letter from an Unknown Woman” (1948, 86 min.)
Directed by Max Ophüls
Thurs., Mar. 25, 8:00 p.m., White Hall 205, free

“The Night of the Hunter” (1955, 93 min.)
Directed by Charles Laughton
Thurs., Apr. 1, 8:00 p,m, White Hall 205, free

“A Face in the Crowd” (1957, 125 min.)
Directed by Elia Kazan
Thurs., Apr. 8, 8:00 p.m., White Hall 205, free

“The Red Shoes” (1948, 133 min.)
Written, Produced and Directed by Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger
Wed., Apr. 14, 7:30 p.m., White Hall 205, free

MJCCA Presents Joy Bauder, Resident Nutritionist for NBC's Today Show

A Page from the Book Festival of the MJCCA is proud to present Joy Bauer, New York Times bestselling author, fitness guru, and nutrition and diet expert for the Today show who shares the secrets of a healthy kitchen with recipes from her latest bestseller, Slim & Scrumptious on Thursday, April 22, 2010, at 7:30 pm at the Marcus Jewish Community Center (5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody, 30338).

A book signing will immediately follow the discussion. Tickets are on sale now. Seating is limited; reservations are recommended.

For more information, visit MJCCA.

Stone Mountain Park Invites Families to Nine Affordable, Adventure Packed Days of Spring FUN Break

Date/Time: April 2-10, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m

As the snow melts from Snow Mountain, Stone Mountain Park, Georgia’s number one attraction, welcomes families to enjoy warmer weather and value packed adventures in the great outdoors with Spring FUN Break (SFB). This year, in addition to Easter Bunny visits, bonnet crafts and a parade, SFB features new limited engagement, interactive shows especially designed for kids and families. The line-up features a special appearance by PBS family stars, Laughing Pizza. The nine-day festival also includes a sneak peek of Stone Mountain Park’s famous Lasershow Spectacular.

From April 6 to 10, Stone Mountain Park welcomes a special appearance by Laughing Pizza. Previously featured on the Today show, Laughing Pizza is a real family band that makes original music for kids, parents and loved ones alike. Their music videos are seen daily on public television stations by millions across the country, such as Georgia’s GPB – the third largest PBS station in the country.

Another new activity to get families grooving is Dr. Busybody’s Boogiebot Blast. This dance party gets everyone moving to help Dr. Busybody’s fuel his Boogiebot robot. If the families dance and create “imagination,” the only thing that fuels Dr. Busybody’s Boogiebot, his robot comes alive. Guests also become part of the act with SFB’s all new IMPROV show. Families are in charge of the action when zany comedians take suggestions from the audience to come up with the most fantastic tales imaginable.

Also new this year to SFB, is the world’s only animated talking goat, Hilda. Straight from the popular children’s book “Hilda: A Very Loyal Goat,” Hilda carries on conversations with children to their delight and amazement. The interactive screen transports children to the Cole Family Farm to meet and talk with the friendly goat. Hilda shares hilarious stories of life on the farm and asks children about their hobbies and interests.

Families can conclude the day with a sneak peak of the Lasershow Spectacular before it returns regularly this summer. With displays of laser lights, graphics, characters and fireworks, the Lasershow Spectacular is an Atlanta attraction that is not to be missed.

For more information, visit Stone Mountain Park.

Fernbank Museum Offers Rare Glimpse into a Land Steeped in Mystery and Myth in New IMAX® Film, ARABIA

A land steeped in mystery and myth is revealed in stunning dimensions in the thought-provoking new film ARABIA, which opened in Fernbank Museum’s IMAX® Theatre on March 12, 2010. The film unfolds the story of an extreme desert environment that through the riches of global trade, a deep devotion to faith and its people’s thirst for knowledge, has become one of the most powerful, yet least understood, regions on Earth today.

This kaleidoscopic portrait of Arabia delves into the storied past and impending future through a mix of contemporary images of modern-day life, epic historical recreations, and visual effects that will allow theatre-goers to ride the dunes with a camel caravan, dive into the treasure-laden Red Sea, explore the ruins of a towering lost city, hurtle back into the Islamic golden age of invention, join three million Muslims on the Hajj pilgrimage, and get to know the young Arabians transforming tomorrow’s world. The result is a surprising and illuminating journey that not only unveils an often hidden world -- but also serves as a bridge between two cultures that have long misunderstood one another.

For more information, visit Fernbank Museum of Natural History.

Lasershow Spectacular At Stone Mountain Park

April Dates: April 2-10, 17, 24
Stone Mountain Park’s Lasershow Spectacular™

Stone Mountain Park’s Lasershow Spectacular™ is an Atlanta tradition and is the longest running lasershow in the world.

The show features 45 minutes of spectacular fireworks, lights and laser affects all choreographed to great music. Show segments highlight a musical tribute to famous Georgia artists, some all-time favorite tunes and medleys highlighting the every day hero and favorite sports teams. A patriotic medley and traditional favorites such as “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” and “Celestial Soda Pop” are back by popular demand. Relax on the lawn and enjoy an evening out in April as Stone Mountain is transformed into a natural amphitheater. Check the Park's website for additional dates throughout the year.

For more info, visit Stone Mountain Park.

Oklahoma At Theater Emory April 1 - 11,2010

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Pulitzer Prize-winning “OKLAHOMA!” will be presented in its original style in a fully-staged production by Theater Emory featuring live choral and orchestral accompaniment led by Scott Stewart, choreography by George Staib and the talent of some of Atlanta and Emory’s beloved actors.

This classic American musical, set in a Western territory in the early 1900s, presents the love story of Curly, the handsome cowboy, and Laurey, a winsome farm girl. “OKLAHOMA!” runs April 1-11, 2010, in the Mary Gray Munroe Theater in the Dobbs University Center of Emory University.

For this production Theater Emory will change their typical evening performance time from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., and will add a special Easter performance at 5 p.m. Free parking is available in Peavine and Fishburne Parking Decks. For Theater Emory information, visit Theater Emory.

Stone Mountain Village Gospel Fest - March 27th

On March 27th the City of Stone Mountain will be alive with the sounds of gospel music. Main Street Stone Mountain will host its first annual Gospel Fest on Saturday, March 27th on the pavilion lawn just behind Main Street in Downtown Stone Mountain Village. The event will start at 3:00 PM with opening remarks from the Mistress of Ceremonies Ms. Jo Johnson and a performance by praise dancer Marstevion. Gospel Fest will last approximately three hours, ending at 6:00 PM, and will include selections from each of the six acts invited to the event.

The six acts will perform a selection of gospel music, including some classic songs and some original work. Acts include soloists Michael Harden and Q Coleman, Voices of Faith choir from Pillars of Faith Church, the New Day Trio, the For Eternity Adult Choir from For Eternity Christian Church and the Shermantown Community Choir.

This event is free to the public and is not only a great way to celebrate the holiday season but also a great chance to hear live music from some exceptional singers. As this is an outdoor event, in case of inclement weather the event will be rescheduled for April 10th at the same time and location. There will be plenty of lawn seating so people are encouraged to bring their own chairs and blankets to spread out on the lawn.

For more information contact Main Street Stone Mountain at (770) 498-7334 or mainstreetstone@bellsouth.net.

Michael C. Carlos Museum Presents When Gold Blossoms: Indian Jewelry From The Susan L. Beningson Collection

March 20 to July 11 at the Michael C. Carlos Museum of Emory University

When Gold Blossoms: Indian Jewelry from the Susan L. Beningson Collection celebrates the dazzling beauty and awe-inspiring technical craftsmanship of Indian jewelry with more than 150 pieces spanning 2,000 years, primarily from South India.

The title alludes to the preference for gold in South Indian jewelry—North Indian jewelry, on the other hand, is known primarily for the use of precious and semiprecious stones—as well as to the strong influence of nature on the designs, from ear studs in the form of a lotus to armbands featuring petal-and-leaf weaving. When Gold Blossoms includes spectacular rings, anklets, earrings, hair pendants, jeweled crowns, ivory combs, and an elaborate swing and a gold throne for a deity.

Some of the pieces are worn in daily life, others dedicated to deities in Hindu temples. Photographs from the 19th and 20th centuries will be displayed alongside the jewelry to provide a fuller understanding of the ways in which jewelry is worn and used.

For more information, visit Michael C. Carlos Museum.

Emily Collette Performs Baroque And Jazz At Callanwolde

BAROQUE AND JAZZ - FROM BACH TO BRUBECK
EMILY COLLETTE, HARPSICHORDIST

Callanwolde Fine Arts Center showcases a live music concert in the newly restored Retreat on Friday, March 26 at 7:30 p.m.

Harpsichordist Emily Collette spans history with keyboard works from Renaissance to Modern Jazz, sometimes integrating eras in an eclectic style. Blending Baroque ornamentation and Jazz improvisation, selections from J.S. Bach present a natural contrast with the compositions of Dave Brubeck.

This musical experience displays the colors and textures of the early instruments, enhanced by the historic ambiance of the Callanwolde Retreat, set on the woodland grounds of the estate.

For more information, visit Callanwolde Fine Arts Center.

Best St. Partick's Day Party In Town At The ART Station

Raising of the Green

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

at the ART Station in

Historic Stone Mountain Village

Come to the best St. Patrick's Day Party in Atlanta with a hilarious live auction and great opportunities for the silent auction to raise funds for the ART Station.

A Taste of Stone Mountain is served as a part of your entry fee.

Find out what you have been missing at the local restaurants or see if you find a new caterer.

Schedule of Events:

6:00 PM - Viewing of Live Auction Items & Silent Auction Bidding Begins
7:30 PM - Live Auction in the Theatre
8:00 PM - Silent Auction Bidding Continues
8:30 PM - Raffle Drawing for $1000
9:00 PM - Silent Auction Closes
9:30 PM - Winning Bids available for pick-up

Don't forget, the price of your ticket gets you entertainment, the auctions, and a taste of the Stone Mountain Area with food donated by local restaurants and caterers and the Stone Mountain Woman's Club desserts baked fresh by their members.

For more information, visit ART Station.

Senior Honors In Dance At Emory University

“A QUESTION OF CHARACTER”
TWO THESES DIVERGE IN A SINGLE SPACE
Senior Honors in Dance, March 25-26

This spring Emory College seniors Alyssa Bruehlman and Kaitlyn Pados present “A Question of Character,” a concert featuring their honors thesis projects in dance. In this evening of eclectic work, Bruehlman and Pados offer two unique approaches to the study of choreography and performance.

The concert, which is free and open to the public, will take place on March 25-26, 2010 at 8 p.m. in the Dance Studio at Emory University’s Schwartz Center for Performing Arts, 1700 N. Decatur Rd., Atlanta, GA 30322.

Eggstravaganza At Callanwolde Fine Arts Center

Eggstravaganza has been a family favorite for years and Callanwolde celebrates the coming of spring with its annual Easter egg hunt held on Saturday, April 3, 2010, from 10:00 am until 12:00 noon on the beautiful grounds of Callanwolde.

Eggstravaganza features thousands of candy-filled eggs to find (including three golden “prize” eggs), Atlanta Braves games & prizes, and a chance to pet live bunnies and meet the Easter Bunny. There will be baked goods for sale, crafts and games for kids, as well as “The Wow Show” performed live by Enzo the Clown in the outdoor amphitheatre to entertain kids and grown-ups alike.

Arrive early so you won’t miss the many fun activities. The Wow Show will begin at 10:15. The egg hunts will begin promptly at 11:15 am, and will be set up for three age groups: newborns to 2; 3 to 5; 6 and up. Bring your Easter basket and your camera for a fun, family day amidst Callanwolde’s beautiful gardens and grounds.

In case of rain the event will be cancelled.

Arrive early for free parking and shuttle bus service beginning at 9 am at the Emory University Briarcliff Campus, 1256 Briarcliff Road, just one-half mile north of Callanwolde. There will be no parking on-site at Callanwolde. All proceeds benefit the Callanwolde Dance Program.

For more information: 404-872-5338 or visit Callanwolde Fine Arts Center.

March Concerts At Eddie's Attic

Eddie's Attic is a popular live music venue for aspiring and accomplished performing songwriters. Located in Decatur, Georgia in a small, artist-friendly town within the metro Atlanta area. A "listening room" with a superior sound system/acoustics, where customers are asked to silence cell phones and actually listen to the songs, has made the Attic's music room a hit with music enthusiasts. Eddie's Attic draws both fans and artists from all over the world, and continues to be one of the premier music venues in the South.

Upcomig March Concerts

2 - Hoots & Hellmouth
3 - Michael Tolcher
4 - Terri Clark: Unplugged & Alone (early show)
4 - Terri Clark: Unplugged & Alone (late show)
5 - Al Stewart
6 - Caroline Aiken, Yonrico Scott, & Charlie Wooton (Live Recording Show)
7 - Jeremy Aggers, Andy Zipf, & Channing and Quinn
8 - Over The Rhine
10 - Rebecca Loebe, Robby Hecht, AJ Roach, & Raina Rose
11 - Peter Mulvey
12, 13, & 14 - Shawn Mullins
16 - David Ford
17 - Buddy O'Reilly Band St. Patrick's Day Show (early family show)
17 - Buddy O'Reilly Band St. Patrick's Day Show (late show)
19 - Kristina Train
23 - Jack Ingram
24 - Corey Smith
25 - Arlington Priest, David Berkeley, & Tripping Lilliy
26 - Caroline Herring & Jack Stafford
27 - A Very Special Evening With: Jarrod Gorbel (The Honorary Title)
28 - Pierre Bensusan

For more info, visit Eddie's Attic.