Sunday, May 03, 2009 | "SP List"
SPecial Events

Atlanta's Arts and Entertainment Calendar for this week

Festivals and Happenings 

500 SONGS FOR KIDS
Watch 500 artists perform 500 of the most passionate songs of all time. Proceeds benefit the Songs for Kids Foundation, which brings musicians to hospitals and special needs kids’ camps. Through May 9 at Smith's Olde Bar. Single-day and 10-day passes available. 404-875-1522. www.smithsoldebar.com.

BUCKHEAD SAVE THE ECONOMY PUB CRAWL
Help boost the economy in a guided celebration of some of Buckhead's best watering holes. Begins at 5 p.m. on Friday, May 9; registration takes place from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Rio Grande Patio. Free for ladies and $5 for guys with pre-registration; $10 at the door. www.atlantabartours.com.

GEORGIA RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL

Take a step back in time with knights, maidens, shops, turkey legs, stunts, animals, jousting and more. 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays, Sundays and Memorial Day through June 7. The 32 acres of 16th century fun are located two miles west of exit 61 off of Interstate 85. 770-964-8575. www.georgiarenaissancefestival.com.

HILL HARPER
The actor (“CSI: NY”) and award-winning author of "Letters to a Young Brother" discusses his latest book. "Letters to a Young Sister" challenges young women to do and be their best and includes contributions from Angela Basset, Michelle Obama and more. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 5 at Barnes and Noble in Buckhead. www.barnesandnoble.com.

JIM LEHRER
The host of "The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer" discusses his new book. "Oh, Johnny" tells the story of a young athlete who leaves love and baseball dreams to fight in World War II. 7:15 p.m. Tuesday, May 5 at the Decatur Library Auditorium. 404-370-8450, ext. 2225. www.georgiacenterforthebook.org.

NORTHLAKE TOASTMASTERS CLUB
Become the person your resume thinks you are. Improve your public speaking and leadership skills in a supportive environment. Every Wednesday at 6 p.m. at MetroBrokers GMAC Real Estate in the Northlake Festival Shopping Center. For directions or other info, call 678-858-0963.

POKER NIGHT
Every Tuesday at Engine 11 Firehouse Tavern. Sign-up starts at 8 p.m. 404-873-3473. www.engine11atl.com.

SWEET AUBURN SPRINGFEST 2009
The 25th annual festival celebrates black culture and the legacy of Auburn Avenue with an artists' market, business and technology expo, health and fitness fair, literary marketplace, musical performances and more. May 8-10 at various venues on Auburn Avenue. www.sweetauburn.com.

THIS AMERICAN LIFE—ENCORE!
In-theater event featuring a big-screen version of the popular National Public Radio program “This American Life,” featuring host Ira Glass, contributors Dan Savage, Starlee Kine and Mike Birbiglia, a cartoon by Chris Ware and a special musical performance by Joss Whedon, creator of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” 8 p.m. Thursday, May 7 at select theaters, including Perimeter Pointe 10 and Regal Hollywood 24. For tickets and a complete list of participating theaters, visit www.fathomevents.com.

Theater, Dance, Music and Opera  

AUTOMATIC THEATER
Improv troupe composed of actors, filmmakers, writers and puppeteers fields audience suggestions in a “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” short-form improv format. Tickets are $7. 8 p.m. May 5 and May 19 at Relapse Theatre. 404-394-9115. www.relapsetheatre.com. 

DAVE FM’S ACOUSTIC SUNSET
Live music every Sunday from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Smyrna Market Village. For band lineup and other information, visit www.929davefm.com.

GEORGIA AQUARIUM'S JAZZ JOURNEYS
The summer concert series returns, featuring local musicians Francine Reed, The Usual Suspects, Kathleen Bertrand, Gwen Hughes and the Retro Jazz Kats and more. Enjoy Jazz Bites dining options from Wolfgang Puck Catering. Friday nights at 7 p.m. through September. 404-581-4444. www.georgiaaquarium.org.

JACKPIE THEATER WORKSHOP
Long-form improv comedy shows every Saturday at 8 p.m., 9:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. at 380 14th St. NW. Tickets are $7. BYOB. www.jackpie.com. 

THE ONE DAY PLAY
Out Of Hand's Theater's latest fundraiser showcases the ensemble creating and performing a 70-minute play in 24 hours. Ticket purchase allows for a vote on potential themes, including zombies, debt or mac and cheese. 8 p.m. Friday, May 9 at Horizon Theatre. Tickets are $10 and up. www.outofhandtheater.com.

PETE SEEGER 90TH BIRTHDAY BASH
More than two dozen acts perform songs of social justice, environmental concern and love for the family in the round. 6 p.m. Sunday, May 3 at Pine Lake Clubhouse. Admission by donation.

SKETCH AND THE CITY
Newest show from Sketchworks, directed by Della Cole. 8 p.m. Tickets are $17 online or $20 at the door. Fridays and Saturdays through June 6 at Sketchworks Theatre. 404-499-8181. www.sketchworkscomedy.com.

VILLAGE THEATRE
Atlanta’s newest comedy troupe performs comedy in all its forms, including long and short-form improv, sketch and stand-up comedy. Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights at 8:30 at the Village Theatre, 486 Decatur St., Suite 10, at the corner of Decatur and Boulevard. 404-688-8856. www.villagecomedy.com. 

WHOLE WORLD THEATRE
The improv group presents a variety of shows each week. 404-817-7529. www.wholeworldtheatre.com. 

Family 

THE AMAZING CASTLE
Kids are transported to a whimsical medieval setting and become blacksmiths, jesters, chefs, gardeners, carpenters and even princes and princesses in this exhibit that teaches the important role each member plays in a thriving community. Through May 26 at Imagine It! The Children’s Museum of Atlanta. 404-659-5437. www.imagineit-cma.org.


JIM HENSON: WONDERS FROM HIS WORKSHOP
Exhibit highlighting the performance and design contributions Jim Henson and his collaborators have made to the world of puppetry, including the technological advances behind “Fraggle Rock,” “Labyrinth” and others. Through Sept. 13 in the Love Family Atrium at the Center for Puppetry Arts. 404-873-3391. www.puppet.org. 

PLATINUM EDITION PINOCCHIO PUPPET
One-of-a-kind, hand-crafted puppet created by master puppeteer Bob Baker in celebration of the 70th anniversary of Disney’s classic film “Pinocchio.” On display through May 19 at the Center for Puppetry Arts. 404-873-3391. www.puppet.org. 

Exhibitions and Gallery Shows 

BODIES . . . THE EXHIBITION
Controversial exhibit features 15 meticulously preserved whole-body and more than 250 partial-body specimens, providing a unique understanding of the skeletal, muscular, respiratory and other systems that exist beneath the skin. Through Jan. 3, 2010, at the Premier Exhibition Center at Atlantic Station. 866-866-8265. www.bodiestickets.com. 

DIALOG IN THE DARK
In this groundbreaking exhibition, visitors are escorted through galleries in total darkness, relying on blind and visually impaired guides, for a glimpse of the day-to-day life and survival skills of blind people. Through Jan. 3, 2010, at the Premier Exhibition Center at Atlantic Station. Tickets must be purchased beforehand. www.dialogtickets.com. 

LOUVRE ATLANTA: THE LOUVRE AND THE MASTERPIECE
This exhibit explores how the definition of a “masterpiece” has changed over time, featuring 91 works of art from all eight of the Musée du Louvre’s collection areas, spanning 4,000 years. Through Sept. 6 at the High Museum of Art. 404-733-5000. www.high.org. 

TITANIC AQUATIC
Authentic artifacts from the famed wreck and interactive experiences bring the Titanic to life. Through Sept. 7 at the Georgia Aquarium. www.georgiaaquarium.org. 

TUTANKHAMUN THE GOLDEN KING AND THE GREAT PHARAOHS
North American debut of this exhibit featuring 50 objects from the tomb of Tutankhamun, as well as 80 artifacts highlighting other significant rulers of ancient Egypt. Through May 25 at the Atlanta Civic Center. 404-249-6400. www.atlantaciviccenter.com. 

Books and Talks

ROBIN HENSLEY
The author discusses “Raising the Bar: Legendary Rainmakers Share Their Business Development Secrets.” The book chronicles the rise of 10 legendary Georgia attorneys in their own words. A portion of proceeds benefits the Atlanta Legal Aid Society. 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 5 at Sunrise Bank of Atlanta, 600 West Peachtree at North Avenue in Midtown. RSVP at rsvp@sunrisebankofatlanta.com.