Sunday, June 14, 2009 | "SP List"
SPecial Events

This week's arts and entertainment events in and around Atlanta

Festivals and Happenings 

ART IN THE CITY
Relax and rejuvenate after work at the High Museum of Art, open until 8 p.m. every Thursday with special events including guided tours, lectures, gallery talks, music, wine-tastings and more. www.high.org.

GIGI LEVANGIE GRAZER
The author of “The Starter Wife” and “Maneater” discusses her latest novel, “Queen Takes King.” 7 p.m. Thursday, June 18, following a 6 p.m. reception, at the Margaret Mitchell House Visitors Center. RSVP at 404-814-4150. www.gwtw.org.

POETRY ATLANTA: TROUBLE & HOPE
This evening of poetry and film highlights “Trouble & Hope,” a DVD anthology of performances by and conversations with poets including Kodac Harrison, Natasha Trethewey and Alice Lovelace. DVDs will be available for $15, and several featured poets will be on hand to answer questions. 7 p.m. Thursday, June 18 at the Decatur Library Auditorium. 404-370-8450, ext. 2225. www.georgiacenterforthebook.org.

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. Tuesdays at Relapse Theatre. 404-394-9115. www.relapsetheatre.com. 

GEORGIA AQUARIUM'S JAZZ JOURNEYS
The summer concert series returns. Enjoy Jazz Bites dining options from Wolfgang Puck Catering. 7 p.m. Friday nights 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. 

JERSEY BOYS
The documentary-style musical about the rise of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons runs through June 21 at the Fox Theatre. Tickets range from $29 to $127. 404-817-8700. www.foxtheatre.org.

VILLAGE THEATRE
Atlanta’s newest comedy troupe performs long and short-form improv, sketch and stand-up comedy. Friday and Saturday nights at 8:30 p.m. at the Village Theatre. 404-688-8856. www.villagecomedy.com. 

WHOLE WORLD THEATRE
The improv group presents a variety of shows each week, as well as a summer kids camp for ages 8-13 for the weeks of June 22, July 6 and 20, and Aug. 3. Enjoy “pay what you can” Thursdays throughout June and July (walkup only, not available for private parties or special events). 404-817-7529. www.wholeworldtheatre.com.

Family 

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. 

Exhibitions and Gallery Shows 

AMERICA I AM: THE AFRICAN AMERICAN IMPRINT
Touring exhibition presented by broadcaster Tavis Smiley celebrating nearly 500 years of African-American contributions to American culture and history. Through Sept. 6 at the Atlanta Civic Center. For tickets and more information, visit www.americaiam.org.

BODIES . . . THE EXHIBITION
This 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
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 the blind. Through Jan. 3, 2010, at the Premier Exhibition Center at Atlantic Station. Tickets must be purchased beforehand. www.dialogtickets.com. 

ELTON JOHN AIDS FOUNDATION PHOTOGRAPHY PORTFOLIO
Works by an array of international photographers including Sally Mann, Richard Misrach and Nan Goldin. Each 20x24 portfolio contains 10 original photographs and sells for $25,000 to benefit the Elton John Aids Foundation. On view through Aug. 22 at Jackson Fine Art. 404-233-3739. www.jacksonfineart.com.

THE INSPIRATIONAL YEARS
Exhibit of 19 works by local painter Derek McCrea, a U.S. Army infantry combat soldier who has served two tours of duty in Iraq with the 3rd Infantry Division. Through July 16 at the Brown Art Gallery in the Monroe F. Swilley Jr. Library on the Mercer University Atlanta College Campus. 678-547-6280.

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. 

MOORE IN AMERICA
Exhibit featuring 20 major works from Henry Moore, recognized as one of the most important sculptors of the 20th century. Through Oct. 31 at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. 404-876-5859. www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org.

MY FAVORITE THINGS
New exhibition showcasing a collection of staffers’ favorite items from the Fernbank Museum of Natural History’s permanent collection. June 13 through Feb. 1, 2010 at the Fernbank Museum of Natural History. 404-929-6400. www.fernbankmuseum.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. 

Other Fun Stuff

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.

UPCOMING

FICTION SHOP
Award-winning novelist David Fulmer teaches the basics of fiction writing. 6:15 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. Mondays, June 22-Aug. 10 in the Reading Room at Eagle Eye Book Shop. Cost is $195. Deadline to register is June 22. For more information, visit www.davidfulmer.com.

REAL MEN COOK FOR CHARITY
Atlanta’s largest and longest-running Father’s Day event features more than 100 men cooking meals for nearly 3,000 guests. Entertainment includes gospel singer Canton Jones and R&B artist Case. The event starts at 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 21 at the Georgia Railroad Depot next to Underground Atlanta. For tickets and other information, visit www.realmencook.com.