During the Civil War, the Georgia prison camp Andersonville was one of the worst places to be. That makes it a great setting for drama, as GENE HACKMAN AND DANIEL LENIHAN will attest. The authors discuss their new novel “Escape from Andersonville” tonight at the Atlanta History Center. Though he’s in Atlanta to talk about the book, Hackman could be willing to answer at least one or two questions about his acting career. The event starts with a reception at 6 p.m., followed by the discussion at 7 p.m. Admission is $35 and includes the event, entry into the center’s exhibit “Turning Point: The American Civil War” and a copy of the book. Reservations are required. 770-578-3502. www.gwtw.org.

Looking for something a little different? While you’ve been going about your daily lives, a group of creative underground puppeteers has been hard at work putting together this year’s installment of XPERIMENTAL PUPPETRY THEATRE. The for-adults-only production includes a new interpretation of a Japanese folk tale, a story about a gorilla discovering fire and five puppet films, among other offerings. Performances begin at 8 p.m. tonight through Saturday, May 17 and at 5 p.m. Sunday, May 18 at the Center for Puppetry Arts. Tickets are $12 and include admission to the center’s puppet museum. 404-873-3391. www.puppet.org.

As the author of more than two dozen mystery thrillers, 18 of them featuring his hero Lucas Davenport, JOHN SANDFORD knows a little something about keeping readers on the edge of their seats. Catch him in person at 7 p.m. tonight discussing his latest, “Phantom Prey, ” at Barnes & Noble Buckhead. 404-261-7747. www.barnesandnoble.com.

DANCING ON TAP: The world’s most famous Irish dance sensation is back, as RIVERDANCE makes the rounds for what’s being billed as its farewell tour. See the show once last time at the Fox Theatre tonight through Sunday, May 18. Ticket prices range from $25 to $62. 404-817-8700. www.foxtheatre.org.

A SWELL EVENING: Probably still basking in the afterglow of their Academy Award for Best Original Song back in February, THE SWELL SEASON (aka musicians Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová) perform tonight at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Rent their utterly charming movie “Once” beforehand to acquaint yourself with some of your new favorite songs. 404-249-6400. www.cobbenergycentre.com. 

Yearning for yard sale bargains? ‘Tis the season, and CRoP has just the event.

WHO: Christian Rites of Passage (CRoP) Youth

WHAT: Community-wide Yard Sale includes food and entertainment to enhance your shopping experience

WHEN: Saturday, May 17 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

WHERE: Cascade United Methodist Church (UMC) Parking Lot, located at 3144 Cascade Rd. SW, Atlanta, GA 30311

WHY: Support future leaders, network and fellowship with the local community and Cascade UMC members

DONATE: your gently used items on May 14-16 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the rear entrance of Cascade UMC and receive a tax write-off form for your contribution.

**Inclement weather? Come to the back entrance of Cascade UMC Fellowship Hall.**

For more information, log onto www.christianritesofpassageinc.org or contact Shari Blalock at 678-386-5393 or Ida Crook at 770-973-1373.

He’s entertained millions with portrayals of the quirky side of Florida in books like “Tourist Season” and “Strip Tease,” but author CARL HIAASEN focuses on golf in his funny new book, “The Downhill Lie: A Hacker’s Return to a Ruinous Sport.” Catch him promoting this latest work at 7 p.m. tonight at the Cole Auditorium at Georgia Perimeter College’s Clarkston campus. Admission is free. 
404-370-8450, ext. 2225. www.georgiacenterforthebook.org.

As part of the neighborhood’s Springfest celebration, the Sweet Auburn International Film Festival honors KENNY LEON AND BILL NUNN for their achievements in film. Join a host of celebrities, VIPs and the cast of the upcoming feature film “Jury of Our Peers” at a special ceremony at 7 p.m. tonight at Freedom Hall Auditorium at the Martin Luther King Jr. Center. Advance tickets are $15 and tickets at the door are $20. VIP admission is $30 and includes reserved seating, backstage access, entrance to the VIP lounge at the ceremony and festival. www.black-cinema.tix.com.

And if anybody could, it would probably be the ATLANTA BOY CHOIR, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. For the last five decades, the choir has performed for presidents, heads of state and the Pope while visiting more than 30 states and 20 countries. The group’s anniversary concert starts at 7:30 p.m. tonight at Symphony Hall at the Woodruff Arts Center. Tickets are $10, $25 and $50. 404-733-5000. www.woodruffcentertickets.org.

After two previous cancellations, VAN HALEN is scheduled to finally hit the stage at the Arena at Gwinnett Center this Sunday, May 11 at 7:30 p.m. Let’s hope we’re “Jump”-ing for joy that David Lee Roth, Eddie and Co. do actually show up. Otherwise, Gwinnett will be a “House of Pain.” 404-249-6400. www.gwinnettcenter.com.

Hundreds of motorcyclists from across Georgia will be gunning their engines on Saturday, May 10 for the 14th annual RIDE TO LIVE benefit for the American Diabetes Association, taking off from the Hooters on Gwinnett Place Drive. Get in gear for the big event tonight with a KICK-OFF PARTY at Wild Bill’s, featuring SKID ROW and ROCKETS TO RUIN. Tickets are $14 in advance, $20 at the door; VIP tickets range from $25-$100. 678-473-1000. www.wildbillsatlanta.com.