Atlantafi.com is bringing you the latest on the coronavirus pandemic, which has the state of Georgia and the city of Atlanta under a state of emergency.
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The weekend was made for dancing and partying and grooving, and what better place to do that than at MJQ, the cave-like Midtown nightclub known across the world? On Saturday, May 19, MJQ will once again host the Love Scam Dance Party.
Billed as the city’s only indie / house vs. hip hop / trap night, Love Scam is held every third Saturday of the month. There’s also an unholy fascination with cats: ++ Cat ears and cat shirts get you in 2 for 1 before Midnight.
The maestro for the night is Atlanta’s Oh Snap Kid. Here’s his bio:
Birthed from the mind of Atlanta’s nightlife “Best of” photographer and creative of EAV’s HEAVY, Oh Snap Kid brings to you another high energy dance party. This go around we have created a dance party that is geared towards those who enjoy the newest in indie rock to the most current hip hop tracks that have been fused with the continuously growing EDM (Electronic Dance Music) trends. Love Scam is where you go for endless dancing, over the top sing-a-longs, like-minded cat-enthusiast, and mischievous stories.
Got an event or know of something opening in and around Atlanta? Holla: CJ@AtlantaFi.com. See what’s poppin’ in the ATL! Subscribe to our news alerts here, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
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You may know your way around a glass of amber-colored spirits, but how to concoct one may seriously confound you. But you can learn.
The good folks at the Pinewood restaurant in downtown Decatur could make it happen. The eatery will host a world cocktails & spirits class on Saturday, May 19, 2018.
How to make worldy whiskey: Pinewood Spirits Class
For $29 per person, class attendees will receive five spirit/cocktail tastings, and three rounds of hors d’oeuvres, just enough to keep your wits while you get otherwise blitzed.
The classes began in March and continue to be held each month. Interested parties can sign up at this events page.
Saturday at 3:00 PM – 5:00 PMThe Pinewood has become known as one of Decatur’s most well-known watering holes. A hip, urban-rustic gastropub with comfort food, great burgers and the celebrated Whiskey Wednesdays, the restaurant makes a great date night spot. It is located at 254 W Ponce de Leon Ave, Decatur, GA 30030.
Got an event or know of something opening in and around Atlanta? Holla: CJ@AtlantaFi.com. See what’s poppin’ in the ATL! Subscribe to our news alerts here, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
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They came, they saw, they twirled. They even meditated.
Injured veterans and some of their family members recently came together to participate in a Wounded Warrior Project®(WWP) ladies-only yoga dance class in Atlanta. The class introduced many of the participants to Vinyasa yoga, which combines elements of power yoga, fitness, dance, and meditation.
Wounded Warriors Project Teams Up With Atlanta Yoga Class
“I was always interested in taking yoga, but the idea of adding dance music seemed more exciting,” said Army veteran Beverly Townes from Snellville, Georgia. “I thoroughly enjoyed the event even though some of the moves were a little challenging, but the staff provided alternate moves and positions for those of us who were unable to do the regular positions.”
The Wounded Warrior Project for years has been dedicated to helping U.S. servicemen and women feel part of the American community again by re-acclimating them to the environment through social programs, support groups, activities and just plain ‘ol fun.
Activities like yoga can also help many of the veterans to utilize coping skills and deal with stress and emotional issues that come from combat.
“Wounded Warrior Project is a great organization that’s been helpful to me and many others,” Beverly said. “It provides services that would not otherwise be available to service members because of their circumstances. I appreciate everything the organization is doing for all soldiers.”
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Atlanta’s pizza wars may be heating back up as a new player enters the market. Gino’s East of Chicago is coming to Poncey-Highland, according to What Now Atlanta.
The new pizza spot will be located at 675 N. Highland Ave. NE in the spot formerly home to Rize Artisan Pizza. Ginos East has been a staple in Chicago, making the some of the best Chicago style deep dish pizza since 1966.
New pizza spot Gino’s East coming to Poncey-Highland in Atlanta
Chicagoans who have moved down south will no doubt love it when Gino’s East opens its doors in mid-July, What Now Atlanta reports. The Midtown location will be Gino’s East’s first pizza joint in Georgia.
Menu faves include Chicago Fire, featuring hot & spicy patty-style sausage, fire roasted red peppers, red onions. Also the Chi-Talian Stallion boasts Italian beef, roasted sweet peppers, giardiniera. The Deep Dish Meaty Legend has pepperoni, Italian sausage, Canadian bacon, bacon, and the Deep Dish Spinach Margarita has spinach, cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and basil.
Check out more of the menu below:
Atlanta has been home to a number of relatively new pizza restaurants over the past five years. Earlier this year, West Midtown saw the opening of The Local Pizzaiolo.
Got an event or know of something opening in and around Atlanta? Holla: CJ@AtlantaFi.com. See what’s poppin’ in the ATL! Subscribe to our news alerts here, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
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Clark Atlanta University students will graduate this week at commencement services on May 21, 2018. The Baccalaureate will be a day earlier.
Commencement exercises will be held in the Clark Atlanta University Stadium, rain or shine. Please check the weather and be sure to bring rain gear if the report calls for rain.
CAU Graduation 2018: May 21
There will be a number of CAU live streams so that people who couldn’t make the event can see the festivities.
Baccalaureate – May 20, 2018
Vivian W. Henderson Health & Physcial Education Center
Epps Gymnasium
10:00 a.m.(A Baccalaureate is a religious service honoring the graduating class.)
Commencement – May 21, 2018
CAU Panther Stadium
8:00 a.m. -
Multi-platinum selling artists Wiz Khalifa and Rae Sremmurd (Slim Jxmmi and Swae Lee) announced recently that they will co-headline the “Dazed & Blazed Summer 2018 Amphitheater Tour,” produced by Live Nation.
The rappers will be accompanied by Lil Skies and OT Genasis on various dates. The 27-city summer amphitheater tour will begin July 21 in Detroit, Michigan and end in August 30 in Phoenix, Arizona. The tour will touch down in Atlanta on Tuesday, August 21, 2018.
Beginning Tuesday, May 15th at 12PM EST, Wiz Khalifa VIP Packages will be available through Artist Arena. Visit http://www.wizkhalifa.com for more information.
Also, beginning Tuesday, May 15th at 12PM EST, Rae Sremmurd VIP Packages will be available through Future Beat. For more information, visit http://www.raesremmurd.com.
Here are the entire “Dazed & Blazed” Summer 2018 tour dates.
WIZ KHALIFA AND RAE SREMMURD DAZED & BLAZED SUMMER 2018 TOUR DATES:
DATE
CITY
VENUE
Sat Jul 21
Detroit, MI
DTE Energy Music Theatre
Sun Jul 22
Cleveland, OH
Blossom Music Center
Tue Jul 24
Toronto, ON
Budweiser Stage
Wed Jul 25
Saratoga Springs, NY
Saratoga Performing Arts Center
Thu Jul 26
Burgettstown, PA
KeyBank Pavilion
Sat Jul 28
Cincinnati, OH
Riverbend Music Center
Sun Jul 29
Chicago, IL
Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre*
Tue Jul 31
Noblesville, IN
Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center
Thu Aug 02
Coney Island, NY
Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island*+
Sat Aug 04
Holmdel, NJ
PNC Bank Arts Center*
Sun Aug 05
Hartford, CT
XFINITY Theatre
Tue Aug 07
Mansfield, MA
Xfinity Center
Thu Aug 09
Bristow, VA
Jiffy Lube Live
Fri Aug 10
Camden, NJ
BB&T Pavilion
Sat Aug 11
Virginia Beach, VA
Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach
Sun Aug 12
Raleigh, NC
Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
Tue Aug 14
Pelham, AL
Oak Mountain Amphitheatre
Wed Aug 15
Jacksonville, FL
Daily’s Place
Thu Aug 16
Tampa, FL
MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre at the FL State Fairgrounds
Fri Aug 17
West Palm Beach, FL
Coral Sky Amphitheatre
Tue Aug 21
Atlanta, GA
Cellairis Amphitheatre at Lakewood
Thu Aug 23
Houston, TX
Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
Fri Aug 24
Oklahoma City, OK
Zoo Amphitheatre
Sat Aug 25
Austin, TX
Austin360 Amphitheater
Sun Aug 26
Dallas, TX
Dos Equis Pavilion
Wed Aug 29
Albuquerque, NM
Isleta Amphitheater
Thu Aug 30
Phoenix, AZ
Ak-Chin Pavilion
*Lil Skies not on date
+Rae Sremmurd not on dateTickets will go on sale to general public beginning Friday, May 18th at LiveNation.com.
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Because we’re special, Wendy’s has rolled out its updated Frosty Card program in metro Atlanta and surrounding areas. Proceeds from this year’s program will go to Camp Sunshine and help send children and teens with cancer to camp this summer.
In addition to patrons in the Atlanta area, customers in other parts of Georgia, including Chattanooga, Macon, Columbus, Savannah and Augusta (as well as Chattanooga) can purchase a limited-edition Camp Sunshine Frosty Card from now until July 1, 2018.
$1 Frosty Card Earns You A Free Junior Frosty With Any Purchase
The Frosty Card costs $1, with each key card redeemable for one free junior Frosty with any purchase until December 31, 2018.
“Camp Sunshine holds a special place in our hearts, and we’ve been proud to support the important work they do for the last nine years,” says Wendy’s Division Marketing Manager Samone Brumfield. “Knowing that we can make a difference in any child’s life means much more than a Frosty. It’s about giving them a break to have fun during an extremely difficult time. That’s priceless.”
“Wendy’s is one of Camp Sunshine’s biggest supporters,” says Nancy Burrow, special events and communications manager at Camp Sunshine. “Last year alone the Frosty Card campaign helped send nearly 400 kids to camp, which is remarkable. We’re looking forward to another successful year and seeing how every Frosty Card purchase truly does change a child’s life.”
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Spelman College is set to hold their spring commencement activities on Thursday, May 17 — Sunday, May 20, 2018.
For the first time in 30 years, a Spelman College alumnae has been chosen to give the commencement address, the school announced this week. The honors will go to Rosalind Gates Brewer (class of 1984), who serves as group president Americas and chief operating officer for Starbucks.
The actual commencement will be Sunday, May 20 at 3 p.m. at the Georgia International Convention Center in College Park. See details below.
Spelman College Commencement: May 17 – 20, 2018
THURSDAY, May 17: Commencement Rehearsal and Ticket Distribution
9:30 a.m. | Science Center NASA AuditoriumAttendance at graduation rehearsal is mandatory for all graduating seniors. It is critical that you arrive promptly. The purpose of this meeting is to explain the graduation line up, show how your regalia should be worn, and demonstrate how to come onstage to receive your diploma, ensure that we have the proper pronunciation of your name, and distribute tickets.
Graduates who do not attend rehearsal will not receive Commencement tickets. Commencement rehearsal is time consuming; therefore, you should be prepared to be at Sisters Chapel for at least three hours. Exceptions will not be made for students who have to leave rehearsal early to go to work, the airport, etc. Please bring your Spelman photo ID and graduation clearance letter to pick up your tickets.
The correct pronunciation of your name is important. If your name has an unusual pronunciation, please contact the Dean of Undergraduate Studies and provide a phonetic translation. During the rehearsal, we will pronounce everyone’s name. If your name is mispronounced, please wait until the rehearsal is completed to make the correction.
FRIDAY, May 18: Senior Class Day Convocation
1:30 p.m. | Sisters Chapel
Graduates should line up at 12 p.m. at the Rockefeller Fine Arts BuildingSpelman College launches its formal Commencement festivities with Senior Class Day, an afternoon celebrating the senior class. The Class Day Convocation is unique in that it is the only formal Commencement event in which the senior class is addressed directly by peers. The Senior Class President will preside over the ceremony.The class valedictorian will deliver the Ivy Oration, an address in which she compares the characteristics of the ivy plant to the class in a unique way. Other Class Day traditions include the passing of the Senior Bench and Mortar Board to the junior class, the passing of the class emblem to the incoming first-year class, and presentation of the class history. Overflow seating will be available on the Oval where you may enjoy a live video feed of the Class Day ceremony.
3 p.m. | The Spelman College Oval
March Through Alumnae Arch
After the conclusion of the Class Day program, seniors will join the alumnae on the Oval for the processional through the Alumnae Arch, which is symbolic of seniors leaving the College and entering into greater service in the world beyond the gates of Spelman. Spelman alumnae, wearing white dresses, lead the procession. Family and friends can all enjoy this exciting and beautiful procession.SATURDAY, May 19: Baccalaureate
9 a.m. | The Spelman College Oval
Graduates will assemble in Sisters Chapel at 7:30 a.m.
Baccalaureate Speaker: Calvin O. Butts, III, D.Min., president of State University of New York College at Old Westbury and pastor of the nationally renowned Abyssinian Baptist Church in the City of New YorkAt Spelman, the Baccalaureate is one of the most meaningful and joyous ceremonies of the academic year. A spiritual service that reflects the breadth of faith traditions represented among the class, the Baccalaureate features a farewell sermon to Spelman College seniors. Graduates, their families, faculty and staff are encouraged to attend.
Seating on the Oval is on a first-come, first-seated basis. Guests will not be permitted to hold seats. The ceremony will also be telecast in Sisters Chapel. If there is a strong chance of inclement weather, notification of the change of venue will be announced via the Spelman Commencement Web page and the Spelman College inclement weather line 404-270-6116 or 6117, 48 hours in advance of the Baccalaureate Service.10:30 a.m. | Various locations around campus
Baccalaureate Reception for Students, Families and Guests
Immediately following the Baccalaureate ceremony, you are cordially invited to the departmental receptions at various locations around campus. These receptions offer a wonderful opportunity for your family and friends to meet in your favorite professors in your major. President Campbell and Interim Provost Myra Burnett will also attend the various receptions to greet graduates and your guests.SUNDAY, May 20: Commencement
3 p.m. | Georgia International Convention Center (GICC)
2000 Convention Center Concourse
College Park, Georgia 30037
770-997-3566
www.gicc.comDoors open at 12 p.m. (This time is subject to change).
Commencement Speaker: Rosalind Gates Brewer, C’84, group president Americas and chief operating officer for Starbucks
All entrances into the Exhibit Hall will close promptly at 2:30 p.m. for processional. Doors will reopen after processional is complete.
Please note: Spelman College and the Georgia International Convention Center (GICC) do not provide wheelchairs for mobility impaired guests. Mobility impaired guests may be dropped off at the entrance closest to the event designated for guests needing special assistance. Upon entrance into the event area, there will be hostesses available to assist with seating. A special seating section is available for mobility impaired guests, and only one person may accompany that guest and sit in the special seating area. No exceptions will be made.
Sign language interpretation is available for those with hearing impairments.
The Commencement Ceremony will mark the culmination of your years of hard work and dedication to intellectual and personal development. In addition to highlighting your accomplishments, we will recognize the distinguished contributions of other individuals of national and international prominence.
Spelman College’s Commencement speakers are leaders from both the public and private sector, from education to science to business to government. In the past, speakers such as first lady Michelle Obama, the Hon. Shirley Chisholm, Dr. Benjamin Carson, Ms. Oprah Winfrey, Ms. Alice Walker and Ms. Toni Morrison have addressed Spelman College graduates and their families.
On Sunday, May 20, graduates must report to the facility no later than 12:30 p.m. (This time is subject to change). Please leave all purses, cell phones, and personal belongings with family or friends.
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Rap artist J. Cole recently announced a 34-date tour in support of his new album KOD, with special guest Young Thug. The Live Nation-produced tour will be in Atlanta on August 12, 2018 at Infinite Energy Center in Gwinnett County.
The tour will start off in Miami, Florida, on August 9 and swing through the South and Midwest before heading to New York, Los Angeles and ending in Boston, MA on October 10.
J. Cole’s ‘KOD’ Tour Will Play Atlanta On Aug. 12
The fifth studio album from J. Cole, KOD follows his critically acclaimed, platinum-selling 2016 album 4 Your Eyez Only.In the week ending April 26, KOD sold 397k equivalent album units, while its songs amassed 322 million audio streams. That makes J. Cole only the third artist in history to surpass 300 million audio streams in its debut week—an achievement that’s especially remarkable considering that KOD only contains 12 songs.
For the Atlanta date, Young Thug will not be performing. Here is the entire tour schedule:
J. Cole KOD Tour Dates:
Aug 9 – Miami, FL – AmericanAirlines Arena
Aug 11 – Tampa, FL – Amelia Arena
Aug 12 – Atlanta, GA – Infinite Energy Center*
Aug 14 – New Orleans, LA – Smoothie King Center
Aug 15 – Houston, TX – Toyota Center
Aug 17 – San Antonio, TX – AT&T Center
Aug 18 – Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center
Aug 21 – Phoenix, AZ – Talking Stick Resort Arena*
Aug 22 – San Diego, CA – Viejas Arena at Aztec Bowl SDSU
Aug 24 – Los Angeles, CA – Staples Center
Aug 29 – Oakland, CA – Oracle Arena
Sep 2 – Boise, ID – Taco Bell Arena
Sep 4 – Sacramento, CA – Golden 1 Center
Sep 5 – Anaheim, CA – Honda Center
Sep 7 – Las Vegas, NV – T-Mobile Arena
Sep 8 – Salt Lake City, UT – Vivint Smart Home Arena
Sep 10 – Denver, CO – Pepsi Center
Sept 12 – Little Rock, AR – Verizon Arena*
Sep 13 – Birmingham, AL – Legacy Arena at The BJCC
Sep 17 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena
Sep 18 – Kansas City, MO – Sprint Center
Sep 19 – Minneapolis, MN – Target Center
Sep 21 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesar’s Arena
Sep 22 – Chicago, IL – Allstate Arena
Sep 23 – Columbus, OH – Schottenstein Center
Sep 25 – Buffalo, NY – KeyBank Center
Sep 26 – Hartford, CT – XL Center
Sep 28 – University Park, PA – Bryce Jordan Center
Oct 1 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden*
Oct 4 – Toronto – Air Canada Centre
Oct 5 – Montreal – Bell Centre
Oct 6 – Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center
Oct 8 – Washington, DC – Capital One Arena*
Oct 10 – Boston, MA – TD Garden -
Black Writers Weekend is an annual event created to celebrate and honor black literary creatives in publishing and film. Founded by Tamika Newhouse, the weekend bridges the gaps between black literary creatives and opportunities that will advance their careers.
Powered by AAMBC Inc., the organization focuses on new and emerging voices in literature and fusing them with established creatives in film, television, and publishing. First established in 2008 as an award show called the AAMBC Awards, it is now a four-day weekend.
AAMBC Literary Awards June 7-10 In Atlanta
The awards event will be held Thu, Jun 7, 2018, 8:00 AM –Sun, Jun 10, 2018, 5:00 PM. Get tickets here.
Attendees will enjoy panels, workshops, author signings and our celebratory book bash, movie screenings, along with the formal awards gala positioned as the highlight of the weekend.
This weekend was designed specifically for readers and writers of all genres, genders and ages,” Newhouse says. “We wanted this to be a true celebration of literary achievement in every area imaginable.”
Since its inception in 2008, the festival has been held in several locations; Baltimore, Chicago, San Antonio, and finally found a home in Atlanta in 2014.
The festival is the nation’s only entertainment award show and gathering for black creatives in publishing, film and TV enthusiasts, with approximately 1,500 attendees. The tenth annual Black Writers Weekend will take place in Atlanta, GA, June 7 – 10, 2018.