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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If you didn’t think black literature could be lit, you’re missing out. A new initiative by book lovers is aiming to raise the bar for fans of the written word across the United States.
Queen Pens is set to tour nearly 10 cities in 2018 in their quest to inspire, inform, and entertain. Queen Pens is a traveling production that brings women face-to-face with their favorite authors and celebrities. First up is Black Writers Weekend, which will be in Atlanta.
Black Writers Weekend Coming To Atlanta
The promo says “These Queens will lead the curious creatives, the around-the-way girl, entrepreneurs and dream seekers, to spark conversations around self-love, creative control, dreams, and creating balance between ambition and love.”
The Queens will be in Atlanta on June 10 to helm a gathering at the Georgia Beer Garden. Attendees are encouraged to network and rub shoulders with other talented ladies, be entertained, and enjoy a live conversation filled with laughs, tears, and cheering. Women come to feel inspired, laugh and get away, activate their dreams, mix and mingle, and cultivate new friendships in an amazing and beautiful environment!
When it comes to thoughtful discussion, a panel will be moderated by blogger Mikey ATL and feature Myss Shan, Jessica N. Watkins, LaShonda DeVaughn, and Tamika Newhouse. Collectively, these talented ladies have sold over 2.5 million books and have a reach of over 150,000 readers worldwide.
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The Atlanta Dream will open the season on Saturday, May 26 against the Dallas Wings. The Dream, in their 11th season, will open play with a new coach.
Nicki Collen will take the helm after Michael Cooper was let go after last season’s 12-22 campaign. Colleen most recently was an assistant coach with the Connecticut Sun, where the team posted a 21-13 record under head coach Curt Miller.
Colleen will get an Atlanta squad stocked with eager talent: Tiffany Hayes, Layshia Clarendon Damiris and Elizabeth Williams all shined at one point or another last season.
As for coaching additions, the Dream welcome Darius Taylor and Mike Peterson as assistant coaches as well as Jessica Cohen as athletic trainer.
Make sure you buy tickets to support the Dream!
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When you think of airport food, it’s understandable if one envisions bland selections and cookie-cutter menu items. But things are a-changing at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, especially on Concourse D. That’s where you’ll find Chicken + Beer, the 1-year-old restaurant from Jackmont Hospitality and rapper/actor Chris “Ludacris” Bridges.
This week a new event series from Chicken + Beer is being launched in partnership with Hapeville’s Arches Brewing. The event, called Flights & Bites will be Thursday, May 24 from 4 to 8 p.m.
Thursday, May 24: Flights & Bites In Hapeville
The two entities previously teamed up on Paths Across Bridges, a limited-release beer sold exclusively at the restaurant. Now Flights & Bites will allow local appetites to be satiated with the Southern-inspired dishes of Chicken + Beer alongside signature draught pours from Arches Brewing — and you don’t even have to worry about the hassle of a TSA checkpoint. LOL.
The event will be held at Arches Brewing, which is located at 3361 Dogwood Dr., Hapeville, Georgia, 30354.
Chicken + Beer Executive Chef Deandrae Kitchen and Todd Richards, culinary director of Jackmont Hospitality’s restaurants, will be on hand to share how the new concept works. “We can’t wait to share our unique versions of popular Southern dishes at Flights & Bites while celebrating local craftsmanship with Arches Brewing. The Hotlanta Wings and Black Eyed Pea Hummus both pair exceptionally well with beers of all types,” said Richards.
Tickets are $10 for the beer flights, $15 for the bites, or $25 for a combination of both- purchase your tickets here.
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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The weather is going to be perfect this weekend and that means there’s no better time than to visit the animals and Zoo Atlanta for Brew At The Zoo.
On Saturday, May 26, you can sip while you observe some of the most beautiful wildlife on the planet. While you indulge, take in the sights and local music knowing that your ticket supports conservation efforts to protect the species and their habitats.
More than 70 brews and wines will be on site including Abita, Ballast Point, Bold Rock, Crispin, Cherry Point Brewing and many more.
VIP early entry – 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. • Main Event – 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Beer and Wine sampling begins at 4:30 p.m. for VIP patrons and 5:30 p.m. for general admission while supplies last.
Bars service will end at 9:30 p.m.
There will be several tasting locations, as well as live music and entertainment, located throughout the Zoo.
Food will be sold for additional fees. There will be a non-alcoholic tasting station available for no additional charge.Atlanta’s favorite Memorial Day weekend festival tradition returns for another year! Have a brew, save the planet.
Brew at the Zoo is open to guests ages 21 and up; guests under 21 will not be admitted. Zoo Atlanta animals need their beauty sleep as well! Be sure to arrive before dusk, when most animals will head in for bedtime, and select bars will close
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With Atlanta becoming the movie mecca of the world, tons of projects are filming on city streets every day. But more than that, if you’ve ever wanted to join the TV and film business, it’s never been easier for Atlantans than it is right now.
Casting directors for the Houghton Casting Agency are looking for talents right now. The company is in the process of casting actors, models, and talent to work on feature films and TV shows filming in and around the Atlanta area.
Producers are seeking actors that can speak the following languages:
- Amharic
- Arabic
- Chinese
- French
- German
- Hindi
- Italian
- Japanese
- Korean
- Brazilian Portuguese
- Russian
- Spanish for the US
- Vietnamese
About Houghton Talent Agency:
The Houghton Talent Agency is a talent agency located in Atlanta that serves as a talent resource for productions in the Southeast.
Houghton Talent, Inc. is a full-service agency, representing individuals who have both experience and material. They are neither a school nor a studio. There are no photographers or instructors on staff. No fee is charged to meet with an agent or to register. A 15% commission is deducted from actual jobs booked.
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With the hot weather enveloping Atlanta, you would be remiss not to realize that it’s bikini season. And May 22, 2018 just happens to be National Swimsuit Day. If you need a two-piece or sumthin’ sumthin’ then this dedicated swimsuit shopping day just in time for Memorial Day Weekend is the day to do it.
But if you live in Atlanta, you may be wondering where the beaches are? Yes, A-Town is pretty landlocked, but that’s OK (ClayCo Beach is closed for 2018). There are still some white sand spots close enough to drive to. Here are several:
Here Are The Closest Beaches To Atlanta
National Swimsuit Day was so popular last year with our customers that we are bringing it back in a bigger and better way including more summer must-have items at an incredible value to help families gear up in time for Memorial Day Weekend,” said Gill Hong, executive vice president, chief merchandising officer and head of international, Lands’ End. “In addition to the amazing assortment of swimwear, the Lands’ End team will be sharing swimsuit tips and fit advice on our social channels, along with a six-hour Twitter event, #NationalSwimsuitDay, to lend a hand to help everyone discover great fitting and flattering swimwear at amazing values.”
To celebrate, we thought we’d show you where all the top beaches are in metro Atlanta (yes, the ATL area DOES have beaches) and some of the closest ocean beaches to The A:
Jekyll Island, Ga. 322 miles. People often forget that one of the state’s natural wonders is found on the Georgia coastline. Georgia’s Jekyll Island is located at the intersection of Jacksonville, Florida, and Savannah, Georgia, and it is best known for being a famous vacation spot of old-money tycoons with last names like Rockefellers and Vanderbilts. It’s also the birthplace of the Federal Reserve.
Ossabaw Island, Ga. 248 miles. Ossabaw’s unspoiled land is Georgia’s third-largest barrier island and has an undeveloped seashore.
Edisto Island, SC. 287 miles. Touted as one of the few uncommercialized family beaches remaining, the dolphins and turtles realize this. Watch wildlife, ride your bike, enjoy a boat tour or take a swing at The Plantation Course at Edisto.
Charleston, SC. 308 miles. South Carolina is only an hour away from Atlanta proper, but to get to Charleston it’s going to take you about three hours, but you won’t be sorry: Charleston has barrier islands and beaches that make it worth your while.
Jacksonville, Fl. 346 miles. Cross the border of Georgia’s southern neighbor and you’ll stumble upon Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach and Atlantic Beach, all of them great for surfing, snorkeling or just relaxing by the waves.
Got an event or know of something opening in and around Atlanta? Holla: TJohnson@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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Atlanta-born actor Donald Glover can stick another feature into his sizably creative hat. The “Atlanta Fx” star has signed on to play the lead in his own “Star Wars” spinoff as a younger Lando Calrissian.
He was cast to play the role popularized by Billy Dee Williams in this spring’s “Solo” movie.
Report: Donald Glover getting Lando Calrissian spinoff
Glover will get to spread his wings with Calrissian and explore his motivations as well as his back story, which is still not fully explained in “Solo.”
The spin-off was teased by Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy at the Cannes Film Festival this week.
“We think that the next spinoff will be dedicated to Lando Calrissian,” Kennedy told Premiere France. “Of course, there are still many stories to tell about Han and Chewbacca but Lando will be next.”
Glover has added a dimension to Calrissian’s character that Billy Dee didn’t have time to explore. Young Lando is pansexual.
“There’s a fluidity to Donald and Billy Dee’s [portrayal of Lando’s] sexuality,” “Solo” co-writer Jonathan Kasdan told the Huffington Post. “I mean, I would have loved to have gotten a more explicitly LGBT character into this movie. I think it’s time, certainly, for that, and I love the fluidity ― sort of the spectrum of sexuality that Donald appeals to and that droids are a part of.”
There are also at least two more movies planned about young Han Solo, played by Alden Ehrenreich. The actor reportedly has a three-picture deal with Lucasfilm.
Movie lovers were introduced to Lando Calrissian in “The Empire Strikes Back” as the administrator of Cloud City, where he seemed to be pre-occupied with staying off the radar of the Empire. As we learn, Han Solo, Luke Skywalker C-3PO and the gang change that.
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From May 14-20, 2018, it’s American Craft Beer Week. That means there’s plenty of suds flowing throughout Atlanta’s many bars, taverns, craft breweries and micro-breweries.
Arches Brewing in Hapeville is doing it big this week with a Tasting Room celebrating American Craft Beer Week. The establishment is releasing specialty beers every day and sprinkling in giveaways.
On May 22nd, set down the kettlebell and reconnect with your 7 year old you. The one that played and moved through space like no one was watching. MOVE & BREW will expose you to multiple areas of movement through games, breathing exercises, stillness, joint care & maintenance. All fitness levels welcome. More info here. Come early and stay after for a pint!
On May 24, Arches is partner with Ludacris’ restaurant Chicken+Beer, for Flights & Bites. At the event people will be able to pair seasonal beer flights with their southern comfort creations. $10 flights, $15 bites, or $25 all in.
Arches Brewing is located at 3361 Dogwood Dr, Hapeville, Georgia 30354.
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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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.