East Cobb Arts & Entertainment

ArtsBridge Foundation gala to benefit Georgia arts education programs

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Kristen Chenoweth, ArtsBridge Foundation gala

Thanks to Nicholas Wolaver for the information and photo of Kristin Chenoweth (yes, that one!) about the ArtsBridge Foundation Overture Gala on March 29 at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Tickets and sponsorships are on sale for the fundraiser, with proceeds going to arts programs for K-12 students in Georgia:

The benefit is an evening of philanthropy and fun including a cocktail reception, dinner created by the venue’s Executive Chef Nicholas Walker, a “Bid-to-Give” Auction, and live musical theater performances capped by a performance by Emmy- and Tony-Award winning actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth.

Co-chaired by Barbarella and René Diaz and Teena and Rob Garcia of Diaz Foods and Synovus, respectively, the gala also features performances by students of Milton High School, winner in the Overall Production category of the 2018 Georgia High School Musical Theater Awards. This prestigious program, also known as The Shuler Awards, recognized Georgia students as the state’s official entrants into the National High School Musical Theatre Awards—The Jimmy Nederlander Awards.

The Overture Gala’s honorary chair is local philanthropist Valery Voyles, CEO and chair of Ed Voyles Automotive Group and former board of directors of ArtsBridge Foundation.

ArtsBridge Foundation hosts the Overture Gala—the organization’s major annual fundraiser—to gather community support for the upcoming program season, which will serve more than 30,000 K-12 students from nearly 60 Georgia counties and five neighboring states.

Funds raised through the gala’s Bid-to-Give segment will go towards the ArtsBridge Adopt-A-School Program benefiting schools and students with specific financial assistance needs.

Individual gala tickets are $350 with sponsorship packages available in the $1,000 to $25,000 range. Sponsors include Presenting Sponsor Synovus, Georgia Power, Ed Voyles Automotive, Sylvia and Bruce Dick, Scicom Infrastructure Services, Terry Chandler, and Jimmy and Helen S. Carlos. For sponsorship opportunities or to purchase tickets, please visit www.ArtsBridgeGA.org/special-events or contact Lizzy Rhodes at 770-916-2817.

 

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Dancing with the Stars of Marietta takes place Saturday

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Dancing with the Stars of Marietta

Submitted information and photo:

The most fun and exciting night of the year is right around the corner! Dancing with the Stars of Marietta. Ten celebrities from Marietta have been paired up with GMDT choreographers to perform high-energy dance numbers on-stage in this thrilling competition. The teams will compete for votes received by way of donations hoping to win the coveted mirror ball trophy as the People’s Choice winners. A panel of judges will decide a winning couple for the Judge’s Choice Trophy.

GMDT’s Dancing with the Stars of Marietta 2019 cast of celebrity dancers are:

  • Team 1: Stephanie Clemmons, Co-Founder of the Superheroes Foundation and Mel Clemmons, Owner of the Mel C. Clemmons Agency and Co-Founder of the Superheroes Foundation

  • Kayce Grogan-Wallace, Theatre teacher for Marietta City Schools, Award Winning Actress and Vocal Producer and Brandon Hancock, Director of Operations for Little Italia

  • Team 3: Melanie Kagan, Northwest Regional Director for the United Way of Greater Atlanta and Michelle WerBell Tillis, Director, WellStar Health System

  • Team 4: Stace Huff, Licensed Counselor at Tapestry Psychological Associates and Greg Jackson, Personal Trainer and Owner of Train 2 Live Great

  • Team 5: Hannah Rambo, Rambo Nursery and Sam Rambo, Co-Founder of Glover Park Brewery and Owner of Rambo Nursery

Complete bios of each dancer can be found on the event website at http://gmdtdwts.com.

You can help by purchasing a ticket, voting online, and by making a donation. To vote for your favorite dancers with a donation to GMDT, please visit the event website at http://gmdtdwts.com.

Date: Saturday, February 9, 2019 at 7 pm

Venue: Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre on Historic Marietta Square

Tickets: $20-$55 www.georgiametrodance.tix.com

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Local art sale raises funds for Emory ALS research

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Janice Overbeck, Emory ALS research

Submitted information and photo:

On Friday, January 25th, the Janice Overbeck Real Estate Team held an art show at their office benefiting ALS research. Each participating artist generously donated 15% of their sales toward the fundraiser.

The exhibit included works from a variety of local artists including: Popi Marden, Katherine Knowles, Kent Knowles, Travis Carr, Matt Phillips, Jeff Pickard, Stacie Jean Albano, Rachel Silva, Danielle Rose, Naomi Garcia, Sara Farmer, and Mandy Grant. Hors d’oeuvres were sponsored by Perrie & Associates and premium cocktails were provided by Belle Isle.

The art show raised just over $800 for ALS, bringing the total raised for Emory ALS Center by Janice’s non-profit, JO Gives, to $190,962. 

 

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East Cobb art show to benefit Emory ALS Research Center

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East Cobb art show, Janice Overbeck Real Estate Team

Thanks to Kathryn Ruff from the Janice Overbeck Real Estate Team for the event about Friday’s art show coming up at the agency’s office from 6-9:

“Local landscape artist and teacher Katherine M. Knowles, will be hosting a benefit art show from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm at the Janice Overbeck Real Estate Team office in Marietta.

About ten local artists, woodworkers, and potters will feature their art in the show with a portion of their sales going to Janice Overbeck’s non-profit, JO Gives, for the Emory ALS Research Center.

“After losing my uncle to ALS, raising awareness and supporting research has been near to my heart”, Knowles said. “My cousin, Janice Overbeck, has done so much in the way of fundraising for the Emory ALS Center and has the perfect event space to host this art show.”

This event will be open to the public and there is no charge for entry. Wine, premium cocktails, and hors d’oeuvres will be served, so please rsvp to (404) 585-8881.

The event will take place at 2249 Roswell Road. Visit the event page at www.JaniceOverbeck.com for more information.

 

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Monthly Cafe Music Series gets underway at Sewell Mill Library

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Cafe Music Series

Tonight’s the first of a monthly program of live music at the Sewell Mill Library and Cultural Center called the Cafe Music Series.

It’s just an hour, from 7-8 p.m., and features the family-friendly music of Ken Jones, Jason Von Stein, R.A. Reinholtz and Reid Stevens.

The event is a tie-in with the library’s association with Cool Beans Coffee, which is serving on the premises.

Future events in the Cafe Music Series will be held on Feb. 19, March 19 and April 23, also at 7 p.m.

Interested performers should contact Ashley.Miller@cobbcounty.org.

 

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Sherlock Holmes Film Festival showing at Sewell Mill Library

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Friday’s the last day of the holiday break for students, and the Sewell Mill Library and Cultural Center (2051 Lower Roswell Road) is showing several youth-themed movies in its Sherlock Holmes Film Festival.Sherlock Holmes Film Festival, Sewell Mill Library

The event, which celebrates the 100th anniversary of the fictional detective character, is from 1:30-9 p.m., and it’s all free, in the black box theater. Here’s the schedule, with information provided by the Cobb County Public Library System:

1:30 PM – The Great Mouse Detective  (1986, 80 min) – G

Basil embarks on the greatest case of his career when London’s master toymaker is kidnapped – and ends up pitting his wits against his old adversary, Professor Ratigan, who wants to become “supreme ruler of all mousedom.”

3:00 PM – Sherlock Gnomes  (2018, 86 min) – PG

After a string of garden gnome disappearances in London, Gnomeo & Juliet look to legendary detective Sherlock Gnomes to solve the case of their missing friends and family.

4:30 PM – Young Sherlock Holmes  (1985, 109 min) – PG-13

A teenage Sherlock Holmes meets and befriends his future sidekick, the bemused and bespectacled John Watson. During their first semester of boarding school, a series of deaths occur on campus. Intrigued by the crime, Holmes looks into it and soon comes to suspect a poisonous hallucinogen. And then, in the midst of their investigation, Holmes and Watson stumble on a bizarre cult with a penchant for human sacrifice – after which they must struggle to escape.

6:30 PM – Sherlock Holmes  (2009, 128 min) – PG-13

When a string of brutal murders terrorizes London, it doesn’t take long for legendary detective Sherlock Holmes and his crime-solving partner, Dr. Watson, to find the killer, Lord Blackwood. A devotee of the dark arts, Blackwood has a bigger scheme in mind, and his execution plays right into his plans. The game is afoot when Blackwood seems to rise from the grave, plunging Holmes and Watson into the world of the occult and strange technologies.

Call 770-509-4988 for more information.

 

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Play Me Again Pianos to unveil ‘Vincent’ community piano at Sewell Mill Library and Cultural Center

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The third community piano provided by the Play Me Again Pianos non-profit in an East Cobb location will be unveiled Jan. 9 at the Sewell Mill Library and Cultural Center (2051 Lower Roswell Road).

The debut for “Vincent” takes place at 6 p.m. and is open to the public. Guests can play the piano afterward.

The East Cobb-based Play Me Again Pianos is providing 88 repurposed and repainted pianos throughout the metro Atlanta area. Vincent, named after the painter Vincent van Gogh, is the 20th completed project.

Previously, community pianos were installed at East Cobb Park and the Egg Harbor Cafe restaurant on Lower Roswell Road.

“Street pianos and public pianos inspire people to connect with each other in ways that were once common, but seem increasingly rare. By adding our pianos to the landscape throughout the metropolitan area, we hope to nurture that connection into an evolution of Atlanta’s culture, community and the arts,” said Jason Brett, co-founder of Play Me Again Pianos.

Vincent was designed and painted by Suzzanne Anicette, a local artist and the arts coordinator at the Sewell Mill Library and Cultural Center.

“The idea and design for Vincent grew out of a desire to have an easily recognizable reproduction of a Master work, since we’re placing him inside the Gallery,” Anicette said. “I wanted to depict the feeling of van Gogh’s Starry Night using slightly more vibrant colors to entice players and help them feel at ease enough to enjoy playing.

“Painting Vincent was truly a labor of love. I can see him symbolically unifying the Visual and Performing Arts that are housed at Sewell Mill and being enjoyed for years to come. I’m grateful to Play Me Again Pianos for affording artists the opportunity to complete these public art pieces. I cannot wait to see the subsequent works take shape.”

Anicette is a former arts teacher in Rochester, N.Y. and Atlanta public schools and community arts centers and museums. She joined the cultural arts division of Cobb County PARKS in January.

Vincent will be located in the Carol and Jim Ney Art Gallery near the entrance to the library.

On Thursday, Jan. 10, a “Play In” will include staff from the Cultural Affairs Division of Cobb County PARKS and the Cobb County Library system playing Vincent in an all-day celebration from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.

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Georgia Metropolitan Dance Theatre presents ‘The Nutcracker’ Thanksgiving weekend

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Georgia Metropolitan Dance Theatre, The Nutcracker

Thank you to Gina Duncan of the Georgia Metropolitan Dance Theatre for the information and photos about its presentation of “The Nutcracker” over the Thanksgiving weekend at the Cobb Civic Center.

She says more than 150 young local dancers will be involved in the classic holiday ballet performance, and they range in age from seven to 18. Their training takes place at the Georgia Dance Conservatory on the Marietta Square, with professional dancers D Patton White as Godfather Drosselmeyer and Alex Barros as the Cavalier joining the cast.

Here the dates and times:

  • Friday, Nov. 23  at 7:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, Nov. 24 at 2 and 7:30 p.m.
  • Sunday, Nov. 25th at 2 p.m.

The venue is the Jennie T. Anderson Theatre at the Cobb Civic Center (548 S. Marietta Pkwy) and tickets are $10 to $30. For information visit: www.georgiametrodance.tix.com.

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Play Me Again Pianos to hold East Cobb fundraiser Sunday

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Sunny Piano East Cobb Park, Play Me Again Pianos

We placed this on the calendar but wanted to expand this item more because there’s some news accompanying a fundraiser the East Cobb-based non-profit Play Me Again Pianos is having on Sunday:

The group that refurbishes, repaints and donates used pianos for community use is inviting the public for a fundraiser from 5-7 Sunday at Red Sky Tapas and Bar (1255 Johnson Ferry Road).

The event will be featured around a Dueling Pianos concert (like the Dueling Pianos entertainment programs at the restaurant), and there will be food, drinks, and other musical fun.

Play Me Again Pianos will accept cash donations, and there will be raffle prizes and Red Sky will donate a portion of food and beverage sales on Sunday.

Co-founders Jason and Kelly Brett are aiming to provide 88 pianos to communities around metro Atlanta. Thus far there are two Play Me Again Pianos in East Cobb. “Sunny” at East Cobb Park, pictured above, whose ribbon-cutting we covered last summer, was painted by summer Artscape! painters. Last fall, “Tommy” was unveiled at Egg Harbor Cafe (4917 Lower Roswell Road).

Now for the news part: A third piano will be placed in East Cobb soon, at the Sewell Mill Library and Cultural Center. Kelly told us there’s not an ETA yet on when “Vincent” will arrive. She says he’s still being painted, and “since our artists are volunteers we pretty much just roll with their timeline. We’re hoping that it’s before the end of the year though.”

While the pianos are donated and are free for the public to use, upkeep is not, and that’s what the fundraising efforts are all about. The Bretts estimate that each piano costs $500 a year to tune and make minor repairs.

Right now there 20 pianos in operation or on the way, including Vincent. Here’s more on what he will look like.

And here’s more on how the Bretts began their efforts to create more public music spots for what they say remains a labor of love. Says Jason:

“One of the things we love about these pianos is that they create spaces where friends and strangers alike gather to just enjoy a few minutes of music and happiness together, and that’s exactly the kind of community we want to be a part of.”

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The Art Place winter/spring class registration, holiday events begin this week

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A full slate of winter and spring classes begins soon at The Art Place, and you can sign up starting Wednesday.The Art Place

A complete list of youth and adult classes can be found here, with course details, fees, dates and other relevant information.

The Art Place also has announced its schedule of holiday events, and tickets are available for them, including the St. Nick’s Cafe and the Empty Bowl Brunch, which is a fundraiser for MUST Ministries.

The Art Place also will begin its annual Artist Attic on Thursday, featuring items produced by class participants for sale through the holiday shopping season.

The sneak-a-peak for the Artist Attack also will be on Wednesday from 7-9 p.m.

Also on Saturday, there will be a gift-giver’s workshop from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. You’ll get step by step instruction for three projects for handmade pieces to place under your holiday tree.

The workshop is for those age 16 and older. The class fee is $30 and the supply fee is $10.

The Art Place is located at 3330 Sandy Plains Road, next to the Mountain View Regional Library and the East Cobb Senior Center.

 

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East Cobb Weekend Events: Holiday Décor Market; Eastminster Church Festival; Halloween Hikes and more

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Good Mews 30th birthday, East Cobb weekend events, Good Mews Holiday Decor Market

Today’s the first day of fall, and it’s starting to feel a little bit like it. Many East Cobb organizations have already begun autumn- and holiday-themed events, and they’re continuing this weekend.

The highlights from our calendar listings for Friday-Sunday:

The Good Mews Holiday Decor Market gets under way Friday and continues every weekend through early December, returning to the Sandy Plains Exchange Shopping Center (1860 Sandy Plains Road, Suite 202). They’re open this Friday and the last Friday of the sale, on Dec. 7, from 12-5; otherwise the hours are Saturdays 10-5 and Sundays 12-5. The kitties like the one above who are the beneficiaries of the sale won’t be onsite, but you can get an early start on gently used goods for holiday shopping. Good Mews also is accepting your donations starting Friday and through Nov. 25;

Church fall festivals are starting to gear up too, and coming up is the Eastminster Presbyterian Church Fall Festival from 12-8 Friday and from 10-4 Saturday at the church (3125 Sewell Mill Road). Games, crafts, kids activities and BBQ are on tap, and the proceeds benefit several local charities, including MUST Ministries;

If you want to get out and stretch your legs while soaking up the beautiful weather and tap into the holidays, Halloween Hikes at the Chattahoochee Nature Center (9135 Willeo Road, Roswell) is an ideal event for the whole family. They’re guided half-mile walks along lighted trails and with crafts and other Halloween decorations. The times Friday and Saturday are from 7-9:45 p.m., and the cost is $12 a person;

The high school football season is drawing to a close, with several East Cobb teams still vying for playoff position. Friday’s games kick off at 7:30 p.m, and they include Cass at Kell, Woodstock at Lassiter, Sequoyah at Sprayberry, Roswell at Walton, Campbell at Wheeler and Pope at Cambridge.

By the way, that Walton-Roswell game is going to be shown live from Raider Valley on Georgia Public Television, as the No. 2 Raiders look to stay unbeaten on the season and in region play.

If high school band music is your thing, you’ve got all day Saturday to take in the 35th Southern Invitational Music Festival, which goes from 10-10 at Sprayberry High School (2525 Sandy Plains Road). Admission is $10 for adults; $5 for students with an ID and free for kids 6 and under.

Check our full calendar listings for more things to do in East Cobb this weekend, and beyond.

Did we miss anything? Do you have a calendar item you’d like to share with the community? Send it to us, and we’ll spread the word! E-mail: calendar@eastcobbnews.com, and you can include a photo or flyer if you like.

Whatever you’re doing this weekend, make it a great one! Enjoy!

 

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Last gasp for Summer Stars Concert Series at The Art Place: Peter Karp

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Peter Karp, Summer Stars Concert Series

Saturday is the final installment of the Summer Stars Concert Series at The Art Place, and the entertainment will come from blues-oriented slide guitarist and recording artist Peter Karp.

The free concert begins at 7:30 p.m., and the lawn opens at 7 p.m. A table for eight is $40. No alcoholic beverages are allowed.

Concessions are in exchange for a donation to the Mountain View Arts Alliance, or you can bring food from home.

The Art Place is located at 3330 Sandy Plains Road.

 

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Georgia Metropolitan Dance Theatre to open 62nd season with ‘Dracula’

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Georgia Metropolitan Dance Theatre

Thanks to Gina Duncan of the Georgia Metropolitan Dance Theatre for passing this along about next month’s performance of Dracula. Labor Day means the unofficial end of summer, but before long it will be time for Halloween-themed events. Tickets went on sale Friday:

Dracula is brought to life again as Georgia Metropolitan Dance Theatre opens its 62nd season of dance with their fall performance of this legendary classic, October 5th through October 7th at The Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre on the historic Marietta Square.

Back by popular demand, with four shows this year. GMDT’s Dracula will be an intriguing display of talent and exciting storytelling. Professional dancers Jonah Hooper, Calvin Gentry, Gray Stoner, and Peter Powlus, will join a cast of 40 local GMDT company dancers ranging in age from thirteen to eighteen. Dracula will proudly feature the original work of two talented choreographers, Raul Peinado and Ashleigh Whitworth, set to the hauntingly beautiful score of Philip Feeney.

Grab your seats early to enjoy a live organist that will play before all shows. Let us transport you to Transylvania where dance and myth mix together in this spellbinding story of Count Dracula and his three brides, the misfortunes of Jonathan Harker and fiancé Mina Murray, and the ultimate struggle between good and evil. Audiences will be mesmerized as they are pulled in to the world of vampires, gypsies, castles, vampire hunters, superstition, and eternal love in this chilling ballet based on the classic novel by Bram Stoker. 

Just in time for Halloween! The 2:00 p.m. shows on October 6th and 7th will include a youth costume contest during intermission. 18 years old and under come dressed in costume and walk the stage for a chance to win a picture with Dracula and his brides after the show! Adult audience members are encouraged to come wearing your favorite vampire attire.

Performance dates and times at the Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre:

  • Friday, October 5th at 7:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, October 6th at 2:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, October 6th at 7:30 p.m.
  • Sunday, October 7th at 2:00 p.m.

Tickets: Tickets range in price from $15 to $25. To purchase tickets, visit GMDT’s ticket website www.georgiametrodance.tix.com or visit its official Facebook page at GA Metro Dance Theatre, for more information. Tickets go on sale September 1st.

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East Cobb Labor Day weekend events: Noshfest, Holy Smoke Festival return

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Noshfest, East Cobb Labor Day weekend events
It wouldn’t be Noshfest without “Hava Nagila.” The Jewish food and culture festival returns at Temple Kol Emeth Sunday and Monday. (East Cobb News file photos)

Just a few days remain until two signature East Cobb Labor Day weekend events make their festive returns.

Here’s the latest info we have on the Noshfest, which takes place from 11-5 Sunday and 11-4 Monday at at Temple Kol Emeth (1415 Old Canton Road):

Admission is free, but each attendee is asked to bring two canned food items to be donated to MUST Ministries.

Once inside, you’ll purchase food and drink tickets as you please, and either with cash or by credit card. Craft items for sale can be bought with cash, credit card or debit card, depending on vendor availabilty.

Noshfest

The Highlights: Entertainment from the blues-and-folk Alex Guthrie Band (he’s a local musician and recording artist) returns to the Noshfest stage at 3 p.m. Sunday. Before that, starting at noon, is a cooking demonstration from Chef Wilson Gourley of the famed General Muir deli in Dectatur, and the festival’s 3rd annual bagel-eating contest (sponsored by Bagelicious in East Cobb) is at 2 p.m.

The winning contestant will win a cash prize of $500 for eating the most bagels in five-minutes.

On Monday, live music will abound, including the Dixie Saints, who will perform Dixieland and klezmer specialties at 2 p.m.

Temple tours of the synagogue will take place Sunday at 1, 2:30 and 4 and on Monday at 12, 1:30 and 3.

Holy Smoke Festival

Admission is also free on Monday to the Holy Smoke Festival, held from 10-3 at the ball fields and south parking lot at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church (955 Johnson Ferry Road).

Food tickets for the Williamson BBQ-catered meals are $6.50 (and if they run out, other food vendors will be on hand), and the events include live music, Christian illusionist Shane Wilbanks (above), kids’s inflatables, a silent auction and a classic car show.

Holy Smoke Festival

The Highlights: Local musician Jay Memory will perform in the Big Tent between 11-2 (that’s where and for how long the food will be served). Wilbanks’ shows are at 11:15, 12:45 and 1:45.

At 12:15, the Fort Benning Silver Wings aerial show takes place.

At 2, the silent auction closes, with the grand prize winner announced, as well as the car show awards.

Holy Smoke proceeds will benefit the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, East Cobb chapter.

 

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‘Harper Lee: From Mockingbird to Watchman’ to be screened Tuesday at Sewell Mill Library

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Calling all “To Kill a Mockingbird” fans, and especially devotees of the woman who wrote the novel and what came after all that: You’re invited to a special film screening Tuesday at the Sewell Mill Library (2051 Lower Roswell Road).Harper Lee From Mockingbird to Watchman

It’s not the actual 1962 movie, starring Gregory Peck and Mary Badham, but rather a more recent movie about the book, movie and the woman who made it all possible, “Harper Lee: From Mockingbird to Watchman.”

To be more precise, it’s a documentary film about the novelist and her work, not only the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, but also her “Go Set a Watchman,” published in 2015, the year before Lee’s death. That novel is regarded as a sequel, portraying Atticus Finch in a very unflattering light, and set off something of a controversy.

The film to be screened Tuesday was made for the Public Broadcasting System‘s “American Masters” series.

Lee’s older sister is among those interviewed, as well as Oprah Winfrey, Tom Brokaw, legal thriller novelist Scott Turow and others who knew the novelist.

The screening, which takes place from 6:30-8:30 p.m., is part of Georgia Public Broadcasting‘s “Great American Read” series. The event in the library’s black box theater is free, and will be followed by a book-style discussion, but you’re encouraged to make a reservation here.

 

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As Splendid Pieces exhibit closes at Sewell Mill Library, mosaics classes begin

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Splendid Pieces exhibit, Mazzoni Mosaics

For the last month, the Splendid Pieces exhibit at the Sewell Mill Library and Cultural Center (2051 Lower Roswell Road) has shown the work of Georgia mosaics artist Julie Mazzoni (her website here).

There will be a closing reception in the library’s art gallery Thursday, Aug. 30, from 6-8 p.m., the day before the exhibit closes. She’ll be offering a demo and a talk about her work.

A Kennesaw State grad, Julie began doing mosaics in 2009 after working in children’s murals, watercolors and acrylics. She specializes in 3-D bas-relief mixed media concept works and realism in stained glass.

If you’re interested in learning how to do mosaics, you can get a start earlier in the week.

The library is offering two related classes starting next Tuesday.

A Mosaic Rock Garden Class takes place over four sessions, through Sept. 18, as you’ll learn how to personalize your own backyard garden. The cost is $47, and the class meets every Tuesday from 10-11:30 a.m. Here’s how to sign up.

Mazzoni will be teaching Beginner Mosaics, an eight-session class, through Oct. 30. Here’s more on signing up for that course. The fee is $170, and the class meets from 11:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. every Tuesday, except for Sept. 25.

She’s also teaching the same class, from Aug. 28 to Oct. 2, at The Art Place (3320 Sandy Plains Road), with sessions from 5:30-8 p.m. Here’s signup information for that.

The Art Place is also where she’s teaching an Open Mosaics Studio class from Oct. 9 to Nov. 13 (details and signup here). Julie’s also had her work exhibited there.

 

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Mountain View Arts Alliance to hold Pete Borden memorial event in October

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In October the Mountain View Arts Alliance will be honoring the memory of Pete Borden, a longtime East Cobb resident who was actively involved in community theater.Pete Borden, Mountain View Arts Alliance

The memorial event will take place Oct. 10 from 7-9 p.m. at The Art Place (3330 Sandy Plains Road), and will include the unveiling of a memorial stone hand crafted by local artist Julie Mazzoni.

Borden died in March at the age of 81 from lung cancer.

Born in Texas and a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Borden was a brick mason by profession and active in Cobb theater organizations, including The Art Place, as a playwright, director and actor. He also was a member of the Catholic Church of St. Ann in East Cobb.

Borden also wrote a regular column for many years in The Marietta Daily Journal and advocated for local arts and theater organizations in that space.

Shortly after his death, the MDJ reprinted one of Borden’s columns from 2012, as he recalled an early 1990s flap on the Cobb Board of Commissioners over arts funding and an anti-gay resolution that cost Cobb County its official 1996 Olympics participation.

In a message on its Facebook page about the memorial event, the MVAA said:

If you would like to perform a scene or song or skit or even a roast tributing Pete, please advise and we will put together a program.

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EAST COBB WEEKEND EVENTS: East Cobb Rotary Dog Days Run; Lutzie 43 Road Race; Wasted Potential concert; football events; and more

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East Cobb Rotary Dog Days Run, East Cobb Weekend Events

As we’re typing these words, the sun has come out! It’s expected to stay out, at least partially, as this weekend’s sports-heavy lineup leads off Saturday with the 13 annual East Cobb Rotary Dog Days Run.

It gets underway at 7:30 a.m. at the East Cobb-McCleskey Family YMCA (1055 E. Piedmont Road). Race-day registration is $30, and the proceeds benefit a number of East Cobb charities, including School Mates Literacy Project, Canine Assistance, Aids Awareness, The Center for Family Resources, Cobb County Public Safety and Kids2Leaders Inc.

At the same time, the Lutzie 43 Foundation Road Race is taking place at Lutzie Field at Lassiter High School (2601 Shallowford Road), with proceeds going to the non-profit set up in the memory of Phil Lutzenkirchen, the former Trojans football star. It helps teach young people leadership skills and how to make good decisions. There’s a 1-mile fun run for kids in addition to the 5K. Race-day registration is $30 for students and $43 for adults.

Not far away, another school community is celebrating its upcoming football season. The Pope Football Pancake Breakfast goes from 9-11 in the cafeteria at the school (3001 Hembree Road), and is a Pope Touchdown Club fundraiser. For $11 a person or $26 a family (players eat free!), you’ll get pancakes, sausage, bagels, fruit and juices; stick around for the team picture day to follow.

Wasted Potential Brass Band
The Wasted Potential Brass Band returns to The Art Place Saturday.

Saturday also is Sandy Plains Softball Fun Day from 11-1 at Field 1 at Sandy Plains Park (2977 Gordy Parkway), and it includes walk-up registration for the fall season.

On Saturday evening, bring your blankets and lawn chairs to The Art Place (3320 Sandy Plains Road) and enjoy the sounds of the Wasted Potential Brass Band. The popular Atlanta group is appearing as part of the Mountain View Arts Alliance’s Summer Stars Concert Series. Concessions are in exchange for a donation to MVAA, or you can bring your own food (but no alcohol is allowed).

More prep football on Sunday takes place 2-4. It’s Walton Raider Day at the Raider Valley stadium (1590 Bill Murdock Road). Admission is free, and the jamboree-style event includes kids games, a coaches dunk tank, face-painting, trampoline-jumping and a meet-and-greet with all the Raiders teams. Wear your Walton Spirit gear, since there will be drone group photo taken during the day.

Also on Sunday, the Good Mews Cat Shelter (3805 Robinson Road) is having another microchip and vaccination clinic from 10-3. Additional services include nail clippings, and appointments are encouraged but not required. Dogs are welcome too, and all pets must be in a carrier or on a leash when they arrive.

Check our full calendar listings for more things to do in East Cobb this weekend, and beyond.

Did we miss anything? Do you have a calendar item you’d like to share with the community? Send it to us, and we’ll spread the word! E-mail: calendar@eastcobbnews.com, and you can include a photo or flyer if you like.

Whatever you’re doing this weekend, make it a great one! Enjoy!

 

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PHOTOS: Sewell Mill Library and Cultural Center Mini Con debuts

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Sewell Mill Library and Cultural Center Mini Con
(East Cobb News photos by Wendy Parker)

Geeks of all ages showed up Saturday for the Sewell Mill Library and Cultural Center Mini Con, which included a broad range of activities in the comic and digital arts.

The event included workshops and demonstrations, live music, food and vendors using most of the new facility’s creative arts space.

Sewell Mill Library and Cultural Center Mini Con

The highlight of the afternoon was a costume contest, with winners and runners-up in children and adult divisions. While Star Wars characters were popular, so were the likes of Elvis Presley and Monty Python characters.

Sewell Mill Library and Cultural Center Mini Con

Among the many activities for children were demonstrations from members of the Giga-Bites Cafe tabletop gaming store in East Cobb.

Sewell Mill Library and Cultural Center Mini Con

Sewell Mill Library and Cultural Center Mini Con

James Mitchell of the Sewell Mill Library organized the event and said around 1,000 attended in all, including many who had not been to the library before.

Like other events at the library since it opened last December, Mini Con was designed to attract not only new faces, but to demonstrate the unifying forces of the creative arts, across many platforms and genres.

Sewell Mill Library and Cultural Center Mini Con

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Sewell Mill Library Summer Concert Series begins Friday

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Sewell Mill Library Summer Concert Series

The Sewell Mill Summer Concert series begins Friday with a pop performance by Kienan Dietrich from Sarah & the Safe Word, the Wildfire Orchestra, Chasing Lovely, and The Good Graces

It’s the first of three free monthly concerts presented by the Cobb Library Foundation in the outdoor amphitheater of the Sewell Mill Library and Cultural Center (2051 Lower Roswell Road). You can bring a picnic, blankets or set up lawn chairs. Doors open at 6 p.m, and the music starts at 7.

Here’s more about what you’ll be hearing, and at the bottom of the post there’s more about future concerts:

Kienan Dietrich (from Sarah & the Safe Word) featuring the Wildfire Orchestra “Baby, I’m the best kind of wrong,” croons vocalist Sarah Rose on Sarah and the Safe Word’s latest album, Strange Doings in the Night. Exploring sounds reminiscent of cabaret, vaudeville, southern gothicism, swing, and – of course – rock and roll, the band urges enthusiastic victi- er, listeners – to step inside, get strapped in, and prepare for one very, very, peculiar evening.

Chasing Lovely: Folk-pop duo Chasing Lovely combine haunting harmonies, powerful melodies, and insightful lyrics to create a truly captivating acoustic performance. Chasing Lovely’s mission is to provoke thought, promote understanding, and capture both glimmers of light and darkness as they share the deeply moving human experience through song.

The Good Graces: the Good Graces is an indie-folk/Americana collective fronted by singer-songwriter Kim Ware and based in Atlanta, GA. In 2015, Kim’s song “Cold in California” caught the attention of the Indigo Girls, and the band was invited by the renowned duo to support some midwest and southeast shows during their summer tour.

The concert series continues on Aug. 17 with the jazz sounds of Will Scruggs and Masterpeace, and concludes on Sept. 21 with a classical show featuring the Wheeler Quartet and a quartet from the Georgia Symphony Orchestra.

 

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Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!