Creative Loafing Atlanta

05/27/2026

CRITIC’S PICK
Sun., May 31

OK, madrigal and sea shanty fans, here’s a rare opportunity to hear selections from your favorite genre, plus several modern works, sung a ca****la by KnightSong. Formed in 1989 by Pat Buonodono, Brad Ketch and Keith Duggan, KnightSong performs year-round for public and private gatherings.

The group’s repertoire includes works by composers ranging from the Renaissance to the present day. Sunday's concert takes place in downtown Kennesaw at The 1808, a renovated Methodist church, the acoustical qualities of which should provide an exceptionally fine listening experience. – Doug DeLoach

KnightSong: Madrigals and Sea Shanties – The 1808, Sun May 31, 2026 - Join us for an afternoon of lovely a ca****la music consisting of madrigals, sea shanties, and some favorite more modern works, performed in a beautiful historical venue with perfect ...

05/27/2026

CONTEST TIME!
Win TWO tickets to the Goth & Glitter Ball at Variety Playhouse on June 26 — a night where synth‑polished glamour meets shadowy, romantic intensity.

Step into a double‑dose of nostalgia with:
✨ The Reflex — Atlanta’s tribute to Duran Duran, bringing the shimmer, the rhythm, and the iconic hits
🎶Lovesong — the Daytona‑based tribute to The Cure, capturing every ounce of mood, texture, and emotional depth

Enter now for your shot at a pair of tickets — and get ready to dance, sway, and feel everything.
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More info: https://bit.ly/4fa0EYZ
The Reflex: https://bit.ly/4fON1P4
Lovesong: https://bit.ly/49B8d4L

Zero Mile Presents

05/22/2026

CRITIC’S PICK
Sat., May 23

Atlanta-based reed and flute player, composer and educator John Shapley is bringing his octet to Red Light Cafe Saturday, perhaps hoping to lure away a few folks from the city-sponsored jazz extravaganza at nearby Piedmont Park.

Shapley will be leading his ensemble -- Aaron Kuziki (saxes, flute), Tony Annacchino (baritone sax & clarinet), Tim Otis (trumpet, flugelhorn), Jeff Albert (trombone), Nathaniel Smith (keys), Aviel Del Rosario (bass) and Lee Roberts (drums) -- in performances of his own arrangements of the compositions of Thad Jones, Jaco Pastorius and Pat Metheny. Should make for a very entertaining and interesting listening experience. -- DTD

Atlanta-based jazz saxophonist John Shapley leads his octet in performing his special arrangements of the marvelous jazz compositions of Thad Jones, Jaco Pastorius, and Pat Metheny. It will be an evening of unique and interesting jazz music that is rarely played on the scene today. $25 Adv – $35 D...

05/17/2026

Sadly, today Sunday, May 17th is the last day for ATL Burger Week 2026. The good news is you still have the whole day to enjoy amazing ABW burgers all over the metro area! Pictured here is Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q Westside's Frito Pie Smash Cheeseburger: made with two fresh ground brisket patties smashed and griddled with thinly sliced white onions and Fresh jalapeños, melting cheese and their brisket chili, served on a toasted brioche bun with mustard, and topped with Fritos! Also pictured is the “Honey Bourbon Lemonade” cocktail, created by Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q's bartender, Cecelia Grant and made with Jim Beam Bourbon, honey syrup, lemon juice and peach puree! Best enjoyed together, the makers of Jim Beam Bourbon Whiskey invite you to make it a "Beam + Lemonade" with your burger! Always follow the DRINKSMART® rules and drink in moderation. Check out ATL Burger Week 2026 to find out more!

05/16/2026

ATL Burger Week is back, running now through tomorrow, Sunday, May 17th! Pictured here is Ormsby's Bánh Mi Burger: a chuck beef patty, topped with pork belly, kimchi, pickled radish, Brie cheese, sriracha mayo on an Alon's Bakery bun! Also pictured is the “Emotional Blackmail” cocktail, created by Ormsby's lead bartender, Kevin Horan and made with Jim Beam Bourbon, Liquor 43, Dolin Chambéryzette aperitif and fresh lemon! Best enjoyed together, the makers of Jim Beam Bourbon Whiskey invite you to make it a "Beam + Lemonade" with your burger! Always follow the DRINKSMART® rules and drink in moderation. Check out ATL Burger Week 2026 to find out more!

05/15/2026

CRITIC’S PICK
Mon., May 18

Eyedrum art & music gallery’s Monday Night Creative Music Series consistently presents marvelously adventurous programming. This past Monday, Athens-based guitarist Shane Parish played two sets of absolutely mesmerizing music, one solo and the other with percussionist Libro (Michael Libramento).

This Monday’s bill features two groups of seasoned Atlanta-based progressive/experimental artists. First up is Klimchak performing a solo percussion/widgets & gizmos set and a second set teamed up with violinist Adam Mirza.

Next, pedal steel ace JD Walsh (Anagrams, Shy Layers, Natural Palace) leads a quartet with Colin Bragg (bass, guitar), John Arthur Brown (percussion, drums) and Blake Helton (electronics, drums). All super-talented improvisers with jazzy chops, Walsh & friends will perform a slate of new compositions for open-minded ears. – Doug DeLoach

https://creativeloafing.com/event-628388-monday-night-creative-music-series-klimchak-05-18-2026-8-00?fbclid=IwY2xjawR0ORBleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe8Iu_dNkHkf5N7Hg8j2s93Wj9OPmabQP6qUaPLj2AGgBIe2HgBYSTlO4po9I_aem_tnpBN_kaSW1QFgG0RwIfhg

Set 1: Klimchak solo & duo with Ada Mirza Set 2: JD Walsh Quartet JD Walsh (Anagrams, Shy Layers, Natural Palace) is a multimedia artist and musician based in Atlanta, GA. He will perform new compositions on the pedal steel guitar with a quartet featuring Colin Bragg on bass and guitar, John Arthur....

05/15/2026

ATL Burger Week is back, running now through Sunday, May 17th! Pictured here is Emmy Squared Pizza's Chopped Cheese Burger: made with chopped grass-fed beef, American cheese, red onion, bell pepper, on a pretzel bun with ketchup and pickles! Also pictured is the “Beam & Breeze” cocktail, created by Emmy Squared Pizza's bartender, Preston Howard and made with Jim Beam Bourbon, fresh lemonade, for light sweetness and soda water for a crisp refreshing finish. Designed to pair perfectly with Emmy Squared Pizza's chopped cheese sandwich! Best enjoyed together, the makers of Jim Beam Bourbon Whiskey invite you to make it a "Beam + Lemonade" with your burger! Always follow the DRINKSMART® rules and drink in moderation. Check out ATL Burger Week 2026 to find out more!

05/15/2026

ATL Burger Week is back, running now through Sunday, May 17th! Pictured here is Black Bear Tavern's Bacon Cheddar Beast: a full-on flavor knockout—seasoned beef, melty cheddar, crispy bacon, and caramelized onions piled high on a toasted bun with crunchy pickles! Also pictured is the “The Midnight Bear” cocktail, created by Black Bear Tavern's owner, Timmy Phillips and made with Jim Beam Bourbon, lemonade, lemon juice, bitters and ginger beer! Best enjoyed together, the makers of Jim Beam Bourbon Whiskey invite you to make it a "Beam + Lemonade" with your burger! Always follow the DRINKSMART® rules and drink in moderation. Check out ATL Burger Week 2026 to find out more!

05/13/2026

ATL Burger Week is back, running now through Sunday, May 17th! Pictured here is The Pub @ EAV's Heckfire Burger - made with a double-patty smash burger, topped with house-smoked American cheese, homemade pickles, garlic aioli, lettuce, tomatoes, onions on a homemade Parker roll, served with hand-cut, double-fried Kennebec fries! The Heckfire Burger is available two ways: "Selfish" on a standard bun or "Shareable" cut into four pieces. Also pictured is the “Mike's Electric Basil-nade” cocktail, created by The Pub @ EAV's chef/bartender, Mike LaSage and made with Jim Beam Bourbon, house-made basil lemonade with a Zippy Sichuan sugar numb rimmer and garnished with fresh basil! Best enjoyed together, the makers of Jim Beam Bourbon Whiskey invite you to make it a "Beam + Lemonade" with your burger! Always follow the DRINKSMART® rules and drink in moderation. Check out ATL Burger Week 2026 to find out more!

05/12/2026

ATL Burger Week is back, running now through Sunday, May17th! Pictured here is Sweet Auburn BBQ's Bourbon Maple Bacon Cheese Burger, made with freshly ground brisket beef, topped with a maple bourbon bacon jam with pickled red onions and drizzled with melted bourbon bacon cheese! Also pictured is the “Smoked Peach Palmer” cocktail, created by Sweet Auburn BBQ's bartender, Ameer Hodah and made with Jim Beam Bourbon Whiskey, lemon juice, smoked peach puree, simple syrup, and lemonade, finished with a sugar rim and scorched lemon slice! Best enjoyed together, the makers of Jim Beam Bourbon Whiskey invite you to make it a "Beam + Lemonade" with your burger! Always follow the DRINKSMART® rules and drink in moderation. Check out ATL Burger Week 2026 to find out more!