Creative Loafing Atlanta

Home
United States
Atlanta, GA
Creative Loafing Atlanta

The ATL's OG social media since 1972. We do not conduct business through Facebook or Instagram. See contact info below.

Founded in 1972, Creative Loafing is Atlanta's alternative media. CL brings you the very best of Atlanta's art, music, news and culture.

08/08/2025

CRITIC’S PICK:
Tue., Jul. 29 - Sun., Aug. 24

Ain’t No Mo’ by Jordan E. Cooper, Theatrical Outfit — The Live at the Balzer series presents the regional premiere of Jordan E. Cooper’s seminal collection of vignettes on the exodus from the United States of the entire Black population. The satire covers key events like the Flint water crisis and the George Floyd scandal, as well as other good reasons to get the hell out of Dodge. Cooper, the youngest Black playwright to open a show on Broadway, is also known for creating and producing ‘The Ms. Pat Show’ and was named on the ‘Forbes 30 Under 30’ list in 2024. ‘Variety’ called ‘Ain’t No Mo’ “heady and hysterical and fiercely provocative.” — Kevin C. Madigan
https://bit.ly/46HKCl0
Leon's True Colors Theatre Company

08/08/2025

CRITIC’S PICK

Tues. Aug. 12 and Wed., Aug. 13

Teddy Swims, Freek Freely, Synovus Bank Amphitheater at Chastain Park — It’s the “I’ve Tried Everything, But Therapy Tour, Part 2” which is the title of blue-eyed soulman Swims’, born Jaten Dimsdale, GRAMMY nominated second album. Since he only has two full discs, the heavily tattooed Swims’ rise in a short period of time-- helped by initially performing covers of his favorite songs-- to headline two shows at this expansive amphitheater is remarkable. Swims’ voice captures the emotion of his heartfelt songs and an occasional foray into hip-hop. Numerous, some might say countless, remixes bring a contemporary edge that has resonated with a large audience. — Hal Horowitz
https://bit.ly/41rogR0
Chastain Park Synovus Bank Amphitheater at Chastain Park Teddy Swims

08/07/2025

CRITIC’S PICK
Sun., Aug. 10

Kristen Ford, Rachael Sage, Smith’s Olde Bar — This joint tour combines the talents of two politically and socially astute singer/songwriters. Ford rocks out with passion and soul exemplified by her strident new song “Whiplash” while Sage takes a mellower more pop oriented route illustrated by last year’s bittersweet Another Side album. Both have hypnotic if very different voices, write potent tunes and make for a diverse showcase featuring two up-and-coming artists best appreciated in the more intimate confines of this club. — Hal Horowitz
https://bit.ly/4ohbFKl
Smith's Olde Bar Kristen Ford Rachael Sage

08/07/2025

Savanna Nights is back August 8th at Zoo Atlanta! Discover a new culture with thrilling capoeira performances from Capoeira Maculele at 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., dance to DJ Dmark, sip a cold drink, and explore the Zoo after hours.

New in 2025:

Only $24.95 for non-Members FREE for Zoo Members with advance RSVP

More animal time with earlier entry

Live bird presentation each night

This is your last chance to attend Savanna Nights this year!

Buy tickets now - https://bit.ly/3UEVBEl 21+ only.

08/07/2025

CRITIC’S PICK:

Sun., Aug. 10

Elaine Neil Orr: Dancing Woman, A Ca****la Books — Two cultures clash when an American bride is transplanted to Nigeria in the 1960s amidst political strife. The protagonist struggles to find her place and purpose there; an affair with a local singer doesn’t help matters. Elaine Neil Orr, an Emory University graduate, has authored six books and is a faculty member at North Carolina State University. She will appear at A Ca****la at 3 p.m. along with Rosemary Magee, former director of the Stuart A. Rose Manuscript, Archives, and Rare Book Library at Emory. — Kevin C. Madigan
https://bit.ly/4ojovYk
A Ca****la Books Elaine Neil Orr

08/07/2025

CRITIC’S PICK
Sun., Aug. 10

Atlanta Blues Challenge, Madlife Stage and Studios — This yearly almost all-day event decides who heads to Memphis in Jan. 2026 to represent Atlanta in the International Blues Challenge. There are three categories (youth, solo/duo and band), so you’ll get to hear almost every major hometown blues act bring their A-game as they compete for the main prize. It’s a long slog for sure, but the venue serves food, the sound is great and if you’re a blues lover, this is the place to be. — Hal Horowitz
https://bit.ly/4omDT6m
Atlanta Blues Society MadLife Stage & Studios

08/07/2025

CRITIC’S PICK
Sat. Aug. 9-Sun. Aug. 10

Ruthie Foster, Eddie’s Attic — Despite the fact that she has consistently released great, even transcendent albums combining soul, folk, blues, gospel, and Americana with one of the finest voices in music, and that no one leaves one of her shows without raving about the experience, Ruthie Foster hasn’t been able to break through to the masses. She returns to Eddie’s Attic for this two night stand promoting last year’s GRAMMY® award winning Mileage and if you have yet to experience her live show, there is no better time. She always delivers a joyful, upbeat and heartwarming performance, one you’ll never forget. — Hal Horowitz
https://bit.ly/4omEYea
Eddie's Attic Ruthie Foster

08/07/2025

Critic's Pick
Saturday August 9

The Beltline Chronicles Book Launch, Atlanta BeltLine Krog St. Indie Market — An epic poem written by Robert F. Barsky, featuring artwork by Susan Ker-Seymer, The Beltline Chronicles captures the the past, present, and perhaps future of Atlanta’s BeltLine, reflecting on the various Black and white neighborhoods contributing to its creation as well as the people and struggles confronting them since the early days of the civil rights movement. According to a press release, George, the poem’s protagonist, has “a special interest in social justice, civil and human rights, and the complex relationships that exist between equity, peace, community, and public space,” with aspirations that the BeltLine will open up “a space of hope for a better world.”
Copies of the newly-published 124-page art book will be available at the launch event in exchange for donations of $29.95. All monies received for copies of the first printing will benefit local organizations assisting persons experiencing homelessness. Eleven have been identified [Covenant House GA, Intown Cares and City of Refuge among them], with the buyer/donor able to choose which organization will receive their donation. QR codes will be supplied at the book launch to link directly to each organization’s donor page. In addition, Robert Barsky will read from the poem, Susan Ker-Seymer will show original artworks connected with the project, and there will be discussions about Atlanta’s BeltLine in connection with these works. — Tony Paris

Free. Saturday, August. 9, 4 to 8 P.M., 700 Lake Ave NE, Atlanta, 30307, at the entrance of the BeltLine trail next to Krog Street Market, at the transition of Lake Avenue to Irwin Street.

https://bit.ly/45t326M
Atlanta Beltline

08/06/2025

Critic’s Pick
Sat., Aug. 9

Little Brother, Masquerade — In a summer filled with stadium tours spearheaded by the music industry’s biggest stars, the Masquerade is coming through with an intimate, yet epic, show for hardcore Hip-Hop heads and Southern rap purists. Little Brother, the acclaimed North Carolina Hip-Hop duo consisting of Phonte and Rapper Big Pooh, is taking over the venue’s largest stage for their highly anticipated Curtain Call Tour. Yes, in the same month that concertgoers are being blessed with the reunion tour of a veteran rap act like the Clipse, there will also be a farewell tour for one of the most influential Hip-Hop groups of the 2000s. Needless to say, Little Brother’s upcoming concert at Heaven is not one that any rap fan should miss. Secure your tickets and get ready for an unforgettable night at the Masquerade. — joshua robinson
https://bit.ly/45zvoNQ
The Masquerade

08/06/2025

CRITIC’S PICK
Sat., Aug. 9

Blackberry Smoke, Mike Campbell & the Dirty K***s, Shannon McNally, Synovus Bank Amphitheater at Chastain Park — Contemporary Southern Rock has plenty of competition but Atlanta’s Blackberry Smoke has risen to the top of the heap. It has taken decades of hard work, excellent albums and constant touring yet the Charlie Starr fronted nine-piece has become the finest, and most consistent, exponent of 70s red clay roots rock; all without selling out to major labels, while keeping their sound tough and melodic. You’ll get plenty of that from Be Right Here (2024), their eighth and arguably finest set. As Tom Petty’s shotgun riding partner for decades, it’s no surprise that Mike Campbell’s own band, now three albums deep, exudes plenty of his old boss’s strummy, twangy, bluesy, Brit/Americana charm. Smoke shares some of that sound, so an on-stage collaboration seems likely. — Hal Horowitz
https://bit.ly/4lcN86o
Synovus Bank Amphitheater at Chastain Park Blackberry Smoke

08/06/2025

Critic’s Pick

Sat., Aug. 9

Alex Bond, Brando Blu, Raimon, Masquerade — Just in case you weren’t aware, the Masquerade added a new room to its iconic trio of Purgatory, Heaven, and Hell in the spring of 2024, and it goes by the name of Altar. Since its grand opening, there has not been a bevy of rap shows that have graced that space, but this month, local rap heavyweights are turning it out for an exciting showcase. Atlanta’s own Alex Bond is spearheading the show for the first headlining concert of his career, and to commemorate the occasion, attendees will be among the first people to hear the long-awaited follow-up to his 2022 debut album “1NNOVATION.” Eastside artists Brandon Blu and Raimon will provide opening support to round out what’s sure to be an intimate night of local music at the Altar. — joshua robinson
https://bit.ly/4okQPJX
The Masquerade

08/06/2025

CRITIC’S PICK

Sat., Aug. 9

10,000 Maniacs, Northside Hospital Cherokee Amphitheater/Woodstock — These ‘80s-era folk rockers tour infrequently these days (only one weekend a month), so this is a rare chance to catch them before they quit altogether. At this point singer Mary Ramsey has been holding down the lead vocalist position longer than Natalie Merchant did, and since there hasn’t been any new music in a decade, expect to hear the old stuff, albeit performed with the class, grace, and professionalism you’d expect from a band who has been around, with shifting personnel, for over forty years. — Hal Horowitz
https://bit.ly/4lhFM1t
Woodstock Summer Concert Series 10,000 Maniacs

Address

Atlanta, GA

Telephone

+14046885623

Website

https://creativeloafing.com/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Creative Loafing Atlanta posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.