ATLRetro

OK, I’d planned to do Weekend Updates on Thursdays, but the Jon Waterhouse interview got so many hits yesterday (thanks to everyone who reposted; you make me and Jon blush with gratitude!) that I decided to leave it at the top of the blog. But without further ado, here are ATLRetro’s top picks for things to do this weekend…

Friday Jan. 28

Grab your swankiest clothes and dancing shoes and head to Fernbank Museum of Natural History for swing dancing under the dinosaurs. Yes, it’s a double dose of Big Mike singing this time with his big band, Kingsized, during this week’s Martinis & IMAX. Live music starts at 6:30 p.m. and runs until after 10.

Saturday Jan. 29

The Silver Scream Spook Show presents a Universal Classic—FRANKENSTEIN. As regulars know, it’s not just the sheer treat of seeing the James Whale monsterpiece on the big screen but also the creepily creative preshow featuring “Ghost Host with the Most” Professor Morte, Retch, the guys and ghouls of Blast-Off Burlesque, and—just a guess—a rockin’ solo by the Creature himself. Ticket sales support the art deco, haunted Plaza Theatre, which opened its doors in 1939. Kids matinee at 1 p.m. and adult show at 10 p.m.

Or miss ‘80s music but hate Buckhead club nights that don’t play the Britpop songs you really liked from those giddy days. ATLRetro suspects you’ll be in Heaven 17 when DJ Doctor Q spins the disks at the BACK TO THE ’80s PARTY at Bart Webb Studios in Avondale Estates, which also features performances by burlesque vixens Sabrina Pandora, The Chameleon Queen, Talloolah Love and Katherine Lashe. It’s just $5 cover, and “Pretty in Pink” shots are just $2, with the first one free if you dress up!

Also, Richard Roundtree, the original SHAFT, is in town to receive one of nine Trumpet Awards, honoring the achievements of Black Americans who have succeeded against immense odds. Other recipients include Attorney General Eric Holder and Al Sharpton. The ceremony, which also features performances by the O’Jays, is at 4 p.m. at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, followed by a black tie VIP reception at theHyatt Regency Atlanta downtown.

Sunday Jan. 30

Austin rocker extraordinaire Alejandro Escovedo plays the first of two nights of all ages gigs at Eddie’s Attic in downtown Decatur.

PLAN AHEAD: Monday Jan. 31

On a budget? Catch a free performance by Escovedo at Decatur CD. And what’s more retro than a beer named Vinyl? The micro-brew by Magic Hat is on tap, and according to them, it’s “a scrumptious spring lager that sails in on her shining wings as the spinning sun returns.” To say that spring is here two days before Groundhog Day may sound a tad optimistic, but ATLRetro thinks it sure sounds worth sipping.