ATLRetro

OK, get ready, get set for the second week of ATLRetro’s top picks of things to do this week. In some ways, it’s a pretty quiet one, especially for anyone looking to swing back to the ‘50s, or all the kool kats could just be lying low before a big Valentine week next week. But remember we’re just getting started, so if you know of a cool happening we’ve missed, send suggestions to ATLRetro@gmail.com.

Monday Jan. 31

On a budget? Catch a free performance by Austin rocker extraordinaire Alejandro Escovedo at Decatur CD. And what’s more retro than a beer named Vinyl? The micro-brew by Magic Hat Brewing Co. 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 despite the wonderful weekend weather, but ATLRetro thinks it sure sounds worth sipping. If the free show makes you want more, Escovedo plays the second of two nights of all ages gigs at Eddie’s Attic just a few blocks away tonight.

Darrell Brockis as Hook and Ciaran Joyce as Peter Pan (credit: Ed Krieger).

Tuesday Feb. 1

ATLRetro is teleporting to the turn of the 20th century to fly with Peter Pan and Wendy via CGI magic in J.M. BARRIE’S PETER PAN. The threesixty Theatre’s ultra-high-tech production which premiered in London in 2009 features 15,000 square feet of hi-resolution video, three times the size of Imax screens, but ATLRetro will be reporting back to you as to whether the technology can truly transport audiences back to early 1900s London and into the magic otherworld of Neverland. The spectacle takes place under the big tent at Pemberton Place, next to the World of Coca-Cola, and performances run through March 20. For tickets and info, visit www.peterpanshow.com/atlanta.

Wednesday Feb. 2

Since your chances of seeing Bill Murray are slim in Atlanta, the second best way to celebrate Groundhog Day is to get up early and check out the prognosticatin’ skills of General Beau Lee at Yellow River Game Ranch. Or just stay in bed and ATLRetro is sure you can catch him on the TV news.

Thursday Feb. 3

OK, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec died in 1901, but it’s not a stretch to say that his vibrant posters and prints of showgirls, nightclub stars and the café culture influenced the 20th century romantic view of Paris and still inspire today’s burlesque performers. Look for an ATLRetro article/review soon of the High Museum of Art’s dynamic new exhibition, TOULOUSE-LAUTREC AND FRIENDS: THE IRENE AND HOWARD STEIN COLLECTION, which opened last Saturday and runs through May 1. After night falls, catch Ghost Riders Car Club at Pho Truc in Clarkston celebrating Vietnamese New Year every Thursday in February with classic ’50s honkytonk and rockabilly. Or listen to the luxurious live lounge sounds of Tongo Hiti just about every Thursday night at Trader Vic’s, as well as some trippy takes on iconic pop songs.

Friday Feb. 4

It’s back to the ‘60s as Dark Star Orchestra channels the Grateful Dead at the Variety Playhouse. Ghost Riders Car Club plays again at a de facto Charlie Louvin memorial show at the Star Bar. Kevn Kinney is at Smith’s Olde Bar. The Kayla Taylor Jazz Quartet performs at this week’s Martinis & IMAX at Fernbank Museum of Natural History, from 6:30-11 p.m..

Saturday Feb. 5

Saturday looks like a day of not exactly what ATLRetro would really like to see, but as the Stones sing “you can’t always get what you want.” For example, another Zep reunion seems unlikely, but Robert Plant brings his Band of Joy to the Fox. And you can’t see the late Evel Knieval perform his death-defying jumps live any more, but the tradition of motorcycle stunts involving fire lives on with Nuclear Cowboyz at Philips Arena. Billed as “freestyle chaos,” it sounds like the troupe also takes some inspiration from MAD MAX being that it’s set in a post-apocalyptic world to a soundtrack of metal and hard rock music. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.

For more weekend fun, tune in on Thursday for ATLRetro Weekend Update.