ATLRetro

Friday, May 27

Bubbapalooza, Atlanta’s biggest annual rockabilly/Redneck Underground festival celebrates its 20th anniversary this weekend at Star Bar, and the fun starts at 7 PM tonight. Be sure and read the sneak preview/tribute piece with Bryan Malone and Ted Weldon here and get the band full schedule for Friday and Saturday here.

Mon Cherie Presents Va-Va Voom Black Light Burlesque Show, which has the awesome tagline “Where Kool Kats Go and Boobies Glow!”, at The Shelter. Emcee is the delectable Miss Mason and performers include The Chameleon Queen, Stormy Knight, Scarlett Page, Jon Pine, Tupelo Honey, Katarina Laveaux, Kittie Katrinaand newcomer Davana Scott. As usual, there’ll also be a Ragin’ Raffle with great prizes from a variety of vendors.

As a time-traveling Website, ATLRetro would be remiss if we didn’t mention that Friday also kicks off TimeGate, a convention celebrating two time-traveling TV shows/movie franchises which originated in the 20th century DOCTOR WHO and STARGATE. Guests include actress Sophie Aldred, who played Ace from 1987-89 with seventh doctor Sylvester McCoy.

Broadway and London musical superstar Patti Lupone brings her show-stopping revueCOULDA, WOULDA, SHOULDA to the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra at theWoodruff Arts Center. Michael Brown Quartet brings rhythm & blues and jazz to Fernbank Museum of Natural History’s Martinis and IMAX.

Saturday May 28

Decatur Arts Festival paints the suburb’s streets with art vendors, live musical performances including Cowboy Envy at noon, street food and kids activities. The 34th annual Atlanta Jazz Festival runs all day from 1 PM until after dark at Piedmont Park.

Caroline Hull Engel of Caroline & the Ramblers, among Saturday bands at Bubbapalooza 20.

Bubbapalooza revs up with doors at 3 PM and live music starting at 4 PM at Star Bar, including the Redneck Cruise-In Car Show featuring pre-1970s and earlier hot rods and cycles starting at 5 PM in the parking lot; barbecue by Slope’s BBQ; raffle & prizes; chance to get your official Bubbapalooza 20th anniversary photo taken at the PBR Photo Booth; and Internet motorhead radio station Garage 71 broadcasting live all night from The Little Vinyl Lounge. For a complete band listing, click here.

Broadway and London musical superstar Patti Lupone performs her show-stopping revue COULDA, WOULDA, SHOULDA for a second night with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra at the Woodruff Arts Center. DJ Romeo Colognetransforms the sensationally seedy Clermont Lounge into a ’70s disco/funk inferno.

Sunday May 29

Decatur Arts Festival continues, with bands including the jazzy Bonaventure Quartet featuring Amy Pike at 2 PM, rockin’ blues with Delta Moon at 4 PM and then wrapping up at 7 PM with Swingin’ on the Square. The Atlanta Jazz Festival also starts back up at 1 PM at Piedmont Park with a mix of vintage and contemporary style jazz performers. The contributions of veterans not just of current conflicts but WWII, Korean War and Vietnam War will be celebrated during Veterans Remembrance Day at the Atlanta History Center. Spend a day in the company of veterans and living history interpretors who will tell their stories using authentic dress, equipment and vehicles. The Barrow Boys headline blues “dunch” between 1 and 4 PM at The Earl.

Closing this week

At the High Museum of Art through May 29 is the MOMA-organized HENRI CARTIER-BRESSON: THE MODERN CENTURY, a blockbuster exhibit showcasing a photographer and photojournalist who captured on film many of the seminal moments  of the 20th century from World War II to the assassination of Ghandi, China’s cultural revolution to civil rights and consumer culture in America.

Tune back in on Monday for This Week in Retro Atlanta. If you know of a cool Retro happening, send suggestions to ATLRetro@gmail.com.

Monday May 23

Find out if Kingsized and Tongo Hiti lead singer Big Mike Geier will croon a tune or two for tips during his second week as Monday night’s celebrity bartender at newly opened Sister Louisa’s Church of the Living Room and Ping Pong Parlor. Northside Tavern hosts its weekly Blues Jam.

Tuesday May 24

Parrotheads, take note! Jimmy Buffet & the Coral Reefer band aren’t wasting away in Margaritaville but playing at Lakewood Amphitheatre tonight. The Earl throws its 5th Annual Bob Dylan Birthday Bash featuring at least 22 guest singers. The $7 cover benefits Ovarian Cycle, an Atlanta-based organization raising money for ovarian cancer research. Grab your horn and head to Twain’s in Decatur for a Joe Gransden jazz jam session starting at 9 PM. Notorious DJ Romeo Cologne spins the best ‘70s funk and disco at 10 High in Virginia-Highland. Catch Tuesday Retro in the Metro nights at Midtown’s Deadwood Saloon, featuring live video mixes of ’80s, ’90s, and 2Ks hits.

Wednesday May 25

Get ready to rumba, cha-cha and jitterbug at the weekly Swing Night at Graveyard Tavern. Frankie’s Blues Mission and Danny “Mudcat” Dudeck bring on the blues at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack and Northside Tavern respectively. Joe Gransden now plays every Wed. night at Jerry Farber’s Side Door. Dance to ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s hits during Retro in the Metro Wednesdays presented by Godiva Vodka, at Pub 71 in Brookhaven.

Thursday May 26

I Want Whisky fuse bluegrass and punk rock at Twain’s. Listen to Tongo Hiti’s luxurious live lounge sounds, as well as some trippy takes on iconic pop songs, just about every Thursday night at Trader Vic’s. Party ‘70s style with DJ Romeo Cologne at Aurum Lounge. Breeze Kings and Chickenshack bring on the blues respectively at Northside Tavern and Fat Matt’s Rib Shack.Bluegrass Thursday at Red Light Cafe features the Amanda Meredith Band.

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