The AJFF is a 22-day cinematic exploration of Jewish life, culture, and history.  Seeking to use the power of film to both entertain and educate, AJFF challenges conventional perspectives on complex and challenging issues facing both the Jewish and global communities.

Founded in 2000, AJFF ranks as the largest film festival in Atlanta, and second largest Jewish film festival in the United States, having attracted an audience of more than 26,000 moviegoers in 2011.  This year, the festival will feature an international collection of 70 narrative and documentary films that explore the Jewish experience.  Screenings are supplemented by guest appearances with filmmakers, actors, authors, academics, and other expert speakers.

The festival runs from Wednesday, February 8 – Wednesday, February 29.

This year will be my first to attend the AJFF, and I’m really looking forward to seeing the movies I selected!  I plan to see…

RABIES  (Rabies is playing during the Young Professionals Night at Strip and Regal Atlantic Station.)

Hot off the international film festival circuit, Rabies is the ultimate popcorn flick—a sexy survivalist thriller, a campy, clever whodunit, a devilishly fun heart stopper, and the first horror movie from Israel.  Subverting expectations at every turn, the action opens in a remote forest as a guilt-ridden brother and sister flee home only to become ensnared in the trap of a psychopathic serial killer.  Rescue efforts soon involve a group of unsuspecting tennis players, a grizzled park ranger and his dog, and a pair of rogue cops.  An impressive cast of Israel’s top talent is gradually drawn into a whirlwind of dark secrets, mix-ups and bloody mayhem.  Describing Rabies as a twisted parable on fear and rage in Israeli society, first-time directors Aharon Keshales and Navot Papushado shot this slick homage to American B-movies in just 19 days on a shoestring budget.

rabies

THE APPLE PUSHERS

The Apple Pushers is the uplifting story of immigrant street cart vendors and an urban initiative to bring nutritional food to those who need it most.  Attempting to address a lack of access to fresh and affordable produce, New York City launched an experiment in which “Green Carts” bearing fruits and vegetables would be deployed to “food deserts,” low-income neighborhoods where obesity rates are skyrocketing.  In the face of entrenched political opposition, immigrant small business owners (including a Russian Jew who fled anti-Semitism) align with health advocates to take on this tough task with dignity and sacrifice, overcoming extraordinary challenges to carve out an economic niche.  Narrated by Oscar nominee Edward Norton, The Apple Pushers chronicles public-private efforts to mitigate a national health crisis through the intersection of entrepreneurship and the American Dream.

Also, don’t forget about the special 25th anniversary screening of Dirty Dancing on Sunday, February 12! 

Click here for a complete list of movies: 2012 AJFF Roll Call!

Reserve tickets here: So many AJFF movies…so little time!

So, grab some popcorn + get ready for the 2012 AJFF!  It’s going to be the greatest one yet! 

xx, L

And, at the Fabulous Fox Theatre, no less! 

Gorms + I are celebrating completing the 3-Day tonight by dropping by Ecco to say “hello!” to our man, Eric, and then heading to the Fox to get our best Mamma Mia on!  Oh yes, there will be dancing.

Here’s the Q+DD on Mamma Mia:

Longing to discover the identity of her true father before she exchanges her wedding vows, the daughter of a once-rebellious single mother secretly invites a trio of paternal candidates to her upcoming wedding on the small Greek island in which she lives.

Mamma Mia is based on the songs of ABBA – a Swedish pop/ dance group active from 1972–1982.  ABBA was one of the most internationally popular pop groups of all time.

Mamma Mia awesomeness below…

Get your Mamma Mia tickets here: SUPER TROUPER! 

You have to act fast, though, because the show is only in town from tonight through November 6!

So go…”see that girl/ watch that scene/ diggin’ the dancing queen!” 

xx, L

Yep – MoMA is coming to Atlanta, y’all!   This is the first major exhibition of the MoMA series and one of the largest concentrations of modern art masterpieces ever exhibited in the southeast.  

Well, if that doesn’t call for a party, I don’t know what does.

Luckily…

THIS Thursday, October 6th, they are holding “The Picasso to Warhol Gala,” sponsored by Salvatore Ferragamo, to kick off the exhibition.  You can get your tix for a cool $2500/couple.

The gala will be followed by After POP (Party on the Piazza) at 9PM, for an evening of dancing under the stars with music provided by DJ Maseo of De la Soul.  (Just an after party kind of a person?  These tix are $75 a pop… pun intended.)

Hope to see y’all there!

xx, L

High Museum of Art
1280 Peachtree Street, NE
Atlanta, GA 30309

Here’s the Q+DD on Wicked:

Tony Award winning musical, Wicked, arrives at the Fox Theatre for three weeks this fall, from September 14 to October 9, 2011.  The musical is slated to hit 30 other North American cities as part of its current 2011 tour.  Wicked is based on Gregory Maguire’s book, Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, which is a parallel novel to the 1939 film, The Wizard of Oz.  It depicts the events that shaped the lives of Elphaba, a social outcast by virtue of her emerald skin color and very opinionated nature who eventually becomes the Wicked Witch, and Glinda, who becomes the Good Witch.  The musical has also spawned some incredibly popular show tunes such as “For Good,” “What Is This Feeling?” + “Defying Gravity,” among others.

ATTENTION ATLANTANS: Get your Wicked tickets here before they sell out: “Because I Knew You, I Have Been Changed For Good…”

This is one of my most favorite musicals ever!  It’s a fantastic show for everyone + the traveling cast was spectacular the last time it visited Atlanta!  You WILL NOT want to miss it!

“Something has changed within me/ Something is not the same/ I’m through with playing by the rules/ Of someone else’s game/ Too late for second guessing/ Too late to go back to sleep/ It’s time to trust my instincts/ Close my eyes and LEAP!”

OMG…can’t. even. wait!!  See you there!

xx, L

Check it:

Rihanna performs tonight at 7:30 p.m. at Chastain Amphitheatre as part of her Loud tour!  Do I care that it’s going to be 98 degrees outside today?  I care not.  I’m going to be an amazingly sweaty mess of white girl dancing it up with colleagues (yes, colleagues; again - I care not) at Rihanna tonight.  I’ve had “Rude Boy” stuck in my head all morning… 

chastain

But wait, there’s more…  Thursday night, I’m taking colleagues to the High Museum to see the Modern by Design exhibition.  We’re starting with drinks + hors d’oeuvres at Table 1280, then moseying over to the museum to see modern masterpieces from the MoMA + High’s growing collection of contemporary design. 

Here’s the Q+DD on Modern by Design:

As part of the High’s ongoing collaboration with The Museum of Modern Art, Modern by Design presents groundbreaking designs of the past, present, and future.  The exhibition features a selection of works chronicling three key moments in MoMA’s design collection and exhibition history—“Machine Art” (1934); “Good Design” (1950-1955); and “Italy: The New Domestic Landscape” (1972).  Nearly 150 objects created by over 120 of the most influential artists + designers of the twentieth century are included.

I. can’t. even. think. straight. I. am. SO. excited.

It’s going to be a long night, but it will be worth it.  (TWSS.) 

I feel like the next day I’m going to need some time for reflection: who am I? what does all this mean?  what do I do now?  and so on + so forth…  I’ve been seriously invested in + excited about the Harry Potter stories for well over ten years!  It’s hard to believe that it all comes to an end this week. 

Whelp, let’s get it started, shall we?  We shall.  Happy week to you all! 

xx, L

Tickets in hand?  Ok good.  Moving on…

Greg and I went up there on Friday night because, lucky for me, my darling friend Kevin is playing Collins and he is so brilliant, I hate to miss anything he’s in. (There are few people for whom I’d brave 285/75 rush(ish) hour traffic…Fact.)

I should tell you that RENT is a show that holds a very special place in my heart.  RENT had it’s debut on Broadway in 1996 when I was an artsy-fartsy high school student studying musical theatre and I wore out that double disk soundtrack belting out every word of every song and the day I saw the show at the Nederlander Theatre in 1997 was a day I’ll never forget (I’m not ashamed to tell you that I laminated the ticket at Kinko’s and kept it in my wallet for YEARS.)  Later, as a working actress in NYC (read: superpoor), I spent money I probably didn’t really have to see it again in 2004 on a day I really needed a lift, and since moving to Atlanta, I’ve seen it twice on tour.   I was also lucky enough to see Baz Lurhmann’s Broadway production of La Bohème, Puccini’s opera on which RENT was based.  For me, all of these experiences were paradigm-shifting.

I say all that to say this: I’ve had some pretty incredible RENT experiences and Friday night’s at The Strand was no less.

I am literally begging you to go see this. There wasn’t one weak character. My favorite, of course, was Kevin – and not because I love him (I do) but because his voice is like velvet and when he’s on stage I absolutely cannot watch anything else.

My other favorites included Felicia Boswell as Mimi (seriously phenomenal…even over my severe envy of her figure which made me hate her just a little), Adam Payton as Angel (precious and so endearing) and Kenya Hamilton as Joanne (just the right mix of loveable and terrifying).  But truly, everyone in the show, without exception, is ridiculously talented.

The set was great and the choreography choices were fantastic.  And despite just a few minor acoustical issues, the entire show was pitch perfect for me.

Kevin with gorgeous actresses Kenya Hamilton (Joanne) and Alison Brannon (Maureen)... (sorry for ripping off your intellectual property, Ms. Hamilton)

You have just ONE more weekend to see it and for those of you who didn’t heed my command at the beginning of this post…get your tickets IMMEDIATELY. I mean, right NOW. (Click HERE)

No day but today, right?

xx, L

P. to the S.  We had a bite and a few beers afterwards at Hemingway’s in the square and danced all night to local band 7 Sharp 9 as they played re-imagined classic tunes.  I must say, we had a delightful evening in Marietta on Friday.

The 28th Annual Virginia Highland Summerfest is this weekend, folks! 

The Q+DD on VaHi Summerfest:
When: 6/4 10:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. & 6/5 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Where: Summerfest takes place along tree-lined Virginia Avenue, in the heart of the historic + charming Virginia Highland neighborhood.  (Between North Highland Ave. and Park Dr.) 
Tickets: FREE ADMISSION – donations to the VaHi Civic Association are appreciated.
Buzz: Regularly recognized by local media as one of Atlanta’s best neighborhood festivals + consistently revered by art professionals as one of the best artists’ markets in the southeast, Summerfest is a great event for the entire family.
Arts: The juried artists’ market features work + exhibits from more than 220 of the best artists in the southeast and beyond, in a variety of media including painting, clay, glass, jewelry, photography, printmaking, fiber, wood, metal + mixed media.
Music: The 92.9 Dave FM music stage will feature a variety of renowned local musicians, along with nationally acclaimed singer songwriters.

summerfest '10

And, and, and….I will be there!  Hooray!!

Click righttttt HERE for more info about Summerfest.

dave fm stage at summerfest

Summerfest is a seriously solid festival.  I always end up buying something awesome, eating something fried and terribly delicious + having a great time at it.  The only way that Summerfest could get any better is if there are going to be food trucks this year.   For sure King of Pops (love!) will make an appearance, but I’m talking about FOOD TRUCK food trucks.

Which brings me to one of my favorite parts of last weekend when Loren + Seth (congrats on your engagement guys!) and Slick + I chased down (from Little Five Points to Midtown) two of the trucks remaining in the Food Network’s The Great Food Truck Race.  We found out that they were filming in and around Atlanta from our friends, Mr. Casey + Foodie Buddha.  Once we did a little research on the contenders, we knew that we were going to set aside time to find them. 

On the show, food trucks travel across the country seeing which can sell the most food.  At the end of each stop, the food truck that made the least money goes home.  Atlanta was the last stop before the finale in Miami.  Hardcore readers may remember that I recently tried the Nom Nom truck in Palm Springs, which was runner up in last year’s The Great Food Truck Race.  I guess that this is sorta becoming my thing…

We only had time to sample two trucks, both of which were fan-freaking-tastic + we plan to root for on the show.  Here’s what we ate:

Truck #1: Roxy’s Gourmet Grilled Cheese (Boston, MA) 

(Slick ordering from Roxy’s.)

Oysters ROXYfeller.  Cute.

Grilled CHZ: Vermont cremont cheese, proscuitto de parma + quince.

Grilled CHZ: Private stock cheddar, foie gras, applewood bacon + peach preserve.

So nice…

…it got photographed twice!

We were in cheesy heaven.  And, I got a Roxy’s t-shirt which I proudly wore to the gym yesterday!  Somehow, we found inner-hunger, strength, whatever you want to call it, to check out The Lime Truck up the street.

Truck #2: The Lime Truck (Irvine, CA) 

Crab + Bay Scallop Ceviche.

Green Curry Tofu Quesadilla.

Ahi Tuna Poke Nachos.

Blistered Shishito Peppers.

And, the coolest part of all is that we got to see them filming!

Even now, I’m still stuffed.  Total.  Both trucks were SO good and for such different reasons.  There is a time and place for a loaded grilled cheese.  Likewise, there is a time and place for creative, fresh fish + tofu.  Last weekend, it was time for both. 

Don’t miss Summerfest this weekend in the Highlands.  And, if they have food trucks – I’m sure I’ll see you there.  Play on, players + good luck to Roxy’s Gourmet Grilled Cheese + The Lime Truck! 

xx, L

Not to brag or anything, but I was pretty impressed with our artwork…and we had so much fun painting + partying!  Remember?  Okay well if not, here’s a refresher about the evening: Y’ALL NEED TO WORK ON YOUR MEMORY…

Sips n Strokes is an instructional painting class.  Picture Bob Ross minus the serious afro minus just sitting and watching him paint on TV plus a classroom full of friendly folks plus BYO wine + beer + snacks plus you leave with your very own work of art! 

Well, news flash aspiring artists, Sips n Strokes went through a little name change + is now called Canvas By U.  Everything is the same except for the name – AND (oh, this is big) they’ve opened up a few more locations including one in my old ‘hood off of Druid Hills: CANVAS BY U LOCATION INFO.

Anyway, last night I went with some colleagues for a class at the Dunwoody location.  I fought rush hour traffic, but it was worth it because as soon as I arrived I was greeted with fresh sushi (we brought it in), a glass of wine + an empty canvas.  The world is YOURS!

This was the beginning of my “masterpiece”…  (We can use that term v. loosely):

And a few glasses of wine later…

TADA!

Is it going to be on display at the Louvre?  Probably not.  Was I able to sorta follow the instructor with my paint brush while chit-chatting while drinking wine while trying not to get any paint on my J Brands?  Absolutely!  Did Slick talk to me like a child when I came home after the class and say “Babbbbbeeeee….that is so greattttttttt!”  He sure did. 

Did I leave my mark on the customer-painted walls at Canvas By U?  You betcha!

Canvas By U is a fantastic way to spend an evening + it’s a super fun treat to leave the studio with your very own artwork to appreciate after the tipsyness wears off a bit…  I love this place for bachelorette parties, corporate events (amazing to witness Type A folks bringing out their creative sides), an out-of-the-box date (maj. points, men!) or a girls night out!  Check out the schedule here: BRING ON THE PAINT!

xx, L

Canvas By U
Dunwoody Village Shopping Center
5525 Chamblee Dunwoody Road
Dunwoody, GA  30338
678.954.8399
https://www.canvasbyu.com/home.aspx

As you know, Camp Dance is this weekend + I’m sure you’re all super pumped for it!  If you are looking for plans during the weekend days, I strongly recommend that you check out these two exciting festivals!

1 – Smyrna’s Spring Jonquil Festival
(April 30 & May 1, 2011)

The Jonquil Festival is located on the beautiful Village Green in downtown Smyrna.  It will showcase arts + crafts by more than 150 artists/ crafters from across the country.  The event also offers fun for the entire family to enjoy with continuous entertainment, a children’s section + a wide selection of festival foods.  The show will draw a crowd of around 15,000 people.  Hours are 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. on Saturday and 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Sunday + admission is FREE!

More information + directions to Smyrna’s Spring Jonquil Festival here: Spring HAS Sprung!

And (THIS IS EXCITING NEWS), just guess who will have a tent at the Festival….

J. Rishel Woodworks!  You will not want to miss his tent!  Justin is an amazing woodworker – so be sure to look out for him!

my j. rishel woodworks cutting board

Read more about J. Rishel Woodworks here: Got Wood? (Ahh, couldn’t resist.)
J. Rishel Woodworks’ Etsy Page here: Buy Some Wood! (Not nearly as funny…)

2 – Inman Park Spring Festival
(Also, April 30 & May 1, 2011)

Inman Park Spring Festival takes place in one of Atlanta’s oldest + most scenic neighborhoods.  First developed in the late 1800s, Inman Park is home to many historic homes + parks.  The Festival began in the early 1970s as a means to attract attention to gentrification efforts that sought to revitalize the community.  Now celebrating its 40th anniversary, the festival offers something for everybody.  Music, kids activities, a Tour of Homes, a marvelous street parade, an artists’ market + some of the city’s best people-watching. 

inman park festival parade

I’m a serious fan of this Festival + blogged about my love affair w/ it last year…please review here: I Heart the Inman Park Spring Festival.

More information + directions to the Inman Park Spring Festival here: Inman Info!

This is going to be SUCH a great weekend.  Enjoy the festivals, festival-goers! 

xx, L

It’s an event over seven decades in the making! 

The Atlanta Dogwood Festival is one of the largest + most diverse juried arts festivals in the country.  More than 250 artists exhibit in 12 categories, including painting, glass, clay, wood + mixed media.  Some of the country’s top painters, photographers, sculptors, leather + metal craftsmen, glass blowers and more will be participating in the 2011 Dogwood Festival Artists Market. 

As a special feature for the festival’s 75th anniversary, there will be a nine story classic Seattle Ferris Wheel built in 1963 to give visitors a whole new perspective of Piedmont Park and Midtown + a fully restored 1965 vintage carousel for the entire family to enjoy!

dogwood blossoms

Here are the festival deets:

Where: Piedmont Park
When: 4/15 12:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., 4/16 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., 4/17 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Special Event Info:  I’m Special…
Directions: I Can’t Find the Park!
Entrance Fee: FREE!  FREE!  FREE!
Pets: Sorry festival-goers, you can’t bring them to this one. 
More Information: Dogwood website

I’ve been going to this festival for years now + I am always the most excited about two aspects of it – neither of which are the artists, who are excellent, but I’m just saying…

1 – Disc Dog Exhibition
The 20th Annual Disc Dog Southern Nationals USDDN Qualifier will be held on-site at the festival Saturday and Sunday!  Find the schedule here:  Dogs w/ Ups

2 – Serious Festival Food! 
No. description. REQUIRED.

There’s a funnel cake w/ my name on it…

See you all there!  But first, my momma has one last reminder for you:

"don't forget your sunscreen!"

(You just gotta listen to Adele.)

xx, L