Atlanta’s own famous True Colors Theatre company, led by Tony-nominated director Kenny Leon, needs some assistance. Here’s a message the theater company is sending out:

True Colors has 9 days left!

If we can raise $50,000 from our patrons by June 30th, our board has committed to raise $100,000 to end our season DEBT FREE!

Please consider making a donation today if you have enjoyed our exceptional theatre in the past, so that True Colors can continue to bring Kenny Leon’s vision to Atlanta.

No amount is too small (or too big).

To make your donation, please contact True Colors at 404.588.0308 or Online HERE.

So far, the non-profit company has raised about $15,000, leaving about $35,000 to go. Our parent company, Ticket Alternative, who sells tickets for the theater’s plays, is waiving all fees that True Colors usually accrues, in order for every penny to help.

True Colors is a great local theater company that consistently puts out amazing plays with world-class talent. We hope you’ll help them out and aid in continuing a great Atlanta institution.

There’s a whole lotta legends coming to town this weekend. What with Loretta Lynn, Dick Dale and Dave Alvin all playing gigs, and the magnificent TONYs being streamed at The Fox, we’ve got a galaxy of stars in our eyes! And then there’s the Midtown Summer Stroll on Saturday and Sunday, with pop up shops, food trucks and more all over Midtown Atlanta. We can’t wait!

Friday, June 10 – The District Attorneys at Smiths Olde Bar

Georgia’s District Attorneys will be showcasing some of their sun-drenched southern rock that will be appearing on a new album soon.

Friday, June 10 – Rebecca Loebe at Hard Rock Cafe’s Velvet Underground

We’re sorry to see that Rebecca Loebe has finished her time on NBC’s “The Voice.” But we’re glad America got to have a good taste of Rebecca’s brilliant singing chops. Catch her on her first show back home with Wesley Cook.

Friday, June 10 – Loretta Lynn at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre

Country legend Loretta Lynn continues her return to the masses, after her 2004 Jack White-produced album Van Lear Rose gained her new acclaim.

Friday, June 10 – Dick Dale at The EARL

Speaking of legends, the king of surf rock guitar comes to The EARL with Laramie Dean on Friday.

Saturday, June 11 – Dave Alvin at The EARL

The man who lead the roots rock movement, Dave Alvin, brings his band The Guilty Ones to The EARL with  Los Straitjackets for a killer rock show.

Sunday, June 12 – TONY Awards Viewing Party at The Fox Theatre

Jazz hands! Neal Patrick Harris! Sparkles! These are just some of the things we’re promised in this year’s TONY Awards. And The Fox Theatre is hosting a special viewing party again. Admission to the plain ol’ viewing is free, but there are also VIP tickets available for $50. Those tickets include a cocktail hour and a fancy gift bag with random prizes like a Flip camera and a $200 Delta voucher, and the proceeds from the tickets go to the theater’s educational programs and for UNICEF’s Believe in Zero campaign.

On sales:

Deadmau5 at The Tabernacle, September 7 – on sale Friday, June 10

TV on the Radio at The Tabernacle, September 13 – on sale Friday, June 10

Wicked: A New Musical at The Fox Theatre, September 17 – on sale Saturday, June 11

Battles at The Masquerade, October 28 – on sale Friday, June 10

We are giving away two pairs of tickets to the opening night show of Blue Man Group at the Fox Theatre as they start their week-long run in Atlanta. All you have to do is fill out the form below for your chance to see the innovative theatrical group that mixes music, comedy and multimedia. We’ll pick the winners just before Christmas – good luck!

Happy December everyone! We hope everyone had a brilliant Thanksgiving and has digested the remainders of all those leftovers. The holiday season is officially on now, with Hanukkah now started and twinkling lights going up everywhere. This weekend is an Atlanta act extravaganza, and we’re happy to celebrate the holidays with our hometown lads and lasses. Don’t forget the on sales at the bottom for all your Christmas present needs!

Friday, December 3 – Dave Barnes at The Loft

Southern songwriter Dave Barnes is headlining on his own for a packed show after opening for the likes of John Mayer and Taylor Swift.

Friday, December 3, Saturday, December 4 and Sunday December 5 – Atlanta Ballet’s Nutcracker at Fox Theatre

You know it’s Christmastime when Tchaikovsky’s Sugar Plum Fairy’s tune starts up. Nutcracker starts at the Fox this weekend and runs until just after Christmas day.

Saturday, December 4 – Dave Daniels & The PTA at Vinyl

Get your dose of Americana with Atlanta’s very own Dave Daniels & The PTA, who are playing Vinyl with Brett Vaughn and Andy Matchett & The Minks.

Saturday, December 4 – Packway Handle Band & Whiskey Gentry at The Buckhead Theatre

If it’s a bluegrass/country rock hoedown you want, then look no further, The Buckhead Theatre has you covered this Saturday night with the old school southern sounds of Packway Handle Band and Whiskey Gentry.

Sunday, December 5 – Usher with Trey Songz at Philips Arena

Maybe pure R&B pop is more your style. Hometown crooner Usher is taking over Philips Arena this Sunday with Trey Songz.

Sunday, December 5 – Tim & Eric Awesome Tour, Great Job! Chrimbus Spectacular 2010 at Variety Playhouse

More in the mood for surreal Adult Swim holiday celebration? Then check out the bizarre comedy of Tim & Eric with all the other cool kids who get that sense of humor.

On Sales:

Travis Tritt at The Buckhead Theatre, January 29 – on sale Friday, December 3 at 10 a.m.

Lissie at The Loft, February 5 – on sale Friday, December 3 at noon.

Kid Rock at The Arena At Gwinnett Center, March 4 – on sale Friday, December 3 at 10 a.m.

Colin Hay at Variety Playhouse, March 11 – on sale, Friday, December 3 at 10 a.m.

Cold War Kids at Masquerade, March 29 – on sale, Friday, December 3 at 10 a.m.

Taylor Swift at Philips Arena, July 10 – on sale, Friday, December 3 at 10 a.m.

By Nick LeMay; photo by Ninh T. Chau

At an invitation only event, Cirque du Soleil previewed their insect-themed production dubbed OVO last Wednesday, November 3rd. The performance was held under The Grand Chapiteau, a series of elaborate tents near Atlantic Station where these artistic gymnasts would cultivate a level of discipline over the body in the most impressive and creative way I could have imagined.

An odd mix of suits, flannel-donning southern boys and cocktail dresses mingled in the concession area sipping a modest choice of wine with a fat price tag. The only way to get loose at this event would have to involve a flask, a trip to the liquor store and a dark place to hide the whole operation. Of course, I emptied my wallet like the rest of the crowd and hoped for the best.

It turns out, stepping into the stage area and fumbling like a blind person to find a seat was a trip in itself. There were speakers in places I didn’t think speakers could go. Wind and insect calls encircled the stage. People dressed in some other-wordly form of a beekeeper outfit inspected the crowd. The initial rise of action started the minute you entered and enveloped almost all of your senses.

The performers came on stage slowly, introducing themselves as a unique species of insect. I was sure then that we had willingly crossed a barrier into a dimension of insane insect people and I wasn’t sure if this is where I should be.

After all of that, the lights shut off and the show began.

The performances were all very original gymnastic feats that ranged from body balancing and trapeze to an incredibly intricate display of wall climbing below a floor covered in trampolines. For every glorious feat seen in the show, there was something slightly more amazing displayed. These artists had harnessed a level of energy so intense that it stole from my ability to applaud. I could only sit, scribble my pen and wait for them to slip up. They never missed a cue or made a slight indication that a mistake was going to be made.

The “clowns” acted out a couple of different comedic sequences that can only be described as legitimately funny and helplessly cute.

I had seen the Allegria production a few years back and OVO is decidedly better in every way. The theme itself is profoundly relatable and immediately obvious, while still being vague enough to be open for individual interpretation. The woman scanning my ticket was right; as opposed to other Cirque Du Soleil shows, people just seem to “get” OVO.

All said and done, the show was roughly three hours long with a short intermission, during which I spoke with a Sysco broker named Jim Hayes. “They ordered about $24,000 dollars worth of food, just for today … they insist on having local, organic produce,” Hayes couldn’t hold back the information from such a ridiculously grandiose operation. “This place is completely self sufficient with a kitchen and dormitories and everything … it’s just amazing how they’ll go through all of this to keep their bodies pure.”

The show ended with a short dance sequence followed by a polite bow or weird insect growl from each performer. Afterwards, a roar of awe-inspired conversation filled the room and it was time to go.

I found myself completely enamored with the artistic display and would even concede that viewing a Cirque Du Soleil performance makes the things to do before you die list. The ticket price definitely seems negligible after experiencing the truly graceful limits of the human body in an immersive, unique setting.

Cirque is in town! Cirque du Soleil is bringing its new show OVO to Atlantic Station, and we have a pair of VIP Tapis Rouge Preview Night tickets to give away, as well as a discount for those who don’t want to try their luck. Details are below, as well as the form to fill out to enter the giveaway. Winners will be picked on Tuesday.

Tapis Rouge Experience:
Tapis Rouge is a unique and exciting way to experience Cirque du Soleil before the show has even begun. Once inside the private Tapis Rouge Salon, you’ll find complimentary mouthwatering hors d’oeurves, fine wines and refreshments followed by desserts at intermission. Lounge in the relaxed atmosphere with stunning decor, unique multimedia entertainment and original music. In addition, you will receive a Tapis Rouge gift and souvenir program, not to mention the best seats in the house, private restrooms and complimentary reserved parking.

Preview Night:
OVO Preview Night is an exclusive chance to see the show before the general public, that is uniquely enhanced with talented ambient performers and light refreshments; a great opportunity to experience Cirque unlike any other. With OVO opening in Atlanta on November 4, Preview Night will be November 3.

Friends of Atlanta Music Guide can now enjoy an exclusive discount tickets to OVO.

Please click here to enjoy this offer.

- Want to meet one of the coolest producers in the world? Here’s your chance: Steve Lillywhite – Grammy award-winning producer to the likes of Talking Heads, The Rolling Stones, Crowded House, Matchbox Twenty and many more – will be speaking at NARIP‘s September 22 program. It’s free to members ($15 to non members) and members will also get the chance to have their track listened to by Lillywhite himself and get feedback.

- Smith’s Olde Bar has a killer competition on this month. Just post pictures of yourself at Smith’s on the bar’s Facebook page throughout September, and you could win an all access pass (+1) to any show in October, free admission (+1) to any five shows or free admission (+1) to one show of your choice.

- Vince Vaughn and Kevin James will be rolling into town with a host of other comedians on their Comedy Roadshow on November 11 at the Cobb Energy Centre. Tickets went on sale this morning.

- The Atlanta Arts Festival takes place at Piedmont Park this weekend. Along with the usual awesome artist market, there will also be demos and classes, theater performances (including work from the Alliance Theater), musical performances (with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and more) and loads more.

We are very excited to have a pair of tickets for the amazing Gut Bucket Blues, the story of The Legendary Bessie Smith. Written and directed by David H. Bell, former Alliance Theatre Association Artistic Director, the play chronicles Bessie Smith, Empress of the Blues. Shows are already selling out, so here’s your chance to see this great play from Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre Company! Here’s a bit more about the play:

This world premiere musical explores her raucous life as the seed of her raucous music. From her start on the touring circuit to her success as a recording artist, Bessie refused to buckle under personal or social indignities. Find out Bessie was big as her blues, an extraordinary woman with a vivid rage to live. From the writer who brought us Hot Mikado.

The tickets are for the Tuesday, October 12 show at 8 p.m. Simply fill out the form below for your chance to win.

Many of us like to giggle at pageantry – of any kind. And for some, there’s a special place in their hearts for beauty pageants, where women will do just about anything to be crowned the Miss Whatever. So it’s nice to know there are like-minded folks out there who like to do a little tongue-in-cheek satire on the world of the pageant.

Pageant: The Musical has arrived in Atlanta and will be playing at the 14th Street Playhouse through October 24. The spoof romps through the competition for Miss Glamouresse with six ladies ranging from Miss Bible Belt to Miss Industrial Northeast, all with their own pretty hilarious characteristics. Oh and if this wasn’t filled with enough satire, the contestants are all played by men.

So if you fancy a giggle this weekend, then enter our competition to win a pair of tickets to see the play on Saturday, September 18 at 8 p.m. Just fill out the form below. And if you want to buy tickets, we have a code (360media) that will get you 20 percent off when you buy ticket here.

Smith’s Olde Bar will be welcoming Jeff Daniels (as in Purple Rose of Cairo, Dumb and Dumber) to their stage for a show on October 30. Daniels has been writing songs for much of his life, with two records to his name, the proceeds of which go to fund his non-profit Purple Rose Theatre Company in Daniels’ hometown of Chelsea, Mich. And his old-school folky songs aren’t too bad either – we predict this show will be packed with folks liking his traditional take on the songwriter. Tickets go on sale next Friday, May 14.