See & Do: Reading: Ellis Nassour
Monday, June 23rd, 2008
Because country music legend and gay icon Patsy Cline died 45 years ago, fans may not be able to go “Walking After Midnight” with her. They can, however, attend REMEMBERING PATSY CLINE, a book signing and discussion Mon., JUNE 23, led by Ellis Nassour, the first author to ever write about the life of the starlet. Honky Tonk Angel: The Intimate Story of Patsy Cline, reissued by Chicago Review Press, includes new material such as Cline’s complete discography, never-before-published photographs and controversial details about her life. Free. 8 p.m. Outwrite Bookstore & Coffeehouse, 991 Piedmont Ave. 404-607-0082. www.outwritebooks.com.
(Photo courtesy Chicago Review Press)
Three generations of underground crossover acts provide an astounding level of craftsmanship. Rootsy elder statesmen R.E.M. are supporting their best album in a dozen years, Accelerate, on Sat. JUNE 21. There’s a cloudy Northwestern pallor shading the shimmer and softening the edges of Modest Mouse’s jagged windy guitar and percolating rhythms. Isaac Brock’s spindly mumble-shout echoes the tension between dreamy drift and the hard edge of reality, reflected in Brock’s self-doubting lyrical circumspection. The National’s shadowy orchestral swoon is at its most modulated and balanced on last year’s The Boxer, a stylish cape around Matt Berninger’s smoky baritone. $35-$75. 6:30 p.m. Lakewood Amphitheatre. 404-443-5000. 
Who knew a Ouija board could be more than a comical component of game night? In his exhibit FUN AND GAMES, continuing Tues., JUNE 10, Ben Goldman uses all his fingers and none of the lighthearted nature of questioning the Ouija to create works of art such as “Sweet Dreams,” a piece done in ink, directly on familiar game boards. Through July 25. Free. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Callanwolde Fine Arts Center Gallery, 980 Briarcliff Road. 404-872-5338. 
Alabama-born painter Jack Whitten has been in the game for more than four decades and has spent a good chunk of that time being unduly dissed by the New York art establishment. In MEMORIAL PAINTINGS, however, Whitten shows that his career is ripe for re-evaluation. Whitten’s abstract, mosaic-style paintings, in an exhibit continuing Tues., JUNE 3, at the Atlanta Contemporary Art Center, pay homage to a panoply of deceased artists, musicians and political figures the artist has encountered. New York’s MoMA also has a few Whitten drawings on display now, but the 10-foot-by-20-foot granddaddy of Whitten’s career, “9.11.01,” is right here in Atlanta. Containing paint, bone fragments, ash, dust, more than a gallon of human blood and God only knows what else, “9.11.01″ collapses a lifetime of painting into a single epic work. Through June 14. Free-$5. Tues.-Sat., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thurs., 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m. 535 Means St. 404-688-1970. 
An ordained deacon of the Episcopal Church, ELISABETH PAYNE ROSEN comes to Atlanta Mon., JUNE 2, to debut her first novel, Hallam’s War, with a reading and discussion. Rosen’s Civil War-era story touches on the life of a Confederate officer who is deeply entrenched in the war, while simultaneously conflicted by its horrors, loneliness and family life. After a discussion, Rosen will be available to sign copies of her book. Free. 7:15 p.m. Georgia Center for the Book at the Decatur Public Library, 215 Sycamore St., Decatur. 404-370-8450. 
Artist Charles Freeman, better known as Brother Boko, rescues fluorescent paint and black light from the dustbin of nostalgia in Southwest Arts Center’s presentation of THE MYSTERY & MAGIC OF THE CIRCLE MAKERS, opening Fri., MAY 23. Boko is a Left Coast transplant best known for several murals throughout the L.A. area. He uses the bright fluorescent hues to render the mysterious geometric forms that have appeared in crop formations around the world on 3- and 4-foot circular canvases. As if the black light weren’t enough to encourage mass tweakage, 3-D glasses will also be available to up the psychedelic ante. Through June 20. Free. Opening reception, 7 p.m.; Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-6 p.m. 915 New Hope Road. 404-505-3220. 
This festival is slightly different than your usual weekend-long art market, local music, neighborhood party and general debauchery. This one is also concerned with social awareness. MONDOHOMO DIRTY SOUTH FESTIVAL leaves behind traditional standards and dedicates five days, beginning Thurs., MAY 22, to anything that is queer, independent, artistic or progressive. This year’s events include tons of local queer art and music, such as Hurray for the Riff Raff (left), skateboard and graffiti demonstrations, circus performances, sporting events, corn dogs, a queer film festival, conversations about gender neutrality and equality, political activism, and an overall indulgence in diversity. Come out and enjoy the party as the spotlight shifts to all things outside of social norms. Through May 26. Free-$50. Locations and times vary. 