Monday, July 14

On this Bastille Day, celebrate liberté, egalité and fraternité in style with the Jazz Ensemble of Georgia Perimeter College. You'll hear Stan Kenton's arrangment of "I Love Paris" and Count Basie's version of "April in Paris." Also on the program: Mingus' "Haitian Fight Song" and an arrangement of the Duke Ellington-Juan Tizol classic "Carvan" by ensemble director Greg McLean. The show's free, and it starts at 8. In Cole Auditorium, GPC Clarkston Campus, 555 N. Indian Creek Drive. 770-274-5491, facstaff.gpc.edu/~gmclean/gpcjazzhome.htm.

Paul Kolnik / Special (ENLARGE)
'The Color Purple', a highlight of this year's National Black Arts Festival in Atlanta, starts its two-week run at the Fox Theatre on July 15.
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— John Reiter

Tuesday, July 15

It's opening day for "The Color Purple" as the musical returns to the Atlanta stage. Celie, a woman in the agrarian South, triumphs over adversity and discovers her voice against a backdrop of violent and values-challenged men. Presented by Oprah Winfrey, Ariel Investments and Theater of the Stars. Part of the National Black Arts Festival. 8 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 1:30 and 7 p.m. Sundays. July 15-Aug. 3. $29.50-$67.50. Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta. 404-252-8960, www.nbaf.org, www.theaterofthestars.com.

— Yemi Toure

Wednesday, July 16

If you like your country music a little on the bent side, check out Hayes Carll, a talented singer-songwriter who seems to have his name backwards but knows how to write some righteous songs. His twisted tune "She Left Me for Jesus" is up for Song of the Year at the Americana Music Awards. He's the opening act for blues-folk artist Alejandro Escovedo at 8:30 at the Variety Playhouse. Tickets: $20. www.variety-playhouse.com.

— Phil Kloer

Thursday, July 17

Start your weekend early with cocktails in the garden. Every Thursday night from May to September, the Atlanta Botanical Garden is hosting a mix and mingle with cocktails and flowers. A DJ will spin as the city's restaurants take turn providing light food. Tonight: Stroll, sip and taste with guest caterer Eno on tap. Tickets $12 for non-members; free for garden members; event runs 6-10 p.m.

— Katie Leslie

Friday, July 18

It's a great time to take a vacation and hang out in the city. That's if you enjoy music, art, theater and lively discussions. The 20th annual National Black Arts Festival officially opens today with the first of three tributes to Judith Jamison, artistic director of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre. Following a screening of the film, "Beyond the Steps: Alvin Ailey American Dance," Jamison discusses her journey from a primary dancer to artistic director with author Pearl Cleage. 3 p.m. $8. Woodruff Arts Center-Rich Theatre, 1280 Peachtree St., N.E. Atlanta. 404-733-5000, www.nbaf.org.

— Adrianne M. Murchison

Saturday, July 19

"Wild Ocean." Whales, sharks and dolphins and other sea creatures are in a struggle for survival against their most voracious predator – humans. Multiple showings daily. Times vary. July 19-Nov. 14. $13; $12 senior citizens and students; $11 ages 3-12; ages 2 and younger free. Fernbank Museum, 767 Clifton Road N.E., Atlanta. 404-929-6300, 404-929-6400, www.fernbankmuseum.org.

— Yemi Toure

Sunday, July 20

Wear red, yellow and blue and celebrate Colombian Independence Day at Duluth Town Green from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Bring a lawn chair, but leave the dog at home. Enjoy beauty contests throughout the day, food and drink, and a concert featuring Dominican singer Wilfrido Vargas from 8-10 p.m. Tickets are $10, and children younger than 10 are free. Tickets are available at Duluth Town Green the day of the event, or before at Restaurante La Casona, Tienda Las Americas, Restaurante Los Recuerdos, Trigos Bakery. Duluth Town Green, 3578 West Lawrenceville Street, Duluth.

— Mary Lou Pickel