FRIDAY

2009 Atlanta Fest

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Staff

Robert Spano will lead the ASO as they perform ‘Carmina Burana’ under the stars at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre.

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This is the 23rd installment of Atlanta’s biggest gathering of contemporary Christian musicians. The fest began June 17, but continues through June 20. June 19 headliners are Kutless and Brandon Heath. The fest’s biggest night is Saturday when it culminates, appropriately enough, with two Atlanta bands, Casting Crowns and Family Force 5.

• June 19-20. $75-$90 for a four-day pass; $35-$45 single day tickets. Stone Mountain Park, U.S. Highway 78 East, Exit 8, Stone Mountain. 770-498-5690, www.stonemountainpark.com.

Gwinnett Symphony Orchestra and Chorus

Go al fresco with Symphony on the Green, a series of outdoor shows that begin this weekend. They’ll perform both classical favorites and pops.

• 7 p.m. June 19, July 17 and Aug. 21. Free. Duluth Festival Center & Amphitheater, 3142 Hill St., Duluth. 770-497-5312, www.gwinnettsymphony.org.

Roswell Magnolia Storytelling Festival

Hear tall tales, short stories and other works of imagination — and a few real-life incidents. They’ll also offer storytelling workshops.

• 11 a.m. June 19-20. Festival passes are $20-$25. Bulloch Hall, 180 Bulloch Ave., Roswell. 770-992-1731, www.bullochhall.org.

Decatur Beach Party

Sixty tons of sand turn downtown Decatur into Decatur Beach. The annual party gets under way at 5 p.m. June 19, as children enjoy boardwalk games and more on the Ponce Fun Pier. There’ll be dancing on the MARTA Plaza to Terry Lee and the GT’s beginning at 8 p.m., and the Reputations play the Community Bandstand at 5 p.m.

• 5 p.m. $10 at the gate; $6.50 in advance at www.decaturdba.com, children under 12 free. Old Courthouse Square, 101 East Court Square, Decatur. 404-371-8386, www.decaturga.com.

Friday Jazz at the High

An evening of art and music that takes place every third Friday of the month. The museum is open extended hours for these events. This month, the music is provided by Texan sax man Mace Hibbard.

• 5 p.m. June 19. $18. High Museum of Art, 1280 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta. 404-733-4570, www.high.org.

The 6th Annual Juneteenth Celebration in Marietta

Celebrates the end of slavery: the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. They’ll have food, entertainment, vendors, children’s area and more.

• 10 a.m. June 20. Free. Glover Park, 50 Park Square, Marietta. 770-794-5601, cobbnaacp.org.

Lilburn Idol

Contestants of all ages compete for the title of Lilburn Idol, and audience members are encouraged to vote for their favorite contestants with quarters.

• 7 p.m. June 19. Free admission. Lilburn City Park, Main St. and Railroad Ave., Lilburn. 770-921-2210, www.cityoflilburn.com.

SATURDAY

The Hot 107.9 Birthday Bash

Celebrates the hip-hop/R&B station’s 14th year with this annual concert. Among the scheduled performers are Keri Hilson, Plies, Hurricane Chris, Young Dro, Jeremih, Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em, Trey Songz, Gucci Mane and Rick Ross.

• 5 p.m. June 20. $10.79-$104. Philips Arena, 1 Philips Drive, Atlanta. 404-878-3000, www.philipsarena.com.

Kenny Rogers

Georgia resident, successful entrepreneur and country music legend will bring his impressive catalog of hits to the amphitheater at Cobb County’s Mable House.

• 8 p.m. June 20. $20-$75. Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre, 5239 Floyd Road, Mableton. 770-819-7765, www.mablehouse.org.

Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

Music Director Robert Spano leads in Orff’s “Carmina Burana” and excerpts from Rossini’s “The Barber of Seville” in launching the ASO’s second season at its new summer home.

• 8 p.m. June 20. $21-$59. Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park, 2200 Encore Parkway, Alpharetta. 404-733-5010. www.vzwamp.com.

Playmaking for Girls Summer Program’s Public Performance

You’ll see theater do its transformative thing, making a difference in the lives of girls on probation or just out of metro detention centers. The participants do eight short, original plays and take part in a talkback.

• 6 p.m. June 20. Free. Synchronicity at 7 Stages, 1105 Euclid Ave. N.E., Atlanta. 404-484-8636, www.synchrotheatre.com.

SUNDAY

Styx, REO Speedwagon and .38 Special

Arena rockers of the late-’70s/early ’80s are still filling the big venues when they join forces this weekend at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre.

• 7 p.m. June 21. $29-$79. Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park, 2200 Encore Parkway, Alpharetta. 404-733-5010, www.vzwamp.com.

The Atlanta Vegan Bake Sale

Part of a worldwide bake sale intended to raise awareness for the vegan lifestyle and raise money for a worthy cause. Proceeds will go to Catsnip, a mobile feline surgical unit that offers low cost spay/neuter services.

• Noon-4 p.m. June 21. Criminal Records, 1154-A Euclid Ave. N.E., Atlanta. 404-215-9511, www.criminal.com, www.veganbakesale.org.

Real Men Cook

An annual Father’s Day event that finds local men volunteering to cook for and serve the community. The proceeds from ticket sales benefit non-profit organizations in 10 cities.

• 3-6 p.m. June 21. $20 adults; $10 children. Georgia Railroad Depot (next to Underground Atlanta), 65 MLK Jr. Drive 404-344-8496, www.realmencook.com/Atlanta