It’s going to be a busy arts season this spring, with theatre world premieres, big concerts, and evocative visual arts. We’ve rounded up some of the best bets to add to your arts calendar. Be sure to check out our How Do You Atlanta? calendar in partnership with WABE and SCAD for even more things to do.
THEATRE
Fox Theatre
“Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical” brings to life the man behind the music of such hits as “Sweet Caroline,” “America,” and “Forever in Blue Jeans.” March 11-16. foxtheatre.org.
Horizon Theatre
With plenty of twists and turns along the way, “I Carry Your Heart With Me” stars renowned Atlanta actor Carolyn Cook in a taut, suspenseful mystery that packs a real emotional wallop. March 14-April 5. horizontheatre.com.
Out Front Theatre
In “Immediate Family,” the Bryants’ prodigal son Jesse shows up for a family wedding with his new Swedish boyfriend and turns the family reunion into a family showdown. March 19-29. The theatre is also staging the world premiere of “Trick! The Musical” based on the 90s romantic comedy film May 1-17. outfronttheatre.com.
Actor’s Express
In Suzan-Lori Parks’ Pulitzer Prize-winning “Topdog/Underdog,” two Black brothers named Lincoln and Booth cope with poverty, racism, work, women, and their troubled upbringings. March 20 – April 19. actors-express.com.
Synchronicity
Mitchell Anderon and Jennifer Levison team up for a staging of the classic A.R. Gurney two-character play “Love Letters” about a man and a woman who exchange letters, but not marriage vows, in a warm and complicated friendship lasting fifty years. April 4-6. synchrotheatre.com.
Aurora Theatre
Through the observations and narration of Ernestine, Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Lynn Nottage weaves the tumultuous interplay of race, sex, politics, religion, and post-war sentiment into “Crumbs from the Table of Joy.” April 26-May 25. auroratheatre.org.
Alliance Theatre
Inspired by Frank Cottrell Boyce’s beloved novel and film, “Millions” is a hilarious and heartwarming new musical about two brothers, their newly widowed father, a train robber, and (possibly a miracle. May 9 – June 15. alliancetheatre.org.
Theatrical Outfit
The theatre will stage the world premiere of the hip-hop musical “Young John Lewis” Written by playwright Psalmayene 24 with all original music composed by Eugene H. Russell IV, this new hip-hop musical examines ten crucial years in the early life of the congressman and his journey from student activist to Civil Rights leader. June 4-29. theatricaloutfit.org.
MUSIC
Brookhaven Cherry Blossom Festival
This year’s free festival will be held March 29-30 at Blackburn Park featuring Boyz II Men, OAR, Gavin DeGraw, Pop 2000, Switchfoot. More details can be found at brookhavenga.gov/festival.
Kylie Minogue
The Australian pop diva returns for her first concert in Atlanta since 2011 on the “Tension” tour, riding high on her massive hit “Padam Padam” as well as a catalog of dance hits. State Farm Arena. April 11. ticketmaster.com.
Alison Moyet
A rare show at Center Stagbe by the British singer/songwriter who rose to prominence in the 80s as the lead singer of Yazoo before a successful solo career. She’s on a greatest hits tour, so expect some classic tunes. April 26. centerstage-atlanta.com.
Kendrick Lamar and SZA
Lamar and SZA team up for a post-Super Bowl tour, pulling into Mercedes Benz Stadium on April 29. ticketmaster.com.
Pearl Jam
90s grunge will never die as long as Eddie Vedder and co. are still crunching out the hits. The band stops at State Farm Arena on May 1. ticketmaster.com.
Post Malone
The rapper and singer is on the road this spring and brings his tour to Mercedes Benz Stadium on May 11. ticketmaster.com.
Jon Batiste
The singer and multi-instrumentalist brings his solo piano tour to the Fox Theatre on April 17. foxtheatre.org.
SweetWater 420 Fest
The annual festival returns to Pullman Yards April 18-20 with The Revivalists, Marcus Kings, Greensky Bluegrass, Cypress Hill, Drive By Truckers, Lawrence, and more. sweetwater420fest.com.
Atlanta Jazz Festival
Mark your calendars for Memorial Day Weekend, April 24-26, for the beloved festival at Piedmont Park. The lineup is expected to be announced soon. atljazzfest.com.
Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
The ASO has a packed spring lineup, including Robert Spano conducting an evening of Copland (March 20-22), Natalie Stutzmann conducting Beethoven’s Triple Concerto (April 3-4), and folk star Amos Lee with the ASO (April 25). aso.org.
Billy Idol and Joan Jett & The Blackhearts
A double dose of 80s nostalgia at Ameris Bank Amphitheatre on May 9. livenation.com.
VISUAL ART
Jackson Fine Art
Evocative photographer Sally Mann returns with a new series called “At Twelve: Portraits of Young Women,” a collective portrait of 12-year-olds on the verge of adulthood. Jackson Fine Arts. Through March 29. jacksonfineart.com.
High Museum
Ryoji Ikeda’s immersive video installation,”data-verse,” will be presented floor-to-ceiling onto the walls of the museum’s largest exhibition space, featuring visualizations of data extracted from mathematical theories and the study of quantum physics. March 7-Aug. 10. highmuseum.org.
MODA
Experience the transformative power of textile art in “Threads of Change,” a multi-artist exhibition that explores the intricate connection between humanity and the natural world. Through May 25. museumofdesign.org.
Chastain Park Arts Festival
The festival returns May 10-11 to Chastain with 175 artists displaying selling fine arts and crafts. chastainparkartsfestival.com.
