Wednesday wonders
May 7 — Emory University released the results of a new survey on Tuesday showing that 86% of 1,000 polled Georgia parents believe childhood vaccines are very or somewhat safe.
🌧️ Showers and 68° today.
⚖️ After 45 days in jail, Mahendra Patel was released on $10,000 bond in the attempted kidnapping case at an Acworth Walmart.
🚨 The Brookhaven Police Department arrested a local man in connection with a string of crimes, including multiple acts of arson, burglary, and vandalism.
🏫 Atlanta Public Schools announced the appointment of seven new principals and a new executive director of athletics.
🚧 Expect overnight lane closures until May 26 along Long Island Drive in Sandy Springs as GDOT crews continue work on the I-285 Auxiliary Lane Project.
🎗️ Contributor Gregg Shapiro has a lovely tribute to his friend, the late musician and LGBTQ+ advocate Jill Sobule.
ELSEWHERE
🇻🇦 The papal conclave has begun at the Vatican, with 130 cardinals now sequestered in the Sistine Chapel until white smoke signals their selection of Pope Francis’s successor.
🇮🇳🇵🇰 India launched missile strikes against what it called “terrorist infrastructure” in Pakistan, killing at least 26 civilians according to Pakistani officials. Pakistan claims it shot down five Indian fighter jets.
🇨🇦 In a meeting at the White House, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney told President Donald Trump, “Having met with the owners of Canada…it’s not for sale and it won’t be for sale ever.”
🎙️ In his first interview since leaving office, former President Joe Biden told the BBC that pressure on Ukraine to cede territory to Russia was “modern-day appeasement.”
PICTURE THIS: The City of Decatur has partnered with MARTA for Decatur Watchfest ’26 – a 34-day festival during next year’s FIFA World Cup. Matches will be screened in public spaces, local pubs and restaurants, along with music and other activities. Read more here.
🕖 Here’s what’s in today’s newsletter:
• Margaret Mitchell musical
• Home Depot community programming
• Side Saddle Wine Saloon
AND
• Concert Picks
❤️ Sometimes, the people we love need help before they can ask for it. Understanding the early signs of addiction can open the door to support, compassion, and recovery. Southern Live Oak Wellness is here for you and your loved ones — learn more. SPONSOR MESSAGE
1. Margaret Mitchell musical comes to OnStage Atlanta
📖 “Angels of the Southern Accents,” a new musical from playwright Rus McCoy, will be shining a new light on the story of journalist and literary icon Margaret Mitchell at OnStage Atlanta May 9-18.
“Angels of the Southern Accents” tells the lesser-known story of Mitchell: her two husbands, Berrien “Red” Upshaw and John Marsh, college best friends with secrets of their own; her friendship with her Black maid Bessie Jordan, her closest confidant; her work with Morehouse College and the threat to her reputation it posed at the time. Interwoven with this historically faithful story is music by McCoy inspired by the popular music of the ‘30s and ‘40s, gospel music, and showtunes.
The show is a culmination of 10 years of work on McCoy’s end, after a visit to the Margaret Mitchell House in 2015.
🎼 Learn more about the new musical here.
Data meets art at the High Museum!
SPONSORED BY THE HIGH MUSEUM
✨ Ready for a sensory journey? Immerse yourself in the data-verse and get ready for a mind-bending experience – Ryoji Ikeda’s captivating light and sound installations are a must-see.
➞ On view now at the High Museum.
2. The Home Depot Backyard unveils 2025 community programming
🛠️ The Home Depot Backyard (HDBY), a multi-use green space known as “Atlanta’s Backyard,” announced its upcoming schedule for the 2025 season.
Featuring more than 200 free community programs, HDBY’s 2025 offerings will run from May 12 until October 2025, with sessions taking place on Mondays and Tuesdays, from 6-8:15 p.m.
The majority of HDBY’s programming focuses on “health and wellness,” with over 100 classes centered around that particular area.
🧘 Read more on these events here.
3. Atlanta’s newest wine bar readies for its debut in Boulevard Heights
VIA FAMILY MEAL, A WEEKLY NEWSLETTER ABOUT DINING | SUBSCRIBE
🍷 Finca to Filter and Side Saddle Wine Saloon will open soon in Boulevard Heights.
Owned by Kayla Bellman, the coffee shop and natural wine bar take over two repurposed buildings at the Penman apartment complex, sharing a patio along the Southeast corridor of the Beltline.
The cafe and bar were supposed to open on May 3, but a last-minute permitting snafu caused Bellman to walk back the date. The postponement means Finca to Filter is only open for to-go orders, and service at Side Saddle remains on hold while Bellman works to resolve the permitting issue.
☕ Learn more about Finca to Filter and Side Saddle here.
🏡 For the first time ever, Sotheby’s International Realty® is hosting a global Open House Showcase on May 17 and 18. Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty is proud to participate, featuring listings like this Downtown Alpharetta end-unit townhome offering luxury finishes, private outdoor living, and elevator access. SPONSOR MESSAGE
4. Concert Picks
VIA HOW DO YOU ATLANTA?
Tonight
📞 Phoneboy @ The Masquerade – Purgatory
🤠 Vincent Neil Emerson @ Terminal West
Thurs., May 8
🌾 Amy Speace @ Red Clay Foundry
👔 Hamilton Leithauser + Greg Freeman @ Terminal West
💥 Hudson Westbrook @ Buckhead Theatre
😎 Epica @ The Masquerade – Heaven
☠️ Nine Vicious @ The Masquerade – Hell
Fri., May 9
☹️ BADBADNOTGOOD @ Tabernacle
🤘 Billy Idol @ Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
🌹 Ivan Cornejo @ State Farm Arena
🎸 Grateful Shred @ Terminal West
🎧 Malcolm Todd @ The Eastern
Sat., May 10
📻 Wilco + Waxahatchee @ Synovus Bank Amphitheater (pictured)
🎙️ Temptations + The Four Tops @ Fox Theatre
💞 Jacquees + Dej Loaf @ Tabernacle
💐 grentperez @ Buckhead Theatre
🎶 Ximena Sarinana @ Terminal West
Sun., May 11
🎚️ Post Malone @ Mercedes-Benz Stadium
❤️🔥 Mother’s Day Throwback R&B Concert @ Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre
😢 Static Dress @ The Masquerade – Altar
Mon., May 12
👺 What Lies Below @ The Masquerade – Hell
🎵 Christopher Owens @ The Masquerade – Altar
Tues., May 13
🎷 Kenny G @ Atlanta Symphony Hall
🎼 Michael Franti + Spearhead @ The Eastern
🐜 Alien Ant Farm @ Vinyl
🔞 Psychedelic Porn Crumpets @ Variety Playhouse
🥀 Daniel, Me Estás Matando @ Buckhead Theatre
Wed., May 14
🎤 Morrissey @ Fox Theatre
💖 Trivium + Bullet for My Valentine @ Coca-Cola Roxy
🤡 Insane Clown Posse @ The Masquerade – Heaven
💀 DUKI @ Tabernacle
🖤 Dorothy @ Variety Playhouse
TUNE IN
🎙️ Don’t miss Sammie with the AJC’s Mike Jordan every Thursday at 9:45 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. as they preview the top events in town on WABE.
🏡 For the first time ever, Sotheby’s International Realty® is hosting a global Open House Showcase on May 17 and 18. Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty is proud to participate, featuring listings like this Downtown Alpharetta end-unit townhome offering luxury finishes, private outdoor living, and elevator access. SPONSOR MESSAGE
🔤 Don’t miss News Word Atlanta, our new, daily word game – Presented by Oglethorpe University, Atlanta’s premier undergraduate learning experience.
