Go Atlanta

Sofar Sounds encourages people to abandon the status quo. Instead of the norm, the music events company wants folks to enjoy live shows in a new, experimental way. Music lovers don’t know the time or place of a live performance until a short time before it takes place. After all, the less you know, the more you'll want to seek, find and discover. The musical gatherings are smaller and intimate, yet the experience can shape into the moment of a lifetime. AJC reporter Becca Godwin explains that a major component of Sofar Sounds is silence. (Shhhhhhh.) There’s no talking during the show, and side conversations are taboo—and that includes texting. Just sit, listen, and get lost in great music by incredible musicians. Since the location could be anywhere, guests are asked to BYOB—bring your own booze. Listen to learn how to gain entry into one of our city’s most elusive musical experiences. Plus, host Shane Harrison reveals some fun things to do in Atlanta during the next 10 days, including Elton John’s Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour at newly-renovated State Farm Arena.

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There’s something special about experiencing live music. Not just the tunes. Not just the band. And not only the music-loving crowd. The venue shapes our experiences and how we enjoy live performances. Atlanta is filled with many music venues fans are sure to remember. From the small spots like Eddie’s Attic and Hell, Heaven, and Purgatory to the biggest names in town, such as newly-renovated State Farm Arena, music venues have permeated the city, most unique in their own right. AJC music reporter Melissa Ruggieri reveals her top picks for local music venues. Spoiler alert: the grimier, the better. Plus, host Shane Harrison shares things to do during the next 10 days, including Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirrors at the High Museum of Art.

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Project Chimps, a 236-acre property in Morganton, houses more than 200 chimps that have been retired from research. For decades, the U.S. government supported the capture and breeding of chimps for biomedical research. The practice peaked during the AIDS epidemic when more than 1,000 chimps were living in research labs across the country. Project Chimps' goal is to allow the chimps to live the remainder of their lives as they wish. Built in two phases, the cost to renovate the former Dewar Wildlife Facility is over $10 million. And in 2017, annual operating costs were $1.5 million, with more than $700,000 going toward chimp care and programs. AJC features writer Nedra Rhone spoke with Ali Crumpacker, executive director, and Mike Seres, manager of chimpanzee socialization, about their love for animals, working at the chimp sanctuary, and gaining support for the facility. Plus, host Shane Harrison shares things to do during the next 10 days, including seeing Kamasi Washington at the Buckhead Theatre.

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With a new season comes the renovated State Farm Arena — formerly known as Philips Arena. The $200 Million makeover — that started almost three years ago — makes the space more open, connected, and an exciting place for fans to experience basketball. From new upper-deck seating and party space featuring a Topgolf simulator to a unique premium space called Atlanta Social, there are several fun ways to watch the game. Men can even get a haircut and keep their eyes on the court at Killer Mike's Swag Shop. New food options are also available including Zac Brown's Social Club. AJC features writer Helena Oliviero was given a behind-the-scenes look before the renovations were complete. She spoke with chief operating officer of the Atlanta Hawks Basketball Club and State Farm Arena, Thad Sheely, and Executive Vice President and General Manager of State Farm Arena, Brett Stefansson about wanting to create a great night out for fans, the new layout of the arena, and the organization's partnership with State Farm. Helena even had a chance to experience the first home game in the Hawks' new home. Plus, host Shane Harrison shares things to do during the next 10 days, including the Suwanee Wine Fest.

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Jeepers creepers. With Halloween right around the corner, Netherworld Haunted House has something special for horror fans at its new Stone Mountain location. There might be anywhere from hundreds to thousands of people in attendance and 200 people working per night. And 22 years later after opening, the company is still finding new ways to keep visitors frightened and entertained. This year's theme, "The Awakened" and its new haunted sci-fi theme, "Subject: UNKNOWN" will keep people on their toes. Creep lovers can even spend time playing "Escape the Netherworld" game. AJC digital producer Autumn Porter had a chance to stop by the new Netherworld Haunted House in Stone Mountain. She spoke with co-founder Ben Armstrong about coming up with different themes each year, the evolution of Netherworld, and there being something for everyone to enjoy. Plus, host Shane Harrison shares things to do during the next 10 days, including attending “Not About Heroes" at the Aris Theatre.

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Attention authentic foodies and lovers of international cuisine. The AJC's 2018 Fall Dining Guide celebrates Buford Highway, a 30-mile roadway that spans from Buckhead to Buford and has more than 125 restaurants. So many options exist on the stretch that patrons can eat on the highway every day for a year without ordering the same thing twice.

In this episode, AJC food and dining editor Ligaya Figueras explores the Buford Highway of past and present, and former AJC dining editor John Kessler makes an appearance to chat about highlights from his years of dining there. Be sure to read the all-encompassing guide at ajc.com/dining-guide. Plus, host Shane Harrison shares things to do during the next 10 days, including the So So Def 25th Cultural Curren$y Tour at newly-renovated State Farm Arena.

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Everything old is new again, including records. The way we listen to music has evolved over the last couple of decades. Even as music streaming services and digital downloads proliferate, younger generations are making vinyl the hottest new format. Folks of a certain age — fans who once moved from records to CDs —are returning to an old familiar groove, revisiting their favorite artists' discography again in the way that they first discovered them. The vinyl renaissance means that record stores are thriving, once again becoming places where people can gather to talk about music. AJC Radio/TV blogger Rodney Ho and AJC music reporter Melissa Ruggieri had a chance to visit several stores in metro Atlanta. On this episode, they chat about their memories with vinyl and take a trip to Atlanta’s Fantasyland Records. Plus, host Shane Harrison shares things to do during the next 10 days, including “Evil Dead The Musical.”

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This week's story is about a unique journey, one less than 15,000 people have ever completed. Beginning on Springer Mountain, the Appalachian Trail is about 2,180 miles and runs through 14 states, spanning from northern Georgia to Maine. Hiking it is equivalent to climbing Mount Everest 16 times. AJC features writer Bo Emerson and CNN editor Andrew Iden have both hiked parts of the trail. In this episode, they come together to reminisce. You will hear from trail angels, hiking champions, and some of the journalists who participated in a remarkable 1995 collaborative through-hike. Plus, host Shane Harrison shares things to do during the next 10 days, including the 11th annual Taste of Chamblee.

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Vroom... Vroom. Beep... Beep. Rev up your engines car fans and kick it into high gear as you make your way to The Atlanta Concours d’Elegance. A large variety of vehicles including exotics, muscle cars, and hot rods will be on display on Sept. 29 and 30 at Chateau Elan Winery and Resort. AJC senior editor Todd Duncan chats with co-founder Bill Wallet about the founding of the show. And trust us. There's more to the event than what meets the eye. Plus, host Shane Harrison shares things to do during the next 10 days, including Candler Park Fall Fest.

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For those wanting to tap into their adventurous side, explore one of the most eclectic thruways in our area: Buford Highway. Travel down this multicultural stretch, and you'll be inundated with restaurants that boast of cuisine from across the world. AJC dining editor Ligaya Figueras connects with the founder of We Love BuHi Social Club to discover a new way to become immersed in food served along 10 miles of the extended highway. Plan to eat your way through Brookhaven, Chamblee, and Doraville with other Atlantans who enjoy the highway’s authentic flavors. Plus, host Shane Harrison shares things to do during the next 10 days, including IDLES at Masquerade.

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